Gone With The Wind ✔️

one

Elizabeth

Different smells and the polluted air of the terminal greeted me as soon as I stepped out from the bus. The wind blew my hair and it's covering my entire face, so I took my tie out of my wrist and lashed my hair.

My stomach grumbled, making me remember that I still haven't had any meal today. I looked at my wrist watch and saw it's already past 12 in noon. Lunch time na pala. I can't hold my hunger a little longer so I decided to buy a piece of bread from a bakery near me.

Of course this isn't enough lunch for me. I still need to find some restaurants or cafés wherein I'll be having a good lunch.

Today's my day one, so it means I only have 20 days left now. I don't actually like to think about the amount of days left. It's making me feel a bit conscious. As much as I can, I should or will just cease and enjoy every second.

I threw the wrapper properly on the trash can not so far from me and started walking to search for a cab. While waiting on their shed, I went on the Google Map on my phone and searched for some restaurants or shops.

It didn't took long either. It wasn't far from the terminal so there's no need to worry about the taxi's charges. I am still uncertain about the foods or noshes that this food shop has, since it's my first time there.

This is a part of my list though. To go somewhere I still haven't visited and try something new. Minutes after, taxi stopped in front of me.

"Sasakay po kayo maam?" Tanong ni manong sa'kin.

"Opo." Sagot ko at sumakay sa likod.
I just told him the address and he then drove. While waiting, I searched for some inn or hotels where I can spend nights, and booked a reservation.

I don't have a home here, okay? Para lang akong asong gala.

This is a bit unusual for me to be honest. I never had this kind of travel or happening in my life, wherein I'll just go far wherever I want to be, bringing no clothes, no home to spend a night. Glad, I have some savings to save me from headaches.

"Dito na po, Ma'am." Ani ni manong at huminto sa tapat ng isang shop. From here inside, I can clearly see the large carved name of the shop, meters apart from its glass door.

Ｍａｇｉｃ Ｓｈｏｐ

After handing my pay, I immediately went out from the taxi. I didn't went inside immediately for I roamed my eyes around at my surrounding for some seconds, then my eyes halted with the outside beauty that the shop has.

Their theme looked like a combination of a minimal and vintage style. There were large vases with different colorful flowers and they're placed outside the shop. They're very eye-catching and it could really drive people's attention.

Na-excite ako kung ano ang meron sa loob kaya pumasok na ako. After I made my way in, I can't help but to be mesmerized with its inside. The inside has wooden tables with different shapes, stools and chairs, a big chandelier, and large bookshelves at some corners. All of them mesmerized me specially with their arrangements.

Despite of the fact that there's a lot of people today, I didn't hesitated to capture the place and and the people. For the first 5 shots I used my phone, and for the second 5 shots, I shifted with my Instax.

A smile is freed from my lips as I view my shots. Pagkatapos non ay pumunta na kaagad ako sa counter at pumila para umorder na ng kakainin. I looked at their foods at mas lalo lang akong nagutom.

At the end, I ordered a happy meal, consisting with 1 large spicy chicken breast and a cup of rice. For my dessert and beverages, I ordered a medium munchkins and an iced coffee. I know I'm eating too much calories but I'm not worrying.

I am dying and what I am doing is a treat for myself. I'm sorry but diet doesn't have a room for my 20 days left.

Since I love taking pictures of everything and I am an Instagram girl, I took a picture of my order before consuming it.

Besides, I'll be printing this too for my journal. For some remembrance. Atleast, may maiiwan akong bagay na sana magiging daan upang may makakaalala sa akin.

I took 3-5 shots and picked one of it that will match my IG feed.

When my tummy grumbled again, that's when I started eating my meal. I wasn't disappointed with their food because they're really delicious! The chicken is so juicy and its skin is so crunchy. The munchkins isn't too sweet kaya hindi masakit sa lalamunan at hindi nakakaumay.

I leaned on the chair, scrolling on my phone while sipping my iced coffee. My eyes are just locked on my phone's screen, not until when I saw in my peripheral vision, a man sat in front of me and he placed something beside my plate.

Umangat ang ulo ko at agad nagsalubong ang aking kilay ng bumungad sa'kin ang katabi ko kanina sa bus. My eyes traveled down with the thing he placed beside my plate, and I realized it's my hanky. Customized hanky to be exact.

I blinked five times as I sat comfortably on the chair and stared at him with my confused face. Trying to convince myself if I am seeing this right.

Hindi naman siguro ako namamalik-mata diba?

"Uh--" He was about to say a words but I halted it.

"Did you followed me?" I asked bewilderedly. As my eyes trailed at his face, I can say he looks a little better now than earlier. Although his eyelashes are damp, probably because of his tears.

Kita ko namang medyo nagulat siya sa sinabi ko. He scratched his temple and looked away for a second, as he slightly bit the inside of his lips.

"Yeah. To return that." He retorted and looked at my hanky. I tilted my head as my arms crossed across my chest.

He haven't heard me? Does he believe I forgot my hanky and I didn't left it for him?

But he then proved my thoughts wrong.

"Thanks for that." The corners of his lips lifted revealing a affiliative smile. I didn't expected that though.

"Di mo na kailangan yan?" I asked. He shook his head as a response and chuckled.

"I'm now good." I thought he'll already leave but instead of standing up, he leaned on the chair and roamed his eyes around.

I pursed my lips as I nod at him, thinking if do I still have to talk or not. Because seriously, this is awkward. I believe he's just here to return my hanky but I am confused why isn't he leaving yet.

Ayoko naman na tanungin siya kung bakit hindi pa siya umaalis dahil ang pangit namang pakinggan.

I am not a rude person, slight lang.

I glanced at my wrist watch. I don't want to waste minutes so I think I already need to go. I stood up and it got his attention.

"Thanks for returning it. Have a nice day." I said politely as I hang the strap of my bag.

"Aalis ka na?" Medyo naguluhan ako sa kaniya pero tumango lang ako. I'm already living besides I don't have any appointment to attend with him. We're just purely strangers to each other.

Pwera na lang kung gusto niyang sumama sa'kin.

I reached for my iced coffee since I remembered hindi ko pa pala naubos to. Pinanood ko lang siyang tumayo din at namulsa.

"Ok let's go. I'm coming with you." I raised my brows to ask if I heard it right. I know it's insane but I don't know why there's something part of me that likes to agree with his words.

Pero on the other hand, I want to be alone too. Pero mas nangingibabaw ang gusto kong may makasama. This feels strange for me though since I've already used at being alone in life.

"Can I come?" He asked again. Ngumiwi ako at nag-isip. He doesn't seems like he's not a good man. He better not should or he'll be having his balls lost.

"Ok. Just don't regret coming with me." I smirked and wiped my mouth with tissue.

I am not tying knots between us. Since trying something new is one of my to-do in life, okay then let's do it. I am certain this won't last either.

And I think it'll be all fine and there'll be no regrets.

And that's where I am wrong.