Lost and Found Hearts

Prologue

I wrapped my arms around him, like I will never see him again for centuries.

Wala na akong magagawa, hindi ako para sa kanya, hindi rin siya para sa akin. Why does it have to end up like this? Ako nalang palagi ang naiiwan. Ako na lang palagi ang nasasaktan!

"Sorry, perhaps it's all clear to you right now. I bet you already understood why all of a sudden naging cold na ako sa'yo. I didn't intend to hurt you so much. I once loved you. Remember that.", he said as he kissed my hair while I am still lingering his embrace.

"I don't even want to remember that if I want to move on. Sana man lang sinabi mo ng mas maaga. Naging selfish ba ko for not telling you the truth?", I said mournfully.

"Elle, naiintindihan naman kita. You've been so good to me. Utang ko ang buhay ko sa'yo."

"You were so good enough for not confronting me. I've been so selfish. I deserve to be hurt.", kumalas na ako sa yakap niya. Hindi ko na kaya.

"Please, don't feel like that. Minahal kita---"

"Hindi mo ako minahal, Steve. Sadyang ako lang ang babaeng nag-alaga sa'yo nung panahong 'yon. I could've told you earlier, para hindi na ako nasaktan ng ganito." I cut him off. Ayoko na. Masakit. Sobra.

"Sige na, your wife-to-be is waiting for you sa jet. Baka magselos pa siya." Yes, I can see clearly the beautiful face of her true love sneaking at us.

"My fault bakit I let myself fall in love with you. I hope you're happy right now. Sorry talaga. Don't worry, I'll be fine...really." I said as I hold back the tears.

"Elle, makakahanap ka rin ng para sa iyo. Bata ka pa."

" Ha ha ha, ang funny talaga! Na inlove ako sa isang taong 5 years older than me. Such a fool!" I laughed awkwardly.

"It's never a fault. You only proved na love doesn't care with age."

"Oh, sya, Steve. Tama na! Baka hindi ko na mapigilan ang sarili ko at I would probably stop you from flying back to Palawan." tinaboy ko na si Steve, mahirap na.

"E-mail me. Utang ko sa'yo ang buhay ko. Kung hindi mo ko sinagip, baka hindi ko na mapapakasalan ang taong mahal ko."

Ouch!

"We can still be good friends, right?" sabi ko.

"Of course! Why won't you accept my invitation?" sabi ni Steve.

"Hala! Bigyan mo naman ako ng time makapag-move on! Email na lng ako sa'yo pag okay na ang lahat." I assured him.

"I can be your big bro. Call me if problems arise, or any time you like. Goodbye, Elle." He kissed my forehead and tapped it just like a big brother does. Just...ouch!

"Goodbye, Steve." I forced a smile.

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