anywhere, somewhere, far away

11

"What's the date of the wedding?"

"Uh, we're still deciding."

"It's okay. There's no need to rush. We have all the time in the world for it."

Hinawakan ni Flora ang kamay ko. I can feel her cold, sweaty palm. She's nervous about this wedding, too.

"Hey, don't be nervous. Hindi naman ikaw ang ikakasal!" Natatawang sambit ni Willow.

"Kaya nga! Echosera ka." Irap sa kanya ni Lily. Hinayaan ko na lang sila sa pag-uusap at nagpatuloy na lang kakatingin doon sa portfolio na dala ng events organizers na hinire ni lolo.

"I like this." I pointed at the pastel green design for the reception. It will look great, just a touch of it would be fine since sa napakalawak na garden sa likod ng palasyo iyon gaganapin.

"Sige, ate Lux. Masusunod ang iyong gusto." Natatawang sambit ni Lily. I gave her a smile.

"Thanks. But if it's not to your liking, kahit huwag na iyan." Napakamot ako sa batok. Hindi naman din ako ang ikakasal pero nangingialam ako sa paghahanda. Well... Let's just say I'm excited and nervous for them.

Nagpaalam ako sa tatlo na aalis na ako dahil balak ko ilabas ang tatlo kong alaga. It has been a while. Kakabalik ko lang ulit dito sa Palawan noong isang linggo kaya matagal-tagal din noong huli ko nakita sina Vesper.

Simula nang umalis si Alfaro ay wala pang isang linggo ay umuwi na rin si Doc Wyatt. Dahil doon ay mas nawalan ako ng pag-asa na babalik siya agad. Umalis si Alfaro nang walang paalam kaya nawalan na lang din ako ng gana lumabas ng palasyo. I couldn't do what I love to do before because it only reminded me of him. I even had to force myself since I have a responsibility. Napansin naman iyon ni lolo kaya nag-decide na rin siya after a month na umuwi ako sa maynila to distract me, sumunod silang apat after a few months din, which was odd. Sa Manila kami nag-celebrate ng halloween. At dito naman namin balak mag-celebrate ng Christmas at New year.

Until now I'm still waiting for Alfaro to come back... I don't know where he's gone to. Ni-message o tawag ay wala rin. Just completely gone.

I remember what he asked of me that night... He pleaded me to wait for him. I didn't understand before what he meant, but now I know. I said yes, not knowing how long it will take. And then a year passed by already and I'm still waiting.

I'd be lying if I say I didn't overthink this through for a few times. Yes, I had my fair share of what ifs and what nots, but that only led me back to Alfaro once again.

He was right. He kissed me so good that night. I could never forget that... Him. His scent. His soft voice or the way whenever his gentle hands touches me. Everything about him makes me fall harder.

"Okay, we're all set. Let's get you all out." I patted the three before leading the way.

"You missed this, huh?" I laughed while watching Vesper and Vega run after each other. Violet is just standing beside me, wanting me to caress her, so I did.

"Why don't we follow them?" I ride her and let her catch up with the two. I close my eyes as cold wind brushes through my face and hair. Nakarating kami roon sa taas ng bundok, kung saan ko unang dinala si Alfaro.

"I miss him." I whispered in the wind. I took pictures before heading back.

Biglang tumunog ang phone ko at nakitang si lolo iyon kaya sinagot ko agad.

"Yes, lolo?" Sumipol ako at sinenyasan ang dalawa na sumunod sa akin. Bumalik na kami sa stables.

"I want you to fetch some visitors at the guardhouse near your orangery. You don't have to bring your two horses. May daan naman na ako na pinagawa roon para magkasya ang mga sasakyan." Sino nanaman kaya iyon?