The Presence of Yesterday

Chapter 26

Chapter 26

"Good afternoon! Ladies and gentlemen, this is your captain speaking. We have just landed at Ninoy Aquino International Airport. Thank you for flying with us today! I hope to see you on board again." The captain smoothly announced.

I glanced at the window. The clear sky looks good with a glistening shadow of the sun. I feel my rapid heart beat every passing second, which gives me this weird feeling inside my chest that I refuse to name.

A small smile slowly formed on my lips. My heart felt warm as the plane landed. Halos limang taon narin ang lumipas mula noong huling tapak ko dito. Finally, I'm back here in my real home.

I never regret leaving, though. If not for the pain and heartache, I wouldn't be this strong and brave. Every struggle that I have gone through while living alone has made me the person that I am today.

"Earth to Vivienne, kanina pa 'kong nandito. You seemed lost in thought." I heard a familiar voice from behind. When I looked back, I saw a man who's smirking at me.

"I just missed this place. I missed Philippines." I said. Ngumiti ako ng hinapit niya ako palapit sa kanya at ikinulong sa kanyang mga bisig.

"Liar. Ako talaga yun, you missed me so darn much." Pagmamayabang niya.

I rolled my eyes. "You piece of thick face, wag ka ngang feeling!"

"Sige, tanggi pa. Kung hinintay mo lang muna sana akong makabalik, edi sana magkasabay tayo sa byahe." He said.

Nauna siyang bumalik dito sa Pilipinas noong nakaraang linggo. Terrence attended a business conference and ran some important errands. He was telling me to reschedule my flight so we could fly on the same date, but I chose to stick to my plan.

"Edi para ka namang nagloko sa buhay? Sayang pamasahe uy."

"Kuripot," Ter snorted as he grabbed my luggage.

"Said by the man who couldn't buy me a bouquet of chocolates." Pang-aasar ko.

"Naaah, that's bad for your health." He defended.

"See? Dami mong alam." I rolled my eyes. Humalakhak lamang siya saka kami nagpatuloy sa paglalakad palabas ng airport.

As we checked into a hotel, Terrence got us one room with two single beds. We will be staying here for tonight before going to my parents' house tomorrow.

"Terrence, ginamit mo na naman ang shower gel ko." I grumbled when his smell spread all over the suite after he came out of the bathroom.

"Mapagbintang ka, that's not yours. I bought my own." Pagtanggi niya saka mahinang tumawa.

"Why did you buy a shower gel same with mine?" Sinamaan ko siya ng tingin.

"So I wouldn't miss you that much when you're away from me." He replied, wiping up his hair with a clean towel.

"Tsk. Sabihin mo, gaya gaya ka lang." I muttered before entering the showering.

"Hurry up, hon! We will eat outside." I heard him yell after almost fifteen minutes.

I was quiet the whole ride while my eyes were steady in front of the road. Manila still has the same heavy traffic with very polluted air. Marami na din ang bagong mga nagtataasang establisyemento at mga tindahan.

"Bakit ang tahimik mo? Were you thinking of K-" I immediately cut his words off by slapping his arm.

"Don't you dare mention his name!" I glared at him.

"Chill dude. I haven't even mentioned his name, but you are already violently reacting." He bantered.

I kept my mouth shut. I just don't want to talk about it. That's too much for my first day. Ilang saglit pa nang maramdaman ko ang saglit niyang pagsulyap sa akin bago muling magsalita.