"My apology," walang emosyong saad niya. He was a striking figure, standing tall with an air of confidence. His sharp jawline and high cheekbones gave him a distinguished look. He was wearing eyeglasses, the kind that made him look like a studious scholar from a science department, yet he carried no books. His glasses framed his piercing eyes, which seemed to look through you rather than at you.
He was dressed impeccably in a long, black suit that fit him perfectly, emphasizing his broad shoulders and lean frame. A navy blue necktie added a touch of sophistication to his ensemble. The suit, combined with his demeanor, made him look like he could be a magician, missing only a top hat to complete the image.
Napailing na lamang ako. "Unchivalrous!" I glared at him and went to Mochi. Wala talaga siyang pakiramdam na nagpatuloy sa paglalakad. Nakasuot ito ng mahabang coat na itim. Kulang na lang ang sumbrero para maging magician.
Mochi, who had been watching the entire scene, looked amused. "When no one knows you, respect is a choice. Marahil hindi ka niya kilala kaya balewala ka lamang," he remarked, shrugging his shoulders.
Napaisip ako dahil doon. Marahil nga kapag hindi ka kilala, sino ka nga naman. Ngunit hindi ko rin naman siya kilala ngunit nanghuhusga na'ko. I saw myself easily judging a stranger.
We went into the coffee shop. Mochi bought two slices of cake for the two of us. Pinanood ko lamang ang mga taong hindi ko kilala ngunit naging pamilyar ang kanilang mukha. Pamilyar sapagkat nakikita ko sila bilang tagapanood ko tuwing nape-perform sa entablado. Nakapatong ang siko sa table upang mahawakan ng aking palad ang aking mukha.
"Why so deep?" he asked, noticing my distant look. Napalingon ako sa kaniya habang nakanguso. Just like a kid who is bored in her life.
"Parang gusto kong lumisan. I want to quit being a ballerina." Humigop ako ng kape at inayos ang aking pagkaka-upo. Abasing myself because of being a ballerina for a decade. I wish to be Odette, but perhaps it's not my time.
Mochi frowned slightly, concern evident in his eyes. "You've been dreaming about this since we were kids. Are you sure you want to give it up now?"
I sighed, looking away. "It's just... everything feels so repetitive. I'm not sure if it's still my dream or just a habit."
"It's up to you, Emory. But remember, sometimes we need a break to realize what we truly want."
Sinamahan ko siya sa kaniyang pag-eensayo ng violin sa music studio. Siya lamang mag-isa sapagkat masyado nang gabi. He also does the same thing kapag ako naman ang nag-eensayo. Hindi siya nanonood sapagkat nagbabasa siya habang naroon sa practice room.
Ang paghampas ng hangin na nagdulot upang mapasayaw niya ang mga puno tila't tinatangay din ang pag-iisip ko sa bagay-bagay na nagpapahirap sa aking kalooban. Tinapos niya nga ang pag-eensayo ngunit tahimik parin siya sa aking tabi. Sinasabayan ako sa paglalakad at dinadama ang gabing kay lamig sa pakiramdam.
"Let's have dinner, Emory." Ngumiti ito sa'kin at inilabas niya ang kaniyang car keys and car remote. That horse in the middle of the car always reminds me na mukhang Ferrari ang gamit ng family niya.
We went to the Chinese restaurant. He ordered his favorite food on the menu. As the waiter asked me, I just ordered the best chicken soup on the menu. Habang naghihintay kami ay dumating ang matikas na lalaki. Naupo ito sa isang table na malapit sa amin. I recognized who this man is. Siya yung bumangga sa akin, seems like he's waiting for someone.
A classic music with tranquility makes me feel calm. Enjoying the place and focusing on Mochi who's in front of me. He was sharing something from his school, so I listened to him.
I took a deep breath. "Madam Leona is here." Dahil sa sinabi ni Mochi, I glanced and I saw my second mother in the theater. Nagtungo ito sa lalaking matikas na walang ekspresyon kanina ngunit ngumiti kay Madam Leona.
"It's been a while, Madam Leona," he greeted the beautiful old lady with gladness.
"How's your expedition?" Madam Leona asked.
"It’s more comfortable to sit, don’t you think?" The man chuckled. Inurong niya ang upuan para kay Madam Leona.
"My journey with my soldiers was challenging. Maybe my next voyage will be the greatest because I decided to be alone." The waiter prepared their dinner on the table. He expressed his gratitude to the waiter through a nod.
"Lalamig na ang chicken soup mo," saad ni Mochi. I almost forgot na nandito na pala ang in-order ko.
"Ms. Emory Magalhaes, you're here!" bati sa'kin ni Madam Leona. Tumayo ako at nakipag-beso. I wasn't prepared for this. Masyado akong nalibang sa estrangherong maginoo ngunit hindi rin.
"Emory? Your name sounds like a memory." Indeed, Mr. Stranger! I smiled at him. Inilahad niya ang kaniyang kamay na aking tinanggap.
"A memory that gives so much to remember."
"I am Sigmund Enrique, milady." He smiled gaily.
"I am Primo Montes. Call me Mochi," pagpapakilala din ng aking kababata.
Mukhang hindi niya ako namukhaan na binangga niya ako. But I felt the gladness in his voice. Inayos niya ang kaniyang salamin sa mata. "You look familiar." Napapitik siya bigla. "My bad, I was rushing a while ago kaya natamaan kita."
I don't need any explanation but he gave one. "Forgiven, sir."
Madam Leona smiled at us. "Would you come with us, Mochi and Emory?" As she invited us, we accepted. She is the one who introduced who I am to Mr. Sigmund.
Sigmund uttered, "That's great!"
"Anyway, Mr. Sigmund is a student. He is studying on the ship while traveling."
Mochi was amazed. "Mr. Sigmund, that kind of education on the ship is rare. However, it's exciting because you are studying in the midst of a voyage."
"Really, so how many countries have you visited?" I asked.
"More than 100 countries. Since I was 6 years old, my father wanted me to know the world while I am young."
From that, I wished I could do the same thing. Wishing na pwede akong maglibot sa iba't-ibang lugar without being imprisoned in the practice room to be a successful ballerina someday. When I went home, I packed all the things that I needed, especially my camera. I want to explore everywhere without hesitation that might occur and will lead my way.
My chosen destination will be my fate. My path is my new journey. It takes hours before I reach the place of serenity. And I need to be brave so I can see the glee of freedom.
Inayos ko ang aking camera before I sleep. Nakahiga ako sa aking kama na buong-buo na ang desisyon na ako ay aalis without a farewell to my family and those who know me. I want to be forgotten like when you throw a bottle in the sea with a letter of loss and goodbye. Matagal pa siguro bago nila malaman. Just like when the bottle is already on the seashore, someone will open it.
I was wondering too if I can study while traveling. Because of the unchivalrous gentleman, I decided to have a new plan; to change the system of my life and existence. Napalingon ako sa aking bintana upang makita ang buwan. Nais kong magpaalam sa aking ama ngunit kahit kailan ay alam kong hindi niya ikatutuwa ang desisyon ko. I know, he was also an unchivalrous man I had ever met. I apologize for that, my father.