Navigating Hearts ( Aviation College Series #1)

Chapter 31

Tatlong malalakas na katok ang nagpabangon sa’kin sa kama. I slowly went to the door and veered the doorknob lightly, creating  a narrow space just enough to see who was in front.

“Maghahapunan na raw sabi ni Engineer , Lieutenant.” Bungad sa’kin ng kasama naming Air force officer.

“Sige, susunod ako.”

Muli kong sinara ang pinto at kinapa ang aking dibdib. Wala na iyong kaba na nararamdaman ko kanina, I almost couldn’t breathe after our short argumentation. 

I washed myself first and fixed my hair before leaving my room. Nandito parin kami ngayon sa Tarlac, sa site specifically; we’re stranded for tonight at baka bukas pa ng umaga ang balik namin sa Clark.

In a wide park-like recreational spot, I saw the team. Masayang naghahapunan sa mahabang mesa. I carefully walked up to them.

“Flight Lieutenant Velasco. It’s an honor to finally meet you.” I was greeted by another Aeronautical Engineer assigned in Tarlac, Engineer Rodriguez.

“Honored to meet you too, Engineer Rodriguez.” I took his hand for a firm hand shake before sitting on a vacant chair beside Aeros.

I ate peacefully while the Engineers were busy talking about the project.

“Aeronautical tools and equipments are already here, Engineer Suarez, yung team mo na lang ang hinihintay para masimulan na.” said by Engineer Rodriguez.

“Will do, Engineer. I brought here with me the design of our desired jet fighter model from its minor components to major components.”

Engineer Rodriguez nodded continuously. “Will you stay here for the next couple of days during the construction of airframe”?

Napatigil si Aeros sa pag-nguya para sagutin ang isa.

“Yes, Engineer. We’re planning to do that, but for meantime, we’ll go back to Cark tomorrow. I still need to follow up some possible construction plannings. After settling everything that needs to put in place, we’ll rush here before the construction starts.”

The other Engineer smiled. “Of course, do as you please.”

We continued our dinner after their conversation.

“We’ll go ahead, Flight Lieutenant Velasco and Engineer Suarez.”

Naiwan kaming dalawa ni Aeros sa mahabang mesa na yun. I wiped my lips using a tissue and stood up from my seat. I’m also done eating. I lowered my gaze and leave the table immediately leaving him there alone.

On my way back to my room, I saw a small open passage with tiny dim lights surround it. Mahabang daanan na hindi ko alam kung ano ang nasa dulo nun.

I took steps closer towards it, slowly mesmerizing its beauty. Binagtas ko ang magandang daan hanggang umabot ako sa dulo nito. Small traditional cottages embraced me at the end; sa loob ng cottage ay may nakapalibot na iba’t-ibang led lights.

Walang pinto ang mga cottage doon kaya tahimik akong pumasok. I stayed there for a while before storming out. Naupo ako sa malaking bamboo bench sa gilid nito.

The cold breeze is caressing my skin. I want a night like this; a peaceful starry night.

Back in college, I always wonder how does it feel to fly a plane. Now that I already know the feeling, something’s still missing.

“Nandito ka lang pala.”

I cut my gaze on the stars and looked at the person in front of me.

“Do you need something, Engineer?” I asked formally, wondering why he’s here.