Why Bora was a Bad Idea

The alarm goes off. "Swaying room as the music starts" sans the lyrics. It is 5:00 am. Most of Boracay island is still asleep. I went to the toilet to gargle, wash my face and fix my hair. I hurriedly gathered my things. Of Ricky and Emilio, the latter obliged to get up and lock the door behind me. I went to the beach. I didn't see any boat that looked like it was waiting for a passenger so I asked the guard on duty. He said he'll just call me via intercom when he sees the Fairways boat. Great. Now I have to wake up someone to let me in. The wind was freezing.

At 5:42, I walked to the beach again. Still no sign of the boat. I was already worried. The receptionist arrived at 6 am(with two other people who worked at Heaven resto). The phone rings. It was from Malay mainland's Fairways office. The person informs the woman who also told me that the boat is on its way. I went to order breakfast at the resto. Then two men came and said I was to be brought to station 1 where the boat would be. No breakfast then.

Station 1: There were many people waiting to be boarded across. The Fairways bunch had a little verbal "bout" (who wanted to charter a boat just for 3 guests including me) with the person calling the shots. So anyway, we (with 2 men who apparently were on the same first flight out) left the island at 6:20, an hour before the flight.

Anyhow, was able to fly out of Malay island and landed at 8:20 in Metro Manila. I tried calling to check if I could still go to his house before he leaves for the airport. A few unanswered calls and the phone was turned off. I wonder.

I took a cab to the International Airport. "Wait for me at the canteen. I will see you there at 10:30" was the last thing we agreed upon. I waited for two freaking hours. I discovered before 11 am that he was using his sun sim. I force myself to think that he probably talked with his parentsn so he had to change his sim. Finally a text came "Call me" so I did. To cut the "waiting part" short, I accompanied him to the OFW pre-check in center. While he was having his papers signed or something, I checked the flights. His plane's counter was already open for checking in luggage. On a side note, the guard was a bit rude.

anyway, i instructed him to check in his luggage so we can go to the canteen without them. i again waited. he later sent a text that he had 5 kilos excess so he was going to wait for his companions. so he went out. we went to the canteen (where food is expensive) He had adobo and rice. "Mag-smuggle ka nito" he says with a wry smile. I'm beginning to be very sad. But i didn't want to cry. His travel companions called him on the phone. He gave them instructions on the Pre-Check In thing.

when he was done, i sat beside him. He hugged me and said "i will miss you" Syet. Umiyak na talaga ako. Pero konti lang nakakahiya eh. I was hugging him in public. I told myself "galit na din ako sa gobyerno. dahil sa hirap ng buhay, kailangang niya tuloy umalis." In a few hours, he will be $1200 dollars away (I was texting my travel agent for a quote while I was waiting for him)

Then he reads a text and tells me he has to go and check in his stuff but promises to come back. Sure. For a long time, I will not be able to wait for him like I always do ---made me appreciate those days and nights when he would make me wait, being always at least an hour late. at least noon, alam ko na darating siya in a few hours. So I walk to and from the opposite ends, went to the comfort room to keep the guard off my back (i believe these guards really don't know how it feels to have someone dear to them leave for another country). i informed him that he asks his companions to bring his handcarry luggage with them so it will be more convenient for him later. finally, he came out.Super naiiyak na talaga ako.

I held his hand. A few seconds he slipped it off, placed it on my shoulder, and pulled me closer. A few steps later, he hugged me and i hugged him back. Ang hirap pala talaga. It's now the 13th of feb (it took me this long to write this whole story) and still naluluha ako. I said that i better leave so he can go to the boarding area. I saw a taxi and he opened the door for me. Promise ang lungkot. Parang movie na nagso-slow mo.

I looked back and waited until he was out of sight. Para talagang movie. The only difference is in movies, a few seconds later, "14 months later" will flash on your screen. In real life, 14 months is 14 months not just seconds.

Sabi ni Hazel, wag ako malungkot kasi naimbento ang airoplane not just to fly people to another place but also to bring them back. Sabi ni verl, saktong sakto sakin ang kanta ng orange and lemons na "hanggang kailan." I cannot help but agree with them. Sana makaipon ako ng $1200 para masundan kita. Kahit isang buwan man lang.

Miss na kita. Nasaan ka man.