Nice Knowing You, Ms. "No Touching"

PART 35 | MAVIS' DISAPPEARANCE

[Alliyah]

"Kailangan nya ko ngayon."

I said when I finally made up my mind after hours spent of walking back and forth inside my room.

My worry is just too strong that it's not allowing me to just stay still thinking about Mavis.

Rain pours heavily outside and it made me worry more.
I know her, hindi yun iiyak doon sa harap nila.

I'm sure aalis yun at magtatago kung saan para maglabas ng totoo nyang nararamdaman.

I grabbed my car key and my emergency bag and went out hastily not minding the danger it may cost me.

I called Gab while on the way to the Hospital.

"Gab, si Mavis kumusta? Pwede pakausap?"

"Ahmm, a-ano kasi Alli, hindi ko na naabu—"

I knew it.

I ended the call and made a turn headed to Queen University. It's just my hunch but I think she's there.

Kung wala man, I really don't mind kung umagahin man ako kaka-drive sa paghahanap sakanya.

After awhile, I arrived at school. There, I saw her hugging herself under the angry sky.

The rain is her only refuge.

Marahil sa karamihan sagabal lamang ang ulan pero kay Mavis ito lang ang kanyang sandalan—tanging kublihan
nya kapag nakakaramdam ng matinding kalungkutan.

I thank God for always being on her side at times like this.

Noon, Kapag pakiramdam ko punong-puno na sya at parang sasabog na, kahit anong pilit o gawin ko hindi pa rin sya iiyak at ang natatanging pwede ko na lang gawin ay humiling na sana umulan.

Miraculously, God will always send her rain and Mavis will surely disappear—looking for a spot where no one can
find her.

I was just standing still, watching her from probably ten steps away.

She's really aching, obviously having a hard time— I can see it from where I'm standing.

I really want to get close to her pero nag-aalinlangan ako...
Baka sa paglapit ko, lalo syang lumayo.

I noticed she reached for her phone and surprisingly she's calling me.

It must be very hard and painful for her for needing someone right now. I answered it immediately.

"Moo, I need you." She said.

I walked fast towards her and keep her under my umbrella before I answered.

"I'm here."

She looked up to me wonder-struck, probably thinking how I got here so fast.

My heart melted when I saw her misty-eyed and scrunched-up face.

She's drowning not from the heavy rain but from the emotions she couldn't bear any longer.

Without hesitation, she pulled me in and hugged my waist very tightly,burrying her face in my stomach.

"Let it out, Moo. Scream if you want."

I told her while caressing her head down to her shoulder.

"He really took his own life, Moo."Her voice cracked, filled with grief.

I'm already on the verge of crying by just watching her but when I finally heard her quavering voice once again—I couldn't stop crying anymore.

I was just crying silently, I didn't say a word nor move an inch. I let her hug me, getting the strength and comfort she needed until she felt better.