Always Been My Greatest

Greatest 34

Always Been My Greatest 34

"Nak, sigurado ka ba na ikaw lang? Dalawa ang na-book mo, 'di ba? Si Xyra na lang ang isama mo para hindi ka naman mag-isa."

I closed my luggage after finishing packing up my things. I smiled at Mom and shrugged. "I booked this flight for my partner, My. But, things happened. Mas gusto ko ring mag-isa akong umalis. Don't worry, pagbalik ko, ikukwento ko sa inyo ni Daddy lahat."

She looked surprised. Maybe she never realized how serious I was with someone. But she nodded, as if she understood my reason.

"Take care, okay? Matagal din ang isang linggo."

Tumango ako. "Oo naman, My."

Even before Tristan planned for us to go to Europe to meet his family, I had already booked tickets to Batanes. Nasabi niya kasing hindi pa siya nakakapunta ro'n kaya naisip kong bakit hindi namin puntahan nang sabay.

Hindi ko sinabi sa kaniya kasi gusto ko siyang isurpresa. Ayos na ang lahat, kaming dalawa na lang ang kulang. Pero ngayon, gagawin ko na lang lahat ng mga plinano ko para sa aming dalawa nang mag-isa.

Mabigat man sa loob kong umalis nang mag-isa, gusto ko pa ring tuparin ang ipinangako ko, hindi man niya alam. Maybe it's also good for me to be alone, away from everyone, so I can think things through.

"Take care, Kuya! You promised to call me everyday, don't break it," Kia reminded me, her words muffled.

I bent down to hug my youngest sister and whispered, "I promise. And you promised Kuya you'll be a good girl. If you keep your promise, I'll bring you chocolates. I won't tell Mom, okay?"

She giggled, covering her mouth, nodding repeatedly. "Yes, Kuya. I promise!"

We did a pinky promise before I kissed her forehead and stood up. I hugged Mom and Xyra, kissing their heads. Isang linggo lang naman akong mawawala pero grabe sa drama ang pamilya ko. Kahit si Daddy ay naka-video call.

"Baka pagbalik mo nakabuntis ka na?" sabi ni Daddy sa kabilang linya.

Nasobrahan naman ata sa react?

"Hindi ngani makakabuntis kasi walang bubuntisin."

At hindi rin 'yon nabubuntis. Kung sakali man, baka ako pa ang mabuntis.

Naalala ko na naman tuloy. Umalis na nga, hindi pa ako nakaisa man lang. Triple kill.

"You promised na you will tell us everything when you come back."

I nodded. Desidido na akong aminin sa lahat ang nangyari at ang naging pagbabago sa akin. Hindi man sigurado sa mga pwedeng mangyari sa hinaharap—gusto kong malaman nila dahil parte sila ng buhay ko.

Naniniwala rin ako na may parte sila sa kung sino at ano ako ngayon. And I realized—one of the most important parts of healing is being open, being ready to share your story with those closest to your heart—my family and friends.

"I promise, My."

Xyra pouted, hugging me. "I hate you for leaving him again, but at the same time, I understand. I hate you. I love you, Kuya!" she said, half-pouting, half-teasing.

I kissed my sister's temple. "I'm sorry. I need to fix myself and he needs time for his self. I have a lot of trauma and I caused him one, too."

"Mag-iingat ka ro'n, ah? Huwag mainitin ang ulo, baka may makaaway ka ro'n."

I ruffled her hair. "He taught me how to have a long patience. I learned. Natuto na ako dahil sa kaniya."

Alas tres ng madaling araw noong makarating ako ng Batanes. It took over an hour to reach where I'd be staying, so for the whole ride, I quietly watched the mountains, trees, and fields pass by.