In Screaming Color

Chapter 6

Jho's POV

"Hurry up Bea!"

"Hey, you shouldn't boss me around."

"Che. It's sunday, you're not my boss until the clock hits 12 later at night. Bilis na kasi, malalate na tayo."

"The priest can wait." She replied irritated.

I keep on pushing her to move faster because I know she's just making up excuses to move slower than usual. Knowing the Bea I know for a week, she can move fast if she wants to. But somehow, the Bea I am with right now is not in her happiest mood. She's really aloof to the thought of praying.

She was wearing a flowy dress. At first glance, you wouldn't think she likes girls. She looks like a doll, she's very pretty right now even if she's frowning.

"Stop that. Stop looking at me. Namamawis kili kili ko sa ginagawa mo."

"I'm not doing anything, Bea. Bothered ka lang talaga. Halika na nga, it's just a Sunday Mass. Hindi ka masusunog doon."

"How would you know?"

"Arte mo. Tara na!"

I grabbed her car keys, the keys to her unit, and her hand. We went straight to the parking lot and to be honest, it wasn't easy dragging a child who is 5'11 in terms of height. We stopped in front of her car and I turned around to face her. I gave her the keys and looked at her with a hint of threat.

"Nearest Church or chapel, no cheating."

"Do I really have to do this?"

"Only if you want me beside you at lunch. And besides, we had a deal."

She sighed in defeat and walked me towards my door. She opened it for me and I jumped right in. She dragged her feet towards her side and sat on the driver's seat. Clicked our seatbelts and left the building.

We were 15 minutes late when we arrived in a chapel due to traffic congestion.

"It's never too late to back out, Jho."

"Sush. Bilis! Late na tayo."

"Ang lapit na natin sa door, I might burn."

"Tama na yang pag-iinarte, Bea ha."

"Nahuhurt na ako sa choice of words mo. Hindi ako nag-iinarte. I'm being honest."

"Then lie for a while. Kahit sa ganito lang, pagbigyan mo na ako. I have a lot to thank for."

When we entered, people were standing up and singing church songs. It wasn't full so it was easier for us to find our seats.

"Bakit ang konti ng tao?"

"Private. Not everyone can easily access so ayun."

I nodded. Satisfied with the answer I got. I joined in singing and I keep nudging Bea to sing a long. She would shake her head but then would give in. To be honest, I got a little surprised when she knew the words of the song and responses on gospels. It made me smile and feel satisfied.

When a reader went to the mic, I wasn't able to stop myself from reaching Bea's hand. She rested her other hand as well to where mine was. She nodded and smiled shyly.

Mrs. De Leon, Bea's Mother, was reading the bible for everyone in the room. And though she was far away, her voice is familiar and with what Bea did, I got to confirm that it is her mother.

"You didn't tell me!" I whispered.

"You didn't ask."

"Mommy mo yan."