Last Summer

38

CHAPTER THIRTY-EIGHT

"What d-did you just say?" I asked in disbelief. All along, I didn't know they were blood related. I felt like a fool.

"Yes. We are cousins. Pinsan. Blood related." Aniya.

"But, hindi naman nabanggit ni Sage 'yan, eh." Napakamot ako sa ulo ko.

"Few years ago, he studied in the States kaya hindi niyo kami nakikitang magkasama." She shrugged.

"Ba't di niyo sinabi? Aren't you two uncomfortable with all the teasing from my friends?" I hissed.

"We are not, but, I think you are.." She plastered a teasing smile.

I want to slap her soul out of her. I'm serious! Okay, Gabbi. Calm down.

I inhaled a great amount of air and walked inside the house. I rolled my eyes at my sisters who were standing near the glass door and they act like they did nothing when I entered.

"Gab." Hinila ni Krystal ang kamay ko. "You have to talk to Sage. He's, he's leaving.." She let go of my hand and her voice is cracking. I looked at her, nakayuko lang siya.

But, what? Sage is leaving? When? Where?

"He's leaving?" I was about to cry, too. Krystal's tears burst and she was struggling to breathe.

"I'm sorry, Gab. I should've told you sooner. Now, I feel like I'm the reason why you two aren't together." Aniya at umiiyak pa rin.

Napaupo ako sa sahig at tinakpan ko ang mukha ko. I'm frustrated at myself. I really am.

"Ate.." Niyakap ako ni Savvy.

"I'm okay." I lied, wiping the tears using the back of my hand. "Where is he? I need to see him." Tumayo ako.

"Ang alam ko nasa airport na siya-" Hindi ko na siya pinatapos at tumakbo na ako palabas. I got my car keys and drove.

Memories of him flashed. His sarcastic words. His corny jokes. Lahat 'yun, bumabalik. I tried not to cry para makita ko pa ang dinadaanan ko. I drove as fast as I could. I don't care whatever his decision is. Kung aalis pa ba siya o hindi. I have to tell him that I love him.

I can't let him go when he's oblivious to what I actually feel.

Panay ang pagri-ring ng cellphone ko. Hindi ko na tiningnan kung sino. I have no time for that. I want to see him.

As I drove, I was already thinking of how I will confess to him without embarassing myself. Punong-puno ng kung ano-ano ang utak ko, ngunit, isa lang ang gusto ko. Ang bumalik siya...

And that's where it hit me. I love him more than how I loved Elijah. I was never like this. Hindi ako nagmamadali papunta sa airport para habulin siya. I didn't stop him from leaving. But, this. I can't take any regrets.

Pagkarating ko sa airport, I ran as fast I could. I even bought tickets para makita ko siya sa loob.

"Excuse me. Sorry." Sabi ko sa mga taong nababangga ko. My eyes surveyed the whole place, but, I don't see him. I badly want to whine there but, it would be too embarassing. Alam kong tanga ako. Alam ko 'yun at tanggap ko. I just want to see him one last time before he leaves.

"Uh, miss. Did the flight to the U.S already depart?" I crossed my fingers at the back.

"Yes, ma'am. Did you miss your flight?" Aniya.