The Great Escape

Kabanata 23

Kabanata 23

Let me

Balik kalsada na kami ulit kinabukasan. Bago sumikat ang araw, nakalabas na kami ng Zambales at papunta na sa susunod na destinasyon. I was moving my head up and down with the beat.

Hindi katulad ng playlist namin kahapon, upbeat na ang mga pinatutugtog ko. Nang tanungin ko si Ephraim kung naiistorbo ba siya sa tugtog, umiling siya kaya tuloy naman ako sa ginagawa.

I was dancing along with the beat of the song when I heard him chuckle. Nagulat ako kaya napahinto ako sa pag-indayog at namimilog ang mata na hinarap siya.

"Isa pa nga!"

He diverted his gaze on me for a short while before gazing back on the road. The curve that was written on his lips remained and I couldn't stop myself from stretching a smile too. I'm glad that he's having fun.

"You suck at singing, you know?" Ephraim told me, his teeth showing from smiling too wide.

"Alam ko! That's why I only play piano for AUGUSTUS. Ikaw naman talaga ang singer."

I only play piano for AUGUSTUS but because of my disease, hindi ko na magawa 'yon. ALS took away my capability of pressing keys and making music. And it breaks my heart everytime I think about those beautiful moments I had with my keyboard. With my friends, the whole band, and my family.

Iyong mga panahong tutugtog ako ng piano sa gitna nang malawak naming bulwagan. Sa tuwing may party sa bahay at maraming bisita. Kahit kabado, nagagawa kong kalimutan iyon oras na kaharap ko na ang piano.

I miss those moments I had with my Mom when everything still feels right. When she was seated by my side, guiding my fingers as I press each key, not worrying about the next days that I won't be able to play anymore.

Gusto kong balikan ang mga araw na 'yon at manatili roon nang mahabang panahon. They were too precious. But then again, kung mananatili lang ako sa panahong 'yon, baka hindi ko makikilala si Ephraim.

The strange guy who introduced me to the bigger world. The man who gave me this chance to chase after the stars before I entirely lose it. He was the one who let me spend every single day of my life as if it would be my last.

He was the one who made me realize what being alive really means. And as I live, I've got to be a little braver to conquer the vast seas and heavy storms.

"Well, your singing skill is fine with me though. Basta ba sa akin mo lang iparirinig 'yan."

Nilingon niya ako dahil pula ang traffic light at nakahinto kami. I can feel my heart going crazy.

But I shouldn't feel this way. Mali 'to. Hindi pwede. I can leave him anytime. At hindi ko alam kung pareho kami ng nararamdaman para sa isa't isa. There's just so much to lose if I'm going to tell him what I really feel.

"And for our third destination, I welcome you to Benguet Province."

Umawang ang labi ko nang dumaan kami sa ilalim ng arko ng Benguet. The fog was thick but the sun was shining. I can see towering trees from here and the colorful houses standing firm. The province was breath-takingly beautiful.

"Ang ganda!" I giggled in excitement.

The mountains are visible from naked eyes too! Ang ganda tignan ng kulay berde at kayumanggi. Nakalulungkot lang na ang ilang mga bundok ay halos wala nang puno, 'di katulad noon. But anyway, the place was really nice. It was an another breathe of fresh air after an hours long drive.

I pushed a button to lower the car window. Ganoon din ang ginawa ni Ephraim na kapapatay lang ng aircon. Itinabi niya rin muna ang sasakyan para maenjoy namin kahit sandali ang kagandahan ng lugar. I bet Psalm and Mariette did the same.