Between the Lines

Prologue

"Wow,"  I muttered as the show ended. It is a nice piece for her age -- 16.

I am at a bar here in New York where they let aspiring poets share their pieces on stage. It makes my heart happy to see people doing their passion.

I checked my phone and I saw a notification from my Ate. She texted me pala while I'm busy listening earlier at the show. I called her phone and for sure, it's early in the morning there in the Philippines.

"Hello, Ash!" She instantly answered it, squeeling.

I went out from the bar and walked my way to my apartment. It's not that far so I don't need to grab a taxi. I just endured the cold weather here.

"Hi ate, Nia. You okay?" I asked her.

I'm wearing a coat and beneath that, is a sweater but I can still feel the cold. Damn, this weather.

I heard loud thugs and I assumed she fell from her bed. I shake my head. She's really clumsy ever since.
I think, nag pe-prepare na din siya for work. Since ma traffic na kapag around 7am siya aalis ng bahay namin.

"Yes naman! Oh, Ikaw, how are you? Kumakain ka ba diyan ng maayos? My ghad ashley ha, kapag nalaman kong--"

I chuckled. She's really cute when she does this. I am overwhelmed by the concern she's giving me and it makes me glad.

"Ate, oo naman. I'm eating here 3 times a day, ano ka ba. How's Mom, by the way?"

There's a long silence, she sighed afterwards.

"She's taking her medication naman bunso. She's good 'wag kang mag-alala..

Mayroon pala akong sasabihin sa'yo"

Ha? What could it be? I heard her giggled like a kid.

"What is it, Ate? Make sure maganda 'yan ha"

I'm curious! Ano kaya ang sasabihin niya? She's never been this...happy.  I rarely see her act like this, kung kaya't nakakapanibago.

She took a deep breath and parang pinipigilan ang kilig.

" Marco and I, we're getting married!!! "

Napatulala ako. My goodness! Ikakasal na ang ate ko!!

I jumped when I heard her say that. Hindi ako makapaniwala na mangyayari na ang pinapangarap niya! They've been for years already and my Mom always ask kuya Marco kung kailan sila magpapakasal and now! It's happening!

"Oh my! Oh my! I'm happy for you! Sobra. Congratulations, Ate!"

" Ash, I'm really really happy right now. You have to be here! The date is upcoming pa pero gusto ko nandito ka na before that kasi, you know? Mamimili pa tayo ng wedding gown! "

She explained with full of excitement. I wish I'm there when kuya Marco asked her to be his wife. Gaaaaahd! I'm so excited na!

"Yes, ate. I'll be there. Uuwi ako. Unahin ko munang i-process 'yung mga papers ko dito sa work. Can't wait to see you na!"

I miss the Philippines, my family-- everyone.

Mukhang naiiyak na'ko wala pa iyong mismong araw ng kasalan ano pa kaya kung nandoon na talaga ako? Gahd.

"Sure bunso! Anyways, I know may trabaho ka pa bukas and 'yung timezone natin. You need to get some rest, Ash. I'll tell Mom we talked, okay? I love you so much! See you very soonest"

I nodded even though hindi niya nakikita. In our family, my Ate Niana is really the one I'm close with. She's my human diary and I'm blessed enough to be her sister. Siya ang panganay saamin. We're three siblings and I'm the youngest. Ate Niana is a Doctor while my other sib, my brother, Kuya Nathan is a Lawyer and me, Nicola is a writer in the making.

"Okay Ate, Tell mom marami akong gifts for her and also kuya Nate. I love you more, Ate. Take care! I'll hang up now."

With that, I ended the call. Now, I have a reason to fly back to my homeland. It's been five years of staying here in New York. I got stable job, a good place to stay in, and what more? Gosh, it's the dream.

I glanced at my wristwatch, it's already 12:35am here in New York. Nandito na'ko sa harap nang building kung nasaan ang apartment ko. I went inside the elevator and silently waited until I reached my floor.

I instantly went inside and took off my clothes. Nag shower ako para naman fresh akong matulog. After a quick bath, I climbed on my bed and grabbed my laptop. Mabuti nalang at wala pala akong pasok bukas sa trabaho kung kaya't masusulit ko ang pahinga.

I emailed my Boss saying that I'll be leaving for a vacation and it'll be quite long. He replied saying I must be back after two months. My Boss is not that strict towards his employees.

Bonus nalang ata 'yung saakin kasi medyo close ako sa kaniya hehe. Well, okay na rin kahit na limited lang 'yung time. I texted Ate Nia para ipaalam na isang buwan lang ang binigay sa akin, sabi naman niya pagkadating ko daw ng Pilipinas, kailangan pag-usapan agad namin.

She didn't know, we'll be catching up big time dahil 2 months naman 'yung binigay sa akin.

Nagbasa muna ako ng mga emails bago nagsimula sa librong sinusulat.
I really like to write about hopeless romantic kind of genre but, in my own kind of method of showing it to the readers, it is more of a perception of things. After updating my book, I decided to scroll on my social media accounts.

New York is really my dream kung kaya't naglakas loob akong sumabak dito kahit alam kong mahirap at napaka delikado. Wala naman kasi kaming mga relatives dito and such. But look at me now, a successful writer in the making. With all the struggles, longing, and pain that I had felt makes it all worth it.

Sometimes, it is your choice that matter. I ready myself beforehand, to what any circumstances that I'll be facing here without the help of my family. But still, I am not tamed. Kahit na naka ilang rejects na ako, hindi ako sumuko.

I sighed. Ngayon ko lang din na realize kung gaano na pala ako kalayo sa nakaraan. It seems like yesterday.

I saw a post from my friend, Ria Ynarez. She's my blockmate way back in college.
It's a picture of her with the band members of a well, a band. Lol

Nakalagay sa caption ay, "always be your fan!"

I zoomed the pictures and I saw his face. Nothing changed bukod sa pagka musician niya. So, mas sumikat pa pala sila ngayon? Good for them.

Ria, came from a well-off family. She's also a sweetheart in the showbiz industry. No wonder nakapag picture siya sa sikat na banda.

Out of curiousity, I stalked the band's account. They have 4 million followers. Wow grabe, they're really popular.

The Oblivion 'yan ang band name. Up until now, wala pa rin akong idea kung bakit iyan ang naging pangalan nila. Well, for me, as a writer it is somehow weird. Ang meaning kasi ng oblivion ay unaware or unconscious. Anong connect nun? Whatever, not my problem.

I scrolled and scrolled then nakita ko iyong picture na naka b&w filter. It's a good shot. The angles and of course, the one who's captured.

Tagged person, Caleb Torres.

He's still, the Caleb Torres. His features haven't changed maliban lang na medyo nag mature na a little. Mukha talaga siyang walking heartbreak. I can't describe him more though. All I know is that, mahilig talaga siya sa music. Gagawin niya lahat kahit na may masaktan.

I smiled bitterly and closed my laptop. I need to rest.. and prepare for my flight back in the Philippines.