Chandler's POV
After we ate, we take our time by lying down and staring at the sky, we talk about random things earlier but grew silence eventually. Even the silence is comfortable when I am with her. No urgency to talk at all. "Same spot. You answered me right here in this spot."
"Mm-hmm. Wait, what time is it now? We've been here a long time now." I sat up and take a look at my watch.
"5:45 pm."
"It's winter, so the sun goes down earlier than it does in summer. Look, the sun is there again." We faced north, in the water.
"Oh, the sunset. Shall we watch it sets together, my lady?" I offered my hand to her.
"My pleasure." She lend me her hand and I helped her stand.
I held her hand and we watched the sunset together.
"Wait, let's take a picture." I was about to get the camera in the car but she stopped me.
"No, Chan. Let's just capture this moment by each other's arms and store it in our hearts." She said. I moved behind her and hugged her from the back. I felt her leaned over me.
She's right, we'll make each moments count. And for those moments, I'll offer everything.
I will not let anyone steal my girl from me. No matter what.
*
Nakahiga pa rin kami rito. Gabi na at kitang-kita na ang libo-libong bituin sa langit.
Nakahiga si Ken sa braso ko at hawak-hawak ang aking kamay. She caresses it.
"The stars never let me down. They're still beautiful." She mumbled, mostly to herself.
"Like you, still beautiful." I stared at her. Her eyes are full of amazement that made her even more beautiful.
"That star is huge, Chan." She pointed at the biggest star in the sky and took a glimpse of me.
"Yes, it is."
"I'll tell you a story. Once upon a time, there were lovers. They love each other so much that they could give everything to remain as lovers. One day, the girl collapsed and passed out. The guy took her to the hospital and they found out that the girl is dying because of stage four cancer, she only has two months to live. The guy wants the girl to receive treatment but she refused. She doesn't want any pain for both of them. The day before her death, she invited the guy to watch the evening sky with her. She told him about her favorite star, that star, and her dream to be named after a star. When I'm gone, look up at the sky and that star will shine, as a sign that I am watching over you. So, every evening since his lover's death, he always talks with that star, and it shines. She never left him."
"That's a touching story. Where did you learn that?"
"I made it. If we were those lovers, would you do that too?"
"Yes and no."
"Why?"
"Yes, because I know it is you, watching over me. I miss you so I'll look up. And it's the star that tells me your love never left me. No, because that won't happen."
"It will happen."
"How could you tell?" I curiously asked.
"Because all people get old. Maybe, I will die first, so you must do that."
"Yeah but that's not now. Let's not talk about that yet. Jus thinking of it makes me sad."
"Okay. I wanna go home, it's getting late." She stretched her arms and yawned.
"I'll take you home."
*
Ken's POV
"Do you want to visit Chandria's house, my nephew and niece miss you, just a quick visit." He asked.
"Not now, Chan."
"Why?"
One thing I know is his sister already knows. I am afraid of Chandria now. I want to distance myself from her. I'm afraid I might tell something that unfold this secret. So, it's a no.
"I'm tired."
"Okay. I'm just asking because I thought you want to see them."
"I don't even know them!" I shouted. Sumimangot si Chan, napasobra yata ako. "Pasensya na. Just bring me home."
Halatang nagulat si Chan sa inasta ko kaya natahimik siya at tumango na lamang.
*
While in the car, I realized all of my actions for today. Hindi ako umarte na ayaw ko na. Maling-mali 'yung ginawa ko ngayon. The last thing I want is attachment of Chandler to me again. I'm so stupid!
Nang makarating na kami sa tapat ng bahay ni Chandler ay nagtipan ako ng message kay Thad na sunduin ako mula sa bahay na ito.
I was lost in my feelings, I didn't resist! I hate myself!
"Just wait, I'll walk you home--"
"No thanks. Baka nakaka-abala pa ako."
"No, you're not. Besides you can't--"
"I can! I am not paralyzed, Chan!" I bellowed.
"I'm not saying you are."
"I texted Thad, he'll pick me up. Magpahinga ka na."
"Why do you need him? I am here!" He rest his elbow by the window and sighed. "Fine. I'm sorry." He said.
"Goodbye, Chan."
"Goodbye. I'll see you tomorrow."
"If I'm available. I'll start working again by tomorrow, Chan." I lied. I don't want him near me again.
He formed a smile, but it's obvious that he is sad. "Okay, it's great. I'll see you when I see you."
"Mm-hmm."
Thaddeus knocked on the window and waved at me. I saw Chandler frowned and looked away when Thaddeus smirked.
"Take care, baby." Chandler said and hopped off the car.
I know what he's going to do so I unlocked the door and let Thaddeus instead to open it.
"Thank you for today, Chan." I waved goodbye and hopped off.
"You're welcome."
Thaddeus nodded and held my wrist. "Let's go, Ken." He ordered. I turned away from Chandler--whose hand is still in the air--and followed Thaddeus.
And when we're 15 steps away from Chandler, I turned my head--it is irresistible-- and saw him, still stands there. He's crying, because of me, but I know someday he'll forget about me.
He'll forget everything about me.