Breaking the Rocks (Provincia de Marina Series #1)

Kabanata 36

Kabanata 36

Breaking the Rocks

Ten days from now, it is officially the election day. Double time si Exodus sa pangangampanya and he was totally worn out from it. However, I am still looking forward on the day after the election because finally he could rest and will not worry about anything.

"Ilang araw ka sa Manila?" He asked while I was arranging my stuff and my plane ticket.

"Just a few days, Exodus. Babalik din naman agad ako. We just have to visit Ma'am Graveda," was my reply.

Sa susunod na araw ang death anniversary ni Ma'am Graveda kaya bibisita kami nina Adina at Nile. Since April is the month where Absinthe's on a break ay makakasama namin si Nile sa pagbisita.

"You're going to be okay here naman diba? Ilang araw lang naman. I'll be here on election day."

"Don't you want to vote in Manila?
"

"I'll just file a LOA." Tinanguan niya ang sinabi ko at tumingin lang sa aking ginagawa.

I'll be bringing a small bag back in Manila. Hindi na ako magdadala ng damit kasi pwede naman akong umuwi ng condo o sa bahay. I haven't told my parents that I'll come home. Noong March kasi ay hindi rin ako nakauwi dahil nga simula ng kampanya ni Exodus at gusto kong kasama ako kahit sa iilang mga araw.

A lot of my first times were done in Marina and it felt like I wanted to do those things again in here. Of course, that will happen if only I'll choose to stay here. The only conflict would be my work. My promotion is waiting for me after another year. Once the project is done, I'll be back there to fulfill my new position.

Hindi naman ako nagmamadali. In fact, I still have lots of things to think about, lalo na sa magiging position. I still have a lot to learn more kahit na sinabi na ni Rye na tamang-tama lang ako sa posisyon. It's not enough for me. I wanted to do something more for myself. Para rin naman iyon sa kompanya.

"Call me later once you're in Manila," paalala ni Exodus nang nasa airport na kami.

"And you should get some sleep." I gave him a scolding look. Nagmamatigas na naman kasi. Pinagsasabay niya ang opisina at campaign. Sa umaga ang paglilibot sa Pueblo at sa gabi naman ay iilang paper works. He had given some of the work to his assistant but it's not enough. Gaya ko, si Exodus ay gustong hands on sa trabaho at kung may pagkakataon na maging workaholic ay paninindigan iyon.

He sighed. I already know what's coming. "I can't, Honey."

"Matulog ka pagdating. I won't accept that as your answer," I firmly uttered. Humalukipkip ako at hinintay na magkasundo kami sa bagay na iyon.

"Please?" I pleaded.

Napatingin siya sa akin. His eyes look conflicted. Gumagawa ng munting alon ang kaniyang noo habang nag-iisip. Hindi naman niya kailangang pag-isipan kasi kahit sino naman ang tumingin sa kaniya ay magtatanong kung nakakatulog ba siya. This whole election thing...I want this to be done already. Baka sa susunod na araw ay makita na lang si Exodus na nakabulagta sa sahig at walang malay.

"Okay," labas sa ilong niyang sagot sa akin. My lips protruded a bit. Tumingkayad ako para maabot ng aking labi ang kaniyang pisngi.

"I'll go na. Ingat sa pagd-drive." Lumayo na ako. I stared at him once more.

Nakitaan ko ng pag-aalala ang kaniyang mukha ngunit binalewala ko lang. Exodus has nothing to worry about. Kasama ko naman si Adina at tutuloy naman ako sa mga magulang ko. I don't want to be alone in my condo...lalo pa't nasanay na ako na laging kasama si Exodus. Especially when the nights are gloomy and the lightnings were ready to scare the heck out of me.