Happy Birthday, September

Special Chapter

Special Chapter

'It has been six years, Sean,' Serene placed the bouquet of crocheted forget-me-nots beside his name. Six years passed and a lot changed for everyone. Ever since he was gone, Serene completely lost it and almost didn't take the NMAT – almost.

'Red, parang ayoko na,' Serene's eyes were puffy, crying every night, regretting everything, and questioning herself about what happened. She couldn't focus and wouldn't want to get out of her room. She lost all the motivation to review for the NMAT and didn't review after what happened to Sean.

'Don't blame yourself, Rene. No one wanted that to happen.' Red assured her but she silently cried whilst hugging her friend. Ris, the loud one became quiet and tried everything to help their friend by staying at her place for some time.

It was a difficult time for Serene, for all of them but, Sean's friends would visit her to give her food, flowers, and tried their best to cheer her up. They knew how much Sean loved Serene. Loved – past tense, how beautiful yet painful. Especially Joaquin who was pained by the sight of her first love grieving for her greatest love. The best and only thing he could do was be by her side, not leaving despite him also grieving.

'Kins.'

Silence followed when Serene, after a long time of crying, finally said something – his name. But it was something Joaquin did not expect. His lips pursed before making eye contact with Serene.

'I don't want to take the NMAT anymore.'

Joaquin still loves her, his eyes can tell and eyes don't lie. And seeing her crumbling in front of his eyes, broke him into pieces. Despite everything, Sean is still his best friend and he valued their friendship so much that he couldn't love Serene the way he wanted to.

'He wouldn't want that for you, Rene. Ano nalang kaya sasabihin mo sa kanya after six years? Na you gave up your dreams because of him? He'll forever blame himself for being gone and seeing you lose your passion.'

And yet that almost became final. It was September again, the time of falling in love and losing a loved one.

'I graduated med school! I'll be taking my internship program and reviewing for the board exams,' Serene was smiling while she was sharing her life after six years beside Sean's grave. The what could have beens and what ifs, ano kaya ginagawa ni Serene kung hindi siya nagpatuloy sa pagdodoktor?

'Years after the 22nd of September, yet I still remember your smile that day, the words you said, and the laugh that always made me blush.' She said to him while tears rolled down her cheek, whilst watching the beautiful sunset. Serene loved him, that's for sure.

Fast forward to her being officially a cardiologist. After years of hard work and breakdowns. She can finally say, 'I made it!' She opened a clinic and started a heart-to-heart campaign where she gives free medications and check ups for people who have heart diseases. She's amazing in her field and was pursued by many doctors but she opened her heart to the one and only, Joaquin. Oh and little note, Ris and Marcus are already engaged! Whilst Red is still finding the one and is having her strong independent girlie moment.

I read a book that says 'do it or do not do it — you will regret both.' Kung hindi kaya sumulpot si Serene sa NMAT, magiging masaya ba siya hanggang ngayon? Pero ngayon na doktor na siya, sa tingin niyo ba na pinagsisisihan niya pa 'rin nangyari kay Sean?

Side note: Serene opened her heart because she saw how much Joaquin loves her ever since.

Our minds are full of thoughts that dwell too much in the past, not knowing that it will forever haunt our present, and our future. We love, grief, and let go. Joaquin was there for Serene for a long time. Serene loved Sean and letting go of him doesn't mean forgetting him. Let's not carry the burden of losing a loved one but rather bring and keep their happy memories with us forever.

A

This is an anniversary and birthday gift to HBDS. After two years, I finally wrote the short special chapter with a light heart. Sadly, I won't be writing stories about them anymore or any of the characters. I decided to write stories but with different style/plot. I would like to thank everyone for reading this! I am officially ending this era! Always remember, Happy Birthday, September!

Love, 

A