Where Iris Bloom

Ch. 42 Adrift

"So," Kim started awkwardly as they sit on the wooden floor of the hut they are gonn share with. "When did you get back?" Are you back for good?" The older woman bombarding her questions.

Iris's laughter had a wondrous effect on Kim, causing her to feel like she was floating on air. It had been a long-awaited moment, and Kim cherished every second of hearing that laughter once more.

"Easy there, bummy." Iris chuckled. Kim sighed realizing the endearment never changed or was she just stuck with the familiarity of it? Lots of things started swirling around her head and she need answers.

Kim simply nodded.

"I just got back a few days ago. Then the hospital got in touch with me as soon as they've learned I'm back in the country saying they want me back with the team." Iris looked at Kim who has her eyes glued on her whilst she talk.

"And it depends if it's for good." Iris continued when Kim kept her silence. "How about you? I was really surprised to see you here."

"Oh, that." Kim flashed a self effacing grin. "I have been going here for a while now and I fell in love with the community. I just got back here and planned to stay until God knows when." The older woman shrugged.

Planned.

That didn't go unnoticed by Iris. Did she just ruined the plan of the older woman? It's a big uh-oh.

"How long are you gonna stay here in the community, though?" Kim asked with furrowed brows.

"The original plan was to stay here for a week." Iris answered truthfully.

"Original pl—" then there was a knock on the bamboo woven door that interrupted their progressing conversation.

"Ma'am Kim, ako po'y magtatanong sana ng gusto niyong panghapunan at ako'y bababa po ng bayan." Kim recognized the voice and opened the door.

"Agosto, sino kasama mo bababa?" Kim asked with a smile.

"Ako lang ho ang mamamalengke, ma'am Kim." The young man was holding a traditional woven bayong. He smiled when he saw Iris behind the older woman.

Then out of nowhere came a silly and spontaneous idea. "Meron pa bang isang motor na pwede?"

"Ho? Meron po. Iyong sa kapatid ko ma'am. Hindi po siya pumasok ngayon." Agosto replied.

"Do you trust me?" Kim looked back at the wide eyed woman behind her. Her words held more meaning that extended beyond the surface of the question.

"Always." Iris unconsciously blurted out forgetting the presence of the man in front of them.

"Magbibihis lang kami at sasama kaming dalawa." Kim beamed widely, evidently excited with the idea of riding the motorcycle. She learned how to drive one when she frequented in Purawan few months ago.

"Don't tell me you're gonna drive one of those at the clearing?" Iris asked instinctively, a touch of surprise in her voice.

"Why not?" Kim giggled and started to take off her clothes and started putting on her simple clothes not minding stripping in front of the younger woman.

"Oh, sorry. I guess the feeling of being comfortable around you in every sense still lingers in me." Kim turned around as she buttoned her clothes on.

"I'll be waiting for you outside while you change." Kim left without looking back to give Iris some privacy.

When Iris came out, she saw Kim playing with the kids under the tree. The older woman looked so fond of them bearing her gummy smiles. The kids around her seemed to be at ease with her presence as they were laughing and goofing around.