Barangay Series #3 : Calius Dashkov

Kabanata 42

Sa pagdaan ng ilang araw, hindi na ako nagtataka kung bakit mas lumalala ang sitwasyon.

Since she was pushed away from me, I began to accept everything. My father told me that my relationship with Amanda wasn't healthy.

She is not mine.

Since they do.

I can't just live my entire life with Amanda. I must return her to the place where she belongs, even though I believe it is best for her.

And it going to be her end… It said on the book, I still remember. Ang pagibig ang sisira ng buhay ni Amanda. Hindi pagibig ng isang binatang nais siyang gawing kasintahan kundi ang pagibig ng isang lalaki…. na nais siyang ingatan bilang anak.

Perhaps too much love can be fatal. Maybe.

When I spotted her, I came to a halt in the garden. I maintained my stoicism while glancing at her. She had altered drastically. Her young and attractive face with a smile was never evident when we split ways from what we used to be.

"P'wede ba tayong magusap?" Her shaking voice pleaded.

Marahan akong tumango. Pinanood ko kung paano siya nanghihinang naglakad palapit sa akin at saka tumigil nang halos ilang hakbang lamang.

"Are you tired?" I asked gently.

She nods her head slowly and it breaks my heart.

"You.." Humigpit ang hawak ko sa aking espada. "You wanna say something?"

"I want to rest.." Muli siyang tumingala ngunit sa pagkakataon na iyon at lumuluha na. "Gusto ko na tapusin ang kaguluhang nagagawa ko. Ellena almost killed your mother b-because of anger."

Hindi pa rin ako nagbigay ng reaksyon. Pilit kong pinanonood ang pagtulo ng luha niya sa kaniyang maputing pisngi.

Nanginginig niyang inabot ang kamay ko at inilapat iyon sa kaniyang pisngi. Hindi ako gumawa nang kahit anong reaksyon ngunit habang nakatitig sa ginagawa niya ay unti-unting namumuo ang luha sa mga mata ko dahilan para manlabo ang paningin ko.

"This is the last time you will see me crying, Papa. Once I die, I want you to be happy. Please…. forget me."

"I will never forget you," I whispered. "I will always visit you."

Her warmth enveloped me. I couldn't help but return her hug and kiss on the top of her head.

"Masasagot mo ang lahat ng katanungan mo kung wala na ako. Magulo lang ngayon dahil buhay pa ako," nakatitig niyang sabi sa akin. "Maniwala ka sa 'kin, Papa."

"I'm sorry…" I sobbed. "My grandfather is the root of this curse. I'm sorry, Amanda."

Her small arms continued to wrap around me. I was completely exhausted, but I managed to hug her back. Because I know I'll never be able to do this again.

"I was made of different parts of people. I disturbed their peace from resting for years just because of a wish. Now, I need to give it back. I am the one who needs to do this." Tila nagsusumbong niyang sabi.

I cannot blame anyone. Pinilit kong hindi umimik at nanatiling nakayuko matapos niya akong hiwalayan sa pagkakayakap. Nakikinig sa mga sinasabi niya na parang bingi.

Samut-saring pangalan ng mga nilalang ang tumatakbo sa isipan ko kung sinuman ang sisisihin ko ngunit wala rin itong patutunguhan kundi ang aking ninuno na nagsimula ng lahat.

"Papa.."

Tumunghay ako. Kung kanina ay puno siya ng luha sa pisngi, ngayon ay wala na.

"I love you.." She whispered. "Even though I'm not real, I know I can watch you from afar by the star's light.. Remember that."