Calming the Storm

Kabanata 14

The remaining time on the Ferris wheel made me calm. The steady lights from the city and local houses made the scenery mesmerizing. As we descend in a gentle arc, the twinkling lights below create a serene and almost magical landscape.

Ramiel did not forget to make me full tonight. He insisted on trying every food in the bazaar. Hindi ko siya napigilan. Hindi rin naman sayang dahil pag hindi ko na kaya ay sakaniya lang din naman napupunta ang lahat ng pinagbibili niya.

"The cotton candy will be the last! We will go home after buying it, Ramiel." Masama na ang tingin ko sakaniya dahil balak pa niya na bumili pa!

He's full already. Takaw mata na lang siya!

"Alright! Let's buy your cotton candy."

We are waiting for my flower-shaped cotton candy. It was big enough for us to share. I tried to bite the corner of the flower, only to find Ramiel taking a picture of me with this action!

"Huh? Ano 'yan? Patingin ako!"

He grinned and looked at his phone. "Ayoko. Baka delete mo pa."

"I will! Pag pangit!"

"Huh? Akala ko ba maganda ka? Bakit mo iniisip na pangit ito?"

"Oh? Well, may point ka naman. Pero patingin ako!"

"Talagang naniwala ka naman?"

"Stop diverting the topic! Patingin ako!"

He handed me his phone but did not let me touch it. The beast made my picture his wallpaper already! I looked cute. I look busy while trying to bite my cotton candy.

"You can have it. Mukha naman akong cute."

He made a face before pulling my shoulder to close the gap between us while walking back to his car. He snatched my bag. I let him carry it because I'm busy eating my cotton candy. In return, I angled the cotton candy toward him so he could take a bite from it.

My eyes fell heavily. I can't help but fall asleep on our way home.

"Hm?" naiusal ko nang medyo magising ako sa pagbuhat sa akin ni Ramiel.

"Sleep more. I'll carry you in."

I made myself comfortable against his chest. I have never felt this comfortable, not even with those soft mattresses.

Maaga akong nagising dahil sa bahagyang init at lagkit na naramdaman. Hindi ako nakaligo pag uwi kaya ganito ang pakiramdam ko ngayon. Mahimbing pa ang tulog ni Ramiel sa tabi ko kaya magaan lang ang kilos ko papuntang banyo para maligo.

I was too tired to even thank him for making my birthday memorable. It was my first birthday that I celebrated meaningfully. I wouldn't celebrate it if it were not because of him.

I almost even forgot about it!

Nang matapos ako ay bumalik ako sa kwarto. He's still sleeping, but unlike me, he's wearing his sleepwear. Mukhang naligo pa siya bago matulog kagabi.

Umupo ako sa tabi niya para matuyo ang buhok ko ng electric fan. Sapat lang para hindi siya mainitan. I thought he was in deep sleep, but the moment I sat, he automatically wrapped his arm around my waist.

"Hmm. Nakaligo ka na? You smell good," aniya kahit pikit ang mata na nakayakap sa gilid ko.

"Oo. Papasok na rin ako mamaya. Ikaw? Anong balak mo?"

"I might need to go back to Aklan later tonight. Then visit Batangas after. I will leave for Spain too. So I will be gone maybe for a week or so."

Tumango ako at inintindi ang sinabi niya. "You won't be here for more than a week, right?"