How to Avoid Heartbreaks

16

Four years had passed, and still no Orion. When he left, I focused more on my studies. I did my best not to think about him since I knew that it would be of no use.

My college years were neither stressful nor chill but I'm glad that I was able to survive it and actually graduate with flying colors.

During the summer break of my second and third year, I interned at companies so I'd be more knowledgeable and exposed to the environment of my chosen course.

During my last year in college, I took the Fundamentals in Engineering exam and got my Engineering-in-Training certification. Passing the FE exam is a requirement in order for me to able to get my Professional Engineer license after four years of gaining practical experience.

I also proceeded in taking my masters while working as an EIT under a Professional Engineer in the Alvarez Group.

Unlike in the Philippines, it's more difficult to obtain a license here in the States. Ngayon, nasa ikalawang taon na 'ko sa pagtatrabaho bilang EIT at dalawang taon na lang bago ko makuha ang license ko.

"Working late again, Miss Farello?" Napatingin ako sa nagsalita at nginitian ang head.

Engineer Benvolio is the current head of the engineering department in the Alvarez group. She has been a good mentor to me ever since I started working here.

Nag-usap-usap muna kami sandali bago siya nagpaalam. Wala ng masyadong empleyado rito dahil kanina pang mga five ang out namin. Ngunit dahil gusto ko nang matapos ang pinagawa sa akin, mamaya na lang ako uuwi.

I finished my work around seven. And while I was on my way home, I received a call from Oceanne.

Though she lives in another state, we still didn't lose contact with each other. We made sure that we could still hang out despite our busy schedules.

I accepted her call and as expected, it was her high-pitched voice that greeted me. She's now here in Massachusetts and wants to have dinner with me. So instead of heading home, I drove to the restaurant she was in.

"London!" She shamelessly called in a really loud voice and ran towards my direction, the people who were peacefully dining were now giving us looks.

"Yeah... yeah... I missed you too," pabiro kong sabi at niyakap na ang kaibigan.

Pumunta na kami sa mesa at nag-order. Habang naghihintay ng pagkain, siyempre nag-chikkahan kami. Ilang buwan na rin kaming hindi nagkita at alam kong maraming kwento ang maingay na baliw na 'to.

"So, how's work? Okay ba ang kompanya?"

"Yup! Really nice environment, Ceanne!" I beamed. It was true though. Kahit pa grabe ang workload, hindi iyon draining. But then, I guess it's because I love what I'm doing so it doesn't really feel like work.

We continued chatting until our foods were served. Nasa isang Filipino restaurant kami kaya takam na takam talaga kaming dalawa na natigil muna ang pag-uusap namin.

"Wow, adobo! Favorite namin 'to ni kuya," ani Oceanne at nagsimula nang kumain. I was about to do the same but hearing about his brother gave me the urge to ask about him

I mean... it's normal and okay to be curious right?

After he left, we didn't have any communication with each other. I didn't add him nor follow him on social media because I know that I'd end up stalking him.

In short, I really have no idea about him except for the ones that Oceanne chose to share. Plus, I never asked because I know that once I let myself get too curious, that thirst of curiosity would never be fully quenched.

A part of me was also secretly hoping that he'd show up by surprise and then we'd hang out and he'll be the one to share to me what he had been up to then I'll do the same.

But then, those only happened in my imagination. I sometimes let my thoughts just wander around especially when I'm tired. And next thing I know, my mind is already filled with him and my exhaustion would then seem to vanish away all because of a simple thought of him.

Pero... pinipigilan ko pa rin ang sarili lalo na't kung ano-ano ang mga sinasabi ni Andy sa akin tungkol sa kapatid niya at kay Orion.

Hanggang ngayon, natatandaan ko pa rin ang mga iyon. Hindi ko gustong tandaan ang mga iyon, sadyang araw-araw niya lang talaga pinapaalala sa akin kung gaano kami ka hindi bagay ni Orion at kung gaano naman sila ka-meant to be ng kapatid niya.

"London! London!" Biglang tawag ni Oceanne at niyugyog-yugyog pa ang kamay ko. "See that guy over there?" aniya at tinuro ang kapapasok na lalaki. Naka-business suit iyon ngunit magulo ang buhok.

"Yeah, what about him?" I asked, eyes still not leaving the guy.

I'm not really sure why but he looks familiar. I feel like I met or had a short interaction with him years ago that I just can't remember.

"That's one of kuya's best friend," aniya sabay kain ng halo-halo. "Magkasama rin sila sa Dubai pero hindi ko alam kung ba't nandito siya."

Tatanungin ko sana si Oceanne tungkol sa lalaking iyon dahil malakas talaga ang kutob ko na nakita ko na siya noon. Either isa sa mga exes o ka-fling ng mga kaibigan ko o nahihibang lang talaga ako.

Ngunit bago pa ako makapagsalita ulit, tumunog ang phone ni Oceanne at pagkatapos tignan iyon ng saglit, tumili siya ng pagkalakas-lakas at niyugyog-yugyog ulit ako. Hindi pa siya nakuntento at pumunta pa talaga sa tabi ko at ngumiti ng pagkalaki-laki.

There was something in her smile that gave me a rush of overwhelming yet exciting feeling. It was weird and unexplainable feeling in my chest but it was a good one; the one I usually feel when my gut is telling me that something good is about to happen.

Nilapit niya ang mukha sa akin at bumulong, "He's coming back!"

I turned to her and gave her a curious look, not having any idea on what she was talking about.

"Si kuya! Kuya Orion's coming home."