Perfect timing. Perfect chance. Perfect love. Perfect us. Everything's perfect. Me, her, our love.
I remember that perfect timing to ask her to let me court her. Perfect timing and perfect set up, asking her to let me be her Prince Charming. Perfect seven years for being in a relationship.
Our imperfections makes us perfect and even stronger. Mag-aaway pero magbabati para maging mas matatag. That's us.
Our friends envy us for having a such perfect relationship. We're made for each other. Our love story is perfect, just like a fairytale. She's the princess, I'm her prince, and soon to be her King..
We're perfect.. and I'm willing to give her the perfect ending..she wants.. a perfect ending she wishes to have..
Andrea.. my own princess.. can you be my queen..
"Give me thirty days, Andrea, I'll give you a perfect ending you want.." I trailed off. I showed her my most genuine smile.
She stared at me, asking what the hell I'm talking about..
"Just..thirty days, love.. I promise to give you the most perfect timing for our perfect ending.." I hold her hand and placed it on my chest, sa mismong tapat ng puso ko.
"Daelan.." she utter my name. Damn, my name sounds perfect when she's the one whose saying it..
"Let me, hmm? Love.." nakatingin ako sa perpektong mata niya.
She nodded and smile. Her perfect smile that captured my heart since the day we met..
~~
Perfect Day 1
I did everything just to make this day special. She deserves to have a perfect day so I prepared everything just to make her happy.
My girl deserves it.
I even asked my friends to help me to prepare the things I needed to make her happy.. to at least, make her feel that this is the start of our perfect ending.
Sa rooftop ng school namin kung saan kami unang nagkita. St. Luis National High School.
Grade 8 kami nang una kaming nagkita, she was a transferee, she look so naive when we first met. I became her friend, her best friend. Niligawan ko siya noong grade 10 kami at sinagot niya ako noong grade 11. We celebrated our first anniversary in our school, sa lugar kung saan kami nag-set up ng mga kaibigan namin para isorpresa ang prinsesa ko. I want to repeat that day.. baka sakaling bumalik din kami sa dati.. kung saan walang problema sa parehong buhay namin.
"Daelan, ready na lahat.." Mike tapped my shoulder and smiled.
"Thanks, bro." tanging nasabi ko, "hey, Cilla, Mikael, Bae, thank you!" pasasalamat ko sa ibang mga kaibigan na naroon din.
"Not a big deal, dude. Para sa inyo ni Drea." Bae winked at me, natawa ako ng bahagya.
"Sunduin ko lang si Andrea sa trabaho, salamat sa inyo!" kumaway ako habang hawak ang car key. I'm excited to pick her up.
Habang nagmamaneho ay tinawagan ko siya.
"Hello?" bati niya, bigla akong napangiti. I really love her voice.
"Hey.. Papunta na ako d'yan."
"Dito? Anong meron?" tanong niya. Biglang napawi ang ngiti ko. I sighed.
"Day one.. of our thirty days.." mahinang sabi ko, pinipilit ngumiti.
She's just busy, Daelan.. do understand her..
"Oh.. Ngayon pala 'yon.. Sige, I'll wait for you in the parking.." tuloy-tuloy niyang sabi and before I even say I love you, she hang up.
Pinilit kong huwag mag-isip ng kung ano-ano. Sinulyapan ko ang tulips na binili ko kanina, it's her favorite flower. Imagining her smiling while smelling that flower gives me a butterfly in my stomach.
So gay, Dae.
Nang makarating ako sa pinagtatrabahuhan niya ay agad ko siyang namataan sa parking lot, naghihintay sa akin.
"Hey, love.." bati ko agad nang makaharap ko siya, instead of waiting her to greet me too, I give her the flowers I buy.
"Thank you for this, Dae.. I love it." she smile.
"Let's go?" tanong ko.
"Saan?" nagtatakang tanong niya.
"Surprise, love.. malalaman mo rin mamaya." nakangiting ani ko. I'm excited to see her reaction for my surprise.
Nanatili siyang tahimik habang nakatingin sa bintana, tila pinag-aaralan ang daan kung saan kami papunta. Napasinghap siya nang biglang maging pamilyar sa kanya ang lahat, she looked at me, a glint of tears in her eyes is visible, as if she's trying to stop herself from showing her real feelings.
"Nostalgia.."
"Nostalgic.."
Sabay naming sabi na naging dahilan nang tawa namin.
"It's good to be back.." she whispered.
"Yeah.. It really is.."
"Dae.. you're just making things complicated.. You know that--"
"Let's not talk about it, please? Thirty days.." I cut her off.
"Dae.."
"Drea, w-we're perfect, right?.." hindi ko alam kung saan ko nakuha ang lakas upang masabi iyon.
"Yeah, we were.." were.. past tense.. not anymore..
The deafening silence occupied the whole car. No one dared to talk.. it's okay, as long as I'm with you, Drea.
Nawala lang ang tahimik nang mag-ring ang cellphone ko. Bae, one of our friends, is calling.
"Hey, Bae?" bati ko, sinusulyapan ko si Drea na pinaglalaruan ang mga daliri niya.
"I've seen your car na, alis na kami." paalam niya.
"Okay, thanks again, Bae."
"You're with Drea na?" she asked me.
"Yeah, wanna talk to her?"
"No, thanks, dude, just put me in a loud speaker.." utos niya na sinunod ko.
"Hey, Drea!" malakas na bati niya, nakisabay ang ibang kaibigan namin.
"What's up, Bae? Who's with you?" nakangiting bati ni Andrea.
"Mike, Cilla and Mikael. You know these two guys, magkadugtong ang pwet psh!" natawa kami ni Drea dahil alam naming pareho na umiirap na ito.
"Sus, isa ka rin namang kadikit lagi niyang dalawa na 'yan!" tumawa si Andrea.
"Argh, kung alam mo lang, Drea! Come on, I want a girl to girl talk, without these guys who always shitting on me!"
"Hi, Drea, h'wag mo pansinin 'tong si Bae, kinikilig lang 'to sa'min ni Mike." boses ni Mikael.
"Disgusting, Mikael."
"Hey, you two, stop! Ang gulo niyo!" boses ni Cilla, halatang stress na sa dalawang kaibigan.
Natawa na lang kami dahil biglang naging magulo ang linya.
"Bye na nga, Daelan at Drea, nag-aaway na si Mikael at Bae pota." naiimagine ko si Mike na napapakamot sa batok dahil sa dalawang kasama.
"They didn't change at all." sabi ni Drea, halata sa boses niya na na-mi-miss niya na ang mga kaibigan.
Sana tayo rin hindi nagbago, Drea.. How I wish we didn't change at all, I wish we're still the same Dae and Drea before.
Dumiretso kami sa rooftop, nandoon ang inihandang lamesa at dalawang upuan para sa aming dalawa. Napapalibutan ng mga Christmas lights ang paligid na mas nagpaganda sa lugar. The sun is ready to bid his goodbye, maya-maya lang ay magpapakita na ang buwan.
Candle light dinner, romantic ambience. Tow hearts. One love. Different feelings.
Mga petals ng pulang rosas ang naging way papunta sa lamesa. May musikang masarap sa pandinig na nagmumula sa isang maliit na speaker. Gayang-gaya kung paano namin ginanap ang unang anibersaryo namin.
"Do you remember our first anniversary?" mahinang tanong ko.
"Of course, your nervous face is still vivid in my mind! As in, nanginginig kamay mo noon!" natatawang aniya, natawa na lang din ako nang maalala 'yon.
"Ikaw din naman, you even cried that day." sabi ko.
"Did I? I don't remember!" she shook her head and I laughed so hard.
"Oh, come on, Andrea, you did! Umiyak ka dahil kinilig ka na nga, nasorpresa ka pa."
"You cried too! Noong sinagot kita, what the--so gay, Dae!" her laugh is just so good to hear.
Paulit-ulit naming binalikan ang lahat ng melon sa amin. Hindi nawala ang asaran, ang pagiging emosyonal, ang tawanan, maging ang mga iyakan.
"May I have this dance, Ms. Andrea Almero?" nakangiti akong yumukod, kagaya ng isang prinsepe habang inaaya siya sa isang sayaw.
"My pleasure, Mr. Daelan James Marquez."
We dance under the melancholic beauty of the moon, million of stars as the witness of our love. The calm music is like a lullaby in my heart.
"This is how we celebrated our first anniversary, Dae.." she whispered, she rested her forehead on my chest.
"Yeah, same set up, different years, and I hope we have the same feelings right now.."
"I'm sorry.."
"I love you, Drea, I will always love you.. even after this lifetime."
Iniangat ko ang chin niya para magkasalubong ang paningin namin. Her eyes is my favorite star.. It's way more perfect than those stars above.
I rested my forehead in her, I close my eyes.
"I wish that I can turn back the time, love.." I kissed her forehead and fight the urge of crying.
Day one down, twenty-nine days to go..
Perfect Day 5
For the past days I did everything just to make her feel special. Every day I never failed to give her flowers and prepare the things I know she would love.
Minsan kaming nanood ng sine at nagpunta sa seaside habang nanunuod ng fireworks display. Nagpunta rin kami sa amusement park at doon ay parang nanumbalik kami sa pagkabata. Nagawa rin naming magpunta sa freedom park para magliwaliw, we ride a bike, nagbangka, kumain at naglaro. Lahat, kung kaya ko ibigay ay handa akong ibigay.
Ngayong ikalimang araw namin ay nagpunta kami sa isang bahay-ampunan, kasama sina Bae, Mikael, Cilla at Mike.
Halatang-halata sa mukha ni Drea na masaya siya. Halatang nasabik sa mga kaibigan. It's my idea to volunteer to help the orphanage because I know Andrea is too soft for kids. Idinamay ko lang ang mga kaibigan sa plano dahil alam kong gusto ni Andrea na makasama ang mga ito.
"Hello, I'm Andrea. Just call me ate Drea, okay? We're here to give you a present because we, my friends, know that you all deserve it!" masiglang bati ni Drea sa mga bata.
"Good morning, I'm Kuya Daelan! Let's have fun today, okay?" nakangiting bati ko sa mga bata, nakahahawa ang magandang ngiti nila.
"I'm ate Priscilla, just call me Ate Cilla, okay?" ang madalas na seryosong mukha ni Cilla ay napalitan ngayong araw, she's smiling brightly.
"I'm Bae Alyana, ate Ganda na lang!" natawa kaming magkakaibigan, lalo na si Mikael, dahil sa pagpapakilala ni Bae.
"Kids, di'ba bad ang pagsisinungaling?" sabi ni Mikael dahilan para maagaw niya ang atensyon ng mga bata.
"Opo!" sabay-sabay na sagot ng mga bata.
"So, don't believe what she's saying, okay? Bad 'yon--aray!" tatawa-tawang ani ni Mikael dahilan para kurutin siya ni Bae sa tagiliran.
"Come on, Mikael, Bae, not now!" angil ni Cilla.
"By the way, I'm Kuya Mikael, maglalaro tayo mamaya at hindi natin isasali si Bae!" tumawa muli siya.
Hindi ko maiwasang mapatingin kay Drea na tahimik na tumatawa. I can tell that she's happy. She's enjoying.
"Don't mind those two, I'm Mike Angelo, Kuya Mike na lang. Let's enjoy this day, maglalaro tayo!" seryoso pero nakangiting pakilala ni Mike.
Nauna muna na kumain ang lahat bago maglaro, may mga inihandang indoor and outdoor activities para sa mga bata. Since nasa isang covered court naman kami ay doon na namin ginanap ang lunch para sa lahat.
"I didn't expect that Bae will use her bare hands to eat." pang-aasar ni Mikael sa babaeng nakabusangot na ang mukha.
"Just eat, Mikael. Kanina ka pa, ah?!" inis na baling ni Bae sa lalaki.
Nasanay na kami sa bangayan ng dalawa kaya hindi ko na tinuon ang tingin sa kanila.
"You good?" I ask Drea when I noticed her silence.
"Yup, of course." she said, she smiled.
"Enjoying?" I wiped the sweat in her forehead.
"Yeah, thanks for today.. I didn't expect it.."
"Anything, Drea.." anything for you, I will.
"Bae and Mikael didn't change at all, they are still the same Bae and Mikael I used to know.." natatawang sabi niya habang nakatingin sa dalawang nagbabangayan, pareho kaming natawa nang subuan ni Bae ng okra at sili na may kasamang kanin si Mikael na nagsasalita.
"They didn't even grew up, Drea. Parang mga bata pa rin.. It's obvious that they like each other but both afraid to confess." litanya ko.
"Sana tayo rin, sana hindi tayo nagbago.. and I'm sorry for everything, Dae.." she whispered.
Sana nga, Andrea.. Sana nga hindi tayo nagbago.. sana tayo na lang ang dating Andrea at Daelan na masaya sa isa't isa..
"Sana nga.." bulong ko, "I'm sorry, too, love.. for everything I've done.."
Nakatingin lang kami sa isa't is habang punong-puno nang emosyon ang mga mata. Full of regrets, full of could have been, full of I wish..
"Ano nga bang nangyari sa'tin, Dae, why we became like this.." naiiyak niyang tanong, natahimik ako.. 'Yan din ang tanong ko, Drea. Ano nga ba? Paano nga ba tayo humantong sa ganito?
"We were so perfect.. how I wish we stay that way.." I utter.
"Being perfect.. isn't perfect at all.."
I tried to act natural, I removed all the things in my mind. I enjoyed every minute I have with her. I want to memorize her face even though I know every single thing in her. The mole under her right eye, the little scar in her left cheek yet looks good on her. Ang mga mata niyang mapungay, ang mahabang pilik-mata na may natural na kurba, ang maliit ngunit matangos niyang ilong, ang hugis puso at kulay pulang labi. Lahat iyon ay kabisado ko na, kahit pagtulog ay nasa isip at nakikita ko iyon.
"Our next game is.. newspaper dance!" one of the sister announced.
"Hindi muna sasali ang mga babies," tukoy ni Sister Marika sa mga batang may edad anim pababa, "sa next game na kayo sasali, malinaw?" tanong niya muli, sabay-sabay naman sumagot ang mga bata.
"Now, find a partner, gaya ni Ate Bae at Kuya Mikael--"
"What?! You're my partner?" singit ni Bae habang nakatingin kay Mikael, natawa naman si Sister Marika.
"Wow, makareklamo ka, para namang magaan ka!" sumbat ni Mikael sa babae.
"Okay, kids, tama na, mahiya kayo." awat ni Mike sa dalawa na nagpalakas ng tawanan namin.
"Anyway, ang partner si Ate Bae at Kuya Mikael, Kuya Mike at Ate Cilla, and last partner natin ay si Kuya Daelan at Ate Drea. You can choose your partner na, limang pares ang kailangan bukod kila ate at kuya."
The kids finds their partner and smiling widely. Nagpunta kaming mga players sa harap habang hawak namin ang kanya-kanyang newspaper.
"Is it okay with you?" dinig kong tanong ni Mike kay Cilla, kanina pa sila tahimik kaya naman natuon ang pansin ko sa kanila.
"Of course," Cilla laugh.
"Cilla doesn't seem fine.." bulong ni Drea, napansin din ang dalawa.
"You think?"
"She's extra quite kasi, and she looks avoiding Mike.." sagot niya sa akin.
Tayo nga hindi nag-iiwasan pero parang ang layo natin sa isa't isa.
"Maybe, misunderstanding.. You know them, both weird, like Bae and Mikael." I scoffed, she chuckled.
Nagsimula ang laro at hindi lang ang mga bata ang nalilibang, maging kami. Masaya ako na marinig muli ang tawa ni Andrea.. masaya ako kahit alam kong panandalian lang ang lahat.
I hold her waist, nakasuporta. Papaliit na kasi ang pagkakatupi ng dyaryong tinapakan namin.
I miss holding her like this.. I miss everything about her. Kahit kasi magkasama kami pero parang laging malayo..
"Kapag natalo tayo dito, Mikael, kukutusan kita! And please, place your hand in one place, dummy!" maarteng sabi ni Bae sa kaharap.
"Kahit kailan talaga ang dalawang 'yan.." natatawang bulong ni Andrea, her arms is place around my neck.
"Parehong hindi matahimik kapag magkasama." napapailing na lang ako.
"Hey, stop moving, Cilla. Baka ma-out of balance tay--" sabi ni Mike pero bago pa man niya matapos ang sasabihin ay nawalan na siya ng balanse at naitapak ang paa sa labas ng newspaper.
"Oh, freak, sorry!" tanging nasabi ni Cilla.
"Are you okay?" tanong ni Mike.
"Yeah, kinagat lang ng lamok.. Uh, sorry.. Natalo tuloy tayo." nahihiyang sabi ni Cilla.
Inalalayan ni Mike si Cilla habang naglalakad papunta sa pwesto ng mga bata.
"Para-paraan din si Mike, ah. Mga ninja moves, tsk tsk." sabi ni Mikael na hindi nakatakas sa tainga namin ni Drea kaya nagkatinginan kami.
"Are you baliw? You're talking to yourself." hinampas ni Bae si Mikael sa braso.
"Kanina ka pa, ah! Sister, oh, minomolestya ako ni Bae!" sumbong ni Mikael na umani ng malakas na tawanan.
"Argh! You're so annoying! You're peste!" mas natawa kami ni Drea nang pumadyak ang paa ni Bae, halatang inis na.
"Sorry na, baby.. Galit agad, eh." tumawa si Mikael.
"B-baby?! What the--"
"Hey, Bae, don't curse. May mga bata, oh!" saway ko pero hindi naitago ang tawa.
"Isa ka pa, Daelan! Drea, oh!"
"Oh, God, please! Just continue the game, hindi kayo matatapos niyan, eh!" sigaw ni Mike sa amin.
"Stop annoying her, Dae, sapat na si Mikael para mapikon si Bae." sabi ni Drea, natatawa rin pero hindi na pinahalata sa iba.
Muli kaming naglaro, mas lumiit pa ang pagkakatupi sa newspaper, halos isang paa na lang ang maaring tumapak.
"Kaya pa ba natin 'yan?" natatawang tanong ni Drea sa akin.
"Oo naman, kakayanin." nakangiting sagot ko.
"Siguraduhin mo!" she pointed my face and laugh.
We dance around the newspaper and when the music stop, that's our cue to stand in the newspaper. I carry her in a bridal style, nakatapak ang isang paa ko sa dyaryo at pilit binabalanse ang bigat naming dalawa ni Drea.
"Uh.. I don't think we will win.." sabi ni Drea habang nakapulupot ang kamay sa batok ko.
"I think so, too." sagot ko dahil nahihirapan na ako magbalanse.
Napatili si Drea nang mawalan ako nang balanse, mas humigpit ang hawak sa akin.
"OMG! We won!" tili ni Bae nang tuluyang ma-out of balance kami ni Drea.
"Sorry, natalo tayo. Baka kasi magkaalanganin ang bagsak natin at masaktan ka kung hindi ako tatapak sa sahig." paliwanag ko. She just smiled at me and tapped my shoulder.
"Okay lang, Bae look so happy." nilingon naming pareho sina Bae at Mikael, masyadong nagsasaya dahil nanalo.
The sister announced the winner, Bae and Mikael, Sheila and Brandon.
May prize na inuwi ang nanalo. Natawa na lang kaming lahat dahil nag-away na naman ang dalawang kaibigan namin.
Bago kami umuwi ay inihatid ko si Andrea sa bahay niya. She didn't invite me inside her house like what I expected.
"Thanks for today, Daelan.. I enjoyed every minute I'm with you and with our friends." she smiled at me. Alam ko naman na masaya siya, halatang halata.
"Five days down.. Twenty more to go, love.." I kissed her forehead and bid a goodbye.
I wiped my own tears and smile at the stars.. finding a miracle to stop the time..
Twenty more days, I'll finally letting you go..
Perfect Day 12
I didn't waste days to make our days perfect. Masakit pero worth it. Syempre si Andrea 'yon. Everything for her is worth it and I'm willing to give her my life if I can.
Day twelve, wala na akong idea para makagawa nang perpektong araw at sorpresa para sa kanya.
Naisipan ko na lang na pumunta kami sa isang art gallery may kalayuan sa amin. Narinig ko kasi sa mga kaibigan na may event sa art gallery na ito kaya naisipan ko na lang na dalhin siya.
"Ngayon pa lang ako makararating sa isang art gallery, I'm excited!" she exclaimed, smiling widely while holding the flowers I bought.
"I thought you wouldn't like the idea of art gallery date." naging matunog ang pagngiti ko.
"This is my first time, of course I love the idea, I want to experience this thing!" she pouted. She's being comfortable with me again, good thing. Sana bumalik ka rin sa'kin.. kahit akin ka pa rin..
"We are not allowed to eat inside, saan mo gusto kumain ng dinner?" tanong ko habang pina-park ang kotse.
"Mag-drive thru na lang tayo tapos dito sa kotse mo na lang. Sawa na ako sa semi and formal dinners natin." natawa siya kaya nahawa ako.
Sabay kaming pumasok sa loob at agad na namangha sa ganda ng mga art na naroon.
"Wow.." she utter in a pure amusement.
On the other hand, I, I'm staring at the most beautiful art I've ever seen. Her.
She's way more perfect than those arts. Nilabas niya ang camera at halos lahat ay kinuhanan niya ng pictures, tutok din ang atensyon niya sa nagsisilbing guide naming mga tao sa loob, habang pinapaliwanag ang mga art na nakadisplay.
Inilabas ko ang cellphone ko at palihim na kinuhanan si Andrea. She's so beautiful..
"Dae, look at this! Wow.." excited na sabi niya, pinapakita ang isang painting.
It was a beautiful painting. Abstract painting iyon pero kung mamasdang mabuti ay nagpapakita iyon ng isang duyan at buwan, may isang lalaki rin ang nakaluhod at tila nagmamakaawa sa bituin.
"It's pretty.." tanging nasabi ko, natangay ang kakayahang magsalita.
"It really is.. wonderful..." gaya ko ay nawalan din siya ng sasabihin.
We enjoyed our stay in majestic world of art, we exited the place with a smile on our lips.
Gaya ng usapan namin ay nag-drive thru na lang kami. Sa KFC kami nag-drive thru, ni wala kaming plano na puntahan. I just drive, sumabay sa daloy ng kalsada.
We talked about our past, like what we always do, kahit paulit-ulit ay hindi nakasasawa. Parang laging bago at masaya balik-balikan.
"Naalala ko dati, si Bae at Mikael, hindi mapaghiwalay pero lagi naman nag-aaway! Gosh, napunta pa sila sa guidance office pareho!" kwento niya kaya natawa ako, I can still remember that, too.
"Eh, naaalala mo ba si Cilla at Mike? 'Yung debate nila!" humagalpak ako ng tawa lalo na nang maalala na halos masapak ni Cilla si Mike dahil nagkapikunan.
"Oo, ikaw nga suhol ka at kumampi pa kayo ni Mikael kay Mike, nainis din tuloy si Bae sa inyo." sumbat niya.
The debate is all about the equality of boys and girls, sinabi kasi ni Mike na may mga bagay na hindi kayang gawin ang mga babae na kaya naming mga lalaki.
"Totoo naman kasi si Mike, yes, you can do what we can do but that doesn't mean that you can do everything what we can." sagot ko, dinudugtungan ang debate na pinaglalaban ni Mike noong high school.
"Like what?! Pag-ihi ng nakatayo?" bigay-todong tawa niya, iyon ang kasi ang sabi ni Mikael dati dahilan para mainis si Bae sa aming tatlo.
"Tama naman, ah!" tumawa kami muli.
Hindi ko alam kung paano kami nakarating sa may kataasang lugar na ito kung saan natatanaw namin ang syudad.
"The city lights look so pretty.." she whispers, in the midst of amusing to the view.
"Indeed.." bulong ko.
Pareho kaming nakaupo sa harapan ng kotse, kinakain ang binili sa KFC.
The silence is like a lullaby, bringing too much comfort in our hearts.
"We never did this before, right?" she break the deafening silence.
"Hmm, this is our first time." I agreed.
"Sana pala ginawa na natin 'to dati.." may maliit na ngiti sa labi niya.
"Sana nga.." e'di sana nagawa natin 'to nang walang lungkot at sakit..
"Sorry for hurting you, sorry for keeping you in the depth of pain.. Sorry for not waiting you.." she held my hand and kissed it.
"Sorry for leaving.."
Nasa dibdib ko na naman ang bigat at sakit.. Hindi na yata mawawala.
Saksi ang bituin sa kalangitan kung gaano kaming nasasaktan ngayon.
"Twelve days down.. Dae, please let me go.."
Eighteen more days.. I wish I can endure the pain that destiny encrypted in my heart.
Perfect Day 17
Today is different from what I did for the last days, hindi ko sinundo si Andrea ngayon, I just texted her to meet me in KFC.
Pupunta kami sa kilalang botanical garden sa kabilang syudad. Picnic date..
"Ano na naman ang pakulo mo, Daelan James?" masamang tingin ang binato niya sa akin na tinawanan ko lang.
"Surprise, my princess." I winked, she just rolled her eyes but chuckled.
Dahil medyo may kalayuan ang pupuntahan ay nag-drive thru kami. Nagtataka man ay hindi na nagtanong si Andrea dahil alam niya rin naman na hindi ko sasabihin.
"Papalayo na tayo, Lo--Daelan.." she sighed, almost calling me by our endearment.
"You can sleep while I'm driving, don't worry, hindi kita itatakas sa magulang mo." I joked but deep down, I wanted to. Gusto kong lumayo na lang kami sa mundo.
"Hindi na, kwentuhan na lang tayo," she chuckled, why am I so in love with you?
"So.. How's life after you graduated?" she started to open the conversation.
"Mahirap.. panibagong adjustment sa bagong environment.." tapos wala ka pa sa tabi ko..
"At least, you reached your dreams. You made your parents proud." she nodded and smiled.
"Ikaw?"
"Okay naman, kasama ko sila Bae para malabanan ang lungkot.." malungkot na sagot niya. Oo nga pala, siya ang umiwas mula nang umuwi ako.
Pinagpatuloy namin ang usapan hanggang makarating sa Para_dice botanical garden.
"How did you know this place?!" she look so cute while looking at me. Napanguso ako at nagpigil ng ngiti.
"Mikael's idea." I smirk, silently thanking Mikael's idea na nauuna ang kalokohan bago magseryoso.
"Come on, Dae! Bilisan natin!" she exclaimed like a child. Hinila pa ang kamay ko at patakbong pumasok sa loob ng garden.
Like what she's always doing, she's capturing every moment using her camera. She's like a Goddess of nature.
"Hijo, gusto mo bang mamitas ng mga bulaklak para sa kasintahan mo?" malumanay na tanong sa akin ng may katandaang babae, hinuha ko'y caretaker.
"Pwede po ba, 'Nay?" maligayang tanong ko habang sinusulyapan si Andrea.
"Oo naman, hijo, s'ya sige, halika't sasamahan kita."
I picked flowers that I know she would like. I thanked the old woman who suggested me to give her flowers.
"Saan ka sumuot?! I thought you left me! I hate you!" umiiyak na sumbat ni Andrea nang makabalik ako.
"Hey, calm down, love. I didn't left you.." I hugged her to calm her down, her body is shaking because of crying.
"Umalis ka na naman.. without telling a word..you left, again, Daelan.." she keeps punching my chest and crying.
"I'm sorry.. Hindi na ako ulit aalis.." kasi pagkatapos ng tatlumpung araw, ikaw naman ang aalis at mang-iiwan.
"I hate you.. for always leaving me.." she whispered and hugged me even tighter.
"Sorry.. I'm sorry, love.." I kissed her hair, comforting her.
Nang kumalma siya ay iniabot ko sa kanya ang bulaklak na pinitas ko.
"I brought it..kaya ako umalis kanina ay dahil d'yan.. I want to give it to you." bulong ko. Naghahari na naman ang katahimikan.
I held her hand, hindi niya naman tinanggihan iyon. Siguro ay dahil alam niya rin na malapit nang matapos ang lahat..
Kahit nang pauwi na kami ay tahimik pa rin siya. Hindi ko na rin sumubok magsalita pa, pagod na rin ako.
My mind and body is tired since day one.. and I'm just waiting for my heart to give up.. to let her go, and to free myself from all the pain..
"Thanks for today, Dae.. I enjoyed our time together.." she bit her bottom lip, "thanks for the flowers.." she smile a little bago tuluyang lumabas ng kotse ko. She didn't bother to look at me, she just entered her house.
Isinandal ko ang likod sa upuan ng kotse, I even look up just to stop myself from tearing up. Gay.. So gay, Daelan James.
Pero masakit na kasi.. pero bakit hindi pa napapagod ang puso ko na mahalin ka.. na umasang kagaya ka pa rin ng dati..
Come back to me, love.. balik ka na sa'kin, Andrea, bumalik ka na kahit tayo pa rin..
Thirteen days to go..sana kayanin ko na..
Perfect Day 22
"Hey.." bati ko nang matanaw siya. She's wearing a summer dress that suits her skin and body.
Sinabi ko kasi na pupunta kami sa beach ngayon kaya naman naghanda ako para sa araw na 'to.
"Prepared ka, ah?" she smiled at me, joking, when she saw the basket in the back.
"Of course, alam ko kasi na malakas ka kumain." pang-aasar ko na inirapan lang niya.
"Ikaw din naman, kapal mo naman, Mr. Marquez." pikon na sabi niya.
Puro pang-aasar ang naging laman ng usapan namin. Mapipikon pero bigla ring tatawa sa bawat banat ko.
The supposed long drive become shorter because of our conversation.
"Let's go, my princess." I offer her my hand na hindi niya tinanggihan. Hawak ko sa kabilang kamay ko ang basket kung saan naroon ang pagkain at maging ang blanket na gagamitin namin mamaya. Dahil malapit na rin naman lumubog ang araw ay hindi na ito masakit sa balat.
Inilatag ko ang blanket na dala sa shore, hindi naman naabot ng tubig kaya ayos na doon kami kumain.
Her dress and her long brown hair is dancing with the cold wind. Sobrang mahal kita..
"Come here.." tawag ko sa kanya, naglakad siya palapit sa akin at ngumiti.
"This is one of the most perfect day we've ever had, Daelan." she smiled at me.
"I agree, ang sarap sa pakiramdam ng hangin." I shrugged my shoulders and laugh.
The mid heat of the sun and cold breeze of the ocean air is soothing.
"I never thought that.. what we have is..just--" I gulp. I can't even continue what I'm going to say. It's too painful for my scarred heart. Masyado nang bugbog ng mundo ang puso ko.
"Stop.. I'm not worthy for your tears, Dae.." she shook her head, stopping herself to cry.
"You're worthy enough, Drea. Kaya kahit masakit kaya kitang mahalin.. nang mahalin.." tinuon ko ang pansin sa dagat na kalmado.
"Tigilan na natin, Daelan.. habang tumatagal ay palalim nang palalim ang sugat sa puso nating dalawa." she hugged her knees and stare the enchanted beauty of the ocean.
"Eight days na lang.. kahit ayaw ko, palalayain kita.. bibitawan na kita.." napayuko ako nang maramdaman na nagtraydor na ang mainit na luha ko.
The cold breeze of the wind wipe the tears in my eyes, sana kaya rin tangayin nang hangin ang sakit sa dibdib nating dalawa.
"Did you love me?" she asked so sudden.
"Of course.. I still love you, Drea.. hindi na siguro mawawala 'yon.." sagot ko, ni walang pag-aalinlangan.
"I'm getting married, Daelan.." tumingin siya ng deretso sa mga mata ko, then it hit me. It crashed my heart into pieces even more. Wala na.. walang-wala na..
"When?" I gulped, putangina, sobrang sakit na.
"After the thirty days you asked.. Siyam na araw mula ngayon.." tumulo ang luha sa mga mata niya. We're both hurting.
"C-congrats.. Am I invited?" I chuckled, my lips are smiling yet my heart is crying and bleeding..
"Pumunta ka.. If you want to, you can come with our friends.." she avoided my gaze.
"M-mahal mo pa rin ba ako?" tanong ko, nagbabaka-sakaling, oo.
"Yes.. Mahal kita.. sobra.." she whispered under her breath.
Mahal pa pala natin ang isa't isa pero bakit hindi pa rin pwede?
"Kaya lang.. napagod ako.. You left me.. without saying goodbye, without the assurance that you will comeback.." dugtong niya, it's all my fault..
"Hindi ko alam kung..may Daelan pa ba na babalik sa akin.. kasi, alam ko naman na ayaw sa akin ng mga magulang mo.." she paused for a while, I didn't talk, I just listened to her..
"Nagsama 'yung takot, lungkot, sakit at insecurities ko.. nakulong ako sa sakit na.. baka wala nang Daelan na bumalik sa akin kaya pumayag ako kay Papa na magpakasal sa anak ng kaibigan niya.." she wiped her tears away and smile.
"Tapos.. bumalik ka.. I wanted to cancel the wedding but.. I can't.. I just can't.." she sobbed. It pained my heart even more.
"Hindi na pwede kasi nakasalalay na sa desisyon ko ang kompanya ni Papa.. Hindi na pwede kasi.. masasaktan si Aaron.. Hindi pwede kasi natatakot na ako, na baka 'pag pinili kita," she laughed and wiped her tears, "baka iwan mo ako ulit.. my heart couldn't take another heartbreak, Dae.."
"I'm sorry.. for hurting you that way." ang tanging naisatinig ko.
"I'm sorry for giving up on us, Dae.."
"Just.. give me time.. ako mismo ang bibitaw para sa'ting dalawa.. Eight days.. hindi mo na kailangan pang magtago para makasama ako.. na boyfriend mo, para hindi masaktan ang fiance mo.." ngumiti ako at hinawi ang luhang naglalandas sa pisngi niya.
"Ilang araw na lang.. ako mismo ang maghahatid sa'yo sa lalaking magbibigay sa'yo nang wakas na nararapat para sa'yo.. I'll give you the perfect ending.."
Eights days more.. I'll walk away from your life..
Perfect Day 25 & 26
If I can turn back the time.. I will.
What if I didn't leave? What if I marry her before reaching for my dreams?
Habang palapit ang araw kung saan kailangan ko na bumitaw saka tila mas kumakapit ang puso ko para panghawakan ang baka pwede pa..
"Hello, Mikael?" paunang bati ko.
"What's up, dude?" he answered on the next line.
"Road trip?" tanong ko pero alam kong kuha na niya 'yon.
"Now? Yeah, sure."
"Invite Bae, I'll just call Mike and Cilla.." I sighed.
"No need, I'm with them. Kayo lang ni Drea ang wala dahil alam namin 'yung.." he sighed, too, "thirty days.." muling nagtubig ang mga mata ko.
"So.. u-uhm.. You're all in?" pilit kong pinapasigla ang boses ko pero hindi ako nagtagumpay dahil hindi ko napigilan ang mapahikbi.
"Yeah, kailan ba? Mag-aayos na kami."
"Mamayang alas-kwatro, magkita na lang tayo sa bahay para masundo ko rin si Drea." I hung up and texted Andrea about my plans for today, and definitely for tomorrow as well.
Our twenty-fifth and sixth day..
She doesn't have any idea about our friends. Ang alam lang niya ay kaming dalawa.
"Oh, my gosh! You didn't tell me about this! You, witch!" gigil pero halatang masayang sigaw ni Andrea nang makita sila Bae sa loob ng van.
Plano kong mag-road trip at huminto na lang sa kahit saan kapag nakaramdam ng pagod, they agreed. Sabi pa nila na pwede kami mag bonfire sa lugar kung saan pwede. Walang usap-usap pero natuloy ang idea.
"Duh, surprise?!" maarteng sabi ni Bae na inilingan na lang ni Cilla.
"I'm so excited! It's been a while!" Mikael smirked. On the other hand, Mike and Cilla is watching my emotions.
Kwentuhan, asaran, pikunan, sound trip, food trip, lahat.. Lahat ng pwedeng gawin ay ginawa na namin. Baka kasi sa susunod hindi na pwede..paniguradong may magbabago..
"Paano nga ba natin naging kaibigan si Cilla? Eh, sa sobrang tahimik nito, hindi ko namalayan na best friend ko na pala!" tawang tanong ni Andrea, inaasar ang tahimik na kaibigan na nakanguso na lang ngayon.
"Dati kasi magkaaway tayo, eh, naiinis ako kay Cilla at napakatahimik, akala mo nerdy!" umirap si Bae, truth be told, Bae is a bully, Cilla and Andrea was her target.
"Oo, kaya nga inaway ka rin ni Mike!" bulway ni Mikael kay Bae.
"Shut up, ikaw nga sinuntok mo si Dae dati!"
"Maka-bully ka sa'kin noon, Bae, tapos kokopya ka rin naman pala sa calculus!" pang-aasar ni Cilla kay Bae.
"Nako, may ganyan pala dati, Bae, ikaw, ah!" nakangising asar ni Mike.
"Tsk tsk, very wrong, Bae." singit ko.
"Bakit ako lang ang focus, huh? You--"
"At least, panlaban natin sa pageant 'to, palaban mga sagot sa Q&A." pagtatanggol ni Mikael kay Bae na nakanguso na at parang aping-api.
We continued talking about the past, laughing in our own stupidity and ignorance.
Nang maggabi ay tumigil kami sa isang may kataasang burol, nag bonfire kami, kagaya ng plano namin.
Naglatag ng mga kumot kung saan pwede kaming maupo at manuod ng mga bituin. The silence is comforting my broken heart, singing a lullaby to heal my broken soul.
"Laro tayo," Mikael break the deafening silence.
"What game?" Mike asked, looking at him.
"Gago, bro, h'wag ka tumingin sa'kin nang ganyan, I'm straight!" seryoso at tila takot na sabi ni Mikael na umani nang bato mula kay Mikael.
"Umayos ka nga, Mikael! Gay" suway ni Cilla, natawa tuloy kaming magkakaibigan nang matahimik si Mikael, sa aming lahat ay pinakaseryoso si Cilla kaya matatahimik ka kapag pinagsabihan ka.
"What game?" Cilla asked him.
"Truth or dare, ma'am." like a kid, he trailed off.
"What are you? Teen?" sarcastic na tanong ni Bae pero nag-agree din naman kaming lahat.
"Truth or dare, Mikael?" tanong ni Mike.
"Dare." no choice na sagot ni Mikael, may rules kasi na halinhinan ang gamit ng truth at dare.
"Stop grinning, fvcktard!" singhal ni Mikael sa kaibigan.
"I dare you.. to call, a phone call, the girl you love." natawa kaming dalawa ni Mike nang makita ang pamumutla ni Mikael.
"Gago?" tanging naisaad ng lalaki.
"Don't be a coward, bro."
Mikael sighed and took his phone, may kung anong tinatype at maya-maya ay nagring ang phone ni Bae.
"Why are you calling, magkasama lang tayo, sira--" Bae was ready to scold him but something hit her to realize things.
"Let's continue, I'm the one who'll spin the bottle?" balewala ni Mikael sa tingin ni Bae.
Hindi na nagtanong pa si Bae at nagpatuloy sa laro. Nawala ang magandang atmosphere.
"Truth or dare, Drea?" ako ang nagtanong, this is her first time to be ask.
"D-dare?.." she uttered.
I want to torture myself.. gusto kong maramdaman lalo ang sakit, baka sakaling matauhan na ako at bumitaw.
"I dare you.. to tell me how you two met.. And how did you two get close with each other?.." I gulped.
"Pre.."
"Dude?"
"Bro.."
"Dae?.."
Halos magkakasabay silang nag-react, natawa ako nang mahina.
"I just want to know.. Come on, it's a dare.." nakangiti man pero parang mas dinudurog ako. I just want to know.. gusto kong malaman na masaya at mas sasaya siya sa piling ng iba.
"Dae.. You don't have to do this.." bulong ni Mike.
Andrea sighed. Am I making things completely and even worse, love?
"We met six months after you left.. my dad introduced him to me as his friend's son. Aaron was there when I'm longing for you.. he never leave my side when I was so broken." she avoided my gaze.
Doon pa lang talo na ako..
I avoided their gaze. I don't want them to pity me.. It's my fault, anyway. Ako ang nagkamali.. Ako ang nang-iwan..
Pero ako rin ang nasasaktan..
"He did everything just to make me happy.. to bring me back in my old self, the girl who can be positive all the time.." she sighed and smile, "Bae and Cilla knows how broken I was, they know what I been through.." she looked up at the sky.
"When Papa said I'm going to marry Aaron, I'm hesitating to say yes because.. I'm waiting for you," tukoy niya sa akin, "to comeback.. pero ilang buwan ang lumipas, wala ka pa rin.. Wala pa ring Daelan ang umuuwi sa akin.." tumulo ang luha niya.
"Aaron never force me to say yes.. sabi niya ay susuportahan niya ako sa lahat.. maging sa paghihintay sa'yo.. years passed, you didn't come..wala ka pa rin.. napagod ako, Aaron was with me, resting from our own world.. so, I say yes, we'll getting married.. tapos.." she sob, "you came back.. tayo pa rin pero.. ang daming nabago sa'tin, I'm a cheater.. in my own boyfriend and fiance.. I can't hurt Aaron and I can't just leave him.."
Talong-talo na ako, wala nang laban.
"Mahal kita, sobra.. pero Dae, hindi ko na kayang bumalik tayo sa dati.. ang hirap lang magmahal kung mas malaki ang takot sa dibdib ko na.. baka iwan mo ako ulit.. I can't love you while being afraid to be left alone in the end..you encrypted too much pain in my heart, and I can't heal those bruises when I'm with you.." she wiped her tears and laugh, ang isang tawang puno ng sakit.
"How can I love you when I'm being scared that you'll hurt me again?"
I'm sorry..
"Kasi Dae.. mas malaki na ang takot ko kaysa sa pagmamahal ko para sa'yo.."
12 midnight.. Our day 25 and 26 ended in a very painful way..
Apat na araw na lang, malaya ka na..
Perfect Day 29
I don't have any plan today.. The past days were all painful.. but not enough for my heart to let her go..
Masakit.. lalo na nang malaman ko na may nararamdaman pa siya sa akin.. pagmamahal at takot..
I badly want to fight for what we have.. pero paano? She'll marry that man.. the day after tomorrow...hindi ka na sa'kin..
"Hello?" matamlay na tanong ko nang tumawag si Cilla sa akin.
"What's your plan?" she asked me, not knowing if she's talking about the plan today or in my life before the girl I love marry another man.
"Nothing.." lumuluhang sagot ko.
"Daelan.."
"Cilla.. the pain in my chest is killing me.. h-how can I live w-without her.." nanghihinang tanong ko.
"Daelan.. I want to help you.. to win her again.. I even talked to her, but.." she sighed. I already know the answer..
"She can't.. I hurt her.. putangina.. ang bobo ko para iwan siya.."
"Dae, don't say that.."
"Hey? Daelan.." boses ni Bae.
"What's up, Bae?" I chuckled.
"We'll go there.. we'll help you." sabi niya, halatang naaawa sa akin.
"H'wag na..kasi wala na rin naman tayong magagawa.. She already made her decision. Who am I to stop her?"
I left her to reach my dreams, I reached my dreams but I lost her. Naabot ko ang pangarap naming dalawa para sa sarili ko pero ngayon wala na akong babalikan. Sabagay.. ako nga pala ang nang-iwan nang walang paalam.
"Dude.." before saying anything, I hung up and scream.
Kung hindi kaya ako umalis para sa pangarap ko, nandito ka pa rin?
"Hey, love.." bati ko nang sagutin ni Drea ang tawag ko.
"Daelan.."
"Sorry, ah? Wala muna tayong gala ngayon." I chuckled and wiped my tears.
"A-ayos lang.. Are you okay?" nag-aalalang tanong niya.
I am not okay, love.. I'm dying because of the pain you inflicted on my heart..
"Of course.. babawi ako bukas.." on our last day..
"Rest well, Daelan.." she utter before she ended the call.
My heart wants to rest and give up, Andrea.. pero paano ba? Eh, ikaw mismo ang pahinga ko.
Perfect Day 30
Last day.. huling araw na matatawag kitang akin.
Tapos na ang lahat sa atin matapos ang araw na ito.
Cilla, Mike, Bae and Mikael helped me to arrange the things I needed tonight.
Outdoor date na nilagyan ng dalawang babae nang LED lights ang paligid para makabuo ng romantikong paligid. Mikael, being chef in our group, cooked dinner, halos lahat ay paborito ni Andrea ang nakahain. Mike helps me to choose a nice suit, siya rin ang nag-ayos ng table at ibang nakapalibot sa lugar.
Bae and Cilla called Andrea after we arrange the set up. Ayon sa dalawa ay sila na ang bahalang mag-ayos kay Andrea. Of course, Bae being Bae, didn't allowed the word 'simple' for this dinner.
It's already 8 pm, I'm waiting for her..
"Loosen up a bit, Daelan." Mikael chuckled, making fun of me.
"Damn you." angil ko.
"Cilla texted me, pababa na raw sila. Time to exit na kami, bro." Mike tapped my shoulder and cheer me up.
Alam din nila ang usapan namin ni Andrea.. The thirty days.. before finally letting her go and freed myself from the idea of having us.
"I-date ko na rin si Bae ngayon, doon kami sa kabilang side. Tawagin mo kami kung may kailangan ka." Mikael smiled.
"Gago, sana matagal mo nang ginawa." pabirong suntok ko sa braso niya.
"Wala 'to, bro, mahina." pang-aasar ni Mike kau Mikael.
"Pakyu ba kayong dalawa?" singhal niya sa amin na umani lang ng tawa mula sa amin ni Mike.
Ang ingay namin ay biglang namatay nang matanaw ko ang mga kaibigang babae, kasama ang babaeng bumuo sa buhay ko.
She's wearing a silver tube dress, umaabot ito sa lupa dahil sa haba. Ang may kahabaang buhok ay nakalugay at nakakulot nang bahagya. May flower crown din na nakalagay sa ulo niya. Bae never disappoint when it comes to fashion, she made my girl even prettier. She's like a Goddess.
Mike and Mikael's reaction is priceless when they saw Cilla and Bae, just like me, captivated by their enchanting beauty.
Lumapit ako at inalalayan ang babaeng mamahalin ko habang buhay.
Lumapit kami sa table na sinet-up namin.
"Wow.. It's all my favorite!" she exclaimed, smiling widely yet her eyes are telling different things.
"Mikael cooked these all. He knows your favorite," nakangiting sabi ko.
"Kailangan ko palang magpasalamat kay Mikael kung gano'n." she said, smiling.
"You should thank Bae, Cilla and Mike, too." I chuckled, genuine.
"Oh, so, you all prepared this for me? I'm flattered." she hold her chest.
"You are that important to us, and also because you are the first person who'll get married in our group." totoong mga ngiti ko ang pinakita. It hurts, but.. I'm finally letting her free from my chain.
"Pupunta ka?" she asked me, sighing.
"O-of course.. that was my dream, right? To see you walking down the aisle." 'yon ang pangarap ko para sa atin pero sa iba mo tutuparin.
"I'll see you tomorrow then.."
Her wedding is a beach wedding, sunset ang theme, kaya naman bukas kulay kahel ang mga damit ng dadalo.
"I'm excited to see you.. wearing your wedding gown.." I softly utter, feeling the pain in my chest again.
"Daelan.. Can I ask you something?" she asked me, weighing my reactions.
"Yeah, sure.. Anything." I look at her eyes.
"Why did you asked that thirty days? Alam mo na.. pwede kang masaktan lalo dahil sa araw na hiniling mo.. I inflicted too much pain in your heart, that's too much, Dealan." litanya niya, I put down the utensils and smile a little.
I sighed and look at her.
"I'm readying myself to let you go.. Kasi alam ko naman na kailangan ko nang bumitaw sa kung anong meron sa'tin. Those thirty days are the sign and the count down to have the courage to set you free.." nanggigilid ang luhang sabi ko.
"Those days were the best.. days in my life.. And I will treasure our memories in my heart forever, I will love you until the very end of my life, Andrea.."
"Thank you.. for loving me.." tanging naisagot niya.
"Thank you, too.. for loving..and for the experience of being in love."
We eat in silence, the only noise we can hear is the music coming from the live band nearby.
"May I have this dance? Our last dance.." tanong ko, nakangiti habang naka-offer ang kamay sa kanya.
"Of course, my pleasure.." she accepted my hand and stand up.
She put her arms around my neck, I wrapped my arms around her waist. She rest her forehead in mine and smile. We dance under the moonlight, the sweet music is calming my breaking heart.
My breathing hitched at the sudden pain passed through my chest. Parang awa mo na, Daelan.. mapagod ka na at bumitaw..
"Mahal na mahal na mahal kita...sobra pa sa higit.." bulong ko, nanghihina at nasasaktan.
"I love you too, Daelan.. pero hindi na pwede.." she whispers back.
"In our next life.. I'll find you again.. and in that lifetime, I'll make sure that we'll end up together.." I close my eyes, I can't stop my tears flowing like a river, unstoppable.
"I don't believe in next life, Dae.. but if it's true, I'm willing to wait thousand of years just to be with you.." she hugged me and sob.
"In our next life.." we both whispered, luhaan, nasasaktan.
"Happy.." supposed to be, "eight anniversary, love." I kissed her forehead.
"Happy eight anniversary, Daelan.." she whispers and sob.
"I'm letting you go now, Andrea.. You are now.. finally free.."
"I can't wait to see you.. finally happy, Dae." she held my hand and squeezed it gently.
"I'm happy for you, Drea.. Be happy with him." she just squeeze my hand and turn her back. Walking away from me..
I want to stop her.. I want to call her name, and begged her to stay and choose me.
Unti-unti, napaluhod ako sa sakit..
Nakapa ko ang isang maliit na box sa bulsa ng suit ko. Napangiti ako nang mapait..
I took the box and open it.
"Will you marry me, Andrea? Will you please, choose me?" tanong ko habang tinatanaw ang babaeng mahal ko na nakatalikod sa akin.
"Oh, my God! Daelan!" agad akong dinaluhan ng mga kaibigan nang makita akong nakaluhod habang umiiyak.
Bae and Cilla are crying too. Mike and Mikael was there, standing, not knowing how to comfort my broken heart.
"Putangina, tapos na.. wala na.. tapos na kami.." sabi ko habang umiiyak.
Thirty days done.. We're finally free.. I finally let you go.. My love.
Perfect Ending
It's her wedding day. Kasama ko sina Bae, Cilla, Mike at Mikael habang papunta sa kasal. Suot namin ang designed theme ng kasal.
All of these is our dream wedding.. from the theme, the time of wedding, the song, the venue.. everything.. but, she's going to do it with another man..
Ako ang kasamang nagplano pero sa iba niya tutuparin ang bawat isa.
"Are you sure about this, Daelan? We can ditch the wedding after natin maihatid sila Cilla." sumulyap si Mike sa akin habang nagmamaneho.
"Hindi na.. I want to see her.." sagot ko, I even smile just to assure them that I'm good.
"Dae, uh, after the wedding, pwedeng h'wag na tayo pumunta sa party.." ani Bae.
"I agree with Bae, pwede tayong mag-road trip!" suhestiyon ni Cilla.
"I like Cilla's idea, may magandang resort sa Rueda, tara?" gatong ni Mikael.
I chuckled, they are obviously worried about me.
"Hindi na, this will be the last time.. aalis ako bukas.." sagot ko.
"Aalis ka?!" gulat na tanong nila.
"Yep, babalik ako sa Canada, of course, to continue my life."
Natahimik kaming lima, nagkakapaan ng mga sasabihin.
Nang makarating kami sa lugar kung saan siya ikakasal ay marami na agad ang mga tao.
They are all happy.. for the couple.. except me.
"Dito na lang ako.." biglang sabi ko nang akmang papasok na kami at makikihalubilo sa mga tao.
"Dito? Ayaw mo bang magpakita kay Andrea?" si Mike.
"Hindi na, bro.." tinapik ko ang balikat nilang apat at pinilit na umupo na sila sa loob.
Sa mismong gilid ng entrance ako nakatayo para makita siyang naglalakad papunta sa lalaking sasama sa kanya pang-habangbuhay.
The music started, a sign that the bride is already here. The bride that I wish mine.
Lumingon ako sa likuran ko, and there she is. My queen. Wearing her off shoulder white wedding gown, kulay puti iyon pero nagkukulay kahel pababa, sunset.
She looks perfectly pretty.. once again, I'm captivated by her beauty.
May maliit na ngiti sa labi na mas nagpaganda sa kanya. She slowly walk down the aisle.
Nagtama ang tingin namin, bigla siyang napahinto at mabilis na nanggilid ang luha sa mga mata niya, nagbabadyang magtaksil dahil sa naging dulo ng kwento naming dalawa.
I smiled at her and nod my head, encouraging her to walk again. His groom is waiting for her.
"I love you, and I will always be." I mouthed without any sound.
She nodded her head too and smile. Umiwas siya nang tingin at nagpatuloy sa paglalakad.
I waited for her to reach him, Aaron. She hold his arm and faced the priest. The wedding is now starting.
I wiped my tears and smile. Before walking away, I took a glance at her.. I'm leaving again, love, but this time, you don't have to ruin yourself while waiting for me to comeback.. Be happy..
Truly, it was my dream to watch her walk down the aisle, wearing her wedding gown and smiling because of happiness, but I never expected that I'm going to witness it all, but.. as one of the guest and not as her groom..
Here's your perfect, love. I'm giving you the perfect wedding you deserve.
Life is not perfect but you made it perfect even if it's just a temporary. At least, I experienced how to be loved by you.
Let's enjoy our own perfect ending, my love..