The Burning of Summer

Chapter Twenty Seven

Chapter Twenty Seven

"Remind me again why you opted for a blonde look this time?" I laughed at Margaux for her sentiments. We are currently having a meal at a restaurant inside the airport.

It has been six and a half months since I left and went here in New York. And to me, it wasn't long enough.

"I just thought it'd be good for my final walk."

Yes, three days ago was my final runway walk. I'm officially done. I finished all of my contracts. I made sure not to leave any pending work because that would totally suck and now I am free to go and no more commitments here whatsoever.

"Of course and about that, the agency released your statement this morning since you declined a press conference and any kind of interviews.."

"They are used to me not giving out interviews anyways.. a statement from me should be enough."

"You can't call it your statement when you didn't even write a single word in it." she spatted.

Retiring from modeling this early wasn't really my plan. It's just that the circumstances made me do it.

The moment that I stepped outside the airport six months ago, I felt relieved. Because finally, malayo na ako sa mga mapangmatang mga tao. My sisters almost pulled my hair when I called them just minutes before I board my flight. They made sure that those minutes won't be wasted and spend them scolding me for not telling them that I am leaving.

When I looked back now, I think that is the longest ten minutes I have experienced.

"You are so in trouble Ate!" Rain shouted.

Natawa ako.

"It's not funny Summer." seryosong wika ni Ate Autumn. "Sabi mo ay sasabihan mo kami kapag aalis ka na.."

"Yeah, that's why I called you three!" I exclaimed.

"Alam mo kung anong ibig naming sabihin Ate Summer." bumuntong hininga ako. "Ate Winter tell her what you think."

Tumingin ako sa screen kung nasaan ang mukha ni Ate Winter. Kanina pa ito walang imik at nakikinig lang sa amin.

"I don't like that you're only telling us now that you're leaving, a few minutes before you board the plane, I am actually pissed... but I also think that you're doing what is best for you right now." napaawang ang mga labi ko sa narinig. "The issue won't die down if you're here. Kung palagi kang makikita ng mga tao ay hindi sila titigil.. you know how people can be judgemental, they throw hate so easily but will cry even harder if you throw it back at them."

I simply smiled.

"But it doesn't mean that I am okay with this stunt that you pull!" kaagad nalukot ang mukha ko. "Lagot ka pa rin sa amin pagbalik mo!"

"I'll miss you all three as well.." sabi ko na lang. "Please don't let Abuela go back to the province until you're very sure that it is perfectly fine for her to go." mariin kong bilin bago mabilis na nagpa-alam at pinatay ang tawag.

Tuwing na-aalala ko ang usapan naming magkakapatid na iyon at natatawa na lang ako at napapa-iling.

And now, that circumstance is asking me to go back home and I am left with no choice but to follow it.

"I still don't believe you when you told me that you fell in love." Tinaasan ko siya ng kilay. "Kahit isang beses yata hindi kita nakitang nalungkot o umiyak habang nandito. Or are you that good in hiding your pain?"

I sipped on my coffee and ignored her.

I made sure not to think about the things that happened back there while I am here. This is a paradise for me, a place where I don't have to stress myself about my personal problems. A place where the person who has hurt me doesn't exist.