Embracing the Scars | ✓

4

CHAPTER 4

Malapit na dumilim nang mapagpasyahan naming umuwi mula sa sementeryo. I really can't believe that it was him. The young man who never left my mind back then, but for some reason, I forgot about him.

Only if I listened to him, I would never find myself in this situation, my dad is still here. But if it didn't happen, I wouldn't be able to find him.

"Wait, stop the car!" I exclaimed and when the car stopped. I blinked my eyes, did I just say stop the car? I looked at him only to find him also looking at me and as if on cue, we both laughed.

Matapos maiparada ng ayos ay lumabas na ako sa kotse at sinalubong ang malamig na hangin, malapit na magpasko.

"Can you accompany me again?" I asked, he gave me a nod. Halos kuminang ang mga mata ko habang dahan dahan kaming naglalakad papasok sa parke.

Maraming tao ang nagkalat sa paligid, may mga pamilya na nagpi-picnic, may magkakabarkada na naggagala, mayroong mga batang naglalaro at higit sa lahat mayroong mga magkasintahan.

Huminto ako sa tapat ng Narra, ito ang palaging pwesto namin noon kapag nanonood kami ng battle of the bands. Sa paligid noon ay mayroong upuang gawa sa semento.

Naupo ako at ilang saglit lang ay gumaya rin si Kristoff. Hindi niya pala kayang tumagal na nakatayo lang, balak ko pa naman sanang orasan siya.

"Malapit na mag-Christmas, ang bilis ng panahon pero pakiramdam ko ilang siglo na ang nakalipas." I looked up at the starry sky before hugging myself. It's cold outside.

I felt a coat embraced my body, it was from Kristoff who only offered a warm smile at me before looking up. Isinuot ko ang coat ko niya, malaki iyon pero nilalamig talaga ako kaya bahala na. Nakangiti akong tumingala muli.

Now it's warmer.

"Maybe this is how it felt like growing old without a dad," I whispered. I didn't know he would reply and what he said made me confused.

"Well I don't think so, I never had a Dad. He left my Mom when he knew she was pregnant, they were too young at that time, maybe he's still afraid to commit to a big responsibility." I traced his gaze, he was watching a family from afar. I saw how pain flashed in his gray eyes.

We are somewhat sharing the same pain.

"And if ever he will approach us I will not welcome him, Mom suffered enough. She was abandoned by her family, and she did everything for me, for us." He added, I was only staring at him, processing all that he is sharing.

I couldn't imagine he would open up something like this, or maybe, he just wanted to share something so I wouldn't look stupid for over sharing today.

"Until now hindi pa rin reunited family mo? I mean your mom's family." He shook his head. I felt a pang in my chest. Imagine growing up without a dad and other family except for his brother and mom?

It must be hard for him. But he is tougher, because look at him, a doctor and a director of a hospital. What a brave, strong and courageous man. I smiled at the thought. I was praising him too much like a proud wife.

"That's not needed. After all, if there's a chance for us to be reconciled, it should have happened years ago," he said and smiled and offered me a warm smile. Like it was really not a big deal for him.

And I am envious that he can heartily accept that.

"We're doing great without them, their presence isn't really needed."

"I'm envious," I honestly stated, he looked at me waiting for the following words I would say.

"Because I can't be like that, I can't be that strong to accept the fact that my dad already passed away. No, that my dad was killed. I was praying this is only a dream, but no dreams would last for five years. Silly me." He remained silent. Akala ko tapos na ang sharing namin kanina sa sementeryo, may part two pa pala.