Forever Is Just A Word

02

...

Jessica sat alone in the patio. Sabrina having excused herself to get the seniors some refreshments. Lost in her phone, she didn't notice the curious glances from those passing by.

"Would you mind if I join you?"

The interruption startled Jessica. She slowly looked up to see who had broken her peace. It was Irene, who was smiling warmly. Jessica, however, didn't return the smile, unsure of how to respond. Irene sensed that she had stumbled upon a moment of quiet contemplation and was about to apologize for the intrusion when Jessica slowly offered a smile. She nodded.

"Sure," she simply said and went back to her phone, trying to find apps that will busy herself and ease the awkwardness between them.

Irene didn't know how to start the conversation. She looks for a perfect timing and that is to wait for her to be alone. She played her fingers while looking at her. Irene, relieved, took a seat beside Jessica.

"I hope I didn't interrupt anything important," she said in a soft voice. Jessica shook her head.

Irene chuckled. "Well, I'm happy to provide some company," Jessica just smiled.

"How are you?" Irene began, but Jessica paused, startled by the question. She smiled faintly.

"I-I'm good po," Jessica replied, a little unsure.

Irene smiled back and was relieved. She had been worried that Jessica wouldn't even acknowledge her. She quickly seized the opportunity to ask another question.

"Do I make you uncomfortable? I'm sorry," she apologized. "I just wanted to talk to you..." she whispered, chuckling softly.

Jessica smiled again, a little more warmly this time. "A little p-po...it's fine po. I'm just not used to it," she said. "Hehe...sorry,"

"Don't apologize, sweetie. It's my fault after all for ruining your peace," Irene said. Jessica smiled. Jessica was surprised and couldn't help but smile.

"No, it's okay po," she said with a soft voice.

"I was just a bit surprised, that's all. It's not like I'm used to being approached like that." she added.

"I get it. You always kept to yourself. But you know, it's nice to see you smiling. Mas lalo kang gumaganda," Irene told her. "And...may naalala ako ngayon sa ngiti mo," Jessica looked at her.

"Ang panganay ko..." she said. Jessica blushed slightly, her eyes dropping to her lap.

"I just...it's not like I'm good at this kapag iba ang kausap ko," Jessica mumbled.

Irene reached out, gently placing her hand on Jessica's arm. "Don't be sorry," she said in a warm and comforting voice.

"It's okay to be a little shy. Everyone is at some point. What matters is that you're here now, and that you're willing to give it a try, diba?" she asked.

Jessica looked up at Irene, her eyes meeting hers. Maybe, just maybe, this wouldn't be so bad after all. She smiled and this time she initiated the question.

She smiled and this time, she took the initiative, asking, "Ikaw po? Kamusta po kayo?" Her voice was soft and polite.

"I actually don't know anything about you, po...sorry again," she added in a shy tone.

But Irene insisted that it was okay. "It's fine. Wala din naman akong alam sayo, I mean, sa mga hilig mo at mga hobbies mo. Ngayon lang kasi ulit tayo nagkita after how many years," Irene replied.

"So, what are you passionate about?" Irene asked. Jessica, caught off guard by Irene's question, hesitated.

"I...I don't know." She looked down at her hands, a little embarrassed. "I used to love to paint, but I haven't touched a brush in years."