The Box (One Shot Story)

Epilogue

Zaina’s POV

Graduate na kami. Malapit ng umalis sila Anton.:’(

“Zaina. Halika na.” sabi niya. andito kami ngayon sa mall, mag libot daw kami habang andito pa siya. Para namang hindi siya babalik.

“ah, sige, sige.” I forced a smile. Pero since that day he said to me he’s leaving. I cannot concentrate.

“Zaina, are you okay?” he asked. He held my hand.

“ah, yes I’m fine. I was just thinking something. So san na tayo?” tanong ko.

“I don’t want to see you like this.” Sabi niya bigla. Then yumuko siya. “Zaina kung napipilitan ka lang sumama ngayon, it’s okay you can tell me.” sabi niya.

“No, hindi ako napipilitan.” Sabi ko then he look at me.

“then what’s the problem? Malapit na akong umalis all I wanted was to spend more time with you.” Sabi niya. I’m sorry Anton. I just can’t enjoy.

“That’s the point Anton. Malapit na nga pero para kasing sa pinapakita mo hindi ka na babalik.” Sabi ko. naiiyak na ako.

“Zaina, I’m coming back. That’s my promise to you.” Sabi niya. then he look straight to my eyes.

“Just be sure to come back Anton.” Sabi ko.

“of course I will. I told you before, I’ll be true to my words.” Sabi niya. napangiti ako. Then I felt that a tear slip away from my eyes. He wipe it away. “I will never let you cry.” Sabi niya then he hugged me. “tara na.” I just smiled and followed his lead. Nanuod kami ng movies. Nag laro din sa may play area. Nag food trip. Ansaya, I should be happy now, I should enjoy this moment. Kasi matagal pa ulit ang aantayin ko pag umalis na siya. Tahimik kami. Umuwi na kami. Pero sabi niya dun daw muna kami sa park kaya nag punta muna kami doon. Nag lakad lakad. holding hands, and we sat at the bench. Nakasandal yung ulo ko sa balikat niya. ng.

“Zaina…” he said. “when I leave tayo pa rin naman di ba?” tanong niya. nagulat ako. Kaya napatingin ako sa kanya.

“Anton, what are you saying?” sabi ko. then he look at me.

“I was just asking you, so I know our stand.” Sabi niya, pero when I stare at his eyes, there was sadness.

“Anton….. kung sasabihin kong hindi na, what will you do.”  Tanong ko sa kanya. Nagulat ata siya sa sagot ko. yumuko siya.

“I can’t blame you….. I’ll let you go. But I will still love you.” Sabi niya.

 “Anton, I’ll say this once. I love you very much. alam kong maaga pa para sabihin to pero I need to say this. Kahit aalis ka na. I’ll be waiting for you. Babalik ka naman di ba. may ibang communications naman. Besides. I thought you said you will never let me go? Tapos sabi mo ngayon you’ll let me go.” Napatingin siya sa akin. “this time, I will not let you go. Even if you said it’s for our good. I will not. I’m willing to wait no matter how long you study there. 5 years, is not that long. Just be visible in my heart always.” Sabi ko. I smiled at him. “so don’t worry me liking other guys, because since that day I said yes. You’re the only man I see, the only man I’ll love. And also I will be true to my words. You can trust me.” sabi ko. then I hugged him. “Be back soon Anton.” Sabi ko sa kanya. Then he hugged me also.

“Zaina, thank you.” Sabi lang niya. “don’t worry, I’ll be true to my words. Just wait for me okay..:)” sabi niya then he let me go. “Zaina.” He held my face. Nakatingin lang siya sa akin. Teka nga. Anung gagawin niya. lumalapit siya. “Can i?” tanong niya. huh? Can I what? Lumalapit yung mukha niya sa akin. Teka nga is he going to kiss me? hindi ako makagalaw. Shoot. I’m not yet ready. Anlapit na niya. kaya lang.