Journey Of The Red String

Chapter 11- Saudade

Author's Note:

Saudade

(n.) Portugese

a nostalgic longing to be near again to something or someone that is distant, or that has been loved and then lost; "the love that remains"

--

-Syuichi's POV-

As soon as I got home, I rushed to the bathroom to shower quickly. I wore a robe and selected what I'll be wearing for tonight's dinner.

Ewan ko ba. Usually, hindi naman ako nahihirapang pumili ng susuotin ko but tonight feels different. Parang gusto kong magpa-impress, which is weird. My style is very casual and laid back with a touch of class. I also choose clothes that would suit me, as well as my build. Pero I don't wanna look too casual na mukha lang akong mag g-grocery haha that would be funny.

After a few minutes staring at my closet, I went with my tan chino pants, anchor- printed button up and navy blue boat shoes. I also wore my Daniel Wellington watch. I put my car keys and wallet in my pocket, released the curtains to cover the floor-to-ceiling windows and headed for the door.

But it's gonna be much colder tonight. After all, the rainy season is coming and she's probably gonna forget to bring a cardigan or something. I remembered.

I know that I care for her more than I should but I can't help it. She's just wonderful, intelligent, and passionate about her ambitions.. it's inspiring. She always stands out without trying.

I can still remember the first time I saw her at EK. She's always so full of light! Don't get me wrong, I'm not her stalker ha. It was purely coincidental that I enrolled on the same academy. I never even thought I'd see her again so when I recognized her during the first day of school, I've always tried to keep my distance. But we always end up bumping into each other for I don't know which reasons. I know I'm probably gonna regret saying this because it sounds so mushy but what's the point of avoiding her if destiny itself will just drag me back somewhere close to her?

I sound as if I'm in love with her. Hahaha but I'm definitely not, okay? I can assure myself that I am not in love with Ana Maritonie E. Mendez. It's just that.. I don't t think someone as rare as her deserves to cry.

I think it's just that pure feeling of caring for someone, you know?

Which I used to understood as love. And is part of love.

Plus, she also reminds me of this little girl who's always in my dreams. Along with matching bracelets and unpaired socks.

Last night? I had a dream that I was confined at the hospital with dextroses and needles attached to my veins. And when I opened my eyes, I saw the sleeping face of Anne and to my surprise, she's holding my hand. A vintage white lamp, boquet of daisies and sunflowers and my favorite book, The Great Gatsby by Scott Fitzgerald were also on my bed side table.

And then I wake up to the annoying sound of my alarm clock.

I slid my closet open and grabbed my green sweater. Put it on, rolled both sleeves twice, sprayed Cool Water by Davidoff on my wrists and neck and checked how I looked on the mirror for the last time.

I was so lost in my thoughts na hindi ko napansin that I was already a few minutes behind schedule but I still arrived at her place on time. Whew! What a relief. :D Amazona pa naman si Anne hehe.

I rang the doorbell twice and when she opened the door?

My jaw dropped.

"How do I look? Okay lang na tumawa ka, I know I look ridiculous."