Let Her Go

Chapter 18

Iba't-ibang uri ng kulay ang gumuguhit sa langit ang aking natatanaw mula sa aking kinauupuan. Samahan mo pa ng malamig na ihip ng hangin na kanina ko pa nararamdaman. Kailangan namin ang maiksing bakasyon na ito matapos ang mga nangyari. Alas-sais pa lang ng umaga ay nasa biyahe na kami ni Bea. Papunta kami ngayon sa probinsya ng Bataan. Tatlong oras lang ang biyahe kung mayroong dalang sariling sasakyan at madaling araw din kami umalis ni Bea sa Manila. Lumagpas na kami kani-kanina lang sa isang landmark na nagsasabing nakapasok na kami sa probinsyang aming patutunguhan, ang First Line of Defense o locally known as Layac.

"Already hungry, Jujubear?"

"Nope. Kumain naman tayo bago umalis eh so busog parin ako. Mas gusto kong gawin ito.." Kinuha ko ang kanyang isang kamay, inilagay ito sa balikat ko at sabay sumiksik sa kanyang leeg. "Hope that I'm not distracting you, Beibei."

She smiled at me. I can feel that she's loving my sweet gesture. "Okay lang naman, Jujubear. As long as you don't tickle me, masasabi ko na safe tayo pareho. What are you looking forward for this short trip?"

"Hmm. The truth? I've never been to this place but I will surely enjoy this short trip because I'm gonna spending it with you." I kissed her cheek and went back to burry my face on her neck. "Sana mag-enjoy ka rin, Beibei. I know you have already told me that this wasn't your first time in Bataan. Ano nga ulit ang pangalan ng resort na pinuntahan niyo nina Tita?"

"Montemar Beach Resort. Hindi naman tayo doon papunta, ilang ulit na rin kami nakabalik sa province na 'to but iyon lang ang pinupuntahan namin. We're going to Mariveles para maiba naman at pareho nating first time. Mayroon na ako'ng kinausap, we're not going to check in a fancy hotel room but we're gonna spending the night on a tent. Ayos lang ba 'yon sa'yo?"

"....and for sure, I'm going to enjoy this trip as well kasi ikaw ang kasama ko."

"Hmm. Tent? Sounds exciting. Can't wait!" Binuksan ko ang aking bintana at hinayaan na damhin ang lamig ng hangin sa aking mukha. Inilagay ko ang aking dalawang kamay sa magkabilang gilid ng aking bibig sabay sigaw. "Mariveles, get ready! Here comes the Beibei and Jujubear, ready to conquer!" I saw on my peripheral view that Bea is laughing at me. Seeing her laughing, it delights me. "Beibei, can you stop the car for a moment? There's something I need and want to do."

"Hmm. Okay." She stopped the car just like what I've told her to do. We're on a highway and only few vehicles is on the road right now. Another thing is, nakalagpas na rin kami sa ilang kabahayan. Tinanggal ko ang seatbelt sa aking katawan at humarap ako kay Bea. "What are you going to--"

Before she can utter any word, I grabbed her face and kissed her lips. Hard. My heart started to pound harder and harder against my chest. As she responded to my kiss, I grabbed her waist and put it closer to me. It took more than a minute for us to stop then I smiled at her. "That is for almost melting me with your smile, Beibei. And this..." I pecked on her lips. "...for making this plan. For spending the whole weekend with me. Thank you, Beibei."

"I think I should smile at you all the time, Jujubear. And, you're welcome!"

...then she started the engine of her car and I went back to the road.

...

We have just arrived here in the town of Mariveles and Bea is talking to the person that she contacted for this trip. I'm looking at different people right now and I think they have recognized me. I find it kinda weird at the same time overwhelming for me because they know that I am part of the champion team of the Ateneo Lady Eagles. Weird 'coz seriously, I am not really used to this kind of attention, being "famous" or whatever you call that thing is. It is just me. Jia. A student and an Athlete who is just lucky enough to be part of such talented team. Overwhelming because, I just don't expect that even here, there are some people who is quietly supporting the team and they are treating us like a celebrity or I dunno. I am just thankful 'coz they looking up at me, referring me as an inspiration, while I am just doing the things that I love.