Epilogue

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Months after the start of my junior year when I realized that Cedric was gone—or at least the one in my hallucinations. I wasn't sure if the appearance of the real one had something to do with it. But at times, I still found myself missing him a little, his sarcastic, quirky smiles and remarks. He became a friend of mine, no arguments about that. And though I couldn't say that my condition was getting better, I think I was really starting to get used living with it now.

The random voices I kept hearing from time to time everyday no longer bothered me. Even though it got harsh and hard to bear sometimes, I always try to hold my ground to not let it mix with my reality. And so far, I could always manage—with the help of my medications and counselling from my psychiatrist. The support I was having with my parents and friends was a big factor as well—and I couldn't thank each one of them enough.

I haven't heard anything about the Gallevos since. All I know was that Ainsley's trial was still on going. Hindi ko na rin nakita si Terrence pagkatapos ng huli naming pag-uusap.

I wouldn't say I wasn't curious about him and his family's whatnots from time to time. But I wasn't interested enough to know what they were up to either. If I was being honest, I no longer wanted to associate myself with them—I just hope they were doing fine. Or at least, living the life they all deserved.

Matapos sinupin ang bag at ilang hand-outs na dala ay bumaba ako pagkahinto ng bus. While checking the time to see how much time I still have left for my first class, I heard someone calling out to me. Hindi ko iyon pinansin nang una dahil mahina at dahil na rin sa pag-iisip na baka isa lang iyon sa mga boses sa isip ko.

"Eunice!"

But when someone materialized on my side, I almost jumped in surprise. Ang ngiti nito'y agad napalitan nang bahagyang pagngiwi dahil sa reaksyon ko.

"Sorry. Hey."

Tuluyan akong natigilan sa paglakad para lang ituon ang buong atensyon sa kaniya. My eyes widening in shock. "Hey... you're... why are you—you're here?" Itinawa ko ang pagkakautal dahil sa kalituhan.

Sukbit ang itim na case sa isa niyang balikat para sa bass habang suot ang itim na shirt, jacket, pants at sapatos pati nang itim na baseball cap. All six feet of Cedric was standing in front of me and I couldn't believe my eyes.

The fallen curls on his forehead bounced a little when he nodded, an amused grin curving on his lips. Minuwestra niya ang lugar na pinanggalingan. "I was about to get on the bus when I saw you getting off. I had to check if it's really you so here I am—turns out I was right."

Napasulyap ako sandali sa bus na ngayon ay wala na bago muling nagbalik ng tingin sa kaniya. I wasn't even aware on the smile plastered on my face as I watched him talk what he was here for. And apparently, he was here with his bandmates for a few gigs.

"Do you have time? Wala ka pa bang klase?" aniya nang medyo magtagal ang kumustahan namin doon sa gilid ng daan.

Bahagya akong natawa sa sarili nang matanto iyon. It had been months since and I didn't really expect we would cross paths like this again.

"I still have a few minutes left 'til my first class."

"Can I buy you a drink, then? Coffee?"

I nodded yes with a smile. "Sure."

We headed at the university café outside and talked about mundane things. Until I needed to leave for class. Pero bago pa man ako makatayo ng upuan ay inilapag niya sa lamesa at itinulak patungo sa side ko ang isang phone.

I looked up at him in question.

Bahagya siyang yumukod para isandig ang magkabilang braso sa lamesa. Looking directly at me, he smiled, making his downturned eyes even gentler.

The Other 'I'Tahanan ng mga kuwento. Tumuklas ngayon