Wayback Home

Chapter 2

Call

Her eyes widened as she stares at me for a moment before she blinks her eyes non-stop.

"Gago, ano?"

"Aalis na ako. In three days."

"Seryoso ba? Lasing ka lang yata e"

I giggled. "No. I'm a bit drunk but I'm still aware of what I'm doing. As of the moment, I'm telling you that I'll be leaving in 3 days for New York. I've got an offer there."

She paused for a minute. Probably digesting what I just said. She looked away for a while and faced me immediately.

"Bitch, you..." A tear fell from her eyes but she quickly wipes it off. "You...when? how? bitch when?"

A sigh. I'm not quite sure if she's still sober pero dahil may mga follow-up questions say, I continued. "I told you in three days. Sa 24."

She looked away while catching her breath. Ganoon ba talagang nakakagulat yung pag-alis ko? I thought no one would care that much. But seeing how Cassey reacts, I thought that it's much better if I just keep it with my family and of course, Cass. Saka ko na lang din siguro sasabihin sa ibang kaibigan ko. And it's not like they will react as Cassey does, sya rin lang naman pinaka-close ko among my circle so I understand why is she like this.

After a moment of silence, she pierced her eyes on mine. She inhaled before speaking, "What's your plan?"

Bumuntong hininga ako. Honestly? I'm not quite sure. Gusto ko lang subukan. I don't want to lose the chance. I don't want another regret.

"Di ko rin sure."

"Tangina. Naluluka ka na ba?"

I scoffed. "Bitch, no."

"I told you I have a job offer there. I'd like to try." I smiled bitterly. The last thing I want to remember about trying is my regret for not having the courage to fight for our relationship before. Chances. Time. How I wish.

"And?"

"And? Explore? Humanap ng afam?" I wiggled my brows and we both laugh.

"Kaya mo naman kaya?"

"Ako pa hinahamon mo?" We looked at each other as we reminisce what we did in high school. Cringey, but memorable. Back then, I was so adamant about growing up quickly, funny how right now all I want is to bring back those old times. Hay.

"Pero seryoso, ano gagawin mo roon besides work?"

"Hmmm..." That got me thinking. Ano nga ba? Bukod sa magkakaroon ako ng bagong environment, siguro makakapasyal naman ako roon e. Hindi ko naman gusto sabihin kay Cassey na isang factor kaya ko tinaggap yung offer e umaasa ako na kapag nalayo ako rito sa Pinas, makakalimutan ko na yung nangyari sa nakaraan. Besides, that's way too emotional na and as much, I'd like to keep that piece to myself. Siguro susubukan ko rin mag-try ng ibang career. Meron akong license to teach as an early-childhood teacher, maybe kapag maluwag ang schedule sa company, makasinggit ako bilang tutor ng mga toddler. Or maybe I can try modelling? Like freelance or further my skills in arts or write. I'm not yet certain. Right now, ang importante sa akin is may trabaho ako roon na madadatnan, may studio-apartment pa na tutuluyan.

"Maybe I'll figure it out once I'm there. Sa ngayon ang priority ko ay yung pag-aayos ng portfolio ko na ipapasa sa company." She nodded.

"I'm thinking whether I'll try to pursue different career there or, finally fulfill my life-long dream. I don't know yet." This time, I'd like to surrender my faith in time. Alam ko naman na habang patuloy akong nagsusumikap sa trabaho ko, habang pursigido ako sa pagtupad sa mga pangarap ko, the universe will favor me.

I am not yet sure. I'm still uncertain about how my life will turn out once I moved there. But regardless, I'll have faith in the universe; I know it will lead me to where I am destined to be. Hindi naman siguro ako mabibigyan ng ganitong opportunity for nothing . 

I sighed as I glance at the light post beside the pool. The air is getting breezy and cold – the skies are so clear. It's a starry night.

Cassey already went to our room after our talk and I was left here in the gazebo. It was a long day, indeed. I looked up in the sky once more as I start walking through the pebble steps leading to our room. This day started so chaotic but ended so peacefully.