"So, Rain, baby, just let me do this."
He then pulled Rain to stand.
"I told you, you do not have to do anything, you do not even have to move."
Taylor then stepped closer and caressed Rain's face as he observes every detail of Rain's face.
"Just st...
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"We will be leaving for Manila tomorrow. I hope you had a good time joining our activities." Theo said while leaning backward on his elbow on the beach at Blue Lagoon.
Theo and his friends stayed for two weeks in Pagudpud. Now that they are in the last 2 days of their vacation, they decided to stay at a resort in Blue Lagoon beach. This beach in Pagudpud is famous for its wavy waters which is ideal for those who are fond of surfing.
"Thank you for always including me in your activities. I really had a nice time." Rain sincerely thanked Theo.
Rain felt it's a big waste if he let Theo exit his life just like that, so he decided to continue his friendship with the other guy.
"Let's meet up for coffee when I go back to Manila. Anyway, I have your number, so I'll let you know when I'll be back." Rain assured Theo.
Rain and Theo's looking at the setting sun. Theo's been teaching Rain to surf for a few days now, and earlier today, Rain was able to ride the waves successfully. It is exhilarating and liberating. While he was atop the board, he never had to think of Taylor, all he cares about is his bent knees as he balances himself on the board. He never had to hide his tears because the water will wash it away. He never had to feel the pain of heart break because his heart will beat strongly for the excitement of this sport. So, he cannot for the life of him understand why Fallon's not a fan. Rain suspects that any board related sport will be thrilling for him.
"Tell me, are you on the way to mending that broken heart of yours?" Theo interrupted his musing as he pointed at Rain's chest when he asked the question.
Rain sighed and paused for a few moments to think about it, "I don't know. Maybe? I still miss him...All the time. But now I think I hurt a little less here." Rain pointing at his chest. "Maybe the joy of joining you all the time helped. At least now, I no longer wake up in the middle of the night with tears in my eyes. It used to happen every night up to about a few days ago."
Theo nodded and resumed watching the sunset.
***
Rain and Hunter sent Theo and his friends to Laoag airport before they are to drive back to Saud. As they reached the airport, Theo waved at his friends gesturing for them to go ahead of him.
"I guess this is a temp goodbye? I will see you in Manila when you're back." Rain nodded at Theo's statement.
Theo's studying IE not too far away from Rain's uni. Theo's school is located at the walled city of Manila, one jeepney ride from Rain's Spanish era founded univ. So, meeting each other will not be a problem.
Theo gestured a one arm embrace at Rain. Rain moved nearer and gave Theo a brief but sincere hug. They patted each other's back before letting go. Theo then walked to the direction of the airport entrance and waved one last time.
Rain and Hunter waved back before they went back inside the car and travelled back to the resort in Saud beach.
***
Rain spent the next few days just wandering around Saud beach. Sometimes, he will join Hunter's outings with his friends, but he mostly spends his days at his special spot under the shade of the coconut trees, by the stranded boat.
Rain would from time to time examine his feelings and ask himself, "Am I over him?" and he realized that if the answer to that question remains a resounding No, he cannot consider himself healed.
After a few days, Forest asked Rain's help in running the resort. Since it's the peak season, the resort is quite busy. Rain accepted Forest's invite to help around the resort. Forest happily assigned some of the work since they are clearly shorthanded during peak season.
Rain's primary duty is to drive around guests that arranged for tours around Pagudpud. Rain served as both driver and guide for the guests. Sometimes the tours will even reach Ilocos Sur since Vigan and other areas around are also popular spots for tourists.
When the resort's driver is also busy with other activities, he will accompany Hunter in picking up guests from the airport and sending them back as well.
Despite the very social nature of the tasks assigned to him by his cousins, Rain grew more aloof and cold compared to the previous version of himself. He always reminds himself that he's just here temporarily. Aside from his cousins, there is no need to be too attached to those he will eventually leave.
When he's free from his duties, Rain prefers to spend it alone in his spot under the shade of the coconut trees where the stranded boat is located.
Before Rain noticed it, more than a few months has passed.
A few physical changes happened in those few months. He's more tanned now, a beautiful light brown that compliments his eyes. He also gained a bit of flesh with all the physical activities around the resort, not overly muscular, just more toned arms and flatter, more defined abs.
Rain's hair has grown longer, enough for a messy manbun. He also had both of his ears pierced from Hunter's encouragement. Currently, a small hoop adorns each of his pierced ear.
One day, the artist that did Forest's ink visited the resort. Rain instantly liked the artist's creation as he showed Rain some photos of his work on his phone. Rain later decided to get a tattoo on his right shoulder blade. The design looks a lot like two swan heads intertwined, forming a heart where the top is not completely connected.
One night, Rain woke up from a beautiful dream. He was driving around with Masey when suddenly the car acted as if it has its own mind. Masey drove him to a plateau and stopped a couple of meters away from the edge. Rain got out of the car and sat at Masey's hood looking at the view near the edge. Masey then started talking, 'I thought you were supposed to get custody of me? Why'd you leave me?' When Masey did not hear any reply from Rain, it continued to taunt Rain 'Are you scared to see him again? Will you let one dumbass prevent you from exploring all the wonderful things this world has to offer?'
Rain woke up at that point. He changed to a sitting position and crossed his legs Indian style. He inhaled a couple of times and asked himself THE question 'Am I over him?'............... 'Maybe.'
