Time and Fallen leaves

Do me a favor

🍃🍃🍀🍀

"You ready?" tanong ni Jake as he packed his things. This is it, no more side quests, no more segways. They're finally going to their supposed destination.

Erin wished their stay here would be longer. Mabigat ang paa ni Erin na nagsimulang maglakad patungo sa kanilang kotse na kakapaayos lamang. The more she realized that they're getting near their destination, the more she realize that there is no turning back now.

Jake can sense that Erin became quieter than usual. Halata sa mukha ng dalaga ang labis na kaba as she fiddled with her fingers. His hand unconsciously held Erin's hands with his other on the steering wheel, gently squeezing it, silently telling her that everything will be okay, and that she's never alone — 'cos she has him.

Hindi man tumingin si Erin, but she squeezed Jake's hand as well. Silently answering that she's okay, she'll be okay — 'cos she has him. Ilang oras na katahimikan bago muling kumagat ang dilim, until they finally arrived at their location. It's a small town, near the coast; their preferred venue for the wedding. Nilanghap ni Erin ang malamig na simoy ng hangin, na ibang-iba sa hangin sa city. She could hear the gentle splashing of the waves nearby, as well as the sound of the crickets na tanging iyon lamang ang nagsisilbing ingay sa tahimik na paligid.

"Maybe they're asleep already" saad ni Jake habang nakatakapat sa kanyang tenga ang cellphone, waiting for someone to answer his call.

"No one's answering?" Erin asked, hoping no one would actually answer.

"Looks like we'll have to wait for tomorrow, maghahanap na lang ako ng inn dito...if there's any" pag-buntong-hininga ni Jake. Halata na sa mukha nito ang pagod dahil sa long drive at mukhang gusto-gusto niya nang mahiga at magpahinga.

"Yo!" Erin flinched but soon realized that it was only Chrys who called. Agad na humarap ang dalaga sa boses ng binata na tumawag sa kanila. Jake was already on his arms, mouth formed into a wide grin like a golden retriever finally seeing his best friend after a long time.

"Mabuti na lang at naisipan kong lumabas" Chrys came to Erin and offered a hug to which she took. It was a brief embrace, dahil hindi naman sila gaanong close. Nevertheless, Erin is still glad to see Chrys. "The signal's shit here, total isolation"

Tinulungan sila ni Chrys na magbuhat ng mga gamit — especially Erin's dahil marami itong bagaheng dala. Her manager insisted on bringing 5 different gowns to choose from. Knowing Erin, she probably won't wear all of them.

"Sila Keen at Milo?" Tanong ni Erin, looking around, hoping to see another familiar figure, ngunit tila sila na lamang ang mga tao sa labas. They soon stopped in front of a two-story coastal house with a view right in front of the sea. Blue and white paint gave the house a fresh and calming ambience.
Halatang pinagpilian ito ng mabuti, it was probably Keen's idea.

Only the porch illuminates the entire house. Nang buksan ni Chrys ang pinto ay walang ni isang nakabukas na ilaw, it was total darkness inside. Mukhang tulog na nga ang mga tao. Which is a good thing on Erin's side dahil wala siya sa mood na makihalubilo ngayon. She just wanted to go straight to her room and sleep even though all she does is sleep while they're on their way here.

"Ano 'to, kailangan pa bang magsuot ng night vision glasses para hindi matisod? Sobrang tipid sa kuryente, ha." Natawa na lamang si Chrys sa reklamo ni Jake. Hindi pa nga nakakatapak sa loob ay kung ano-ano na ang pinagsasabi nito. But as soon as they stepped inside the dark room, biglang sabay-sabay na nagsibukas ang ilaw, causing Erin to immediately close her eyes at takpan ang mata nito gamit ang kamay dahil sa silaw.