If I Let You Go

Chapter 11 - A prelude to the storm

The group did a lot of activities while in Bora since providers usually offer package deals when you choose more than one activity. Parasailing, banana boat, island hopping and crystal kayaking.

They also maximized the use of the pools. At one point, Rain and River were roughhousing each other when River accidentally tripped Rain and he fell on the shallow end of the pool.

Taylor who's at the other end of the large pool swam so fast to join Rain.

As soon as he reached Rain, he inspected his head and other exposed area of his body. "You okay? Anything hurt?"

Rain shook his head No. "I'm fine. No injury, I promise."

River also jumped into the pool and turned Rain from side to side. "I'm sorry Rain. Did not mean to trip you." she apologized.

Taylor bends his head sideways to peek at Rain's lowered head so he can look into Rain's eyes. Taylor then slightly reprimanded Rain, "Please stop physically teasing each other. It may hurt you one day." Rain nodded meekly.

Taylor also heard Archer reprimanding River. "Hon! That was dangerous. What if Rain hit his head? What if it's you who fell?"

***

Rain's usual pale color turned into reddish lobster by their last night on the island. They were to dine at a Chinese restaurant just at the beach side exit of their resort. This made Rain excited because he loves dimsum and he only had fruit shake offered at the pool bar as lunch.

The restaurant's packed so they opted to seat outside on the restaurant's veranda.

Rain ordered 2 kinds of dumplings plus an order of hakaw and an order of siomai then told the others to add some if they want additional dimsum. Taylor frowned when he heard Rain placed his order. "That's a lot of dimsum. Are you sure you can finish that?"

"Have you only met me yesterday? You know I can finish that and if not, twin glutton is on my right side to save me." Rain pointed at River who gave him an offended look.

The others ordered main dishes to share.

Their meal progressed happily. They're having desserts when someone approached their table.

"Didn't expect to see you here Taylor." Amante, Taylor's older brother said. He then turned to Rain and introduced himself. "Hello. I'm Amante, Taylor's older brother."

Rain, Ash and Archer all stood up and shook hands with Amante. Taylor and River remained sitting, but River waved as hello to Amante.

Ash invited Amante to sit with them for a while. Amante seated himself and had small talk with Ash and Archer.

Rain noticed that Taylor has not said a word since his Kuya approached them. There is also a noticeable tension in the way Taylor's holding his utensils.

After a few minutes, Amante glanced at the indoor area of the restaurant and said, "I'll leave you guys to your meal. My group's food's been served." He then turned to Taylor and Rain and said, "It's nice to finally meet you, Rain. Taylor, I'll see you in Manila."

Taylor never said a word, not even a nod to acknowledge that he heard what his brother said.

The next morning, they woke up to a thunderstorm. Their flight back to Manila is scheduled to depart at 9:00 in the morning so they got ready early.

At Caticlan airport, the rain started falling heavily. Taylor's been noticeably quiet. Rain decided not to further ruin the mood and just ask him about it when they reach Manila.

As they were claiming luggage at the carousel, Rain told Taylor that the Hidalgo's driver will send them home. Taylor looked at Rain seriously and touched Rain's cheek. "Let them send River, Kuya Fred and I will take you home."

Rain puzzled, still agreed.

The heavy rain followed them all the way to Manila. As soon as they were seated at the back of Taylor's suv, Taylor placed his arms over Rain's shoulder and positioned Rain's head to lean at the junction of his arms and shoulders.

After they have travelled a while, Rain noticed that Taylor's a little bit clingy during their drive home. Holding is hand tightly, sometimes hugging him while rubbing his head or arms and kissing the top of his head twice or thrice.

When they entered Rizal, the rain has stopped but the sky remained gloomy. As they were about to turn into Rain's street, Taylor started talking.

"Rain baby, I will be very busy for the next couple of weeks. I may not be able to see you."

Rain although a bit sad, nodded at this.

When the car stopped right outside Rain's gate, Kuya Fred seeing Taylor's sign, got out and left them inside the car.

Taylor hugged Rain once more and kissed him on his head. "Rain, this trip made me happy. I wish I can always spend time with you."

"Then let's travel when we both have free scheds." Rain said against Taylor's chest. He felt Taylor nod at this.

Taylor freed Rain from his embrace and fiddled with Rain's hair as he said, "Study hard, ok? Tone down your naughtiness and quit teasing River. She cares about you a lot so don't purposely annoy her often."

Rain smiled and nodded. He's a little bit concerned because it seems like a storm is brewing in Taylor's eyes. However, he forgot about it in the next second because Taylor suddenly bends his head slightly sideways and captured his lips for a long and tender kiss. It lasted quite a while, as if Taylor's savoring this kiss. It was so gentle and beautiful that it almost brought tears to Rain's eyes.

Taylor then placed his forehead on Rain's forehead and closed his eyes.

After a while, Taylor placed his right palm on Rain's left cheek and caressed it with his thumb. He then rubbed both of Rain's upper arms before saying, "Go and have a rest."

Taylor reached over Rain to open the car door for Rain without leaving the car. Kuya Fred opened his side of the car door and sat at the driver's seat.

Taylor waved at Rain before he pulled the rear door closed and signaled for Kuya Fred to start driving.

As Kuya Fred drove off, Rain felt like he's missing something about Taylor's mood, but he just shook his head and walked to their front door.

On the other side, Kuya Fred's looking at the rearview mirror observing Taylor. Taylor's looking at the passing scenery blankly. As if not really seeing anything. Kuya Fred thought, Taylor seems sad for someone who had a vacation with his partner.

***

The rainy season's setting in and this is the start of what Rain calls 'bed weather'. Weather that is suitable for staying in bed.

That night, Rain lay in bed thinking.

'I feel like there is some sort of resolve expected of me. That I should prepare to battle it out with him in the future. As if a storm is brewing, as if instead of the usually enjoyable rainy days, a violent hurricane is about to hit me.