Flash fiction stories

THE UNKNOWN WRITER

I've been reading his works since 2018. It's been a year and finally he's launching his first book. Limited lang 'yong ticket para makapasok sa book signing niya and I made sure that I can avail one pass for myself. It costs 500 pesos. Mabuti nalang at nakapag-ipon ako for his event. Kahit medyo busy sa acads hindi ko pinalampas ang first ever book signing niya. Yes, I'm a fangirl. He never revealed his face but he already captured so many hearts through his words. Kaya sobrang excited ako ngayon para makita siya. I'm no. 89 on the list. I came here an hour early because of excitement. Hindi pa kami pinapapasok sa venue pero ramdam na ramdam ko na ang kaba.

"Please prepare you number and present it before going inside. Someone will assist you to your respective seat. Thank you."

Nag-umpisa nang umusad ang pila at nag-umpisa na rin akong mamawis sa kaba at excitement. Nanginginig pa ang kamay ko habang inaabot ang ticket sa babaeng na nasa entrance.

"Enjoy po sa event." Pahabol niya pa.

I'm just silently waiting for the book signing to start. Kalmado lang ako na nakaupo at pinagmamasdan ang buong venue. It's big enough for 500 people. Kaonti nalang ang 'di pa nakakapasok at halos napupuno na rin ang room. Anytime from now mag-uumpisa na ang book signing. Can't wait to see him. Can't wait to have a photo with him. Can't wait to have his signature. Buong-buo na ang 2019 ko kapag nangyari 'yon.

"I think everyone's here?" tanong ng host sa event. Halos mabingi ako sa naging sigawan ng mga tao. Everyone's really rooting for this to happen. And I am beyond happy knowing that I am part of the crowd.

Mas lalong lumakas ang hiyawan ng mga tao nang  tawagin na ang pangalan niya. "Everyone please welcome the author of the book Change of Heart! Mr. Deux!"

My heart shattered into pieces when I saw the man I left 2 years ago waving at the people right now. Halos tumakbo ako palabas ng venue sa aking nakita. It's him. It's Dylan.

My knees were trembling and tears started to fall when he mentioned my name while holding his book.

"The book that you're holding right now is dedicated to my girl named Louisa."

Gulat na gulat ang lahat ng tao sa sinabi ni Dylan. I can't even take to open my eyes dahil sa pag-iyak ko. The girl beside me offered a tissue pero tinanggihan ko ito. Tahimik lang akong nakayuko habang pinipigilan ang bawat pag-agos ng luha sa mga mata ko. I didn't know that this event would break my heart again. Kung alam ko lang sana edi sana 'di na 'ko nagpunta.

"I didn't put her name inside the book because I know she'll come today."

I breathe heavily trying to compose myself. Dinilat ko ang aking mga mata sa sinabi niya. I almost lost my breathing nang makita ko siyang nakatayo na sa harapan ko. He changed a lot but he is still the same man I left and loved.

"You came," he said trying to sound casual.

Hindi ko alam pero mas lalong napalakas ang hikbi ko nang marinig ko ulit ang boses niya.

I left him when we're still in highschool. Lumipat kami ng bahay dahil magcocollege na 'ko. Hindi ako nakapagpaalam no'n sa kanya and that was the dumbest thing I ever done in my life. Many things happened. Hanggang sa pinili kong huwag na siyang kontakin at kausapin pa. I did that because I'm afraid to lose myself again. Sobra ko siyang gusto na sarili ko na mismo ang sinasaktan ko. My feelings started to grow every damn second pero hindi ko masabi sa kan'ya 'yon kasi natatakot ako. Natatakot akong balikan siya at makita sa ibang babae. I'm afraid to lose the battle I fought alone for so many years and that battle is him.

"Sorry," I uttered.

Nabitawan niya ang kan'yang libro at tuluyan nang napaluhod sa harapan ko.

"I did all of these to see you again. Please, bumalik kana sa'kin." he said in a cracked voice.

I couldn't find the right words to say. I'm speechless. He's begging in front of me right now and it breaks me.

"Please. Tayo nalang ulit."

Hinawakan ko ang nanlalamig niyang kamay. I saw tears on his eyes na mas lalong ikinakirot ng puso ko.

"Stop begging for someone who's already yours," I said trying not to break.

"I'm sorry for leaving. Hindi na kita iiwan ulit."

Napatayo siya at niyakap ako nang mahigpit. The crowd cheered, still in shock.

"I love you." he whispered that made my heart flutter.

"I love you and I will always be your fangirl."

ENDDD