Para kay Isla,

Race

2013, November

Do you remember how you used to be my greatest running competitor back in our highschool PE days? We were both the School's pride. Nakaabot pa nga tayo ng National High School Sports Track competition, 'di ba? 

Well one day, while I was in the foster house arranging my stuff, I heard a knock on the door. I opened it, and nakita kita dressed in gym clothes and running shoes. "Tara?" habang tinuturo mo 'yong kalsada.

Naaalala mo pa ba iyong highlands malapit sa foster house na tinirhan natin during Immersion kung saan madalas tayong tumatambay for the view? At that time, when you invited me out for a run, gusto mong bumalik doon. We seldom spent time together since "Ced" happened so I said yes. I then followed you outside after changing into running clothes. 

We first began with a friendly pace, like a light jog. Habang papalayo tayo nang papalayo sa foster house, we quickened our pace to a full-on jog. My legs started to feel heavy after some time kaya hindi ko namalayan when trees broke out in a clear-cut precipice. We ran our way up the remaining trail. Sprinting to bouncing to walking. Soon enough, naabot natin ang ating destination. We stopped to take in the view.

Array of mountains hunkered together under the heavenly communion of violet, pink, and orange hues. Sunset, our favorite time of the day. 

"Jann, may sasabihin ako sayo," 

I knew right away it had something to do with Cedric. But I said nothing. Tinignan lang kita.

"Ced asked me if pwede ba siyang manligaw," you added.

"Gusto mo ba siya?" tanong ko.

"Oo?" sagot mo sa akin.

"Hindi ka sure?" dagdag kong tanong.

You smiled as you lowered your head. 

At hindi na ako nagsalita ulit. We silently walked back to the foster house just before dinner. We spent the remaining hours of the night sitting outside on the veranda, sipping tea.

"Masaya ka ba, Isla?"

You took a moment, then responded, "Sobra."

And I took that as a confirmation.