Calmly typing my final transcript for our presentation while holding my phone near my ear. The memorandum has been given to us that all outsiders from Davao are needed to be out for the general quarantine due to the Corona-virus 2019. There has been speculations that the city has positive patients but the community are not in panic.
Upon hearing the news one of our professor earlier said, ''Ang mahal mahal ng tuition niyo tapos maniniwala lang kayo sa fake news? Wake up, kids.'' I rolled my eyes before her and laugh. What a witch.
''Yes, Dad. I'll just send our presentation tapos pupunta na akong terminal. I will be living at midnight. I'll just update you. Do not panic. Calm down.'' I assured my parents. There are precautions that we should follow and one of it is do not fucking panic.
Classes has been suspended and establishments are being forced closed for the safety of everyone. Our professors send some guidelines for our midterm and final's requirements. We understood, because we didn't expect it to happen. As if the virus will be vanished over the night. Nope.
I packed my things, brought important stuff such us manuals, books and documents. This virus will change not just for me but for everybody.
This will show us that we should prioritize health over politics and give the researching labs budget for crisis like this. This will be a hell of a lesson. I sigh.
Taga Davao si Sib. Kaya ako lang ang aalis ng Davao. Our province is 3-hour trip from here and our driver will be picking me up from the checkpoint.
I hear a knock from the outside. Its still 10pm at plano kong madaling araw byumahe dahil sigurado akong full-packed pa ang terminal sa mga oras na'to. I opened the door and shocked when Peach appeared from it.
Worried are all over her face. I hugged her before kissing her. She's from here. Basically, for how many months and possibly a year, we will not be seeing each other that long. I broke the kiss and let her in - in my room. My things are still messed up.
''Ano oras ka ba-byahe?'' I sense sadness on it. I gulp and hold her chin. Up until now, for who knows sake's, I will never be tired of asking how did I have her? And I will never get tired wondering how am I going to hold her everyday because I don't know if my doings are hurting her or not. She is so precious to me and things can't go wrong because I might be crazy if that will happen. Tangina.
''Mahal na mahal kita.'' Almost a whisper. I can't find my voice. Nanlumo ako ng tumulo ang luha sa kanyang mata. Lumuhod ako sa harap niya at niyakap siya ng mahigpit. I can't let go of her.
''I love you so much, too. God..'' We hugged for a long minute before I sat up in the bed. Hinawakan ko ang kanyang kamay. She smiled for me and I also did.
''We already know what things will happen..'' ..about the virus, ''..and I just want to say, na mag-iingat ka dito. Do not worry about me. Things will be better soon.'' I kissed her forehead and hug her again.
We never have an intimate moments together aside from holding each other's hand while studying and being together in bed...after studying. We talk random things above the sky. We managed to be together in our busy schedule from school. Aside from those, I consider at these moment our most intimate moment together. With clothes, crying our emotions out and understanding the situation.
You might say that its too much but no. This is enough.
--
The streets were still busy. Many jeeps were still in the road. I grip tightly her hand while sipping my coffee while seeing those stuff. Nasa terminal na ako at shes with me. Her's from the terminal are only 30-minute and shes home.
''Last duty ko na for my completion. The hospital gave us wavier kung magdu-duty ba kami for emergency cases, pero hindi pumayag si Mama.'' I eyed her. I only focused my attention on her while she is glancing people walking with bags on them. Mga pasahero din siguro na uuwi. ''..sabi niya, I still have 2 years to fully obliged my duty as a nurse. I understand her. Gustuhin ko mang, pero natatakot din ako.'' She faced me. I nodded at her and just smile. I never speak, I just want to be with her and feel her presence.
We are at the entrance of the terminal. Wala na masyadong pasahero pero dadagsa din ito pag sapit ng umaga.
Nakatingin lang ako sa kanya habang siya naman ay nakatingin lang sa dinadaanan ng iilang bus na papasok. The cold breeze I felt is more cooler inside my stomach. Hindi ako mapakali. I want to shove it but I don't know how to. She faced me.
''Pumasok ka na, Love. It's already 2 am, may bus na.'' She is hiding from my shadow so that I can't see her but God knows I can see tears starting to build up again. I sighed again.
I look to my right and left side buti nalang walang ibang tao kundi some of vendors whose still up. Worried on my face and step closer and hold her face. Looked closely before I gave her the kiss that I want to gave her kanina pa. Our kiss long for about a minute.
She broke the kiss and hug me.
''Huwag kang mangba-babae don ha!'' I just scoffed. I looked for my mask in my bag before wearing it.
''Pasok na ako.'' She nodded and break our hug. Inayos ko na iyong bag ko bago tumalikod sa kanya at nilagay iyon sa scanner. I cross the person scanner and get my bag.
For the last time, I glanced at her and wave. She waved at me too before mouthing I love you.
--
HELLO!!! Kumusta kayo? I lost count sa quarantine days :< I hope you all are doing fine. :> Everything will be back in place soon! Just follow the government's orders.
Still, do the social distancing, wash your hands often and eat healthy foods and take vitamins to boost the immune system! :> Kung masama ang pakiramdam, manage the symptoms first. Stay educated!
If you're with me, comment your favorite quarantine songs! I will listen to them!
See you soon!
-BM
