Ink and Prints

Chapter 38.5: Thoughts

Sometimes our mind thinks about
The world in its beauty
Those thoughts however,
May cause destruction in their own rite

-

I stared at Soleil because of her statements. "What do you mean that your voice should be familiar?" Her blank face curved into a smile as I asked her. "Nothing."

That got me wondering if they even have a connection in the past. I mean that's not far away from the truth, Lumi did spend a fair amount of time in Manila after all. "Luna, kunin mo na muna laptop mo, 'di ba mag-uusap pa kayo ni Lumi sa SB?" she said to probably let me get out of my thoughts.

I went back to my own room to get some things. I also took out my black cardigan in order to somehow ease myself in relief.

As I went out, Soleil was waiting for me at the sofa. She seems to be quite silent. "Let's go, Luna?"

We ventured out into the evening. She seems to be quite familiar with where to go. They did go out while I was simply sleeping the whole time.

"Mukhang gumala ata kayo kanina, Soleil, ha?" I asked to break the silence.

"Ikaw kasi ang sarap ng tulog mo, e." She then let a light chuckle out.

I just kept walking and walking. The empty streets are somehow comforting. The streetlights provide a relaxing ambiance. The Philippines at this hour seems to be more haunting than comforting, but by the entire mood of this area, you can tell the difference—by this alone, you know that you're not in the same place anymore.

"So, paano mo kilala si Lumi?" I broke the silence between us once more.

"Hmm. I just met him sa Manila noong nag-stay pa siya doon. He worked for the Cultural Center of the Philippines, 'di ba?"

"Yes."

"Juano, Yumi, and I would often go out and watch some plays after our long study sessions for our Master's. And somehow we watched one of his plays—he was very hands-on with what he did."

Is that it? By the tone of her voice, I can tell that there's something more to her own statements. I noticed the impulses in her body. Her hands lacking enough gesture, her eyes being iffy. Wha are yo hiding from me, Soleil?

"Ah, I see." I don't know what to do by now. I'm just gonna get haunted by my own thoughts.

"Don't think too much about it, Luna. You shouldn't stress too much about it." A smile gleamed from her face.

Our walking session eventually led us to the area where our destination is. The once ambient streets shifted into a busy area. The city never actually sleeps, huh? How different.

We simply went into Starbucks and Soleil asked me to pick out a seat while she orders for us. That was sort of a relief because I don't like ordering—it's kinda tiring for me. But when I'm with Lumi, I always order; he's a shy li'l boy he is.

"Luna, I forgot to ask you kung anong gusto mo." Soleil ran back from the counter.

"A venti chocolate frappuccino for me and a blueberry cheesecake."

"Any more?"

"Wala na. Thanks, Soleil." I smiled at her.

"Okay, be right back."

I opened my laptop which I was holding, and I connected it to a wifi network. I immediately went to facebook and chatted Lumi. I also put my headphones on in order to prepare myself for the call to come.

You:
Hey, do you know someone named Soleil?

Lumi:
Soleil? She's someone from Manila.