Lies from a Consultant

prologue

Loud explosions and colors filled in the air above as the fireworks began to drift in the clear night starry sky. I turn my face away from above and began walking in the busy street of this city.

I don't know the occasion for people to set fireworks so suddenly—not like I actually care as of the moment. All I know is that I only care about one thing and that is to see her again after what felt like days when it's probably months or maybe years but I'm not so sure. I'm not the type of person who remembers what date or day it is. There's a reason for it of course but it's not my place to say. There's rules to everything and I intend to keep following them.

As I keep walking in the dim light of the street post, flashes of the fireworks above reflected at the wet sidewalks ahead of me. I looked up before the delayed sound of the explosion filled my eardrums and at that moment, a memory of her smile flashes my mind that made me slowly stop my tracks as I think to myself.

"I think I'm forgetting something..." I mumble to myself before roaming my eyes to my surroundings and when my mind couldn't grasp at any thoughts, I let out a sigh.

I glance down at my watch and stare at it. 00:02. I was about to look up when a specific memory filled my mind that made my eyes widen in a heartbeat.

01-01-2003-00:13.

"wait.. No, no, please, no.."

I looked around and immediately approaches the couple, flirting with each other as I took a stop in front of them. "excuse me, do you know what day it is?" I blurted out in a hurry, getting ready to walk away as I waited for one of their answer in anticipation.

The guy looked at me like I was crazy but I didn't mind it since I was focused on the answer I'll receive in any second now.

"uhh kakabagong taon lang miss, wala ka bang alam?" he asked with a chuckle before sliding his arm at his partner's waist to pull her closer. I glare at him for his playful remark.

"what date?" I followed up almost immediately, making sure to emphasize the word so it would be clear to him what I wanted to know.

I could feel my teeth grinding with each other in my mouth as I waited for his answer but he just stared at me like I'm some crazy chick, ruining his night with his precious girlfriend. "hello? I'm in a rush here, can you just answer me?" I suddenly blurted out, sounding too desperate and irritated now and I watch the girl beside him widen her eyes in panic before quickly talking in his place.

"J-January 1, 2003, miss..." she answered, stuttering in the process before avoiding my gaze. I felt my heart sink the moment her words left her mouth for me to hear.

"are.. are you sure?" breathless as I asked, I took a step closer to her with hope in my eyes that she's lying.

She met my eyes and took out her small mobile phone before pressing the button on it to turn it on and showed it to me. I squinted my eyes at the small screen before seeing the date displayed at the middle screen, next to the time. My heart skipped a beat at the same time I felt my knees weakens and I took a step back with a heavy breath.

"no, it can't be..." these words escaped my lips as I shake my head in denial and turn around to look at my surroundings.

I could feel both of their eyes lingering on my back as I turn it towards them but I couldn't care less now. The memories of her are now coming back to me. From the first day I met her to the day I left her. These are all the things that's roaming in my head as I ran into the busy street, heading towards where I still remember the apartment she lived back then. I don't care about the people I'm pushing to get through as I make my way in the street. I need to see her. I need to talk to her. I need to apologize for leaving. I need to make sure she's doing okay.