Malik
Learning about her past seemed to be weighing on Sari. Her head was turned down and she didn't even run when we got to the fields.
"Hey, hindi ka naman siguro naniniwala dun?"
She looked at me with sad eyes. "I normally would dismiss it. But... I saw it. What Lola told us? I'd been seeing it lately."
I nodded in understanding. "I know. Nakita ko din."
"I'm a bad person."
"Huy. Ano ka ba? Like I said, iba yung dati. Baka kaya tayo binalik dito para bigyan tayo ng second chance to be better people."
"You think?"
I nodded. "Yes. And you already are. Napakasama mo sa akin, oo, but you're very loving to your parents and I know na mabuti ka talaga sa iba."
She chuckled. "You DO bring out the worst in me."
"Thank you," I said and she laughed.
"Ugh. Why are you so annoying, Malik?"
"That's my charm. Para din siguro hindi ka na ma-in love sa akin tulad ng dati."
I could swear she blushed and looked away. "It's a lot to take in."
"I know. Sa ngayon, you need to release all that stress. Like I said, that's all in the past now."
"Thank you, Malik."
I smiled. "I need a favor."
"Hay nako. Sabi ko na you're being nice kasi may kailangan ka."
"You know it! Dali na! Easy lang ito."
"Fine! What?"
I stood behind her and whispered. "Forgive your past self. I can't help you fly anymore but... run, Sari!"
I took off and egged her to follow. When she smiled but wouldn't move, I ran back and said, "Ayaw mo talaga tumakbo?"
She shook her head.
"Kahit na malaman mong ako yung trip ng alarm niyo kaya nahuli ka ng Daddy mo nakikipag-kissy kissy sa isa mong boyfriend?!"
Her eyes widened. "No!"
"Yes!!!"
"I was grounded for a month!!!"
"Mehehehehehehe!" Then, I ran.
"You jerk! Come back here, Malik!!! Pipisatin ko yang Datu balls mo!"
She was pissed but... she was running.
*
That night, when everyone was asleep. I went outside and looked at the stars, contemplating about what we "learned" today. Like Sari, part of me remained skeptical but I also had those visions.
We were reincarnated?
We were in love?
Sorry, the Datu and the Enchanted Bird, not Sari and I.
"Hey."
I looked up and saw Sari standing behind me. "Why are you awake, Sarimanok?"
"Nagising lang and then when I went out to check on you, wala ka sa pwesto mo. What are you thinking about?"
"Yung kwento nila Lolo tungkol sa atin... I mean, tungkol dun sa Datu at sa mabait na Sarimanok."
She hit my arm. "Nakakainggit yung love nila 'no?"
"Hmmm oo kasi ang loyal nila sa isa't isa. Bihira na yun. But at the same time, naiisip ko, if she didn't love him like that, sana hindi siya napahamak."
She thought about it. "Maybe he was a really fantastic guy and she decided it was worth taking the risk."
I nodded. "That's true. Basta ikaw ha? Hindi mo kailangan gawin yun. Yourself above Malik, okay? Kahit gaano mo ako kamahal."
"Alam mo ang feeling mo!"
"Alam ko. AT napansin kong hindi ka nagdeny. Uuuuuuuyyyyyy! Teka, nagbu-blush naman ako."
"Leche."
"Paano kaya sila nagligawan 'no? Sana alam natin para kapag niligawan mo na ako ready ako," I continued to tease.
"Matutulog na nga ako."
I walked her back to her room. "Good night, Noks! Wag mo nang problemahin yung kwento ha? Hindi tayo yun. Hindi ikaw. I'm sure hindi siya pikon katulad mo."
"Ugh. Sooo annoying, Malik."
I chuckled. "Mamimiss mo tong upclose na pangaasar pag-uwi natin. Balik na tayo sa tapunan ng water balloons."
She smiled. "Oo nga. Malapit na pala tayong bumalik."
I bid her good night again but she called me back. "Malik... my past self did something horrible... do you think the Datu would have still accepted her?"
I looked at her and touched her face. "Yes. He would've helped her become her best self again. He loved her that much."
"Thank you, Malik."
"Tama na ang drama okay? Ayokong makita yang vulnerable side mo. Paano kita babatuhin ng water balloon next time?"
She smiled and then tiptoed and kissed my cheek. "Thank you."
"Kung para yan sa Datu, I reject your kiss!!!"
Sari giggled. "No. Para sa'yo yun, Malik the annoying neighbor. Just for you."
