Jade's POV
The festivity continued as we made our way through the barrio. All were laughing and singing, drinking and telling stories that are enjoyed by many. This is how simple the rural life is - plain yet endearing.
"Lab, may plano ka ba after nating um-attend ng misa?" She asked.
We both decided to attend the mass since it's our first mass together and we thought that there are lots of things to be thanked for. These past few months have been a roller coaster ride and I just want to thank Him for letting Althea be with me.
"Wala naman. Lakad nalang tayo after." I smiled at her.
We entered the Church and was amazed by the volume of people attending. Nasa gilid nalang kami at nakatayo pero kita mo parin ang pari.
"I thank Him for giving me you." She whispered. The loud sermon of the father didn't stop me from hearing what she'd said.
"You do?" I asked.
"Of course. Who doesn't?" She smiled while still holding my hand. Aww, Althea.
The mass continued and we lined up to accept Him. We stood beside the door and I kneeled to say and offer a little prayer.
Lord, I thank you for giving me life.
A life that may be full of downs,
yet filled with promises.
A life that encounters sadness;
but in return, has happiness.
I continued uttering my prayer as I caught a glimpse of Althea.
Meeting her might be by chance,
yet still caught in just a glance;
Loving her may be a sin;
Lord, do hear me out,
I'm just a human bein'
I saw her stood up, waiting for me to finish. I kneeled still, with prayers and intentions in my head. I'm hoping for the better; let me hope for our future.
Thank you for this joy;
For giving me a lovable woman and not an unworthy boy.
Continue bless us with Your grace,
for that's all we ever wanted;
You are who we praise.
I stood up and joined her in singing the final song. I lifted all my worries and I'm sure that we'll be blessed with so much courage and strength.
We were on our way home when Althea and I decided for a walk beside the lake. We held hands as we continued walking.
"Anong pinagdasal mo kanina? Mukha kasing seryoso ka." I asked.
"Wala naman. Nagpasalamat lang because I met you. You're a blessing, lablab. You always would be." She smiled at me.
"Cheesy mo ah. Bagong simba ka nga, bumabait eh?" I teased her.
"Hindi ah. I always thanked the Lord for His blessings. This time, you're one of them." She said.
"Okay, okay! Ay nga pala lubb. May gusto sana akong itanong?" I asked hesitantly.
"Sure, ano ba 'yon?" She said.
"How did you meet Cathleen?"
"What's with the question? Nagsese--"
"No. I just want to know. I want to know you better. She's a part of your life so I'm kinda curious to know." I honestly answered.
"Uhm, Bata palang kami, magkakakilala na ang mga magulang namin. Bagong lipat lang sila dito and nagtrabaho sila kay tatay noon." She started.
"Paano kayo naging close?" I queried.
