Flying Without Wings (Del Gallego Series #1)

Chapter 14

This chapter is strictly intended for adults, therefore it's not suitable for anybody under the age of eighteen. Readers' discretion is advised. Take this warning seriously.

Chapter 14: Marry

"If you didn't feel the same way... a-ayos lang..." bulong niya.

All unshed tears cascaded endlessly. Napaawang ang labi ko. Hanggang sa nawala na ng tuluyan ang yakap niya, at doon ko lamang napagtanto ang nakaparaming bagay.

My heart rendered.

His forehead leaned on me like he's strengthless now.

"I understand why you're scared. I understand... But baby, can you stay here with me for a while? Hmm? Can I... have that chance instead before... before we go back?"

I heard him sniff.

"Kahit iyon lang sana... Kasi baka hindi na kita makasama pa... Baka h-hindi na kita makita—"

I reached for his hand and held onto it tightly like I am telling him what my heart wanted to say but cannot. Napatigil siya bigla nang maramdaman iyon. I was looking down with tears as I couldn't take longer my feelings in-keep.

Kahit anong gawin ng isip ko, hindi pa rin kaya ng puso ko na mawalay sa nagmamay-ari nito. Palagi pa rin talo dahil mahal na mahal ko ang isang Guerrero at hindi ko alam kung... may daan pa ba pabalik.

"P-Pwede ba—"

"What word can I be... if I follow my heart?" I dared to ask.

Humigpit ang hawak niya sa aking kamay.

"Brave," he whispered back.

My eyes shut as I smiled amidst the tears. There was just this set of realizations that came to me after I heard that word from him. It's like my heart was hit so hard because I remember wanting to be brave before yet now... all I did is let him fight alone for our love.

Siguro kahit isang beses sa buhay ko, gusto kong maging matapang.

I am just tired of being scared. I am tired of letting other people draw my fate. I am tired of staying around walls while letting everything that surrounds me move ever freely.

Ngayon gusto ng puso ko na pumili.

At handa kong balewalain ang lahat, para piliin si Maximo.

Everything that is in between us fades in a blink of an eye. Mabilis ko siyang nilingon at gano'n na lamang ang kanyang pagkabigla ng niyakap ko siya ng mahigpit. I grip on his suit as I let my tears rushed down... with freedom.

"Maximo..." my voice broke.

Hindi ko kaya.

Hindi ko kakayanin na makita siyang mawala sa'kin.

Hindi ko kayang mawala ang lahat ng ito. Ang kasiyahan ko. Ang kalayaan. Ang kapayapaan. Dahil sa kanya ko lang naranasan ang lahat ng ito.

Naramdaman ko ang kapayapaan kahit sa maikling panahon kasama siya. Ang kaligayahan na noon hinahanap ko ay sa nasa tabi niya lang pala. Sa kalayaan na akala ko mahirap abutin, pero ngayon nakamtan ko sa piling din ni Maximo. At ang iba pang damdamin na naitago sa labas ng harang na ginawa ng aking angkan, nahanap ko na.

Nahanap ko dahil naririto si Maximo.

He let me experience everything that life can give.

And for someone so dear to me, how can I let him go without a fight?

Kapag nawala siya, panigurado na mawawala rin lahat ng meron ako.

"M-Maximo... I'm sorry..." I cried. "I'm sorry. I'm sorry..."