This is the last part of Wakas. Again, thank you so much for reading and for patiently waiting for my slow-as-turtle updates lol. It took me almost a year to finish this and I'm beyond grateful to all of you for sticking with me on this journey of unfolding Dax and Tri's love story. Hoping to see you again on the new chapters of their life as their story continues on TBW Novella: Happy Ever After. Byeee!

---

Wakas (Part 3)

And as we returned home—I'd like to consider that my house is also her home, she's comfortable here—her sweet genuine smile appeared again. After the storm hit us, the weathercaster finally declared that the storm had ended. Because during those moments, her parents visited and apologized to me and my family.

And when I thought it would never change a thing, it did. When Tri reconciled with her parents and her—and ours—relationship with her parents improved and got better throughout the years.

Like I said... a rollercoaster ride.

Taking Pre-Med course was already hard for me and for my parents to sustain. Hindi kami mayaman at kung may pera man ay sapat lang para may makain kami sa araw-araw. Dumako sa isip ko na hindi na ituloy ang pagpasok sa Med School dahil mukhang imposibleng mabayaran ko ang tuition fees ko at ang malaking gastusin sa loob ng escuelahan. But my parents want me to continue and pursue my dream. And I did.

I worked multiple part-time jobs and saved up money by walking instead of taking cabs, jeeps, or uber. I had to budget my small salary for my rental fee, food, allowances for school projects and activities, and to date my girlfriend. Although Tri was there to always help me whenever I was short of money, I still wanted to earn on my own. I thank her for supporting me, but my ego can never take the fact that I'm so useless to her when I'm a struggling med student. Kaya naman pinaghusayan ko ang pag-aaral at ang limang taon ay parang hangin na dumaan lamang sa buhay ko nang, sa wakas, naka-graduate na 'ko.

We both decided to live together when I started my residency in the Germar's. We moved into a bigger unit where we could start our new life and call our own.

Hindi ganoon kalaki ang sahod ng isang resident doctor pero sapat naman iyon para mahatian ko si Tri sa renta namin at sa mga bayarin naming bills. Sapat din iyon upang matulungan ko ang aking mga magulang kahit paano at masuportahan ang pag-aaral ng kapatid ko. However, I'm not financially stable yet, and that's what I'm currently striving for. I still have years ahead of me before I finally become a licensed doctor—at doon lamang magsisimulang lumaki ang pera ko—but we'll be okay. And Tri knows my plans. We will survive. We just need a little patience.

"Naalala ko 'yung sinabi ni Denisse sa'kin tungkol sa'yo." Aniya habang nakatalikod siya sa'kin na nagluluto at nasa counter ako.

I smiled at the sight of her. I'll never get tired of watching this for the rest of my life. It's been seven years. Look where we are right now.

True that it was never easy for both of us, but we promise that as long as we got each other, nothing is impossible. And no one or thing could tear us apart. We've been through the worst, we will survive another war.

"You like watching surgical videos on YouTube back when you were like... thirteen? Basta high school." She turned her head around and looked at me over her shoulder.

Her messy bun and my white printed shirt that is too large for her looks so good in her. Pumangalumbaba ako at hindi ko maitago ang paghanga ko sa kaniya—my face says it all. I know I wasn't a prince on a white horse, but I got my own princess. I believe I'm the luckiest man to ever exist. Naniniwala na rin ako na ako ang favorite ni Lord dahil binigay niya sa'kin ang isang babae na minahal ako kahit hindi ako perpekto.

"Promise me this is forever."

"Promise."

That night during our Graduation Ball six years ago is still clear in my memory. How we danced under the rain in a full moon. How her face was illuminated with so much love as I swept her off her feet. I have many favorite memories with her, but that night tops everything. Because that night we vowed to each other that this is forever.

"Hindi ko 'yan itatanggi." Natatawa kong sagot.

She made a face that widened my smile into a grin.

"You can't perform surgeries if you're a family physician."

"True." I said and sipped on my coffee. "But heart's changed. I don't like the idea of surgery anymore. Well, I still kinda like it but I'm no longer obsessed with the idea of becoming a surgeon as I used to when I was young."

"Yet you want to specialize in Emergency Medicine." She turned her whole body around to face me.

My eyes fell on the hem of the shirt she was wearing which ends between scandalous and mid-thigh. I love it when she's wearing me. She's tall; she used to be five-six but she's five-seven now while I'm six foot and two inches now. I used to be a few inches shorter but years passed and I grew taller. Her legs are long and unlike before they aren't thin anymore. For the past years that had passed, she gained weight and I like her this way.

"Emergency doctors don't perform surgeries, babe." I informed her and I saw her cheeks flush in embarrassment.

She doesn't like it when she's wrong but we've been working on that and she's progressing. Tumayo ako at lumapit sa kaniya. I opened my arms and it took her ten seconds before she came into my arms. Humalakhak ako at kinuha sa kamay niya ang frying ladle. Lumapit kami sa stove at ako na ang nagtuloy ng niluluto niyang scrambled eggs habang yakap siya.

"But I can be a surgeon if you want to." Biro ko kaya naman hinampas niya ang likod ko.

I look idiot for not removing the smile on my lips, but hey, I'm in love. Can't blame me too when it's Tri.

I kissed the top of her head before she withdrew and started making pancakes.

"You know you can be just a housewife and not work." That was a joke and she knows it because she only rolled her eyes at me.

"Women no longer stay in the house to babysit or whatever. We have careers outside the house now, Mr. 1890." She remarked that made me laugh again.

She smirked at me. That's my baby.

Our days are not always sunshine and rainbows. My time as a resident doctor is demanding. May mga pagkakataon na hindi ako nakakauwi ng ilang araw sa condo at hindi na kami nagkikita. Sa unang taon, maayos pa kami. We adapted to the changes. She visits me in the hospital whenever I have night shifts or whenever I have to overtime. We date inside our condo late at night because I usually come home late. We adjusted both our time and I know she's sacrificed a lot for me. That's why I'm trying to understand her whenever she gets mad at me. When she's jealous of my colleagues. I understand. I tried.

She's the only girl I liked when I was in high school, the only lady I courted and dated back in college, and the only woman I want to spend the rest of my life with. We had big fights, came to the point when we had zero communications for a week, had confrontations that killed us both, and that night we were late celebrating our eighth anniversary... we had the truth.

We're not okay. I know it. But fuck, I want to keep on trying. I want to save this.

My original plan was to propose marriage to her after my residency and board exam because we both know that I'm not yet financially stable enough to build a family. But for the past months of highs and lows, chaos and silence, war and blood, I decided that tonight I was going to ask her. We're not doing fine lately and the logical part of my brain whispers that this can't be the good timing, but for once again, I want to listen to my heart. No matter how rationally foolish this idea to throw considering that our relationship is on the brink, I will still ask her. Eight years... I think we're now ready.

"Dax, maghiwalay na tayo."

There's a part of me that expected this night would go wrong, but it never crossed my mind that she'd break up with me. We had big fights, yes. We're not healthy to each other, that's what she said. Maybe. But I need her and she needs me. We both know that. So... why?

I don't know. I can't understand it.

"Because I can't make myself believe you if I'm always insecure! I don't want to doubt your feelings for me but that's exactly what I'm feeling! I'm sick of myself, Dax! How can I fix myself if you're one of the reasons that make me insecure most?!"

I froze. My whole body was numb and my heart stopped beating. My mind went black hole. And with another tick of the clock, everything went back to reality again.

How can I fix myself if you're one of the reasons that make me insecure most?!

...one of the reasons that make me insecure most?!

...make me insecure most?!

...insecure...

I never noticed that. And I can't help myself but blame myself for that. All I wanted was to give her everything, make her smile, and make her feel secure whenever she was around me, but for the past years, that's not how it was for her. I make her insecure and nothing makes it more painful than the fact that I failed the only woman I love. I should've given her...

Fuck. I don't know. All I know is I gave her everything. I did everything to give her everything.

Wala sa sarili akong bumagsak sa sofa nang lumabas siya ng condo. Our conversation last night felt like a nightmare and I thought I would wake up today hearing from her that it was just all in my head.

But it wasn't. Because right now, the white walls are staring back at me. No Tri.

I screamed with all my heart as though this would be the last day that everyone would hear my voice. Hinilamos ko ang aking kamay sa'king mukha at walang sawang naglalandasan ang aking mga luha.

"How..." I shook my head and gripped the chest part of my scrub. "How could I live without you?"

Please don't go.

Please...

Minulat ko ang namamaga kong mga mata at muling sumalubong sa'kin ang tahimik na salas.

She's gone. And she won't come back.

My phone rang with a call but I ignored it and went straight to our bedroom. I lay on our bed and another set of tears cascaded my cheeks when I smelled the scent of her in our pillows, on our blanket, on the sheets, on the bedside table, everywhere. She's not here but she left a part of her here that will always remind me of her.

I love her and that would never change. But her words keep on lingering with me— how we ended up being codependent instead of partners. How much love is too much?

I woke up and realized that I was alone in bed. I looked beside me and my heart tightened more when I didn't see her sleeping beside me. I miss her angelic sleeping face. I miss how she always wakes me up and kisses me on my lips every morning. I miss how we spent the night and morning making out. I don't know how will I go on in this life without her. I can't even love the morning and night the way I did when she was still with me. I miss us together. How I wish she misses me too.

It took me an hour before I finally decided to go out of our room. I went to the living room just to suddenly kneel down when my tears started to roll down again at the sight of the black velvet box on the carpet. I bought a ring I was so sure she would love....

This house isn't the same without her. I miss the sound of her voice, her smile, everything about her.

I punched the floor and pulled my hair harshly. I don't fucking know what to do without her. I can't even succeed this morning without her. Paano pa sa mga susunod na araw?

I screamed painfully and called her name.

Come back to me, baby... please.

I was spiraling and drunk in pain when she left me. The incapacity to think must have been shown in my actions while at work until I realized how unprofessional I was becoming.

I don't know how long I have to wait— three years, five years, ten years, or even fifty years, I don't care. Maghihintay ako sa kaniya kahit gaano pa katagal. Kung kinakailangang habang buhay akong maghintay sa kaniya, gagawin ko. Ang muling umibig sa ibang babae na hindi siya ay walang kabuluhan dahil siya lang ang minahal at mamahalin ko sa habang buhay na ito hanggang sa kabilang buhay.

The first time I saw her, I was young and naive, but I was sure by then that she would always be the one for me— my beginning and end. My once upon a time and my happy ever after.

"How are you?" Archie handed me a glass of whiskey and sat on the sofa next to mine.

Right after I told him about my breakup with Tri, he came straight to me and brought their expensive whiskey at home. Kung ibang pagkakataon lamang ito, aasarin ko siya kung gaano siya kayaman pero hindi ito ang mga panahong iyon.

"Surviving." Malamig at tipid kong sagot bago ininom ng isang lagukan ang whiskey.

The sound of the whiskey glass resonated in the dim light living room of our condo when I down it. Our condo. A bittersweet taste filled my throat.

"You'll survive."

I glare at my best friend. I appreciate his company but he's not really a good therapist.

"Don't give me that look, man. Look at me. I survived the ten years." He shrugged, pertaining to Gillian.

"We have different stories." I said bitterly.

Gillian promised to wait for him, Tri... she just left me with no assurances. I do think I'm just deluding myself with the idea of us meeting again... but what else can I do? I can never love someone else. She was made for me until this shit happens.

"But, seriously, Dax. Do you really think Tri will like it if she sees you this way?"

Hindi ako sumagot.

Her bright face and wide smile appeared in my memory. Then, her face was full of tears when she saw me having a mental breakdown during my third year in Med School.

It's like we share the same body for how we both react to the same hurt and joy each of us feels. So, no. She will never like it if she sees me this way. She'll probably hit me and cry harder if she finds me in this position.

Silence filled the room and we both didn't dare to break it. I don't want to talk, I just need someone to sit with me right now and remind me that I'm still alive. And I'm thankful to Archie. In spite of the years we didn't see each other, he's still here. He became my best friend unexpectedly at college and as years went by, our bond developed into something deeper that we both know we were not just friends. We're brothers even if we don't share the same blood.

"Funny how we became doctors as we dreamed, but look at us, we're a fucking mess." I broke the silence and down another drink.

"Heartbroken. Not mess."

I rolled my eyes at him. "Same thing."

"They aren't. Heartbroken means—"

"Archie," I called him which caught his attention. "Shut up."

He shrugged nonchalantly and poured another shot into his glass.

After a week, Denisse called me and asked me if what she heard was true. Ang sabi niya ay tinawagan niya si Tri nang malaman niyang umuwi ito ng Cavite nang hindi ako kasama. Tri told her that we broke up. My little sister cried. My parents cried. For them, Tri is not only my girlfriend—she's part of our family. She's a family. Kaya naman nang malaman nila ang balita na wala na kami, nasaktan din sila katulad ko.

But pain won't change anything. Patuloy pa ring iikot ang mundo kahit hindi mo gusto. Kahit makiusap ka na sana bigyan ka ng panahon para makabawi ulit, na bigyan ka ng oras na makapagpahinga kahit saglit, na sana may pakialam ang mundo sa nararamdaman mo, hindi ito makikinig. People around me will continue their life. My friends will move on no matter what. Tri will start a new chapter of her life.

While me... I'm still stuck on the last page of our love story.

During my three-year residency, I experienced the reality inside the four walls of the hospital. There are patients I grow to get close to for they are constantly scheduled for check-ups, toddlers I treated like my little siblings while I check them up, patients with tight budgets for the one-day checkup, patients who are too cruel to be checked up on, and I heard and saw countless deaths leaving the ER.

It was kind of traumatizing for me at the beginning when I lost my toddler patient after a year of checkups. I grew close to that kid and when I heard about his passing, I felt like I lost a part of myself and I knew I failed. That's what makes me want to continuously strive for improvement. And as much as I know there's no perfect in this world, I'd like to become one because saving everyone's life entails perfection. That's why I also plan to specialize next in Emergency Medicine after my fellowship. I want to work in the ER and save people from life-and-death situations.

When I lost another three-year-old patient, I didn't sleep for three straight nights. At sa mga ganitong panahon ko hinihiling na sana nandito pa rin si Tri. She knows how to comfort me in situations like this but... she's not here.

The silence laughed at me.

I'm alone.

I was planning a certain beautiful future for us. I was so ready to marry her and spend the rest of my life with her. I was so excited to be her lifetime partner. I was eagerly looking forward to the family we were going to create. She was and will always be part of me that I can never erase. She's my life. She's my world. A beat to my heart, an air to my lungs, a sound to my ear, a touch to my skin. She's the sun I look forward to in the morning and a star I want to sleep with at night. She's both my light and darkness, and it was an amazing thing to have both because she makes this life whole. I want to hear her voice every day. I want to see her face all the time. I want to do everything with her. I want to make every decision with her. I want her comments, opinions, suggestions, assurances, disapprovals, everything. I want to be her husband. I want to be her world too.

Maybe, I was.

Because right now, one thing I'm just sure of is I was never part of her real dreams. She may still love me, but she doesn't need me anymore. And it pains me like hell to think about that and realize that it was the truth. She doesn't need me anymore but I still need her in my life. She became my whole new world when I was thirteen and now, I'm only facing the other side of this world— darkness. Without her, nothing is ever balanced with my life.

"Try!"

I turned around like a flash of light when I heard the voice—or more like the name—just to find a boy probably in his fifth year jumping and trying to touch a bulletin board in the hallway of the hospital. At dahil sa height niya, hindi niya iyon maabot.

"Try! I, too, Daddy! Try!" He chirped while jumping.

I'm like a fool. No. I'm a fool.

Sa tuwing nakakarinig ako ng katunog ng pangalan ni Tri, sa tuwing may pasyente akong Trisha ang pangalan, I was hoping it was her. Her name's rare and I'm a fool for thinking that my patient's name or anyone who has the same name as her is her.

Days passed, then weeks, then months until... it's been a year already.

"Akala ko talaga mauuna ka sa'king magpakasal." Pang-aasar ni Archie sa'kin habang nakatayo kami sa gilid at pinapanood ang mga taong nagsasaya.

It was his wedding night. Yeah, you heard it right. He's finally married to the woman he's ever been in love with since college. Gillian and he spend ten years, I guess, apart and they still end up together.

It's funny to think how good the universe is at playing people's lives. I spent eight years with Tri only to end up being alone now.

Isang taon na agad ang lumipas pero malinaw pa rin ang lahat sa'kin na tila ba nangyari lang iyon kahapon. I heard news about her—both from Allison and Helia who happens to be start dating right after me and Tri separated. I heard that she finally become a volunteer teacher.

I smiled. There's a pain in my chest but I'm still proud of my girl.

I knew it's always been her dream to teach and become a teacher. I also knew how she didn't want the life she had at the City. She only sticked there for long because she wanted to be with me. For the past year, I finally come to understand what she meant by us being codependent. Dahil sa sobrang pagmamahal ko sa kaniya, hindi ko napapansin na nasasaktan ko na siya. Na parehas na kaming hindi naggo-grow dahil sa kagustuhan naming hindi mahiwalay sa isa't-isa.

We broke up, started living life separately, and I'd like to think that she finally finds herself in the place where she feels like she truly belongs. Our promises are not broken... they are just delayed.

Nang lumapit si Archie kay Gillian ay dumiretso na rin ako sa table kung nasaan naroon ang mga kaibigan namin noong college. Felix with Audrey and their firstborn. Baste with his wife, Deanne, and their daughter who is probably around one or two based on how Baste is still carrying his child on his chest. Sitting at the next table is Toby and Reese who also have their children with them. Hendrix and Karina were here a while ago with their twins but they had to leave early for their flight back home to L.A. Archie invited the whole team but only a few made it. But I heard that everyone's settling in already... except me.

"Kumusta, Donato?" Remy raised his flute glass at me.

I smirked at him. He used to be so obsessed with Audrey but look at him right now—married to a famous singer. I squint my eyes at him. He's been through worse than me, but the universe still loves him for giving him the woman who loves him in spite of everything. I heard stories about their relationship and it was really a tough one to tell.

"Still building my career." I boasted that made all of our friends howl like they were still teenagers.

Some things haven't changed.

Building a clinic took me a lot of hard work and endless midnight thoughts about whether I was ready to handle my own clinic now or not. Not to add that I'm a struggling resident doctor, however, I ended up taking the risk when I finally finished my four-year residency and passed the board exam. I was finally a licensed doctor eight months ago. I made a huge bank loan to start my own clinic because the money I saved from my residency and my investments weren't enough. I didn't resign from the Germar's because I still need to practice in a bigger environment and deal with a larger amount of patients. And I'm still about to start my specialty training in Emergency Medicine by next year. I just really wanted to start my own clinic because it's always been my dream.

When it opened, I celebrated with my family and even Tri's parents were there. Kahit naghiwalay na kami, hindi naman nagbago ang trato sa'kin ng kaniyang mga magulang ngunit hindi rin naman kami madalas magkita. Tri is nowhere near my clinic and how I wished she was there to celebrate with me. This is the dream I always tell her about when I was still in Med School. We both believed that we would cut the ribbon together, but... it's just me. No Tri.

And as much as I am happy about my achievement, there's still a hole inside me for the missing piece of Tri's presence. If she's here, everything will be perfect. But she's not and things are always just that: just fine but never perfect.

"Uj ning, jojor ax!"

Lougil, Gillian and Archie's almost two-year-old daughter, is too energetic for someone who's been in fever for two days already. Lougil is their firstborn and she's a girl who's a mix of Archie and Gillian's physical traits. Lougil got her father's gray eyes while she inherited her mother's brown wavy hair and face shape. While Archie has porcelain skin, their daughter got her mother's tan skin tone. Parehas namang matangkad si Archie at Gillian kaya siguradong matangkad din si Lougil paglaki nito.

"Good morning to you too, young lady. How are you feeling?" I asked with the same enthusiasm as she was.

Fun fact about their kid, she doesn't like being called 'kid' because she said she's not a kid when obviously, she's still one turning two in ten months. I don't know what kind of food is she consuming for having that opinion, but one thing is for sure, Archie is to blame.

"I'm o-ay!" Translation: Okay.

Archie fixed her on the chair in front of me and sat next to her. I glance at him and wonder where his wife is. When I was just about to ask, Gillian entered and sat on the left side of her daughter.

What a sight.

"Don't let the bitterness show all over your face. I know you envy our cute family." Archie drawled and I was on the sudden edge of flipping him off only if Lougil was not around.

Instead, I resorted to glaring at him.

Simula nang magpakasal siya at magkaanak, lagi niya nang pinaghihili sa'kin iyon. Sa loob ng halos anim na taon ko sa hospital, sanay na akong maka-encounter ng mga pasyente na kasama ang mga magulang nila. Buong pamilya. Because, duh, I'm a family doctor. Pero hindi ko alam kung may kinalaman ba ang bagong tayo kong clinic, at pasyente ko ngayon ang anak ng best friend ko, sa nararamdaman ko.

They have been married for two years now... it's just that...

I and Tri should've been married three years ago.

"Archie," Gillian called her which caught his attention.

When we both looked at his wife, she was giving Archie a warning stare. I stifle a laugh.

"You're almost 33 already, Dax. When are you going to marry?" Gillian suddenly snapped a question that caught me off guard.

Si Archie naman ngayon ang nagpipigil ng tawa. I should've known better. Gillian is just exactly like her husband. They like making fun of my relationship status and are so eager to set me up with anyone just so I can join the married club. But, no thanks. I won't marry anyone nor entertain a woman unless it's Tri.

I've been thinking of marriage since I and Tri started a relationship; I promised myself that I would propose to her when I'm finally financially stable to provide for her and the family we are going to build. I was so ready to marry at 30 and planned to propose to her but she decided to end it. She wasn't ready. Marriage isn't the life she wants, perhaps. Dahil sa tingin ko kahit nalaman niyang magpopropose ako sa kaniya ng gabing pinili niyang itigil ang relasyon namin ay magbabago pa rin ang isip niya. I know her. I know what life she wants. But maybe she's right. We have different dreams. I dream of being with her, she dreams of exploring life without me. But I can never hate her. I love her so much and it's not like I ever blame her.

I know the person I love. She has big dreams for the world, and for humanity. She embraces diversity like it's her home. Her life is meant for something bigger and deeper than the town and City we used to live together can never give her. She is meant in a position where she can change the world. Hindi ko man siya nakikita ngayon, alam kong masaya siya. And I'm very proud of who she became because I'm sure that she finally found herself. She finally lives the life she always wanted. She deserves it. She can't settle with me when there's a bigger world that needs her. And I admire her for that. Always, she's going to choose something that will benefit everyone even if it means risking her own happiness. She is ready to sacrifice anything for the sake of what's better for the majority. The world doesn't deserve her, but we need more people like her. She's hope.

"When Tri returns, of course. Anong klaseng tanong naman 'yan, babe." Archie said in sarcasm.

I feign a smile. "You two can go out."

"Nyaw! Mommy, Daddy, shay!" Lougil yelled that surprised me.

Translation again, her nyaw means no and her shay means stay. I interacted with a lot of patients her age I already understand their language.

Tinawanan ako ng dalawa. "You can regret being her godfather later. But now, you have to check her up. Dalawang araw na siyang nilalagnat."

"I don't really think that Lougil is both of your top priorities. Inuna n'yo ang pangbibwisit sa'kin bago ang anak n'yo." I shook my head in fake disappointment.

"For the record, I texted you the information last night." Archie retorted.

"For the record, you're a doctor, too and I don't understand why you bring her here when you could check her up yourself." Sinimulan kong kunin ang temperature ni Lougil at habang hinihintay ang beep sound ng termomether ay binalingan ko si Archie.

"I'm trying to help your business."

Naningkit ang mga mata ko. "Elaborate."

"Boret, Dada." Lougil repeated and it was too cute I forgot about her annoying parents.

"Don't grow up like your father, Lougil." Biro ko sa kaniya habang pinapakinggan ang kaniyang heart rate through my stethoscope.

"Jojor! Me!" Tinaas niya ang kaniyang kamay at pilit inabot ang kaniyang Daddy kahit hindi pa ako tapos sa pagcheckup sa kaniya.

She means doctor with that jojor word, by the way.

Binuhat siya ni Archie at inupo sa kaniyang kandungan. I started writing the prescribed medicine and some vitamins she has to take although I'm certain enough that Archie already knows about all these. I'm just doing my work professionally.

"Yes. Doctor, you." Archie kissed his daughter's cheeks and she giggled.

"This is what you are missing, bud." He lifted his eyes on me as he fixed his child on his lap properly.

"He's not missing anything. You're just late. Right, Dax?" Gillian butts in.

I shrugged. "Maybe."

And then, suddenly, the atmosphere changed. They both stare at me as though I'm the most broken thing they have ever seen and they pity me.

"Stop giving me those looks, you two. I'll double your consultation fees."

"Now that's unprofessional, Sernio." Archie uttered.

"Says the one who brought his own child to another doctor when he could have checked up on her himself. For what reason? Just to annoy me." I'm not pissed, it's just that... I'm bitter.

My best friend, Archie, married the woman he loves and they have now a daughter. At ako? Mag-isa pa rin.

"That's how I show my affection."

I sarcastically smirked at him. "Your wife and daughter are watching. And news flash, I don't see you more than a friend."

Lougil raised her head to look at his Dad. Archie glared at me, Gillian laughed, I smirked triumphantly, and Lougil was confused looking at the three of us.

After the two annoying parents left with their kid, I checked my phone for any messages. There are only two messages and they both came from my mother asking if I had already eaten. I scroll through my gallery and click the last picture me and Tri took.

It's been three years already. Walang araw na hindi ko inisip kung kumusta siya. Kung masaya ba siya. I talk to Allison sometimes when she's hanging around the clinic to wait for Helia, and there's always this urge to ask her about Tri but I can't. Natatakot ako na baka kung malaman ko kung nasaan siya ay wala sa sarili ko siyang sundan at masira ko ang pangarap na binubuo niya.

I wasn't really a fairytale lover nor did I believe in destiny before I met her. But with the eight years that I admired her from afar and secretly, for another eight years we spent together, and for the past three years that have passed we're apart and I'm still in love with her, I know that there gotta be something that the universe will handout to me before this book truly ends.

"Alam kong last minute na kita sinabihan pero may emergency si Dr. Abagoz. At bukas naka-schedule ang medical mission sa San Fernando. Ikaw lang naman ang kilala kong doctor na sasama sa bundok at magbibigay ng libreng konsultasyon. You know others. They only care for the money. Too driven to their career that they think their job is a business to make money." Lintaniya ni Helia.

Helia is a Nurse I met and became closed with during my internship in the Germar's and until now we're friends. Hanggang ngayon ay nagtatrabaho siya sa mga Germar dahil, surprise surprise, isa siyang Germar. Gusto ng kaniyang mga magulang na i-pursue niya ang pagdo-doctor dahil doon kilala ang pamilya nila ngunit hindi iyon ang nais niya. He likes photography but he still end up as being a Nurse—he has no other choice but to be in the field even if he's not a doctor like his parents wants him to become.

Dahil na rin sa hilig niya sa potograpiya ay madalas siyang sumasama sa mga medical mission hindi upang mag-assist ng mga pasyente kundi para kumuha ng mga litrato. Well, he helps too, but he's more interested in capturing the moments than to be part of the moment. At dahil nga isa siyang Germar na nagtatrabaho sa hospital ng mga Germar, walang komplikasyon niyang nagagawa ang mga bagay na iyon at tuwing weekends ay bumibisita siya sa'king Clinic upang tumulong. Mag-iisang taon pa lang ang clinic ko pero dahil ito lang ang clinic sa bayan—na may pinakamurang consultation fee—ito ang dinadayo ng mga tao at araw-araw ay umaabot hanggang hapon ang pila.

"And what makes you think that I don't think about money? Dude, I built a Clinic for business." Sagot ko at sinarado ang drawer ng table ko.

Kasasarado lang ng Clinic at pagod na pagod na 'ko sa sobrang daming pasyente ngayong araw. I stretched my neck as I watched Helia continue his speech about why I should join him and the team for the medical mission tomorrow. I actually don't mind coming and telling it to me last minute. I just like to stress him out. It won't also be my first time to join a medical mission because during my internship I stayed in the hills for one whole month. And I really enjoyed it that I want to do it again. I just didn't find time before because I was busy—well, I'm still busy, but maybe this is the time to finally do it again. After all, I miss doing medical missions.

"I know you, Dax. Nagtayo ka ng Clinic dahil gusto mong magbigay ng murang konsultasyon sa mga tao. Alam mo kung gaano kamahal sa mga Germar at sa ibang hospital na hindi afford ng ibang mahihirap ang consultation fee kaya huwag mong sabihin sa'kin na nagpatayo ka ng Clinic para sa business when clearly you earn a lot in the Germar's because you're one of the best physician—"

"Okay." Ani ko na nagpaputol sa kaniyang mga sinasabi. "As much as I appreciate your compliments to me, I don't really like hearing you talk a lot, Helia. So, okay. Sasama ako bukas. Pwede ka nang lumabas nang matahimik na ang mundo ko."

His eyes widened in both surprised and excitement. "Seryoso 'yan, ha?! Walang bawian!" Halos magtatalon siya dahil sa tuwa.

I tried to conceal a smile and only frowned at him. Why so happy? Minsan napapaisip ako kung bakit ko siya naging kaibigan. I remember how Tri used to tell me that Helia is my alter-ego. I doubt that but... I believe in everything she says.

"Helia!" Allison's voice resonated in my office when she entered without knocking.

Hinilot ko ang aking sentido. Sumasakit ang ulo ko sa dalawang 'to."

"Tri called..." she trailed off when she noticed that I was around.

Hey, this is my office, of course, I'm around.

Nag-angat ako ng tingin sa dalawa at nakita silang nagbubulungan.

"Alis na kami, Dax. Bukas, ha?! One a.m, sharp. Don't you dare be late." Banta niya bago sila lumabas dalawa ng office ko pero narinig ko ang dapat ay bulong ni Helia.

"He's coming. Are you sure you won't come with us? Akala ko ba namimiss mo na ang best friend mo..."

Odd how Tri and I still have the same circle of friends—Allison and Helia—yet we never talked again after our breakup.

Nagpalipas ako ng ilang minuto pa bago ako tumayo at lumabas ng office. Nagpaalam ako sa dalawa kong staff at dumiretso na ng bahay upang mag-impake sa dalawang araw na medical mission. Meron akong intern sa Clinic kaya naman hindi ako namomroblema sa tuwing kailangan kong umalis at wala ako sa Clinic. I also negotiated with Archie to be my parnter three months ago, thus, whenever I'm not around the town, he replaces me in the position. We're also in the process of changing the Clinic's name from Sernio Clinic to Sernio&Trinidad Clinic.

When I first thought of asking him about being my partner in this business, I actually doubted that he'd accept it given the fact that he's a successful doctor and one of the heirs of Trinidad. But he did. And I'm glad.

"Nandito na si Doc!" Sigaw ni Helia nang bumaba ako ng Van. I wear a white plain polo shirt and dark pants.

Sumalubong sa'kin ang kumpulang mga tao na agad bumaling sa side ko nang isigaw ni Helia iyon. I glared at him and smiled at the people of San Fernando.

We left Cavite at one in the morning and arrived here at past seven. Malayo ang lugar na ito sa probinsiya namin kaya naman ginugol namin ang pitong oras sa byahe. Ang alam ko ay mayroong itaas na parte pa itong San Fernando kung nasaan naroon talaga ang buhay sa mga bundok pero sa ibabang parte kami ni-locate ng kapitan dahil dito lang nakatayo ang nag-iisang paaralan ng bayan.

"Maligayang-maligaya kami, doc at nabigyan mo ng oras na pumunta rito. Sobrang layo namin sa syudad at hindi ganoon kadali ang byahe patungo rito kaya lubos kaming nagpapasalamat sa kabutihang loob n'yo." Ma'am Zeny, who she introduced herself as one of the senior teachers' right after I arrived, said with so much gratitude.

Pinakilala niya ako sa iba pang guro at lahat sila ay mainit kaming tinanggap sa kanilang bayan. I was already inside the tent to finally start the consultation when she mentioned someone with the name so rare. Napahinto ako at muling binalingan si Ma'am Zeny.

"Doc, may isa pa akong hindi napapakilala sa'yong guro rin namin. Dumating siya rito tatlong taon na ang nakakaraan. Teka lang ho at tatawagin ko si Ma'am Tri."

She walked towards the shadow of an old Narra tree and my feet decided on their own because I followed her.

"Ma'am Tri!"

Agad kong sinundan ang kaniyang tingin at natanaw sa hindi kalayuan ang pamilyar na hubog ng katawan, haba ng buhok, at boses.

"Yes po. Opo. Nandiyan na!" Her voice was playful and lively.

She said something to the children before she turned around to walk toward us. Wearing the teacher's grey uniform, hair being danced by the slow blow of the wind, and olive skin glowing against the bright rays of the morning sun, Tri walks gracefully towards us.

"Ma'am Zeny," She called with her warm voice.

The teacher turned around that gave way for Tri to finally see me clearly. I noticed how her walk slowed down and her eyes widened in surprise. Ang kanina namang normal na tibok ng aking puso ay mabilis na nagwala na tila ba nakikipaghabulan sila.

I...

Is this real?

"Ma'am, this is Doctor Dax. And Doc Dax, this is Ma'am Tri. Ang pinakamasipag naming volunteer teacher."

She stopped three feet away and no matter how obviously near she was, it still felt like she was thousands of miles away from me.

Sixteen years of memories of her came rushing like filmstrips. From the day I first saw her standing near their car during my 7th grade to the day she left me alone in our own home. She's right here, after three years, she's finally right here in front of me.

"Nice to meet you, Ma'am Tri." It feels strange and new yet comfortable and familiar to say her name again—like it was home after years of traveling the world trying to find a new place to belong to only to realize that nothing beats home.

Tri has always been my home. I don't know if she still feels the same, but for the past three years that I was back and forth between losing myself and picking myself up, one thing is for sure. I was homeless until I saw her again.

I held out my hand for her and the familiar warmth of her seeped through me it reached all the parts of me that she owned. My lips quirked and I couldn't contain the happiness arising in my heart.

The three agonizing years without her are nothing compared to this unexpected quick moment I have with her.

"Nice to meet you, too, Doc." She shook my hand and as though we didn't want to let go of each other yet, they remained stuck together.

I met her eyes and, from then and there, I knew this was real.

As long as there are blank pages for another book... there will always be hope for us.

After Helia interrupted us and Ma'am Zeny found out that we knew each other, the children called her at the same time I was called by the other medical volunteers. I walked towards the tent only to look back again to watch her make her way back towards the kids—her students.

I can't help but smile and admire how much she changed.

I knew what her dreams were and I understood why she left; I was hurt but I still love and trust her. And I don't regret letting her go because this is where she was brought. I always believed that she was born to be a teacher. When I first saw her teaching the street kids in our town, I knew this was her calling. I don't exactly have reasons why I love her— I just really did fall in love with her at first sight— but looking at her now, perhaps this is one of the reasons. Not everyone saw the real her: her passion, her dreams, her courage, her bravery. Not even her own parents. I was lucky enough to see it first than anyone else because that's what makes Tri different from any other girls I met. Maybe the reason why I can never love anyone other than her is that the Lord made sure that He would only make one copy of Trishastrea Yael Delavin in the whole universe.

She doesn't know it but she's the most selfless person I ever met in my life. Her drive to help others even when she can't help herself says so much about her— she's a good person and this world doesn't deserve her. But then, the world needs her.

I still love her. In fact, I never fell out of love.

"Para kang tanga diyan." Helia whispered in my ears and I instantly scowled at him.

I knew where we were going when I joined the medical mission last minute, but I didn't know that Tri was residing here. In the past three years, I refused to hear any news from her even though I'm dying to know how is she. I just don't feel like she'd like it if I still talked about her. However, in the past two years, Allison— who visits Helia in the hospital every now and then— always talks about Tri with her boyfriend and I can hear it. And I'm not stupid to not realize that they want me to overhear it. But it never slipped from Helia nor Allison's mouth the whereabouts of Tri. I just know that she's safe and doing fine.

"Time to work, Doc." Helia clapped his hand twice and pushed me towards the table they prepared.

I never said goodbye to her because I still believe in us. I still believe in fate. I still believe that the universe made us for each other. I still believe... and I won't take a single time or opinion to change it. I will trust the promises we shared. I will never stop believing in our forever.

I never loved anyone other than her. She was my first crush, the only girl I ever dated, and the only person I had a romantic relationship with. I never looked at other girls' eyes the way I look at Tri. She's special to me. I know I loved her the first time my eyes met her. But my love for her only heightened and got even stronger as the years went by. And I don't think there will be any chance to get rid of the feelings I have for her. Even when she's far away from me, I can never forget about her. Like my promise, I will only love Trishastrea Yael Delavin forever.

This is the last chapter... but not the ending. I'm so sure of it. 

𝙏𝙊 𝘽𝙀 𝘾𝙊𝙉𝙏𝙄𝙉𝙐𝙀...