[b]Chapter 22.[/b] After the dinner, hinatid ko na si Gabby sa bahay nila. Then I called Yana kung nakauwi na siya and all. But she's not answering her phone. I was getting worried. [i] No, I shouldn't be. This is how things should be.[/i] But I still found myself calling and texting her. She never replied. She never answered. Hindi ko na alam kung anong gagawin ko. Grineet ko pa siya nung new year's eve, pero walang reply. God knows how many times I called her, pero di sumagot. What's happening? [i]Pero diba nga naman, Rhys? Eto yung hinahanap mo? Ito yung dapat mangyari?[/i] [b]JUNE O7.[/b] Late akong pumasok sa school. Hindi ko naabutan si Yana sa gate ng school nila. I didn't bother to wait for her, sa hapon nalang. "Pare, happy new year." Sabi ko kay Vince. Tiningnan niya lang ako and walked away. "Happy new year too, Rhys!" I said to myself sarcastically. "What's up with people?" Nagkibit-balikat nalang ako at pumasok narin sa klase. Nung hapon na, right after class, I hurriedly went to her school and waited. Pero nung lumabas siya, dumiretso lang siya. And when I saw her, I called her name and ran after her, pero nakapasok na kaagad siya sa kotse nila. "Yana, sandali!" I even tried knocking her car, pero wala eh. She didn't even have a glance on me. I know what I did. Pero imposible namang malaman niya yun, or ng iba. Unless kung pinagsasabi ni Gabby yun which is.. very likely to happen.. or happened. Shit. No.. it would be very good. (Yeah, right.) Tatlong araw niya din akong di pinansin, until I decided na di na muna pumasok sa klase, instead wait for her nalang at the front of her school para di na siya makatakas pa. "Yana!" I grabbed her right arm at napatigil siya sa paglalakad. Then I heard her took a deep breath and faced me. "Look, if you're going to ask me what's wrong, better ask yoursef. Alam na nga ng lahat, ikaw pa. Imposible namang hindi mo alam when you know you did it yoursef." She got her arm out of my hold at pumasok na kaagad siya sa kotse nila. Right, I know what's wrong. [i]Loving you, that is.[/i] [b]June 11. 8:32 pm.[/b] Aiisssh, bakit umuulan? Hindi dapat eh. Yung iDock ko, lagot. But I have to do this. I have to get there, say sorry, explain myself and everything. I just can't let go like this. I just can't give her up just like this. [b] I just can't because it's not everyday I meet someone like Juliana Antonio[/b]. [i]No.[/i] "The best thing about tonight’s that we’re not fighting It couldn’t be that we have been this way before I know you don’t think that I am trying But hold your breath Because tonight will be the night that I will fall for you Over again Don’t make me change my mind I won’t live to see another day I swear its true Because a girl like you is impossible to find You’re impossible to find This is not what I intended I always swore to you that I would never fall apart You always thought that I was stronger I may have failed But I have loved you from the start Oh, But hold your breath Because tonight will be the night that I will fall for you Over again Don’t make me change my mind I won’t live to see another day I swear it’s true Because a girl like you is impossible to find It’s impossible to find So breathe in so deep Breathe me in I’m yours to keep And hold onto your words ‘Cause talk is cheap And remember me tonight When you’re asleep Because tonight will be the night that I will fall for you Over again Don’t make me change my mind I won’t live to see another day I swear it’s true Because a girl like you is impossible to find Tonight will be the night that I will fall for you Over again Don’t make me change my mind I won’t live to see another day I swear it’s true Because a girl like you is impossible to find You’re impossible to find" This should be added to the history of mankind. One man with an iDock, serenading the girl of her life with a song right under the deep black starless sky.. drenchedly wet. How romantic, isn't it? "Yana-" "Look, it's late in the evening. Umuulan pa ng malakas. I know you have something to say, so okay, I'm listening." "Yana.. I know that was a very wrong move. And I won't even deny that last December 27, I went out with Gabby without you knowing. I am very sorry for that. Really, pasensya na." I looked at her straight in the eyes. "I would clearly understand if you won't forgive me. You have all the right to react that way. I am a jerk. I just really wanna say sorry." "Okay." She said and turned back on me. "And Yana.. it's you that I really love. Sorry." I said softly and bit my lip. Shit, sobrang ginaw na. I paused and looked at her. [i][WEAK Chorus by JOJO][/i] She looked at me - studying my eyes very carefully. "Yana.." "I'll forgive, but I wont forget this yet." She said. "Wala sina Dad kaya bawal magpapasok ng lalaki sa bahay. Here's an umbrella, umuwi ka nalang." She handed me the umbrella. Pero bigla ko siyang hinila and smiled on her. Then I played the song again. "Would you like to dance with me?" I smiled while stretching my arms to her hand. "Why, I love to." She answered. [b]And we danced.[/b] [i][align=center]Two hearts back together. One song that tells their story. Rhys and Yana... forever.[/align][/i] Thank God di ako nagkasakit. Nagkasipon lang kami ni Yana, pero di naman kami nilagnat or whatsoever. Okay na kaming dalawa until.. Wednesday night. Walang homeworks or quizzes so I called her up and just talked about just anything. R: Vincent likes you. A: Hinde aa. R: Crush ka niyan, promise. A: Pano mo nasabi? R: Syempre, I know him too well. He's my bestfriend. Tsaka obvious naman e. A: Di nga? R: Yuhh. Bigla siyang tumahimik sa kabilang linya kaya medyo naalarma ako. R: Still there, Yana? A: Yuhh. R: Hala.. iniisip mo siguro si Vince no? A: H-hindi aa. R: Kunwari ka pa. A: Naqo, hindi nga e. R: Nagseselos tuloy ako dito. A: Tumigil ka nga. R: Hmp. Baka sa susunod makita kitang kasama si Vince ha. A: Di naman ako nagtwotwo time e. Di ako tulad ng iba diyan. Nung sinabi niya yun, ako naman yung biglang napatahimik. I mean, I know I did something wrong, pero hindi naman kelangang iremind yun saken diba? But then.. I guess this is the lifetime consequence I'd get, nobody will forget what I did. A: Oist, andiyan ka pa? R: Nga pala, may gagawin pa ako. Text nalang kita mamaya. Bye loves. I love you. A: I love you too. Byee.. I dropped the phone on my hand and just looked at the ceiling. When will this feeling stop? When will I stop? Life's getting hard na for the family. Alam kong alam ng father ni Yana kung anong meron saming dalawa ng anak niya. That's why ngayon pa lang kumikilos na siya. Pero bakit kelangang isali yung pamilya ko? Hindi ba pwedeng... amin nalang ito? Ako at si Mr. Antonio. Wag na sina Dad, Mom at.. Paolo. Especially, Paolo. Wag na sana yung iba pang tao. Wag na. Nung hapon na, tumambay lang kami ni Vince dun sa harap ng school namen while I wait for Yana. Siya naman may pupuntahan daw kasama sina Jude. Then I received a text from Yana.. kaya napatingin ako sa gate ng Lourdes. There I saw her standing with a phone on her hand. [i]Yana - get in ur skul muna.. NOW pala. ppuntahin mo dito si Vince saken. please? :][/i] [b]'bakit?'[/b] [i]Yana - bsta. trust me. :][/i] I looked at her confused. She just gave me an assuring smile na okay lang yung ginagawa niya. So I went inside the school after letting Vince read her text message. Alert naman si Vince papunta kay Yana. Then, I noticed umalis yung kotse nina Yana and she was smiling at Vince, so parang naramdaman kong best time na to get the 411. "Anong nangyayari?" "Wala.. I just want to spend some time with my two most favorite guys in the world." She grinned and slid her arms around ours. Napatingin lang kmi ni Vince sa isa't isa. Nauna na si Vince na umuwi. Actually, he insisted on bringing Yana home kasi siya daw yung responsible kung bakit pumayag yung driver ni Yana na sumama siya kay Vince, but we also insisted that I bring Yana home. So indeed. Nung naglalakad kami ni Yana papasok sa village nila, I asked her kung anong nangyari kanina. Pero binilisan niya ang paglakad niya and opened a new topic. "May nangyayari ba sa iyo na hindi ko alam?" He asked firmly. My eyes were fixed on her searching for answers sa tanong ko. "Yana.." "Wala." sabi niya ng pabulong at umiwas ng tingin. "Wala. Wala." Huminga ako ng malalim and let go of her arms. "Ayoko ng nagsisinungaling ka. It's not YOU, Yana." I looked at her again. "Ano ba talaga ang nangyayari?" She looked at me straight in the eyes. "Wala, Rhys. Wala." Then she smiled softly. I smiled back. I know what's happening and what's going to happen. I just want to hear it from her. [b]SUNDAY [/b] Wow, happy birthday to me! Hmm, what will I do kaya? I should've not asked Yana to come to my birthday. I'm sure tatakas naman yun.. or if not, hindi siya pupunta. I'm actually making things hard for her.. but much harder for me. Hindi ko na alam kung anong gagawin ko.. but hey, it's my birthday today. And maybe first and last birthday ko with Yana. Better make the best out of it nalang. ;D [i]3:00pm. MOA. [/i] The usual tagpuan namin ni Yana. Front ng KFC or sa KFC mismo. 5 minutes.. wala pa siya. Ba't kaya late? Usually, on time siya. 10 mins.. wala parin. Is she gonna come ba? 15 minutes.. probably not. But will it hurt kung maghihintay ako? 3:17pm. "Rhys." I stood up and smiled at her. She was still catching her breath. I was amused. How could I leave and hurt someone like her? I can't.. [i]But I have to.[/i] "Geez. I thought di ka na makakarating." I grinned. "Pwede ba yun? Happy birthday!" she smiled and hugged me. I held her hand and we walked further. "San tayo pupunta?" "Surprise." I grinned. "Hindi ba dapat ako ang may surprise sa iyo? It's your birthday." she smiled. "Hmm.. bukas nalang yang surprise mo. For now, akin muna." I winked. "Geez." Pumunta kami ng Baywalk at dun narin kumain. Then I guess eto na yung dapat kong gawin. I stood up and sumenyas sa singer ng banda.. alam na kaagad ng lahat kung anong gagawin ko at kung ano ang tutugtugin. "Err.. good evening everyone." I smiled nervously. She was confused.. she was staring at me as if.. "hello, ano gagawin mo?" Yung parang ganun. "Hmm.. tomorrow's my birthday. And I'm here with my girlfriend. And.. I just want to assure her that I love her so much. So.. here's a song for her..." The audience reacted 'Awwww.. sa kanya lang?' I chuckled. "-And for everyone too." [i]We were as one, babe For a moment in time And it seemed everlasting That you would always be mine Now you want to be free, yeah So I'm letting you fly 'cause I know in my heart, babe Our love will never die, no You'll always be a part of me I'm part of you indefinitely Girl, don't you know you can't escape me Ooh darling, 'cause you'll always be my baby And we'll linger on Time can't erase a feeling this strong No way, you're never gonna shake me Ooh darling, 'cause you'll always be my baby I ain't gonna cry, no And I won't beg you to stay If you're determined to leave, girl I will not stand in your way But inevitably, You'll be back again 'Cause you know in your heart, babe Our love will never end, no You'll always be a part of me I'm part of you indefinitely Girl, don't you know you can't escape me Ooh darling, 'cause you'll always be my baby And we'll linger on Time can't erase a feeling this strong No way, you're never gonna shake me Ooh darling, 'cause you'll always be my baby I know that you'll be back, girl When your days and your nights get a little bit colder, oh, oh I know that you'll be right back, baby Oh baby, believe me, it's only a matter of time You'll always be a part of me I'm part of you indefinitely Girl, don't you know you can't escape me Ooh darling, 'cause you'll always be my baby And we'll linger on Time can't erase a feeling this strong No way, you're never gonna shake me Ooh darling, 'cause you'll always be my, my baby (You'll always be a part of me) You will always be (I'm part of you indefinitely (Girl, don't you know you can't escape me) Ooh darling, 'cause you'll always be my baby (And we'll linger on) We will linger on (Time can't erase a feeling this strong (No way, you're never gonna shake me (Ooh darling, 'cause you'll always be my baby) Always be my baby...[/i] She will always be a part of me. Even if we're going to part ways soon.. even she won't ever forgive me.. even if I'm going to give her up.. even if things will go to her Dad's plan.. even after some years will pass.. she will still be a part of me - a big part, I tell you. I just hope that she knows this.. sana alam niya that I'm singing this song with all my heart. [i]Yana will always be someone I will always love. [b]Always[/b].[/i] [hr] "Anak.. can I talk to you?" Mom went in my room. "Yeah, I know. I should stop this. But honestly? I dont know how. It's not that easy you know." I took a deep breath, stood up at pumunta sa balcony ng kwarto ko. "Just.. just give me time, Mom." I looked at her and she smiled. "Si Dad pala? I haven't seen him for a quite some days." "Well.." she let out a heavy breath. "Nasa hospital pa siya eh. Siya muna yung nakabantay dun. Plus.. he's on "vacation" naman.. since.." "Right. Ma.. I'm really sorry. Just.. soon enough." "It's alright iho." She had a sad look on her face. "I'm a bad mother. I shouldn't.. I shouldn't do this to you. But you know this is for the best right? I just hope someday.. someday.. hindi mo ako sisisihin sa mga naging pasya mo ngayon." Mom started to cry at niyakap ko siya. "I'm so sorry, Rhys.. sorry.." "A-ayos lang.. I understand the situation.. ayos lang Ma.. ayos lang.." I said and rubbed her back. [hr] "Yana.." "Hey.. tara." She held my hand and we went inside KFC. "Is this your gift to me?" I grinned. "Part of my gift." she said smiling sheepishly. "Oh.. okay." I smiled to her and squeezed her hand. We sat down and I ordered. She wanted to pay for it, pero of course, I can't let her. It would be a big boo to my ego. "So.. ano na yung gift mo saken?" I smiled sheepishly. "Wag ka ngang ngumiti ng ganyan. Mukha kang ewan." "Mukhang ewan pero mahal mo naman." I laughed. "Whatever." she laughed with me. "Well, this is nothing special, actually." "Nothing special?!" I scoffed. "Lahat na nanggaling sa iyo or ginagawa mo, for me, those are special." I smiled again. "Reallyy?" she asked sweetly. "Of course." I answered. "Well, here." she handed me a box. "Is this it?" I asked excitedly. "Yep." she smiled again. "So can I open this?" "Hmm.. later on." she said. "For now, let's dig in." "Great idea." I smiled and we ate. [hr] It was late in the evening. I was reading a book about JAVA when I saw Yana's name on my phone's screen. Syempre nabigla ako kasi gabi na, late na masyado. She doesn't usually do this or call at this hour. She just said that we had to see each other tomorrow.. same time, same place. There's someting in her voice.. and I know what it is. "Yana.. what's with the call?" I smiled while sitting down at KFC. "I'm sorry.. but I just really have to talk to you." "Is there a problem?" I asked worriedly. "Rhys.. do you really love me? Mahal mo ba talaga ako?" "Of course." I put my right hand on hers. "Mahal kita." Tears started to fill her eyes. [i]I know where this is going.. and I shouldn't have answered what I just answered.[/i] "Is that love enough, para ipaglaban mo ako?" she asked me while crying. I looked at her in the eyes and smiled. [i] No, not yet. I can't see her hurt like this. Not now.[/i] "Yana.. I know what's happening." "Rhys-" "And I won't let go." "Rhys.." "Promise." I said in a firm and sincere voice. And I enwrapped her in a warm hug. [b]Promise.. that I don't intend to keep.[/b] [hr] I walked inside the white building and searched for his room at the 3rd floor. Nang binuksan ko ang pinto, nakita ko si Dad na nakaupo sa couch holding a book at his right hand and a cold coffee on the table. "Dad.." "Rhys.. son." He looked up at me. "Hmm, ako na po muna dito. Go home, Dad. Take some rest." I smiled at him. "Ayos lang ba sa iyo? I have to check the business.." Bigla namang nagbago ang tono ng boses nya. ".. see if it's still running." He grinned. "Alam mo na.." "S-sure. Ingat sa pagdrive." Pumunta siya ng cr at kinuha yung mga gamit niya. Then he left the book at the couch and started to walk through the door. "D-dad.." "Hm?" "I-I'm really sorry." I almost whispered. "No.. you shouldn't be sorry. Alam ko kung anong nararamdaman mo, Rhys. It's the best feeling in the world you'll ever feel. And you shouldn't be sorry. It's just that.. it won't work out for you. It's not just for you.. sa ngayon." He smiled. "You get my point right?" "Y-yeah. Thank you." "Just sleep on the couch. Pag gumising siya, you can call the nurse to check up on him." "Yeah." "I'll go ahead." And the door slowly closed. [hr] Looking at my brother silently lying on this white four-walled room.. makes me cry so hard. Hindi ko alam kung saan ako nagkamali. Hindi ko alam kung bakit kelangan ng Daddy ni Yana na gawin ito. He can just go straight to me. Talk. Yun lang, hindi niya na kelangang sirain ang buhay ng kapatid ko. "K-kuya.." "Paolo.. how are you feeling?" "Okay.." he smiled. "S-sandali, I'll call a nurse." Then I dialled a number on the phone and the nurse then appeared. "I'll check him up muna, sir." "Sige." After the check up.. "Kumusta naman yung kalagayan niya?" "I'll just call the doctor for a more accurate report." She smiled and disappeared inside the room. Then may pumasok naman na doctor, he signed kung pwede sa labas kami mag-usap. So I went outside and excused myself. "How is he?" "Well, actually, until now, we can't still find a bone for the transplant. Your brother had been weak for some days already.. and it's hard to find a bone that is compatible with his age. We are trying very hard and.. it's unusual that.. yes, it is hard to find one.. but we know meron talaga yan.. but ngayon, especially sa brother mo, it seems like it's much harder. We just transplanted a bone to the other kid with his age the other day.." "What do you mean? We'll pay for it.. no matter how much." "I know, I know. But.. the seller won't even give me the price.. no matter how much we are offering." "H-hindi.." Her dad. "No.. no no.." "Iho?" "I-I'm sorry." "I've explained this to your parents already. Please don't tell the patient." "T-thank you." [hr] I knew then what was happening. Her dad is behind all this.. kung bakit hindi makakita ng bone for the transplant ang kapatid ko. And he's going to die soon if I don't take any actions. I can't let this happen. I can't. "K-Kuya.." "Take a rest, Pao. You need it." I smiled at him. "How are you and Ate Yana?" "W-we're fine.." "No, you're not." "Pao, just.. take a rest." "Don't mind me, Kuya. You should promise me.. that you'll follow your heart no matter what happens." "Pao-" "Kasi.. even if I live, but kung nakikita naman kitang ganito.. I still won't be happy." "Pao, please.." "So promise me, Kuya.." He looked at me with his brown eyes. "Promise me.." And he lifted his pinky finger.. I took a deep breath and looked at him. "P-Promise. Promise." I lifted my pinky finger and tied it on his. [hr] But it's been some few days na hindi ako pumasok ng school, tumatawag or nagtetext kay Yana. I was just in the hospital taking care of Paolo. I can't afford to leave him.. what if.. what if pagbalik ko, wala na siya? I can't even bear the thought of him.. dead. The only thing that changed my mind of giving up Yana was my talk with Paolo. I promised.. and I guess, if things won't work get better, this is the only thing that I can do for my brother. "Yes, good evening." she answered the phone. "Y-Yana?" "Rhys.." "Can we talk? Somewhere? Now?" "Sure, sure." For the first time after four days of keeping myself beside Paolo, I had the courage to leave him. I found myself sitting at the Bay just looking at the open ocean. I hope this time, I have the intentions of keeping my promise. "Rhys.." "Yana." I smiled. She hugged me. "Geez, you really missed me, huh?" I grinned. "Meanie." Hinampas niya ako ng mahina. "Apat na araw ka nang absent." "Sorry. May mga family matters lang na dapat ayusin. But I'm back." I smiled. "Really?" She smiled. "Yeah." I smiled. I suddenly cleared his throat and looked serious. "Hindi na ako magpapaligoy-ligoy pa. It's late in the evening and I want to talk to you about this, Yana." She looked at me, her eyes fixed on mine. "Your dad doesn't like me so much, right?" I looked at her. "He doesnt like you hanging out with me, moreover hindi niya ako gusto as your boyfriend. But Yana.." I held her shoulders and looked her in the eye. "..kahit anong mangyayari, I won't let go of you. So Yana.. sana ganun din ang gagawin mo." I looked at her and tears started to fall from her eyes. "I won't let go." I smiled and hugged her so tight. [hr] I went to school again and nagkaleche-leche na ang lahat. "Mr. Romualdez, may you accompany me to the principal's office?" "Y-yes sir." He let me sat down on the seat and looked at me. "I don't want to get into someone's business, but you have to tell me what's going on." "W-what do you mean, sir?" "Your scholarship for college has been terminated." Bigla akong napatigil at napatingin sa kanya. "H-hindi pwede.. how come? I mean.. hindi pwede-" "Kaya nga.. that's what I'm trying to point out here. Your grades are fine, your athletic standing is okay.. your character is great.. that's why kahit ako.. I'm trying to solve some puzzle here.. you know what's going on, Rhys." "Sir, I have no idea." "They said your parents called the university and cancelled the scholarship." "They won't do that!" "Yes, I know." "I-I really don't know, Sir." "Please talk to your parents about this." "Yes sir." "How's brother, anyway?" "He's.. fine." I answered. "You may go." I stood up and got out of the room. [hr] Then I stopped going to school for a week again. And maybe.. I won't go to school again. This time, I have to cut all connections with me and Yana. I can't put everything in stake.. especially my family - my brother. I have to give up. I have to give HER up. I have to stop this feeling I have. I MUST. "Wala siya." She said firmly. "And please don't call here again." Then she hanged up. "Ma.." "Some friend.." She said while holding the phone on her hand. "That was.." "Yana." She said in almost a whispere. "Right." I said and went to the kitchen. Then suddenly the phone rang again. And I grabbed it. "Hello.." Silence. [b]YANA.[/b] "Geez. Kung wala kang magawa sa buhay mo, can you stop calling our number? It's getting on our nerves here." Silence. Silence. Please say something. "Whatever." Silence. "R-rhys.." She said in a very soft voice. Yana. Nang marinig ko ang boses niya, biglang nanikip ang dibdib ko. My mind froze and my heart stopped beating. God, how I missed her voice. My mind and heart was having a battle. If I should say something, or if I should let the situation remain as such. [i]And the moment my hand reached for the "flash" button, I knew then my mind had won.[/i] [hr] I was hurrying up on wearing my uniform and all kasi late na ako and I have exams pa. I can't miss this one kasi 3rd grading exam na namen. And I'm still running for honors. And my scholarship for college.. Everything is at stake.. so I really need to go and I shouldn't be late and all. "Anak.. san ka pupunta?" "It's my exam today.. Finals. And-" "Anak.. Rhys.." "What?" I was all panicking when I caught Mom's face. "Well.." "Mom, I should hurry." "Rhys.. I wasn't.." I paused. "I wasn't able to pay for your finals." "But-" "We have.. nothing." "No.." I shook my head. "I'm sorry. You know what's going on.. and.." She suddenly burst into tears and I had nothing to do but hug her and tell her it's alright with me. "I'm so sorry.." "It's.. It's alright." [hr] Days have passed. Paolo's getting weaker each day. Dad's been drinking for quite some days. Mom had been crying and telling me sorry. I don't know what to do. Vincent.. he told me about Yana. I couldn't bear it. I went to see the principal and he agreed on giving me special exams.. it will only be recorded though if Mom pays the bills. Soon enough. Tomorrow's going to be our 5th monthsary. But.. meron pa bang dapat icelebrate? Tomorrow's going to be a big day. And I guess.. no, I know, after tomorrow, things will never be the same again. After tomorrow, my life will be back to normal. After tomorrow, she will forget that she loved someone named Rhys Romualdez. And after tomorrow, I'll have my heart shattered to million pieces and it won't be put back together so soon. [b]I've decided. I know this will be for the best.[/b] [i]Hey. Missed you. Can we see each other tomorrow? Same place. 530pm. I'll wait for you. Mua mua. TC.[/i] I hope she read the invisible "sorry" in it. Sent to two people. [i]Yana and Gabby.[/i] [i]Gabby. Sure. KFC, right?[/i] [b]ME. Yeah, I love you.[/b] [i]Gabby. Does that mean-[/i] [b]ME. Yeah, if it's okay with you. I have to settle scores with Yana though.[/b] [i]Gabby. Sure. I love you too.[/i] [b]Yana. Sure. I'll see you there. Missed you too. Mua.[/b] [b]February 18th. Happy 5th Monthsary - NOT.[/b] I was shaking as I settled on a table. I don't want to do this. I'd rather die than see her cry because of betrayal. Mabilis lang to. After nito, wala ng explanation. I won't even bother to give one. I'm not gonna be the good Rhys anymore after this whole thing. Gabby will be a very "loving" girl to me. And.. babalik sa dati ang lahat. Me, taken by Gabby though and her.. just Juliana Antonio, the simple girl who's never noticed by people. "Yana!" I exclaimed and gave her the sweetest smile. God, how much I missed her. "Rhys.." Isuddenly hugged her and gave her the opposite chair. When she was seated, we were wrapped by silence. We just stared at each other. "I missed you." I said.. and I know I said it with such sincerity. "Me too." She whispered. "Tara.. let's order." I said and stood up. "What do you want?" "The usual." she said. "Okay! Be back." I said and walked away. "I'm sorry if.. di ako nakapunta nung Valentine's. Long story." I smiled. "I hope you understand." "Nahh.. wala yuun. At least you're here and I'm really glad." She smiled sweetly. "Pero sana Rhys.. sa susunod, if something's happening to you, tell me naman. I was all worried these past few days of you." "Yeah. Thanks a lot." We were really having a good time, we talked about so many things... it seems nga na walang nangyayaring masama sa mga buhay namen. Parang katulad lang ng dati. "You're really beautiful today.." I said. "I know." She joked. "Hinde.. really. And.. I guess this necklace suits you very well." I then opened my hands. "May I?" I asked. She nodded and smiled. I went to her side and put the necklace on her neck. She held onto it and looked at me. "Happy 5th monthsary." I smiled. "And.. I'm sorry." I smiled softly. "Thank you. Happy 5th monthsary too." She smiled and held my hand. "Hey Rhys." Gabby walked directly in front of me and kissed me on the cheeks. I think she didn't see that I was with Yana. "G-Gabby.." "Baby.." She smiled. I suddenly looked at Yana and Gabby noticed na may kasama pala ako, but she didn't really mind. "Oh. Sorry." She suddenly said. "So are you friends nalang?" She said cheerfully. "Did you explain to her na babe?" I looked at Yana. Hindi ko alam kung anong nararamdaman ko. It seems like ako yung nahihirapan. It feels like I can feel what she's feeling. "R-Rhys.." "Yana.." She looked away for a second trying to process everything in her mind.. and to keep her tears from falling. She held her necklace and looked at me again. Gabby leaned closer to me. "I'm sorry." That was all I can say. I said it with all of my heart and soul. I will never ever forget this day and I will never ever forgive myself for hurting you in this way. She was still staring at us unbelievingly then she stood up and left without looking back. I grabbed her by her right arm but she didn't look back and pulled her arm off from my grip. "Yana.." And she was gone. I looked at Gabby and smiled sadly. "You just said it last night to-" "No.. That's what I feel." I held her face. "I was.. going to break up with her, but you came too early and.." "Oh." ".. but no worries, as what they say, actions speak louder than words." I smiled. "You're not going to do that to me in the end, right?" "Of course not." I chuckled. And she hugged me. Maybe someday, I'll forget everything about Yana. Or maybe.. I'll learn to love Gabby for real. [b]But as of now, one thing's for sure, my brother's going to live. He is going to live.[/b] [hr] *whew, long chapter, huh? :] [b]HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYONE![/b] ) I hope you liked the chapter. I've finished Rhys' POV. So I'll be working on Yana's again. Thank you for waiting. Thank you for all the sweet memories this 2008, you've been with me for a long time reading my stories and everything else, thank you so much! I do hope that you'll still give the same support and friendship till the many years to come. Have a bountiful 2009. I wish you good health, merriness and prosperity. May God bless you all. - KIM