Scarcity of Chances

Chapter 18

"You know what I think, Van? She might be existing here but you both just don't know each other. Maybe she's just using a different name or rather doesn't use socials." Kylo said when I told her what I found out about my ex-best friend.

"That's what I am thinking too. I just... didn't expect it."

I was hoping to know what kind of person Shannon is in this new reality. Of all people from home, she was the one who this version of me failed to have a connection with. And I don't know if that's a good thing or a bad one.

Drowning in my thoughts, I was saved by a light poke on my forehead. Kylo immediately earned my attention upon doing so.

"Don't think too much, Van. Your wrinkles might show," he teased with a lop-sided grin playing on his lips. "You will be branded as old Van."

I grimaced. "Wala pa ako no'n."

I have an effective skincare routine. Mula nang nagsimula akong magpaturo kay Mama kung paano mag-apply ng make up ay kasama iyon sa itinuro niya. At hanggang dito ay tinutuloy ko 'yon.

Mas tumindi tuloy ang pagka-miss ko sa mga mahal ko sa buhay na naiwan doon. Nakakapagod mang isipin subalit hindi ko talaga mawari kung ano kaya ang ginagawa nila ngayon. There are a lot of theories running inside my head like did we just swap with the owners of the lives we're living here in this parallel dimension or something else.

After all that happened, I don't think we are still capable of limiting the possibilities. Nagawa nga naming makarating dito, e.

"Do you miss them?" Kylo randomly asked, as if he have some access to my thoughts at this moment.

I sighed heavily and continued examining the pages of a business magazine I saw in one section inside the library. Kylo is indeed serious when he told me that it was time to put him in my life so I can get used to other people's presence even more.

"There's not a single second that passed that I didn't."

Without a warning, I got separated from my family, for the second time. I was an orphan who lost her biological family at such an early age. Luckily, my adoptive parents found me and provided me with a better home.

Masyado pa akong bata noon para maramdaman ang sakit na mawalan ng totoong magulang. But now, I am old enough to feel the excruciating pain of losing your real family by your side. Na kahit gaano ko man kagustong mapuntahan sila ay hindi ko alam kung papaano.

I have Irvine's family here, but it's not the same. Even if this new bubble offers better circumstances, I am willing to risk everything for a chance to go back to the original one.

"Me too," segunda ni Kylo. "Back then, every time I am missing my mother and brothers, I would just fly to Singapore. But right now... I cannot do that anymore."

Nanikip ang dibdib ko habang pinapakinggan ang kanyang mga sentimento. Alam na alam ko ang pakiramdam nito dahil magkapareho kami ng sitwasyong kinakaharap ngayon. Walang ibang makakaintindi sa aming dalawa bukod sa isa't isa.

"It just sucks that we know they exist somewhere but it was too far that we cannot even reach them. That... the only thing we got is to hope that whatever power that brought us here will bring us back too."

I lifted my eyes to Kylo. There's a hint of misery and gloom on his face. I am sure that his expression mirrors mine too. Lalo pa't magkalapat ang aming tingin.

My lips wanted to quiver so bad but I was able to suppress them. But a stubborn tear got out beyond my control, finding its way out of my eyes, strolling down my cheek and dropping at the magazine on the table.