Covered by Darkness

Kabanata 19

Covered by Darkness

The rhythm of the ocean waves linger to her ears as she walks at seaside. The ocean smell makes her relax, and the ocean water running trough her feet makes her happy.

She's been here for two days, to clear her mind and heart. These past few days had been so stressful to her and to her friends.

As she walks, she kept remembering about what happened to their office. When someone send them a letter, with just a few words that kept them confused and bothered.

They have no clue about what's that person talking about. They've been in peace for pass decades already and yet, someone is trying to ruin their peace again.

Napa-buntonghininga si Sheyna. Masakit at magulo na ang puso't isip niya, hindi na niya alam kung ano ang gagawin. Tila habang patagal na nang patagal ay pagulo na nang pagulo ulit ang buhay nilang magkakaibigan.

When will this stop? I don't want us to suffer again.

Napahinto sa paglalakad si Sheyna nang mapansin ang pamilyar na pigura, hindi kalayuan sa kaniya. Nasa tabing-dagat din ito at tila malalim ang iniisip.

Naglakad siya papunta sa pamilyar na pigura at kinuha ang atensyon nito.

"Clifton? Clifton Gabller?"

Gulat na bumaling ang lalake sa kaniya ng marinig nito ang pangalan niya. Nanlaki ang kaniyang mga mata nang makita niya si Sheyna, ang isa sa kaibigan ni Cassandra—ang dating kasintahan niya. He become tensed but he tried to loosen up.

"Sheyna?"

Ngumiti sa kaniya si Sheyna. "Oo, ako nga. Ang tagal nating hindi nagkita. Kumusta ka na?"

Humarap sa kaniya bago ngumiti. "I'm doing fine. How about you? You good? You seems that you have a lot of thoughts in your mind."

"It's nothing, i'm okay." Sheyna smiled. "Ano palang ginagawa mo dito?"

"I'm just chilling. It's been a while since i was here at the beach, that's why. "

Sheyna nods, and then look at the ocean.  "It's relaxing, isn't it?"

Clifton smile and look at the sea too. "Indeed." Then he look back to Sheyna, "Want to walk while we talk?" Sheyna didn't say anything, she just smiled and nod.

They start to walk. "You're here alone?" Sheyna start the conversation.

"Yeah. I have no one to come with me."

"Aren't you in a relationship?"

"Nah. I already broke up with my last girl 5 years ago."

"Hmm."

"How about you?"

Sheyna laughed. "It's complicated. Love didn't work out for the both of us. I love him, he love someone else."

"That sucks, honestly. One-sided love sucks."

"Yeah. To simplify all, love sucks."

Clifton laughed. "I thought you're not a bitter person."

"That just came from the bottom of my heart, sorry."

"It's okay. You can express what you feel, as long as you're comfortable."

"Hmm. Thanks. Let's hang out sometimes—if you don't mind."

"Yeah, that sounds cool. I'm cool with it. Let's hang out."

"Shiella, can you contact Miss David for further information about the transportation of our products to America. Please give me every detail."

"I got you."