When the Fireworks Begin

Chapter XI

“What the heck are you doing?” Sam repeated, a little louder this time.

“What are you talking about,” asked James although he already has an idea what is about.

“You are putting her life on danger,” Sam argued, taking a step closer towards James.

But James stood his ground, not backing away. “This is our decision, not yours.”

“But you are endangering her,” Sam argued, now pointing a finger towards James face. “You are putting off her sessions and doctor visits, you are taking her away from accessible medical care…”

“There’s a doctor in Baguio and we are taking her meds,” interrupted James. “This is good for her.”

“Good for her or for you,” asked Ivan.

James threw both men a look that can wither even the sturdiest tree.  They don’t understand.  They did not notice the fading colors in Devon’s eyes everytime he sees her.  But when he suggested sometime off just to visit a place she has been longing to visit, the sparkle was immediately there.  They don’t understand, James thought.

“What’s happening here?” Devon asked as she went down the stairs. “Why is everybody here?”

Ivan immediately stepped forward. “Don’t go Devon. Don’t go gallivanting around.  It is not good for you.”

Then it was Sam’s turn to speak. “Stay here and we will take care of you.”

Devon reached the bottom of the stairs and looked at them, “I appreciate your concern, but I am going on with this trip.”

Then she slipped her hand to James hand and laced her fingers into his. James looked at Devon and smiled. 

“You heard my wife,” James answered. “Now leave us alone so we can pack.”

Ivan and Sam opened their mouths at the same time and was about to speak when suddenly Devon spoke.  “Nothing that you say can change my mind.”

****

“What is this all about?” Devon asked for the several times.  She was fumbling her way, her eyes blindfolded.  James, meanwhile, was supporting her while walking. It was late in the evening and they will be travelling the next day to Baguio.

“It’s a surprise,” James answered for the nth time.

James left Devon standing on the middle of the grassy hill. “Stay there, don’t remove the blindfold until I tell you so.”

“James,” Devon said warningly. “Don’t you dare leave me here.”

“Of course not,” James answered.  He took his phone out of his pocket and dialled something on his phone.  He looked at Devon who remained standing on the middle of the hill.  He talked to somebody on his phone, mumbling thanks. 

Then he took out a piece of paper out of his back pocket before calling out to Devon. “Take it off, now.”

Devon started to untie the knot behind her head.  She blinked a few times before she was able to recognize where they are.

“James,” she looked around and saw him standing a few feet away from her, holding a small piece of paper saying, “Happy Birthday.” She smiled brightly.

“You didn’t think I have forgotten,” James said accusingly.

“Of course not,” Devon answered. “But why are we here. We could have just celebrated it at home.”

Just as Devon finished asking, bright lights started to shoot up in the sky with a loud bang.  Devon was startled and then saw the showers of bright colors covering the dark sky. The white shower was then followed by red and green dancing lights.

Devon could not take her eyes off the dancing fireworks. 

“Oh James,”  Devon whispered. “Thank you.”

“They say the fireworks drive bad spirits away,” James answered and walked towards Devon’s side. “A great way to start your birth year and our travels together.”

Devon smiled warmly at the man standing at her side.  “Just having you stay at my side will be enough.”

“Are you sure?” James asked jokingly. “We could always cancel our trip tomorrow.”

Devon slapped James on his shoulder sharply. “That’s not what I mean.”

James burst into laughter and Devon joined him. It has been a long time since they laughed this hard.  Baguio will surely bring back memories and that is what they both need.  Another hissing sound whizzed into the sky bursting into another shower of bright lights.