Another Way Around

Chapter Twelve

My head is floating; I can’t sleep well last night. I don’t think I ever slept last night. The revelations were undeniably shocking. The letter, Gino’s story. Nah!! My nerves are shaking!

To refresh my mind, I went back to plan and scanned my planner for my today’s activity.

“Hm.. Let’s see..” then I flipped my planner. “Sixth day.. Community Services. Well it’s a good timing, I will be able to talk to many people there, I will be occupied by many things in the community, at the same time, I will be able to help and of course, I will be able to get away from the things that bothers me at this time,” I said to myself.

I called Bea, the community organizer in Campbell Square and asked for activities and I offer my help. After our conversation, I drink my coffee, and eat heavy lunch. I will need much energy today.

When I am about to leave the house, Gino was on the door.

“Oh my..” I whispered.

“Going somewhere?,” He asked.

“Yep. I’ll be helping in a community service with Bea in Campbell Square, bye see yah!” I said and walked as fast as I can.

“Hey wait!” he ran after me. “I want to go help with you”

“You just came back from New Jersey, why not take some rest? You know, you can help next weekend”

“Why do I have this feeling that you don’t want to be with me today?,” he said, and his face expression was like teasing.

“No I’m just worried”

“Nah! Let me come with you!”

I stopped. I am a bit irritated so I just said yes. He wants to get his car but I refused.

“We are going to a poor area, I don’t want people to think we are rich or anything like that”

“Well, okay”

We walked. And while walking, Gino is saying many things I can’t grasp. I can’t actually concentrate with him. I’m just not so comfortable with him right now.

We reached the area and Bea called us.

“Hey guys thank goodness you are here. We really need a lot of volunteers”

“No problem,” I said smiling.

“Okay volunteers, we have to divide into three groups, one group will help the residents to clean the busted area, the other group will help to teach the mothers some things that will help them make a living and the last group will help in medical mission,” she explained. “So group yourselves”

“Where do you want to help?”

“Ahm… I’ll help in medical mission” I want to help there because Gino is terrified in blood.

“Comm’n you know I don’t like blood. For sure they will bring injured and wounded patients there.”

“You can help in cleaning. They will need boys there”

“But ..”

“No buts okay? We are here to help. And it’s a good thing because I can share whatever I will do in medical mission and you will share to me your experiences with the fathers of this place,” I said putting all my convincing powers.

With my fingers crossed at my back, he just agreed.

For the whole time I’m helping the doctors and nurses, I tried not to think of anything outside the tent we are in. I focused and dedicated myself in doing everything I can to help people in need, especially the children in this area; they really needed care and love.

But of course the day will eventually end I have to go back to my not so normal life.

We walked home. I was silent because I don’t know w hat to say, I’m not also in the mood to share what I have done with the doctors.

 He asked me, “Is there something wrong? You seem to be not so in the mood to listen to me”

“I’m Just tired”

“Is there something that bothers you? Are you sick? Did I say or do something that you don’t like? I know there is something, tell me.”

I breathe deep. Since he asked, I will tell him. Actually, I can’t keep it anymore.

“I saw your note on the leaflet of the book you gave to me on my last birthday”

“What book?,” he asked. As if he never knew.

“The Summer House,” I replied.

“The Summer house,” he said.

A long silence covered us both.

After a few minutes, he finally talked.

“Everything I said to that letter is true. It all came from my heart. I can’t find courage to tell you so I wrote it. But you never saw it even after reading it thrice or I just thought that maybe it’s not the right time. That maybe one day, one special day, a wind will opened that book to let you know I left a note.”

I did not say a word. As if I know what to say?

He continued, “So this is the thing bothers you since yesterday?”

I nodded.

“You know, I’m not asking for anything. I’m not asking you to love me or want me. I just want you to know how I feel. If you want some space, it’s okay. I’m sorry Gab if I made something that ruined your sleep or appetite”

“No, I just want us to get back to normal, no awkward moments. See you tomorrow!”

And I run home.

I rolled and rolled over my bed. Still, I don’t know what to feel, but at least I’m relieved. I thought I’m going to lose Gino because of this.

***

Monday morning, Gino did not picked me up so I just went to school alone. As I enter the room, my classmates were looking at me. Then on my table, I found a red rose with a note “For the most beautiful woman I ever knew”

I asked Kate where did the rose came from or to whom it belong and she said it was mine, Gino asked them where is my table and left the rose.  Somehow, I find it sweet. I feel beautiful at that moment, but awkward at the same time. My classmates were teasing me and asking if Gino is my boyfriend.

“You know, I knew it from the start, Gino likes you,” Leslie said.

“Me too.. I knew it,” Justine agreed.

“Huh? How did you know, I don’t it, how come you do?”

“We just know it. The way he looked at you, the way he carried your things, picked you up, brings you food, how come you never knew it,” Kate said.

“I really have no idea,” I replied.

Ms. Salmonte came in and the class began.