Parallels

be with you

"Ang tagal mo naman," Dennise complains as she got inside Alyssa's car.

Alyssa smiles, the one where her eyes smile, too, "sorry, Den, natagalan ako sa drive thru."

That's when Dennise notices the cups of coffee on Alyssa's car cup holder, and a paper bag on Alyssa's lap.

Dennise softens, of course, Alyssa would buy breakfast for them, like she always does.

"Akin na 'yan," she says and gets the paper bag from Alyssa, Alyssa just smiles as she watches Dennise look at the food she bought, "pancakes first ba for this trip or you want the sandwich?" Dennise asks.

"Sandwich muna?" Alyssa answers and starts the car.

Dennise nods.

"Saan tayo pupunta?" Dennise breaks the comfortable silence between them, she lowers down the volume of the music.

"Chill lang muna," Alyssa answers and briefly looks at Dennise, "baka kasi magalit ka naman sa'kin pag hiking ulit."

Dennise laughs, "sabi mo easy lang, e halos mamatay na ako wala pa tayo sa kalahati."

"Eh, that was easy for me, pero my bad din kasi it was your first time," Alyssa answers, "so for today, let's just have some quiet time."

"Pero sa bundok?"

"Yes," Alyssa answers with a smile on her face as it grows wider upon hearing Dennise laugh.

"Parang dati lang, umaga na ako natutulog from late night parties, ngayon maaga na ako gumigising to have some bond with nature," Dennise says as she prepares the pandesal for Alyssa to eat, "oh," she says and places the sandwich in front of Alyssa for Alyssa to take a bite. Alyssa does as she continue driving.

"Thanks Den," Alyssa says, "are you liking it so far ba?"

Dennise nods, "it's a breath of fresh air, literally and figuratively."

Alyssa smiles, "I'm glad, then. Next time, Pulag na tayo?"

"Calm your horses, Valdez. Pwede bang yung mabababa muna bago mo ko isabak sa highest peak ng Luzon?"

Alyssa chuckles, "sorry, na-excite lang, but noted. Coffee?" she requests. Kinuha ni Dennise yung coffee for Alyssa to sip from it.

"Thanks Den," Alyssa says again after.

"Alam mo puro ka thank you, stop it," Dennise says.

"Masama na ba mag-thank you ngayon?" Alyssa asks as she laughs.

"I mean, I know you're thankful na, wag mo na sabihin," Dennise answers, "tsaka I'd gladly do it for you naman," she adds.

Alyssa smiles and bites her tongue, "okay, but still, magte-thank you ako."

Dennise tries her best not to smile so she closes her eyes, "bahala ka Valdez," she just says, "malapit na ba tayo? Can I take a nap lang?"

"No, at least 30 minutes pa, go lang," Alyssa answers.

"Okay, wake me up pag andun na tayo, or if you need anything," Dennise answers.

"Night night, Den," Alyssa says. Dennise hummed.

While driving, Alyssa glances over Dennise quickly and sees the latter's head fall down. She chuckles and stops at the side to recline Dennise's seat. Mukhang hindi naman nafeel ni Dennise as Alyssa made sure to carefully do it. She turns her head to face Alyssa, close enough to make Alyssa blush.

Alyssa gulps and moves back to her seat; she remained looking at Dennise.

"Ang ganda," she whispers, and tucks a few of Dennise's hair strands to the back of her ear, "Lord, ang ganda," she says and pouts. She sighs and continues to drive.