Pahimakas (Part One)

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I woke up early even if I slept so late last night.

I was supposed to be excited because today's my birthday but I can't even celebrate because I was so sad. Honestly, I don't want to talk to him. I don't want to see him leave but I don't have a choice.

"Happy birthday honey," my mom greet me. I gave her a smile. "Thank you mommy!"

"What time will your friends come?"

"Around 10:30 to 11 mommy, why?"

"Nothing. Nire-ready na yung handa mo."

"Okay. Thank you 'my."

"I'm going to the park pala mamaya," I said.

"Okay. Why?"

"Ahh, Debor's coming."

"Bakit hindi mo nalang papuntahin dito?"

"Uhh, nagmamadali kasi siya mommy kaya dadaan lang."

"Ahh okay."

After eating breakfast, I took a shower and get ready. I just wore a simple dress. I already received Debor's messaged na andoon na raw siya. He's earlier than what I expected. Baka nga nagmamadali talaga sila.

I walked on my way to the park dahil malapit lang naman. Nang makarating ako roon, nakita ko siyang nakaupo sa isa sa mga swings.

He smiled when he saw me walking towards him.

"Hey. Happy birthday," he said and stood up.

"Thank you," I answered. I sat beside the swing he was staying.

"Can we talk?" I asked.

"Of course."

"First, I want to say thank you."

"For?"

"For making me feel like the most special person in the world. You were the person who made me feel love and genuine care."

I saw him smile.

"I'm glad I made you feel that way."

"Debor..." I looked at him. He was already looking at me and I can see the sadness in his eyes. I feel like he knew what I'll say and he was just waiting for it to hear.

"We should stop. You should stop courting me..."

Silence developed us.

I saw how his adam's apple moved. He slowly nodded and looked away.

"Okay..."

"I'm sorry..."

"No it's okay. You don't have to say sorry, ash. I understand you and I respect your decision."

"It's just that we can't deny the fact that our relationship was tiring. It's no good for the both of us. And we both need to rest."

"I know. I understand you. We can't stay in this relationship na ganito nalang lagi. We both need to heal from our own problems."

I nodded, "Yeah."

"Debor," I called him.

"Yes?"

"I hope you also heal from your own problems. I may not know those things but I hope you won't forget to take care of yourself. Everything's gonna be better soon."

"Mhmm. Thank you, ashley. Just so you know that I didn't regret liking you. You were one of the best things that happened in my life. I thank God everyday for your existence."

I gave him a warm smile. I just keep on falling in love deeper to him.

"Ah, before I leave, I want to give you this." Napatingin ako sa box na hawak niya. Kinuha ko iyon at binuksan.

I saw a couple bracelet. It has a heart design at pang dalawang tao 'yon.

"It's so pretty," I said.

"Good to know. I was having a hard time in choosing what gift I should give."

"Gusto mo bang isuot sa akin?" I asked him.

"Sure, I would love to!"

Kinuha niya yung isang bracelet at kinabit sa kamay ko. Then he was about to get the other one, pero naunahan ko siya.

"I hope you won't forget to take good care of yourself there," I said while putting the bracelet in his wrist. "Maybe it wasn't still our time but I'm so grateful that I met you. You made me feel love that I never felt to anyone."

Nang mailagay ko iyon, pinagmasdan ko ang mga bracelet. It looks really good in our wrists.

We were again developed by silence. It was a couple minutes of silence, watching the view in front of us. A calm wind passing by. The whole atmosphere was calm but I know that we were surrounded by sadness.

I told myself I made the right decision. This will be good for the both of us. Maybe in the future, if somehow we were really meant to each other, the destiny will find a way. But not now because we have to take a rest and reflect from what's happening.

When he stood up, I looked at him.

"My mom's already waiting for me."

Tumayo na rin ako at tumango.

"I'm forever grateful that I made you feel like you're the most special girl in the world because you are. I'm glad I made you feel love. 'Til the next time we see each other, Laine."

He smiled at me. Then, I watch him as he walks away from me.

I smiled sadly. I hope everything's gonna be better for him soon. I hope that my decision will be worth it.

I was grateful that I met him. This is my farewell. I know this will be worth it.

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The End.