Daylight

18

To: one good l
Good morning! Just prayed for you guys. God bless on your game later! Thanks again for the tix 💜

I sent a message to Juan after my morning rituals, before I went ahead to leave for the first service in church. My family wouldn't be going with me, because they will be waiting for my sister to come, and they'll all attend the afternoon service. My parents couldn't say no to my impulsive paalam because I already told Juan that I was going. My dad was shocked by my sudden interest in watching a basketball game, but I shook it off for the moment. "Ininvite po ako, nakakahiya po mag-no," I said to them.

"O siya 'Nag, ingat ka. Marunong ka na naman pumunta doon 'no?" my ever-worrisome dad asked. I smiled.

"Hindi po. Pero Ianna's coming with me po, she knows naman po how to get there."

My mom's brows creased. "Mag-iingat ka ha." "Eto pamasahe," my dad followed.

I love my parents. "Sige po. Bye Ma, Pa!" I sent a flying kiss to both of them as I went out of the door.

-----

After the church service, I immediately met up with Ianna at a near carinderia to eat. I wasn't surprised to see her already there. She even bought food for both of us already.

"Since sagot mo na 'yung ticket, ibinili na kitang lunch," she greeted as I sat down across her.

I shook my head. "No. I didn't pay for your ticket, so don't treat me."

"But," she started, "you didn't have to invite me. Pwede namang di mo ako isama though that would be out of character for you. Asa pa pumunta ka sa ganun mag-isa." Ianna mocked, to which I rolled my eyes. "Basta, kainin mo na lang yan. Wag na makulit."

I conceded. "Thanks, I guess." We ate fast in silence, because we didn't want to test the Manila traffic. Ianna then called for a taxi to Filoil Flying V Arena.

The radio was on for the taxi ride, and Ride Home by Ben&Ben blasted from the car speakers. I absentmindedly sang along.

The city yawns, they echo on
My thoughts are spinning on and on
My head it seems
They lead me back to you

I keep coming back to you

I then typed out a message to Juan again.

To: one good l
Hey, we're on our way. I brought Ianna, my archi friend. See you there!

I lost myself in the song. It was a good thing that Ianna wasn't one to bother me when I'm in this mood. I forgot all the traffic that surrounded me and imagined myself on my way to another place in a different country. I've always wanted to travel to places far and wide, but I never had the chance to do so because of lack of money. And besides, I'm pretty sure I wouldn't survive long in other countries. I'd just be craving for sinigang there.

But more than that, I never really had connections internationally. It may sound fun to go abroad, but I can't imagine going to places that big all alone. If ever I do travel out of the country, I want to do so with someone. With, err, the someone. But of course, I don't voice these thoughts out because the hopeless romantic side of Sinag is not known to the world.

Just as these thoughts crossed my mind, the song reached this part.

When I'm with you home is never too far
My weary heart has come to rest in yours
I found my way home

I started singing along more loudly this time as "I found my way home" went on repeat, I almost started dancing on my seat, too, when the driver started looking at me weirdly. I'm sorry, kuya, I thought sheepishly.