Coming Home

EPILOGUE (PART 2)

When I got to the Philippines, I went straight to Halmeoni's house, the house where I stayed for years. Jason said Chelle never moved houses but had it renovated. I'm proud to have seen a two-story house with a contemporary design. I'm sure Chelle worked hard for this.

I immediately called Halmeoni. I had to put my phone away from my ear because she was squealing and scolding me on why I didn't tell her sooner. But she's so happy that she's coming back as soon as possible.

I started unpacking my bags and saw a small box on top of my clothes. I opened it and saw a ring with a green stone. I smiled bitterly upon remembering how excited I was to give this to Chelle. But I still have the chance. I mustered all my courage and marched towards Chelle's house. I know she wasn't there. But it's her parents I want to talk to.

When they opened the gate, they were so surprised to see me. I talked to them about just about everything until I nervously brought up what I really wanted to say.

"Pwede ko po bang ligawan si Chelle?" I asked and clutched the box in my hand tightly.

Tito Sean and Tita Michelle looked at each other, then at the ring box in my hands, which made me even more nervous.

"Jisung, tingin namin, si Chelle ang makakasagot niyan. Uuwi siya itong linggong ito. Kayo ang mag-usap," Tita Michelle said.

"Ayos lang sa akin. Basta wag mo paiiyakin ang anak ko. Baka naman liligawan mo pa lang, pahirapan na. Sikat na sikat ka pa naman. Baka ma-bash anak ko ha."

I explained to them every single detail they wanted to know until I got a go signal from them. Now, I only need Chelle's yes.

When I saw Chelle for the first time in 10 years, my heart beat so fast, I felt like I was running out of breath. I felt so silly because of the apron I wore to prepare food for her. But I don't want her to see that I'm panicking. I wanted to hug her, to tell her I missed her, that I longed for her for 10 years. But all that came out was, "Olen-maniya. Kumusta?"

Great.

When we were eating, I saw how she's as nervous as I was. I was about to ask her something important when Ian's face suddenly lit up her screen with the caller ID Poging Mahal.

My hopes started to fall down.

The next day, Jason and Aira went to her house. She woke up late, wearing her pajamas and...the necklace? I became confused. Does Ian allow her to wear that?

"Ano? Paanong magiging sila, eh ikaw pa rin ang gusto ni Chelle after all these years."

My head shot up when I heard those words from Jason. They're not together? I waited for Chelle to come out of the bathroom to confront her. She kept on avoiding me even when I asked if it's still me.

She wouldn't meet my eyes and I don't know what came over me—maybe 10 years of longing—but I almost kissed her.

Almost. If she didn't cry. Why did she cry? She's the one who left.

When Halmeoni came back, I invited Chelle over. I was embarrassed when Jaemin-hyung recognized Chelle and became so excited over the phone.

She and Halmeoni had so much to catch upon, but since Chelle had to go to a company party, their chat was cut short.

"Wala pa raw boyfriend si Chelle, Apo," Halemoni said when it's just the two of us in the house.

"Opo."

"So anong gagawin mo?"

I looked at the house across the street and exhaled. "I don't know, Halmeoni. It doesn't seem like Chelle wanted to be with me."