Binisaya: Luyo sa Kasakit

BALELENGXXXTONYO

Si Valerie ang pinakaimportanteng babae sa akong kinabuhi. She is the source of my happiness, the cause of my sadness, and the only person who understands me.

Modistansiya dayon na siya sa tawo kung tan-aw niya nagselos na ko. Wala na koy mga ginikanan, wala sab koy mga igsuon. All I have is my grandmother and her.

Classmate mi niya sa college ug pareho mi nga Nursing student.

The first time I saw her in our block, nakaingon dayon ko sakong kaugalingon nga mao na jud ni ang babae nga akong pakaslan. Unbelievable pero ingana jud siguro ka grabe ang epekto sa love at first sight nako.

I pushed myself to do my best and gradually became a Dean's lister. She was naturally intelligent ug sobra ka talented.

"Our Ms. Cebu Doctors College 2010 is candidate number 4, Ms. Valerie Inocencio!"

"Our Quiz Bowl 2012 Champion, from the BS in Nursing 3-A!"

"Ms. Valerie Inocencio, Suma Cum Laude!"

Sa tanang niyang achievements I made sure nga naa ko by her side to cheer for her and celebrate with her. She was and will also be my wonder woman who lifts me up when I'm down and laughs with me when I'm at my best.

"Baleleng.. T-this isn't working a-any.. more..." Nagduko lang ko while I can't control my tears from falling.

"What.. are you.. talking about, Tonyo?" I know she's also in tears based on her voice that's about to crack already.

Nihangad ko ug gipahiran akong mga luha.

"I've been carrying this personal issue with me all along our relationship.. which is kahibawo ko nga dili dapat." Nitutok siya nako with an asking stare.

Speechless.

"You've been lifting me up since then.. Ug di na ko gusto nga mabug-atan pa ka ug apil sa akong issues as I question my self worth.." She held my hand and composed herself for a word.

"Am I still not enough for you to know that you are worth fighting for?" I bit my lower lip because her every word's stabbing my heart into pieces. Mas bug-at pa diay akong mabati run kesa sa akong gi-expect when I made this decision.

"No, no.. I never questioned your love for me, Baleleng. I-It's just.." I threw a very deep breath and pinched her palm.

"I can't hurt you even more by giving up while you are still holding on to this relationship.." I saw more tears flowing down to her cheeks.

"Aning imong gibuhat.. Do you think you're not hurting me, Tonyo?" Nahilam-os nako akong usa ka palad sa akong nawong.

"It's not what you think, Baleleng.. You won't understand.." Nibuhi siya sa akong kamot.

"Then let me understand! Please.." Niduko pa siya ug nagpakiluoy nako pero tibuok na akong desisyon.

"I am drowning with my issues and I'm afraid nobody can rescue me.. even you, Baleleng." I cupped her face and looked into her eyes.

"No! I won't let you go. If you drown yourself, then I'll be drowning with you no matter what. And that's final!" She stood up and walked away.

That night, wala juy pagbuwag nga nahitabo. She won the fight like she always did. I didn't know unsay sunod mahitabo nako but one thing's for sure.

My Baleleng's love was my life jacket. It was enough for me to lean on, made me float with my issues and insecurities, and go with the flow that rescued me to live my life to the fullest.