The Next Chapter (Steps To Redemption)

Miles Gone

"Kuya salamat. Heto po ang bayad." I went out of the taxi feeling all the excitement. I just arrived from Norway yesterday. The jet lag can't stop me.

It had been two years mula ng huli kong uwi. Good thing my parents and my brother understoond that I have to leave and be alone today . To have a quick visit, to the love of my life . C'oz I really missed him.

I wanted to surprise Cedric. I told him that I'm going home next December. I mentioned about a trip. But not to Philippines. Not here, not today---exactly a week before our fourth year anniversary.

Ang dami-dami nang pinag bago ang Los Baños. Biglang dumami ang tao. Modern and noisy ang dati'ng Spanish era ambiance. Good thing nasa harap lang ng munisipyo ang banko na pinagtatrabahuhan niya kaya I won't be lost.

Before I went inside, I quickly check how I look. I'm wearing a floral mini dress and a light make-up. A gift from Ara, specially for today.

Guard Villanueva easily recognized me. He widely opened the door for me but he's not smiling he's usual "bungisngis" all teeth smile. Mukhang busy sila, at anga-agang na bad trip si kuya. Sa Dami ng tao na nakapila malamang. Monday,really is a busy day. Sana may time siya for me despite the loads.

I pass the counters, waved hi and went to the separate door leading to his office. There, I saw Johnny another security guard. I hand him my identity card, even if he's busy checking his booklet. Making sure he'll recognize me.

"Ma'am Michaela nakauwi na po pala kayo?" Johnny beaming upon seing my face. Hindi nga niya na notice ang ID ko. So I immediately put it back inside my bag

"Akala ko hindi mo na ako makikilala eh. Kinuha ko pa ang ID ko to make sure. Si Cedric?"

Johnny is of my age. But unlike other guard of his age and standing, his body built---plus his look he remained simple and respectful.

He is confident and sure of things around him. But he doesn't seem to be like that today.

"Ah... Ah s...si... Si Sir Cedric po." pakamot-kamot siya ng ulo at napalingas pa ng tingin. He was looking at the counter. Feeling sick. Nang lumingon naman ako. I saw Trisha and Megan looking the same way as Johnny. Ano ba problema ng mga 'to?

"Okay ka lang Johnny? Na pano ka? You need medicine?"

"Hin...hi... Hindi po ma'am. Kasi po.." Stammering, he showed me the door to the office of Cedric. I felt a sudden weirdness. Johnny knew that I know every corner of this bank. I used to work here. Halos mag kasabay lang kaming nag simulang magtrabaho dito.