Leaving it to chance [ Serendipity Series #01 ]

I: alpas

Alpas — (adj.) To become free, to break loose.

Should there be any Bisaya words used throughout the chapter, a Bisaya glossary will be placed at the end of the chapter for your reference.

***

I got nostalgic and slightly sentimental at the thought of being a senior as I looked out the balcony of my condo, overlooking the bustling Katipunan scenery. It was only 7 a.m., but the world outside seemed to already be awake. If New York was the city that never sleeps, the traffic never ends in Metro manila. Ang aga-aga, may bumubusina na sa labas. Alarm clocks? Didn't know them.

Okay, going back to being senti.

Wow.

I honestly didn't know how I managed to survive these past three years.

It was kind of exciting and a little bit liberating. I got this far and I knew I could go further. Abot-kamay ko na lahat. After this year, I would take my masters in France. It had been a bittersweet journey coming to Manila for college, being away from my family, and living alone. There were moments where I thought I should just give up, pack my things, and go home. Mas maginhawa siguro ang buhay ko sa Cebu, but then I also thought, where was the fun in that? If homesickness was the price of chasing my dreams, then I had to suck it up.

I made myself a cup of coffee, the aroma spreading throughout my small kitchen. I was in love. I told myself nothing could ruin my day; it was going to be a great day. I held the cup by the handle, taking small sips as I walked towards the balcony with feelings. 'Yong parang nasa commercial? Ganoon.

Not even the hustle and bustle of the road outside could ruin my mood. It was all about mindset, guys. Umupo ako at ipinatong ang mga paa ko sa railings, leaning back on the seat, enjoying my coffee. If tatanungin mo kung bakit ang chill ko at parang walang klase, nakatsamba kasi ako ng schedule na 10 a.m. pa 'yung first period ko and so I had all the time in the world to—

"Putek! Fuck! Gaga! Argh!"

I heard Astrid, my best friend and roommate, scream as she slammed the door behind her a little too hard.

"Ay, giatay," I muttered simultaneously, surprised by the loud door slam. Muntik ko nang matapon ang kape ko tuloy. Mabuti't umatras ako, kung hindi, napaso na sana ako.

Nothing could ruin this day. Nothing could ruin this day. Nothing could ruin this day.

I walked back into the condo to find a panicking Astrid. "Sino'ng tinatawag mong gaga?" tanong ko sabay higop ng kape, leaning against the kitchen counter. She seemed to be preoccupied with whatever she was worried about to notice me or answer my question.

"Astrid Martina, ang aga-aga, ha. Ano ba'ng problema mo? Hoy!"

That seemed to snap her out of her annoyed state, stopping in the middle of the living room to turn to me, completely stunned to see me there as if I did not just pass by her. What was with her this morning?

"Nakita mo ba isang phone ko? 'Yung iPhone 8 plus?" she asked, scratching the back of her head. Sana all dalawa ang phone.

"Aba, malay ko ba. Saan mo ba 'yun last nakita? Hindi kaya naiwan mo sa bahay n'yo sa Makati?" I suggested, finishing the last of my coffee before placing it on the sink—bago kayo mag-react, yes, huhugasan ko 'yan mamaya.

"Ayan nga! Baka naiwan ko, 'no? Ang tanga ko talaga minsan." Sa wakas, nasagot na rin tanong ko.

"Minsan lang?"