When A Heart Gets Broken

Part 34: Wake-up Call

Festive.

Glittery.

Celebratory.

It was Christmas...a time to celebrate love in the whole world. Everyone was present in the dining table. John, her mom's boyfriend of 2 years was there. Kyle, Ryder's boyfriend was there, too. Her younger sister piercing eyes's  would follow her every time Rae  attempts to narrate how she cried when her first crush failed big time.

Taylor.

 He has grown so much in the last 2 years. He told her about his plan to join the US Navy after high school. " How will I ever predict that the little boy who used to be so scared of water will choose to be a  sailor?'' Her mind is racing against the loud stories being told around the table.

She's happy that everyone is progressing in their own lives...but why is she feeling sadness all over her?

***

 She was standing against the rail that separates humans from death below.

Niagara Falls.

Majestic.

Powerful.

She closed her eyes to feel the cool mist on her warm face. This is proving to be the hottest summer she can recall in her 5 and a half years in US. 

" Neg-iimejin ke ne nemen Rae?" Carrie in her slang Filipino. She's been taking language lessons for a year now. Except for occasional  bloopers and her slang, she can understand almost everything. Rae woke up from her secret world and smiled at Carrie's suggestion.

"Of course not. Yabang mo ha? Pelebhese merunong ka ng meg Tegeleg!" She replied. Carrie didn't even flinch...she understood.

They were walking along Clinton Hills on the Canadian side of the falls where most American tourists like them ended.

" So are you excited to meet your Pinoy in-laws?"

" Yes but netetekot eko," Carrie replied.

" Don't be scared. They will all love you, the same way that I love you." Carrie hugged her tightly. She knows how important it is for Carrie to assimilate to everything  that's Pinoy most specially to her husband's family, the reason why she learned Filipino.

They were on their way to Fallsmountain Hotel when she got a viber message.

She felt her knees weakened. Carrie was fast enough to catch her before she hit the pavement.

Mikey died.