FATE 2: DESTINY'S HEART - COMPLETED 2019

XIII. Alyce's Feelings

"MY gift," inabot ni Keeper kay Darwin ang isang framed sketch nilang dalawa ni Alyce. "I couldn't get out of it from my head. I have weaknesses in precious moments."

It was only a half body sketch. Magkayakap sila roon ni Alyce. They were both smiling as she wrapped her arms on his neck while he was holding her on her waist. He couldn't help his smile. It was a good memory indeed.

"Thank you."

"She did so much effort for that which she don't rarely do in other people. It was so sweet of her. Kaya bawasan mo ang pag-away sa kanya. Iniinis mo kasi lagi kaya naiinis din siya sa'yo."

Natawa siya. "Ang cute niya kasing mapikon."

"Bully,"

"I'm just giving her all the time in the world to appreciate life, Keeper." His tone now was serious. "I'm not sure what lies a head of us or how she will be able to cope up after this, but I don't want to give up on her. I wanted her to be happy... without me in her life."

"Darwin?"

"We all know that I can't stay in this world forever. Sooner or later, I have to replaced my father. Taking in the responsibility means leaving the life here on earth. Leaving my friends and my human family. Kaya bago 'yon mangyari, kailangan ko munang masigurado na masaya si Alyce. It's the least that I can do for her."

"She'll be fine," Keeper smiled. "She's strong."

"I know,"

ITINIGIL ni Alyce ang pagtugtog at muling inabot ang lapis at piano sheet na kanina pa niya sinusubukang buoin. This is the first time na gagawa siya ng sariling kanta. She was playing randomly at the keys earlier when she realized she was playing the same melody the whole time.

She liked the feeling of it. It was so refreshing. Para bang may na discover siyang talent na 'di pa niya nasusubukan. Muli niyang itinabi ang piano sheet at sinubukan ulit na ituloy ang melody na nagawa na niya kanina. 

She was interrupted by a call from her phone.

Inabot niya ang cell phone sa itaas ng piano at nakita niya na rumihistro ang pangalan ni Darwin sa screen.

"Hello," sagot niya. "Napatawag ka?"

"Busy ka?"

"Hindi naman, why?"

"You seemed happy."

Napangiti siya. "'Yan lang ba ang tinawag mo?"

"I just have a feeling... just checking."

"Well, I am. May kino-compose akong music. Sinisimulan ko pa lang. I'm not sure kung kailan ko siya matatapos pero I'm hoping na matapos ko agad siya."

"Matatapos mo 'yan. Huwag mo lang masyadong i-pressure ang sarili mo."

"Hindi ko pini-pressure ang sarili ko. I'm just enjoying this new discovery. Na saan ka ba ngayon?"

"Nasa café lang, nangangape."

"I'll visit later."

"Why?"

"Can't I?"

Natawa ito sa kabilang linya. "Of course, you can. I'll be expecting you in awhile."

NANG dumating si Alyce sa Dolce Fate ay wala si Darwin. Lumabas lang daw saglit, 'di nagsabi kung saan. Paakyat siya ng rooftop nang matigilan siya. Nasa second floor siya ng café. It was a vacant space at kalahati ng floor na 'yon ay kwarto at opisina ni Darwin.