Don't Remember Me | Anggayle

Day 1

ANGGE

When I was younger, my mom used to say that life is wonderful and full of surprises and I couldn't agree more. Although life for me had been so different than the majority, I was blessed with a family who loved and cherish me dearly. For the past twenty-two years of my existence, I have never felt neglected and alone and maybe it is because of my condition that they seem to handle me with extra care.

They were there since the beginning and I know if things are hard for me, it's probably ten times harder for them. Honestly, when I was fifteen, I overheard her conversation with my doctor and since then I accepted that I would never get better. I know that anytime, it'll be the end of me. However, I want to feel and experience some things such as working, going out, having fun. With my family watching over me 24/7, I know I wouldn't be able to do it.

And this is probably the most selfish and reckless thing I have ever done.

"Angge, are you really sure about this?" Abby asked after sparing a glance at me. I looked at her and smiled before saying, "Yeah, I am a hundred percent sure. You don't have to worry about me. Besides, I decided to stay there only for a month. Happy now?"

The place that I am going to stay in is actually their family's property. When I told her that I was planning to run away for a while, she suggested the place to me. I know that she did it because she wants to at least know where I would be staying and it's fine to me as well. At least I wouldn't have to pay the rent. She even said that she'd bring me supplies every now and then but I told her not to because letting me stay in their rest house is already a big deal.

However, knowing Abby, I'm sure she'll still insist on doing what she wants. That's just how she is.

"Will you at least let me stay with you there?" She asked, well it was more like she was pleading but still no. "Nah uh. You have work Abby, remember? Besides if you'll be missing as well, my parents and your parents will be suspicious about it and they'd immediately realize that we would be in Siargao since they know you and that it's where you're most likely to be hiding," I explained but she just rolled her eyes and sigh in defeat.

"Why are you even doing this? You know you don't have to. I mean your mom, she'll surely be so worried about you." She's right, she'll probably be worried sick but even if I stay there, there's not much of a difference. They're always worried about me regardless of where I'm at.

I sighed before saying, "I—I just want to breathe. Abby, for the past years, I have been living in a gloomy house. I have been seeing their puffy eyes although they always try to hide it. You know I have been hearing their cries at night when they think I'm already asleep. Abby, they're mourning over someone who is still alive and kicking and it makes me sicker than my disease. I'm tired of seeing them like that because it hurts me more. I—for once, I just want to be alone, to be able to breathe, to feel, and to experience things that I have never done in my life. After all, I know how all this is going to end. I might as well just enjoy this while it still lasts."

"Angelica Jhane! What are you talking about? You're going to get better! Your mom already told you, haven't she?"

Truth is painful, she doesn't want to hear it.

I just shrug my shoulders although I badly want to tell her that they lied. Sometimes, I wonder how will this girl be when I'm gone. I hope she finds another best friend that will spend their life with her, something I couldn't possibly do. Fifteen years is so not enough but I guess all those years were worth it or maybe not because I've always been a boring sickly friend.

"Shh, there's the announcement. I think I have to go," I said, trying to avoid the discussion but I didn't lie though. I have to go or else, the plane will leave without me.

"Angge, are you not changing your mind about this?" She asked while she was trying to suppress her tears. I walked towards her and gave her a big hug. That's when she started crying like a child.

"Shh, I already told you that I'm going to be fine, didn't I? Don't worry, I will call you if I feel that something is wrong with me." I patted her back soothingly before I separated from the hug.

"Promise me that you'll take care of yourself there," she said while wiping her tears.

"I promise. Now, stop crying. It's not like I'm dead. And oh, don't tell anybody, okay? You can just visit me there once in a while but don't be suspicious." She nodded and I bid my goodbyes before finally riding the plane.

The whole ride was boring so I ended up falling asleep. Just a few minutes after I woke up, the plane touched down Siargao.

So, I really did it. I was able to get away from my family for the first time and to be honest, it's making me a little nervous. I am still not regretting this decision though. I just hope that this experience will be worth it or else, coming here would be useless.

I hailed a cab and once I got in. Then I showed the driver the address that Abby gave me. He just nodded and drove off. Just a couple of minutes later, he dropped me off in front of a house and I assume that it was the place. I paid for the fare and thanked the driver first before getting out of the car.

I observed the house carefully and it actually matched Abby's description. I would be able to confirm if the key that she gave will be able to open the front door and that's what I am going to do.

I started walking towards the house but before I could get to the door, someone spoke.

"Hi, are you my new neighbor?" She asked. When I turned to her, I was astounded by her beauty. For a second, I thought the world stopped moving like in the movies. What the hell?

"Hey, are you okay?" She spoke again which took me back to my senses. Was I staring at her for too long? I looked away and bit my lower lip before saying, "Yeah and you're right, I will be your neighbor but just for a month I guess."

"Oh, so you're only here for vacation?" She asked again. If she's someone else I'd probably be annoyed because I don't like it when people ask question after question. For some reason, although she's a stranger, I feel a bit comfortable with her.

"Sort of. By the way, I am Angelica Jhane Gegante but you can just call me Angge," I introduced myself as I walk towards her. She smiled and said, "Oh, that's a cute name. I'm Shainna Gayle De Castro, just call me Gayle."

She extended her hand, I accepted it and we did a handshake.

"Nice to meet you, Gayle."
"Nice to meet you, Angge."

Her hand is so damn so soft, I'm starting to be conscious like what if my hand starts sweating, or what if she feels like it's too rough? Ghad, it's a bit embarrassing but why do I seem to not like the idea of letting her hands go? Damn, what is wrong with me?

But I eventually did, otherwise, I would I would look like a creep.

"Welcome to the neighborhood, Angge. I hope we get along well. Also, if you need something you can just knock on my door," she said.

"Thank you, Gayle."

"Bye, I have to go. My dog is probably waiting for me to feed him already." She smiled and waved at me before going home.

Wow, it looks like I would enjoy staying here.

new story nalang muna,
wala pa nga kasi ako maisip
na kasunod nun, atat kayo ih
sige, bye