Behind the Clouds (Published under Viva Books)

Chapter 13: The biggest heartbreak

Steven's POV

Knowing that anytime soon we might lose Mandy, makes my heart aches a lot. Mandy is the only sister I have. She has been my companion, my bestfriend, my crying shoulder, and a loving sister who despite of all my flaws, still loves me for who I am. Minsan kakampi, minsan kaaway. Pero kahit minsan ay para kaming aso at pusa, at the end of the day, we make sure that we are still Mandy and Steven, bounded by love.

I am going to fulfill one of Mandy's remaining wishes on her list. And that is to have a date with her one and only kuya. Tinanong ko siya kung saan niya gustong pumunta. She asked me to bring her to a place where she can be young again, a place where we can reminisce our childhood together. Isang taon lang ang tanda ko kay Mandy. That's why we are really close to each other.

As per Mandy's request, I brought her to an indoor family entertainment center which will allow us to experience different jobs. Mabuti na lang at open na ito for young at hearts na kagaya namin.

Sinubukan namin ang lahat ng pwede naming subukang trabaho. Gusto kasi ni Mandy ma-experience maging engineer kahit kunwari lang. Our day went well. I can say that Mandy really enjoyed our date. Buong araw ay lagi siyang nakangiti. I know that most of the time, she is feeling pain because of the cancer cells on her bones. Pero never niyang ipinakita sa akin na nahihirapan siya. The day is finally over and we decided to have an early dinner on a restaurant nearby.

"Alam mo ba noong mga bata pa tayo, ang pangarap ko talaga ay maging bumbero? Nakakatawa no? May nakita kasi kaming sunog dati ni Star, tapos may mga bumbero. Ang tatapang nila. Sabi ko sa sarili ko, balang araw magiging kasing tapang nila ako at makakapagligtas din ako ng mga tao." Mandy suddenly told me.

"Natupad naman diba baby? Naging kasing tapang ka nila. In fact, you are much stronger than they are." I told her. "Mas madami talaga kayong na-experience ni Star together kaysa sa ating dalawa. Tignan mo iyan, hindi ko alam na iyan ang childhood dream mo." I continued and she gave me a sweet smile.

"Tapos si Star naman ang gusto niya ay maging news anchor. Lagi nga niyang ginagaya si Noli De Castro dati." she said. "Magandang gabi, bayan!" she continued as she imitates the said news anchor.

"Talaga? Nakakatuwa talaga kayong dalawa. Ang lalim na nang pinagsamahan ninyo. Ang dami dami ninyo nang pinagdaanang magkasama. Pag sinabi mong Star, lagi yang may kabuntot ni Mandy. Ganoon din kapag binanggit mo naman ang Mandy, lagi ding kasunod ang pangalan ni Star. Para kayong si Timon at Pumbaa ng Lion King, hindi mapaghiwalay." sagot ko sa kanya. Napansin ko namang may iniinda siyang sakit.

"Are you okay?" I asked her.

"Yeah. Kuya, can you promise to take care of Star when I am gone? Can you promise that you'll treat her as your younger sister, that you will treat her just like how you treat me?" she suddenly asked me.

"Why are you saying these?" I asked her as tears began falling on my eyes.

"You knew the answer kuya. I know you can feel it. Kaya ka nga umiiyak o. Please. Promise me." she said as she wiped the tears on my eyes.

"Promise." I hugged her so tight. I hugged her as if there will be tomorrow. The time is near. And my heart is aching.

Mandy asked me to call Chase.

"Hello." he answered on the phone.

"Can you please not ask any questions? Just please come on the address that I will text you. Mandy will be waiting for you." I told him. He said yes and we hang out the phone.

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CJ's POV

Ang tindi ng kabog ng dibdib ko habang papunta ako sa lugar na itinext ni Steven. May nangyari kaya kay Mandy?