I brought Jia to SM by the Bay amusement park where there were lots of rides and games to play. Jia didn't ask why it was where I brought her. She took it in stride and just had fun with me. We tried almost all of it and I wanted to shoulder the expenses but Jia also insisted on paying for some especially when I was just a step too late.
It doesn't seem like it but Jia was kind of a daredevil like I am so riding the Lolly Swing, Drop Tower, Pirate Ship, and the other extreme rides were filled with screams and laughters.
She didn't even hold my hands. Tsk. I should have brought her to a haunted house.
We also had fun playing games such as the ring toss, that thing where you have to hold on to a monkey bar for two minutes which I failed, basketball shooting game, and my favorite, the buzz wire game.
"Bei, look! Let's try go get one!" Jia said excitedly when she saw the prize for the buzz wire game.
I raised my brows in amusement.
It was a big panda stuffed toy. Not as huge as Boyfie but definitely still big.
"Why? You already have Boyfie."
"Boyfie needs a girlfriend," Jia said as she paid for our first round.
"So do I," I mumbled.
"Ano 'yun?" Jia asked with a confused look.
I just smiled.
"Wala. Are you sure? If we actually do win one, do you realize Boyfie and her girlfriend would make your living room their home? Like wala na talagang space for anyone."
"Kapag gusto, may paraan," Jia waved me off.
I chuckled at Jia's cute but childish attitude.
We ended up doing three tries each before we gave up. Amazingly, even Jia's steady hands couldn't make her win.
She was frowning and pouting after.
"I'll just buy you another one. Boyfie wouldn't mind for sure."
Jia shook her head.
"Ayaw ko. I don't want you giving me another giant panda, Bei."
"Awww," I feigned disappointment. "Now I have to think of another Christmas gift for you. Tsk."
Jia hit me lightly on the arm while smiling before pouting again. I laughed. She was so adorable.
Then, I saw something which I knew would make Jia happy.
"Milk tea?" I asked, motioning to the nearby store.
Jia's eyes lit up as she smiled widely. We headed to the store and bought her favorite flavor.
Jia's mood was infinitely better afterwards.
When it was almost sunset and we've already rested a bit, I led Jia to a very special place for me. It was nowhere special if I'm being honest.
I watched Jia take her steps forward as she appreciated the beauty of Manila Bay.
Everything was in slow motion for me. It was like the same moment those months ago - the sun was starting to set behind Jia, it's orange glow still making her seem so radiant, and the wind was blowing her hair softly away from her face. My heart started beating faster than it already was.
I raised my camera and looked at Jia through the viewfinder.
"Jia," I called her softly.
Then, she turned to me with this beautiful smile that got me in trouble in the first place. And I captured it.
