"Wow! This is the most beautiful beach I've ever seen! "I exclaimed. "It's my second time seeing this beautiful paradise again. "I added.
"Aside from one experience seeing a sand, you've never been to a beach before? "Maingat na tanong niya, natatakot na ma-offend ako. I shooked my head. Hindi matanggal ang mga mata ko sa napakalinaw na dagat sa aming harapan.
It touches my toes. The cold water gives me a little bit chills but so far it's so good to feel the cold water embracing my skin.
"I once visit a beach before. Just for the business gatherings. I'm with my parents attending that. "
I sigh when I remembered I've just smiling there while keep on shaking hands to those people I don't even know. Yeah right, business and stuff of my parents that I must perform my part.
"Oh. "He sounded something I can't point out.
"What 'oh? " I left my slippers behind and started stepping a step forward.
The reflection of wavelengths of visible light from the water gives me a relaxation of my being. Ah, this feels good.
"Don't get me wrong, L. But by the looks of you, you're standard is like a spoiled brat. "He's now on my side.
His toes looks cute in the water.
"Yeah? People always have that kind of judgement towards me. And if they know me better, they would be ashamed by the truth that I am not. "
"I am ashamed for my misfortune towards you, L. "
Oh. That.
I glance at him but got way back my eyes to the water immediately. His stares is something--- errr, somewhat uncomfortable but I also want his eyes focus on me. Ang gulo, ha?
"Nah, sanay na ako d'yan. People and their abilities to make considered decisions nor come to sensible conclusions is normal. "
You know, people and their judgements comes along from their own rate of standards towards every people that might set foot in their eyes rating. Considering to be a certain inequality on their value of standards.
"You're words take me unaware. "
The edge of my lips lift up. "Oh well. I feel flattered. "
"Oh hell no! "I scream, horrified from where we are. From where Lucian take me.
"Yes, L. We're gonna jump in that. "He touch my elbow and I shriek at him.
After swimming from the beach earlier, Lucian dragged me here! I know the view is a breathe taking one but heck, it's so freaking scary to jump!
He wants me to jump off a cliff or cliff-diving to be called. This is so absorb! Super hilarious!
I can feel my heart pumping so fast in my chest! This is an extreme activity which basically jumping from a platform or cliff to a body of water below. We have some few tour guide here. They said that there's no equipment involved and no special training required!
Fuck. Mapapamura ka na lang talaga sa sobrang takot! This isn't an ideal for the first timer like me! I don't want to taste the adrenaline rush.
"Come on, L. You know you're safe with me. "Napatingin ako sa kanya.
"It's dangerous. I won't risk my life by jumping off from a cliff. "
I startled a little bit when he's hands is now on mine, slightly squeezing it. As if it will lessen the highly strung in my system. Psh. As if.
Oh heck. Yes it is. Kumalma ang sistema ko dahil sa ginawa niya.
"Promise me it won't harm us. "
He stared at me. His eyes is saying a lots of words that he really mean it.
"I won't let it harm us, L. You're safe with me. "
You're words always makes me safe.
"Okay. Let's do this. "
There are different points that we can jump off, that's what our guide told us. Ranging from 12 feet to 20 feet in height. And now, I'm screaming like shit when Lucian and I both embrace the cold water.
Good thing I know how to swim, 'cause if not, I'm probably dead by now.
Well, after jumping to the thrilling water, we head back and held are heads for the other fun. Thrilling yet deadly. Sana buhay pa ako nito. Nawiwili kasi si Lucian sa mga reaksyon ko na para sa kanya ay nakakatawa. Parang tanga lang. Tss!
"Please Lucian, let me choose what's we're gonna do next. "Pagmamakaawa ko sa kanya.
We're in the fancy restaurant here in the island, which I thought it's just province with wonderful trees and fresh air. I never thought that there's a hidden gem in this province where we are at. A pleasing of eyes senses latent island, indeed.
I don't know how Lucian knows this place. 'Cause I bet his all into bars and chicks like a bad boy stuff do. But I'm glad he take me here. This island is like a breather itself.
Sobrang ganda na kahit ngayon ay na-aamaze parin ako.
Back to where we at again. Kaya kami nandito kasi inaya ko siyang kumain bago pumunta sa next destination namin which is pinilit ko ding ako ang pumili ng pupuntahan namin o gagawin.
He is so bad at picking.
Our order arrive. My mouth instantly salivating after seeing the food that serve in our table right now. Added by the balmy smell, my jaw literally watered.
Nakakatakam ang bawat pagkaing inihain nila. Oh diet no more.
I ordered Paella. A classic Spanish rice dish. It has a long ingredients list--- seafood, meat, sausage, vegetables, seasonings, and more! I'll asure you that it is festive and fun to eat!
I look at Lucian's plate. It didn't move an inch. He didn't bulge a little bit.
"You full? "I ask while eating like a pig. I don't slow down for a moment right now.
"What is this food, L? "He ask as if the content of his plate isn't normal for his eyes. Bago pa siguro sa kanyang mata.
"I thought you have been here before?"Nakakunot noo kong tanong. My forehead knitted even more when he avoided his gaze at me.
Dapat alam na niya ang mga pagkain dito, hindi ba? He told me that he always go here whenever he have a free time.
"Yes. I've been here before but not in this area we have been pass by. Nor where we are right now. "
"So you're telling me that this is you're first time roaming the whole island? "He nodded.
He is freaking unbelievable! How can he miss all the beautiful shots in here!
"I'm always at the bar near by. "
"Ah. Drinks, girls and smokes? Safe haven for the bad boy like you?"
Why did I even say those words? It sucks, man. I can taste the bitter sweet of my own words. Gotta suck it up like it didn't affect me at all.
"That was before, L. "I shrugged. I needed to off this topic right now.
Hindi ko gusto ang patutunguhan ng usapang ito. Hindi ko gusto ang nararamdaman ko ngayon.
"That is savory Greek pie pronounced span-ah-koh-pee-tah. Traditionally made with crispy phyllo dough and filled with spinach and feta. "It is better to divert those topic earlier. It is better this way. Best to avoid the emotion building inside me.
"Do you always knows things? "I look up at him.
"No. It's just that there's this things that force me to trained to. "
"You mean, act like a royalty? "I smiled bitterly.
"Nope. It was act like an obedient dog."
Ziplines are a dime dozen in the Philippines nowadays, with different provinces claiming to have the longest, fastest, or steepest, zipline. However, there are a few standout ones that offer the most amazing views. And what I see right now is fit for that word.
"You are unbelievable, L. Takot ka sa pagtalon sa cliff pero sa zipline, hindi? "I wink at him.
"Just go with the flow, Lucian. I know this is gonna be fun. "
Pero ang totoo talaga, gusto ko lang bumawi sa kalokohan niya. Take my revenge, Lucian!
Let me give you a short briefing. To get there, we have to climb up 250 steps to the view deck of Governor's Island here in Pangasinan. Believe me, it's a killer view offering an amazing vantage point for the hundred plus islands.
"You ready? "My heart is hyperventilating. But I trust myself. I know I can do this just like how I've survive from our first adventure.
I nodded. "I am. "
I've got strapped into a harness and helmet and hoisted along the 546 meter long cable connecting Governor's island to Virgin Island.
I go first and I know that Lucian is just following me behind my back.
I can't help but to scream at the top of my lungs. It felt like freedom. It was overwhelming.
I have a small camera place at the top of my head which it's been hang by a stretchable thick rubber band wrap around my head.
"This is freedom! It is fucking awesome! "I shouted while laughing so loud.
I am free. No one can hear my nonsense words. No one will ordered me what to do. No one will judge me. No one can hurt me.
So this is freedom felt like, huh?
After zipping, we have to get back to the main island by walking on a sandbar connecting the two islands. That was the original plan but something bad came up.
Our tour guide told us that he will arrange the kayak for our ride to get back because the tide is too high.
No walking to the sandbar then. Sayang. Ang sarap siguro sa paa ng mga buhangin do'n.
"So, what's next? "Lucian held by hand, helping me to step out from the kayak.
"I'm tired. Can we rest for a little while? "Lucian laugh at me.
"You tired? "
"Hmmm?"I just hum. I'm exhausted to speak right now.
Marahil ay napagod ako kakasigaw kanina sa zipline. Wala e, alam kong minsan lang 'yon kaya sinulit ko na. My throat is a little bit itchy too. Nasobrayahan nga yata ako kakasigaw kanina.
Lucian held my waist. Kulang na lang ibigay ko sa kanya ang timbang ko sa sobrang pagod. That thrilling adventure is new for me. Maybe that's why my energy got drained so easily.
I rested my chin in his shoulders. Si Lucian naman ay patawa-tawa lang sa itsura ko ngayon. Ang mga talukap ko ay sobrang bigat. Para akong lasing na inalalayan niya habang binabaybay namin hotel room.
I haven't ask him about where his house is. Sabi niya sakin may bahay siya dito. Hmm? Maybe he wants me to enjoy the beach first before jumping into his house.
Lucian is spoiling me.
"L, you need to eat first before going to bed "Lucian slowly poke my cheeks.
We have separated room. Syempre, kahit magpinsan kami, babae ako at lalaki parin siya. And it would be awkward too if we share the same room!
Mabuti na lang hindi.
"I'm sleepy. "I groaned.
Gusto ko na talagang matulog dahil sobrang hirap ng ibukas ng dalawang mata ko!
"But you need to eat first. "
"No. I'm full. Just go. "I mumbled. Still have my eyes close.
"Are you really that tired? "When he stroke my hair using his fingers, the more I want to lay in bed and have my deep slumber.
I didn't say anything and just let him. The way he caress my hair, it was smooth and relaxing. Mas inaantok tuloy ako dahil sa ginagawa niya.
"Do you want me to sing for you? "I heard him say. It was rare saying him like that.
Parang ibang Lucian ang kasama ko ngayon.
Even in my tired state, I still manage to nod at him.
I heard him chuckle. Why is he being a different person right now, with me.
"Take me and let me in
Don't break me and shut me out
I lit my pain on fire
And I watched it all burn down
Now I'm dancing in the ashes
And there's no one else around
'Cause I wanna be apart of something
This is just a story of a broken soul,"
"As days go by, my heart grows cold
I can't seem to let this all pass me by
I'm burning in the heaven
And I'm drowning in a hell
My soul is in a coma
And none of my friends can tell, "
"That I'm reaching out and getting nothing
This is just a story of a broken soul
So take me and let me in
Don't break me and shut me out. "
How can I shut you out Lucian when you're already breaking inside me and pretty got in?