I Fell For You

Chapter 32: Two Years

If I have the ability to stop the time, I would have done it so many times in the past.

I would have stopped the time when we were standing, and crying in front of that beautiful waterfalls. I would have stopped the time, the minute he escorted me towards the plane. I would have stopped the time, the moment before the plane door closes, and separates us completely.

Pero sa kasamaang palad, wala ni sinuman ang may ganoong klaseng kapangyarihan. Unti-unting ibabagsak sa'yo ang katotohanan na anuman ang mangyari, wala kang ibang choice kung 'di ang magpatuloy, kahit sobra-sobra pa ang sakit na nararamdaman. Wala kang magagawa kung hindi ang sumabay sa ihip ng hangin, at hayaan kang dalhin sa destinasyon mo.

That's the irony of life. Whatever happens, it will go on. Masaktan ka man ngayong araw, hindi titigil ang mundo para pansamantalang bigyan ka ng oras sa pagluluksa dahil ang agos ng buhay, tuloy-tuloy lang.

Pagkalapag na pagkalapag ko sa Pilipinas ay nakahanda na ang press conference para sa akin. I just broke up with my boyfriend, and if I were to choose, I'd like to cry and grieve on my own first. But life is too cruel because it will never stop for you.

Hindi ako binigyan ng panahon para magluksa. Nakaharap agad ako sa mga camera at mga reporters na gusto lamang sumagap ng ibabalita.

"I am Genieva Lessandra Constantine," I said in a tone that's full of formality. "I know most of you knows me as I've been in the news for several months. I was first introduced as Prince Ephraim's girlfriend. And later on, everyone's view of me changed...when Princess Elena announced publicly her relations with the crown prince."

Nakita ko ang mga mata ni Daddy na seryoso ang tingin sa akin, pero kitang-kita ko roon ang pighati para sa mga nangyayari.

"The other woman, as they call me. The kabit, the mistress, the side chic, and many more names." Ngumiti ako sa mga tao kahit unti-unting naglalaro sa utak ko ang mga nabasang mg articles, posts, and tweets tungkol sa akin. "I was called worst but I do not want to mention it now because it's too foul and out of line. Pero kahit ganoon ang tingin sa akin ng mga tao, hindi ako nagtanim ng sama ng loob sa kanila."

"The words sting so bad, but I knew people only judged me because they were fed with misinformation, and lies about my relationship with His Highness..." I smiled again. "So I am here to clear things out for us."

Pinagmasdan ko ang hall na pinag-ganapan ng conference. It was big, and full of reporters. Maraming local, pero mas marami ang foreign media roon. All eyes, and ears are focused on me, and on what ever the hell I will say.

"Our intentions for our relationship has always been pure and honest. It was our tiny little bubble that keeps us both at peace, safe, and loved. And it's heart wrenching to know a lot of people wanting to prick that bubble." I pushed a small smile. I made sure that I equalled the sincerity and truth that Ephraim showed when he was asked about us.

"For months, Ephraim and I suffered silently amidst all bad speculations. We tried to move forward despite the harsh, cruel words thrown at us. We remained strong for each other, even if the world tries to break us apart. And for months, it was effective...until the silence became too loud and unbearable."

I tried so hard to keep my voice formal, and business-like. I do not intend to cry in front of the camera, or show any sign of weakness. I wouldn't give them that satisfaction.

"Akala ko magiging ayos lang ang lahat basta mananatili kaming matatag at nagmamahal sa isa't isa. Pero hindi pala talaga sapat ang pagmamahal, lalo kung buhay at seguridad na ng mga minamahal ko ang kapalit..." Halos pabulong kong sabihin iyon. From a far, I can see my mom wiping her tears. Inalu naman siya agad ng aking ama.