T.S. STORIES #4: Say Don't Go (Completed)

Chapter 27

The next morning, we stepped out of the inn and boarded back to the city. I had to go back early to finish packing up my things. The sun hadn't risen yet, and the cold air was still biting. He already gave up his leather jacket to me, but still, I found myself clutching his hand, hoping to share each other's warmth.

The silence between us remained still, but I know, every breath he took was an unspoken question about what could be my final say for us. Without him knowing, I was already sorting out thoughts as I looked out in the window.

We reached the bus station by eight, the city still waking up around us. I followed him back to his car, but as soon as we found it, he turned to me. "Tapos na ba talaga tayo?" he asked, his smile etched with uncertainty.

I sighed deeply. "All I can say... Thank you for being there for me. I had a great time with you. I hope you'll soon find someone you deserve and worth having."

He didn't reply for a moment, just stood there, his look etched with conflicting emotions. Then, in a swift movement, he pulled me close—into a tight embrace. The way he held me, the desperation clinging to his touch, spoke something more than words ever could.

With a final, lingering squeeze, I pulled away, forcing a watery smile. "Ingat ka," I whispered, the words catching in my throat.

When I finally let go of his hand, I turned around and walked away. I went home all by himself, while my mind replayed every moment I had with him.

At home, I was immediately greeted with a worried look on their faces. Mama embraced me, and threw a series of questions about my leaving without their knowing. Kristelle and Annie told them about everything yesterday, but they had nothing to tell about where Raiver took me. I also called the girls, whom I recalled as the ones who tried to stop Francine. I was relieved, upon hearing they weren't harmed by that girl.

I changed my clothes, and fixed myself before leaving. This time, I told Mama I'll be meeting his parents to explain. She almost didn't want me to leave anymore, but I rushed to the gate, promised to come back sooner.

I called a taxi and went away. I texted him, just an alibi. I'd make sure he would buy it.

You

Ano address niyo? May ipapadala sana akong mga gamit mo dito.

Sent 9:16 am

You

Baka matapon lang ni Mama pag-alis ko.

Sent 9:16 am

He quickly responded with his address, as I expected. I relayed the address to the driver, pacing the cab through the city. Despite our time together, I had never been to his house. He always picked me up from home but never took me to his place.

When we reached the address, all I saw was a wide gate and concrete fences. Stepping out, I took a deep breath, steeling my nerves. I sighed, before I finally rang the doorbell. It took seconds before someone came to open the gate. Glad it was just him, but he was clearly surprised by my sudden presence. "Icarus? Akala ko aalis ka na," he said, puzzled.

"Pumunta ako rito dahil balita ko, gusto akong kausapin ng parents mo."

A relieved smile spread across his face. He reached for my hand, his touch sending a jolt through me. He led me towards their home, pacing through their green yard. Quite surprised, I saw a two-storey house, but there were about four cars parked outside. I recognized the blue one, but the other three seemed to belong to his parents and siblings.