The Cold Airs Of Santorini

Prologue

Today, I edited my wedding vow.

Yes, I already had one.

And for the longest time I have kept it in secret, I would revise it.I'd rewrite it.Add something to it.

Smile while reading it.

Tear up a little.

And then change it again.

"Stop."

I look at him with tired eyes.Gustong gusto kong magalit.Pero pagod na pagod na din ako.

Pagod na ko sa lahat.

"Sierra,"

"Don't call me that."

"Look at me, please." He begged.He took a step closer.

"I said stop.Don't move any closer ,Javier.I swear you will not like it."  I said in monotone.

"Sierra, please.Talk to me."

That's it.

My tears betrayed me.Yet ,again.

Akala ko tapos na kong umiyak.

"Sierra." Ulit ko.I scoffed habang pinupunasan ang mga luha ko, galit sa sariling pangalan.

He looked torn.Hindi ko lang alam kung dahil naaawa sya sakin o naguguilty sya.

Either way ,both options are bitter to me.

"Baby, let's fix this.Sierra please."

"I said don't call me that!" I bursted.

"Pagod na kong araw araw tanggapin na nasa pangalan ko lang ang halaga ko sayo,"

"Javi, hindi ako sya.Hindi ako iyong fiance mo!"

"I am sorry she was raped.I am sorry she died.I am sorry the suspects are still on the run.Pero naaawa na din ako sa sarili ko!"

"Gustong gusto kitang buuhin."

"I gladly picked up all your broken pieces even if it cuts me on the process."

"Pero masyado kang sira para mabuo ko."

I balled my fist.I smiled sadly as I looked at the only man I allowed to destroy me.

"Javi, sira na din ako."

His eyes widen.He knows that after this, tapos na kami.

"Patawarin mo ako sa sobrang pag-ibig ko sayo.At papatawarin kita sa sobrang pagmamahal mo sa kanya."

I look at him with all the love left I have for him.

"Mahal na mahal kita." I said as I took off the ring that he gave me, that apparently, is originally for Sierra.

His Sierra.

Tumayo na ako dahil may hahabulin pa akong flight pabalik ng Pilipinas.

"Mahal din kita." He said.

Liningon ko sya at umiling.

"Mahal lang kita.Javi, ako lang ang nagmahal sating dalawa.Pero hindi mo iyon kasalanan." I smiled.

"That's not true.Don't do this to me." He desperately held my wrist.

Inalis ko ang kamay niya doon at inilagay ang singsing sa palad niya.

"I have always pictured you waiting at the end of the altar."

But today, I edited my wedding vow.

No, not the vow itself.

This time, the name of the supposed groom.

"But maybe, not for me."