Love and Trigger (Macimilian Series #3)

Chapter 29 Flame

Chapter 29

Flame

I hurriedly sat back at our table. My chest is pounding for what I seem to think is an unexpected encounter. I had that in my mind ever since I went here to the Philippines. That I would eventually meet her. But not like this.

"Ayos ka lang?" tanong ni Sam sa akin.

I licked my lips and nodded, unsure. Napatingin iyong tatlo sa akin. Nagtagal ang tingin ni Cali pero hindi naman ako tinanong. I clutch my bag tightly.

"Uh, I should go..." mahina kong sabi.

Nagtataka silang bumaling. I don't really have a reason so I stammer there in their eyes.

"I need to go somewhere," dugtong ko.

"Saan?" Cali asked quickly.

I shook my head swiftly stood up. All eyes are on me still.

"Basta. Uh, next time babawi ako."

Hindi ko na sila pinagsalita pa at umalis na doon. Nang makarating sa harap ng sasakyan, I sighed. Cali don't have a car.

Bahala na. Maparaan naman iyon. She can call a taxi and I'll just apologize later.

I drive not thinking where to go. Or if I have somewhere to go to. I halt the car as I enter the familiar surroundings of the place I never visited for the last ten years.

I went out of the car, humid wind greeted me as I squint my eyes. My flats step on the grass that looks like been healthily taken care of. With a heavy and throbbing heart, I started to walk. I looked up at the white-painted gate as I try to quietly open it.

My lips tremble as I scan my eyes on the three names written inside. Vivian Santana, Benido Santana, Jared Santana.

My knees tremble and I fell, kneeling in front of them.

My mind replays all that happened very vividly.

"I'm sorry..." I bit my lip. "It took me so long..."

My breathing hitched.

"I want to talk to you when I'm finally okay..." I chuckled, humorless. "But I'm still..."

Not okay.

I closed my eyes firmly.

"I became a model." I looked up and smiled. "A very big one." I laughed.

"I made it, Dad." I breathe. "I told you, I can do it."

I can almost hear the loud beating of my heart as I felt the stinging pain with it. My eyes are becoming blurred so I tried to blink several times.

"But I still feel lonely..." I shook my head. "I'm lonely, Kuya..."

My tears fell and my shoulder moved from every sob.

"I miss you..." I tried to wipe my tears though it'll come more. "I don't know what to do, Kuya..."

I don't know how long I stayed there. Madilim na sa labas ng umalis ako. I sighed as I went inside the car. I didn't think too much as I started driving. Nang makita ang labas ng dati naming bahay, I can't help but flow with the dance of memories in my head.

I tried to open the gate but it's locked. I sighed and stumble a bit when someone came from inside. My eyes widen at the unfamiliar man.

"Oh! Kayo ho iyong may ari..." alanganin niyang sabi. Hindi naman ako nakapagsalita. "May mga pictures ho kayo sa loob. Katiwala po ako ni Sir Simon. Lagi niya po itong pinapalinis."