The Last Letter

44

Chapter XLIV

Benjamin’s POV

It’s been quite a while since I spent time with the two, Suzanne and August.

My journey to the nationals is taking a lot of my time everyday. After dismissal at the university, I’ll go straight to the gym and my practice area in another town. I’ll then go straight home after practicing and spend the rest of the day doing school work and resting.

Almost everyday, that is my usual routine. I haven’t even had any time to hangout and even talk to my friends because of my hectic schedule. I surely miss my social life, especially the time I spent with my best friend, August and of course, with Suzanne.

I admit, I was so tired of doing the same stuff everyday. Waking up tired and sleeping tired, it was an unending cycle.

But then I realized this was the only thing I can prove to my family that I excel in. I chose this track of life so I should give it my everything so that my dad won’t make a point of my wrong decisions in life. If I fail in doing this, I’ll surely become an outcast to my dad. Life is tough, really.

But today, I don’t know if it was a miracle but I was excused from university today and my personal trainer called me earlier this morning and also told me that I should take today as a rest day. It was once in a blue moon so I shouldn’t waste this day sleeping in my dark bedroom.

The first and only thing that came through my mind when I heard that I am free today is that I should take the chance to catch up and spontaneously spend the day with August and Suzanne, since I already know today is their exhibit and there’s a chance that they’ll also be free for today. I really miss those two if that wasn’t so obvious.

Plus, August needs to do some explaining today. I heard so much about him these past few days so I am quite upset that he never told me about anything even if I am busy and even if they were just rumors about him. Just page me and I’ll surely reply to his message.

Fast forward, here I am at his house, I already convinced August and we were just waiting for Suzanne here in August’s house.

It is just 8:30 am now so I had breakfast with August and his mom.

I swear, August’s mom is the sweetest mom I ever know. Unlike my mom who only excels in how to dress elegantly everyday, August’s mom is definitely different. Anyone could tell how much she loves her children. If I were to choose between my family and August’s family, there is no doubt that I’ll choose the latter with the exception thatI’ll choose my lovely sisters.

Everyone in his family is supportive while mine, I only have my siblings that I know, loves me more than my own parents.

By 9am, Suzanne arrived here. She showed up at the door with her smile that lights up my world. It was a corny thing to say but that’s how I really feel whenever I see her smile.

Whenever I see her, I can’t help my heart skipping a beat and my stomach full of butterflies. She’s really a ray of sunshine to anyone who’s close to her, I’m so glad that I’m one of those people. She’s just so precious, warm and kind.

She came to us running and hugged both me and August. I chuckled and patted her head. Its making me happy to see her being so excited about the plan I had in mind. Thankfully, I made the right decision to spend this day with them.

She then headed straight to August’s mom in the kitchen and just upon seeing each other, they excitedly greeted each other as if they had not seen each other for years.

But to August’s mom’s disappointment, Suzanne told her that we’ll be having a spontaneous trip and we’ll have to leave in an hour. To console his mom, Suzanne helped her in the kitchen for an hour while they both chatted about anything, from school to Suzanne’s personal life. Suzanne never hesitated to tell August’s mom anything though.

We left the house at exactly 10am.

The same as before, August is in the passenger seat while Suzanne is alone in the back. I turned on the engine and we finally set off to somewhere only I knew.

They both had no idea and were curious since I took a newly built road. This route is what I usually take when ai go to another town when I’m practicing during weekends. I never told them where we will be going. I just told them to relax and enjoy the ride since I will be busier than usual after this day.

I turned on the radio and played the music as loud as our ears could, let the windows down so we could feel the fresh air and dance to the beat of the music. I remember the first time we did this. It was definitely one of the most memorable moments of my life.

We drove for about 2 hours and had 2 rest stops to grab something to eat and drink while we were on the way.

By about 12 noon, we reached the place I had in mind.

“Wow…” Suzanne said, staring at the view in front of us. She ran away from us and excitedly dipped her feet in the cold water of the sea. As usual, the sea is so clear, blue and cool.

Me and August followed her. I put my hands in my pocket and just stared at Suzanne’s excitement and clumsiness. I laughed as she was hit by a slightly big wave that made her feet up to her knees wet.

“It was my first time seeing a beach. I’m so sorry!” She screamed for us to hear.

I raised my thumbs up and she smiled brightly at me, her eyes almost out of sight because of her big smile.

I walked back to the car to get the picnic supplies that I prepared earlier this morning, in the trunk. I placed it under a shade of a tree. August walked towards me and sat beside me, taking out the snacks we bought from earlier.

“Why aren’t there any people here?” He asked, breaking the silence.

“This area isn’t yet known to the public. I just happened to stumble upon this place during one of my out of town practices. It’s nice here right?” I replied.

He nodded in response and the deafening silence went back again.

I don’t know why but I felt like August is being quite distant from me with the way he talks. He seems quieter than usual, which seems so unlike him. I already noticed it this morning but haven’t talked to him about it yet. Maybe he was just tired from their department’s program that will last for 2 weeks. I just hope he’ll be okay soon and will be back to his usual self.

I looked at Suzanne who was running excitedly towards where me and August are.

“This place is so amazing, Benjamin!” She said as soon as she sat down. I grabbed a bottle of mineral water and gave it to her since she was panting from running all the way here from the seaside.

“Thank you so much.” She said and drank almost the whole bottle.

“Just pick out any food you want. We forgot to bring meals so let’s just eat at a restaurant maybe later. Let’s just settle for snacks now.” I said.

“Sure.” Suzanne answered while August nodded.

While eating our snacks, the three of us talked mainly about their exhibit today and some of my training and practices. Suzanne also told me about what happened in the village since I haven’t had the chance to hear it directly from her these past few days. After her story, I’m so glad that she and the kid are safe. Shame on that guy who beats up a woman and a child! He deserves to rot in jail for everything he has done.

Upon realization of Suzanne’s encounter with that family, I was still lucky that I haven’t experienced being abused as a kid. I was born in a wealthy family so I didn’t have to worry about what I will eat today and tomorrow. It’s just that I wasn’t so lucky with my parents.

“I want to visit Joseph when I have the time. Based on what I’ve heard, he is in an orphanage now, thank God. I’m glad he’ll get to live a normal life ahead.” Suzanne said, smiling while staring at the sea.

“I know right. He’s a strong kid, he deserves all the love in this world.” I replied.

“I… I’ve been through that. So I really understood how much help he needed upon hearing him crying inside his house. I’m glad I took action.” She said and smiled, still looking at the sea.

To be continued…