IT WAS LUNCH TIME. "Oh, tapos na shift mo?" I asked after he sat across from me.
He nodded before closing his eyes. He look so tired. "Anong gusto mo for lunch? Sagot ko na,"
"Anything. You know, I'm not maarte when it comes to food,"
"Okay. Iwan muna kita ulit, balik lang ako sa kusina,"
He came back after a few minutes. He served us a pork cutlet with mushroom soup and green salad on the side.
"Thank you for the food," we said in unison.
"Isn't this fancy? Baka mamaya, ibawas 'to sa sweldo mo,"
"Hindi naman. Saka kailangan natin ng heavy meal para sa biyahe,"
I stopped chewing my food. My eyes widened as I try to hide my excitement. "Sasama ka sa outing ng barkada? You told us, hindi ka makakasama kasi busy sa diner?"
"Alin d'yan ang gusto mong unahin kong sagutin?" He paused for seconds. He grinned before continuing. "Joke lang. But yes, and yes. Yes, sasama ako sa outing. Ready na nga ako, e. Nandyan na gamit ko. And yes, busy sa diner, pero kaya na raw nila. Nagpaalam ako na magleave ng dalawang araw. Pumayag naman kaagad si boss, kailangan ko na raw mag-unwind. Saka pwede naman akong bumalik dito kung kinakailangan."
Later on, he bid a goodbye to his boss and co-workers. We rode his motorbike to meet our friends.
Erish greeted us. "And you two are late! Kimi! Tara na, kayo na lang ang kulang at lalarga na!"
Thankfully, we arrived safely. We went inside the house and I immediately went into one of the rooms. I'm so sleepy. I was awake for the whole ride. That was four freaking hours! I blame it on him for making my heartbeat race above normal when he rested his head on my shoulders earlier.
I was awakened by the cold night. I wrapped myself in a blanket, but it didn't help. I got up, went to the window, and opened it slightly.
The night is so peaceful. The smell of nature feels like home. I wish we could stay longer.
I went down and saw him sitting on the couch in the living room. He looked up to see me and smiled.
The couch is just right for the two of us. I rested my head on his lap and closed my eyes.
"Antok pa? Tulog ka lang. Gisingin na lang kita mamaya. Kalalabas lang din nila para maghanda ng hapunan. Nagpaiwan ako kasi wala kang kasama dito," I nodded as a response. Not long enough, I felt he's caressing my head.
After dinner, I decided to walk near the sea. I hugged myself to keep myself warm. Then I saw him, preparing a cloth to sit on, there were also cans of beer. I walked near him.
He stood up and faced me. "Uy, ang galing ng timing. Babalik pa lang sana ako sa loob para sunduin at ayain ka," he scratched his nape. "Tara, maupo na tayo,"
He opened a can of beer and handed it to me. "Hindi ka nga pala beer person, ano? 'Yan lang kasi available, e."
"It's okay, I don't mind. Wala rin naman akong plans magpakalunod sa alak. So, this is fine," I answered before drinking.
There was a silence between us while watching the scenery. The moon shines so bright, the stars are blinking, twinkling, the sound of waves . . . Everything's just right.
I sat beside him and rested my head on his shoulder. I felt his arms around my waist. "Alam mo naman ang history ng pangalan ko, ano? That my parents named me Mirko. Yeah, it's too childish for a twenty something year old guy,"
That's so out of the blue. I took a sip. "Nope. I think it's cute and unique. It feels like, it's a sort-of reminder, for you, to not forget your inner child. And as you grow older, for them, you're always their baby. That you can be as playful as a seven year old child."
