Tranquility Along the Shore (Querencia Series #1)

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T A T E   O L I V I A   G A R C I A

“I’ll pick you up at 7 PM, aight?” he said to me with a big smile plastered on his face as the car stops in front of our gate.

“A-Alright. I’ll just message you later then.”  I replied to him while smiling, but nervousness is evident on my voice.

“Hmm... so I guess I’ll just see you tonight?” he’s still looking at me with awe in his eyes.

His eyes speak so much emotion, kaya’t hindi ko mapangalan kung ano ang mga ito. I just nodded at him as my reply, but what happened next really put me into silence.

“See you later, Liv. I enjoyed it so much today.” he stated as he planted a soft kiss on my forehead.

I can’t still process what really happened today when I am with him because I really thought that he’ll fly back to the Philippines after their concert. I enjoyed every minute with him earlier and I wished that time would stop so that I can spend more time with him just like how he wants to spend his time with me.

Nalilito pa rin ako sa mga kilos na ginagawa niya magmula noong dumating siya dito. The surprises, the efforts – yes, he knows what I feel for him, pero hindi ko rin maiwasan na isipin kung bakit ginagawa niya ang mga ito para sa akin. I want to assume that maybe he does these things because he likes me, but, it’s better not to assume because I know in the end, ako ang talo. Ako lang ang masasakta at ako lang lang ang aasa. Alam ko naman sa sarili ko na Holden is not obligated to give back the feelings that I have for him. Maswerte na lang ako kung maibibigay niya sa akin pabalik 'yon. But now, I am content with the things going on between us. I’ll just cherish these moments coz I know after two weeks he’ll be back to the Philippines again at hindi ko alam kung kailan ulit kami magkikita at magkakasama.

I came back to my senses when he touched my cheeks and made me face him.

“U-Uh so, mauna na ako.” I said stuttering in front of him.

Shit. Hiyang hiya ako sa sarili dahil alam ko na halatang-halata sa kanya ang kaba sa pananalita ko. His presence is intimidating me kaya’t hindi ako makatingin ng diretso sa kanyang mga mata sa tuwing kakausapin niya ako.

Before I can open the car, he immediately went outside and open it for me with gentleness in his actions. He held my hand and guide me pababa ng sasakyan. And of course, nanginginig ang kamay ko pagkakuha niya ng mga ito. I’ll let go of our hands as I get out of the car coz I don’t want him to feel na grabe ang epekto niya sa akin.

“Why are your hands trembling? You okay, hmm?” he asked me curiously.

“U-Uh malamig lang 'yong aircon...” I replied to him while I’m biting my lips because of embarrassment. I know that was the dumbest alibi I made.

“Uh huh? You should have told me para napatay ko kanina, I’ll keep that in my mind next time.” sagot niya. Pero alam ko naman na hindi benta sa kanya ang walang kwentang rason ko dahil nakikita ko siyang ngumingisi. Siraulo.

“So, I’ll go inside now. Ingat ka sa pagda-drive mo. Chat me when you get back in your hotel.” I need to look at him while I am saying those things dahil hanggang dibdib niya lang ako.

Pagkapasok niya ng sasakyan ay binuksan nya pa ang bintana at kumaway sakin.

“See you later, okay?” he shouted softly.