TNP's 1st One-Shot Story Writing Contest Pt. 2

Entry #142

It's Time To Go

by Andrea Cherryl L. Bautista

It only takes a second to tear your whole life apart into a thousand of pieces – and a lifetime tragedy to find out how to begin again.

The loud and almost ear-wrenching voices from the people around me have me wondering why the hell did I accept this invitation? I heaved a heavy sight and bit my lower lip, emphatically. I can almost hear my subconscious mind nagging at me on how foolish I am right now, like how my Mom scolds me first day in the morning. But I am here, whether I like it or not. It was as if my mind is going down hill and every minute that passes the spiraling emotions encourage me to turn my back and shamelessly walk away.

But even if I want to, my pride won't just let me to do such a shameful act. Lalabas lang na may itinatago ako at hanggang ngayon may pagsisisi parin ako – ngunit wala nga ba? Well, maybe? But I shouldn't regret something that made me happy... That's why until now I keep on reminding myself that I am fine in spite of everything that I had done in the past.

Nagsimulang magpalakpakan ang lahat pati narin ako. Pinagmasdan ko siya habang masayang hinihiwa ang cake at handugan nito ang magandang babae sa tabi niya na may matamis na ngiti sa labi. I cannot help but to feel hurt and sulk at the same time. In the first place I have no rights for feeling this way because after all there's no one to blame but myself only.

"Don't tell me you are still in love with him until now?" Auntie said.

Umiling ako sa kanya at ngumiti ng tipid. "What made you think of that, Auntie? It's been three years... and I am perfectly fine and happy for... them." Saad ko.

She just nodded. "Siguraduhin mo lang Ophelia. At ayoko ng kahit anong gulo."

After our brief interaction, we were called to gather in front for pictorial I don't want to but I didn't have the chance to decline when Auntie held my arms tightly and pulled me all of a sudden. She narrowed her eyes at me and pushed me closer to her.

Nakapwesto na ang photographer, lumikot ang tingin ko at hindi ko naiwasan mahagip ang isang pares ng malamlam na mata na nakamasid sa akin. Bumilis ang paghinga ko at ramdam ko ang pamamawis ng dalawang palad ko, habang ang dibdib ko ay nagliligalig. Nag-iwas ako ng tingin at ngumiti nalang sa camera para sa litrato.

Mabilis na humiwalay sa akin si Auntie at nakihalubilo sa mga kamag-anak namin. Nakahinga ako nang maluwag, ngunit pakiramdam ko ay hindi parin sapat iyon. Hindi ko na napigilan at mabilis kong tinungo ang daan palayo sa lugar na ito.

Lumakad ako palayo at nang makuntento sa layo ay umupo ako sa bench na nasa lilim ng malaking puno. Nakaramdam ako ng ginhawa at hinayaang mamahinga ang likod sa sandalan at ipinikit ko ang mga mata.

"What a pity!" My subconscious mind said.

Out of nowhere, a familiar fragrance suddenly lingered around and started to attack my nostrils. I stilled and stopped breathing for the meantime. Lumundo ang kinauupuan ko at ramdam ko ang presensiya niya.

"Mind if I ask what are you doing here?" He asked, normally.

"A-Ako ang dapat nagtatanong sa'yo niyan...bumalik kana roon... baka hinahanap ka na niya." I said. With my eyes still closed.

"Sa loob ng tatlong taon hinanap mo rin ba ako?" Malungkot niyang tanong.

Napabalikwas ako mula sa pagkakasandal at hinarap siya. Halos mapigtas ang hininga ko sa lamlam ng kaniyang mga matang nakadako sa'kin. Kung sasabihin kong oo, may magbabago ba? Maiaayos ba lahat nito ang lahat nang nangyari?