Calming The Storms

~CHAPTER 14~

After what happen at the prom, we are now completing the requirements at school. I didn't see anymore Zhyra maybe she's busy.

But weeks pass I don't hear anything on her. Her friends is happily roaming around that's why I asked them where is Zhyra that should be with them.

"Di mo alam Hazel?" Her friend asked.

Magtatanong ba ako kung alam ko.

"Zhyra flew to America after the prom. She didn't tell you? I thought you're close with her?"

I didn't mind the questions. My brain became blank after hearing that. She left and go to America? But I know she's staying here and just ignore me, but she go far away?

She didn't tell me. If I know, will anything be different when I just run away with her that night?

Zhyra sorry if I became harsh on you. If I know, only if I know.

"Hoy Hazel! Tawag ka ni Ma'am sa faculty now na. Faster daw ha!" My classmate tap my shoulder because I was spacing so much.

"Hazel iha upo ka." My teacher instruct me.

I smile and talk to her about my grades, so far I pass the grade 9 school year and my teacher wants me to join to the school competition next year and I say I'll think of it.

Way back to my room and I walk to the hallway with full of memories about her.

~~~~

"Hazel, catch the ball!" Zhyra shout at me.

"Bakit ba sa hallway mo naisipan maglaro!?" I asked her with curiosity.

"Para walang dumaan na mga tambay." She roll her eyes afterwards.

If I knew she will left me, sana sinulit ko na.

"Let's eat lunch together Hazel."

"Patatabain mo ba ako? Every lunch ang dami mong kinukuhang pagkain sakin."

~~~~~

After remembering those moments my tears slowly coming out. I run as fast as I can to Zhyra's house to confirm if she really left Philippines.

"Oh iha, sinong hanap mo?" A caregiver of the house asked me.

"Zhyra." Saying her name made my world always stop.

"Where is she po?" But I saw the caregiver eyes became sad after I asked where is Zhyra.

"Saglit iha may ibibigay ako sayo. Paalala ni Zhyra na ibigay ko daw sandali."

She go as fast as she can inside the house. She said I can go inside because there is no one there. So it's confirm Zhyra is gone.

I roam around their house and I see how different my world into her. The Mercedes Benz car is still there also they have a different kinds of van.

I saw Zhyra's graduation picture on the center of the living room. Pretty as ever.

"Iha pasensya at pinaghintay kita." Hingal na sabi ni Ate Caregiver.

I saw a huge things that covered of a paper. It is like a paint.

"Ito iha. Sabi ni Zhyra iabot ko daw sa iyo."

I nod at her and she exit herself to clean the mess in the house. I go to the park where I talk deeply on her.

I started open the huge paint and my eyes is so amaze. She paint me, my eyes in the painting is so happy.

My portion on the painting is I'm watching the sunrise and I seems so happy. I smile while looking at her and below the paint is Zhyra's signature.

I saw a paper on the back of the painting and a handkerchief. It's a white handkerchief with her name and my name.

I read the letter that is being there.

   Hazel,
          If you are reading this I probably in a far away place. I wish you a good life, reach your dreams and travel the world.

After reading it my eyes started to cry again. I hug the letter and kiss the handkerchief. How can she leave without saying the reason?

The ring that she gave me, I made it into a necklace form. I don't want this ring to fade because this is her promise and I'm willing to wait on those promises.

She will be back soon.

On my way to Amira's house now because her mom asking me a favor to eat with them. I just wear a jumpsuit and rubbershoes. I didn't ponytail my long hair.

We finish Grade 10 and now thinking on what school we should go with.

"Pasok ka Azel!" Masiglang bati ni Amira sa akin.

"Magandang tanghali po."

Amira doesn't want me to go here in the first place but I beg on her because it's her mom request.

"If she said something, ahm tumahimik kana lang." I nod after that.

I sit on the left side of the dining table and stare at her house. It's big but you can smell the loneliness of it.

"Balita ko honor ka iha?" Her mom asked me.

"Yes po Tita." She smile and sigh after it.

"Mas lalo ninyong galingan sa susunod. Sabi ko nga lagi kay Amira ay mag-aral para tumaas ang grado." She shook her head after saying that.

I glance at Amira. She smile bitterly.

"Nag-aaral naman po ako Ma."

"Kulang pa yan Amira. Tingnan mo ang iba mong pinsan, ang tataas sobra ng grado. Pati na yung mga kaibigan mo noon. Magseryoso ka kasi sa pag-aaral."

I cough and fake my smile after hearing it.

"Tita gusto ko po magdagat tapos na din naman po ako kumain." Masiglang sabi ko kahit na nasasaktan ako sa sinabi niya sa kaibigan ko.

I stare at Amira after namin makaalis sa bahay nila.

"Magaling magpretend ang nanay ko na ayos kami. Pero ngayon nalimutan ata niya na nandito ka."

I saw how she smile but you can sense the sadness around her.

"So saan ka mag-aaral ng grade 11?" I changed the topic.

"Maghihiwalay na sila. And I decided to go on Manila. Started new life I guess." She chuckled saying that.

"Then I must go with you."

She stare at me darkly. I want to stay at her side. She's the only friend I have. Not to stick on her of course. I just want to make sure she will be okay.

"Are you okay now Azel?"

She's talking about Zhyra.

"I have no choice." I sigh remembering Zhyra.

"Ikaw ba naman na iniwan ng walang paalam at paliwanag hayst."

Sa true. Ghosting ba naman.

"Kaya ikaw Amira huwag kang pipili ng ighoghost ka ha." She laugh when I said that.

"Baliw ako ang mang ghoghost don't ya worry."

I'm on my way back at my house. And I stop when I see the moon shining at the park.

I hold the ring in my necklace and sigh. I remember how I used to laugh with her here.

~~~
"Hazel?"

"Ahmm yes Zhy?"

She stare at my face like I am an art.

"I hope one day, you and I will meet my family. And have a happy life. I want you to meet my sister in America soon Hazel. My sister likes you to be mine."

~~~

A/N: still thinking sinong endgame niya :<