Arch of the Centuries

12

VINCE’S POV

Marco was discharged from the hospital after a week. Because he's still recovering from that minor head injury, the Doctor says he can't be left alone for the time being.

Due to Marco's accident, I missed one week of basketball practice. Three of my buddies have already notified our coach about what happened, but knowing his character, I'm sure he'll give me a great deal of trouble and assign me a lot of works to compensate for my absence.

Mom and Dad are too preoccupied to show up for the entire f*cking week. It irritates me terribly. They merely call to see if Marco is doing well, and we haven't heard from them since.

Our family isn't like this, and it wasn't like this when Ken was still here, alive. That's when our family began to fall apart after he died. I expected to lose only Ken; I didn't expect to lose my entire family as well. I felt like Marco and I were left out; we rarely eat at the same table as a whole. How I wish we could see each other's faces after waking up to a new day ahead of us, we didn't get the chance to talk about the things we enjoy doing, the people we like, and the future that we want to pursue. Everything had changed, and the only thing that remained was agony and regrets.

Maybe that’s the price I have to pay for my selfishness. Perhaps that genuine smile he flashed before leaving was exchanged for this hellish existence.

I lost track of my thoughts after I heard a sudden buzzed from my phone. I received a text message from someone who isn’t on my contact list.

'In 3:00 p.m., be at the UST Grand Stand.'

“Who the hell is this. Is this some sort of prank or scam?” bulong ko sa sarili.

‘You got the wrong number.’ I typed.

A message swooped back. ‘No, I didn’t. Don’t be late.’

I took a deep breath before typing, ‘Gag*, sino ka bang scammer ka?! May pa don’t be late ka pang nalalaman, wala kang mauuto dito gag*’

I was going to put my phone in my pocket until I received another message.

I read the message and instantly regrets my life decisions…

‘Is that how you talk to your Coach mr. Enriquez?’

Sh*t, why didn’t he introduce himself in the message first. Goodbye basketball team.

It's been five minutes since I noticed the message, and I've forgotten to respond. I was in such a panic that I didn't know how I was going to deal with him later.

And now he’s calling. What the h*ll should I f*****g do…

I accidentally answer the call.

“Coach…” I said with my voice trembling, panic-stricken me.

“What’s with your voice? Don’t be scared nagloloko lang ako kanina. I called to remind you about the training later incase you’re not aware.” he informed with a very deep voice.

I’m glad he’s not mad. Ganan ang bonding Coach.

“I’m sorry Sir for what I have said earlier. I’m just full of trust issues right now. Also, I’m aware about the training later.” I apologized.

“Apology accepted. Again, don’t be late later like the last time. See you.”

“Yes, Sir. Thanks.” I dropped the call and started packing my things up and drove directly to the University.

Before entering our building, I decided to get something to eat first since I forgot to have my breakfast earlier.

I went to Starbucks because it was nearby and wasn't too crowded. While looking at the display cakes on the glass shelves, the girl at the front desk ask me.

“Goodmorning, Sir. Starting today our mint choco flavor cake is available na po and since you’re the first walk in costumer today, you’ll receive one po without paying anything.”

“No, thanks. Give it to the next person to come na lang. Also can I get a one Venti iced mocha with 2 pumps of caramel syrup and one uji matcha chiffon cake.”

“Got it. wait na lang po tayo for 5 minutes. Thank you.” she instructed.

I payed and sat down quietly at the corner of the store, looking to every students passing by and inspecting every single details outside. The air was cold but something about it made me feel comfortable.

After a few minutes…

“Sir, your orders are all ready.”

I walked to the front desk and picked up my orders then I went back to where I was sitting earlier. I ate everything but I saved my drink so I can have it while walking.

I stood up and said thanks to the girl in the counter.

“Thank you, Sir, have a nice day ahead.”

As I walked through the exit door, a young, short girl about my age arrived on my left, wearing a red cardigan, a law uniform underneath, and a red scarf around her neck as she entered the shop.

“Good morning, ma’am, We have a special promo for you today since you’re the lucky first customer to enter the shop, you’ll receive a free sample of our newest product, the mint choco cake for free.” rinig kong pagpapaliwanag nito sa babae.

“Hindi po ba yung lalaki kanina yung unang customer niyo?” she muddled pertaining to me.

“Yes, po. He instructed me po kasi na sa second person na lang raw po ibigay, maybe he doesn’t like the flavor po.” I accidentally heard.

“Dapat pala magpasalamat ako sa kaniy,” sabay tawa nito.

Why does her voice sounds so familiar? I’m pretty sure I’ve heard it somewhere else before. Napakunot na lamang ang noo ko habang iniisip kung sa’n ko nga ba naparinig ang boses na ‘yon. Nagtago muna ako sa gilid ng shop para hindi ako paghinalaan na stalker ng mga taong dumaraan.

While thinking I’m slowly drinking my cup of mocha and finally… I remember.

I enter the store again to make sure if I remembered it right.

“Welcome back, Sir. May naiwan po kayo?” Nagtatakang tanong ng babae matapos akong makita.

I put my index finger on my lips, signaling her to quiet down. She smiled. Good thing the girl in the corner didn’t notice it, she must be spacing out.

The same drink and dessert were ordered once more. I looked around every corner and noticed a short girl seated to where I had been previously sitting. It's a nice little thing.

After receiving my order, I sat to the table facing her direction. Now it make sense, she’s the girl at the arch, and the same girl I bumped a week ago at the Club and at the Grandstand.

“Why do we keep on seeing each other?” Tanong ko sa sarili.

While she was busy looking far away outdoors, I found myself staring at her, recalling every single details of her existence. She looks lovely in her scarf. Her skin tone complements the color red.