The Story of Us (On-Going)

Chapter 15

Now I'm standing alone in a crowded room and we're not speaking.

And I'm dying to know if it's killing you like it's killing me.

I don't know what to say since the twist of fate 'cause we're going down.

And the story of us looks a lot like a tragedy now.

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"Oh, where's Nicole? I thought dito sya natulog kagabi?"

My mom asked the moment she saw me alone at the kitchen eating while Ate Lorie's refilling the pitch with orange juice.

I just shrugged dismissing the question.

Siguro umalis siya first thing in the morning. Ewan ko. I don't really know.

It's Sunday again and my mom would take no reason from me to skip coming with them at the foundation.

Kaya wala akong choice. Sasama ako. Bahala na kung nandun man si Nicole or what.

I just gotta do what I have to do.

" Hijo! Buti at nakasama ka na ngayon!"

Masayang bati sakin ng mga in charge sa foundation. Matipid ko silang nginitian.

"Sky, paki kabit naman itong mga banners doon sa may stage."

75th birthday pala ni Lolo Jose ngayon. Kaya pala pinilit ako ni Mama. I know Nicole will be here. Lolo Jose is one of her favorite person dito sa foundation.

She wouldn't miss this for anything.

We were all busy to decorate the hall for this small party for Lolo Jose. I figured out this is a surprise because Lolo Jose is not around. At narinig ko na kasama nya ngayon si Nicole, nandito na pala siya kanina pa at sinamahan niya si Lolo Jose para bisitahin ang puntod ng kanyang asawa.

I knew that was something Nicole would do.

"Nandyan na sila!"

Nagkagulo ang lahat. Pinatay ang ilaw at nagsitago ang ilan.

Ako, nanatili akong nakaupo sa isang sulok.

"Tara po, lolo."

I heard her. I heard Nicole's voice.

Then next thing I know, they turn on the lights and scream in chorus singing happy birthday to Lolo Jose.

I just clap my hands and smile a bit.

Lolo Jose was indeed surprised. Nagumpisa siyang yakapin ang bawat isa at nagpasalamat. Inilapit naman ni Tita Alison ang cake kay Lolo.

"Make a wish and blow the candle!" Tita Alison beamed.

Nakangiti si Lolo Jose.

"Sa totoo lang, wala na kong mahihiling pa. I am beyond blessed para maranasan lahat ng ito sa buhay ko. If God will take me anytime soon, I am ready."

Nalungkot ang lahat. May mga napa-aw, sighing in sadness. At may nagsabi pang 'Hwag kang magsalita ng ganyan Lolo! May next birthday ka pa.'

They all hugged Lolo Jose. While I tried to capture the moment.

Seeing this, I did not regret coming here today.

Or I must say it too early.

After the celebration and stuff, everyone else is busy eating, chatting, and enjoying the day.

Ako, nakaupo sa table namin ni Mom. Paminsan minsang kumukuha ng litrato.

Natatanaw ko si Nicole sa katapat kong table. Kasama niya pa rin si Lolo Jose at tinutuwangan niya sa mga kailangan nito.

Our eyes would meet pero di nya ako pinapansin. She would pretend she's busy. Well, she really is busy. Pero sinasadya niyang wag akong pansinin.

I wanna walk to her and talk to her but the cat caught my tongue.

Hindi ko talaga alam kung anong sasabihin ko sa kanya. After nung pag uusap namin kagabi, I really don't know.

After an hour of internalizing, I stood up and walked towards Nicole.

Kailangan naming magusap.

"I would like to take this moment to make an announcement."

Agaw ni Tita Alison sa atensyon ko. Nasa harapan sya at nagsasalita sa microphone.

"It's been a tough decision, but I know this is a blessing. A big contract was signed by me and an investor in our company so we need to migrate in U.S for.."

Hindi ko na nasundan ang announcement ni Tita. Napalingon agad ako kay Nicole para tignan ang reaksyon niya

Mukhang alam nya ang tungkol sa bagay na ito. Pero bakit wala akong alam?

Sila Mama at Papa, alam ba nila ito?

"This week na ang alis namin. We will be very busy after this. So, as heart breaking as it may sound, but this may be the last time that we'll see each other."

Pagpapatuloy ni Tita Alison.

I caught Nicole staring at me. I tried to step forward and run to her but she run off first.

And I was left dumbfounded.