Two Hearts, One Rhythm

Chapter 26

"The number you have dialed is either unattended or out of coverage. Please try your call later."

I sighed and brought my phone back to my lap as I stared at the moving people in front of me. They were laughing, and some kids were playing with their pets. I smiled a little just by hearing their laughs.

I can see that the sun is finally setting kaya onti onti nang nabubuhay ang fairy lights sa al fresco area ng park. I sat at a two-seater table. Ang inorder na pasta ay lumamig na. The ice on my drink has already melted. The wind passes as if to comfort me. This time, I'm alone.

Parang kailan lang dito ang unang pagkikita namin ulit. I smiled at that thought. I can still remember how his eyes widened at the sight of me. I can still remember the warmth of his smile when he welcomed me that day. I miss him so much.

After his photo exhibit, things went back to normal that time. I was busy with executive duties of the company, and he was busy with his work and other photography stints. During our free time, we would go out, but most of it was spent in his house. Cooking dinner, and watching movies afterwards. It's the type of rest I need.

Pero habang tumatagal, mas nagiging busy kami sa mga work namin. Months passed by, naging ganun ang nangyari kaya ang minsanang pagkikita ay naging madalang hanggang sa naging hindi na nagkikita.

Even our messages and calls lessened hanggang sa nawala. We were both so busy that I knew we're losing time for one another. We were so caught up with the responsibilities our shoulders were carrying.

I'm not sure what made me decide to call him now. Hindi rin naman masasagot dahil hindi naman niya lagi hawak ang phone.

Hindi kami nagalit sa isa't isa, pero nagtampo ako. In the end, wala naman akong magagawa. Maybe it's a part of adulthood. Losing time, and sacrificing.

Or, maybe this is my karma. For keeping him like a secret that I don't want to share with everyone else. Baka ito ang karma ko dahil hindi ko man lang siya maiharap sa family ko.

They would love him, that's for sure. But that little nagging thought of promise is always at the back of my mind. Reminding me to stay in course.

Hindi na rin ako nag habol kasi parang I have no right din naman na mag reklamo dahil hindi naman kami. We just love acting like a couple that the only thing missing is the label of our relationship.

Bumuntong hininga ako at pumangalumbaba sa lamesa. Natutulala na naman ako dahil sa mga nangyayari. It is still surprising to me that I can make decisions for the company! Nakakagulat pa rin na kaya ko pa rin maging leader kahit ang gulo na ng utak ko!

He missed two of my birthdays. We literally lost contact but I can still see him on social media. He's doing good at his job, and that's what matters to me. He still sees me rin dahil sometimes he likes my posts.

Hanggang doon na lang ang paraan ng kamustahan namin. Okay na rin siguro 'yon. Baka hanggang ganun na lang kaming dalawa.

I felt myself tearing up at the thought. Maybe if the promise didn't exist, I would be with him. Kasal na siguro kaming dalawa.

It's crazy because kahit nasanay na ako sa presence niya, I'm still doing good. Baka kasi alam kong iyon ang gusto niya para sa akin, o baka hindi ko siya ganun kamahal.

No, hijo de puta! You love him! Masyado kang in denial!

Minsan nga, I would park three houses away from his house pagkatapos ng work. I look like a stalker but I just want to see if he's okay. Minsan nga ay nakikita ko rin siya sa building namin or namamalikmata lang ako.

My phone beeped because of a text. I rolled my eyes when I saw Crim's name.

Crim:

anuna, teh. kanina pa kami nandito. balak mo pa ba magpakita o naging rebulto ka na