Crumbled

Eight.

On her fifth day in Marilog, Maine managed to finished two beautiful paintings. Both were done when Richard took her to a villa the other day.

She felt like she will never run out of a breathtaking view to paint in Marilog. Anywhere she turn her head, a scene is literally worth painting.

She was having her coffee by the patio when her phone rang.

"Hello?"

"Hello, dear. How's Marilog?"

"Hi, Marcus! Marilog has been nothing but amazing. How are you?"

"I'm grand. I've been busy kaya ngayon lang ako nakatawag sayo."

"It's fine."

"So, nakapagpaint ka na?"

"Yes! I actually finished two paintings already. You're right, Marcus. Going here wasn't such a bad idea."

"Yeah? Kamusta ang mga tao dyan? S'ya?"

She paused.

One of the reasons why she's been very anxious to go back was because of him. Maine was worried that it'll be very awkward and since he is very close to her family in Marilog, her entire would possibly be very stressful for her.

On her fifth day, she's obviously been proven wrong.

For the last four days, right after the day she arrived, Richard has been nothing but accomodating.

She thought he'll be cold. He'll be distant. He'll be mad. She even thought he won't be around anymore.

But, no. He's still in Marilog and it was as if nothing has changed.

It was weird.

"Dei? Still there?"

Marcus' voice brought her back from her thoughts.

"Ay, yes! Sorry. May ano.. may kinuha lang. Yes, everyone's good. Don't worry about me."

"That's good to hear. But hey, pumunta ka dyan not just for work. You are on a vacation, too. Enjoy! Okay?"

"I will. Talk to you again soon."

When Marcus ended the call, it suddenly started raining. As if on cue, the sound of the rain brought her back to her thoughts.

Way way back.

Seven years ago..

"Yun!! Yes, umuulan!"

"Balik na tayo sa baba? Baka mabasa amg gamit mo dito."

She looked at him and smiled. She decided to spend the afternoon at the covered roof top of their house.

For the past few months since they met in Epol falls, they visited different places in Marilog together. Aside from the fact that she wanted to paint places, she became his personal tour guide. Richard has been staying in Marilog for nearly 10 months already. They instantly became the best of friends.

Whenever she asks him when he will return back to Manila, he only gives her a bedimpled smile.

Her favorite.

Whenever she decide to stay home, the roof top has always been their favorite place to hang out.

But today, the rain decided to join in.

"No."

"No?"

"Oo, dito lang tayo."