The Devil's Trap

Chapter 45: Final Goodbye

Chapter 45: Final Goodbye

Someone once told me he'd wait for me, even if it takes forever.

But at the time when hate and betrayal were swelling in my heart, when all the truth I once believed in came back to me with a slap, the only think I could think of was to stop everything because I was tired.

He's no good guy. He was once known to be a danger on campus. Dark hair and a devilish smirk. Lush eyebrows and a cutting jawline, and eyes that was playfully alluring.

No one would think that a guy like him, who's world used to revolve on the palm of his hands, would beg to be forgiven.

Was I heartless not to forgive him?

It was the thought I had for weeks, months, and years.

Dapat bang hindi ako umalis? Dapat ba akong manatili kahit sirang sira na ako?

For the first few months after leaving the city, I kept asking myself if I did the right thing.

Lumayo ako na ang tanging kasama ay si Mama at tanging dala ay isang bag ng gamit at gamot. Wala akong dalang kahit ano para sa sarili ko. All I know I was aching to get away.

We arrived in a lakeside town where my mom used to spend her younger years. Kahit paano, nakatulong sa amin ang mga dati niyang kakilala. The small, quaint village was charming. People were pleasant and friendly. My mom and I rented a small apartment at the second floor of an old flowershop.

What I love most about the place was the lakes and the woods beyond. There were docks and trails towards the water. Whenever I open my room window I could see the waters and the way the trees and small mountains reflect on the smooth calm surface of the lake.

Gustong gusto kong naglalakad tuwing umaga at tuwing pauwi ako sa hapon sa tabi ng lake. It gave me the calm I wasn't able to have for the last few years. I might have been heartless for leaving, but my heart deserved this corner of peace.

Hindi ako agad nakapagaral sa mga unang buwan ko sa bayan dahil mas inuna ko ang pagbangon namin ni Mama. Nagtrabaho ako sa isang restaurant malapit sa lake. I was kept busy with my work and the first six months became bearable.

It took me a while to learn about the community college in the nearby town. Sinubukan kong mag enrol muli sa huling taon ng kurso ko.

I was glad my school requirements were already prepared for because of the exchange program. Hindi ko man ito naituloy dahil ayaw kong muling maging konektado sa dati kong mundo, the community college was kind enough to recognize my eligibility to pass the program and gave me the chance to avail a half scholarship program in their own institution.

Unti unti akong nakabangon sa bagong lugar. Until last month I was working at the restaurant. Nakapag-ipon ako kasabay pag-aaral at pagtatrabaho. Little by little, I became okay.

"Aalis ka, anak?"

Both mom and I were preparing to go out of our small apartment that afternoon. Her, in a dress and putting a bit of powder on her face and me, wearing dark jeans and loose white blouse.

"May dadaanan lang po ako sa bayan. Do you need my help at the shop? Mukhang madami ang mga orders mula kahapon."

Ngumiti si Mama. "Hindi na kailangan, anak. Mas kailangan mong maghanda para mamayang gabi."

"Of course Ma, I would never miss it for the world."

I caught sight of my mom's reflection on the mirror. Malaki na ng pinagbago niya mula noong una kaming tumapak sa lugar.