Romantic Short Stories [DUBREDO]

Ii. Back to Basics

Digong was alone at home having his daily newspaper routine while having a hot cup of coffee when someone knocked on the gate. He tried to peek who was outside but he had a blind spot from his seat.

He went out only to leave himself surprised with his unexpected visitor. "Ma'am Leni?" She responded with bright eyes and smile. "Good afternoon sir."

"Pasok. Pasok ka." He hospitably welcomed her and offered her a seat on the couch.

"Hindi ka nagsabi magpunta ka dito. Nabigla ako." He still looked astonished by her presence.

"Ah, sorry sir. Biglaan lang rin. Naisip ko lang talaga dumaan since nandito rin ako sa Davao for vacation." She asked about his kids and grandchildren, "nasaan sila?"

"Wala, sa opisina sila. Ang mga bata nakabakasyon." He briefly shared.

He served her a glass of iced tea and sat opposite her, "akala ko nasa amerika ka na?"

She chuckled, he was still updated about her, "paano mo nalaman sir?"

"Eh you know, the news have wings. Kailan ka pa nandito?" He replied, "kasama mo ang kasintahan mo magbakasyon?" He followed.

Her chest pricked a bit as she was stunned by his question, "kasintahan sir?" She was puzzled.

"Ay sino bang kasama mo dito sa Davao?" He asked. "Ako lang sir," she answered, "tsaka wala akong boyfriend." She clarified.

He pouted and laughed, "maniwala ako sa'yo ma'am. Maraming magkagusto sayo kung nasa amerika ka na nakatira," he teased, "gusto nila mga Filipina beauty. Gusto man yan nila, ikaw, yung maalaga, maasikaso, mahinhin na malambing." He described.

She didn't like how he was thinking that she's possible flirting around the American men but she blushed about how he described her.

"Pero wala ka nga boyfriend doon ma'am?" He asked.

"Bakit ba interesadong interesado ka?" She laughed. "Hindi, seriously? Wala man magagalit?" He asked. "Wala." She blushed, their comfort level swiftly returned as if they've been together again for so long.

"Uy," she tapped his arm lightly interrupting their laughters, "busy ka ba?" He slightly furrowed his forehead, "hindi naman, bakit ma'am?"

She just felt courageous that moment, "uh, kase pumunta talaga ako dito kase naisip ko... gusto kong bumawi." She hesitated a bit, "bumawi saan?" He asked.

She gulped and glanced at his eyes filled with anticipation. "Sa mga oras na hindi natin naenjoy nung tayo pa yung nakaupo sa pwesto," she chuckled, "alam mo naman pinupulitika tayo lagi."

He nodded, "ah? Sus. Wala man yon. It's a valid reason, wala ka naman obligasyon bumawi saakin." She shook her head, "no, I insist," she held his arm, "kain tayo sa labas?"

He looked stunned, "ngayon na?"
"Saan ba masarap dito sa Davao? Mas alam mo dito. Dali, tour me around." She flashed his favorite smile of hers.

He pursed his lips trying to contain his wide grin. "Bakit?" She asked upon noticing his cheeks turning red. "Wala. Tara, igagala kita."

Ever since that day, Rodrigo and Leni went out together everyday during her stay in Davao. They went to People's Park on Monday, Crocodile Farm on Tuesday, Malagos Chocolate factory on Wednesday. Eagle Centre on Thursday and then they allocated Friday and the whole weekend for Samal Island.

He accompanied her to the boat crossing from Davao to Samal Island. He called a vehicle service to bring her to Villa Amparo — a three star hotel and resort in Samal. The owner was his good friend making it easy for him to arrange an accommodation for her.