Parted Ways

CHAPTER THIRTY-FOUR

"By 2:00 PM po siguro nand'yan na po ako." I said over the phone.

"Sige anak, mag-iingat ka." my mother softly said. "Kasabay mo ba si Farah?"

"Opo Mom, napag-usapan na po namin."

"I'll hang up na anak ha? May meeting na, ingat ka ha? I love you, Aru ko."

After a couple of more minutes, the call ended and I just continued on packing my things.

Farah and I were scheduled to go home tomorrow, we will just be commuting because there's no one that is available from the province to come and pick us up.

After packing my things, I checked my customised gift for Caden.

I giggled as I browsed every page of it. "Sana magustuhan niya 'to."

It consists of pictures and messages. From the first picture we had up to now, I put it all in this. I added some messages, some stories and facts that I had experienced ever since we became together.

I polished the last page, "Dito namin ilalagay 'yung mga pictures namin kapag na'surprise ko na siya." I said smiling and talking with myself like a crazy one.

I heard knocks on my door and so I immediately hid it on the box along with the supplies I would be needing for the surprise.

"Fara-"

She went to me then gave me a back hug. "Princess."

"Hmm?"

"Sorry," then she faced me and pouted. "I'm so sorry, Aru."

I rolled my eyes. "What is it this time huh, Farah?"

Silence stretched between us. She then sighed after a while and started telling me about it.

She smiled. "I wouldn't be able to come home with you tomorrow, Aru. I need to take care of Jerico's mom."

I motioned her to seat on my bed.

"What is it, Farah?"

Her smile was still there but there's a glimpse of sadness in her eyes.

She stood still and I saw her at the verge of crying so I immediately pulled her with me.

"Jerico's mother was at risk, Aruzel. She has a stage 4 breast cancer." I caressed her hair because that's the only thing that calms her, and by the way she acts? I know she's deeply bothered.

"Sa likod ng mga maaamo niyang ngiti, may napakalaking problema pala siyang sinasarili. Aru, I want to help, their father left them and he's the only one in their family that was expected to make a way for them!" she added and now sobbing.

I let her vent out to me until she felt okay and fell sound asleep.

Looks are deceiving, indeed. Everyone fights a battle we never knew about. So as much as possible, be kind, always.

I gently fixed Farah's comforter then left a note on her side. It's already 9 o'clock in the morning but she's still sleeping, it's okay tho, para mabawi niya yung lakas na nai-iyak niya kagabi.

"Bye, Farah." I whispered as I turned the lights off and left.

I was unfamiliar on how to commute so I planned to ask some guards and some people along my way on what to do and where to go.

Last question when I haven't seen any guard or descent looking ones so I was left with no choice but to ask the shoemaker on the side.

Tumikhim ako upang maagaw ang atensyon niya. "Kuya, pwede po bang magtanong?"