Letters To You

Chapter 9

"You couldn't be the one—the one to love her.

She dazzled you, but your eyes could never get used to the light. So you remained clothed in your shadow, and you ignored the hand that reached for you.

You ignored your own heart.

And that is why you couldn't be the one.

She wasn't just the moon; she was the whole sky, but you couldn't see beyond the stratosphere.

Your souls loved each other as much as any two souls could possibly love—

but you couldn't be the one.

Lang Leav

--

Jho

Since Bea didn't want to leave my condo before heading to our destination, I ordered her to leave her car in the basement and use mine instead. She detested the idea, but I was very assertive then eventually she gave in.

It was a quiet drive to the mall, but it was not the awkward kind. There was no need to fill the gap. Feeling each other's presence was enough for us.

I stole quick glances at her and secretly admired how she looks when she's idling. I love it when she plays with her hair, flipping it from left to right until she finds something else to fiddle. I love how she rests her face on her palms and then pouts when she's bored and the list goes on.

When we arrived, I snatched her hand and dragged her to the escalator.

"Faster! The movie is about to start!" I exclaimed.

"What movie are we watching?"

"You'll see. Wait there near the gate I'll buy us tickets," I said as I point to far end.

--

I internally patted my back for picking the right movie house for us – there was a big space for her to stretch out her legs comfortably. It's chilly inside even with my hoodie on. I accidentally let out a shiver.

"Are you cold?" Bea turns her head to look at me, her brows scrunched.

"I'm fine, don't worry. Focus on the movie." I pushed her cheeks back lightly.

A few minuets into the movie, the coldness started to bother me, so I rubbed my palms together and let its heat course through my face. Bea noticed my sudden shift of position so she glanced at me again. Without a word, she lifted the water holder up to remove the barrier between us and moved closer to me.

"Not cold, huh? Come here. I'll keep you warm," she ordered as she stretched her left arm.

I leaned on her shoulders as she snaked her left arm around my side and finally rested her head on top of mine. I can smell her shampoo and perfume. Probably my new favorite scent. I silently wished for us to stay like that until the whole movie finished.

She must have heard my thoughts. My heart skipped a beat as soon as she spoke. "Can we stay like this, Jhoana?"

Jhoana. It's nice to hear her say it.

I swear I felt butterflies swarming my stomach after that.

I only managed a weak nod and then we focused on the movie right after.