PARALLEL UNIVERSE: “Hold my hand while we stroll around the city during sunset hours.”

She rushed to the building, one hand holding the coffee and the other is carrying a huge bag of books authored by Lang Leav. Her breathing was rapid, her walking, brisk. Her dishevelled hair were all over her face and she tried to brush them off. Then it happened.

She bumped into him. He was also holding a paper cup. It was surely a coffee too. It took them a millisecond before they recognized each other. “Hey”, he said, the usual conversation starter. “Oh, Raf. ” Tick tock “have to go, bbye” she was so full of excitement on seeing Lang Leav on the 11th floor of the Makati building but as soon as the elevator opened, the known author went out, surrounded by security guards and one secretary.

Her shoulders dropped. She didn’t made it. She made a u-turn when he met her halfway “Look. They’re calling you back” she turned her head around and saw Lang Leav waving at her. Without hesitation, she ran and took the books out of the bag. “Madame, I’ve been waiting my whole life for you to personally sign it.” Before the author can reply, he interrupted “Xcuse me, can I take you two a picture” she hastily combed her hair with her fingers and her arms went around Lang Leavs waist. The author returned the gesture. He took two shots and said his thank you.

She bid goodbye to her favorite author, too dizzy for the ecstatic encounter, she almost forgot that she was sharing the same roof of the hotel with the guy who gave her her second heart break. The guy who is way out of his league. “Case! Would you like to grab some coffee nearby? Sige na, so I can send you the pictures na din. My treat.” She hesitated, but just like meeting him in OKC, it is a one-in-a-million chances to have coffee with him. She wouldn’t pass up the opportunity. “I. Would…. love too. Sure.” She gave him a fast, awkward smile. They walked toward the cafe and took a seat. He stood then asked, “what coffee do u usually drink?” she looked at the counter for a second, unable to see the menu on the flat screen tv, she said “Iced Americano will do”. “Would you like to add some espresso shot?” he asked again, which she replied, “One shot is fine. Thank you.” He went to the counter, and she took the opportunity to stare at his back.”Is this parallel universe?” Definitely, it is not. She is still the same awkward girl he met three years ago. The pimples may be gone, the hair blonde, and she got braces on her lower teeth, but still, awkward. And him, still the same perfect guy. Gentle, brilliant, and confident. A few minutes later, he came back carrying a tray of heaven. And by heaven, it means coffee and macaroons.

She bit her lip before she uttered her thanks. She grab the coffee and took a short sip, “saan dito ang work place mo?” she asked while smiled a little. “On the 18th floor”, he said while pointing out the building where they met. “So ‘heaven’ is near, huh?” He laughed. “Yes, this is where I usually stay during long breaks. I tasted all their coffee here na nga din. hahaha” She laughed a little and thought that he is still the same Rafael. Real good in steering conversations. “Where do you stay?” he asked, “Piaza Glorietta. I’ll be staying here for two weeks. We have a seminar kasi.” She replied completely because she knew that the next question would be “what are u here for?” they chat about the this and that. Are you still watching wrestling matches? Yes. She answered. But the truth is she's not that updated anymore. But she review the matched for two nights before flying to Manila, holding on to that little hope in her heart that they will meet here by chance. And she wanted to hug her inner intuition right now. He also asked what is she currently reading and before she can respond he laughed and said “Ah. Lang Leav.” They both laughed. She blushed a little because she remembered the Goodbye Letter in her blog. But he doesn’t seem to care. “He doesn’t even remember a single phrase for sure” she told herself. It sent relief on her mind, but deep in her heart, she felt a pang of sadness. She’s that nothing to him.

After almost an hour, he sent her the pictures. Oh how she wished he forgot it so she can have a chance to message him again on IG. But how can he forget? He was not preoccupied with her presence anyways. “Don’t look at me when I look at you” that lyrics of Reese Lansangan played on her head as he look at her and said “would you like to take a walk hangang sa condo mo?” he looked around. It is sunset hour and sheepishly grin at her. Okay, atleast he  remembered. She said to herself. It took her seconds before she nodded in agreement. Again, he smiled and lifted his hand in front of her. Confused, she looked at him. But he didn’t say a word. His hand was steady in front of her. Ah, the blog again! “In that universe, hold my hand while we stroll the city during sunset hours” This time, she smiled genuinely at him and shook her head. He smiled ruefully, amusement is playing in his eyes. “What?” she said, laughing. This time his hand  was inches away from her face. She will never let this chance slip away. This may not be the “universe” she wanted but this is another magic. You’ll get hurt later. Her ego said. “Naah, I don’t mind. I’d rather fall and be hurt than regret it my whole life.” She placed her hand on his and together, silently, they walked. The warmth of the sun rays and its lighting effect added to the magic of that hour…… She will never forget this.

"via @agastopia

And after all

these years,

even after all

the heartaches,

seeing you again

made me

remember that

my love for you

will always flow

like a river,

I couldn’t

pull it back.

I couldn’t

make it stop.

— ma.c.a // It will never go away

*I Was Made for Loving You plays in the background*