When A Heart Gets Broken

Part 35: Goodbyes

Rae was looking at the old pics from their Lolo's apartment. She started sobbing whe she found the pic with Mikey.

***

" Kelan ka uuwi Rey? Baka hindi na tayo magkita sa tagal mong mag-isip?"

" Hinihintay ko lang yung citizenship ko. Ikw pa ba makaklimutan ko? "

"Eh bakit nga ang tagal mo? Ang tagal nyo ng wala ni Jonas, hindi mo pa rin binabalikan si Liam!"

Deep inside, Rae admits that it was the fear that she'll get hurt again if she comes back and discovers that Liam has already found someone else. Afterall, its more than 5 years ago tthat the promise was made.

Indeed, Mikey's forewarning came true.

"...Mikey was one of the casualties in a car accident. He was on his way to Baguio with 2 others. They're supposed to pick up the flowers they ordered from a flower farm in Benguet when their SUV was rear ended by a tourist bus that lost its brake. The SUV hit a guard rail and t-boned the vehicle. The owner of Rae's Hope for Flowers where Mikey works as flower designer was the last body found."

" We apologized for not letting you know immediately. We know Mikey is your bestfriend and you would want to see him for the last time. Unfortunately, we followed his wishes to be cremated in case of death."

***

Rae's was gazing at the starless dark sky from her bed. Her nightdress and pillow were wet from tears.

She's now feeling the loss from their demise. She closed her eyes.

" Thank you Mikey for being one of my bestfriends for life. I'm sorry for not going home when you asked me to. I'm sorry if I didn't call you a lot.If you can hear me, I want you to know that I've never forgotten you. I will always love you, my best friend." Rae fall asleep with tears on her face.

***

Liam was walking on a sea of roses: pink, red, yellow, coral, white. She was calling him but he just kept on walking. She can see his brown eyes peeking from a sturdy hat he's wearing. His blonde hair visible as well. He seemed to be happy. " I love you Liam. I have never forgotten my promise. I got scared, that's all but all these years, its still you." She saw Liam's face light and looked at her. Then he smiled towards her.

She woke up with tears running on her cheeks.