Ever Summer

Chapter Thirteen

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Three years quickly passed

Gerard passed the Board exam for Architecture with flying colors. He was top five. His friend Alex barely made the passing grade. Gerard’s manic concentration on his studies has paid off. He graduated Magna c*m Laude.

Alex was so happy his friend appeared to have finally got over his broken heart and went on with his life. But the hurt made his friend seemed aloof. He seldom socialized with people he used to party with. It took a lot of cajoling before Alex could persuade his best friend to go out with him for some fun like they used to.

He also tried to play matchmaker for Gerard. He couldn’t remember how many girls he tried to pair with him at every given opportunity. Gerard was simply not interested. At first he tried to go out with some of them . But it simply didn’t work out. Until finally, Alex realized the futility of his effort.

Gerard’s parents have been nagging him to migrate to the United States shortly after his passing the Board Exam and even as early as after his graduation. Somehow, Gerard have been taking his time deciding about it. Something appeared to be holding him back.

Then came the day that made him decide to leave the country.

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It was the day, he and Alex was on their way back to Manila from a three-day vacation in Baguio City, the Summer Capital of the Philippines. They have been on vacation mode since passing the board exam. They have toured most of the top vacation spots, and Baguio was the last leg of their fun time before they buckled down for job hunting. They have been talking and laughing about their misadventures in Baguio City when suddenly, Alex noticed the abrupt change in his friend’s mood upon entering the boundary of Nueva Ecija....Soraya’s province.

Alex knew what was coming when Gerard veered the car toward the town of Gapan. He just kept quiet. He didn’t know what to do, what to say to his friend as they headed towards Soraya’s hometown.

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“Kamusta po?” (How are you Sir?) Gerard said to the surprised Mang Andoy.

It has been almost three years since he last visited Soraya’s father. When he and Soraya were still together, they used to visit Mang Andoy once a month. After Soraya left him, he went to see him twice hoping to get some news about his daughter, only to learn that Mang Andoy was just as lost as he was as to Soraya’s whereabouts. And perhaps even more devastated than he was. He begged Gerard not to stop looking for his daughter.

“Sir, we’ve been to Baguio and I thought of dropping by to see you on our way back to Manila. “ Gerard explained upon seeing the question in Mang Andoy’s eyes.

After some small talks over coffee, Gerard finally dropped all the niceties and popped the question long been torturing his mind.

“Have, have you seen Soraya?”. How is she. Where is she.? The questions were uttered in rapid succession. Almost in one breath.

For a while, Mang Andoy looked straight into Gerard’s eyes. Not saying a word. He didn’t know what to say. How to say it to him.

“Please Sir, I want to know, I need to know” Gerard pleaded as Mang Andoy remained silent seemingly struggling with his thoughts.

Finally, Mang Andoy rose from his seat and stood by the window, looking at the setting summer sun. as he spoke.

“They came here, Soraya, Ricky and Aida just a week after your last visit here about three years ago. That was the last time I ever saw my daughter again.” He said, his voice quivering. They didn’t stay long; only a week. Things happened so fast . They were always in a hurry to get things over with. They left as soon as it was done.”

“Things done?” Gerard couldn’t resist asking.

Mang Andoy turned to face Gerard. His voice a bit strained.

“SORAYA AND RICKY GOT MARRIED HERE.”

The words stabbed him like a knife, pierced him straight into his heart. If words could kill, Gerard died right then and there.

And he thought he was over her. That he had moved on. Then why this pain.? This sudden excruciating pain.? He felt numb. He couldn’t speak.

“They were married by our town mayor. We did not talk about it . I knew my daughter, so I didn’t dare ask any question. She just told me they had to leave the night after the wedding. And for me not to worry , she was fine and safe. “ Mang Andoy quickly added. He saw the hurt in Gerard’s eye and he just wanted to get it over and done with fast.

Mang Andoy was not being truthful. He wanted to spare Gerard’s feelings. He did not tell him that Soraya was pregnant. And Ricky is the father of her child. The truth was he also did ask Soraya about the wedding.

He could still vividly remember that night after the wedding. J ust as Soraya was about to leave with Ricky and Aida. He pulled her into the kitchen and asked her about Gerard. He told her Gerard came to visit him thrice to ask about her. That Gerard looked worried and haggard.

“Tay, (father) please...no more. We really had to go now”

Was all Soraya could say before hugging so tight he could hardly breath.

They hurriedly left the house.

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“Did, did she say anything...did she ask about me?” Gerard asked, his words so soft it was almost a whisper.

“NO” Mang Andoy’s reply was just as soft.

It took a while before Gerard could speak.

“Is she okay? Did she look alright?’ The concern in his voice was obvious.

“I guessed so, although she seemed to have lost weight. ”

Gerard smiled wryly, thanked Mang Andoy and left.

He drove in complete silence all the way back to Manila. Alex didn’t dare say a word too.

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