Heart of Thirst

24

Chapter Twenty-four

Ring

"I miss you," his whisper that day while resting my head on his chest felt so sure real.

Pero sa araw na iyon, hindi kami pareho ng gusto. Hindi kami pareho ng nararamdamn. At iyon ang pagkakamali ko.

"I have to go," malamig kong sabi at marahang tinulak si Aldrius.

Hindi ako makaangat ng tingin dahil nahihiya ako sa mga luhang nailuha ko sa harapan niya. This is so unexpected. I wasn't planning to show him any emotions other than happiness! I wasn't planning to hug him or anything. Siguradong sigurado ako na nakamove on na ako kaya pumayag ako sa usapang ito. What the fuck are you doing, Stella? You're embarrassing yourself!

"I'm sorry." Sabi ko at mabilis na tumayo roon para iwan siya.

Hindi ko narinig ang pagsunod niya sa akin. Pagkapasok ko sa sasakyan ay hindi ko siya nakita. Maybe he stayed. I shouldn't care! Why would I even cry in front of him? Really, Stella? Limang taon tapos ganito ka kabilis na bibigay?

Habang nag d-drive papuntang condo ay bumubuhos ang luha sa mata ko. Malapit lang ang tower ko sa PCS kaya mabilis akong nakarating. My soul shuttered as I burst out with another set of emotions. Wala akong maintindihan sa lahat ng nangyayari.

I am in Manila not only for a vacation but also to study for my BAR Exam in November. Of course, I have to leave from time to time for the mission, but my top priority this year is to pass that exam.

Also to protect my family from Mr. Escalera.

It never came to my mind that this would be part of my stay here. Not even a second that I think about it. Never!

Panay ang buntong hininga ko sa elevator, kinakalma ang sarili. Nang nasa harapan na ako ng unit ko ay maingay na tumunog ang aking phone. Kiero is calling again. What's really wrong with this human?

Sinagot ko iyon habang binubuksan ang pinto.

"Nakauwi na ako. Ano bang problema mo?"

He wasn't able to answer me because I already saw him inside my condo unit, smiling widely. And I don't know why I feel like this is wrong. It's wrong to see him here after meeting Aldrius, just a minute ago.

"What... are you doing here?"

He stretched his arms for a hug. Ngumiti ako ng tipid at agad lumapit sa kaniya para sa isang mainit na yakap.

"It's a surprise! Saan ka ba galing? You looked tired." Aniya sa nag-aalalang boses.

I tried to smile widely. Pinaulanan ko siya ng maraming tanong. Bakit siya nandito, anong ginagawa niya dito at kailan pa siya dito. Naputol lang ang kwentuhan namin nang dumating sila Kenji at Zack na may dalang mga alak.