One Single Memory

Kabanata 27

Since we're having a hard time dating secretly at home, we have decided to take a short vacation outside the city. Iyong malayo sa pamilya at mga kaibigan. Malayo sa panghuhusga o panunukso. Not that we're ashamed of what we have. It's just that it isn't the right time yet. As if it won't be exposed though.

"How did you discover this place?" I asked Priam as my eyes wander around.

Sa isang lumang bahay kami pumunta sa isang malayong probinsya. The house is a big bungalow type and made of wood. Though mukhang matibay pa naman, hindi maipagkakaila na luma na ito dahil sa mga kasangkapan pero mapapansin pa rin ang kalinisan.

"Dad and I used to go here when I was a child. Bahay ito ng kakilala niya." Inilagay niya ang dala naming duffel bag sa lumang sofa.

"So where are they now? Bakit wala yatang tao dito?"

"Meron. Mang Felipe takes care of the whole ranch." Umupo siya doon at tinapik ang tabi.

Tumango tango ako at lumapit, umupo rin sa tabi niya.

"So where is he? Alam niya bang darating tayo?" Sumulyap ako sa kanya.

He nodded.

"At okay lang sa kanya?"

"I already talked to Uncle Frederick. Do you think we'll go here unprepared?" Nagtaas siya ng kilay.

Ngumuso ako at humilig sa dibdib niya.

"I almost forgot that it's the genius talking. Boy scout na boy scout ah?"

He chuckled and kissed my head.

Nagustuhan ko ang pag stay namin sa probinsya. Ibang iba kasi ito sa nakasanayan ko nang bakasyon gaya ng pagpunta sa mga dagat. Since I'm from Cebu, we used to have vacations in beaches. Ibang iba sa rancho where I can feed animals and run with them. Ride horses freely and swim in the near clear river.

"Priam, let's go see the sunset!" pag aya ko habang nangangabayo kami.

Nasa harap niya ako at siya ang nagpapatakbo no'n. I didn't know he can ride horses too.

"I want to paint it...for memories," marahang sambit ko habang nakatitig sa kanya.

He turned to me and slowly smiled. Dumaan kami sa lumang bahay para kunin ang painting materials niya. Nitong nakaraan tinuruan niya rin ako kung paano magpinta at tumugtog ng piano pero pagpipinta ang nagustuhan ko. Lagi niya kasi akong pinagtatawanan kapag tumutugtog ako dahil sa pasaway na kamay ko na hindi maturuan.

We sat on a mat laid on the grassy hill. Nakahilig ako sa dibdib niya habang ipinipinta ko ang papalubog nang araw sa malayo.

"How is it?" Nilingon ko siya at ipinakita ang nagawa ko.

"Not bad," aniya at ngumisi.

The sun rays striking on his face makes my heart flutter. Umihip ang malamig na hangin kaya kinuha niya ang blanket at ipinulupot sa amin. I put down my small canvas and we cuddled until the sun set in the horizon.

Nothing is more joyful than having Priam in my life. He was my best friend turned lover. And even we're together, our friendship grew each time we get to know each other more. Pakiramdam ko habang tumatagal, mas lalo naming minamahal ang isa't isa. Maybe because we grew up together and have known each other's many sides. He has seen the worst of me and I have seen the most vulnerable in him. And we accepted it. We loved our flaws and differences. Though we haven't had the best start, I'm pretty sure we'll have the best ending.

"Oh ha! Look! Kamukhang kamukha mo 'di ba?" Ipinakita ko ang sketch ng mukha niya na ginawa ko.

Weeks have passed and we're already home. Nasa portiko kami ng mansyon nila sa likuran at nakaupo sa wooden bench.