CHAPTER 28: HIs Final Goodbyes

GABRIEL’s P.O.V.

Today is the day that I’m going to come back to Singapore. Mom said that she’s going to fetch me up at the airport, so I guess it would be nice if I will go and get something for her. I bought some nice outfit for her made from pineapple leaves and other products that she always craves and cannot be purchased there in Singapore.

As I was going through the marketplace yesterday, I saw a fine necklace with a blue pendant, and that instantly remind me of Erevell. Blue is her favorite color. So I decided to buy it, and give it to her as soon as we saw each other again.

“Gab, are you ready for your flight?” Dad asked as he help me stuff his car with my luggages.

“Yeah. I’m so excited to see Mom again. And I wish you could come with me as well.”

“You know I want to, but I can’t. I need to work here. But I will, soon. Maybe in holiday season.”

“Promise?”

“That’s a promise.”

We both laughed at our cheesy conversation before we hopped inside of his car. Dad is going to drive me towards the airport, and I’m glad that somehow, he find some time to dropped me off before I finally leaves.

“Are you sure you are fine right there?” he asked as he saw me sitting in the backseat.

“Yes, Dad. I mean, airport is a long way to go. I need to get some sleep so I guess the backseat is the best place for me.”

He chuckled, before responding.

“Okay, now I’ve become your driver.”

I just laughed, before resting my head on the tinted window of his car. He started the engine, and as we go along the way towards the airport, I gave Mom an update for her to count the number of hours of my flight. I don’t want her to be too early or late at the airport.

“Texting your Mom?” Dad looked at my reflection through the front mirror of his car.

“Yeah. I just gave her an update. You know, Mom would be too excited to see me that she doesn’t even care about time anymore.”

“Don’t worry. I’ll call her from time to time later to remind her about you flight’s timeframe.”

I nodded, before looking out on the road. I smiled to myself, thinking that I’ve learned to many things in this country. Lessons that I could brought way back to my home to be able to face the different challenges in life with a better and stronger version of myself. I guess for now, what I need to think about is my family... And Erevell, of course.

I instantly came back to my senses as soon as I heard my phone vibrated. We are still a long way from airport but I haven’t got some sleep yet. Though I guess a few minutes of call wouldn’t hurt me that much.

I picked it up, without looking at the name of the caller. I took a deep breath, before greeting this unknown person.

“Hello?”

“Gabriel... I think... We failed.” It was Elijah.

He sounded weird, or maybe I’m just not used to hearing his melancholic voice. I wanted to asked him what happened, but I knew that it was a long story. And before we could even finish our conversation, I would be at the airport by then.

“I’m sorry about that, Elijah,” I apologized.

“Kate... She’s still going to marry Darren... A week from now.”

I don’t know what to say. I feel bad for causing all those pain to everyone. I mean, because of me, everything was wrecked. It was ruined. Claire and Kate’s friendship, Claire and Darren’s relationship, Elijah’s heart... And even his friendship with Darren. I ruined everything.

“But still... Thank you for helping me, Gabriel. Thank you for doing your part. I guess this is how things really work. I mean, we can’t control everything. I’m just glad to know the I could count on you. You helped me when I needed it...” he trailed off, still sounding very sad.

“That’s nothing, really. Besides, it’s my fault in the first place.”

“It’s no ones fault. We just both loved someone that sadly, we can’t have...” I could feel the pain in his voice. “Today is your flight, right? Good luck, Gabriel. And again, thank you for helping me.”

I nodded to myself, even though I know that he couldn’t see me.

“I guess this is it. It’s really my final moments here in this country. I won’t be coming back anymore. I’ve caused too much pain to everyone already.”

He chuckled, before answering me.

“You asshole. Feel free to come back in here any time soon. If only we’ve been together for a longer time, then maybe we could’ve been friends with each other,” he stated.

“Well, thanks for that, Elijah. I’ll keep that in mind. For now, I guess it’s time to bid my final goodbyes.”

“Bye, Gabriel.”

“Bye.”

And with that, I ended the call. I still feel guilty after hearing what happened to Darren an Claire, and to Elijah and Kate as well. But I guess I just need to leave it all up to fate again. I know, someday soon, all of us will finally got the happy ending that we deserved.

I rested my head on the window, before I slowly fell asleep. When I woke up, we are finally in front of the largest airport here in Metro Manila. Dad is unloading the car with my luggages, before he knock on the window, making me fully alert of what’s happening right now. We have arrived at our destination. In just a few hours of trip, I’m going to see Mom and Erevell again.

I pulled myself together, before hopping down the car. Dad looked at me from head to toe, before chuckling to himself.

“You look very exhausted, son. After you arrived at home, you should take a good and long rest from everything. I’m extending your leave from work. Use your time wisely, okay?”

I smiled, before thanking him.

“Thanks a lot, Dad. That’s a good thing to hear. I guess I’ll spent that time for myself as soon as I arrived in there.”

“Good. And find some girls if you like to.”

I laughed, as he gave me an awkward half-hug. He patted my back, before letting me go.

“Go on, thanks for visiting your old man. I’ll see you again next time, son.”

I nodded, as I pull alongside with me my luggages. Dad waved his hands on me, and I did the same as I took out my passport. After doing all the process that needed in order to travel back home, the security finally allowed me to board on the plane.

After finding a nice seat, I grabbed my phone, before texting my bestfriend, Erevell.

“Wait for me. I’m coming home.”

I don’t know why I said those words, but after that, I finally turned off my phone, waiting for our flight to start.