Against All Boundaries

Chapter Thirty-Two

I looked at Noah nang makarating kami ng airport.

Tito was with us all along.

We are sending Noah off, at ngayon, tila ako naman yata ang gustong tumutol dito.

It seems to dawn on me just now that I'll badly be needing him.

But I know what he has to do.

So I reminded my self not to mess these things anymore.

Hindi naman na nagagam-agam pa si Noah.

The moment he finally pronounced his decision over this, he didn't anymore step back to change his mind.

I marvelled him for so many things, and that quality is just one of the many good things he has.

How I wish I could do it as well.

To be finally firm about my decisions.

And to think first deeply of it, before finally deciding.

In order not to crumble in the end.

Kaya pinigilan ko na ang sarili kong guluhin pa siya.

He looked better now.

Less weary than the past nights.

But I know he still is bothered.

I know he has a lot of things in mind.

At hindi na ako padadagdag sa bigat no'n.

If there is a way for me to lessen his loads, then I'll genuinely offer him my aid.

Tahimik ang Tito sa harapan.

He was sitting next to the driver.

But I can see him momentarily checking on us from the rearview mirror.

Lumingon si Noah sa akin nang tuluyan na kaming makarating.

I smiled at him.

He wearily did the same.

"Mag-iingat ka."

Natawa ako sa sinabi niya.

"Ikaw ang aalis, Noah. Diba ako ang dapat nag-sasabi niyan sa'yo?"

Nakangisi ako nang banggitin ko iyon.

Nag-salubong naman agad ang mga kilay ni Noah.

"Hindi ako ang disgrasyador, Zophoeah. I hope you know that."

Mas lalo akong natawa.

He was all so serious, but I don't wanna send him off with a dead mood.

Kaya mabuti at ganitong paraan namin siya maihahatid.

"I know. But let me at least give you the courtesy." Naiikot ko ang mga mata at nauna pang lumabas ng sasakyan.

Ayaw na sana nilang dalawa na lumabas pa ako ng sasakyan, pero dahil ipinanganak at lumaki akong suwail, hindi na yata mababago pa iyon.

I was wearing an oversized black jacket, a black mask, and a cap to stay hidden.

Mahirap na at hindi natin alam kung kailan ka naihaharap sa mga tagong camera.

I have had the experience my own.

It's healthy to learn from it and be cautious, at least.

Hinintay namin hanggang maging on board na ang flight nila.

"No stupid stunts this time." Si Noah na matalim akong tiningnan.

Tinawanan ko lang iyon at inilingan.