The Last Shot

Chapter 11: Goodbyes

Goodbye – the word that I have cursed since that day my mother left. She didn’t even say those words, she never even bid her goodbye. Kaya nga after that time, I have promised to myself, hinding hindi na ako iiwan ng sino man. Because this time, ako na ang mang-iiwan. But unlike my mother, I shall say the words, goodbye.

A lot of people must have known me for being a playboy. I have been a total jerk to a lot of women. Kahit nga half sister ko, hindi nakalampas sa pagiging jerk ko. Swerte na nga lang ni Saab at pinsan ko siya, and I treat her extra special. But ever since my mom left me, I have hated all women. Pare-pareho lang sila.

I fluttered my eyes and massage my temple after having a bad dream. Pinaginipan ko na naman yung incident na yun. Yung time na umalis ang mommy ko without even explaining her side.

That dream keeps on repeating everytime may sakit ako. Dati, if I am feeling sick, pumupunta agad ako kina Saab so she could take care of me. But since she’s not around, I chose to stay with someone I know, who would not leave my side – kay Kim.

I look at my right side. She was on the couch lying uncomfortably. I sat down the bed as I recall what happened last night.

“Please stay.. please.” I pleaded, with my eyes half closed.

“Tss. Fine.” She muttered. “Tawagan ko nalang si yaya para dalhin yung meds.”

I gave her a faint smile. “Thank you..”

That was the last conversation I remember. I was too tired already that I have fallen asleep.

I rose up from her bed and went near her. She was hugging one pillow while another is on top of her face. Kinuha ko yung nakatakip na pillow sa mukha niya. I tucked the strands of her hair that is covering her face.

This is not the first time na nakaharap ko siya ng ganito kalapit. But it is definitely the first time that I have stared this long at her beautiful face.

I have seen a lot of beautiful faces before, mas maganda pa kaysa sa kanya. But there is just something in her that’s telling me, she not an ordinary girl.

I pulled away the pillow she was hugging, and I lifted her up, bridal style. I transferred her to her bed so she could have a better sleep.

To think may sakit din siya, but she still managed to take care of me.  I have been a burden to her last night. This time, ako naman ang mag-aalaga sa kanya.

I tuck her under the sheets and sat on the edge of the bed.

“Thank  you.” I mumbled as I stared at her face.

I leaned closer and kissed her forehead. “From now on, I will take care of you….forever.”

**

“Saab!” I called as soon as I recognized her presence. “You’re back?”

“Oh? Where do you think you’re going?” she asked while crossing her arms. “Magaling ka na ba?”

Napakunot ang noo ko. “How’d you know I was sick?”

She rolled her eyes. “I was there last night. Nakakahiya ka. Nagpa-alaga ka pa kay Kim.”

“You know her?” I asked in confusion.

She sat on the edge of my bed. “Not really. But we had a few talks last night.”

I eyed on her. “What did you two talk about?”

“Nothing much.” She said as she looked around my room.

“I know you Saab.” I said. “Ano bang pinag-usapan niyo?”