When He Loved Me

Ch. 4 A Night Walk

"Oh no, my flight is on the 15th!" I gasped as the news anchor reads out further details about the lockdown of NCR.

I need to get back to Manila, ASAP. I need to re-book my ticket!

"Naku!" Tita Jo exclaimed, realizing my predicament.

"I ought to go now, I need to pack my bags. Thank you so much for the wonderful meal," I said, expressing my thanks to Nico's whole family.

I gave everyone a big hug as I said my goodbyes. Then Tito Nelson remembered that I am alone in our old house and that I probably don't have anything for dinner, so he offered to pack me some of the leftovers.

"It's ok, Tito. I'm already full anyway."

"Oh don't be shy, Liza. Take some." He insisted, taking out a roll of plastic bags and scooping a little bit of everything into its own little bag.

"A few of those will be enough." I insisted.

"Have a bit of this as well. You said you haven't had this in a long while, yes?" He said wrapping a whole fish of sinaing na tulingan.

"I'm leaving tomorrow morning, tonight if I can find a boat to bring me me to Batangas. I won't be able to eat that po." I explained.

He keeps on packing. "Bring it to Manila, then. Or better yet, bring in to New York! Hahahahaha."

I smiled at how thoughtful they were.

"That's enough, Tay. She needs to go." Nico said, making sense amidst all the chaos.

I looked at him and gave him a tiny smile. I mouthed a little thank you but he quickly looked away and started walking out the house.

I followed him as I waved my goodbyes to his family. They gave me another round of hugs and reminders to take care before I was finally able to get out of the house.

Nico was already by the gate and I walked towards him.

"Are you sure you still want to walk?" He asked.

"Well, I'm not so sure. Do you think I can find someone who's willing to take a boat out tonight? Maybe you can drive me to see someone?" I asked, really worried about the effect of the lockdown.

"I'm not sure. I can't think of anyone" he said, looking at the pavement.

Why won't he look at me? I tought. And then I realized that this has been the closest that we've been, and the first time that we've been alone together, in twelve years.

"Oh."

"We can walk, if you still want to? Let's take the baywalk. It's the fastest way to your house from here." He suggested.

I shrugged, not knowing what to think of his suggestion.

"I can think about who can possibly help you while we're on our way," he said and started to walk towards my house.

***

Nico walked briskly and with his long strides, I was struggling to keep up after just a few minutes of walking.

"Nico, wait up!" I shouted, then half ran, half walked the distance between us.

"It's hard to keep up with you, with your long legs and your quick pace." I complained. "I mean, look at me, man!" I said, asking him to consider my less than ideal height.

"Right. Sorry." He said.

"Plus, I'm in heels. So slow down a bit, mister."

"Ok," he said, as he adjusted his pace.