lilies.

62

Kabanata 62

When we landed, we decided to buy clothes first. We came across a vintage store which sells vintage handycam. I find it really cute so I decided to buy one. It has a sd card on it so it's not a hassle.

The first subject I recorded in it was Rai. He was currently paying for it. I took a video of that. Siya naman ang nagbabayad sa lahat. Ni-hindi nga ako nagpapalit ng pera. Sarili ko lang ang dala ko.

Hinabol namin ang huling byahe ng ferry. I feel like I'm on auto-pilot mode. I'm not sure where we're going but I only trust what Rai would tell me. If he said ride the ferry, I will.

I only carry a small tote bag which contains my newly bought handycam, phone, card, and lip tint. The clothes I bought and other things, Rai carries them all.

We settled on the ferry. Kakaunti lang ang nakasakay. Ang ilan sa kanila ay natutulog. Nakatanaw ako sa malayo at ninanamnam ang ganda ng tanawin. I can't believe how calming just to see the blue waters.

Makalipas ang ilang minuto, nilabas ko ang cellphone at handycam para magpicture. Ilang click lang sa cellphone at mas nagtuon ako ng pansin sa handycam. I find it fun to use, it's like a breath of fresh air.

I leaned forward towards the railings. I don't know why I did that. I feel like it would help me record nearer, but I know for sure it won't. Rai snake his hand on my stomach as if protecting me in case I fell over.

"I know a lot of people already told you, but you are really cute in everything you do, Lily."

I do not know how to react. I fight the urge to pout because that will only strengthen his claim that I am really cute. It is true though that I often heard that. Do I believe them? Sometimes. But my "cuteness" was never intentional. I didn't act cute just so people will call me one.

Ni-hindi ko nga alam ano ba talaga ang cute sa akin. There was never a similar event. Cute ako tuwing nahihiya? Ngayon, cute ako nung sumandal ako sa railings sa ferry? I can't quite get that.

"I'm not cute!"

Saglit lang siyang nag-poker face at hindi rin naman napigilan ang ngisi.

"But you are," He chuckled. It's annoying, "It's your charm. Only you can do the mundane things cute."

"You are teasing me."

He tightened his hold on my waist, hugging me. He always does that. I am not complaining though. I like hugs more than everything.

"I'm not. It's a good thing. A compliment, even."

"I am not cute."

"Okay," He paused. He is not convinced but he will give way. He smiled and whispered in my ear, "You're not cute. You're an angel though. My angel."

Then he chuckled in my ears.

I don't know where we're going exactly. I researched Greece when he told me we're going. He said our destination's a surprise but he knows I would definitely like it.

Greece's known islands are Santorini and Athens. When you're going here, it is always natural to visit those two.

Well, to be fair, there are so many islands here.

It is my first time here so I already expected that those famous places would be on our itinerary.

So...I already expected it to be extremely crowded. Do I want a crowd though? Absolutely not. Dreadfully, no.

Naiisip ko palang ay napapagod na ako.

However, thinking that Rai put effort into organizing this whole trip, I want to show my cooperation and appreciation over this whole thing. It is tolerable. It's not like it's everyday. It's still a long vacation after this and I have a lot of time to recuperate.

"Where is this going?" I still asked even though I already have a hint of our destination.

We're already traveling via ferry for an hour.

"Santorini?" I added.

He looked shocked when he heard my thoughts. It's like something he didn't expect.

"No, we're not going there. I assumed you didn't like crowded places. Or do you want us to go there? We can go there."

"Oh," I answered, touched. He knows me. He considered my preferences even without me telling him. Oh my god.

"We can go if you want to, Lily," He suggested.

"No," Pinag-ekis ko ang kamay ko. "Let us just stick to whatever you planned."

Kumunot ang noo niya. As if not convinced.

"Your happiness is my priority, Lily."

I look at him in awe. Hinawakan ko ang pisngi niya. "I am touched. Thank you for knowing and considering my preferences. I hate crowded places. Thank you, really," My eyes glistened with sincerity.

He looked proud and happy too because of my voiced out appreciation.