Eternal Tune (Haunted Series 1)

Chapter 19: Is It Just Me?

"Congratulations, ate!" I hugged Cici when I entered the restaurant, remembering to remove my graduation gown as I moved to hug Dad next.

"How's the ceremony?" He gave me a bouquet that I gladly received.

"Picture muna tayo dali!" Hinila na kami ni CJ. She gave her phone to one of the staff, so we all moved to pose in front of it.

My father had business to attend, and my sister still had her class, that's why they didn't make it to the graduation ceremony. It's okay, though. Our five brothers who attended drew people's attention everywhere.

"It was good," I told them with a smile while sitting down. While Dad was seated on the head, Cici sat in front of me, followed by Jaceon, James, Evan, and then Kuya Sky and Ethan were on my side.

We talked about my graduation, our plans for the future, and the most random topics we could think of. I'm glad I'm able to spend this time with my family.

"Isn't that your boyfriend?" Napatigil ako sa sinabi ni James. I could feel my siblings and Dad's curiosity as they followed my twin's gaze.

I looked at Gabe coming into the restaurant with his family. He's wearing a suit, carrying his toga, and Beatrice is walking beside him. They were with two old ladies and two old men, it's both of their parents.

My whole family knew what he was in my life, but I think his family didn't even know me.

"He's not." I clutched the silverware and I held onto it so tight, I could feel my nails digging into my palm, "He never was."

I saw him earlier when we were taking a picture with the whole class and organization. We were always positioned on opposite sides, far away from each other. Our members asked me questions, but I didn't answer because I don't even know how to answer. Did you break up? What happened to you two? Did you fight? How could I answer those?

Hindi naman naging kami so walang break up, but I know we were happy. Walang away at wala akong ginawa na ikasasama ng loob niya.

He just changed.

"Restroom lang ako." I stood up abruptly, making my way through the tables and into the ladies' room. "You're fine, Jamie," I told myself, staring at my reflection in the mirror.

I shook myself. Why am I lying? I lied to a lot of people, including myself, that I feel like I'm not me anymore. I sighed and washed my hands, moving my way to the doo,r only to be surprised when it opened and Beatrice entered.

"Oh. Uh—" She panicked, and I did too. I quickly left so I wouldn't have to listen to her, but only to be stopped by seeing Gabriel on the other side. We locked eyes for a second until he dodged and passed me.

"You okay in there, Bea?" I could hear him call out to her, and I was standing by myself, so... confused.

Was I dreaming? Was I hallucinating about everything that happened to us? How could he easily walk past me like that? Is it just me? Am I the only one hurting here?

I walked back to our table. I couldn't catch what they were talking about, but I could feel my family's burning eyes and questions. I'm thankful they were trying to give me space.

I knocked at the door in Dad's office. I went straight in here after coming home because he said he wanted to talk to me. Going in, he was sitting behind his desk while waiting for me. He remained stoic, and I was confused as to what we were going to talk about, "Bakit, Dad?"

"We didn't talk about this yet because I assumed you would want to study college in St. Ceara, but... do you want to study abroad?" Nagulat ako sa sinabi niya. I didn't have a single thought to go abroad para mag aral.