Behind Every Pages

Chapter Twenty-three

Ezra

In February, I will be leaving for the U.S.A to pursue my dream of becoming an internationally recognized author, just two months from now.

I don't see any obstacles standing in my way. Not even my feelings for Lestari. I feel like I can leave even if she's here. I feel like I can handle it even if I'm far away from her.

Deep in thought while listening to music through my earphones, I pondered about what awaits me in the U.S. Perhaps that's where I'll continue my studies. It's a shame because I'm about to graduate. I tried to persuade Mr. Donatello, but he insisted that I must leave by February.

I was startled when someone bumped into my shoulder. It hurt, but I quickly turned to the person I bumped into, worried that I might have hurt them too. Fate seemed to be playing games with me as I laid eyes on the only woman who could make my heart race. It felt like a pang in my chest seeing her again after a long period of silence. My heart sank as I noticed her swollen eyes. She didn't look at me, but I could see how puffy they were, probably from crying too much.

What happened now? What new restriction has been imposed on you this time?

I watched her from a distance in the cafeteria, seeing her cry. It frustrated me that I didn't have the courage to approach her and talk to her. I wasn't the person she confided in during times like these, even though I promised to always listen to her.

I received a message from her, which was surprising because it seemed like she was using Euradice's phone, as hers was broken by her father.

Tahan na, Lesty.

I'm sure.

Iisang tao lang sila.

I confirmed this when I bumped into Kuya Alistair at the supermarket while I was grocery shopping. We were both surprised but exchanged greetings.

"Dito po ba kayo nakatira?" tanong ko.

"Ah hindi. Lumipat na kasi ang amo ko dito, syempre kasa-kasama kami ng misis ko dahil doon rin naman siya nagtatrabaho sa pamilya nila Lesty." sagot niya. May kasama siyang magandang babae na may edad na rin. Ngumiti ako rito.

"Kailan po kayo lumipat dito?" I couldn't help but ask. As far as I could remember, Lestari had been here for more than two weeks.

"Two weeks na rin ano, Mahal?" tanong niya sa katabi niya na tumango naman.

Gusto kong ngumiti sa nalaman pero tumango ako.

"Kamusta na po si Lestari?" sobrang kaba ng dibdib ko nang subukan kong tanungin ang tungkol kay Lesty sa pangalan ni Lestari.

"Ayun, may problema ulit iyon dahil hindi pinayagan sa book signing event ata. Hindi na nga pumapasok sa school eh. Pero de bale, sa Linggo ay ako ang dadalo muli para iabot sa kaniya ang libro na napirmahan na ng paborito niyang Author." napangiti ako.

I knew it! Iisang tao lang sila!

"Maraming salamat, Kuya Alistair, sa mga efforts niyo sa kaniya," sobrang bait talaga ng isang ito.

"Gagawin ko ang lahat para sa kaniya," mapait na ngiti ang pinakawalan niya.

"Bale Kuya, puwede ko bang mahingi ang Facebook mo or kahit na number. Para masabihan kita kapag may book signing ako. Mag-aabot akong muli ng regalo para kay Lestari kapag hindi nanaman siya papayagan,"