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

Chapter 28

The familiar pavement I once walked on stretched out before me. It wasn't long ago I walked this same path, driven by a hundred reasons that forced me to leave. Back then, my heart was heavy, my mind a chaotic mess.

This time, I didn't want to leave. Stepping out of the car, I took my baggage with me, filled with the memories of my two-month stay. It was time to return to my second home. Mama followed me out, along with my siblings. We clung to each other for a moment longer, knowing next time will be next year. Hopefully, I'll see them again at my graduation.

"Mag-ingat ka ha," Mama's voice was laced with concern. "'Wag kang gala nang gala doon. Alam mo namang wala kami sa tabi mo pagbalik mo do'n."

A playful smile tugged at my lips. "Opo, Ma. Magpapakabait ho ako," I replied, mimicking her tone.

I turned to our side, Raiver stood patiently to the side, waiting for his turn. As I pulled away from my family, my gaze met his. Just when I walked towards him, to my surprise, he leaned down and captured my lips in a quick kiss. A wave of warmth flooded my cheeks, and a giggle escaped my lips. "Sira ka talaga," I chided him playfully.

His eyes twinkled with mischief. "Sa'yo lang sira," he whispered, his breath warm against my ear.

Just then, a series of exaggerated coughs cut through the air. "Landi muna bago ma-late sa flight," my sister teased, a grin plastered on her face.

My cheeks burned even brighter. Blushing furiously, I pulled away from Raiver, slowly taking a step back. His grip on my hand tightened momentarily, a silent plea to hold on just a bit longer. Finally, with a sigh, he let go. "I love you," he mouthed, his gaze intense.

"I love you, too," I whispered back, the words catching in my throat. Turning away, I started walking towards the airport entrance, each step a struggle against something pulling me back.

Just before I went in, I paused. A wave of emotion washed over me. Looking back one last time, I caught their gazes – Mama's filled with worry, my siblings' playful and teasing, and Raiver's longing gaze.

With a final, lingering wave, I stepped into the heart of the bustling airport. I took a deep sigh, while being greeted by people who were rushing to catch their flights. I never imagined leaving could be this heartbreaking. But, I'll see them soon. That's all that matters.

By six a.m., the plane reached the MCIA. I claimed my baggage and made my way to the curb outside to hail a cab, heading to my apartment. As we drove through the early morning streets, the city slowly waking up around us, I felt a strange mix of emotions. I was glad to be back, yet a part of me still lingered in the summer air of my hometown. Upon walking into the premises, I greeted the landlady and gave her some pasalubong. I climbed the stairs to my apartment, unlocked the door, and stepped inside. The air was a bit stale, having been closed up for two months, but it felt comforting to be back. Dropping my bags at the entrance, I ran straight to my bed and jumped onto it, letting out a long sigh of relief. I stared at the ceiling, letting my mind drift to the memories I had made here over the past three years.

By afternoon, I decided to call my friends for a meet-up at a nearby mall. I knew they'd been expecting me to come back before the start of the classes. Upon seeing me, they rushed and gave me a warm hug. A pinch to my cheek. A pat on my head. A chorus of laughter. They really missed me.

Especially Greg.

He was the last to step forward. He looked better than the last time I saw him, and I quickly noticed that his sling cast was gone. "Kamusta ka?" I asked.