"and every time i look at you,
i can feel something stirring
inside me. like a collection
of dying stars drowning beneath
the waves. waves that belong
to your ocean, and i have fallen
deeply without really knowing
how far it all could go."
r.m. drake
--
"Love is not about someone who is brave enough to break your walls.
It's about someone who can give enough courage and strength
for you to break your own walls."
k.s.
Jho laid side by side with Beatriz the whole night, but did not sleep. She constantly checked for her temperature and woke her during the scheduled intake of medicine. She reassured the worried Bea that she was fine even though every ounce of her energy was already drained.
When morning came, she decided to prepare breakfast for the two of them. She hopes not to disappoint Bea with her cooking since the other one is a professional while she just cooks for recreation.
The smell of greasy food instantly brought Bea to her senses. She rubbed her eyes to get a clearer view of the place. Her head was a little woozy, but it was better than how she felt yesterday. She was alone in Jho's room with the blinds shut, not letting any light pass through. She remembered everything from last night and she was embarrassed at Jho for making her clean her body.
She leaves the room, dragging the IV stand with her and found Jhoana transferring the fried rice from the pan to the bowl. Jho gave her a concerned look as soon as their eyes met.
"Okay ka na ba? Bakit ka tumayo?"
She smiled and rubbed the corner of her brows – a mannerism that manifests whenever she felt shy.
"Mas maayos na kaysa kagabi. Thank you pala sa pag-alaga."
"Dadalhan sana kita ng food sa kwarto kaso tumayo ka na. Join me for breakfast?" Jho grinned widely upon suggesting.
"I'm famished."
"Sorry, di ako expert. Bacon and eggs lang for now."
"It's fine, Jho. Luto mo naman so it makes everything up. Sure ko masarap yan."
While they ate in a comfortable silence, Bea asked absentmindedly, "Paano ka nga pala napunta dun sa convenience store?"
Jho focused on her plate and cleared her throat. "Ah, yun. Kasi it's been a gossip in the office na nag-aalala na parents mo about you and nung sumabay ako kina Ate Den once nakwento nga nila na hindi ka nagpaparamdam so I decided to look for you. I was on my way to your condo when I saw you enter the store."
Bea mouthed an 'o'. "Nagulat lang ako kasi sa lahat ng pwede kong makahanap sa akin, ikaw pa. Sorry talaga naabala pa kita, Jho. I'll leave after this."
No, this isn't how it should go. Jho thought in panic.
"Sure ka ba? Baka mapano ka kung aalis ka agad. The doctor said you needed rest."
"Okay lang ako, Jho. Kailangan ko rin ayusin sarili ko. I look like a mess and my place too."
Jho sighed in defeat. She isn't ready to tell Bea that she loved her back, but that would be the only valid reason for Bea to stay with her now.
