SAM's POV:
"You can always forgive but you can never forget."
I hardly imagine that time passed by so fast. And can you believe it? It's been 2 years since we had graduated from highschool.
I can roughly count in my hands how many times I had thought, that I was actually our batch Valedictorian and giving my speech infront of my batchmates were so hard for me. I really tried hard to let it in but seeing their faces broke my heart.
I can still imagine how painful goodbye was--And I missed them.
How, We, of all people cried while bidding farewell to our ever beloved Alma Mater.
I can still remember the hall of the ball room where we had our first Junior-Senior Prom. The laughters and the sorrows we had shared together inside that School.
And now, after 2 years, I am now facing a great challenge in my life.
I've become more stronger and wiser.
Kahit ako hindi ko naisip na ganun lang pala kabilis lilipas ang panahon.
Sa loob ng dalawang taon, naisipan kong i-pursue ang pagiging super model ko at ang pag-aaral ng fashion sa Paris. Maka-ilang ulit na rin akong pabalik-balik mula sa Thailand, Korea, Japan at Paris para magdaos ng fashion show.
Dahil na rin kasi angking galing ko, agad akong kinakitaan ng potensyal ng ilan sa mga sikat na clients ko gaya nila Kris Aquino, Sarah Jessica Parker, Tyra Banks, at marami pang iba.
Naging sobrang abala ako sa loob lang ng dalawang taon. Ilang beses na rin ulit kaming nagkita ni Kai kasama ang buong angkan ng EXO, SHINee, SNSD pati na rin ang Super Junior dahil na rin sa hiling nila na damitan ko sila at ilan pa sa KPOP industry tulad nila BoA, grupong INFINITE, A-PINK, AfterSchool, 2NE1, MBLAQ, B2ST, at marami pang iba.
Maka-ilang beses na rin kaming nakapag-collaborate ng tanyag na designer na si Alexander Wang at ni Jeremy Scott ng Adidas.
At sa loob ng dalawang taon ni hindi ko siya nakita.
Dalawang taon na wala akong balita sa kanya kung nasan siya ngayon o kung kamusta na siya.
Ang huli ko lang balita ay nung bago pa ako tumulak ng Paris e, nagpunta siya ng Ireland kasama ang kanyang ama.
Ang bali-balita, pinadala siya doon ng kanyang ama para ipakasal kay Cassie na best friend pala nitong si Iya. Nito ko lang huli nalaman na palihim pala nilang plinano ang lahat.
I let out a deep sigh and shook my head.
Ipagpapasa-Diyos ko na lang ang katahimikan ng pag-iisip ng dalawang praning na yun.
Naningkit lang ang mga mata ko ng bigla kong maalala ang mukha niya.
It's been 2 years but in a split of seconds I always think of him.
And how I wish that it was really a matter of seconds, 'coz as far as I can remember my seconds with him lasted for a thousand seconds.
Ako naman kasi talaga ang may mali saming dalawa and I admit that whole heartedly. This is where maturation brought me.
Ang palagay ko kasi, ako lang yata ang sobrang nagmahal saming dalawa kaya we ended up like this. We ended up BROKEN.
Kasi kung mahal naman niya ako ng panahon na yun malamang sa alamang hindi kami hahantong sa ganito. Kung sana lang naging sapat yung pagmamahal niya sakin. SANA LANG.
"Sam, are you ready?" Tanong saakin ng isang pamilyar na boses dahilan para bigla akong mapabalik sa ulirat.
Napatango lang ako sa kanya kasabay ng pag-alalay niya sakin pababa ng mahabang hagdan.
Suot ko sa ngayon ang kauna-unahan kong design na gown. Laking tuwa ko nang ako ang unang magsusuot nito sa pinakamahalagang araw ng buhay ko.
It was a long peach gown. It was my very own symbol of elegance. The lustrous, peach-laced top fabric of my dress glinted, that even lights reflecting on it shows that it glows. It fit flawlessly, the dress molded my torso beautifully, complimenting my feminine shape. The gown draped past my toes and it was slightly ballooned adding a very elegant look to it. It’s strapless style revealed my precious collarbones wrapped in smooth, luring, skin. My posture was perfect, my shoulders were pulled back and my hands were held together in front of me with my unique and classic purse. There was a pearl-shaped, diamonds and crystal hair band at the top of my hair, and my lustrous earrings touching the side of my neck. The spotlight above was beaming directly on me, and the darker cream, intricate, floral design was glittering. I glanced around at the other accommodating guests, staring at me with incredulous eyes.
It was indeed a perfect day to wear this, I thought to myself slightly being emotional on what I have achieved after making this.
He smiled at me like it was the sweetest thing ever. "You look very beautiful. You have grown into a lady. You are so gorgeous that even the sky doesn't know how to describe how much you glow tonight."
My hands clinged unto him so tightly. "Thank you. Thank you for being back." I mouthed.
He shook his head and looked at me. "I missed you so much. Now's your day, be ready for some surprises."
I smiled back and breath heavily. "Yeah." I said as I gently placed my right hand on his palm.
We walked down the long staircase and smoke broke out from nowhere giving us a senty and classy mode.
"Sabi ko kay Mama h'wag bonggahan pero lookat this now, napakaraming tao and-" Napailing ako nang bumungad sa akin ang mas marami pang bisita. "Hindi ko inexpect na ganitong karami."
Mom really wants her best for me. She even booked the most luxurious hotel in the Philippines and the best chef's you could ever imagine. The place itself was a word worth saying 'AMAZING'.
He squeezed my hand gently. "This is your birthday. It should be celebrated this way." He leaned closer to my ear and whispered. "Happy Birthday Summer. I-I love you, my best friend." Kiel said.
Hellya. He was back. He was back looking very matured and more handsome as he used to be.
Can you believe na may girlfriend na sya? Errr-And may I rephrase that, fiance na nga pala.
>>>>>>>>>>(Kiel and Sam reunited on the external link) >>>>>>>>>
As we reached the ground, Kiel lay my hand next to the guy on his right.
He bowed, knelt down and offer me his hand. I smiled playfully and felt a little on my stomach.
"May I?" He asked.
I nod my head.
We walked and greeted everyone who had come and celebrated my birthday with me. 18 years of existence indeed brought me this amazing people and amazing place I am in.
I can't barely imagine my life would be without him. He lended me a helping hand throughout those years kahit alam niyang kahit anong pilit naming dalawa friendship lang ang kaya kong ibigay sa kanya. But still, I am very thankful na hindi niya ko iniwan.
Simula't simula naman diba? Siya ang Knight in Shining armor at ang Prince Charming ko. At sino pa ba ang dapat kong pagbgiyan ng posisyon bilang escort kundi siya-si Oliver Seyd Ponce.
The party starts at 8pm but the call time was 7pm. Everyone was given a chance to had their photos taken after they step out of their cars and a red carpet awaits them. It was a fashion show/runway party themed. After my entrance, a short program enlightens the mood and lots of foods were everywhere. The party is extremely elegant. It was catered, have live music, and have the cream of the crop attending my birthday.
The usual debut happens and the party goes on. I have 18 candles, 18 treasures, 18 champagne, 18 gossips, 18 headpiece, 18 shoes, and of course 18 roses.
I spotted my Mom and I gave her a flying kiss and I mouthed "I love you and thank you." She was right across me giving me an I-am-so-proud-of-you look and beside her was Tita Mary.
The last was 18 roses. My first dance was Kiel's Dad, he pats my hair and I could imagine my own Dad doing this first dance with his only daughter. I get a little emotional and Tito had to wipe my tears. I put up a smile and halfly embarrassed look.
Naiinggit ako sa mga may tatay. Yun ang tanging naisip ko nang bitawan na ako ni Tito.
Sumunod naman akong isinayaw nila Mike at ng ilan sa mga pinsan at ka-close ko sa school. Hindi sa literal na 18 roses ang ginawa nila. Pinalibutan nila ako saka sila nagsasayaw ng sabay-sabay.
14th rose ko ay ang barkada ni Chase na si Boom. Syempre hindi naman yata sila pwedeng mawala sa eksena lalo na sa birthday ko pa.
"Maaari ko bang isayaw ang napakandang dilag na ito?" He asked as he bowed his head, lay a hand and bent his knees.
"You may." I answered back and bent a little too.
Just knowing Boom, I know that it will be crazy dance kaya nagsasayaw kaming dalawa na parang mga baliw habang tawa ng tawa.
Sumunod naman ay sina Jason, si Derick, at syempre ang walang kupas na si bespren Kiel.
The last one had to be him, pero syempre naisip ko lang yun nung kami pa. Sino ba namang babae ang may ayaw na isayaw ka ng lalaking mahal mo diba?
Napangiti na lang ako ng maalala ko yun. Ngumiti ako ng malungkot at saka hinarap ang taong mahal ko naman pero bilang isang tunay na kaibigan.
The last dance was Seyd. He held out a bouquet of daisy and handed it on me. "You looked really stunning." He said as he shook his head back and forth.
"I know." I answered playfully and stuck my tongue out to annoy him.
"Maganda ka talaga, promise hindi na kita binobola this time." Ulit pa niya habang nakangiti ng abot tenga.
We danced for about God knows how long minutes and just enjoyed the moment. I know I can be crazy, serious, senty and happy with him. Of course, because he is a true friend.
He stopped and smiled at me like he was up to something.
"Go change." Sabi niya habang inalalayan ako papasok ng isang kwarto kung saan naghihintay ang mga mag-aayos at magbibihis saakin.
Ilang minuto ang nakalipas, I wore my favorite dress. I designed this for Mom and it was named after her. Ang sabi ko kasi nung iniisip ko 'to..gusto ko ng classy yet very elegant gown na comfy, sexy, can go casual to formal and very chic-just like my Mom.
I was pretty impressed how it hugs my figure and the color really looks good on me.
>>>>SAM's OUTFIT ON THE MULTIMEDIA>>>>>>>>>>>
After changing, I walked out the hall where It was quite dark and my only view was a huge screen infront of me.
The room was filled with silence and suddenly the screen went on and a video played in it.
"Hi my dearest princess?" He smiled so generous.
My heart thump was beating faster as it was about to break my ribs and my breathing becomes harder and faster as it seems. I was shocked and i couldn't say anything.
"Uhm-first of all, I wanted to greet you a happy happy birthday! I love you so so much, as much as I have love the sun and the sky."
My tears uncontrollably runs through my face and my heart was filled with emotions that I couldnt explain and understand. My stomach was squeezing and my lungs feels like it was ready to explode.
"Thank you for coming into my life and for being a great part of who I am today. I love you so so dear." He was about to cry when suddenly a little girl passed by beside him walking like nothing was going on and knowing nothing on earth.
"This is you when you're three." He said while putting me on his lap and making me mimicked a wavy hands. "Say hi to your 18th bday.." He smiled and gave a quick peck on my cheeks.
"Dad.." I murmured. It was the only word I could say before I felt that my knees become weaker and thinner as it is.
"I love you, honey. I love you and Mom so much. Please take care always and be good to Mom, okay? I love you both to the moon and back!" His voice said very loud and lively enough to echo in my head. And then he bid farewell.
The light went on and all the guests were crying as if its also their Dad.
All were having their tissues beside them and crying like we were reunited once again.
I looked for Mom and run into her to gave her my hug. I can't contain my feelings, I feel like this is the best day of my life 'coz I have seen Dad with me again.
"I love you sweety." Mom whispererd into my ears and gave me a soothing circled motions on my back.
My birthday turned out nicely and beautiful. It ended later that day and the guest went home with the smile on their faces. They all hugged me and congratulated me on my special day.
As all the guests disappeared, I had to stay and wait longer to gather all my gifts and things together.
"Mom? I'll just have some fresh air." I shouted at Mom enough for her to hear.
I walked outside and saw this cute veranda. It was facing a small pond with a Balayong (or the so-called Cherry Blossom of the Philippines which is abundant in Palawan) and a pink bench with a lighting bulb above it that accentuates the cool and soothing view.
I sat there, looked at the sky and closed my eyes. I tried to remember my Dad's face.
I tried to remember his smile and his voice.
"Say hi to your 18th bday.." I clearly remembered.
I sighed heavily and felt some kind of relief when someone pats my shoulder like how I imagined my Dad would do to me. I place my head on his broad shoulder feeling the moment as he puts his on mine.
After a few minutes I felt like it was real and the touch on my shoulder was warm and gentle. Really felt like someone is really giving me a pat and humming my Dad's lullaby.
Slowly, I opened my eyes hoping I would see my Dad's soul beside me.
I turned my head to the person sitting right beside me.
Natigilan ako nang nagtugma ang tinginan naming dalawa.
My eyes were in shocked that it was wide as the moon.
A signature side smile flashed his beautiful face. "Happy 18th birthday." He said before giving a very quick glance at me and studied my face.
"You never changed. You're still lovely as you were 2years ago. You're still the girl I used to love." He gave a quick peck on my forehead and wiped my unconscious tears streaming with his bare hands.
And then he disappeared.
I was stoned in place not even realizing that it was Chase just a few seconds ago.
I blinked many times and after a few, I stand up and tried to catch him with my eyesight.
*Facepalm*
I sat down and saw a piece of paper on the ground.
I pick it up, opened and read what was written.
- UNTIL WE MEET AGAIN. -
___________________________________
TO BE CONTINUED....
“Never discard your past. You’ll have to learn from it to elevate yourself above your current condition. But don’t allow that past to shackle you in place. Don’t allow that past you keep you staring perpetually backward, because while you look backward, time will continue moving forward.”
- Unknown