Bygone Memories of Yesterday (Affliction Series #2) ✔

Chapter 21

I felt so nervous throughout the whole drive to Neus’ house. I have no idea what to expect other than negative scenarios. Naiisip kong magagalit ito sa ‘kin o ‘di kaya naman ay hindi ako papansinin. Completely different from what Shania is expecting. She thinks that Neus would be ecstatic once he gets a sight of me. 

Matapos kong pumayag na sumama sa mag-asawa ay inabala ko ang aking sarili na pakatitigan ang photo album na bigay ni Shania. There are not many pictures of Neus there but I tried my best to remember his face. I even asked Shania to tell me stories because somehow, I don’t want him to find out that I have lost my memories. I want to act casual as much as possible. 

Two days felt forever — even the short drive felt forever. Parang nilalamon na ng kaba ang loob ko at nanlalamig ang mga kamay ko. I played with my fingers while looking through the window. 

I froze when I realized something. 

The ring. 

What if hanapin niya? Although it’s been years and I believed that he forgot about that, the ring still costs a fortune. I know I should give it back to him even if he doesn’t ask to. Binili niya ‘yon. Kaso, naisangla ko na. Anong gagawin ko? 

“Anj, you have to be chill. Namumutla ka na sa kaba riyan,” usal ni Shania nang lingunin niya ako mula sa passenger’s seat. 

“I just thought, what if he searches for the ring?”

“Then explain it to him.” She shrugged. “I’m sure he’ll understand.” 

“Pansin ko, kampanteng-kampante ka na hindi kayang magalit ni Neus sa ‘kin.”

“‘Coz it’s the truth. Wala kaming contact sa ‘yo pero hinihintay ka pa rin niya. Umaasang one day, babalik ka.” My hand unconsciously went to my chest to feel my racing heartbeat. 

Hinihintay niya ako?

Tumikhim si Keith. “But that was months ago. Before we went to Switzerland. Wala kaming ideya kung naghihintay pa rin siya hanggang ngayon.”

Shania slapped Keith’s arm dahilan para mapa-igik ang huli. 

“Ano ba ‘yang pinagsasabi mo? You’re not helping,” pangaral niya sa asawa.

“I’m just trying to be realistic. Yes, we communicate with Neus often pero hindi naman natin alam ang bawat kilos at galaw niya.” Keith looked at me through the dash mirror. His eyes looked like he was implying something. That he wants me to be ready for whatever may happen later and I get it. 

Walang nakakaalam ng tiyak na mangyayari maliban kung nandoon na kami mismo sa pagkakataon. 

“Hay nako. Basta ako, I believe it will be far from what you two are thinking.” Shania looked at me softly. “All these years, he tried his best to reach you. Iyong doktor mo noon na kakilala ng Mommy niya, walang araw na hindi niya kinulit ‘yon. Even though he knew, wala siyang mapapala. We even went to Florida last year to look for you. Kung alam lang sana namin na may kamag-anak ka sa Florida, nahanap ka sana namin kaagad.”

“Wala ba talaga akong binigay na kahit anong impormasyon sa inyo?” I asked. It’s just so weird. I treasure my friends. Kahit nga si Gloribelle na kalaunan ko lang nakilala, parang pamilya na ang turing ko sa kaniya. So it’s very odd not to leave anything so my friends could reach me. How come I wouldn’t tell them about my aunt? 

“Well, walang dumating sa akin. I asked Mica if you told her anything since kayo naman ang mas madalas na mag-usap pero sabi niya wala raw. Bigla ka na lang hindi nagparamdam.”

Mas lalong lumalim ang gatla sa noo ko. “And Neus?”

“Same goes for him. Siguro dahil na rin sa nanakaw ang cellphone niya noon. You or your parents may have sent messages pero hindi niya na nabasa kasi wala na ang phone niya.”