Our Last Dance

Liberty

"After giving you the best I had
Tell me what to give after that"

💋
The San Francisco coastline painted a beautiful sunset. Most people preferred sunset over sunrise. Sunset is a living illustration that no matter how beautiful a thing is, it has to end.

He had beheld this scenic view for a thousand times but at that exact moment it looked odd to his eyes. He was holding the papers that signify the end of a chapter of his life. He should be happy. He wanted this freedom for a long time but it was too late. He was too late.

"Bambs?" Tawag sa kanya ni Pancho. Pancho came with him here at San Francisco. "Okay ka lang?"

"These." He showed him the papers. "Are bittersweet. It reminds me of a broken promise. A promise I made to her 6 years ago. I'm too late, man. Fucking late!" Frustration and regrets were written all over his face.

"You did your part, Bambs. Alam ninyong dalawa ni Sarah 'yon. Stop blaming yourself for the things none of us can control. We were there. Saksi kami kung paano kayo lumaban ni Sarah. Kung paano niyo nilaban ang pag-ibig na umusbong diyan sa mga puso ninyo. Mali man sa mata ng iba pero alam namin na wagas ang pagmamahalan ninyong dalawa." Mahabang salaysay ni Pancho.

"God knows, how I tried to forget her. Kalimutan ang pag-ibig na inalay ko para sa kanya. But I failed man. I always failed. Until now, she's still here! I fucking love her so much!

Pancho helplessly watched the man he had known for more than a decade. His friend, his brother.

Maraming mga tanong sa kanyang isipan. Kung bakit ba kasi biglaang nagpakasal si Sarah kung kailang malaya na si Bamboo? Bakit hindi ipinaalam ni Bamboo kay Sarah ang tungkol sa ongoing divorce nito? Bakit ba kasi nag-iiwasan ang dalawa sa loob ng apat na taon? Pinipilit kalimutan ang isa't-isa pero kitang kita sa kanilang mga mata ang tuwa at galak tuwing magkasama sa The Voice. Ika nga ng fans, The Voice stage is the playground of Sarah and Bamboo. Sa The Voice lang makikita ang kakulitan ng dalawa. These two will always love each other.

"What's your plan after this man?" Pancho asked him.

"The world concert tour, Panch." He answered.

"That would take at least six months. Mawawala ka sa Pinas for that long. Okay lang sa'yo?"

"My goal, Pancho. As of now, I don't think I can breathe the same air she's breathing. I'm not a masochist. Hindi ko kayang makita silang dalawa. I am happy that she is happy but not when it is because of him. Getting her out of my system might takes years. I'm in no hurry na kalimutan siya Panch, kung makakalimutan ko man siya. But I need to continue living for my kids. For Ysa and Luke. My goals are to play music and be a good father to my children."

"This might sound cheesy but I am here for you, Bambs. Hindi lang ako kung hindi pati na rin ang iba. We got your back man. Whatever your decision is, we will support along the way."

"I know, Panch and thank you. I may not be lucky in love but I am the luckiest when it comes to my friends."

"Always, man. I'll prepare all the necessary works as soon as possible."

"Until everything is finalized, I'll stay here with the kids, Panch. Wala naman siguro akong naiwan trabaho sa Pinas, right?"

"No, expect for ASAP. Don't worry about it, ako na kakausap kay Mr. M at sa buong management."

"Thanks, Panch."

...
"World tour?" Tanong ni Sarah.

"Yes, Sars. Mr. M informed the whole crew and staff kanina that coach Bamboo will gone for six months sa ASAP." Luis further informed her.

"Ganoon katagal siya mawawala?"

"You can't blame him, Sars. He needs to do it for himself. The past events were to much for the two of you. Kung kailan malaya na siya, nagpasakal ayy este, nagpakasal ka naman. Destiny is too cruel to the two of you."

"Tama ka, Luis. He needs to heal and forget about me. As for me, I'll go on with my the usual way, loving him from a distance." Mapait siyang ngumiti.

"I saw you fell in love and moved on in you past relationships but with Bamboo, you never stop loving him. You love him so much."

"I don't have a plan of moving on from him, Luis. Hind man maging kami in this lifetime. One thing is for sure, he is the only man I will ever love until my last breathe."

"If only Mateo is man enough to set you free. Don't expect me to be happy with your decision, Sars, for I won't. But I promise to stay with you always. Remember that."

"Let's not talk about him. Haha. Masisira lang araw natin pareho."

"Is he that pathetic, Sars? He wants to be part in all your endorsements? Gamit na gamit na niya masyado ang pangalan mo. Even your loyal fans were having problems with the whole set up. Your "Tala: The Film Concert" was a success pero umangal na rin ang iba kung bakit kasama mo ang user mong asawa."

"Hahahaha." She laughed without humor. "If only I can tell them that we shared the same sentiments but I can't. I need to do my part of the bargain, Luis." She will do anything in her power to protect them.

"Against man ako sa mga nangyayari, you still have my full support, Sars. Siguraduhin lang ng asawa mong hilaw na hindi ka niya sasaktan physically dahil patawarin ako ng Diyos, baka mapatay ko siya." Seryosong babala ni Luis.

"I love you, kuya Lu." Tumayo siya at niyakap si Luis.

"And I you, my little sis." Luis kissed her on the forehead.

Luis was one of the few people in this world who knew the real reason why she married her now-husband, Mateo.

☺️
1992