"3 days more, I'll b back, luv. Usap tayo pagbalik ko."
Hindi ko na mabilang kung ilang ulit ko nang binabasa iyon. Pero magdadalawang linggo na ay wala pa rin akong narinig na balita mula sa kanya. The waiting time feels like an eternity, and it's...
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A year had passed and I still always think of the times when I let the opportunity to swear on my love slip away. I keep on asking this, though, "Did I really need to lose him just to realize how much I valued him in my life?"
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"Are you alright? Kumusta ang memorial day service for Cliff?" Madison asked on the other line. Puno ng genuine concern ang boses niya.
Pinilit kong ngumiti. Then I sighed and said, "It went fine. Okay lang ako."
"Alright, good to know. Sorry, hindi ka namin nasamahan. Alam mo naman, hindi kami makaalis sa OJT," she said.
"It's okay, Madz. Naiintindihan ko naman," I said.
"Are you sure na okay ka lang, sis? I hope you really are. You really need to forgive yourself. It's been a year, sis! Hindi matutuwa si Cliff if you keep on punishing yourself. Sis, what happened to him wasn't your fault," she said, sounding very worried.
I heaved a sigh. Kahit naman i-explain ko pa ng paulit-ulit sa mga kaibigan ko ang bigat na patuloy na namamahay sa puso ko ay hindi rin naman nila maiintindihan iyon. I'm just thankful that they're always there for me, making me feel that it's not the end of the world yet.
"I'll be okay, Madz. Siguro hindi pa ngayon... but eventually, in time I know I will be," I said.
"Alright. Basta don't ever forget, sis, that we'll always be here for you. Kahit itaboy mo pa kami, kahit mag-hibernate ka pa for 48 years, kahit saang lupalop ka pa magtago... whether you like it or not, you're stuck with your annoying beshies forever," she said.
Automatic na sumilay ang ngiti sa mukha ko. My friend's words made me teary-eyed. Nakaka-touch lang! #ThatsWhatFriendsAreFor
"Salamat, sis. Alam ko naman na wala kayong balak lubayan ako, eh," I said with a chuckle.
"Nga pala, hinanap ka ni David kaninang umaga. Sabi niya ay lunod pa daw ang schedule niya sa projects kaya hindi muna siya makakasama sa 'yo sa Baguio for Cliff's memorial. He sends his regards, though," she said.
"I know. Nakausap ko siya sa phone kanina. Thank you, sis," I said.
"So sino ang mga nakasabay mo sa Baguio?" she asked.
"Ang family ni Cliff. Tapos si Stephen, si Neo, at ilan sa mga ka-varsity nila... Sumama din si Kath," I answered.
"As in? Sumama din si wicked stepsister?" she commented.
Bahagya akong natawa sa reaction niya.
"Ano ka ba? Hindi na siya wicked ngayon. Okay na kami. Nagkausap kami ng maayos sa Baguio," I said.
