"WHAT are your plans?" He began a conversation.
"I am not going to renew my contract in the school for next year. I am planning to go home in the province after this academic year. I do not like it here anymore. I've been here for six long years, and I want to explore on new things."
"In what month are you planning to move out of the city?"
"Maybe as early as April, so I can apply in some schools in La Union."
"Why don't you take into consideration the one that I've been telling you for so long?"
Manuel had been convincing me to teach in the school he is currently in. He told me not to worry about bed and breakfast since I could stay in his house as long as I want. That way, I could save half of my salary.
I planned to apply and work abroad but my parents didn't allow me. Rather, they advised me to look for another school that offers higher salary.
I was trying to consider Manuel's proposal since their school compensates them double the salary that our school offers. However, I don't want to take advantage of his kindheartedness. Best friends help, comfort, and guide each other, and that is what he is trying to do. But his proposal is just too much.
"It's not gonna be that simple, Manuel. Tito Paul and Tita Angela, your whole family, are kind and I don't want to abuse your kindness. Nonetheless, if I ever change my mind, or if the situation asks me to, it's your offer that I am going to consider above everything."
"You are welcome anytime. You are a family and you know that."
"Thank you so very too much, Manuel!"
__*__*__*__*__*__*__
MANUEL's P.O.V.
I decided that we drop by Auntie Aaliyah's office before we head back to the hotel. It was a day late; nonetheless, I confirmed her about our stay in the hotel until Sunday. Auntie Aaliyah retold me bucket list of reminders which I was certain that she had also told to Latrice.
On the other hand, I assured her that we are not going anywhere outside Baguio and that we are staying at The Manor.
I didn't want to break the trust that Latrice's family had given me. I always ask for their permission every time Latrice and I would have to go home late - due to projects or dinner dates. Most importantly, I would always bring her home myself.
__*__*__*__*__*__*__
LATRICE's P.O.V.
WHEN we got back at the hotel, Manuel reviewed some of his notes while I was watching. Before long, I took the questionnaire from him and asked him questions from it.
We got unaware of time and realized that it was already passed 2PM. We came to an agreement to go down and eat at the hotel's restaurant, Le Chef.
We took pleasure out of our late lunch.
After almost two hours, we drove to the Tree Top Adventure and tried once again their zip line, canopy ride, tree fall, and skywalk. This is our second time to be here together and we couldn't be happier. We had a barrel of laughs and elation in each of the adventures.
While on the canopy ride, I picked out leaves and cones from the pine trees beside the navigation area; I planned to put it in my scrapbook. Manuel gave me a copy of our pictures in each ride; and I would surely place them on a frame to be displayed in my room.
We entered into a pizza housenear the place. We both love Italian foods. I ordered lasagna while he ordered cappelletti for himself and pizza for us. It was a family-sized pizza but I had eaten 3 slices just the same. Similarly, he had consumed 3 slices too. We were both laughing on how huge our appetites were. We're done with our foods but opted to loosen up for a while.
Out of nowhere, he held my hand.
I was stunned.
We're real affectionate to each other but both of us never dared to initiate such gesture before; this was the very first time.
I looked at him and tried to behave like normal. I was waiting for him to say something but it had taken him almost a minute to speak up.
"I feel so nervous about the exam."
"You don't have to be. Have faith in yourself and in Him. You would pass the exam, believe me." I squeezed his hand to reassure him.
"I hope so." He gazed at me and let go of my hand after a while.
He turned his gaze away from me.
"Let's go back to the hotel."
I am still bemused of what happened.
I know that it was just a simple gesture coming from him.
But...
Why did my mood change unexpectedly?
__*__*__*__*__*__*__
MANUEL's P.O.V.
IT was unplanned that I enclosed her hand on mine.
I just wanted to feel alright.
The uneasiness I felt while holding Latrice's hand was rather unexpected. I could not deny the serenity that flowed over me in that moment though. All my nervousness streamed down my senses.
I felt the awkwardness coming from her, but I ignored it.
Did she feel the same way I did?
The contentment and happiness - was she able to feel that too?
Xxxxx
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