“You Said It Goodbye” is a coming-of-age teen drama that explores the emotional highs and lows of school life, first love, friendship, heartbreak, and personal growth. Set in a realistic environment with relatable characters, this story captures the bittersweet experiences of youth and the challenges of saying goodbye to innocence, expectations, and the people we once knew. Perfect for fans of heartfelt drama and character-driven narratives, it delivers a genuine look at the teenage journey. Through engaging dialogue and vivid storytelling, “You Said It Goodbye” immerses readers in the real struggles and quiet triumphs of adolescence. Whether you’re looking for a story that reflects your own school life memories or want to be moved by an authentic teen drama, this piece offers a touching and thoughtful read. Join the journey and experience a story that speaks to the heart of growing up.
Chapter 1
Malasain Bulak. People can't pronounce it correctly so I told them to just call me Sain. Well, of course, youth in countryside are just hardheaded as the trunk of an old gemelina tree. They keep on saying, "Hey Malas (bad luck), climb that mighty guava tree!" If only I could smack their grinning faces. They clearly like to call me 'Malas' which means 'bad luck' just to piss me off. And who would be happy to hear someone call you like that? I sighed. Thankfully, no one will make fun of me again because today is my first trip to Cebu, my dream city. I know, I had to adjust... and adjust. My elder cousin said that life in the province is quite different from the life in city. Province is well, simple. As they believed. But for the past years, my province life was far from being simple. I hate the dirt, the place, the people, and the life in the countryside. That's why I'm feeling thrilled even though I'm leaving my hometown. My lips pursed into a thin line as I watch those farmers planting crops in the wide plantation of Calape, Bohol. The green scenery is overwhelming and I had to close my eyes for a while. Maybe, I'll miss the refreshing view of rice plantation, or maybe the fresh smell of flowers in my grandma's garden... or my childhood frienemy, Lester. Nonetheless, I'm excited to see Cebu for the first time! I smiled and opened my eyes again. The sun is creeping on the horizon and the afternoon breeze fanned my face. My fingers burned for a touch of dandelions but I closed my fist to contain myself. It is my tradition to feel the wild dandelions with my fingers during sunset. I don't know why but those dandelions can rip through my soul. It is as if I am connected to them... to the nature. I smiled bitterly. The faint smell of rain in the forest brings back those old memories. I firmly closed my eyes. Why is this so sudden? The rush of memories keeps on nagging me, stopping me from leaving this old town. I audibly sighed. I whispered words of comfort. At least, I can finally live the city life I've been dreaming of since day one. I'm freeing myself from this difficult life. I've grown bored of this province and in this way, I can escape my family's poor choices. "Tubig! Kinsay ginahan ug tubig!" (Water! Who wants water?) A boy in his twenties passes through my side while selling a bucket of bottled water. I ignore his presence but his butt come in contact with my shoulder when he bend his body to get some coins in his pant's pocket. "Inja sa, ser." (Wait up, Sir). He then look at me and offer me an apologetic smile. "Sorry, Miss." I faintly smiled at him. He moved on the next, leaving me sighing on my seat. After an hour, the bus come to halt. I grabbed my belongings and make my way out of the bus. The cold night breeze of Tubigon fan my face. I smiled bitterly. I looked around and memorize the picturesque. "Miss, excuse me." I stepped aside and let the woman pass. I sighed and decided to walk towards the port. I already got my ticket so I just have to go inside the port's terminal area. There was not a lot of passengers tonight. The noisy air conditioner at the top and the low volume of flat-screen monitor on the upper part of the center aisle of the room lingered on my ear as I walk towards the exit. It's time to go. My ticket was an economic type so the man instructed me to go at the lower deck of the ship. The upper deck is for business or those passengers who had paid the higher price of a ticket. I looked at the open door towards the business class before walking to economy class. I saw quite a number of teenagers like me who were sleeping in their chairs. And there are also middle-aged man and woman, whom I thought were couples, eating and happily chitchating with each other. Without a word, I sat at the far end seat of the Aisle just beside the window. I looked outside the window where I could see the seawater glistening the under the bright afternoon sun. Then I worry about what awaits me at the port of Cebu. My elder cousin said that he will fetch me after his class, which is six in the evening. If I recall correctly, the travel time between Bohol and Cebu is just an hour and thirty minutes depending on the ship you're boarded to. So I need to wait at the port for a few hours. "Walay naglingkod diri?" (Is this seat taken?) Someone suddenly asked that made me snapped my head at the Aisle. A boy, in his late teens, asked. He smiled when our eyes met. *Badump* What an alluring guy. I shook my head. "No. But you should check you ticket. Everyone has a seat assigned to them," I kindly reminded him. "Nah. This is my seat number. Here, take a look," he said and showed me his ticket. I raised my eyebrow. "Then why did you ask me?" He chuckled. "You seem sad. So I thought you need a distraction," he said before taking his seat beside mine. So much for his good looks. This guy is kinda sus. I just turned my head to the window and silently waited for the ship to start sailing to the Cebu straight, the vast waters that separates Bohol and Cebu. I didn't know when did I fell asleep, but I woke up to find my head was leaning against a guy's shoulder.
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