Time and Fallen leaves

How does a moment last forever?

Monster

Is what Erin think of herself the moment she walk away from Parker. Now all she could hear was the sound of Parker calling her name; until she could no longer hear it as she is already far away from him.

Napakasama mo, Erin.

But she thought that it's better this way, than to let him keep waiting. But why does her heart ache for him? Bakit iba ang isinisigaw ng kanyang puso? Her mind tells her to walk away, because she doesn't want to hurt Parker no longer. But her heart tells her to go back, hug him, and tell him that she likes him too.

Agad na natigil sa paglalakad si Erin. Hindi niya namalayan na umiiyak na pala siya. Her eyes widen in realization.

I like Parker.

No second guessing, no thinking it through, no thoughts of Keen and Milo — just her feet with its own mind running back to Parker, hoping he's still there.

Saka lang siya tumigil nang makitang nakatayo pa rin si Parker sa isa sa mga bench. Nakatingala lamang ito sa langit — watching the sky slowly darken dahil sa nagbabadyang ulan.

"Parker" sobrang hina lamang ng boses ni Erin pero agad pa ring lumingon si Parker. His eyes were wide as if he didn't expect Erin to come back. Tinanggap niya na nang buo na wala na talaga siyang pag-asa. Yet his mind went haywire once again upon seeing the her right in front of him.

Ano ba talagang gusto mo? Was all he wanted to ask.

"You don't have to pity me" Parker's not that naive. Alam niyang kaya lang naman siya ine-entertain ni Erin was because of pity, and because Erin is just as kind hearted. He hates being pitied. It's the last thing he wanted others to feel for him. But if it's the only way for Erin to notice him, to care for him, then he would swallow his pride. So be it.

Walang isinagot si Erin. Paunti-unti lamang itong naglakad palapit sa binata. Kaya pala.. kaya pala kahit anong pilit kalimutan ni Erin si Parker ay hindi nito magawa. Kaya pala kahit ilang beses niyang gustong makinig kila Milo no matter how much she tries to. It's because her heart screams his name, her heart aches for Parker.

Nang makalapit na si Erin ay agad niyang niyakap ang binata. Her feet in tiptoe as he reach for the lass' height. Nakatulala lamang si Parker — unsure what to do nor respond. Is this real? If this is a dream then he doesn't want to wake up.

"I like you too" bulong ni Erin sa tenga ng binata. A soft whisper that only the two of them could hear, but loud enough for Parker to cause his system into chaos. He wanted to slap himself if he's hearing things right. But the floral scent of Erin's perfume is enough to answer his questions. This is real.

Hinarap ni Parker si Erin and held her face using his both hands. Saka lang narealize ni Parker na kasing laki lang ng palad niya ang mukha ng dalaga. Her innocent monolid eyes, her small nose, and her damn full lips that naturally pouts; Parker wanted it all to himself.

"You're not...lying?" Tila batang nagtatanong sa kanyang magulang kung iiwan ba siya nito. Parker's eyes were full of hope, confusion, and everything in between. Hindi niya alam kung maniniwala ba siya. It's not that he doesn't want to, heck he badly wants for this moment to come. But did Erin really meant what she said? Or did she just say that out of pity?

"I like you, Parker" muling pag-uulit ni Erin habang nakatingal — meeting Parker's eyes that were about to cry. Ito ang unang beses na nakita ni Erin ang mga luha sa mata ni Parker. Seeing him this emotional must mean that his feelings for her were genuine. Hindi alam ni Erin kung anong meron sakanya at bakit siya ang natipuhan ni Parker. Kung tutuusin, she's just average compared to the girls at their academy. Her personality's not that charming; in fact, she's a plain jane.