I was looking at the night sky mesmerized by the beauty of the moon and the stars that are shining. I salute them because they are shining in their way.
"You are thinking deeply..."
I turned to the person who spoke from behind me and there he is my childhood friend. He was smiling widely like he was happy to see me or he was just pretending to be happy.
Who would be happy if he knew that his best friend is leaving by tomorrow morning? Yes, I am leaving for good. I will leave this place and pursue my dream in Manila.
"Come here," I said while tapping the wooden chair beside me. He walked in my direction and sat beside me.
He let out a deep sigh. "Are you sure you're going to leave? I mean you can study here with me. There are good Universities here where you can enter the course you want."
"Justine, I want to pursue my dream in Manila. You know me, right? When I want something I will do everything to get it... I want to study in Manila so that I can fulfill my dream," I weakly said "I know it would be hurtful and sad for both of us but can't you be happy on the path that I am choosing?"
He shook his head. "It's not like that, Amaris. But if you're happy there, I'll support you. I will promise you that when I have enough money, I'll immediately follow you to Manila and study there also."
Justine is Justine. I can't stop him from doing what he wants. I am happy because he will follow me to Manila to study there as well. But it's just sad, why does he have to follow me there? He will save money for me, to follow me. I want to be happy but something is stopping me.
"Justine, you don't have to do it. Don't depend on me, just seeing you flying without me will make me happy. You don't have to follow me to Manila just to prove that I'm your true friend. From the start, I know you are a true friend, a real childhood friend. I want you to achieve your dream without me." I looked at him but his eyes were fixed on the sky. He didn't look at me but I could feel that he was hurt by what I said.
I didn't push him away from me. I just want him to continue without me. He can live without me in his life. I just don't want him to think about me even though I'm no longer by his side.
"Pursue and achieve your dream without me, Jus. That's all I want you to achieve. I'm happy that you want to follow me but... I don't want to make it difficult for you. I don't want it to be difficult for you and Tita... I don't want to make Tita angry with you because of your hasty decision. I will come back, I promise," I added and looked up at the sky. "Just look at the moon and you will feel that we are still together. Remember, we are best friends. I love you and I will never forget you."
"Amaris..."
"Hmm," I answered.
"Can you promise me that you won't enter into a relationship until we reach our dream? Don't date someone until we graduate..." he uttered.
I tilted my head and looked at his eyes. He is serious so I just nodded my head. I have no plans to enter into a relationship or date another man in Manila while I study. I want to focus on my studies.
"Don't just nod, Amaris. I want to hear it," he said sullenly.
I laughed softly at what he said. "I promise, Justine Mercado. Also, it's not really in my plan to get into a relationship. I'm going to Manila to study, not to flirt or to have a boyfriend."
He shrugged and looked at me softly. "We are not aware, Amaris. What if someone flirts with you here? I'm not here to protect you from crazy men."
I ruffled his long hair and put my arms around him. "You know... I'm not a wild person. I'm not that pretty to be chased by boys. Duh as if I ignore them... no one will meet my standards no. Then I won't cut the monkeys.. ."
We both laughed at the last thing I said. I want to see him laughing and smiling for the last time. I know Justine will achieve his dreams without me and if that happens, I am the happiest in the world.
Time quickly passed by. It's already my flight going to Manila. Justine and Mama took me on the bus to Manila.
We are neither rich nor poor. Supposedly we are in the middle class who can eat three times a day and we can study in a prestigious University. I also salute Mom and Dad because they are doing everything to fulfill and reach my dream. They provide for my needs and I love them very much. When I reach my dream, their clothes will be the first clothes I will make, they will be my first customers for the clothing line I will build in the future.
"Mom, don't cry anymore. I'm just going to Manila, I'm not getting married," I joked.
Mama hit me but only weakly. "You're not funny, you're just going to leave and yet you have the guts to joke around?" Mommy said while pouting her lips. "Oh hey, leave before I change my mind and I won't let you go."
"Haynaku, Ma! Don't worry, we'll see each other on the video call anyway. Also, don't miss me too much because I'm not going to Manila to get married," I laughed. Mama just laughed because she knew I was just joking too.
"Don't get a boyfriend first. Then when you finish your studies and you've reached your dream of becoming a famous fashion designer."
I nodded and raised my right hand to swear. "Promise, Ma, I won't enter into a relationship until I didn't reach my dream. But if it's handsome and rich, why not?"
I grinned and looked at Justine who was now snorting and giving me a bad look. Pfft!
"Just kidding... oh hey I'm leaving. Maybe the bus will leave me behind." I bid them farewell and gave them each a hug.
Only Mom and Justine took me because Dad was abroad. My father is a seaman and he hasn't been home here in the Philippines for several years, but he calls and sends money to Mama and me. He never forgets his obligation to us.
I can say that they are the best mother and father. No one can replace them in my heart.
"Bae, don't forget to look after Mama for me. Don't let her go." I bought it from Justine who now took me to the bus in my car.
Because Mama went to the restroom so Justine and I were the only ones left here. The bus hasn't left yet because it's not full and there are only a few passengers inside.
"Promise, I will take care of Tita." He even raised his hand to promise.
I smiled at him. "Thank you, Jus. I also promise to get back to you."
For the last time, I hugged Justin very tightly. I will miss him... I will miss my best friend. I smiled bitterly and said goodbye to him. I boarded the bus and sat at the very end.
I never thought it would be this sad every time you say goodbye to the people you love when you leave. It's sad at the same time it hurts because you leave them for the dream.
I will miss you all and I will be back so soon.