See You Never

08

— Beginning —

"Tricycle?"

Umiling ako habang nakangiti kay manong. Nandito ako ngayon sa may Fastcom, nagpapa-print ng mga documents para sa isang organization sa campus. May debate competition pa ako bukas at sa Ilocos Norte gaganapin. Excited ako at hindi nakakaramdam ng kaba. Normal na ang mga ganitong bagay saakin dahil ako naman lagi ang isinasali. Sympre, sol na 'to!

I went to the other side of town where this new coffee shop opened up on the bypass road. Still in my school uniform, hair tied up, and loaded with stuff, lalo na itong bag ko! Pahirap sa buhay. The place had beautiful designs, with lots of flowers outside and a big window. It had a vintage vibe, like those vintage charms remiscents of coffee shops from bygone era. Inside, it was chill, perfect for Instagram pics!

I ordered a hot coffee and took a photo of it.
Nakukuhanan ang mga halaman sa background kaya mukhang mamahalin ang lugar. Nilagay ko iyon sa story ko, kung sino ang mag heart, siya na rin pupusuan ko!

"Would you mind if I sit here?"

I looked up only to see logan's face, grinning. Tumango na lang ako habang umiinom sa kape ko. Dahan dahan naman siyang umupo sa harapan ko at tila ba pinapanood pa akong uminom. Parang ang weird naman kung tititigan niya lang ako.

"What makes you here?" I asked.

He shrugged. "You?"

"Pake mo?" I rolled my eyes as he held his chest, being so dramatic, acting like I said something offensive. "Oa." Dagdag ko pa.

"I'm meeting someone." Sagot niya. Akala niya siguro kaya ako nagmaldita sakaniya dahil hindi niya sinagot ang tanong ko. Hindi ko lang talaga alam kung bakit ako nandito! Nabalitaan ko lang naman na bagong bukas dito, akala ko nga  may promo.

"Sino?" I frown as I leaned in on the table.

"Pake mo?" He rolled his eyes, mocking me.

Bwesit.

Inirapan ko nalang siya at hindi na pinansin hanggang sa lumabas na siya ng coffee shop. My eyes lit up when I saw astrid entered, wow, seems like she got the news.
I waved my hand at her so she could see that I am here. Tumakbo pa siya na parang bata papalapit saakin nang makita niya ako.

"Hi, babe!" Bumeso siya saakin.

"I'll order for you," Sambit ko.

"I'm here with someone, aalis na rin kami." She gave me an apologetic smile.

"Ha? Sino? Nasaan?" Nagsalubong ang kilay ko. Inikot ko pa ang tingin ko pero wala naman akong nakita.

"Park," Maikling sagot niya bago nagpaalam na. Park? Nasa park? Bakit siya nakarating dito sa loob ng coffee shop kung nasa park naman pala ang kasama niya? Ang layo kaya ng parke dito.

Umalis na lang din ako pagkatapos kong ubusin ang ensaymada ko.While passing by a cemetery, I made the decision to pay a visit to Noah's mom. Although I hadn't personally met her, as a friend of Noah's, I felt it was important to show my respect. Nandito na rin naman ako, eh.

"Hi, tita!" I greeted like she was alive. "Noah's doing great po. You don't have to worry about her, she is harder than a rock." I laughed.

There's something strangely comforting about talking to someone who's no longer with us. It's like they're still here, listening intently to everything I say. Of course, it's not that I want them to be gone or anything. When it got dark, I hopped in my car and headed to my condo.

"Fuck!" I hissed. Na flat ata ang gulong ko! Bumaba ako para tignan ang gulong ko. Sobrang swerte ko sa kamalasan! Pumasok ulit ako sa loob ng sasakyan ko at hinanap ag cellphone ko.