I saw her talking to her sister and mom. Her smile is my cure for the sadness that have risen from my insides. She suddenly looked at my direction and signaled me to come to her.
"How's the talk?" Iris asks
"Great, Tito gave me this. Papa told him to give this to me"
I touched the wave pendant and looked at Irene. I know she knows what I feel because of how she tries to pat my back.
"It looks good on you hija" Tita said
"I have a request, gusto ko kayo ulit makita ni Louise na kumanta" she added
"Mom you know I don't like singing" Irene said
"Oh come on little sis, naka-ready na yung gitara oh" Iris said
Saka ko lang napansin yung acoustic guitar sa tabi niya. I chuckle before taking it from her. Tumingin ako kay Irene na mukhang seryoso.
"Come on Irene, don't you miss the jam?" I asked
"Tss jam your face" pagsusungit nito
"If you sing while I play I owe you a wish" bulong ko
The side of her lips went up, forming a mischievous smile. Mukhang napasubo pa ako.
"Alright, I will sing. What song do you want ba?" tanong niya
"You'll be safe here please!" Iris exclaimed
I quickly gave her a nod. Gosh I love that song too!
"You know that Irene?" tanong ko
"Of course, she always sings that every time she has a chance"
"Eh kasi nga lagi yang kinakanta sakin ni Ashy" Iris said
Inayos ko ang upo at nagsimulang mag strum.
Nobody knows, just why we're here
Could it be fate or random circumstance
At the right place, at the right time
Two roads intertwine
And if the universe conspired
To meld our lives, to make us, fuel and fire
Then know wherever you will be
So too, shall I'll be
I didn't know I will still get surprise hearing her angelic voice. She is looking at me while singing and I play the guitar.
Close your eyes, dry your tears
'Cause when nothing seems clear
You'll be safe here
From the sheer weight
Of your doubts and fears
Weary heart, you'll be safe here
I suddenly feel weak. It seems like she's telling me everything will be alright. Akala ko para kay Iris yung kanta, mukhang para sakin pala.
Remember how we laughed until we cried
At the most stupid things like we were so high
But love was all that we were on, we belong
And though the world would never understand
This unlikely union and why it still stands
Someday, we will be set free
Pray and believe
Irene slowly patted my back. I bite my lip suppressing myself to cry. She's comforting me while others are having a good time.
When the light disappears
And when this world's insincere
You'll be safe here
When nobody hears you scream
I'll scream with you
You'll be safe here (Ooh-ooh)
(Ahh-hah-ahh)
Save your eyes from your tears
When everything's unclear
You'll be safe here
From the sheer weight
Of your doubts and fears
Wounded heart
Irine smiled at me and looked at the two ladies in front of us. Huminga ako ng malalim at pinagmasdan lamang siya.
When the light disappears
And when this world's insincere
You'll be safe here
When nobody hears you scream
I'll scream with you
You'll be safe here
In my arms through the long cold night
Sleep tight, you'll be safe here
When no one understands
I'll believe, you'll be safe
You'll be safe, you'll be safe here, ooh-ooh
And when the outro comes she looks at me again. Her blue eyes were glued on me.
Put your heart in my hands
You'll be safe here
And it's as if kami lang dalawa ang magkasama ngayon. Irene leaned forward and kissed me. She gave me a tight hug which made me close my eyes.
"Hoy hoy ano yan ha, aba mommy oh si Louise" Iris suddenly said
"Shut up you're just inggit cause Ash isn't here with you"
"Hay naku kayong dalawa talaga, anyway anak I miss your angelic voice. Buti na lang bumalik na si Czarina" Tita suddenly said
Irene stepped away just so I could look at Tita.
"Naku Tita ako rin po namiss pakinggan yung boses ni Irene" biro ko
"One more hon?" tanong ni Irene
"Sure" sagot ko
And we did it again. Nakatatlong kanta nga kami bago mapagpasyahan ni Tita na matulog na. Like what Irene wanted, we stayed in her room for this night. Buti na lang may damit pa siyang iniwan. As usual nanghiram ako ulit ng pantulog.
"Czari"
"Hmm?"
"I feel happy"
Ngumiti ako habang pinagmamasdan siya. Nakapikit kasi ito at nakaharap sakin. Dahan-dahan kong inilapit ang mukha sa kanya at inilapat ang aking mga labi sa noo nito.
"Glad my girl is happy right now" bulong ko
"I wish this will not end hon"
"Of course it won't. I will try my best to make you feel happy always"
"Are you happy too?" bigla niyang tanong
"Yes, very much. You make me happy Irene"
"I know you miss him and Tita. Let's visit your parents next weekend hon"
"You're ready to meet them again and tell them about us?"
"Of course, I am always ready. I have been ready to face them and tell them how much their daughter makes me feel loved"
"Aww honey..."
Nagmulat ito at tumingin sakin. Mas lumapit siya sakin at siniil ng malalim na halik ang aking mga labi.
"I love you so much" she whispered
Nabigla ako sa sinabi niya, Irene just smiled at me before hiding her face on my chest.
"I love you my girl" sabi ko
