The AIR i Breathe

Chapter 16

Isinandal ko ang ulo ko sa balikat ni Air, and without a word, he put his arms around me. Now this is much more comforting.

“Kyle…”

“Hmmmm? “

“ I meant every word.”

“I know.”

“Do you feel the same way? “

“Hmmmm.”

“Can’t I get a decent answer?”

“Hmmmm.”

“Is that all you can say?”

“Hmmmmm.”

Natawa na sya.

“You’re funny.. don’t you know that?”

“Hmmmmm… I know.“

“And I like it.”

“I know.”

“ And I love you. “

I giggled. I really love hearing him say that.

“I know.”

“Walang response?”

“Hmmmm?”

“ Ok.. ok. I get it. Hindi naman kita minamadali.. slight lang.”

Natawa na ako don.

“Air… how can I say this.”

Pumikit ako sandal. “Alam mo na rin kung anong nararamdaman ko sa ‘yo. Pero… Hindi pa ako handa sa relationship. I think it’s too early. We just met.”

Tumango sya.

“Sa tingin ko, hindi issue dito ang time. The very first time I met you, I already felt the connection. Parang matagal na kitang kakilala. I don’t know, I can’t explain it. But it’s as if that you we’re really meant for me and I for you.”

Wow! Parang lumolobo ang puso ko at napapikit na lang ako ng nakangiti.

“Actually, I feel the same way. Everytime we’re together, it really feels right. It’s like, we really belong together. Hindi ko pa rin masyadong maintindihan ang mga nararamdaman ko, so can you please give me more time. Ngayon ko lang naramdaman ito. Dati theory lang, pero ngayon practical na, and it’s happening so fast. Ang slow ko ano? “

He chuckled.

“I understand, and I really love your innocence. You really are a breath of fresh air and  that’s one of the things that I love about you. But I just want you to know that I will wait for you. Kahit gaano katagal.”

“Talaga? Kahit gaano katagal?”

“Wag mo lang papuputiina ang buhok ko.”

“Antayin ko na lang na makalbo ka. HAHAHAHA!”

“Oh really….”

Pinindot nya ang tagiliran ko. He was intending to tickle me pero sa halip na makiliti ako ay nasaktan ako.

“That hurts.”

“What?! Really? I’m so sorry! Akala ko may kiliti ka don.”

Hinawakan ko yung tagiliran ko. Bakit nga ba sumakit? Dati nga nakikiliti ako don pero bakit nasaktan ako ngayon?

Bahagya kong itinaas ang t-shirt ko. Noong makita ko ang dahilan ng pagsakit ay agad agad ko itong ibinaba.

“What is it? Can I see?”

“Wag na! Maka-chansing ka pa!” Pabirong sabi ko. “Wala ito.” Tumayo na ako. “Halika na, baka hinahanap na ako ni Lola Madam, ang tagal ko nang nawawala, baka mag-alala na naman sila sa akin.”

Inalalayan nya ako pababa ng malaking bato at inihatid na nya ako sa tent ni Ate Ja.

What is happening to me? Bakit may malaki na naman akong pasa?