Ever Summer

Chapter Ten

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They made love as often as their time permit. The intimacy brought them much closer, if that was still possible. They never said “I love you” but the way they looked at each other, touched each other, cared for each other, did express their love more than words could ever do.

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When Gerard’s mom and dad came for a very short visit to attend to some important matter in the country, Gerard was beside himself with joy. He had long been waiting for the moment to introduce Soraya to his parents . He had talked about nothing but Soraya whenever he talked to them on the phone.

But their schedules were crazy at that time, his parents were often out of town while Soraya was committed to perform with Kamanyang. His school works had also kept him long hours in school. He even seldom saw Soraya the past week.

Until finally, a date was set..a day before his parents were scheduled to fly back to America.

It was an early dinner party at their house with only a few invited family members.

Unfortunately for Soraya, she had to attend a protest rally which had long been scheduled at that date. She had already beg off much earlier but her substitute star performer had an emergency and couldn’t make it.

“I wont be long I promise. I’ll go as soon as we are done with the show” Insisted Soraya as Gerard tried his best to convince Soraya to forego the show. He was also worried because he wouldn’t be with her at the rally as he had visitors at home.

“Don’t worry, Aida is with me. Beside, the show is much earlier than we thought so I could be in your house before sundown.” She assured him.

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“Hey, Bro, relax , its still early” Alex patted Gerard on the shoulder, trying to calm his friend. It was already seven in the evening and Soraya had yet to arrive.

“Maybe something was keeping her long, but I am sure she’ll be here soon. She promised you, didn’t she.” Alex added.

Gerard just nodded seemingly not convinced by Alex’s assurance. But hoping against hope that Soraya will eventually show up however late it would be.

But the night got long and still no Soraya. Gerard tried to temper his range of emotion, worried about her safety, angry for breaking her promise and standing him up and his parents Worse, the possibility that she chose to stay at the rally than meet his parents. But no, it isn’t like Soraya to do that....she wouldn’t do that to him. But still.....

“Well Gerard, may be some other time.” Helen, his mother gently told her son.

“Maybe something very important came up” She added as a consolation..

“What could be more important than meeting you and dad for the first time. She didn’t even phone me to explain“ He couldn’t hide his deep disappointment anymore.

“Don’t be too hard on her, son, there must be an important reason why she didn’t call, and why she’s not here tonight” his father John said with great concerned seeing the troubled face of his only son.

“There is always a next time, maybe you could bring her with you when you visit us in America”.

Gerard just looked at his father with a wry smile. He knew they meant well and just wanted to ease his mind. He loved his mom and dad so much even if they have apart for many years. They have been very supportive of him all his life.

It was late in the night and the guest started to leave until only Alex was left. Gerard’s parents have already retired to their room. Glad that Alex was keeping their son company.

Gerard wanted to drive to Soraya’s boarding house to check on her but Alex dissuaded him saying it was already late and they had one beer too many.

Morning came. Still no call from Soraya. Gerard waited all night for her call.

Despite his parents objection, he insisted on driving them to the airport that afternoon.

Heading home, Gerard thought of seeing her in school or at her dorm. But his hurt pride decided for him. He would wait for her to come to him and explain.

But still he didn’t hear from Soraya on that day.

Two days. Three days passed.

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“Im sorry but Soraya and Aida haven’t returned home since they left three days ago. .” The land lady said when Gerard finally decided to see Soraya at her dorm.

“We haven’t heard from them since , I m also worried because they usually phone me whenever they would be coming late. I only knew they went to join a rally.” Said the lady when Gerard asked if Soraya left any message as to their whereabouts.

“And one more thing, all their stuff are still here.” She added as Gerard turned to leave.

Gerard was completely at a loss. He didn’t know what to do, where to find Soraya. He had already been to her school. She and Aida had not been attending classes the last three days. So did Ricky.

He dropped by her dorm everyday hoping and praying to see Soraya have returned. He stood by her school gate waiting for a chance Soraya would come to visit classmates and friends or attend to some school matters. Alex would always accompany him patiently waiting for Soraya to appear .

A month quickly passed. Soraya was still nowhere to be found. As if she vanished into thin air, swallowed by the earth.

Gerard was inconsolable.

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