September 18, 2016

I took my luggage out of the taxi's compartment. I only have two of them, and a backpack with me where my important documents are. Never knew hiring taxi from the hotel to airport would cost me couple of hundreds, anyway, it's over now.

Looking around, 6 am still quite early for normal days, but for me, today is not just any other days. Like everyone else here in the airport, I'm making my way through the crowd to the gates, afraid to miss my flight.

While others are busy taking pictures, NAIA Terminal 3 Departure area portrays two different stories in one setting. Happiness that has been written on the face of passengers, who are probably on their way to vacation.

On the otherhand, about three meters away from gate 1, a boy went histerically crying, - begging his mother not to leave. I didn't know I was watching them until my heart sank hearing the boy's plea, hence my que to keep going.

I had my very deep breath, pulled a cart and arranged my luggage on it. I feel sad for the kid, though I can't do anything to help him.

It's not my first time riding the airplane, but this is my first time taking flight alone. Although, my mom booked our flight to Canada together, I've been separated from my family and we couldn't do anything about it as re-booking flights would surely take few more bills.

Again, a deep breath will do before taking my turn for primary inspection upon entering the airport gate. I barely know what to feel, should I be happy that I am about to conquer new ventures in life or be sad for I am about to conquer new ventures in life outside my home country? Both of them make me nervous. Anyway, I tried my best to at least smile and show some politeness to the security personels.

Though I hate the idea that I needed to remove my shoes and unbuckle my belt, I surrendered my personal belongings into the converyor that passes through the X-ray Baggage scanner.

Holding my ticket, I decided to check-in even though my boarding still at 8:30 am.

While waiting in line for my turn, I can't stop thinking of what food I should grab before heading to the waiting area. Being two hours earlier won't hurt me but it does hurt my stomach.

"Good morning sir. Can I have your ticket along with your passport please?" the airport front desk on the check-in area asked me.

"Yes of course." I handed her my passport together with my ticket. After some tipity-typing in her computer, she gave it back to me.

"Have a safe flight sir. "

I thanked her for that.

This is my second time being in this airport, so I auto-navigated my way to the foodcourt.

I'm all out rage when I noticed that Luna's picture inside my wallet gone missing. After filling my bag with some salty chips and munching slice of sandwich, I craved for taco. My unhealthy cravings are to be blame.

Just as when I found an empty bench to finish my taco, I did checked my papers, that is when I found out Luna's picture isn't in my wallet.

Darn it! Where that picture could be? I've already turned my bagpack upside down, I found nothing.

Some people, who probably waiting their flights too, can't help themselves but to stare at me. Can't blame them if they think I lost my mind or anything. I'm not losing my mind, I just lost something.

Disappointed, I decided to move on. I couldn't find it anymore. Hopeless I am, slid everything back inside my bagpack and ready to leave the bench I'm sitting to. Looking down the tiles, still thinking about Luna, from nowhere a pair of shoes appeared before me, "I believe this is yours."

A girl, whom I did not bother to look at the face, handed me a picture. Well its facing down but I know its a picture. I've been delighted upon seeing Luna's candit shot on the school ground. I thought I'd lost it forever.

I was not able to say thank you for she left in instant. And when I took the chance to lift up my gaze and probably catch her to give thanks, all I see is a girl in lycra white knee length dress match with a black combat boots vanished through the thick crowd heading the foodcourt area.

In a blink of an eye, I am left frozen. Is just my brain that is playing with me or some other girl in the same dress and shoes Luna's wearing on the same picture of her that I am holding?

A part of me formulated a theory that it was indeed Luna. Could she be the one who gave back this picture? The only memory of her that I've been keeping for quite long.

Things are driving me crazy so I decided to go straight to the waiting area. I think it would be better take some rest.

Once I'm sitted, I decided to call mom, who is already in Canada along with my dad and Kyrie, my sister.

"Hello mom." I speak when she answeres the call.

"Where you at know? You should be able to check in before your boarding time Raymundo." she knows me well. She knows if I wont ditch my class, I'd be entering the class 15 or 20 minutes late.

I can't help but to chuckle. "I know you won't believe this but I'm already by the waiting area. Still about an hour ahead of my bording time. "

"Sure with that honey?" sounding like not ready to buy my honesty and punctuality at this moment.

"You're not believing me, do you? I'm serious mom." I laughed at her. She knows how bad I am being a very late comer.

"Serious you're face. I have to go now. You gotta send me some pics. "

"Sure thing. Wait for it, I'm telling you its true mom." The next thing I knew, the call got ended. Luckily, I'm all alone in here so I took some selfies and sent it to her.

My past 50 minutes has been too dramatic. I feel calm now. I know it was silly of me to go all over the picture. It just that, Luna is a love I could not let go yet.