Bewildering Flights with you, Captain

28

TW: Death

"Si Pineda ang setter? Galing niya, men. Pustahan, panalo ulit sila."

"Sino diyan ang Pineda, bro?" Khalil asked me. I pointed at Pineda. "She's tall."

"Taller than your...?" Khalil raised a brow at Contrera, making the latter laugh. "Hey, I'll just greet someone." Xzavien was looking at someone. It was his crush since high school.

When Xzavien left, Khalil and I followed him with our eyes. He didn't greet Ms. Empanada, he fucking sat beside her. What the hell?

"Oh God... How did she do that?!" My attention was again diverted to the court. "Bro, halimaw si Pineda sa court."

"Oh, pakialam ko?" Khalil raised his middle finger at me. "I don't even know why I'm here. Alam mo kung ano ang dapat na ginagawa ko ngayon? Umiinom!"

"Move on, man. Just be happy for Eris."

I stared at the host, only to realize that it was Pineda. Ang dami niyang ganap sa buhay. Kahit saan, nakikita ko siya. She has a calming voice, a contagious smile, and she's energetic.

I unconsciously smiled when Pineda flashed a smile. Khalil looked at me, obviously judging me. My smile faded in an instant. I rolled my eyes when I heard his laugh.

"Tinamaan ka na 'ata kay Pineda, bro." I beg to disagree.

Khalil stopped when Lovelle came back. I draped my arm over her shoulder. I arched my brow when Pineda looked at our side. She raised a brow before looking away.

Damn, there's really something with how she looks at people.

I filmed our travels together. I compiled those videos for our birthday. I glanced at my Ava, only to see her sleeping peacefully. I went to her and fixed her blanket. I kissed her forehead before going back to my position to finish the video. I played it before saving it.

[Ava—A Very Amazing woman who loves exploring things. She explored my world, knowing that she's part of it. Her smile... Watching her lovely smile became a habit. I became a lover. Bewildering flights became bearable with her. To my Ava, please do know that even if countless obstacles delay our flights, having you by my side is enough. Prepare for take-off, we're going to fly together, my Ava.]

I smiled when I saw Ava. She pulled me until we were able to get outside.

"Love, happy birthday," I greeted before kissing her. She looked at me after the kiss like she wanted to say something. "Nasa loob 'yung gift ko sa 'yo."

"Anong regalo mo sa 'kin?" She smiled at me but her eyes were...

"It's your wish-"

"Ahh, akala ko kasi 'yung nalaman ko ang regalo mo sa 'kin." My forehead creased when she said that. "Ang sakit pala... Tagos na tagos.. Alam mo 'yung, ako 'yung kasama mo pero iba naman pala ang hinahanap-hanap mo..." Nagulat ako nang bigla siyang umiyak.

"Love, what's wrong? What's the problem?"

"Ikaw 'yung p-problema. Is it true that you're looking for your ex-girlfriend? That you're looking for Eris?" I couldn't hold her hand anymore when she mentioned Eris. "Totoo nga... Bakit?"