Serendipity (Thalassophile)

One

"Happy one decade. A decade of our promise to each other and a decade of being hopeful to see you once again."

Krislene uttered while looking at the vast ocean in front of her.

"Do you still remember me? Dahil ako, hinding-hindi kita makalimutan." Then she chuckled upon realizing what she said. "Hindi ko nga lang alam kung ano na ang itsura mo ngayon. But I can't and I won't forget you." She said then looked at her necklace which is placed on her right palm. "Kamusta ka na kaya King?"

King. That was her childhood friend's nickname. Or rather, childhood sweetheart. Sounds like royalty right? Well, bagay naman sa kababata nyang si King ang pangalan nya. Maputi kasi ito. But there's really something that caught her attention, even her heart. It was King's blue eyes just like the vast ocean in front of her.

"When can I see that blue eyes of yours once again King?"

Then she started walking on the seashore, barefoot, while smiling from ear to ear. "I know we were just kids back then. But never, will I forget someone whom I once promised." Then she stopped and faced the vast ocean once again before she uttered these words, "Hurry up King, I want to fulfil my promise to you."

Krislene can't help but to smile whenever she remembers their promise to each other. Imagine, they're too young that time yet here she is, still holding on to their spoken promise. Even though she knew that there would be no assurance. Hindi nga rin sya sigurado kung naaalala sya ng kababata nya. But here she is, every year, not missing even just one time, she's hoping and praying that one day, their paths will come across again.

Yes. She's always hoping and praying for that they would experience serendipity once again.

______________

Before the day ends—November 6 to be exact—Krislene called her elder Sister before midnight and thankfully, she's still awake.

Her sister picks up her call but as soon as she heard her sister's voice on the other line, right then and there, worry consumed her. As to why? Because her sister is crying.

"Ate K, why are you crying?"

"H-hindi ah! Anong crying–crying ang pinagsasasabi mo dyan?"

She rolled her eyes even though her sister can't see her. Kunwari pa ang Ate nya. Halatang-halata naman sa boses nito. "Ate, huwag ako. Bakit ka nga umiiyak? Is it because of Mom and Dad?"

Partly, she knows that during their birthday, her Sister is always emotional. And the main reason is because their parents are not around, as always. Bilang nga lang ang pagkakataong kasama nila ang parents nila tuwing birthday nila. Mas madalas, wala ang mga ito. But based on how her Sister is crying right now? She knows exactly that there's a different reason this time.

"Oh dahil kay Kuya V?" Sunod nyang tanong at hindi nakasagot ang kapatid nya sa kanya at mas lalo nyang narinig ang pagsinghot nito.

I knew it.

"What did Kuya V do to you Ate K? Tatamaan sakin 'yan! Nakalimutan ba ang birthday mo? O hindi nagpunta sa birthday celebration mo? 'Or hindi ka binigyan ng—"

"He's already in a relationship."

At doon sya hindi nakapagsalita agad. Alam na alam nya kung ano ang nararamdaman ng kapatid nya para kay Vincien. Isang dekada na rin kung tutuusin ang pagmamahal ng kapatid nya dito. Regardless na mga bata pa sila noon, but she always knew that her Sister has feelings for Vincien. At kahit hindi pa nya nararanasan na masaktan dahil sa pagmamahal, alam nyang masakit ito para sa kapatid nya.

"Ate K, do you want me to go back tomorrow?"

"No Krislene. You don't have to do that okay. It's your birthday and I don't want to spoil your day. Besides, I'll be fine alright? Ako pa ba? Your Sister is one hell of a brave woman!"