CHAPTER 8

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CHAPTER 8: A GLIMPSE OF CHANGE


Aurora's words lingered in my mind as the days went by, each poem in her book becoming more than just lines on a page—they became pathways to understanding her, and perhaps even myself. My routine remained the same, but there was an underlying sense of anticipation, a feeling that each day brought me closer to something significant.

One evening, as I sat at my usual spot in the park, the cool breeze rustling the leaves, I pulled out Aurora's book and opened to a new page.


Page 174: Reflection.

In the stillness of the night, a mirror stands, Reflecting truths, untouched by hands. Eyes that see but do not speak, In silence, answers they seek.

A heart that's worn, with scars so deep, In its chambers, secrets keep. Every beat, a story told, Of memories cherished, and those that fold.

Gaze into the glass so clear, See the past, both far and near. In the reflection, find your way, Through the night, to break of day.

For in the mirror lies the key, To understanding what could be. Look beyond the surface bright, Find the truth, in the quiet light.

I closed the book, letting the words sink in. There was something about Aurora's poetry that resonated deeply with me, a connection that went beyond the surface. I found myself reflecting on my own life, my own struggles, and the scars I carried. Aurora's words were like a beacon, guiding me through the complexities of my emotions.

My phone buzzed, pulling me out of my thoughts. It was a message from Xiamira.

Xiamira: Hoy, Mister kupido! May event si Ms. Aurora bukas! 

Bigla naman akong nakaramdam ng kung anong kuryente sa katawan ko. This is my chance to see her again, to hear her perform live, and maybe even talk to her once more. I quickly replied.

Me: Okay. 

Xiamira: Alam mo, malapit kana nga maging gurang, cold kapa rin.

Napa taas naman ang kilay ko sa reply niya. Ano nanaman bang problema nito? Palagi nalang 'tong may problema sakin. Minsan napapa isip ako kung nanay koba siya sa past life ko eh. 


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I immersed myself in preparing for Aurora's event. I reread her book, trying to grasp every nuance, every hidden meaning in her poems. I wanted to be ready, to show her that I was serious about understanding her work, and by extension, understanding her.

The night of the event arrived, and I found myself standing outside the venue, a mix of excitement and nervousness coursing through me. The place was buzzing with energy, people milling about, chatting animatedly. I made my way inside, the familiar atmosphere of a poetry gathering wrapping around me like a warm blanket.

Aurora was already on stage when I entered, her presence commanding the room. She began to recite a new poem, her voice weaving through the air, captivating everyone in the audience.


"In the depths where shadows creep,
In the silent night, I weep, Lost in labyrinths of sorrow,
Wishing for a brighter morrow.

Whispers of despair entwine, Echoes of a heart confined,
 Loneliness, my hollow shroud, Silent screams within the crowd.

Wandering in endless night, Longing for a spark of light,
 Eyes that search, yet cannot see,  A soul adrift, yearning to be free."


"Yearning to be free..."
I muttered under my breath. "Makalaya.. saan?" I asked myself. 


"Then came a voice, both strong and kind,A beacon bright, within my mind."


My heart begins to beat fast. 


"He called my name, through shadows deep, A promise made, my heart to keep."


Thats...


""I'll find you there," his words a flame, "Within the dark, I'll call your name."


I... My thoughts are running wild.. my heart is beating so fast... 


"Through pain and fear, I'll break the chains, And bring you home from sorrow's reign."


Shes...


"He seeks me out, through shadows thick,With every step, the darkness ticks. He calls my name, in tender tone, A promise made, I'm not alone."


... Talking about me... isn't she...?



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Natapos na lahat lahat yung performance niya, pero naka tunganga parin ako sa stage kahit wala na siya doon. Hindi parin ako makapaniwala sa narinig ko. Ako ba yung sinasabi niya? Or am I just being delusional? 

Bumalik sa katinuan ang isip ko ng makarinig ako ng mga bulong sa paligid.

"Anong ibig sabihin ni Ms. Aurora?"

"Ngayon lang ako nakarinig ng poem niya medyo may kulay." 

"Sino yung sinasabi niya?"

"A man?"

"Her secret lover, perhaps?" 

Nag salubong naman ang dalawang kilay ko at pinanood sila na isa isang lumabas.

"Secret lover my ass." I muttered to myself.

"Are you talking to someone only you can see?" A woman spoke behind me, her voice cold and almost authoritative. It sent shiver to my spine. 

As I turned to see who it was, I saw someone I least expected to see.

Ms. Aurora.. 

"W- Wha- M- Miss Aurora.. andiyan kapo pala.." nauutal kong sagot sabay tayo.

Binigyan naman niya ako ng matipid na ngiti. "Did you like my new composed poem?"

My heart skips a beat. Parang nawawala nanaman ako sa sarili ko. What is happening to me?!

"Yes." I replied, trying to compose myself and act nonchalant even though my heart is beating so fast. Sobrang lakas na parang maririnig na ata niya pag lumapit siya ng onti! Huwag naman sana! 

Bago pa siya makapag salita ulit ay tinawag na siya ng body guard niya. "Ms. Aurora, kailangan napo natin umalis." Seryosong saad nito. 

She nods slightly in acknowledgement, her gaze never leaving me. 

"See you around, Emrys." Matipid niyang sagot sabay alis. Ano bang nangyayari?!? Gusto ko nalang magpa lamon sa lupa!


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"Ano sayo, Mister Kupido?" Tanong ni Xiamira sakin. Hilig niya 'kong tawaging Mister Kupido dahil parang ako daw si Cupid, yung nalugi version nga lang daw. Nakakainis, diba? 

Nasa cafe kami ngayon, napilitan lang akong sumama dahil sinugod niya nanaman ako sa bahay at pinag hahahagis yung mga unan at kumot ko at hindi daw siya titigil hanggat hindi ako sumasama. Ang tigas talaga ng ulo. 

"Matcha latte nalang," Matipid kong sagot na ikina taas naman ng kilay niya. 

"Matcha? Kailan kapa umiinom non?" Tanong niya sabay order.

"Simula nung naging 101% yung level ng pang b bwisit mo sakin."

"Buang." 

Naupo ako sa bakanteng upuan saka nag scroll sa instagram.

Maya maya ay naupo narin si Xia, bitbit yung inumin namin.

"Naka punta ka sa event niya kahapon?" Tanong niya sabay bigay sakin nung inumin ko. 

"Nino?" I asked innocently.

"Beh, buang ka pero dika tanga." Nauurat nanaman niyang sagot. Pinag lihi ba 'to sa sama ng loob?

"Oo, naka punta ako." Sagot ko sabay inom.

"Ikaw yung tinutukoy niya noh?" Tanong niya sabay taas ng kilay na ikina samid ko naman. 

"Ano bayan, Xiamira! Kung ano ano pinag sasasabi mo."

"Achuchuchuuu, defensive agad ha. Nag bibiro lang naman ako eh" She grins teasingly and playfully pokes my shoulder.

I swat her hand away. "Ano bayan? Tumigil kanga, para kang bata." Suway ko sakaniya na ikina irap naman niya sakin. 

I kept scrolling through my phone while drinking my drink when Xiamira excitedly shakes me.

"Kupido, Kupido! Tignan mo dali! Nag post na si Ms. Aurora sa Instagram niya! Her first ever post! Ack!" Excited niyang sabi habang niyayanig ang balikat ko. 

I leaned close to her to see the post at muntikan akong mabilaukan sa nakita ko. 

She posted a picture of her hand holding a pen, with a sunset in the background. It was simple, yet it made my heart skip a beat.


Yung pen na hawak niya... ayun yung niregalo ko sakaniya nung birthday niya..


"Lovely."
She said in the caption.

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