The Taste of Potion ✔️

Chapter 27

CHAPTER 27

“Do you want me to accompany you?” Nakalayo na ako kay Travis ng marinig ko ang boses niya. 

Humarap ako sa kaniya at umiling. “No. I can do it.” Sigurado kong sagot.

“Okay, take care.” We were looking at each other for a moment, walang nag salita. It’s like both of us are waiting for something.

“T-thanks!” Ako na ang unang bumitaw. Tumango siya at muling ngumiti.

Tinalikuran ko siya at hindi na ulit tumingin. Diretso lang ang lakad ko, nakalimutan ko nang nag jojogging nga pala ako. I put my earplugs on to distract myself but something got my attention for the second time. The massive gate of the resort that separate it from the Hacienda. It was a black gate made of metal. You can still see the land on the other side. It’s like they destroy some part of the wall to be a gate and show a view of the other side without needing to go there.

The grape farm is visible from afar. There are farmers who’s cheerfully doing their daily work. I can even hear their laughs from here. They’re happy doing their job like it’s more of a hobby and passion. Suddenly, I remember Ate Melissa and her husband, Kuya Randy. Buntis pa siya ng umalis ako rito. Paniguradong nasa pitong taon na ang anak niya ngayon. A sweet smile plastered on my lips. I remember the people I left here and the dogs. Kamusta na kaya sila? 

Instead of going to the gym, I run by the gate. They turned this side into a wide gate where you can see some part of the Grape farm, the second gate, the ranch and half of the fourth gate. Hindi ko malilibot 'to ng isang araw.

Hingal na hingal na ako pag dating ko sa pangalawang gate. The land was so alive and busy. I can see some prominent people having their tea on the sidewalks made of stones. My eyes saw a familiar coffee shop. It was filled with people having their chitchats and the best of their lives.

Suddenly, my heart arches. I realized how much I wanted to forget the pain Travis made me feel that I was also eager not  to remember the beauty of this place….the good memories I have in here and the people who once become part of my life.

I heard the barks from the dogs. Bumaba ang tingin ko at nakita ko ang dalawang malalaking aso na tumakbo sa direksyon ko. One Saint Bernard and A doberman. A kid around seven years of age is holding their leashes. Nabitawan niya ito at hinabol ang dalawang aso.

“Boomer! Boston”

They wagged their tales and bark at me. They even tried to stand as if the gate will open if they do that.

“Hello, boys.” Hindi ko na namalayan na namuo na ang luha sa mga mata ko. They insert their paws on the gate so they can reach and touch me. “Hello, hello.” Lumuhod ako sa tapat ng gate at inilapit ang mukha sa kanila. I started laughing when they licked my face. “Saglit lang boys!” Pumikit nalang ako dahil pinangigilan na nila ang mukha ko.

“I’m sorry! Do you know each other po?” She blinked twice. Tumingala ako sa kaniya at ngumiti.

“Hi, I’m Lavender Lylith Ramos. Aly for short.” Namilog ang mga mata ng bata at napanganga. 

“I knew it! It was you!” Hindi ko alam kung bakit gulat na gulat siya at parang may napagtanto. “Kaya po kilala nila kayo, Ikaw ang kasama ni Uncle Travis doon sa picture frame na nakadisplay sa Mansion!”

Nawala ang ngiti sa mga labi ko. The unfamiliar feeling suddenly envelopes my heart. “Baka naman nag kamali ka lang.” Malambing kong sabi. Mabilis siyang umiling.

“Hindi po ako pwede mag kamali! Diba po kayo ‘yong mahaba ang buhok at kulot na babae?”

Mahina akong natawa. “Marami naman ang may mahabang buhok at kulot.”