Love and Resilience

Where the Water Falls

Day 2

SERENA’S POV

We bid our last good bye to the mansion and I took some photo of the mansion for the last time. Inaya ko rin si Jo na nagpicture kaming dalawa.

FF

As they reached the hidden waterfall, the sound of cascading water filled the air, creating a peaceful rhythm that resonated with Serena. The lush green foliage surrounding them was vibrant, almost magical, as the sunlight danced through the trees and onto the surface of the water.

Serena's eyes sparkled with excitement as she gazed at the falls.
"Wow, this is even more beautiful that I imagined" she said, her voice filled with awe. "How did you find this place?"

Jovana smiled, pleased that Serena was enjoying the surprise. "I used to come here when I needed a scape. It’s kind of like my secret spot" Emma replied, her gaze soft as she watched Serena's expression.

Serena turned to face her, a warm smile playing on her lips. "Secret spot mo huh? I feel honored to be here" she said teasingly. "This is perfect. You really know me"

Jovana laughed lightly, her eyes never leaving Serena's. "Of course. Alam ko kung gaano mo ka-mahal ang waterfalls, and this one... it’s special. Just like you."

I felt a blush rise to my cheeks, and I  quickly looked away, pretending to focus on the water. But Jovana noticed, and it made her heart flutter. "Come on"  Jovana said, taking Serena's hand gently. "Let’s take a dip before we set up a camp"

The water was cool against their skin, refreshing under the afternoon sun. They swam for a while, laughing and splashing like carefree children, their bond deepening with every shared moment.

As dusk began to settle, they returned to shore and set up their tent. Jovana worked on building a small fire while Serena laid out a blanket for them to sit on.

Once the fire crackled to life, they sat together, wrapped in its warmth, the night sky dotted with stars above them.

"Thank you for this, Jo" I said quietly, my is voice soft but sincere. "I needed this more than I realized."

Jovana glanced at her, her face illuminated by the gentle glow of the flames. "Masaya ako na masaya ka Serena. You deserve a break. Masyado kang nakasubsob sa trabaho mo nitong mga nagdaang linggo"

Serena sighed, her gaze drifting to the fire. "Yeah.... minsan nga pakiramdam ko para akong may hinahabol, but being here with you.... I feel like I can finally breathe."
ays chasing something. But being here with you... I feel like I can finally breathe."

Jovana reached out, taking Serena's hand in hers, their fingers interlocking effortlessly. "You can always breathe with me" she whispered, her voice filled with emotion.

Serena's heart skipped a beat at Jovana's words. She looked up, meeting Jovana’s gaze, and for a moment, everything else faded away. It was just the two of them, surrounded by nature, their connection stronger than ever.

As the night deepened, they lay on the blanket, looking up at the stars. Serena pointed out constellations, and Jovana, who wasn't as familiar with them, listened intently.

"Tignan mo yon, that’s Orion" I said, tracing the figure with my finger. "And over there is the Big Dipper." 

Jovana smiled. "You never mentioned that you were so into astronomy pala."

I chuckled softly. "Hindi mo naman kasi tinanong Jo, tsaka marami ka pang hindi alam tungkol sakin."

Jovana turned to her, her expression softening. "Edi sabihin mo sakin Serena. I want to know all of you, Seren"

I paused, my breath is catching in my throat at the intensity of Jovana's gaze.

"Maybe next time Jo" I said in whisper and closed my eyes.

They lay in comfortable silence after that, the sounds of the waterfall in the distance, the crackling of the fire nearby, and the feeling of being completely at peace in each other's presence.

As the night wore on and the fire began to die down, Serena shifted closer to Jovana, resting her head on her shoulder.

In that moment, under the stars and surrounded by the gentle sounds of nature, it felt as if nothing else mattered but them.

Habang nahuhulog ang mga tubig kasabay nito ang mas lalong pagkahulog ni Jovana at Serena sa isa’t-isa.