Hi, there! We're at the of our journey in Manila and here's the last piece before we move forward, are you ready to close another book of the world trip series? If not... let's dwell on this last journey of Isel and Bennett. Thank you for staying and coming along with them!

***

Epilogue

"Thank you, baby! See you tomorrow ulit ba?" Cinema asked. We just went into the mall and watched the latest chick flick movie. I know she's the only one who enjoyed it when I requested that we'll just watch on Netflix and delivered some food for us, hindi siya pumayag so I just had to go with her choice. As if I have an option to decline her when she's being so cute and loving to me.

"We'll see then, I love you," I muttered, and then she leaned closer to me and give me some mouthful of French kisses.

"I love you more, baby. I'll call you later, alright?"

"Sure, I'll be waiting."

Before she could even jump out of my car, she made a quick kiss and then giggling her way out of my car. As I watched her walk backward ahead inside of her condo building, it started to rain so she panicked and rushed inside the building. I laughed seeing her in that situation, when she waved to me and already out of my sight, I started driving away from her condo premises to head back where I was living for the past five years of my life—well, it just turned five a week ago.

The rain is starting to pour so hard and the traffic came along with it. I just had to find another route, but it seems like wherever I go, I can't get through as every street is jammed because of the sudden rain and it seems like the main roads are starting to get flooded.

I'm driving slowly near the mall, waiting to see an opportunity to get across from these seas of jammed cars in front of me. Walang effect ang busina. Mas lalo lang nakaiirita.

The weather was good earlier. It was so hot and then it just rains like so bad. But good thing, I had fun with my girlfriend today and sure, I wanna do it with her more some other time. We've been together for how long years—3 or 4 years I guess, I lost my count. She's everything I could ask for... she's everything I see to be the woman with me in my future—sounds so cheesy, yikes!

My flood of thoughts stop when someone started knocking on the window. Sumisilip pa ito saka niya pinakita ang phone niya. I was confused for a second and then she keeps knocking so I unlocked the door and she immediately hopped inside the car with all stuff she carried. She then started drying herself up with a towel. I was only watching her, trying to guess what was happening, but the only thing that caught my attention was something she was wearing on her wrist.

It reminds me of the same thing I lost in London or somewhere. My gold bangle. But maybe it's just the same thing, but not mine. I was just assuming 'cause it really looks like the same thing I had.

A moment later, she realized that something's going on.

"You're not my driver, right?" Napangisi naman ako sa tanong niya. "Pasensya na, bababa na lang ako." Aniya saka pilit niyang binubuksan ang pinto. "Bababa po ako, kuya. Pakibuksan po ang pinto."

"No. It's raining outside. Stay."

She's so persistent and shook her head. "Hindi po. Ayos lang, kuya. Bababa na lang ako. Mali rin naman ako nang nasakyan na kotse. Pakibukas na lang po ang pinto." Pero mas lalo pang lumakas ang buhos ng ulan kaya nanatili siya sa kanyang kinauupuan. "Magpapatila na lang muna ako..."

Panay naman ang tingin ko sa kanya mula sa rear view mirror. Todo kapit siya sa kanyang mga gamit at halos tabing-tabi siya kung makaupo sa pinto. It's like she thought I'll do something bad at her. I have no intention of doing that.

"Where do you live?" I asked her.

"Huh?" Saka niya ako nilingon at umayos siya sa kanyang pakauupo. Bahagyang naging komportable.

"I've asked where do you live?" pag-uulit ko pa.

"Sa QC lang po," sagot nito.

"You're in a rush?"

She gave me a quick nod. "Yes, kuya. Birthday kasi ng kapatid ko. Kailangan kong maihabol itong cake niya."

"Where were you in QC?"

"Ah, sa Novaliches lang po."

"Then I'll take you there."

Naging atras-abante pa kaming dalawa sa suhestiyon kong ihahatid siya sa bahay niya dahil napagkamalan na rin naman niya akong booking car, pinanindigan ko na. And I believe it'll be hard for her to commute back to her home since it's raining so hard and there's traffic so she could just agree with my plan or missed out on her brother's birthday.

I tried not to make her feel so uncomfortable so I only got to ask some relevant questions, but mostly, it was quite the whole ride. But maybe she still thinks weird of to even asking those kinds of questions. Such a nosy stranger of me.

Around seven in the evening, we reached her home safely from the heavy rain and slippery roads. When she mentioned to me that she's rushing to get home because it was her little brother's birthday so I thought of giving away some of the cars I bought from a gas station—some kind of souvenir, but maybe this toy car would like to have by her brother. She hesitated at first, but then I still pushed her to take it and so she did.

I didn't stay for too long when I've dropped her back at her home, she might think I'm crazy if I'm going to stay and the weather's bad tonight so it's better for me to get back to the condo as soon as possible.

But as I'm heading back to my condo, I struggled driving as the road became more slippery and cars just bypassing me every goddamn time. I tried to drive slowly, but unfortunately when a motorcycle showed up out of nowhere and I had to maneuver far away from it, but I crashed through a barrier, and hitting my head on the airbag is the last thing I knew.

The moment I got my consciousness back, it took me a minute to realize that I ended up in a hospital and that made my head hard to move sideways. I reached what's something in my neck and unfortunate of me, I am wearing a neck brace and what brought me here made me realized that I crashed myself into a barrier.

This is such a bad day for me.

A moment later, a girl came out of the bathroom. I intently look at her, scanning who she is. I feel like my brain burned out as well, but then when she shifted her head to me and saw that I'm already awake, Cinema hurriedly comes in my direction grabbing my hand with so much emotion coming out of her.

I scoffed. "Are you crying, Cinema?"

She threw glares at me when I asked her that kind of question. She was about to him when she realized that I'm in pain so she didn't continue and restrained herself from doing it, but she still did it anyway. Mahinang hampas ang ginawa niya sa braso ko.

"You scared all of us," she started.

"All of us?" I questioned, creasing my forehead. "Are they all here?"

She shook her head. Maybe that was a little relief for me. "No, they're not. But Archie's on his way here again."

"Oh, he was here already?"

She nodded. "Yes, pinapunta ko lang siya sa condo mo so he can grab some of your clothes there. But you're parents already knew about it. I called them and since they all are in Laguna, they can't come in urgent so I'll be staying here with you all night or maybe in a few days."

"I believe I'll be fine. I don't need to stay here any longer."

"Oh, really? Good thing you didn't die there. Tingnan mo kaya nangyari sa sasakyan mo. This post became viral online." She showed her phone screen to me and then my body just froze when I've learned how bad I got into from that moment. I could die out there. Hindi ko na siya masisisi ngayon kung bakit gano'n ang reaksyon niya. I am, too, was afraid seeing it so wrecked, my beloved car. You'll be missed.

"Oh God, I think I have such a lucky ass."

"You had! At sa pagkaaalam ko, you're supposed to be back at your condo pero anong ginagawa mo along Novaliches? Medyo malayo-layo 'yon, a? May pinuntahan ka ba or something na binisita?"

"No... I just had to bring a friend home. She's stuck from the rain and the traffic."

"A friend? Kilala ko ba 'to?"

I shrugged off. "I don't know... but could be no."

"Well, lucky of her, she didn't get crashed with you there. But next time, Bennington, drive safely, okay?" And her sermon began again. "You know that it's already the rainy season at medyo delikado talaga ang mga daan sa panahon ngayon. If you're just going to be so reckless again, then might as well stop driving."

"Then how should I give you a ride?"

"There's another option."

"And what are those options?" I asked.

"May angkas or ibang way of transportation naman. But anyway, ang mahalaga ay safe ka na ngayon."

"Does that mean I can get out of this place now?"

"No, you're not," aniya. "Magpapahinga ka muna rito ngayon and please don't be matigas ang ulo. You just got into an accident tapos gusto mo agad lumabas. And you have neck brace dahil sa tingin ng mga doctor ay masyadong malakas ang impact na nangyari, though with that help of your car's airbag ay hindi sobrang lala. I I think you just have to wear that for a few days or let's just see what the doctor would say, alright? 'Wag na matigas ulo."

"What ulo you mean?" I smirked.

"Bennett! 'Wag ngayon," she said, gritting her teeth. "Kukurutin ko 'yan kung haharot ka pa."

"Whatever, but what about my car now?"

"They towed it away somewhere. I've got the address naman kung saan nila dinala 'yon, but I don't think it's necessary for you to have that car fixed. Sobrang lala ng pagkawasak, e. And if you're just going to have it fixed, are you sure ba na maayos na talaga 'yong sasakyan?"

"Then I'll just buy a new one. Not a big deal."

"Like you always does," she commented, shaking her head. "Anyway, are you hungry ba? Pinadaanan ko na rin naman si Archie na bumili ng pagkain."

"No, I'm fine... I can still make it tonight... hopefully."

"Bwisit ka!" Muli niya akong hahampasin pero pinigilan na lamang niya ang sarili niya at lumapit sa akin para yakapin ako. I thought it was weird, but she held for me for too long. "I don't have the luxury to lose you, baby... I just can't..."

Even though I tried reaching out to her, I only planted a kiss on her hair just an assurance that I won't be going anywhere without her.

As I couldn't back to sleep, Cinema and I watched some movie on Netflix and just a moment later, Archie comes in with a bag and food he bought for us, but I'm sure it's Cinema's all request. He brought some clean clothes for me and some food they ate because I have no appetite to eat at this hour.

The next day, the doctor visited that I could be discharged today, but with a condition that I should keep the neck brace for a few days so there won't be any complication to occur. I just had to get along with it, I just don't like being held up in the hospital. It makes me feel more unwell so back at my condo, Cinema stayed with me for most of the time, Archie visited as well just to check on me.

In the next two days, I bought myself a new car... well, classes are about to start so why not when it's convenient for me.

When the class started, I only had a few units to take as I haven't taken them from my previous semesters so I've only got a few and it'll be my last semester this year and I'll be finally graduating. For goodness sake, I'm finally gonna be over this mess though I've been thinking if I should pursue to be a pilot or not. I'm trying to balance it out, but whatever happened right after this phase of my life, I can finally do anything I want.

After my class, I received a message from the organizer from the national pageant I've auditioned for while I have my internship in London. I just had to send my piece through email and luckily, I'm going to compete in the nationals.

Normally, this isn't my forte, but growing up I got used to it and somehow I'm loving it. Wala namang masama sa ginagawa ko, it's how I express myself which a person like me doesn't really convey that much. Marami rin akong nakilala dahil sa pagsali ng mga pageant. My family even supports and sponsors whatever I need, they don't think it's weird, they believe it's an opportunity for me so I casually joined pageants and do my best to win.

I only used to train by myself and I believe it's a good opportunity for me to help a certain person... or maybe I thought because I have an intention of knowing the gold bangle she's wearing. I need to find her though.

The only thing I remember is that she works on a fast-food chain. Just around the area in Manila where I met her, there could be a specific place she could be working on and that's the part where I started looking for her. I never knew I would find her working on this fast-food chain and I just made her known that I actually don't know her so she wouldn't have a clue to my intention. But a few days later, I came back, trying to get her attention, and yet she keeps hiding or rejecting my offer.

Not until I've heard that my best friend goes to the same school and they're actually on the same group for the research project. It became a little easy for me to get her attention when I can ask for Archie's help.

She became feisty and I thought she hated me. Hindi ko na lang din pinansin 'yong when I have a valid reason now to offer her something she would easily take advantage of. I mean, it would be good for her and she would help me in return. But it took us a lot of days just to pursue and when she did... I actually don't know what to feel, but happy that she accepted it even though we never really knew each other.

From the time we've agreed and settled to both side's condition, we finally get along. First off, the only intention I had with her is to get to know her. I know my situation, I have a girlfriend and I just want to befriend her... and where she did get the gold bangle. That's been what's in my head all along.

When we've been doing great in our tutorial sessions, I also found out that my best friend and Criselda are dating. Wala naman dapat akong ikabahala ro'n. I shouldn't even be thinking about it, but then, somehow it got to me. He's getting her attention away from me and he's got more time than with me. When Archie invited them to his condo, I've got an idea of coming along, but because I don't want to be so nosy, I stayed in my place when my head's going all over the place thinking about what they were doing.

But what the fuck I would be jealous of them? I've got my own relationship with Cinema... that I never thought would fuck me up as well.

I and the boys are at my place playing some video games when Archie pulled me out of them then lead me somewhere we could have a private space to talk. I thought he's going to talk about Criselda and that he's gonna pursue her as his girlfriend, but it's not what's on his mind.

Archie showed the screen of his phone to me with a text conversation.

Hey, Arch! Is it true about Bennett's girlfriend? Or is she even still his girlfriend?

Archie: Uh... I don't know what you're talking about, but they are still together. What this is all about?

Oh, maybe you haven't heard of it yet. But I'm going to send you a video.

Archie: Fuck, dude! Bakit nagsesend ka ng scandal sa akin? Libog lang?!

Gago, Arch! Nagtatanong nga ako, e. They said that's Cinema having sex with a guy from Benilde. Not sure if it's really true or not kaya nga nagtatanong ako. If you're still not aware of it, maybe you need to tell Bennett. I don't have his number so I reached out. I played the first part of the video so I'm sorry if it's her.

Archie: I'll talk to him, he might not know about it yet. Thanks for reaching out to me.

Cool! No worries. I just reached you out dahil kumakalat na 'yong video from one person to another.

Archie: Might as well tell those people who got their copies to delete the video. You should, too. Thanks, dude.

"So, who is this?" I asked him.

"Oh, it was someone who we met from the bar na taga-FEU rin. Binigay ko number ko ro'n incase magyaya sila sa atin and he got other news for us. Would you want to play the video? Hindi ko pa naman binubura because I want you to see it for yourself."

I shook my head, not really interested to watch something like that. "That's not like what Cinema would do. I know her. She won't do something like that."

He patted my shoulder. "I believe you, bud. I don't think Cinema would ever do that to you. You've been together for years now and maybe there's just someone who would like to ruin her image. Should we tell her about it?"

"No. I don't think it's a good thing. Just let it go. It's not Cinema."

"Yup. But I'm excited about your mom's birthday!"

I smirked. "I know, she's excited to see you, too."

But that certain video scandal kept me at night. Cinema and I spoke the night before we go to Laguna. We're just talking like what our normal days are. Siguro hindi pa niya alam iyong video na kumakalat, but I trust Cinema that she won't do anything beyond that to our relationship. That's just disgusting.

When I picked Criselda and Cinema up to go all together to Laguna, I couldn't still get off my head even though I tried. As soon as we got there, I don't know what to do, but I tried to act as normally and sane as I could be. But later that night, got to talk to each other.

I should be having fun, celebrating my mom's birthday but because there's this thing in my head I couldn't wash away, I just need to get an answer to it or if I keep it just to myself, I will never get the answer. And if it's the truth, what am I still doing here? To our relationship?

"Cinema," I called her attention.

"Yes, baby?" she wondered. "What are we even doing here? Ayaw mo ba sila kasama ro'n? True naman. Medyo off silang kasama ro'n. Why don't we just spend our time sa room natin... mas masaya pa 'yon."

"No, it's fine... and I would like to talk with you alone."

She crossed her arms. "And what would that be?"

"I just want you to be honest with me, alright?"

She squinted her eyes. "Oh... okay... sure. Ano ba 'tong pag-uusapan natin? Do you have something to tell me... are you proposing to me na ba?" She leaned closer to me, traveling he

I took a deep breath and shook my head. "No, Cinema. I'm going to propose to you as there's much more important to talk about than that." With that being said, she began her interest in listening to me. "I don't know how long I could keep this from you, but I just wanted to know the truth from you so I can prove them wrong."

She creased her forehead. "What? Why do you need to prove them wrong?"

I sighed and shook my head. I massaged the side of my head just trying to calm myself down as I don't want to speak this out from anger that could result in a sudden outburst. Kailangan ko lang kumalma.

"Because you are in a subject where your image has been questioned," I said. "May kumakalat na video scandal ngayon and people said na ikaw ang nasa video. Hindi ko pinanood 'yong video because I trust you. I trust you because you're my girlfriend and I know you're capable of doing it. That you won't cheat on me and sleep with another man. Tell me, Cinema. Are they wrong or is it true?"

But she reached out her hand to me and I can see the fear coming out of her face. From that moment, I knew she was hiding something from me. I tried not to shove her hands away from me as I still have an assurance to myself that a girl like her won't possibly do that.

"Bennett..." her voice cracked.

"Tell me honestly, Cinema. Is it true or not?" With my question, she bowed her head and slowly nodding her head. "Shit!" I hissed and move away from her. Hindi ko alam kung anong gagawin ko. I wanted to shout, punch something else pero ayokong gumawa ng kung ano mang senaryo rito. "What the fuck, Cinema?! How could you do this to me?!"

"I was..."

"You were what?!"

She raised her head up to meet my eyes. "I was drunk that time... but I'm still conscious. That guy's a student from Benilde. We were supposed to have fun and not to go to that point."

"But you still did... when did this happen?"

She sighed, tearing up. "Three weeks ago."

"And you didn't tell me about it."

"You're busy with training and all, even to that girl, Criselda. Wala ka ng time sa akin so I thought of doing out by myself and then I met their group. Nagpakilala akong single and I know I shouldn't have done that. Alam kong busy rin ako sa training ko pero nagbibigay naman ako ng oras sa 'yo kapag kailangan, pero ikaw... you're not doing the same thing."

"But would that be a valid reason for you to cheat on me? To have sex with another guy while we're together? Isn't that fucked up, Cinema?"

"I know, it does but—"

"No," I said. "There are no buts to it, Cinema. You did it, you lied to me. I'm training so hard because the team wants to win the title this year and I'm trying my best to give my best effort, I know you're doing the same thing! And my time with Criselda is immeasurable. She helps me get through my academics so don't ever think getting her into our situation."

"So, what now? Anong gusto mong gawin ko?! There you go, umamin na ako. I never thought that guy would film us. I'm half-aware of what happened, masaya ka na ba ro'n?"

"Why would I be happy with that, Cinema?"

She smirked. "So, you're just going to break up with me dahil lang doon?"

I scoffed and clapped my hands as if she's literally telling jokes to me. "Better be. If that's what you want, Cinema. Or maybe that's what you really want since you've been sleeping with random boys now. I guess, this is it. Go on your own way."

"You want this too, right?" she said. "You have feelings for Criselda?"

"I didn't say I have, who are you to say that?"

"You're such a trash, Bennett!"

"Oh, sure, I know you know what it feels like to be trash. I've learned it from you."

"Fuck you."

"Goodbye, Cinema. Archie will take you home."

She grunted. "Instead you help and protect me, ikaw pa 'tong unang nagtaboy sa akin."

"Sana naisip mo 'yang no'ng pinapasok mo 'yong titi no'ng lalaking 'yon sa 'yo, 'di ba? But if you never think of that, maybe you really don't deserve protection and help. I'm happy to let you go... even if I'm going to waste our relationship for the past few years, it's all gone to waste now so I don't care."

"You'll remember this, Bennett. You just lost me."

"I'm glad I did."

Nagpipigil naman si Cinema na saktan ako o kung ano man ang gawin niya sa akin. She just turned her back from me and walked away. Doon ko lang din naramdaman ang paglundo ng nararamdaman ko kaya nang makalayo na si Cinema ay saka ako sumunod. I even heard her shouted to everyone there and lose her temper.

When I got into the pool, I dive and plunged myself under and I just let out the frustrations, anger, and all in it. I just had to let out the pain in my chest by shouting under the water. I don't know how long I spend down the water, but as soon as I went back into the surface, and called Archie to take Cinema home. I just went to the spa room to calm myself down and forget about what happened tonight.

After that, I end my communication with her, but a few days later, Cinema started sending me long-ass messages telling me how sorry she is. I ignored it. I can always forgive her, but not what she did to me. But hopefully, whoever that guy, he should be sanctioned, or if Cinema thought about filing against him then that'll be good for her.

From that moment, I just focused on my training that I had to cancel my tutorial session with Criselda as the game will be happening this Saturday and we have to work so hard to get the title back to our university.

At midnight, I received a message from Criselda greeting me, but because I was so tired from the practice, I didn't get to reply to her as I thought we'll be seeing each other next week.

On the day of our game, I was so determined to win the game. When they called me back to join them in the game, I know I had to win it for them. With all the things I did, I know for sure that as a team, we can make it today. I only to win the game in my head and focused all through the night about it, but when I saw Cinema watching the game from our university's side, I almost got lost out of the track, but good thing I immediately got back to my focus and to my goal.

Pero napakamalas ko nga naman. We're already leading and if I could just shoot three points for our time, we could be leading them, but I was injured so they had to put me on the bench. They had to put ice cubes on it just to try to ease the pain. I was only sitting there, watching the other team dominated the game. We are losing, that's what I thought in my head so I had to get back there and win the game.

And we did. We win it and I was named the MVP this season. And seeing Archie, Criselda, and her friends there watching and support us, that put a smile on my face and I know with their exaggerated reactions, I know I did the right thing.

My 23rd birthday just made it perfect for me. It's like I never lost anything.

Winning the game or not, there's a celebration from our team and there Criselda and the others joined us to celebrate. And then I had a wicked idea to celebrate my birthday somewhere else and that's where I pursued Criselda to join me. But I know that Archie and Criselda are still dating... I just wanna hang out with her... and explore something new.

A lot of things exactly happened in Batanes that I didn't expect to happen. We're only there to celebrate, unwind, and relax, but we never thought we'll experience something we never thought would happen. After my relationship with Cinema ended, I wasn't rushing to get into anyone's attention, but clearly, Criselda has been doing that in the past three months. We didn't regret what we did there and the feelings that have grown, but I must step because once we're back in Manila, Archie would be gone mad at me.

And that when my relationship with Cinema ended, I would take his person away. But I'm not that kind of person even though it'll hurt me, I respect both of them so I hope Criselda would understand.

"Shit, dude! What happened there in Batanes? I just wanna know the truth."

We just left Cresilda's dorm place and I know for the fact that she hated me. Archie heard us talking about what happened between us. He was shaken, of course.

I sighed. "It's true, Arch. Something had happened to us there..."

"And why did she react like that? Is it because of that? Did you push her to do that with you?"

I shook my head. "No, I wouldn't ever do it with someone who doesn't give her consent. She did and we never regret what we did. Her reaction comes out after I had to tell her that what happened in Batanes should stay there. You were never meant to know that, but to tell you that truth, I like Criselda, and the same thing she does, but I couldn't let her fall in love with me when you already had her in the first place."

"Bennett... I—hindi ko alam kung matutuwa ba ako kasi you respected my relationship with her, but something already between you guys and that can't be changed. I don't know man... this just hurts me."

"I know you will and I apologize for it. I know it's my mistake. I never meant to step on you."

Archie's been silent all along and I just wanna know what's going on in his head, but a sure thing, he hated me. I know he does.

"Bud... did she told you she likes you?"

I nodded to confirm. "She did..."

"I see... I see..." He pressed his lips together. "I guess I can finally say she's not for me."

"Arch—"

"No, Bennett, that's alright... at least now I know that both of you could have a chance with each other. If you're going to pursue her, take care of her as much as I did to her, love her more than what I did, protect her to what you can do, be there for her when she needed you the most... I guess that's the only thing I could say. She's so lovely... maybe that's also the reason why you like her."

Hindi na ako nakapagsalita dahil hindi ko alam kung anong sasabihin ko. I just want him to be mad at me, but he can't. He made himself understand the situation and somehow I know that I don't deserve it, but then that was his reaction. I never expected it. He's my best friend and I did this to him.

"Ano naman ba gusto mong mangyari sa inyong dalawa ni Isel?" Mallory questioned me. She's at my condo just to help me with my upcoming national pageant. "Nakausap ko siya kanina and I think... reading between the lines sa mga sinabi niya sa akin, I think she's still hoping to talk with you and settle this one out. I think she still likes even though you pushed her away. Anong sa tingin mo?"

"Ate, focus tayo sa pageant," I reminded her.

"No! Parang tanga naman 'to!" Sinuntok niya ako sa balikat. Not that strong dahil siya pa ang nasaktan. Natawa na lang din naman ako sa reaksyon niya. "Parang tanga naman kasi! Tinutulangan na nga kita ngayon tapos masyado ka pang pabebe. Gusto mo pa ba si Isel? Iyong totoo?!" Paninindak pa nito sa akin.

Dahan-dahan naman akong tumango sa kanya.

"E, 'yon naman pala! Nagpakahihirap pa tayong dalawa. Talk to her, fix this mess with her. Nagkaayos na rin naman kayo ni Archie, 'di ba? Naka-move on ka na rin naman kay Cinema matapos pilitin kang makita sa personal. Babaitang 'yon. Anyway, kung ano mang delubyo ang dumating, nalalagpasan 'yon and what you had with Criselda is just a big misunderstand. Sa tingin ko kapag nagkausap kayong dalawa, magiging okay na rin kayo. Try it, Bennington. Wala namang mawawala ro'n."

I sighed and shook my head. "I don't know... I don't know if it would work."

"Teka, ngayon ko lang napansin 'yang gold bangle mo ulit. Sa'n 'yan napunta?"

"Ah, ito..." I played the bangle with my finger. "You won't believe it. Criselda owned it for the past few months and I know from the first time I saw her, I knew that it's reminded me of something that I lost back in London. And I wasn't wrong, her cousin who used to have an internship in London, Kiersten, went on the same flight with us and she sat next to me. It must've fallen to her stuff 'cause I know she left her bag open at all times."

"I see... so dahil do'n, meant to be talaga kayong magkakilala ni Criselda, right? Why don't you pursue her once again? Now that everything's fine... you should go for it. Sa tingin ko... ikaw na lang din ang hinihintay no'n."

"You think so?" I asked, creasing my forehead.

She smirked. "From the moment we talked and all, I knew she does..."

Before the pageant day, I've got to talk to Criselda's friend, Tessa who she has been with for the past few years and knows more about her than Serron and Dolly. She just told me that for the past few weeks, she never spoke about me or anything that relates to me. She was only focused on finishing their project and getting all the papers for her internship. She's going to South Korea to have her internship, that's what Tessa said to me.

She also believed that she doesn't want to talk about me because she's hurting and maybe not realizing that she could have done a mistake as well. I never look at the reason that she did something wrong because I was the one who pushed her away, but she could feel that she wants to talk to me... that whatever happened between us, it could somehow be mended.

On the day of the pageant, I was sweating it all day to see her watching me there, but all throughout the event, I haven't seen her. Ate Mallory was there and she reserved a seat for her, but then occupied later when she didn't come. But when the announcement of winners is being told, she showed up and when I stood there holding the piece of the prize I won, I saw the person I have been anticipating seeing.

I was looking forward to talking to her at the end of the event, but I couldn't leave passed by these people around me so my chance of talking to her again has gone to waste. When I've got the chance, she's nowhere to be found and then... nothing else after.

I barely knew anything that was going on with her not until I've received a message from Tessa that Criselda's flight is going to be on December 12 and as I put that in my head, I won't let her leave the country without talking to her.

Her flight schedule is at nine in the morning and I've been waiting for her for at least for an hour now. I know what I'm doing is right and I know choosing her is the best thing to do for me. I have to push her away because there's a person I know would be hurting if I stepped into his line, but now that everything is okay and that I finally got to speak what I really want her to hear from me.

My legs keep shaking, waiting for her to show up. We never really talked to each other again after she went into my pageant. She showed up there, even if she's late, her presence there lifted me and I think that's the best thing ever happened to me, I got to know her and now that she's leaving away for a few months, it's not too late for me to say what's going in my head and deep down inside my chest.

She should know it. She should be aware of it.

It's almost eight... she should be here already. Criselda informed me that she'll be with her family as they arrived at the airport. They wouldn't be here for her as they also had their internship. Serron and Dolly already flew to the U.S. last week.

I was just waiting by where they dropped the passengers who will have a flight today. I'm not really sure how this would go, but I hope I could get the chance to see her before she go.

And then at 8:12, not far from me, an SUV dropped a passenger, and then there I immediately stood on my feet and headed in their direction.

"Fuck, it's her. Do it, Bennett," I muttered to myself. "Criselda!"

And then I got all of their attention, including her parents.

"B-Bennett?!" she wondered. "Teka... paano?" Napasinghal na lamang siya kung paano niya nalamang nandito ako ngayon. "It could be Tessa, Serron, or Dolly. Isa lang sa mga 'yon..."

"Don't kill them, I also wanted to see you before you go."

"Ma. Pa. Pwedeng usap muna kami ni Bennett?" pagpapaalam ni Criselda sa kanyang mga magulang. Tumango na lamang ang mga ito at nag-bow naman ako at nginitian sila. Hinatak naman niya ako palayo sa kanila. "I'm not... expecting to see you here today. Ano... para saan ba 'to?"

I took a deep breath and slide my hands inside my pocket. "I've been wanting to see you and talk to you... I won't keep you waiting because you need to leave in less than an hour. I just wanted to tell you that I'm sorry and you have to know that I regret pushing you away—"

She didn't make me finished what I'm going to say when she raised her hand. "No, Bennett... I think ako dapat iyong mag-sorry sa 'yo. I shouldn't have said na sana mamatay ka na no'ng naaksidente ka. I know that was so below the belt at nakonsensya talaga ko no'ng sinabi ko 'yon sa 'yo. I just realized it the next day... dala lamang iyon ng galit at hindi ko gustong mamatay ka no'ng mga oras na 'yon. Hindi ko rin pinagsisisihan na nagkakilala tayo sa araw na 'yon..."

"So, what are you saying?"

She sighed. "That I'm moving on and I'm forgiving you because I just realized what you were doing. You thought of your best friend at ang selfish ko rin no'n. I only care about us, but not Archie. Sorry... I know I should be the one who has to say it."

"Does this mean we're okay now?"

She took a deep breath and nodded her head. "Yeah... I must say we are. Mas okay na 'yon, 'di ba?"

"Yeah... that's what I wanted to hear now... thank you, Criselda."

Agad naman niya akong kinurot sa braso ko. "Ang sabi ko naman 'wag akong tatawagin sa pangalan kong 'yon, 'di ba?"

I chuckled. "Well... I like calling you your name... or if you want to be called mine, that would be nice."

She punched me on my chest. "Mukha mo, ang corny, Bennett."

"And hey, before you go, I have something for you." I immediately remove the gold bangle on my wrist and I put it on her. Napansin ko naman kaagad ang pagkagulat sa mukha niya. "Keep it... it's yours now... I won't take it back."

"Teka... bakit mo naman binibigay sa akin?"

I shrugged off. "I don't know... maybe you can think of me with that while you're away, right?"

She giggled. "Maybe... I missed this... thanks, Bennett."

"I missed us, too."

"But I'm going to leave now and I'll be seeing you in three months?"

I nodded. "Sure, see you in three months or might as well I'm going to visit you there, is that okay?"

"I'm not sure, but let's see... just give me some heads up, alright?"

"Yup. I will."

"Congrats nga rin pala sa 'yo! Ga-graduate ka na!"

"Yes, thanks. Though the ceremony would be in July pa so there's a lot of things to do while I'm waiting for it."

Tinapik naman niya ang balikat ko. "I hope sa pagbalik ko, you won't push me away again..."

"I promise that... I believed fate brought us together all over again..."

She smiled as if she's also thinking the same thing. But that's response was already enough for me.

When Criselda had to meet her parents back, she also had to say goodbye to everyone and by means of that, I won't be able to see her in the next three months. But I'm sure that when she came back from her internship, we can continue what we had before.

It isn't the storm that blew us apart, it is some situation we just couldn't handle by ourselves and with that, everything just falls apart.

I stayed as soon as Criselda walked inside the airport and then she's out of our sight. But one thing that got into my head is to know her family. Like this is already an opportunity for me to come clean and express my feelings towards their daughter.

We waited until her flight and her plane flew away. I'm sure she'll be safe there. I'm sure I'll be able to see her again after three months, but I'll do whatever I can to reach her out. But she knows, with the gold bangle I gave her, she may think of me when she's alone and that's already enough for me.

I invited her family to come with me and join me in my car. They were so kind and nice to me and as I treated them with brunch, I feel like I'm already getting to know the family of my future wife... such an ambitious thing to think of, but what a man could ask for, right?

Criselda has been my answer all this time.

She might not be around, but she'd always gonna be here with me. I believed that.

She's my rain... the one who blew me away.

END

 end of world trip series 5

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Thank you for reading Isel and Bennett's story! Thank you for joining us in Manila. 

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