Cold Summer Nights || On-Hold

FOUR

Riley's POV

"Tita, uuna na po ako. Hinihintay pa ako ni Lian." paalam ko kay tita.

"Sige. Ingat ka." then she waved her hand, her sign of saying goodbye.

So early in the morning when I woke up. I immediately remembered Lian that I left a message in her e-mail. We've been so good friends even when I'm still here--- the reason why I invited her to go out with me today, and right now, I'm heading to our meeting place. She's probably waiting for me there already.

Few more walks along the pathway of Session Road and I'm here. From her back and her features, especially her long wavy hair, I knew it was her, waiting for me.

"Lian!" I yelled in the middle of the crowd to catch her attention, which made her turn to see who called her name.

"Riley!" her eyes were surprised when she saw me then series of running footsteps were heard from her shoes. The moment she reached me, she embraced me so tight.

"Ano, tara na?" tanong ko na ikinatango niya naman.

We entered the restaurant, chosen our seats then ordered the food. Now, all we have to do is to wait for our orders to be served.

The restaurant's ambiance is so fine and is setting the mood for a long and nice talk with this girl.

"So ano? Kumusta ka na?" pangunguna niya.

"Maayos naman. Been here for two weeks, I guess? Ikaw ba? Panigurado, we have so much to talk about."

"Andito ka na pala noong nakaraan pa, ngayon mo lang na naman ako maaalala?" nanunuyang tanong niya.

A smile formed in my lips. "At least, naalala pa rin."

"Ikaw talaga! Hay nako, ako ba? Maayos ayos pa naman kaso medyo stressed na, we're preparing a lot for another contest this year. Can't you imagine it? Instead of spending my entire summer wandering, travelling, watching movies, mall strolling, reading novels at home and more fun things that teens must be doing, here I am, left with no choice. Well, I sometimes thank myself that I enjoy what I am doing or else, if it wouldn't be for my passion, I'll probably quit right away. But no! Quitting was never in my vocabulary for something that keeps me alive. Aha! Ako, magqu-quit? No way! If it's not me, then no one's gonna be crowned for my title as the hottest chick of the dancefloor." She frowned.

Itong babaeng 'to talaga, kahit kailan hindi nawalan ng sasabihin sa akin. Nakapadaldal talaga.

"Passion is something that keeps us alive. In order for us to survive, we must keep it burning within us. The thought that our passion was the one that makes us accomplish something, it fuels us, and feel bewitched and so drawn. At least in your case, you're keeping that passion of yours burning, and you keep yourself fueled by something that you really want. It was nice for you though. You have that strong mindset that nobody else can conquer but only you. I can say, your team's so good and to tell you honestly, they are and must be proud of you. If it wasn't for you and all of your teammates, and the hardwork that you all put in your performances, you wouldn't bring home the bacon in every contest you are in. Anyways, kahit naman magreklamo ka, you're still gonna obey what your heart desires and pretty sure that you'll sneak out to meet with your team for your practices just to win the same cup every year." tipid siyang ngumiti at may kunot sa kaniyang noo.

"You're right but sometimes, I do get tired of what I'm doing. I question myself if I am on the right track, if this fire within me keeps burning until the time that I will have a change of heart." she replied.

"Lian, I know you get tired of something you thought would fuel your fire. Everyone will get tired of something they wanted to do for the rest of their life. But it doesn't mean they'll stop. As for you, it doesn't end there. If you think you can't and you feel tired, take a break but never stop yourself from something you always wanted to do; for your passion. The dancefloor is with you and you are with the dancefloor. A lot of people supports you so when the time comes that you feel tired of dancing, the passion of yours that fuels your heart, just rest but never ever stop." an authentic smile flashed in her face.

That's it, Lian! Smile more often even if the entire week was so hard to you, lady.

"You're really good at life-coaching, didn't you know that? When in fact, you're still at a young age. Excuse me--- I am just a month older than you. But hell, yeah! Thanks by the way. And if I haven't told you in our conversation last night..." she was cut off by the waiter, serving us with the foods we ordered.

"Here's your order, ladies. Enjoy your meal and have a great day!" a polite greeting coming from the waiter before he turned his back to us.

"Wait! Let's take a picture!" she uttered sabay ng paglabas niya ng kaniyang phone.

*ting*

The moment that Lian tapped the capture button of her phone, a message popped up. It must have been important that a single shot was enough. She checked and replied at it for a while.

"Well, let's eat first then." Lian said while bringing her phone down.

We are chatting while having our food, but the longer we talk, I have been observing her. She keeps on checking out her phone, probably replying to messages that was coming in her inbox and seems frustrated from the frowns that I can see in her face. After a minute, her phone rang in a very low volume, seems like she got an important phone call.

"Excuse me, Lei. Sagutin ko lang itong tumatawag." Turo niya sa phone niya. I just smiled and nodded at her which made her stand and went beside her seat.

I just continued eating so that it wouldn't be a waste from our money. I noticed from my peripheral vision that she ended the call and her face was surprised at something from behind me.

She walked passed my direction. Maybe, she has met someone she knew that I don't, but I won't bother if she'll invite that person to come with us, too. I might as well have any other friends in her circle aside from her.

I felt my phone beeped, so I check it only to find out my best friend's good morning message. These two people behind me, probably Lian and the person she knew, were talking but I chose not to understand as I'm focused to reply Jiyanna.

Minutes later, kinalabit ako ni Lian. Tinignan ko naman siya tsaka ako tumayo. Nang may ipakilala siya sa akin, I'm a bit surprised of who was that person she's talking to. A sudden smile was plastered on my face.

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