Tell Her About Me ( Published Under IMMAC PPH La Gran Lista )

EPILOGUE

When I wake up each morning, the first thought that rustles through my mind is, 'You no longer have a mother; she is gone, so get up and feed yourself.' It's incredibly painful, but I have to rise for my own sake.
My mom was the most important person in my life; she gave me everything she had. When she left, I slowly crawled back to life, enduring the feeling of being left behind. It's okay because I love my mom so much. I chose to go through the pain instead of her; I didn't want her to suffer, especially since my dad was her problem from the very start. I witnessed my mom crying every night, and then, I don't know what happened. I was afraid to question her until I saw her breathless.

In her departure, I came to the realization that despite possessing numerous properties and wealth, we cannot purchase the people we hold dear. True love and happiness cannot be found through material wealth. Making a solemn promise to myself, I decided that one woman would be enough for me. I resolved not to use my resources to seek my one true love. Then, there she was-finding my life, I felt an overwhelming sense of delirium.

When I was on the brink of death, the voice of an angel saved me. For the first time, I could sense that going to my grandparents' hometown marked the beginning of my fortunate days. At first, I thought I was hallucinating, as a heavenly beauty spoke to me.

I fell in love with her, once, twice, and repeatedly. From the moment I laid eyes on her, I started envisioning a future together, but destiny had other plans. Despite enrolling in a different school, I found ways to pursue her. I learned her schedule and the places she frequented. I wanted to approach her for the second time, but she was with her best friend, so I stepped back.
Sa ikatlong pagkakataon ay tumuloy na ako. Kahit katabi niya pa ang best friend ay niyaya ko siyang sumayaw para magkausap kami.

"It's good to see you again, Chelsea." Unang beses na nagtagpo ang mga mata namin at nahalata ko sa kaniya na may kakaibang ningning ang mga mata niya. Iyon ay dahil may nararamdaman na rin pala siya sa'kin. Hindi na ako nahirapan na kunin ang puso niya. She's simple, yet funny kaya nagkasundo kami agad.

New Year's Eve became the most unforgettable night of my life because I wasn't disappointed when I asked her if she would agree to be with me. She said, "Let's give it a try," but it was a new way of saying 'yes'.

It's a fact. Genuine feelings aren't hard to express, and I foresee that's where we're heading. We ended up there. In short, you ended up as my girlfriend. Though nervous, I had confidence in myself, knowing she was meant for me. It shouldn't just be a girlfriend; if circumstances allowed, a proposal would have been in the works considering our age. But I can wait for her.

She is such a sweet girlfriend that I can't help but love her more-more than my life itself. Hanggang sa nagpaalam siya para mag-aral sa Maynila, medyo malayo iyon-6 oras o higit pa ang biyahe. Wala akong magagawa at hindi rin ako puwedeng kumontra dahil para iyon sa kaniyang kinabukasan. Even though I wanted to stop her and say that even if we had ten children, I could support them without us going hungry because I had a lot of money in my accounts. But I let her go, trusting her completely.

Sa isang relasyon, talagang dumaraan sa mga pagsubok ang lahat, pero handa akong harapin lahat nang iyon. Kahit may problema ako sa pamilya ko, at sa buhay ko, kaya ko pa rin siyang hintayin at ipaglaban. I love her kaya titiisin ko ang lahat para sa kaniya.

I'm sorting out every detail of my situation while it's not too late. Galit ako sa daddy ko dahil sa ginawa niyang pag-iwan sa akin sa Cebu. I couldn't understand him because I am still immature. Despite trying to be strong and act like an adult, I can't. I am still a young, rebellious kid. I got swayed and drained when the truth between me and my half-sister was revealed. Everything changed.

I thought my dad only wanted to secure what was rightfully his-money and properties. However, it turned out that wasn't the case. It was because he wanted to make amends with his child from another relationship. He made mistakes but later regretted them and went through hardships. The loss of my mom was punishment enough for him; he couldn't bear the sorrow, so he resorted to using illegal substances. He felt guilty because he was afraid to tell Mom the truth while she was still alive. He regrets it, but he never abandoned his child with Tita Mariel, and it made me feel less alone too. I was happy to discover I had a sibling, but it reached a point where I unintentionally neglected the person I love.

Hindi ko alam kung ano ang uunahin ko noong mga oras na kailangan ako ng kapatid ko at alam ko rin na kailangan ako ni Chelsea, pero alam ko na maiintindihan niya ako bandang huli kaya pinili ko muna ang lumayo sa kaniya at ayusin ang magulong buhay ko. Alam ko na mauunawaan niya ang lahat-lahat at hindi rin naman ako nagkamali ng desisyon.

The three years were tough, and I knew she was struggling too, but we needed to continue pursuing our dreams for ourselves. I loved her so much, and even after we parted ways, I didn't look at anyone else. I continued to dream for us, for our future. I drew strength from above, so I turned to prayer, hoping she would come back to me. Despite her repeatedly letting me go due to her jealousy, I remained steadfast. Susuyuin ko pa rin siya hanggang sa huli.

"Tuloy na tuloy ka na niyan?" tanong ko sa kaniya. Medyo naninikip ang dibdib ko dahil sa wakas ay nagkita na kami, pero nalaman ko na aalis pala siya papuntang ibang bansa. Graduate na siya ng college, kaya magtatrabaho na.

"Oo naman, wala namang pipigil," simpleng sagot niya, pero lahat ng tanong niya sa isip ko ay nasagot noon. Pero gusto ko pa ring siguraduhin ang status ko sa kaniya.

"Wala kang nakita na mas higit sa akin?" I stared at her and smiled. Tama. Mahal niya pa rin ako. I saw the sparkle in her eyes, the way she looks at me, and it reminds me of how lucky I am to have her.

"Wala. Paano ako makakahanap ng higit pa, kung lahat sila taob sa'yo?" I can't predict her! I didn't expect her response. Pinanghinaan ako, kaya halos patayin ko na agad ang makina ng sasakyan para yakapin siya, pero nagtimpi lang ako. Hanggang titig lang ang magagawa ko sa ngayon, pero senyales na iyon na may pag-asa pa ako sa kaniya.

Thank God, I'm not too late! This was a perfect time to pursue her again, at kahit sabihin niya pa na nakamove-on na siya sa akin ay hinding-hindi ako maniniwala. Dahil kilala ko siya at kilala rin ako ng puso niya. Hindi ako papayag na aalis siya ng bansa at iiwan ako nang hindi kami nagkakaayos.

After locking the door, I kissed her with a love and happiness that overflowed. We shared countless kisses, our lips unable to contain the intensity of our feelings. My hands explored every part of her eager body, from head to thighs. Despite our overwhelming desires, I wanted to bring her to the church first before anything else.
"Ihahatid na kita sa inn, baby," I murmured.

"But, Zane-"

"Shh! I can wait. I love you, baby. Kaya makakapaghintay ako." I stopped her. Ngumiti siya nang ubod nang tamis at niyakap ako nang mahigpit na mahigpit.
"I love you too, love," she replied, and then I kissed her once more to seal our lips forever.