When Heartbeat Stops [COMPLETED]

Chapter 38

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I'm on my way in Batangas to see the Monte Maria again. It's been so many years when I last visited that elegant masterpiece in Batangas. I just miss it. After a long drive, nakarating ako sa Monte Maria. I wear my shades dahil maaraw then I went out of the car habang bitbit ang camera 'ko.

I inhaled the fresh air. "I miss you", I uttered. I captured a picture of the scenery and of course myself also. I am smiling while looking at the captured pictures. Naglakad pa 'ko para maglibot-libot.

"Hi", a stranger greeted. I nodded at her and smiled. "Can I join you?", she asked. I took a picture of the green scenery again.

"Sure", I agreed.

"You look good", she said and glanced at my outfit.

"Thanks and you too", I said. She's wearing a fitted tanktop partnered it with high-waisted fitted pants.

"So why are you here in Monte Maria?", she asked.

"I just want to see it again", I replied. I don't know why I am talking to her but she has this vibe that you can easily tag along with her. Ang gaan lang rin kasi ng aura niya.

"Can I share something on you? Some says na mag-share ka sa stranger kasi hindi ka nila ija-judge", she shrugged. I looked at her and removed my shades. "Ang ganda ng mga mata mo", she added.

"Hindi ba dapat sa taong kakilala mo ikaw magsabi? A person who you trusted", I said.

She chuckled. "That person will have a judgement about your situation. Madali ka 'nun masasabihan ng kung ano kasi kilala ka niya", she replied. I don't get her. "So can I share something?", she asked.

"Go on", I answered. She showed her bright smile at me.

"I regretted not hearing his side-my man's side. I saw him talking to a girl. Maganda, sexy, breath-taking. Pinangunahan ako ng selos kaya iniwan 'ko siya...", she started. I am just listening to her. "Then hinabol niya 'ko pero patuloy akong tumakbo hanggang sa hindi niya na ko naabutan. Tinalikuran ko siya. Tinalikuran ko yung sampung taon namin. Basta-basta ko na lang tinapon", she added.

And I smiled sadly. "Until, he stopped. He stopped chasing me but he didn't stop loving me", then she looked at me. "He died", she muttered.

I was shocked by that. "He died because of cancer in bone. Kaya niya kinausap 'yung babae that time dahil organizer pala dapat ng kasal namin 'yun", then her eyes started to water. "It's been one year since he died and I am still mourning", she said.

"You didn't know na nagka-cancer siya?", I asked.

"Yes. When I decided to run tsaka siya nagkaroon ng cancer", she replied. "Hindi ko man lang nahawakan yung kamay niya", she added and napansin ko na hinihimas niya ang singsing na nasa left finger niya.

"Bakit pinili mong hindi siya pakinggan?", I asked. And that question was also for myself. Bakit nga ba mas pinili kong hindi pakinggan si Dionne?

"Dahil mahal ko siya", she replied.

"Huh?", I asked not getting what she replied.

"Mahal ko siya kaya mas pinili kong tumakbo. Mahal ko siya kaya mas pinili ko siyang iwan. Mahal ko siya kaya nagdudusa 'ko ngayon. At nagsisisi ako na mas pinili ko ang pagmamahal ng isang duwag dahil iniwan ko siya sa panahon na kailangang-kailangan niya 'ko", she explained. She faced me. "This ring...", and she showed me her ring. "This symbolizes my love for him. I married him while he was lying down, while he was dead, while he was no longer breathing", she added.

Nakakaloka. May pagmamahal pa palang gano'n. Na sa sobra niyo'ng pagmamahal sa isa't isa, hanggang kamatayan, kayo pa rin talaga. And I admired their love story. I admired how much they love each other.

"Kaya kapag may nais ka pang marinig mula sa isang tao lalo na sa mahal mo, pakinggan mo pa rin para wala kang pagsisisihan", she said with a smile. "Thank you for listening. Gumaan yung loob ko", she added and bid her goodbye to me.

When she was gone, I sighed. I just continue to enjoy the beautiful picture infront of me. I closed my eyes as the wind blew. I feel it and hug myself. When I opened my eyes, tumama agad ang sinag ng araw sa'kin.

"You should hear his side, Anasthasia", I said to myself. "Happy birthday, Dionne", I muttered as if he will hear me.

I remember our memories here in Batangas. The moment I said yes and celebrated my birthday with him. The time when he jumped because of joy. And Monte Maria witnessed it. All of it. Then I felt my tears flowing by just remembering it.

It will remain as a memory.

"Thasia...". I froze when I heard his voice. I looked at him and saw his face. I can't deny that I miss him.

"Dionne".

And I know myself that I am willing to hear his side. After many years, I won't run again. I will return...on his arms.

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