Time and Fallen leaves

I will go to you like the first snow

"You're seriously taking Parker's suggestion?" Another hysterical moment from Keen that Erin and Milo already get used to. "You can't even show emotions. You're like a stone, honey"

Erin was used to Keen's sassy remarks that it does not bother her anymore. She knows deep inside that the lad cares more than they think. Out of all the people she met — it was Keen who has the softest and gentlest heart.

"Hayaan mo na ang tao, if she wants to be an actress then so be it; na-aaral naman yan" Milo defended her. "But it would take a lot of acting lessons before you get there" Erin already expected the side comment from their youngest. Milo is also similar to Keen's, he may be blunt but he also has the warmest heart. They've been friends for too long to read their peculiarities like the back of her hand.

Tinawanan na lamang ni Erin ang dalawang nakababata. If Erin didn't know them, she would get offended and probably cry her heart out. It's not always she encounter people who are blunt and straightforward. Maybe it's because she's adopted from the orphanage — people tried their best to be as kind as they can. Erin's childhood is not great, and so they knew that she'd suffer enough.

Hindi naman nagmamadali si Erin. May dalawang taon pa siya bago tumuntong ng university, by then, baka alam niya na kung anong itatahak na career. As much as she wanted to pursue directing, Parker's suggestion didn't leave her mind. She'd been working on the shadows of others, she'd been trying to avoid spotlight — as it didn't work well with her. Maybe it's time to get out of her shell.

"Hindi ba ka batch mo sila Parker? Malapit na kayong lumayas dito, do you have any plans?" oo nga pala, despite Milo being at the same age with Keen and Erin ay nag accelerate ito ng isang taon.

"May isang taon pa ako to decide. Mauuna muna sila Chrys 'di ba?" Given Milo's history in leading and his debate club, it's either he'll pursue Law or be a public figure. Parehas naman siya magaling kaya hindi niya na kailangang mag-isip. In fact, marami nang universities ang nag reach out sakanya for early admission. That's Milo, a genius.

"Oo nga pala, eh paano si Leeon? Dito pa rin ba siya? It's been a while since he left" saglit na natigilan si Keen as if he remember something and then looks at Erin "sorry"

"I'm fine" Erin wanted to roll her eyes. But doing so would only make them laugh as it did not actually suits her. Mukha lamang siyang napuling ng buhangin. She wanted to tell everyone that she's already moved on from Leeon — her first love. But whenever his name is mentioned, it's like they'd dropped a bomb and Erin is the one who'll get receive fatal blow.

Besides, I already have Parker.

Ni isang beses ay hindi na muling dumaan sa isip ni Erin si Leeon. All she can do is wish for him to be okay, wherever he is.

"Hindi ba siya babalik niyan? He skipped a year" hindi makapaniwalang nagtinginan si Keen at Milo. Their mouths agape, as if they'd seen a ghost or heard a paranormal activity. Hindi nila aakalain na manggagaling pa sa bibig ni Erin ang pangalan ni Leeon.

"Tignan mo nga kung may puting uwak? Or kulay blue na ba yung buwan?" Keen asked kaya natawa na lamang ang dalaga. Maybe it's the end of the world, or maybe Erin just already moved on.

"I already told you guys, okay na ako" both lads raise a thumbs up. Their faces shows how proud they are. Erin wanted to pat herself at the back as well for overcoming a phase she didn't know she could let go. That era was the heaviest and probably the most painful of all. At least Keeana said her farewells, while the lad said goodbye on short notice — without even clearing what their situation is all this time.