[Quin]
"Lawrence? Why are you calling?" bungad ko sa kan'ya mula sa kabilang linya. Abala ako sa pag-iimpake ng mga kagamitan nang tumawag siya.
"Quinnie, I know you already know why I'm calling. I just fucki--- freaking found out you're living the country right this day and you didn't even plan on telling me," Lawrence ranted like a baby in hysterics. I sighed.
Who the hell told him?
"I was really planning on telling you..." I tried explaining as I walked towards the window and stared at the city laid upon my eyes. Matatayog na mga gusali, magulo at jammed na organisasiyon ang nakikita ako habang maiging pinagmamasdan ang labasan.
"When, huh? When you're already back there, enjoying yourself alone? You're hurting me." Napairap tuloy ako nang wala sa oras.
"Why are you acting like a child, Lawrence? I know you're busy---"
"But you're one of my priorities, Quinnie. Remember, I'm your---"
"Yes, you are. And I'm sorry for not telling you. I just thought that... You won't like the idea..." Isinandig ko ang likuran sa dingding bago nagbuga nang malalim na buntong-hininga.
"But you know I'll always understand you, right? I will always support your decisions. And since going back there is your choice, who am I to stop you?" I felt myself smile. His sudden change of tone from panic to a gentle voice is soothing me, skin-deep. I remember my mom everytime he does this.
"Yeah, right. That's why I'm sorry. Really." Natawa lang siya sa kabilang linya kaya napanatag agad ang loob ko. My chest isn't garboiled already, especially because I don't have plans of leaving the country with people feeling so betrayed. Hindi ko rin naman kailangang ipagsigawan.
"Forgiven. Just kiss tita for me, okay?"
"Bye. Take care, brute." I heard him muttered 'damn you' before I ended the call. Nilingon ko ulit ang mga gamit kong hanggang ngayon ay nakakalat pa rin at napakrus ng mga braso sa dibdib habang iniisip kung ilang oras din kaya ang ilalaan ko para matapos ang pagliligpit. Nakakapagod.
Pinagpatuloy ko na lang ulit ang pag-iimpake hanggang sa may naisip ako. I stood straight real well and stared at the ceiling. It just crossed my mind as I looked at my clothes dumped on the bed and some fixed on my baggage.
Bigla akong kinabahan. Hindi ko mapigilan.
I'm going back there.
Where I left the old me for the whole 8 years. And still... parang kahapon lang nangyari ang lahat. I still remembered the very moment when I felt my racing heartbeat for someone not related to me. Not even close.
Mariin akong napapikit at marahang hinilot ang sentido.
Why am I reminiscing that stupid past?
Nangyari lang 'yun dahil tatanga-tanga ako at hinayaan ko ang lalaking 'yon na guluhin ako. And I am not dumb to let this leave any unnecessary marks in my life. Not even a little. I won't even let that happen again, or ever. Sa kahit kanino pa.
I just hope we won't cross paths again because I would really salute fate for intervening with my peace of mind. Some things you don't need always come, and it is bothersome.
***
"Like I've told you dear, don't wander around alone. If you get lost, be sure to use GPS or call us. We'll immediately call for help. Your car's already in at home and here's the key. It's full tank so no need to worry. Your mom and manong will follow you, maybe next week. If you arrive, go straight home and rest. Just visit the company tomorrow or the next to check your office. T---"
BINABASA MO ANG
A Crossroad ✔
RomanceQuindal Angelo is uptight, too focused on her dreams and selfish preferences. She's the epitome of a woman who won't need a man for the rest of her life. Like, why would she? She hates complications. But, not until the handsome- ahem ahem, the dro...
