"Ate, maraming salamat sa pagpunta," sambit ni Christia.

Pagkatapos naming mag-usap ni Papa ay lumapit sa ‘kin si Christia upang kausapin ako.

"Walang anuman, Chris, and by the way, happy birthday." Nakangiting pagbati ko sa kanya.

"Salamat, ate. Kumpleto na ang kaarawan ko dahil kasama ko lahat ng mga mahal ko sa buhay. Sana hindi ito ang huling pagkikita natin, ate . . ." She looked at me and smile.

Her eyes are puff. I know she cried on their talked. I can see it through her eyes.

"Sana nga . . ." saad ko.

"Ate, please make him happy, since I can't do it. Gusto ko na sana ako pa rin, pero wala, alam kong hindi na. Pero masaya ako . . . sobrang saya ko kasi nakikita ko kung paano ka niya mahalin. Ibang-iba, Ate." I got confuse on what she just uttered. "Sige na, Ate, ingat ka sa pag-uwi ha?" Ngumiti siya muli tsaka ako niyakap.

"Salamat, Chris," iyan lamang ang nasabi ko.

After we talk, I decided to go home.

"Uuwi ka na?" Natigil ako ng tumabi si Colin sa ‘kin habang naglalakad palabas.

"Oo, baka hihintay na rin ako ni Mama," sagot ko sa kanya.

"Can I spent a little time with you?" He asked.

I don't know what's gotten into me but I didn't hesitate to nod as a response.

Naglakad kami papunta sa sasakyan niya, pinagbuksan niya ako ng pintuan at sumakay ako sa may passenger seat. Pinaandar niya ang sasakyan niya at nagsimulang magmaneho.

We stop at the seaside.

Tahimik kaming naka-upo doon habang tinatanaw ang karagatan na nasa aming harapan.

"How are you and Christa?" I asked and remain my eyes at the sea.

"We're okay," he answered. "We already talked."

"I know I am not in the position to asked this, but are you two back together?" I asked. I heard him chuckled. I furrowed my eyebrows on him. "Seryoso 'yong tanong ko ah."

"I know you're serious with your question but didn't I told you that once that person broke me, I will never turned my way back to them. Though, you can be an exemption." He chuckled softly. Naningkit ang mga mata ko sa huling mga sinabi niya.

"Manahimik ka nga!" Suway ko sa kanya. "Puro ka pambobola." Naiiling na dagdag ko.

"Damaris," he called, looking at me straight in the eyes. I became conscious, so I diverted my gaze to the other side. "You've shown me countless things, more than words could ever capture. Aris, to me you are a blessing, a beautiful blessing that came to my life. Thank you for giving me a chance to feel how to love and to be loved again. I like you, Lopez." That froze me. Did he just confess?

"Cute mo talaga 'pag nagugulat." He chuckled again. Tatlong beses ko na itong narinig na tumawa ngayong araw. Wow ang improving.

"Hindi ko alam ang sasabihin ko, uhh . . . thank you?" I replied.

Parang gusto niya pa ulit na matawa ngunit pinipigilan niya ang sarili niya.

"Is that a rejection or an appreciation?" Natatawang tanong niya.

"Huwag mo akong tanungin kasi hindi ko alam, pina process ko pa," walang pag-alinlangan na sagot ko.

"You really are one of a kind," he speaks. "I know it's hard to believe, Lopez, but it's true—I like you, not because you're Christia's sister, but for who you are. You and she are worlds apart, each beautiful in your own way. I’m drawn to you for being uniquely you, Lopez, and that’s what makes all the difference."

"Merry Christmas, Damaris. Time to go home, let's go?" he whispered and stood up. I am still shocked and processing all he just said.

Hinawakan ko ang puso ko. Let's stay strong, please. It's my first time to feel this way.

I beamed as we started walking on his car; I realized something. Colin will always be part of my future stories. From now on, he's part of my poetic treasures, and be the subject of my words.

//