lilies.

63

Kabanata 63

"We're here," Rai said when the small boat we're in docked.

I admired the view. It's so beautiful. I only imagined a life like this in some books I read. This is how I would describe peace. I am not speaking for all the bookworms out there but this is the exact place I would imagine to live in. A place on the coastal side, a simple home that you can see everyone around, and this whole view. If I can only paint, I would definitely be inspired to draw or paint this.

The house we're going to stay in is a small nipa on top of the big rock formation in the middle of the sea. We're nearer on the island compared to the vast of the seas but still. It's small but large enough for the two of us. It would fit, I think, five people inside.

There's a stone path going up to the house. An open terrace is the first thing you'll see. There's a sofa made of bamboo, I guess, and it is attached to the foundation of the house. It also serves as the walls of the terrace. It's open so you can still feel the breeze.

On the right side is a window and beside it is the door entrance.

Pagpasok mo pa lang ay bubungad na agad ang maliit na sala. Isang kawayan na mahabang sofa na may puting cushion ang naroon. Sa harap noon ay bintana. Sa magkabilang gilid ng bintana ay may maliit na bookshelves. I scanned the books on the shelves. Classics. I see Jane Austen.

Thankfully, I have a physical book I could read. Tinatamad kasi akong magdala dahil nabibigatan ako. I only downloaded the books on the app on my phone.

"Do you like it?" Rai asked. Kasunod ko lang siya at nagmamasid marahil sa pagtingin ko sa buong bahay. Bitbit niya rin ang mga gamit na pinamili namin.

I jumped enthusiastically, "Yes, really! This is sooo beautiful," I answered in between my smiles.

Hmm, I like that not a lot of tourists are visiting here. It means that this place will be quiet. I can have quiet hours and more time to read books and actually spend time with Rai and talk. I don't really like to tour around and walk. My teenage years really made me like this. I'm not used to going out. I was not allowed to do that before.

Mabilis kong pinasadahan ng tingin ang buong bahay. Kita ko naman kasi ang lahat dahil maliit lang ito. I like it that way. I'm used to having a big home where you cannot see anyone unless you really try. It gets lonely.

This is close to a studio apartment. Only that the bedroom is elevated. If I were to measure it, it's up to my waist. There are two white double beds on it. Walang bed frame iyon at puting unan at comforter lang. May tatlong baitang paakyat sa mga kama. The whole house is well lit because it is surrounded by large windows. The white see-through curtains really made up the whole vibe of the room. Nililipad pa ang mga ito ng hangin. This made the place so aesthetically pleasing and calming.

The kitchen is small too, just beside the sala. It's just a small counter with hanging cabinets that have all the things we need. The dining area is there too: a round table and five wooden dining chairs. There's a door left ajar beside the kitchen counter and shows the restroom. This is a cute house. I love it.

"What's our itinerary?" I asked when I'm done touring the house with my eyes.

Nauna siyang maupo sa mahabang sofa kung saan niya nilagay ang mga gamit namin.

"Whatever you want to do today," He answered and threw a question, "Do you want to stay here or roam the island? Whatever you decide."

I pouted. Hinawakan ko ang magkabilang pisngi niya gamit ang palad. "That's not how it works," I did hold his cheeks because he's cute that way, "You are adjusting so much for me."