The Stranger I Met in Baguio [PUBLISHED]

Day 1

I walked down the session road. Madami akong nakikitang coffee shops and other stores. Pero wala akong mapili kung anong coffee shop ang papasukin ko.

I enjoyed walking a lot and I didn't even know why. But then, I decided to stop and grab a cup of coffee. Una kong pupuntahan ang Burnham park. Since it's one of the famous attractions here and is just across this road. That would be fun. I'll just walk on my way there after getting myself a cup of hot coffee.

I entered a shop named Studio Cafe. Ewan, iyon na kasi yung huling natigilan ng paa ko.

It was a nice place to stay while taking sips from your cup of coffee, but I prefer being outside. I want to walk and walk until my feet gave up. That's what I wanted to do.

Honestly, I am thinking of having fun, enjoy everything, the beautiful nature and the feeling of being alone. But. . . I don't really have a distinct plan. Walang plano. So, bahala na.

"One Americano for take out please," Sambit ko sa isang babae sa counter.

Ngumiti naman siya at agad na nag prepare ng order ko. Ipininatong ko sandali sa counter ang phone ko. It's just a habbit. I remained standing there, waiting for my order when a familiar man came. Tumigil siya sa tabi ko saka naka-ngiting sinabi sa babae...

"Miss, Americano for take out," His voice was so sweet and gentle.

I lifted my head to look at him and that's when I realized I already met him earlier. He's the man I bumped into when I was walking across the hallway. He noticed I kept staring at him so he turned to look at me.

"Miss?" Puna niya sa akin ng naka ngiti.

I was dragged back to reality. Did I stared at him for too long? Baka isipin niyang crush ko siya.

I smiled at him before looking away. My order is ready so, binayaran ko na and ngumiti ulit ng pilit bago ako tuluyang tumalikod.

It was the moment when I pulled the door open when he called for me.

"Miss, naiwan mo," Sambit niya ng maka lapit sa akin. Still with his smile.

He looks so sweet and happy. Sana all talaga. I looked at the thing he's handing me and realized it was my phone. Damn, makakalimutin talaga ako. 'Di ko alam baka pati utak ko may depekto rin e.

"Thanks," Sambit ko sa kaniya at gumanti ng ngiti.

I looked away by trying to look around the busy street. I don't like eye contacts. Unusual kasi wala naman talagang kumakausap sa akin bukod kay Devi. Besides, this cute guy is a stranger. I lifted my hands bringing the cup of coffee on my lips to take a sip of the delicious warm substance in it.

I started to walk slowly.

"Miss, by any chance, papunta ka ba sa Burnham park?" Tanong niya habang sinasabayan ako sa pag lakad.

I don't hate strangers but I don't like them either. Anong malay ko, baka mang-gagansto ang poging ito. O 'di kaya rapist. Well, I'm never sure if he's a real human or not. Baka mamaya masama siyang tao. Ayoko mang-judge pero, it's a matter of safety.

Pero teka lang, Ano bang pake ko sa buhay ko?

I was thinking or avoiding him but I guess, that would be so rude of me when he's not really doing something bad. Mukha naman siyang matinong tao. Ewan.

"Yeah," Tipid kong sagot ng hindi tumitingin sa kaniya.

Tumango-tango siya habang sinasabayan pa din ako sa mabagal na lakad. He's facing me while walking. Hindi siya naka tingin sa daan. Alam ko namang maganda ako. Charr! Kasi kung maganda ako mamahalin ako ng best friend ko. O baka naman hindi iyon ang kaso. Baka dahil sa cold ako at walang emosyon.