Last Teardrop

Chapter 15: Here With Me

----“How did you know my mother?”

It was a brief moment in my life that I have been shocked and enlightened at the same time. Shocked - that this world has a funny way of making you meet people in your life, that Patrick’s mom knew my late mother. And enlightened - because at last, there is someone here who I could ask about what exactly happened for the past 12 years.

“She was my best friend in college. Oh my! You looked the exact copy of her way back then. Or I’d say more beautiful. It’s sad how she won’t be able to witness her daughter grow up.”

“Ma’am.”

“Tita... Call me Tita. I’m so glad to see you again.”

“Uhm... Tita, I have a lot of questions.”

“And I have a lot too. And maybe, we could discuss it to each other so together, we’d find the answers.”

“I like that.” And she hugged me. I hugged her back, thinking that in her presence, I could feel my own mother coming back.

“Lovely.”

Patrick was already awake. We suddenly went nearer and I almost hugged him that he’s safe.

“It was a beautiful scene a while ago. You look just like in-laws.” Patrick teased.

“Ha-ha...It would be alright with me, if it is so.” Tita Francine joked as well as she winked at Patrick.

This is insane. How come these two people in here, who I certainly just met, are making me amazingly comfortable? It was as if I was destined to meet them now, so that I could have answers in my life, which I know I could not be able to get from my own dad. When Tita Francine went out to grab some snacks, I focused back to Patrick who still looked good despite the wounds surrounding his face.

“Pat, were the guys who did this, the same guys we ran unto?”

“Don’t think too much Sam. I’m alright.”

“But you’re not answering my question.”

Patrick nodded. And I felt sorry that I don’t know if there are right words to explain the feelings. I feel cold with fear that maybe those guys will be coming back again, and it might cost Patrick’s life. He must have noticed how worried I was that he held my hand. I would have taken it away, but it feels really good to be aware of the warmth of his hands underneath the coldness in my heart.

“Sam. I am fine. And I know I will be okay real soon especially that you’re here - With me.”

I hugged him to let him know that I will be there for him. He protected me once; it’s time I’d do the same for him. Just as we were hugging, the door flew open and the image of Jasmine jumped out, with eyes wide open and obviously astonished with what she just saw. AGAIN.