The Elixir Project [Gen L Society #4]

Chapter 29

André

"It's been thirty three hours, sixteen minutes and 10 seconds since Charles and I officially became a couple..." Nakangiti kong sambit habang nakatingin sa puntod ni Grandpapa. "Sayang, papi. Hindi ko napakilala si Charles sa'yo nang maayos. Why did you have to leave so soon?"

A cold gush of air suddenly passed by under the scorching sun. Napangiti ulit ako because I knew that was grandpapa's way of letting me know that he was hearing my story... my love story.

"You know what, papi, looking back at it now, it's funny to think that I finally found that love you've always been telling me about. I really thought that was all just bullshit. But, you were right... when it comes, you just know and feel it."

Huminga ako nang malalim at tumayo mula sa kinauupuan ko. I looked at grandpapa's black and white photo engraved on his tomb. It was his special request na palagyan ng picture ang puntod niya.

"Thank you for everything, papi. I hope you're resting well in paradise now. Love you," I saluted before leaving his grave.

I checked the time on my phone. 10:31 am. Kakahatid ko lang kay Charles kanina sa university. I told her na susunduin ko siya after class. It's been only two hours since I last saw her, and yet, my heart was already aching to see her.

After driving my bike for an hour, nakarating ako sa university building ng Architecture department. Tumambay muna ako sa labas ng kwarto nila. Alam kong nandoon sila sa Room 308 according sa class schedule nila. Building Technology 3.

"Commander, ikaw ba yan?"

Napalingon ako sa boses na dumating at nakita ko ang isang pamilyar na mukha. "Rance, brad, kumusta?"

"Malapit na kitang hindi namukhaan ah! Iba ang pormahan mo ngayon. Ganyan ba talaga kapag tumatanda?"

I chuckled. "Pogi pa rin naman kahit tumatanda."

"Teka, ano'ng ginagawa mo dito? Back to school ka? Namiss mo mag-aral?"

"Namiss ko makita pagmumukha mo," biro kong sagot.

"Kunwari pa tong si Commander eh. Ano nga? May bagong babae ka ba dito?"

"Gago, good boy ako ah. Isa lang ang babae ko."

"Sino nga ulit 'yong fiancee mo? Olivia?"

Umiling ako. "Wala na kami ni Olivia."

"Oh, sinasabi ko na nga ba. Iba ka talaga, Commander!" Tinapik ako ni Rance sa aking balikat. "Sige, mauna na ako. Kikitain ko pa si Roxie."

Napatigil ako sa pagbanggit niya sa kanyang babaeng kapatid. I knew how much Rance loved and cared for his sister. "Teka, Rance, kumusta na si Roxie?"

He paused for a moment, before nodding his head. "Okay naman siya, Commander. Hindi lang katulad ng dati, pero nagpapasalamat pa rin ako dahil kung hindi dahil sa'yo, baka wala na ang kapatid ko."