The cool, crisp air that flows through the open windows feels invigorating, while the expansive vistas of verdant rice fields and majestic mountains create a picturesque and calming backdrop. The lush, green terraces of the rice fields seem to stretch endlessly, reflecting sunlight and the mountains in the distance add a sense of grandeur and serenity to the scene, their towering peaks often shrouded in a soft mist.
As En gazes out of the bus window, soaking in the breathtaking scenery, Alina rests peacefully on her shoulder, lost in sleep. The two women are making their way back home after an intense yet remarkable weekend spent in a cabin by the lake, their hearts and minds still lingering on the serene and unforgettable moments they shared. She can hardly believe that this heaven-sent woman has shared a passionate night with her, a night that feels like a dream woven into their weekend of bliss. She gently held Alina's hand, taking great care not to disturb her slumber.
"Hmmm. Are we there yet?"
Alina moans softly as she stirs, her eyes still closed.
"Not yet. Sorry, did I wake you up?" En responds, glancing at the woman, who still rests her head on her shoulder.
"Good."
The sleepy woman's only reply.
They sat in the same seat on the bus as their first ride: the very back, which is also Alina's favorite spot. En could only wish the bus ride would take longer before reaching the farmhouse, knowing that once they arrived, Alina would return to town and they would have to resume their normal lives.
En stood by the road, watching as Bus 732, with Alina still inside, disappeared from view. She already misses her deeply and acknowledges the sentiment feels a bit crazy. Slowly, she makes her way back to the farmhouse. Despite the distance, she can already see Sasha and Bian from afar, sitting at a table in the garden, holding hands and giggling, their faces just inches apart.
"Well, look what we have here?"
En teases as she arrives at the farmhouse, eyeing the two women.
"Hey En! You're back! How was the trip?"
Sasha asks curiously, her tone full of intrigue.
"It was great. The place is amazing. And how about you two? What's new? And please don't spare me any details."
En teasingly inquires with interest, clearly anticipating some juicy details.
"Well. . ."
Bian spoke as she held Sasha's hand and gave it a kiss.
En can't help but grin as she sees that the two women have finally gotten together.
"So you finally took my advice eh?"
En asks Bian with a proud smile.
"No, she didn't! She just cried while I was trying to coax it out of her."
Sasha retorts defensively.
"Well, despite what happened I'm glad for the two of you."
En responded with a big smile to both of them.
"And how about you sparing us the details of your whereabouts? Come on, spill the tea or I'll make you do my entire week's work at the barn."
Sasha commands waiting for En to share her weekend bliss.
"I'm in such a good mood myself, I'd be happy to take over your work at the barn, Sasha. Let me just change my clothes and I'll start right away."
En hurriedly marched inside the house to avoid the conversation.
The nights have been marked by heavy downpours and thunderstorms. Sasha and Bian helped En gather the horses from the field and bring them to the stables for shelter. The three women were all soaking wet after finishing the job. Rosa had prepared some soup to warm them up and offer comfort.
The next day, En awoke with a heavy head, and a body chilled despite the blazing sun outside. It seemed she had caught a cold from being soaked in the heavy rain. Rosa advised her to rest until her fever subsides and she feels better.
"Is your head still hurting?"
Alina asked with a worried tone.
"A little bit, but I drank some of my Nana's homemade medicine. It helps ease the headache."
En assured the woman on the other line.
"I'm sorry I wasn't there. My parents came and we had appointments with some people in town."
Alina utters with a sense of regret on her voice.
"That's fine! I'm getting better now."
En responded cheerfully to prevent Alina from fretting.
Hearing the woman's voice made En feel better. Though her head still ached intermittently, her cold had finally begun to subside.
YOU ARE READING
Bus 732
RomansaEn thought that moving into the new, unfamiliar place would be her biggest struggle - but she was wrong. . .
