Chapter Thirty-Nine

"But you will come back often and eventually stay here, right?"

There was silence at first. My heart felt uneasy as anticipation swelled inside. Eventually, the silence broke.

"I'll come back." Claire began. "But based on the situation, it might take at least five years."

Five years!?! That's a long time! Can I wait for her for that long? If I did, would it still be the same when she comes back?

"I'll try to visit once a year... hopefully," Claire added. However, it still wasn't enough to make me feel hopeful.

After that bomb-like revelation, other topics were discussed. However, I couldn't bring myself to say anything else. I just listened in. I thought no one would notice, especially when the time for Ryan and I to head home came. However, I forgot how observant the person sitting in the passenger seat is.

"You're awfully quiet..." Ryan said, right at the moment we drove out of the subdivision.

"I just feel a bit tired," I said the answer that sounded the most convincing.

"Oh. Okay." Ryan said. But I had a gut feeling that he wasn't really convinced.

Silence came between us. It wasn't awkward. It was just the sounds of cars running on the road and the air conditioner blowing in chills. Honestly, I liked it.

However, that wasn't the case for Ryan.

"I can't believe Ate Claire is leaving so soon. I thought we could take her to visit Calamba City during the summer."

Just like me, Ryan had already had an attachment to Claire. But unlike me, he sees her as a relative. I, on the other hand, had caught feelings for her.

"It's expected. After all, she has responsibilities as the only heiress." I said trying to sound very accepting of the situation.

"But still... it's just sad that Ate Claire had to go."

"There's nothing to be sad about," I said to Ryan... and my heart. "We should support her decision and not be a burden to her. So, she'll be able to leave without regret."

Did you hear that, Heart? That is what we're supposed to do.

"Yeah... you're right." Ryan agreed.

See, Heart. Even my brother said I was right. I know I'm right. So, please stop hurting now. Please...

On one occasion, I found myself taking a stroll along the bay walk of the Manila Bay. I remembered my first time coming here. This place used to be a wasteland. However, due to the efforts of the government, the bay was restored to its original beauty. Now, this is a nice place to hang out.

Today was the graduation pictorial day. Yes... I'll be graduating. I know. I can't believe it too. But it is true. I, Justin Cyrus Salvador, have completed my bachelor's degree in Psychology. My school days are finally over. I'll be officially entering the workforce. Should I start looking for jobs now?

"Oh, wow! You looked nice. Who knew make-up is all you need to look this good?"

Though she meant it as a playful tease, I can't help but feel abashed at the fact that she indirectly called me handsome. I turned to look at her and began admiring her beauty.

Justine Claire Solistre is definitely the most beautiful woman I have ever seen. Though she was wearing make-up, she still looked natural. Her feminine outfit is what made her so striking today. I really wished I could see her wear dresses frequently. She looked stunning in her royal blue knee-length dress.

"Since I know that is considered a compliment in your vocabulary, thank you!"

"What if it isn't?" She challenged.

"I'll still take it as a compliment. Anyway... you look good! You look like a straight woman when you wear a dress."

Claire looked at me with an eyebrow raised. But, she had an amused smile on her face.

"If I was an overly sensitive person, I'd accuse you of being sexist and homophobic for that comment. But since I'm not, thanks!"

She gave me a laughing smile as she took her seat beside me on the bench. I gave her the burgers and fries I ordered for her. On the other hand, she gave me my milkshake.

We began to talk about what happened during the pictorial. Claire mentioned that the photographer told her that she could pass for a model. I very much agree. However, Claire didn't like the idea as much as the photographer and I did.

After a fit of laughter, we remained in peaceful silence as we watched the sun visually touch the bay. I remembered the last time we watched the sunset together. It was at the top of the Ferris wheel. It was the day we did field research on her project. It was also the day my phone got robbed.

But most of all... it was the day I saw a different side of Claire. I remembered that I used to hate her so much. I used to think she was the one who ruined my life. The evil snake who shattered my relationship and turned my friends against me. I even told Diane that I'd never get along with her cousin. Those times felt like ages ago.

But look at us now. We got along so well. She's the only one I want to spend most of my free time with. Unexpectedly, we became the best of friends. But now... I desired for us to be more than friends.

This is it. I shouldn't put this off any longer. One reason is I can't keep my feelings anymore. The other is that this could be my last chance to tell her.

Mustering all the courage I could, I began to speak.

"Cl-"

I was interrupted by the loud continuous ringing of a phone.

"Oh? Sorry. That was mine. I thought I had it on silent." Claire said as she scrambled to get her phone out of her bag. She even muttered how much she hates carrying a bag. When she finally got her phone, she stared at the caller ID in confusion.

"Who is it?" I asked.

"It's an unknown US number." She said.

After a little contemplation, she decided to answer the call.

"Hello? Who is this?" she asked.

There was a pause as Claire listened to the reply of the caller.

"Oh? Why are you calling me for? Is Uncle Rodney not available?" she said in realization.

Pause.

"Oh? What is it?"

Pause.

"What? What do you mean?" She said raising her voice a bit.

Pause.

"You did what?!?!"

I was startled at Claire's sudden outburst. My curious mind runs into possibilities and scenarios.

"How dare you do that behind my back!!?!"

Claire was now furious.

"We had an agreement!"

There was a long pause. It seems the caller was giving a long explanation. As the seconds went by, Claire gradually calmed down. She listened intently.

"Okay. Fine. I understand. But next time, ask me first before you decide something like this behind my back. If this happens again, I will not let you off."

With that as the finishing statement, Claire ended the call. She let out an exasperated sigh as she put her phone back in her bag. My curiosity couldn't take it anymore.

"Who was that? What did the person do to make you very upset?"

Claire looked at me. Her sad eyes and frown told me that it was bad news.

"It was from the director of the branch office in the US."

Oh? Oh, no! Could it be-

"There's been a change of plans..." She trailed off but only to drop the bomb fast.

"I was set to leave for the US sooner."

Oh no...

"What? How soon?"

Please, no...

"Before graduation day..."

What!?!

"Before graduation day? Wait... they won't even let you attend your own graduation day? Will the school even allow that?" I asked these questions in a panic.

"Apparently, the university admin had already approved of this. They even had my diploma prepared in advance. Even my flight has been rescheduled!"

What a turn of events! Seeing Claire's angry mood, I knew that confessing now would just frustrate her further. I shouldn't be selfish. Right now, Claire needs a friend.

"Hey... it's going to be fine." I began as I tapped her shoulder.

"They really need you there..."

...more than I need you here.

"I know. I just..." she trailed off not sure what to say.

I used that moment to scoot closer to her. I wrapped my arms around her in a comforting embrace. I felt her stiffen in my arms.

"What are you doing?" she asked but with no trace of disapproval.

"Trying to comfort you..."

I was expecting her to make a snarky remark. But she didn't. Instead, she leaned her head on my shoulders. She also placed her hands loosely around my waist. We stayed like this as the sun sinks in the Manila Bay.