His Imperfect Halo (COMPLETED)

Chapter 18

MABILIS na lumipas ang mga araw at ngayon ay Sabado na. I had just finished lunch with mommy and was getting ready for the camping trip. I wore a tie-dye shirt, neatly tucked into my jeans. Kinuha ko na ang school bag na pinaglalagyan ng mga damit ko tsaka lumabas ng kwarto.

I also wore the necklace Kenzo gave me. It meant the world to me and symbolized our love for each other. I vowed to protect it at all costs, it was a constant reminder of our bond. I couldn't afford to lose this.

I went downstairs and immediately saw mommy. She was wearing a simple green shirt and ripped jeans. Nakatayo ito sa sala at nakatingin sa akin na parang kanina pa akong hinihintay lumabas.

"I swear, seeing you walk down those stairs is like looking in a mirror. We're practically twinnies!" she said, grinning.

I jokingly rolled my eyes and crossed my arms. "Mom, alam ko naman nang magkamukha tayo. You don't have to say that over and over again."

She laughed and pinched my cheek. "I know, I just can't help but to say it." Mommy held my hand. "Alright, let's go! I'll take you to the university."

Nang nasa kotse na ay pinaandar na agad ni mommy ang sasakyan, habang ako ay nakatingin lamang sa bintana at pinagmamasdan ang bawat view sa labas.

Hindi ko rin maiwasang isipin kung nakaalis na ba si Kenzo. Sinabi niyang pupunta rin siya ngayon sa university bago ako makaalis, kaya hindi maalis sa isipan ko kung nasaan na siya. Nakaalis na ba siya? Nandodoon na ba siya? Ini-interview na ba siya ng dalawa ngayon? O tulog pa rin ba siya hanggang ngayon?

"Did Kenzo join the camping, anak?" biglang tanong ni Mommy kaya bumalik ako sa ulirat.

I looked at her and shook my head. "He's not really a fan of things like this," I replied, offering a simple smile before turning my attention to the road.

My parents and Kenzo's parents were unaware of our relationship. Sinabi ni Kenzo na dapat daw na sabihin namin ito sa mga pamilya namin para maging ligal na kami both sides, pero ako itong hindi pumayag. Hindi ko alam... para kasing mas gusto kong sabihin ang lahat sa kanila kapag isang buwan na kaming magkarelasyon. Like, Lance and I before. For them not to be so shocked. Pumayag naman na roon si Kenzo.

Ramdam ko na ang paghinto ng sasakyan. Napatingin ako sa mataong field tsaka ko inalis ang seatbelt ko.

"Bye, mom." I kissed her in the cheek.

"I'm gonna miss you, hun. Be safe, okay? Eat your dinner, huwag mong gugutumin ang sarili mo. Huwag ka ring magpapabaya, huwag kang lalangoy sa malalim na parte, dapat lagi—"

"Mom," I interrupted, locking eyes with her worried expression. "This is just a one-night camping," I reassured her.

She sighed. "I know, but every second matters, anak. Things can change in just an hour," she said meaningfully. "Just be safe, okay?"

I nodded. "Yeah... bye, I love you."

"I love you, too." I stepped out of the car when she said that. I watched the car leave the university premises. When it was out of sight, I headed straight to the gathering of fellow students on the field.

There really were a lot of people joining. Aksidente na lang akong napapatingin sa mga taong nagtatawanan at nagkwekwentuhan. Hanggang sa naaninag ko na sina Ashley at Avery na iwinawagayway ang mga kamay sa akin.

I automatically made a smile and ran to them. Nang nandodoon na ay mas nakita ko pa ang kabuuan nila. Ashley was wearing an off-shoulder top paired with black denim shorts, and she had stylish shades resting atop her hair, while holding a milk tea.