Me & You: Between Life And Death (COMPLETE)

Chapter 38

Papunta na sana ako sa opisina nang makita ko siyang nakatayo roon sa labas ng bahay. He's just wearing a white tee paired in his faded jeans and black slippers. Naka-sunglasses rin ito.

"Adriel! Anong ginagawa mo dito!?" Gulat na may halong galit kong tanong. Kagagaling lang niya sa sakit at delikado para sa kanya ang magmaneho.

"Betryle, I just want to ask something from you bago ako tuluyang umalis," aniya.

I restricted my eyes to see his face, instead I gazed at my car's direction. I felt the sharp pain attacked my chest. I couldn't properly breathe.

"What is it?" Hindi pa rin nakatingin sa kanya.

"I want to fulfill my promise... to take you in Afghanistan and visit Shacklu's grave."

Iginawi ko ang aking mata sa direksyon niya na nakayuko ngayon. I could feel the sadness invading my eyes right now when I heard what he just said. I can't believe na naalala niya pa rin pala iyon.

If I could just take Shacklu's life back ay ginawa ko na. I wish I could remember him... that sweet little child who imparted his beatific smile in my memories.

I suppressed my tears and inhaled heavily. He moved forward, handed me the one piece of small envelop. 

"Nandiyan na lahat ng papeles at handa na ang lahat, I'm just waiting for your answer..." aniya na nakatingin na rin sa akin ngayon.

"Okay. Kailan tayo aalis?"

"Sa friday..." Humakbang na siya paatras at isinuot ang sunglass niya.

"Three days lang ang trip na yan, pagkatapos, ihahatid rin kita rito saka ako babalik sa states."

I remained silent while scanning his eyes behind those glasses. I want to see his eyes...

"Okay." I blurted. It's now or never.

"See you in two days..." paalam niya saka tumalikod at akmang pasakay na sa sasakyan niya.

"Adriel... babalik ka pa rin ba dito?" Tanong ko ng hindi nakatingin sa kanya.

"Yes, but don't worry..." He looked back. "I'll try not to cross my paths with you and Jayson."

Then, he left. I gape for a moment as my eyes watered my face.

I went to the office. Everyone's greeting me with a smile, while I can't give a perfect one. I saw Dad inside my office because it was only covered by a thick glass, visible outside.

"Good morning, Dad. I'm sorry I'm late..." I gave him a kiss on his cheek and sat down next to him on the couch.

"I just pay you a visit, you know... to cheer you up." Then he made a wacky face.

"Daddy!" I uttered with a giggle.

"Okay, okay." His hands up akala mo ay inaresto ko.

"Gotta go. I love you." He gave me a dulcet smile before he went outside.

I sat down to my swivel chair, opened my laptop and start working. I gaze my eyes at the door when I heard someone knocked.

"Come in."

"Good morning, Ma'am..." nahihiyang sambit ni Keira habang dala-dala ang isang cup of coffee mula pa sa isang coffee shop.

"Good morning, Keira..."

Lumapit siya sa table at inilagay iyon sa gilid kasama ang isang piece of chocolate cake.

"Sit down," mahinahon kong utos at umupo naman siya.