Break Fresh Ground

Prologue

The moon shone bright, casting a silver glow over the night. But her eyes, usually a vibrant green, were filled with tears. The December winds blew fiercely, making the scene even colder and bleaker. It was unusual to see her cry, as she was known for her cheerful nature and laughter. But as I heard her sobbing, my own heart ached. Her crying sounded like a sharp knife cutting through my soul.

"You're hurting me," she said, her voice breaking. "Why are you hurting me?"

I scoffed in response. "You're hurting because the truth hurts. Everything about this is wrong, at 'yon ang totoo!"

Her pain was written all over her face and reflected in her eyes as she spoke those words. I clenched my teeth, unable to bear witnessing her suffering. I turned away as she closed her eyes, biting her lip to hold back the tears that threatened to spill again.

"Are you—" She struggled to keep herself from breaking down. "Are you saying that you meeting me is—"

I interrupted her abruptly, my voice filled with harshness. "Yes, everything. The whole situation. The fact that you're here instead of being with your family is a wrong choice."

She broke down in tears, and I couldn't bear to look at her. Her sobs filled my ears, and though it may seem heartless, I felt helpless. Ending our relationship, though painful, might be the wisest thing to do.

Her eyes and nose were red from the tears as she turned her gaze back to me. "So, I'm just a mistake, huh? Always a mistake for everyone?" She shook her head in disbelief, a bitter chuckle escaping her lips. "It's incredible how people only come into my life to realize what's truly right for them." Her smile, filled with pain, was difficult to see.

Pinili kong manahimik at nakinig sa kaniya. I wished for the wind to rise, creating a noise that would drown out her words that pierced my heart.

Rising from the ground, covered in earthy hues, she looked at me again, her tears now dry on her cheeks.

"Let me tell you something," she spoke, her voice steady despite the fallen tears. "What I felt when we were together was real. It wasn't a mistake. Every moment was beautiful, and every moment made me happy. I never doubted it because I was genuinely happy. I thought you felt the same way, but it seems I was wrong. I'm not good at guessing, but now I'm certain that you no longer want me."

She took a deep breath, her voice trembling as she continued. "I'm sorry that you didn't feel what I did, but I genuinely hope that when you find the right person, the right relationship, you'll experience true happiness and all the emotions that come with it." Tears began to well up in her eyes once again as she spoke.

I wished to turn away, to escape from her piercing gaze, to take back my harsh words. But it was too late; the damage was done. All I could do was bear the weight of her eyes upon me, witnessing how cruel I am.

"I may be hurting right now, but all I wish is for you to be happy, really happy," she said, despite in pain, genuinely. She stands there and looked at me, hesitating. "C-can I hug you?"

I was on the verge of declining, but she persisted in an imaginative manner.

"One last time? Just for five seconds," she pleaded.

I hesitantlyI hesitated, but eventually nodded.

She approached cautiously, her fingers delicately grazing my waist, gradually tightening their grip as she wrapped her arms around me. I stood stiffly, my gaze fixed ahead, as her cheek pressed against my neck, taking in my scent. The embrace felt suffocating, and although she longed for me to respond in kind, I merely tapped her back twice.

"Thank you," she whispered, her smile not reaching her eyes.

We stood in silence, lost in our own thoughts. Should I utter the words that would drive her away, inflicting more pain and leaving her standing alone? Should I turn my back and retreat inside the house? Kahit anong piliin kong gawin, masasaktan at masasaktan ko siya.

"Ate! Kanina ka pa hinahanap ni Papa. Gutom na ako! Ano bang ginagawa mo dito sa labas..." I heard Sergio calling me. His voice tones down when she saw who's with me. "Ate Scar, andito ka pala?" His face lit up when he saw her. "Ate, bakit hindi mo naman pinapasok 'yong gerlpren mo?" Baling nito sa akin.

"No, Serge. Actually, I was just about to go." Her voice was a husky whisper, a delicate yet powerful murmur.

"Eh? Maraming pagkain sa loob, Ate. Luto ni Mama."

She smiled at him and slowly shook her head. "I need to go."

"'Di ba, peyborit mo mga luto ni Ma--"

"Sergio Apollo, pumasok ka na sa loob. Susunod na ako." I cut him off. He just pouts and get back inside.

I met her gaze, and found her already looking back at me.

"I'll go now," she said, forcing a smile.

How could she still manage to smile?

"I know this may sound like a small request, but it's important to me. Could you not mention me to your next lover?" I raised an eyebrow, curious about her reasoning.

"I know that mentioning your ex to your new partner is a bad idea. So please, even if they ask, don't mention me. Just stay quiet or forget about me, so you won't have to talk about me," she continued, her words tinged with sadness.

"What are you even saying?" I exclaimed, confused and taken aback by her request.

She inhaled deeply, her voice filled with emotion. "I don't want you to share our memories with another person. And what could you even tell them about the way you felt when we were together?" Just then, her phone rang, interrupting her. "Yes, I'm on my way home now... Okay, bye," she said, turning away and walking away from me.

Humugot ako ng malalim na hininga saka ipinikit ang mata, preparing to go back inside. But then, I heard her call my name. I turned to see her, and she smiled at me, the genuine smile she reserved for me alone.

"Merry Christmas, my love... my goddess," she said in French.

She walked away with a smile on her face, but her heart was breaking.

As she walked away, I felt a mix of emotions swirl within me. A part of me was glad, relieved even, as it meant that he was finally safe.