“As the owner of the school said, we are accepting students that has not graduated college to take a one to three year course in any field. Some of them kasi we’re busy sa ibang bagay, some doesn’t have the money and ngayon lang nakapaglaan ng pera sa pag-aaral. But don’t worry my co-professors, mas malaki ng 25% ang sahod ninyo than the normal. But of course, you have to sacrifice your own time at school.” The DEAN explained. Everyone nodded as a sign of approval.
After the meeting, I am supposed to go home when the DEAN called me.
“Hey, Prof. Can I have a minute?” he said.
“Sure, sir.” I replied then sit for a while.
“May nag-inquire na agad sa akin na kunin ka as a teacher.” He said.
I was shocked. Really? Just like that, I’ll be tutoring?
“Okay, sir. When shall I talk to my student?” I asked.
“She’ll come here tomorrow para makapag-usap kayo.”
She?
“Uh, okay then, sir. I’ll go ahead.” I said before leaving his office.
I looked at the time and it’s already 6:00 in the evening. Late na pala natapos ang meeting namin. I thought it would only lasts for minutes.
I was supposed to get in the car when I heard a very familiar voice nearby.
“Yeah, dad. I inquire it na po. I’ll just meet him tomorrow para mapag-usapan ang mga conditions.” Shit—that voice. Hindi ako puwedeng magkamali.
I tried to find whose voice is that but I failed. I shook my head then entered the car.
“It’s not her, Bamboo. Hindi na yun babalik dito. It’s not her, it’s not her.” I whispered.
I sighed before starting the car engine.
Just the thought of her coming back makes me feel weak. I am angry. I want to took a revenge. She made me felt I am the weakest man alive before.
That girl deserves my angriness. Because of her, maraming nagbago sa akin. The things I used to love are now the things I would never do. Because of her. Lahat ng ako ngayon, siya ang dahilan.
“MISS TABI--! SHIT!” I immediately stepped out the car to help the girl na nabangga ko.
I was supposed to carry her nang biglang hinawi ng malakas na hangin ang buhok na tumatakip sa mukha niya.
I was stood in my place like a statue when I saw who it is. It is her. The one I am talking about. The only woman who hurt me.
I can’t move. Ewan. I don’t know if I should say this but, she got even more beautiful than before.
I shook my head at that thought. Tumigil ka diyan, Bamboo. You’re mad at her. She hurt you.
I carried her. I swallowed the lump in my throat, “Lea?” I said.
She opened her eyes a little bit, “Y-you know me?” she asked then totally passed out.
I- I am confused. What does she mean? I opened the car then get her inside.
I drove as fast as I can. Why didn’t she know me?
I get her inside the ER para maasikaso siya.
7 in the evening ng matapos siyang asikasuhin. The doctor said na nahimatay siya due to over fatigue and not because nasagasaan ko siya. Though nagkaroon siya ng kaunti bali sa paa, makakarecover ito.
I sat beside her while she sleeps. I shook my head before remembering what she said. So, she don’t know who I am? But, how? Hindi naman ganun katagal ang 8 years para makalimutan niya ako.
Ewan ko kung bakit pa ako nandito. I should go home. Hindi ko dapat siya binabantayan, Besides, galit ka sa kaniya Bamboo. Galit.
I stood up and was about to leave when she spoke, “Hey.” She whispered.
I looked back then I saw her, smiling. Siya nga. “Thank you.” She mouthed.
I don’t know but, I missed her smile. My heart for her suddenly become soft. The angriness I felt faded.
Come on Bamboo. She hurt you, diba? She doesn’t deserve your kindness.
“Come here.” she motioned me to come near her.
My feet automatically moves towards her. “I’m Lea Salonga, you are?” she said while offering her hand.
I just looked at it. Should I shake hands with her?
“Um, hello?” she called my attention. I shook my head then accepted her hand. Bahala na.
“B-bamboo.” I stutter. Embarrasing.
She smiled, “Thank you pala, ha. Sige, aalis ka na yata. Goodbye. Ingat ka.” She said.
Why is she smiling? Hindi ba niya ako nakikilala? Or she’s just pretending na hindi ako kilala?
I forced my smile at patakbong nagpunta sa parking lot. I entered the car then went home immediately.
As soon as I got inside my condo, I covered my face with a pillow and shout at the top of my lungs. Little did I know, tears were starting to escape from my eyes.
“SHIT! DAMN YOU, LEA. BAKIT KA PA BUMALIK?! AND YOU’RE PRETENDING NA HINDI MO AKO KILALA?! PARA ANO?! PARA IPAMUKHA MO SA AKIN NA HINDI AKO KAWALAN?! TANGINA!” I shouted then sit at the edge of my bed. I run my fingers
through my hair out of frustration.
I went to the study room and opened the letter she gave me before she left.
Hello, love. Siguro kapag nabasa mo ito, I’ll be not here anymore. I just want to tell you na I am really sorry for this decision I’ll make pero, I am choosing my carreer over you. I’m so sorry, love. Alam kong magagalit ka sa akin kaya naman tinatapos ko na ‘tong relasyon na ‘to. I am so so sorry, Bamboo. Please, pursue your singing carreer and sana maging masaya ka.
I love you and I’m sorry.
Lea
I crumpled the paper then threw it in the trashbin beside the table.
Damn her. She broke with me through letter, a very short damn letter. She’s really a coward. Ewan ko nga kung bakit ko pa itinago yung letter. I should have thrown it before.
I went to the kitchen then drink water to calm myself. I am over this.
“This will be the last time I am going to see you, Lea. Never again.” I whispered.
•••
Kasi, Lea. Bakit mo ginagalit asawa ko? Hahahaha. XD
