WARNING: This story, although fictional, contains sensitive matter about abuse and misuse of firearms.
"One.. Two.. Three.. Four.." She was concentrating hard as she counted the stars above us. There's a whole galaxy up there but, believe me, nothing could stop this girl beside me from counting them.
Sometimes, she could reach up a hundred before she heaves up a deep sigh and surrender. Most times it won't even get past 29. I always took note of it.
Then.. When she has become quiet for a moment or two, that's when I ask her.
"Gusto mo na bang umuwi?" I would look to my right, that's her spot. I would study her face and smile secretly to myself. This is one of those stolen moments that I thank God for; these rare occassions when I could get to really look at her peaceful face with eyes closed and lips pursed.
And she doesn't know it.. Because she's too busy thinking about other things. It was like I did not even exist.
"Mamaya na. Maingay sa bahay eh." Then I would nod and scoot in closer to her. "You can sleep at my house if you like." I'd always offer her that option and she would always refuse.. Except tonight.
"Can I? Kahit isang gabi lang. Kahit ilang oras lang." Her lips curled into a frown, as if something was hurting from inside her. I held her hand tightly, then.
"Oo naman. For as long as you'd like. Ipagpapaalam na lang kita sa parents mo." I added. I was somehow feeling this immense happiness from deep down inside me.
"No.. 'Wag ka nang magpaalam. Alam na nilang 'di ako uuwi ngayong gabi." She replied. Her eyes were still closed. I was perplexed but I just let it pass. Maybe some matters have gone bad at their household and that pushed her to get away from the people there.
I got up to my feet, wasting no time, because the night was getting deeper and this girl beside me needs proper rest. So, I held out my hand to her and she gladly took it. I waited patiently as she dusted off some bits and pieces of loose grass that had clung to her shirt.
I wrapped my jacket around her so that she wouldn't freeze to death. Well, the things I do for love.
I gave her my spare helmet, it was her favorite color; Olive. She wore it properly and when I hopped onto my motorcycle, she followed suit and wrapped her arms around my waist.
I wish I could always be this close to her. I wish I could keep her safe and take all her worries away until we're both gray and old.
I really don't know when I started having deep feelings for this girl behind me but who cares? As long as my heart keeps beating, it's beating for her and her alone.
We were halfway to my house when she asked me to make a short stop at the bridge we used to stay at. It was the quickest route to my house and whenever she would come over, we always stop by here and enjoy the view for a couple of minutes.
"What's going through your head?" I asked as I got closer to her. She was just looking ahead with those empty-looking eyes that yearned for something I have yet to figure out.
"Sinasaktan ka ba ng dad mo?"
There was silence for quite a while then I felt a pair of weak arms wrapped around my waist and the sound of painful sobs filled my ears. My heart broke into a million pieces because of this revelation.
I have always known how much of a drunkard his dad was and I also know that his dad hurts her mom but never this girl hugging me tight. It fueled an immense rage inside me, like I wanted to punch his father a couple of times just to knock some sense into him.
