March 3
“Oh, RJ! Kumusta? Gabing-gabi na. Nawala ka na bigla after your birthday. Kumusta na si Riza?”
“Ok na, Kuya Ping. Pasensya na, Kuya. Inasikaso ko muna sya para sigurado kaya ngayon lang ako nakabalik. Nga pala, Kuya, natatandaan mo ba yung babaeng nagcheck-in dito nung birthday ko? Si Maine? Maganda, mahaba buhok.” He asked in rapid succession, eager to see her again apologize for leaving without a trace.
“Ah, si Miss Maine. Oo naman. Marunong na nga sya mag-surf eh. Fast learner. Halos tuwing weekend kasi andito yun . Nagpapractice daw para magaling na sya pagpunta nya ng Siargao.”
His heart almost jumped out of his chest, hopeful that he’d finally see her again, knowing for sure that she would be there tonight.
“Aba teka lang, RJ. Mukhang type mo si Ms. Maine a. Kaya ba timing na andito ka?"
He only rubbed his nape and smiled shyly in response.
“Asus, RJ. Wag ako. Oo, sinalubong pa nga namin kaninang pagpatak ng alas dose yung birthday nya e kaso kanina pa umalis ng tanghali. May family birthday dinner daw kasi sya e.” He felt like a rock sunk to the bottom of his stomach. How will he find her now?
“Kuya, may number ka naman nya diba? Pwede ko bang makuha? Sige na naman, Kuya.” RJ knew it was a long shot. Kuya Ping takes privacy seriously.
“Sorry RJ. You already know the answer to that. Plus, nakiusap din sya na wag ibigay yun kahit kanino.”
***
The wait staff was already serving the main course of her birthday dinner when she got a text from Kuya Ping, the owner of the lodge she has been staying in every weekend she surfed.
Andito si RJ. Hinahanap ka. Ano bang nangyari sa inyong dalawa?
Ano nga ba? Wala. He just checked off two items on my “be spontaneous” list, and that’s it. She thought. Well it was one kiss that she still dreamt about, unfortunately.
But why was she having the urge to drive all the way back to Zambales just to see him again?
BINABASA MO ANG
Before We Begin
FanfictionIt started with an amazing kiss. Then he disappears. Will they ever cross paths again? Cover Art by: @noodlesbychi
