Please, Forget me Not

CHAPTER 25

Right after I came back from Canada, I received a call from the company where I applied after my graduation. They scheduled an interview and a few days after, I was hired. It's an international travel magazine that is based in New York and they opened an office here in Manila last year to feature the beauty of our country.

I was able to get into such a big company because of my portfolio and of course, with the help of the recommendations from my university.

The company was so big that they chose to hire separate writers and photographers rather than hiring a photojournalist who can do both works.

So, in every trip I make, I always have someone with me, which is good instead of being alone, right?

I was busy packing all my things to catch my flight back to Manila when Kleah, the writer, came towards me. She eyed my belongings before looking at me with an apologetic face.

"Is there a problem?" I asked her.

"I'm afraid you can't go home today." My forehead creased in confusion.

"What do you mean?"

"Our editor said the issue for this month has been moved three days early so we have to fly this afternoon to Cebu. They canceled our two days break, Khyrss. I know you have plans for our supposed break, but they rescheduled it after our Cebu trip."

"Why? I don't understand why they have to move this month's issue," naguguluhang sabi ko. Siguro kung normal lang na araw, okay lang sa akin. I won't make these changes a big deal but tomorrow is Zach's birthday. Tomorrow was supposed to be his first birthday with me as his girlfriend and we already have plans for the whole day. I haven't seen him for months kaya inaantay ko talaga ang araw na’to at alam kung ganoon rin siya.

"He said someone from New York's main headquarters will visit, so our director wanted the issue to be finished before he arrived," she explained. I breathed hard to calm myself trying to understand the whole situation. It was a valid reason after all.

Pero ayaw kong paasahin na naman si Zach…

"Listen, Khy. I'll try to ask our editor to let you go home. Ako na ang bahala sa trabaho mo. You haven't seen your boyfriend for months and this two days break is your chance to be with him again. I'll let you have that." She held my arms.

Her offer was very tempting. I know she can do my job well because she's not just a writer, she's a photojournalist. But I need to be professional. I shouldn't just leave my work to her for such a very personal reason. I chose this line of work, so I need to be responsible for it.

"You don't have to. I'll go with you," I told her after a few minutes.

"Hoy, gaga! Birthday ng boyfriend mo tapos ‘di ka uuwi? Ano ka ba? Ako na nga ang bahala sa trabaho mo, e. You don't have to go with me in Cebu. I can do it alone. Don't you trust me?" I sat down on the bed.

"I know you can do it, but I don't want to be unfair. I know you have plans for our break too. Ayaw ko naman na habang nag-eenjoy ako, e nasa Cebu ka, mag-isa at ginagawa ‘yong trabaho ko."

"Yeah, I have plans but not as important as yours. I'm just planning to go visit galleries, nothing special. Pwede akong pumunta kahit anong oras o araw. Yours cannot be resched. Isang beses lang sa taon mag-bi-birthday si Zach kaya go na, you'll missed your flight kung hindi ka pa aalis. Tsaka sanay na ako mag-isa. I've been in Cebu for the nth time already. Don't worry about me being alone," she said while packing my things that I haven't packed yet after she entered the room.

"Thanks for your offer, I appreciate it. But I've already made my decision. I'll stay and go with you to Cebu. I can just call Zach about it. I'm sure he'll understand," I said, reaching out for my phone on the nightstand.

"Yeah, I'm sure he'll understand you because he has no choice but to understand you." She rolled her eyes at me. "Just don't cry at me kapag pinagpalit ka niya sa mas malapit, ha?"

"He won't."

"And how can you be so sure? Asawa't anak nga nagagawa pang ipagpalit, ikaw kayang girlfriend pa lang?" Her eyebrows arched.

"If you're just saying all of that to make me go home, well, I'm sorry to tell you that it won't work on me. He loves me and I know he will never do that to me." I smiled at her.

"Sana all. Sana lang hindi siya mapagod na intindihan ka, Khy." Medyo natigilan ako sa sinabi niyang iyon. Unti-unting pumasok sa utak ko ang iba't ibang senaryo na kinatatakutan kong mangyari. I tried to bury them on the deepest corner of my mind when she spoke again. "Okay, then. If you really don't want to go home, call him now. I'll just go and take a walk outside."

I watched her back as she walked towards the door and shut it behind her. I sighed before dialing Zach's number.

He picked up my call on the first ring. I cleared my throat before I spoke.

"Zach..."

"Kaiah, have you landed already? I'm still on my way to the airport. I'll be there in thirty minutes. I'm sorry, nagka-problema kasi kami sa isang client kaya hindi agad ako nakaalis sa office..."

Guilt started to eat me.

"Hey, are you still there?"

"Y-yes." My voice broke. I don't know how to tell him that there's no Kaiah in the airport waiting for him. I couldn't find the right words to tell him that I'm not going home again. That I can't be with him on his birthday.

"Baby, are you okay?" Tears started pooling in my eyes after hearing the concern in his voice.

"Zach, please go home. I'm not at the airport. I'm not coming home today, tomorrow, or even on another day. I'm sorry, I failed you again," I whispered the last words.

I was biting my lips so hard trying to ease the guiltiness I'm feeling right now while waiting for his reaction.

He remained silent for a few minutes before he finally spoke.

"Why?" he asked calmly like it was a big deal.

"I'm going to Cebu this afternoon. It was supposed to be after my break, but something came up, so we have to finish the Cebu trip as soon as possible. Zach, sorr—" He cut me off.

"You don't have to say sorry, Kaiah. I understand." I could feel so much understanding in his voice.

Kleah's words suddenly rang in my head. I'm sure he'll understand because he has no choice but to understand you. Mas lalo akong na-guilty. Hindi ito ang unang beses na hindi ko siya sinipot.

It was third this time.

The first time was when he finished his first-ever project as an architect and his family threw a party for him. I wasn't there to congratulate him. The second time was when he got his award as one of the best rising architects last month. It was a ball, and he invited me as his date, but I failed to show up because of last-minute work again. I wasn't there to witness him receiving his first-ever award and tell him how proud I am. At ngayon naman ay sa birthday niya.

I know deep inside he was disappointed. Who wouldn't get disappointed after getting stood up three times in a row, right? But still, he chose to be an understanding boyfriend to me even though I couldn't give him the time and attention he deserves.

I don't know how long he can keep up with this kind of setup we have, but I do hope for him not to get tired of our relationship, not to get tired of me. I’m selfish, I know. Pero ayaw ko talagang mapagod siya sa akin.

"Don't let this bother you, Kaiah. I'm not mad at you, okay? Things like that are inevitable. I know you didn't want this to happen. I'll just wait for you after your Cebu trip," he added using his gentle voice when I didn't answer him.

I let out a heavy sigh.

"I thought I could see you and hug you today... but I have to wait for a few days again. I miss you so much."

"God knows how much I miss you too, baby. I can't wait to see you again." I heard him smile.

I was about to answer him when Kleah entered the room again. She mouthed sorry before waving her phone at me.

"I already got our tickets online. We're leaving for Cebu at exactly three p.m, so we have to prepare now," she uttered in a low voice. I nodded at her and went back to Zach.

"I'm sorry, Zach, but I have to go now. I need to get ready na. I'll just talk to you later."

"Okay, take care. Don't forget to text me when you arrive at the airport. I love you." I smiled.

"Yeah, I will. I love you too, and thank you again for understanding me." After that, I ended the call. I continued packing my things while Kleah took a quick shower. After almost thirty minutes, we're now good to go.

We arrived at the airport at exactly four, and there's a cab waiting for us to take us to Hagnaya Port. Luckily, we arrived earlier and were able to catch the last trip of the ferry going to our destination.

It was quarter to eight when we finally reached the resort. Binaba lang namin ‘yong gamit namin sa kwarto at lumabas na agad kami para kumain ng dinner. We were so hungry because our last meal was already nine hours ago.

We settled on the first restaurant we saw and ordered right after we took our seats.

"I'm so excited to explore this island tomorrow. Buti na lang may bikini akong dala. Ikaw ba?" she said excitedly as she regained her energy after eating.

I shook my head. She rolled her eyes at me.

"What? Bakit wala kang dala? Girl, dapat palagi kang handa. Buti na lang tatlo ‘yong dala ko. I'll give you one." She winked at me.

Napailing na lang ako sa kan’ya at inaya na siyang bumalik sa suite namin. Nakalimutan ko kasi ‘yong cellphone ko sa kama, baka biglang tumawag si Zach at 'di ko masagot. We have our phone call routine every night, at paniguradong mag-aalala 'yon kung bakit 'di ko nasagot. 

I frowned when I didn't receive a single message or call from him since I arrived here in Cebu. I tried to call him, but he wasn't answering his phone. I already tried five times pero hindi pa rin niya sinasagot.

Maybe he's busy. I said to myself but immediately shrugged that thought off. Malabong maging rason ‘yon because even though he's busy with work, he still talks to me.

So, why isn't he answering my calls?

"Hey, Khy. Wanna go out with me?" Kleah called out.

"To where? Gabi na, a?"

"Let's grab a drink. I saw a bar malapit sa restaurant kanina. Tara!" she said and dragged me out of our suite without waiting for my reply. Nagpatianod na lang ako sa kan’ya dahil alam kong wala na akong choice kung hindi ang samahan siya.

The beach bar she was talking about is an open area. The bar counter was under the hut while the tables were scattered in the sand and the whole area was illuminated by fairy lights accompanied with chilling music. The bar has a great ambiance.

Kleah pulled me towards the bar counter. I looked at her to remind her that we have work to do tomorrow.

She smiled. "Don't worry, I'm not planning to get wasted tonight, okay? I just really want to have a few drinks so I can sleep better." I nodded at her and averted my gaze to the bartender when he placed our drinks in front of us.

"Enjoy your drink, ladies." We thanked him before we headed towards the vacant table on the other side. I sat on the bean bag and took a sip of my drink before I placed it on the table.

It was past ten already when I looked at my phone. I sighed when I saw no signs of Zach. Sinubukan ko ulit siyang tawagan pero hindi pa rin siya sumasagot. I'm starting to get worried, so I called Aly to ask him if everything is alright.

"Are you home? Andiyan ba si Zach?" was the first thing I said when he picked up the phone.

"Hello to you, too, my dear best friend." He chuckled.

"Answer me. Is everything alright there?"

"What are you talking about? Of course, everything is alright here. Why?" I felt relieved.

"And’yan ba si Zach? Hindi niya kasi sinasagot ‘yong tawag ko, e."

"He was so exhausted when he got home so he was already sound asleep."

"Okay, thanks. Good night, Aly." I hung up the call without waiting for his reply.

I sighed after putting down my phone on the table and grabbed my drink again. I was planning to talk to Zach until his birthday because I wanted to greet him first, but he was already sleeping. Today was the first time we didn't have any interaction for almost ten hours. He must be really tired. Idagdag pa ‘yong pag-drive niya papuntang airport kanina para lang sa wala.

I finished my drink and laid my back on the bean bag. Tumayo naman ulit si Kleah para um-order ulit ng panibagong inumin para sa amin. Umiling ako nang iabot niya sa akin ‘yong isang baso pero pinanlakihan niya ako ng mata kaya wala na akong nagawa kun’di ang tanggapin ‘yon. Inubos ko ‘yon nang isang inuman lang. I suddenly felt tired and dizzy, so I closed my eyes and tried to massage my temple. I don't know how long I stayed like that but when the noise of the crowd started to get louder as the night deepens, I decided to take a walk along the shoreline. At para na rin makaiwas kay Kleah. Baka abutan na naman ako ng alak, e.

As I walked along the shoreline of the beach, my body started to relax. I felt the coolness of the ocean breeze as it gently blew against my skin bringing with it the fresh salty smell of the ocean.

The beach is empty. I can only hear the rhythmic sounds of waves disturbing the silence of the surrounding.

After a few minutes of just walking, I stopped in my tracks and faced the ocean. I glanced at the stars hanging in the night sky as they glistened across the ocean waves. It seems that small pieces of light are moving towards shore all the time, but never reach it.

The combination of dark and dim light from the stars gives mystical coloring to this place. Amid the starlight was the ever glow of the moon. Its light is reflected in the water and creates an effect of several moons scattered all over the surface.

I admire how the moon can make everything beautiful with its touch.

My thoughts were suddenly interrupted when my phone rang. My heart skipped a beat after seeing the caller id. I answered it immediately.

"Kaiah," I was greeted by Zach's husky voice. Maybe he just woke up. The thought of him calling me right after he opened his eyes makes my heart flutter.

"Khyrss Sariah," he called again in a gentle tone when I didn't answer him.

"Y-yes?"

"Baby..." I could feel the warmth of affection in his voice.

"Zach, what do you want?" I chuckled.

"I want yakap and kiss." I laughed because I find his conyo so adorable. Why is he being like this anyway?

"I would love to give you that if only I'm not miles away from you." I tried to hide the sadness in my voice.

"Then give it to me now." I was about to ask him what exactly he meant by that when I suddenly felt an arm wrapped around my waist from behind.

Instead of freaking out, my body relaxes at the contact as if I'm longing for this touch and now finally fulfilled.

There's only one man who could make me feel like this. That was when I realized who it was. I could feel my lips trembling as tears pooled in my eyes as I turned around and saw Zach smiling affectionately at me.

He's here! Hindi man lang sumagi sa isip ko na dahil hindi ako nakauwi, siya ang pupunta sa akin.

He was about to open his mouth to say something when I tiptoed and crashed my lips on his. He was shocked at first, but he eventually responded to my kiss as he pulled me closer to him. I put my arms around his neck.

I find it romantic. Kissing him in front of the ocean, while the stars and moon above us are the observers and they gave their light to underline this very special moment.

We were both gasping for air when we pulled away, his forehead still pressed on mine. We laughed because of the breathtaking kiss we just shared. I immediately closed my eyes when he gently wiped my tears away using his thumb. Then he cupped my cheeks and kissed my eyes before pulling my head against his chest.

"I missed you so much, baby," he whispered in my ears before hugging me even tighter. I can hear his heart beating fast inside his chest. I smiled and looked up at him.

"I missed you, too..." I pulled away from his hug a little so we could face each other. "But why are you here?" Sabi ni Aly kanina natutulog na siya? Kasabwat ba siya? O baka naman sa sobrang pananabik ko sa kan’ya, nag-hahallucinate na ako?

I'm not hallucinating, right?

He was intently staring at me like he was trying to memorize every feature of my face. He tucked a strand of my hair behind my ear and smiled at me before he spoke.

"You’re not hallucinating,” natatawang aniya. Nabasa niya ata ang nasa isip ko.

I pouted. “You don’t have to follow me here.” I looked down, feeling guilty.

He held my chin to make me look at him again.

“Why not? You told me to go home, remember?" My forehead creased. Huh?

His boyish smile appeared while looking at my confused face.

"I'm here because baby, you're my home." He was directly staring at my eyes when he said those words. I felt my heart wanting to explode right now. It was pounding so hard I couldn't even breathe properly.

"Zach..." That's the only word I could utter because I felt like oxygen was slowly leaving my body. Tears of joy left my eyes again. I buried my head on his chest and continued crying.

God, I love this man so much.

He was gently caressing the back of my head while his other arm held me for support. All I could hear were my small sobs, his steady heartbeats, and the waves as they crashed on the shore. It was so peaceful. The silence was so comfortable.

We were just hugging as if we're trying to fill those months that we haven't hugged each other. Indeed, we need that touch from the one we love almost as much as we need air to breathe.

How I wish we could stay like this forever.