KOI NO YOKAN

CHAPTER TWENTY-NINE

"Aalis ka na?" I blinked when I saw Hazael standing in front of my house.

He put his hands in his pockets and he nodded, smiling at me slightly and then sighing.

"I just came here to get my presents," he said, making me shake my head and open my door wide for him to come in.

"Talagang dinaanan mo pa 'tong mga paintings, tapos babalik ka sa bahay mo tapos aalis ka na?" I asked was I collect the paintings I made for him.

"Correct, I'm not sure when I will go home."

"Huh? Paano 'yung shop?" he licked his lips and then used it to point at me.

"Baka nakakalimutan mong do'n ka nagta-trabaho?" napatigil ako at napaisip.

"Iiwanan mo ako mag-isa ro'n?"

"Hindi naman ako maysadong magtatagal sa London, I'm just doing it for Mom,"

"Hey!"

"Kaya mo 'yon, kaya mo." he assured me almost in instant.

"Hazael..."

"I overlooked everything before I booked a flight, okay? Sa tingin mo ba talagang papabayaan kita mag-isa do'n ng 'di ko alam mga mangyayare habang wala ako? Put a little trust on me." hindi na ako nagsalita at umiling na lang.

I made sure that each painting was covered with cloth properly and then handed them to him.

"Merry Christmas, Haz." I said quietly and smiled at him.

"See you next year!" natawa ako ng mahina when he saluted, I nodded and stared at him.

"I got something for you, for the holiday and the paintings." he handed me a small paper bag on my dining table and then nodded.

"Thank you for coming back to the shop, for helping me a lot, and for helping Madrous."

"Why are you saying thank you for Mad?" he smiled and then he kept staring at me.

"Ever since he became famous, and I see him on TV or hear his name, I always think what kind of man God plans on making him in this place? What would he look like if he had wisdom and knowledge inside him? With all of what he is now plus the knowledge and wisdom and wearing his identity as one of God's men, how big will the difference be?" All I could do was blink when I heard him say it.

"I've been praying about Madrous ever since he left the country to pursue his dream. When I heard that Jathen was gaining knowledge, I pushed myself to pray harder for Madrous. He's an answered prayer of mine, so thank you." hindi na napigilan mapangiti at tumango.

"Have a safe flight, Haz. Don't forget to update when you land." he gave me a smile one last time before nodding his head and saying thanks for the paintings once more before finally leaving.

It's kind of sad not to have Hazael join us for Christmas but, he's gonna be going home to his family so that alone is still a blessing. I'm still thankful that he's gonna spend it with the one he loves.

"Merry Christmas!!!" We hugged each other and then we both hugged Papa when midnight hit the clock.

We offered a prayer before we started eating, halos lahat din ng relative and family members ni Papa bumisita sa amin kanina and just left before midnight hits the clock, we sure take our moment tas we eat, agad din nila pinagusapan kung anong gagawin namin tomorrow morning.

It was a very peaceful and calm salubong, we exchanged gifts and opened them in front of each other, my heart was filled and full of joy, and we made sure to greet the boys as well, nag uwian daw sila sa kanya kanya nilang pamilya since this morning and made sure to celebrate it with them and when midnight came, but as per Jathen, they were able to go back to the boys' house before 12 AM and were able to celebrate it with the boys.