Dazzled by Flames (Flames Series #3)

Chapter 38

Gone

I was in a daze when I got back to the hotel.

I went here because it's the place my heart felt closest to. Hindi ako nagpunta dahil umaasa ako na dito ko makikita si Vixen. I already planned this trip even before I made up my decision to finally go home.

So, I didn't expect to see him here. Hindi ako nakapaghanda man lang. I was so awkward around him! Hindi ko alam paano ko siya pakikitunguhin.

Paano ba dapat? How do you talk to your ex? Kaswal kaya o parang magkaibigan?

I wanted to see him. There was always a part of me that craves for his presence even though my mind refuses him. Kaya kahit na nagmukhang tanga sa harap niya, kabadong-kabado, hindi ko maipagkakaila na masaya ako na nakita siya.

I breathed slowly and deeply. Baka makatulong iyon para bumagal ang pagtibok ng puso ko at maging kalmado na ako.

It didn't help, though. Sa tuwing naiisip ko ang pagkikita namin, mas bumibilis lang imbes na bumagal.

I guess I'm still so down for him. It's been years yet I still feel the same for him.  Unlike the last time, though, I can't let myself be with him anymore. I'm not good for him and the last thing I want for him is to be miserable again because of me.

Umupo ako sa sofa, dahan-dahan dahil sa nanlalambot na mga tuhod.

There it is again. It's mind and heart against each other again. This time though, I won't let the latter win.

"Ate! Napatawag ka? 'Di ka nag-eenjoy?" Pang-aasar niya.

I called her to distract myself from thinking about Vixen.

"I... am," habol ko. "I just miss you." I lied. Partly.

"I don't think so. What's up ba?"

I tapped the loudspeaker button and put my phone down on the vanity table.

"Wala naman..." sambit ko at hinarap ang salamin.

My face is flustered. Maputla ako kaninang bago umalis, hindi tulad ngayon na may matingkad na kulay pula sa mga pisngi ko.

There is also the glow I didn't see a while ago.

"Meron. It's so obvious that something is bothering you, ate."

"Fine, meron nga pero I won't tell you."

"But you're fine naman?" paniniguro niya.

"Yup, don't worry."

It's just my heart, Kayla. Nagaalburoto matapos ang ilang taon dahil nakita ko na naman si Vixen.

"What are you doing now?" I asked.

"I'm in my room, arranging my makeup products. Dad bought me a makeup organizer!"

"Hmm... buti naman para hindi mo na kinakalat sa kung saan."

"I'm not makalat!" She said in full defense.

Kahit hindi siya kaharap, hindi ko maiwasang mapaangat ng kilay.

"Why don't you walk around there and enjoy the sea? If you will only talk to me pala, sana hindi ka na umalis. Nagkwentuhan na lang tayo dito."

"I'm your ate, Kayla," paalala ko. "Fine... I'll hang up now. I'll eat breakfast first."

"A'right! Enjoy! Muah!"

Before I could answer, she already hung up on me.

Naiiling kong pinindot ang button sa gilid ng cellphone.