Found You

129

"Ms. Izaguirre, the passenger in seat 28B needs your assistance."

I smiled and nodded at our purser. After graduating last year I immediately got a job from a famous airline. In the span of almost six years, there's a lot of change happened. For years, I tried to suppress my feelings to the person I have no chance to be with again. But at least, I don't regret choosing my family first because I believe, if fate has a plan for us then it will be. Pero sa bawat taon na lumilipas nawawalan ako ng pag-asa. Thanks God, both of my parents are now okay. I don't want to go back to the times when I was devastated. Noong panahong muntik ng mawala ang mga magulang ko at nawala iyong taong mahal ko.

I don't know what he's doing currently and purposely avoided the news about him. I also have no communication with his friends before at ayoko nang makibalita pa. I'd just get hurt if I learn that he's dating someone or maybe he is now married? Ilang taon na ba 'yon? 25? 26?

It's so funny to think that we've been together for months, but I never forget him for years. Sandaling panahon lang kami nagkasama pero taon man ang lumipas hindi ko pa rin siya malimutan. What have you done to me, Aquiver Deangelo?

The issues between Liamzons and Izaguirres I finally think settled. It's not the Liamzons who caused the ambush of my parents. It's Khaleesi's family. Pinalabas lamang na mga Liamzon ang may gawa dahil sa hidwaan ng dalawang pamilya. But there's still a barrier between our clans but not as bad as before.

"How may I help you, Sir?" I asked politely to a foreign passenger. His age may range between mid 30s to early 40s.

"Uhm, can I have a glass of water?" ngumiti ito sa akin.

Mabilis akong bumalik sa galley at inihanda ang kanyang hinihingi. When I came back, he started to petrify me.

"What's your name?" tanong niya bago pa ako makatalikod. I just want to walk away and ignored him, but it is not right.

I have to endure this kind of treatment. I can't be rude if I want to, and that's where I have difficulty sometimes. Some passengers are getting into my nerves pero hindi naman pwedeng magtaray.

Ngumisi lang ako. "Hey, I asked your name, Miss."

"I'm Abi," tipid kong sagot. "So please, Sir, if you-"

"Where are you from?"

"I'm from Philippines, Sir," I replied, smiling.

Humawak ito sa kanyang baba tila nag-iisip. Pagkatapos ay may kinuha. A pen and small piece of paper. I know what's this.

"Here. Put your number," he even pointed to the paper and forcefully handed the ballpen to me.

"Uh, Sir, I'm sorry, but I refuse to give my number. It's too personal. If you want anything, you can always press the flight attendant button and we'll immediately attend your needs. Excuse me, Sir," magalang kong paalam at bumalik na sa pwesto.

That scenario is not new to me because that often happens. That's why sometimes my cabin crewmates would pretend as my boyfriend so they'd stop bothering me. Nandyan din ang mag papapicture bago lumipad o kaya naman kukuhanan ako habang nagtatrabaho ng walang paalam and they'd post it on internet. Hindi naman ako makapagreklamo dahil 'di ko naman sila kontrolado.

"How many tried to get your number today?" Keiko, my Japanese co-flight attendant asked.

"As of now they're four. Can't wait for us to land..."

"Oh sorry, sweetheart, but it would take 18 hours to arrive in the Philippines."

I just smiled tiredly before tooking off my vest and scarf. The moment my back laid on the soft mattress I slept immediately. Ilang oras din ang naging tulog ko muntik pang ma late sa susunod kong shift kaya dali-dali akong nag-ayos ng buhok at niretouch ang makeup.

"Ms. Izaguirre, you'll take the first class together with Ms. Zahara. While you Ms. Uchigana with Mr. Scotts you're assigned to business class."

Kaagad kaming kumilos at naghanda ng mga ibibigay sa passengers. I'm pushing a cart containing foods and drinks for them.

"Hi, Sir, thank you for flying with us. Do you want snacks? We have yogurt granola bars, biscoff cookies, croissant, and dried fruits. For our drinks, Sir, we have here cranberry juice, clear soda, a red wine or you just want a simple water? May I ask if you choose something? Or anything?" my grin was so wide even though the man is not facing me. His face was covered and slightly facing the window. Pinapanood yata ang mga bituin sa ulap. Gabi na kasi.

I cleared my throat. "Sir? Signor? Hola?"

Ano ba 'to? Imbes na matatapos na ako lalo lang tumatagal! Is he wearing earphones? Sleeping? Or just plainly don't care of what I'm offering right now. Thinking he's a Mexican I tried to greet in Spanish.

"Hola, Signor, aquí tenemos diferentes snacks y bebidas," inulit kong muli ang mga choices. "And that's it, Signor, are you decided what food and drin-"

"I want you."

My eyes widen when I saw who's the man I'm talking with. I felt the beat of my heart went faster and faster. For the past five years I've felt this again. He was beaming at me. I can see the pain, longing, sadness, and happiness in his eyes. Hindi ako makapagsalita ng maayos. His appearance got matured. Yes, he was attractive back then but the version I have him now is different. It is intense. Pakiramdam ko hindi ko na siya kilala. He's just staring at me, unmoving like me. I couldn't stand it so I just looked at his hair. It's kinda messy—like the first time we've met.

"Aki..."