When You Smile (Engineering Student #3)

Chapter Twenty Nine

Chapter 29

With that simple talk my heart was filled, happy, and contented. I couldn't ask for more. Sabihin niyo ng mababaw ang kaligayahan ko pero tunay talaga akong masaya at kuntento na...

I looked at the sky and saw many stars. When I was in Manila, after a long tiring day, watching those stars at night is giving me peace. Sometimes I wonder if I wish to those stars will they grant my wish?—Maybe yes, maybe not. To be sure that my wish will be granted, I'll just pray instead.

I remember the time I asked God to heal me from the pain the past gave me and I think that the simple talk with my father earlier wrapped up all the pain that is within me. The closure I gave, I must say I am at peace, and this is my answered prayer.

I glanced at my side and saw King looking for something. When he saw me, he immediately went towards me with a worried face.

This too... he is my answered prayer.

He looks so worried. Humihingal pa nga ito eh. He scanned my whole face and then sighed heavily.

"Are you okay?" he asked.

I nodded and smiled at him.

"I'm sorry," malamlam niyang sabi. "Hindi dapat kita iniwan doon nang mag-isa." parang may kung anong humahawak sa puso ko habang pinapakinggan ang boses at mga salita niya. Hindi ko maipaliwanag ang saya na nararamdaman ko kahit na may 'di kaaya-ayang nangyari kanina.

"It's okay. I'm okay," I assured him pero hindi pa rin siya kuntento.

"Come on. Shout at me. Punch me. I'm sorry, hindi na mauulit. Hindi na ako aalis sa tabi mo. I looked for you because your father... your father told me that you're here and Celine talked to you."

I chuckled because he really looks so worried. I said I am okay. No need for the worry, King. Hindi na ako madaling magpadala ng galit at poot ko, King. I swear I am not mad.

I went closer to him like I am not yet contented with our distance. I raised my hands and reached his face. I cupped his face using my both hands and watch him as his eyes sparkle. Maliwanag dito sa hardin nila. Napakaraming halaman at mga bulaklak. Nasa gitna kami at ang tingin ko ay nasa gitna kami ng entablado at sinusubaybayan ng mga halaman, bulaklak, bituin, ulap, at ng buwan ang bawat galaw namin.

"I said I'm okay, King. Really." I pouted my lips because he doesn't believe me.

"I am calm. See? Hindi ako umiiyak at hindi nagpupuyos ng galit," natatawa kong sabi. Nakatingin pa rin siya sa akin nang mariin.

"Huwag kang mag-alala, ayos lang ako. Limang taon akong naghanda para kung makita ko ulit sila ayos na ako... at hindi na ako galit," malambing kong sabi at saka hinahaplos ng marahan ang kanyang panga.

"Kinausap ako kanina ni Papa." mas naging atentibo si King sa sasabihin ko.