The Candle of Love

Chapter 17: Lagot

"This is so... beautiful, Berlin."

Tinignan ko nang maigi 'yung pendant.

"You like it?"

"I love it."

Sinulyapan ko ang relong suot niya. For a seconds, nahiya ako sa bigay ko. Mukhang mamahalin itong choker na bigay niya. I don't need to guess the price if he bought it in a luxurious brand in Europe.

"Nag-stay din kayo sa Berlin?"

"No. Dumaan lang kami."

Tumango ako.

"So, that's where you bought it?"

"Uh-huh."

Hindi maalis ang tingin ko sa pendant.

"Do you want to try it?"

"Yeah."

Kinuha niya sa'kin ang choker. Tumalikod ako para maisuot niya sa'kin 'yon. Naramdaman ko agad ang malamig na pendant sa leeg ko.

"How was it?" Tanong ko since I couldn't see it.

"It suits you."

"Really?"

I got my phone to open its camera. There, I saw the beautiful choker.

"Thank you again for this."

"You're welcome. Thank you as well for the watch. I'll always wear it."

I smiled. I'm so happy that I got to spend my Christmas with someone, with my friends and Berlin. To be honest, earlier in the morning, I was feeling alone. I just don't want to admit it. But I didn't end this day having just myself. They made my Christmas extra special.

When the New Year came, na kina Blaine at Tita Lira ako. They invited me to come over. That's why I also didn't spend my New Year alone. Medyo lasing na si Tita Lira dahil sa wine na kanina pa niya iniinom. Nagulat ako nang bigla siyang umiyak. Ngayon ko lang nakitang umiyak si Tita Lira!

"Uhh, Blaine? What's happening?" medyo nababagabag kong tanong. I'm still looking at her sobbing aunt.

"Don't worry about her. Ganyan talaga siya every New Year kapag nakakainom."

"Does she have a problem?"

Umiling siya. "She's still regretting of letting go someone... she loves. Her greatest love. New Year din nangyari 'yon kaya ayan... bumabalik ulit ang memories sa kanya."

I feel so bad after I heard that. It looks like Tita Lira's still badly hurt. Lagi ko siyang nakikitang nakangiti. She doesn't even talk about herself to us. It's always about me, Blaine, and Blaine's friends. Kaya naman ay ang makita siyang ganito ngayon ay tunay na nakakalungkot.

"Tita, stop crying. Pinag-aalala mo si Zeph," natatawang sabi ni Blaine. Pero bumuntong-hininga siya at lumapit sa kanyang Tita atsaka niyakap ito.

Tumunog ang phone ko. Berlin's calling me. Sinagot ko iyon.

"Happy New Year." He's already smiling.

"Happy New Year!"

"Are you still at Blaine's place?"

Ni-loud speaker ko iyon dahil hindi ko siya masyadong marinig dahil sa mga nagpapaputok sa labas.

"Yes. Bukas na rin siguro ako uuwi."

"You should. Are you having a good time there?"

"Uhh." Tinignan ko ang hanggang ngayong umiiyak pa ring si Tita Lira. "Yeah. How about you? Kumpleto ba kayong magpipinsan ngayon?"