Last Teardrop

Chapter 23: Move On, Let Go

My relationship with Daniel went smoothly. At times, we argue about small things, but that only meant that we care for each other. He was the only person I know I can tell anything, and most especially - matters about my dad. We were officially together when I celebrated my birthday. It was one moment of my life I never wanted to forget. The day he told me he loves me was the day I know I’ll be holding this on.

Seeing him everyday makes me love him more and more.  I have witnessed a side of him that’s weak, and strong. And I am proud and truly honored to be able to meet such an incredible guy. I am happy now.

“Sam!”

I turned to see Patrick. He smiled.

“Hey Pat! How’s Tita Francine?”

“I talked to her. And I said sorry.” He paused. “I have been carrying this bitterness around for quite some time now, Sam. And I owe it to my mom. Sometimes, we need to let go of the things that’s been hurting us. Life has funny ways of making us feel, and it is surprising how we thought we couldn’t let go of the things but when you finally did, it makes you feel all better.”

I looked at the new Patrick now, more matured and bright. I am happy that he has come to accept that fact. Although I can say that I have moved on, I know that I couldn’t fully forget my mom and the memories I have left of her – the only memories I know I have. And I am sure Patrick feels the same towards Maelyn.

“Pat, will you come with me?”

He looked surprised and nodded to my invitation. We went to our garage. Filled with dust, I grabbed one of the boxes placed at the top of an old table. I slowly opened it, and looked at him. He came nearer.

“When I asked your mom what exactly happened, I went to search for this.”

And I handed him an old doll – the doll that our dear Maelyn dropped. The same doll I ran back to, the one I tried to save. When Patrick reached for it, he started crying.

“This was my last memory of Maelyn and I know that if there’s one person who deserves to have this, it would be you, Pat.” I continued. “I know how hard this is for you, but I am sure, wherever Maelyn is now, she wants you to be truly happy Pat, and the only way to do that is to finally let go of all the heartaches.”

Patrick touched my hand and whispered, “Thank you Sam.”

I comforted him. I know that at times like these, he needed a comfort from a friend.

“Sam…”

I looked at him, and he was staring straight back at me with a trace of tear in his eye.

“Yes Pat?”

“I love you.”

I was taken aback, moved one step backward and didn’t know what to think.

“I know that you’re with Daniel now, and I respect both of you. I love you and I’m not telling you to please love me too. I am happy and contented with what we have Sam, but I was hurting to the idea that I have been looking all these time to the girl I love most in the hands of somebody else.” He paused.

“I have no plans of telling you what I feel. I thought that – will I be risking what we have now? – But when you said that I needed to let go of all the heartaches, I know I needed to move on from you too. It won’t be easy to wipe away all that I feel for you, but I’ll definitely try.”

“Pat…” I was looking for words to say, but nothing comes out from my mouth.

He came closer and I took another step backwards.

“I love you Sam. But I believe it’s time to let go too. Goodbye Sam.”

And in split seconds, his soft lips touched mine. Then suddenly, he turned away, and ran out the garage door and into the streets, leaving me heartbroken. I just lost a friend.

I went to school and there was no hint of Patrick being there. My Mercedes Guy, I thought. It was breaking me inside and the worst part is - I couldn’t share it to Daniel. Patrick is essential in my life, but I never doubted my love for Daniel. Not even once.

“Are you okay, Sam?” Dan asked me.

I looked at him, nodded and told him, “I love you.”

He smiled at me, and looked in my eyes, “I love you more sweetheart.”

And I erased all my fears, because even if I lost Patrick now, I know I couldn’t afford losing Daniel too.