We Could Have Been (Could Trilogy #1)

#WCHB13

#WCHB13

Sharyn's POV

"I arranged flowers for you." Owen handed me the bouquet of Yellow Daffodil. "Congratulations on passing your thesis defense. Way to go, future attorney."

"Oh, my gosh. Thanks for reminding me. I still need to do well on the law school entrance exam." Naalala na sabi ko. "I am not sure if it is SBC Law or ALS."

Hati rin kasi ang desisyon ng mga kaibigan ko tapos hindi naman lahat sila ay tutuloy sa law school. Five, River, and Skater will not enrol this year. Tapos si Aero, Sai at Jhules ang mag-eenrol pero nakapag desisyon na sila na ALS na lang. Bahala na, kung saan ako makapasa.

Kinuha ko ang bouquet sabay amoy rito. It has the natural fragrance although I think Owen sprayed some of his perfume.

"Thank you for this." Ngumiti ako sa kanya. "Baka naman pinulot mo ito kung saan?"

He laughed a little. "Sa garden ng Mommy ko."

"Wow. Oo nga pala. You told me about it."

"Yes, she likes to meet you." Owen hesitated at first. "I told her that you are busy so..."

"I'll attend your graduation day."

"Huh?" Nagtataka na tumingin siya sa akin. "Did I hear it wrong?"

"No, Owen. I said I will attend your graduation if the offer is still on the table. I couldn't agree when you first told me because I am not sure about our graduation date. Since mauuna naman ang sa inyo, I can come."

Mula sa seryoso ay napalitan ng sigla ang mukha ni Owen.

"Okay, I'll tell my Mom about it."

"Go on. I'll make some wine for her," sabi ko. "Although, I cannot invite you to our graduation."

"I understand." Tumango siya.

"Wala rin akong graduation party," sabi ko. "You know, after what happened kay River, ayaw ko na muna mag-celebrate. But I will invite you once we decided to organize one."

"You don't need to explain, Sharyn. Hindi naman tayo."

"You're my close friend now, Owen," sabi ko. "I also want you to be there."

"Okay, I'll make sure to be there, wherever it is. Just make the call...and I'll make time." He promised.

"What's your plan after graduation?" curious na tanong ko.

Nilagay ko ang binigay niya na bulaklak sa vase tapos tinabi roon sa table. Natuyo na ang binigay na niya bulaklak ng nakaraan. Owen's spoiling me with fresh flowers every week. Pakiramdam ko nga ay siya ang taga-ubos ng bulaklak ng Mommy niya sa flower shop nila.

I was used to getting flowers but what makes Owen different from those who gave me flowers was he put effort in arranging them. Ang sweet nga, e. Tapos iba-ibang bulaklak ang binigay niya sa akin. Ang ilan nga ay ngayon ko lang nakita.

"I might go to another country."

"Oo nga. Ang dami palang art school ang kumukuha sayo. May napili ka na ba?"

"Maybe London since Royal College of Art is there...but I was thinking of Sweden, too." Napakamot siya sa ulo at medyo nahihiya. "Honestly, sa dami ng choices ay hindi ko na rin alam."

"As expected from someone who came from a family of renowned artists. I am sure you're gonna excel wherever you are. But you leave me with a problem. Sino na lang ipapalit ko sayo?"

"I am afraid you cannot easily replace me, love." Natatawang sabi niya sa malambing na tono.

I rolled my eyes as a joke and eventually laughed. "Oo nga, e. I reviewed the candidates kaso wala. Paano na ang mga events namin without you?"