Letters To You

Chapter 4

Jho

I started driving while listening to 'Come Home' by OneRepublic. The song literally hits me. The loneliness I feel without Abe around. I don't want to cry right now. Get a grip, Jho. Put your walls up, she's here.

It was a wonderful sight - a large picnic blanket with pillows, a few bags of chips and cans of soda. It's been a while since someone made me  feel at home and delighted.

I focused on the girl who laid down on the picnic blanket with her sunglasses on. Dozing off, huh?

I decided to surprise the weirdo so I tried my best to be quiet while approaching.

"BOO! WAKE UP!" I screamed at the top of my lungs as my hands grab hold of her shoulders.

"Fuck! What the hell?" S shrieked as she jolted up and scrambled away from me, muttering curses. I could see a hint of irritation on her face but soon replaced by a genuine smile when she realized that it was me.

"I thought it was somebody else." She walked back to the picnic blanket and sat. She pats the space beside her and said, "Come sit next to me."

I cautiously sat next to her and she offered me a bag of chips and a can of Coke. "Cheetos is my favorite junk, how about you?"

Maybe she likes to ask random questions and I like it. Only a few people are lucky to have someone who cares about the little things. Thank God I met her.

"Coincidentally, I also love Cheetos," I winked at her. I saw her blush. Caught you, weirdo.

We spent an entire hour laughing at our weirdest mannerism and embarrassing moments and talking about our favorites. The mood quickly changed when she brought up Abe.

"Why do you go here?" she asked while sipping some soda.

I looked down, trying to keep my voice composed and said, "I visit my ex-boyfriend here every Sunday. You?"

She wasn't facing me while answering, "My only brother died after an unfortunate accident. It's sad. I wish he was still here. Things could've been easier for my parents."

I didn't know how to respond. I mean, I've been in this situation a couple of times but still, comforting isn't really one of my expertise. Silence grew upon us while we gaze at the sky.

Then I heard her sob quietly. I turned to her and saw her curled up like a ball, clutching both of her knees. I had an impression that she's cheerful and strong but the lady sitting next to me right now is vulnerable and broken. I moved closer and rubbed her back to calm her down. It was all I could do for now.

"Stop crying. I'm here. You can talk to me. If you want I can meet you here everyday." I suggested.

Way to go Jhoana. You really know what you're getting yourself into?

She looked puzzled at first and the next thing I knew, her head was buried on my chest and her long arms were wrapped around my waist. It caught me off guard. Nobody has ever been this close to me since he went away.

"Yes please. I want to talk to you here everyday if it's okay." Bea said while sniffing.

I flashed my sweet smile as I said, "Of course, why not? Anything for you."

"Anything for you"

"Anything for you"

"Anything for you"

That wasn't suppose to be part of it.

Bea

I've been carrying the pain for quite a while and it's great to let it out once and for all. This peanut has helped me more than I have expected. I wasn't able to control I pulled her into a tight hug. It felt warm being this close to her. I can hear her rapid breathing and the pounding of her chest.

I shifted my position and rested my head on her shoulders. Our eyes were steady at the horizon and witnessed how the sun slowly sunk, how the sky was painted red and orange and how the darkness began to envelope their surroundings. She saw me smiling amidst the silence but understood that I was having my moment so, she snuggled close to me so I could feel her presence.

Thank God I met you.

I don't understand. I'm drawn to her for some reason. It felt like I've known her for a long time even though we only talked for a few hours. I think I like her but it's too fast, too soon.

In the back of my mind I know I shouldn't let her in. I have to keep my feelings at bay cause if I don't, everything will become complicated. Surely, someone's going to get hurt and most importantly, it will be the end of me.