Irene opened the door for me. It's been a long time since I last visited their house. Seven years ago I was here being Irene's best friend. Now there's a lot of changes that happened.
"Ready honey?" tanong niya
"Yes" sagot ko
We entered their house and the first thing I saw is her beautiful painting.
"It's still here" sabi ko
"I wanted to show it off, it has your signature"
I chuckle seeing my signature on the lower right corner of the painting. It's a painting of two girls running by the beach. They're wearing long white summer dress. A girl is holding a straw hat while the other one is holding a red scarf.
Irene painted it while we were beside their pool. We imagined going to the beach during that time.
"I really love this painting of yours" I said
"If I have time I will try to paint again" she said
I feel glad she said that. We stayed at their receiving area for quite long time.
"Before we go to the dining area let me bring you first to my room, I am sure you miss that place" she said
"I do, may nagbago ba?" tanong ko
"See for yourself Czari"
I laughed when she winked at me. We went upstairs and I feel a bit nervous. Kanina ko pa napansin parang wala man lang tao sa bahay nila.
We stopped in front of a familiar door. I smiled as she opens the door for me.
"Come in" she politely said
I stepped in and looked around. There are changes in her room but something caught my eyes.
"Is that..."
Hindi ko na naituloy ang itatanong nang makuha ang pink rose sa side table niya.
"I kept it, it's hard to look at it for seven years. I miss you everyday, everytime I see your first and last present to me"
I suddenly feel bad. I slowly pulled her closer to me and kiss her forehead.
"I'm sorry Irene"
"It's fine, just don't leave me again. You'll suffer if you do that" banta niya
"Promise I will not, takot ko lang sayo" biro ko
We suddenly heard a knock from the door. My smile disappeared feeling nervous again. Irene opened it and I saw her Mom coming in.
"Oh my gosh is that...Czarina?"
"Hello po Tita, long time no see" sabi ko
"You're so tall na hija, what happened to you? Bigla ka na lang nawala" sabi nito
She pulled me for a tight hug. I chuckle as she kisses my cheek.
"Sorry po Tita Athena, long story. Lumipat kami sa Sta. Rosa ng biglaan kaya po hindi na ako nakapag-paalam"
"Louise kept waiting for you...until-"
"Mom, stop embarrassing me in front of her" Irene said
"Excuse me? I am not trying to embarrass you in front of your friend ha. Anyway I am glad seeing you again here hija" Tita said
Napakagat ako ng labi, oo nga pala wala pang may alam sa family niya bukod kay Iris.
"Is Iris and Ash already here?" tanong bigla ni Irene
