The Vanishing Love Story

Elijah

The day I unexpectedly bumped into Sabrina in a supermarket in Uptown 

One of my favorite past time was visiting "Uptown Urban Market", one of the largest supermarkets in the Metro, providing us a wide variety of products from Asia, Europe, United States and Australia. The parking lot was big enough for the residents and the customers visiting the supermarket, I locked the car, going to the long escalator leading up to the entrance of the grocery store entrance, to my left was the supermarket's restaurant, a rotisserie serving whole and half chickens, along with ready to eat meals packaged in a reusable black container. 

I showed my membership card to the lady wearing a security guard's outfit and cap, she smiled at me as I walked in. Seeing endless rows of toiletries, along with a rows of imported snacks that has a label of "No Brand". I grabbed some local toiletries, while grabbing some tester kits of Korean skincare that I wanted my parents and I to try. 

Going to the second floor using their long escalator, I headed to their frozen goods section, where I bumped into Sabrina. She dyed her hair chestnut brown, her eyes sparked with surprise, she wore a pink sweater over a white cropped tank top, completing the look with high-waisted jeans, and a pair of white sneakers. Her signature "S" necklace rested on her neck, and her studded earrings added a touch of flair to her overall appearance. 

As we exchanged greetings, we looked each other in the eyes, her eyes still had love for me, while I knew I was over her. I walked past her, forgetting how she looked at me, forgetting how she made me feel the first time we met, forgetting how happy we were before things got rough between us. I distracted myself by updating Alaine on where I was, while asking her on the Open House she was attending, I grabbed some frozen bags of hash browns, a pack of bacon, and a ready to heat cheese pizza box made originally in italy. I walked over to the chips aisle, and stumbled upon Popcorners, another popcorn brand that my family and I enjoy aside from Smartfood, I grabbed three bags placing it on my cart, and buying the rest of the stuff on my list. 

I made my way to the counter, seeing her on the other counter, I focused on getting out of there, I placed the stuff on the conveyor belt continuously, while the nice lady scanned it. The bag boy, giving me reusable bags, after paying, I made my way to the elevator, not wanting to bump into her. But for some reason, she and her younger brother Nathan walked in the elevator, reusable bags on their shoulders, she silently looked at me, acknowledging my presence but didn't say a word. 

I got off on the first basement level, leaving her presence, and leaving how she made me feel, how I realized my love for her didn't disappear. The anger i felt was still there, when I placed my bags at the back trunk. I made a quick stop to my getaway spot where I need to realize how I feel, I sat in my car, engine off, I stepped out and saw the skyline of the uptown and lower areas of the city. 

I did some breathing exercises, cooling off, before i headed home, mom prepared lunch, Vegetable Kare Kare, a staple that I enjoyed eating when I was 5 years old. Dad, was at work, so it was just me putting away the groceries. Mom and I ate in silence, noticing me gazing in my untouched plate, she placed her hand on my wrist, her look concerned, her motherly instinct kicking in that something was bothering me. 

"I bumped into Sabrina today." I say, placing my fork down and looking up at her 

"Ohh!" She says, "How did you feel seeing her?" 

I pause for a moment, contemplating how to express my feelings, knowing that Alaine and I are going strong. But, the encounter with Sabrina brought back some of the good memories we had together that I thought I had forgotten. 

"I don't know, Mom." I admit, furrowing my brow, "It was unexpected, and i guess it stirred some old feelings. We exchanged pleasantries, but there was this awkward tension, you know? Like I don't know if I can forgive her but at the same time it's like she's this force that always come back." 

Mom looks at me with understanding eyes, her hand still gently resting on my wrist. "Does Alaine know? Do you still love Sabrina despite what she did?" 

I looked to the ground, reminding myself of the commitment I have with Alaine. "I haven't told her about the encounter yet. And mom, it's not about still loving Sabrina, it's more about the unresolved emotions and questions I have despite what she did. We never really had closure since I was and am still upset." 

Mom nods understanding the complexity of the situation. "Closure is important for your peace of mind, and it's understandable that the encounter brought up those lingering questions. But keep in mind, sweetheart, that seeking closure doesn't mean reopening old wounds despite how recent you guys broke up. It's about finding a way to understand and accept the past so you can move forward." 

I take in Mom's words, appreciating her wisdom. "You're right, mom. I don't dwell on the past, but I also don't want these unresolved feelings to affect my potential present and future with Alaine." 

Mom gives me my hand a reassuring squeeze. "Exactly, sweetheart. Closure is about finding a sense of resolution within yourself, not necessarily with the other person. It's a personal journey to let go of your emotional baggage." 

I nod, feeling a sense of clarity. "I'll speak to Alaine about it, make her understand that it's not about us getting back together but about finding peace within ourselves, so Sabrina and I can finally close this chapter. I also want her to know that she's a priority and Sabrina is just an obstacle we need to overcome." 

Mom smiles warmly, "Communication is key, main reasons on why your dad and I are still together. She will likely appreciate your honesty, just remember it is a process, and both of you may need time to navigate through it. Also, be patient with each other." 

Taking a deep breath, I feel the weight lifted off my shoulders. "Thank you mom. I'm grateful for the advice you gave me." 

As we continue our conversation, I begin to feel more confident about addressing the situation with Alaine. We sat in the round dining table, eating mom's popular vegetable Kare Kare, talking about Alaine's open house that was today. She said, how proud she was of Alaine, being strong despite her dad's death, I admire Alaine for being strong, and for having so much wisdom even if she was an introverted girl that I like and am falling in love with. 

I washed the dishes, while mom helped me with putting them in the dishwasher, I walked up to my room, dropping my phone on my nightstand. Thinking, staring at the ceiling wondering what I would say when I see Alaine, wondering how she would feel when I tell her, and wondering if she will hate me or not. 

I decided to drown myself in work, work has been my stress reliever, college is starting in a month and I am excited about this new chapter of my life. Being able to share my passion with the people I love, being able to study in a course that I chose for myself, and finally focusing on my goals, is what I was looking forward to. 

I ended up eating Carbonara that mom made for dinner, dad joined us a bit later, finishing up mom's leftover pasta while spending time with our golden retriever. Mom and dad retired to their room, while I fixed up the kitchen, before I headed to my room.