Why Do You Think We Met?

Simula

Simula

Why do you think two people met?

"P'wede ba na ibalik muna sa simula?

Dami na kasing nag-iba..."

That was his voice. I am so certain it was his. Before I left him, I made sure I memorized every bit of him.

The song is not his, he was only featured. It's just a few lines but I feel like everything went back to the past. I remember again how we started. How we met... It was funny and implausible. Then we ended up because I needed to. Hindi ako nagsisisi sa desisyon ko. Paninindigan ko hanggang dulo.

I changed the channel on my stereo. Playing now is a kpop song.

"Better," I mumbled.

"Oh, my God, Ariyah! Kailan ka pa bumalik?" Xena hugged me so tight. This is my plan, to visit her immediately after I came back. Pitong taon din akong nanirahan sa Italy. Kailangan ko lang magpakalayo-layo at mamuhay ng tahimik. Bumalik lang ako sa Pilipinas dahil mayroon akong kailangan tapusin dito at mayroon ding malaking offer sa akin.

"A week ago."

"Bakit hindi ka nagpasabi?!" sigaw niya.

I chuckled and hugged her more.

"Surprise..." I smiled shyly.

Tanging si Xena lang ang nakakaalam kung nasaan ako nitong mga nakaraang taon. Siya lang din ang nag-iisang tao na mayroong komunikasyon sa akin. Siya lang ang pinagkakatiwalaan kong tao. She's my bestfriend after all.

"Kumusta na kayo?" she asked. I sighed and smiled. Bumalik siya rito sa sala na may dala nang juice.

"We're good and fine. Lucas is doing well. However, he still adjusting."

"That's good to hear. Pero... bakit kayo umuwi? I mean dito na ba kayo maninirahan o magbabakasyon lang? Oh, my God, Ariyah! See? Wala akong kaalam-alam! Ang dalang mo na magreply sa mga chats ko! Nakakatampo ka na ha?"

"I'm sorry, Xena. I was just busy. I don't have much time for social media anymore. Unlike before." I chuckled.

"So, ano na nga? Bakit kayo nandito?"

"I have a client. Actually, she is my friend in Europe, a Filipina. She will be getting married in the next month. I am the one designing her wedding dress. Ipapadala ko na lang sana iyong damit dito sa Pilipinas kaso nakita ata ng manager ng asawa niya iyong design ko. Ayun... the manager wants to meet me. May... offer din kasi siya sa akin."

"Oh, wow! That's... that's good to hear! Did you meet the manager na?"