Calming the Storm

Kabanata 22

Hinahangin ang buhok ko dahil sa pagdating ng chopper. Papasikat palang ang araw ay nakaalis na kami ni Ramiel sa syudad.

The breath-taking view of the sky took all my worries away. On top of it, Ramiel held my hand the whole ride.

We are back on the island.

And in our villa.

I watched Ramiel run back to me after lighting up the fireworks he set near the shore. Sinasalubong namin ang bagong taon. I watched the fireworks burst into vibrant colors against the dark sky, their reflections shimmering on the waves. The sound of crackling echoed.

Binigyan niya ako ng lusis.

"Baka matalansikan ako!"

"It won't. Just hold it far from you," aniya habang sinisindihan ang dalawang lusis na hawak ko.

It feels so good. The little fireworks on it were beautiful. It was scary at first, but I'd like to see it again.

With Ramiel, I always overcome my fears.

I run as I hold it, lighting up my path. Ramiel is running with me. Our laughter mingles with the rhythmic crash of the waves.

The dark canvas of the sky is painted with bursting colors of fireworks. The cold breeze of the ocean kisses my skin, but all I feel is the warmth of this moment.

I'm catching my breath when we stop running. I glance at Ramiel, his face glowing under the fireworks' light.

"This new year with you..." aniya bago ako salubungin ng halik.

Our trip to Aklan was shortlived.

I'm back with my hybrid classes and part-time jobs, as is Ramiel with his usual routine.

"Good...afternoon." Nabitin sa ere ang bati ko nang makita ang pamilyar na pigura ng mga lalaki.

Seriously, ano ba kailangan nila sa akin? Naka-uniform si Henri, si Senri ay naka-polo shirt na puti.

"We want some pasta. Which one can you recommend?" ani Senri.

"We have truffle pasta and chicken alfredo."

Tumango siya, si Henri ay usual na nakatingin sa akin. Parang timang din ang isang 'to. Tinaasan ko lang siya ng kilay kaya bahagyang nanlaki ang mata niya.

"We love your matcha latte but do you suggest anything refreshing like fruit teas or shakes?"

"We have different fruit teas or shakes in our menu." Para saan pa ang menu di ba? Sana hindi na lang kami gumawa.

"Which one if your favorite?"

"Pineapple shake," bored kong sagot. Hindi naman ako naiinis, sadyang nabuburyo lang talaga ako sa mga tanong nila.

"I will get a pineapple shake for the both of us, Henri will have his mango shake. We will have both of your suggested pastas. Get yourself one as well."

Umiling ako. "Kumain na ako kanina. Ayos lang."

"Pineapple shake is good?"

Tumango ako at hindi na siya tiningnan.

"Are you okay? Are you sick? You should stop working," ani Henri. Nakatayo pa rin sila sa harapan ko.

Kumunot ang noo ko. "I'm not sick. You two can sit. I will serve it when it is done."

I was doing their drinks when I spotted Ramiel entering the cafe.

Senri and Henri were enough to catch the attention of my schoolmates. Halos mapuno nga ang cafe dahil sa dalawa. Yes, they are handsome, and they look like someone who came from riches.