Missives of Love

Entry #1

Pero of course, they're not buying it. Iniisip nila siguro sinapian lang ako ng espirito ng kasipagan.

I had to take it to the next level.

I created a PowerPoint presentation para i-discuss sakanila kung bakit gusto ko maging journalist. It took me two hours to do so. Nag-corporal attire pa ako para mas convincing.

Eventually, they supported me with my aspiration. Masasabi kong worth it yung pagcoconvince ko sakanila.

"Praise the Lord talaga. Sobrang proud ako sayo, anak." My dad smiled and made my heart melt upon doing so.

Hearing that small form of validation made my heart melt. Bihira lang kasi magsalita yung tatay ko ng words of appreciation. Whenever he does, I always make sure to keep it in mind.

"Nak, you know what to do." My mom reminded me with teary eyes after pulling away from the warm embrace.

I felt my lips tug into a smile. "Sige ma, magpapalit na po ako."

"That's my girl." She rubbed my hair playfully. "Proud na proud kami sayo anak, palagi mong tatandaan yan."

And I smiled even more. "Thank you po. Promise, hindi kayo magsisisi. Magiging tanyag na journalist ako kagaya niyo."

"Ops, change that mindset of yours." My mom hushed me with a wicked yet comforting grin. "Be better than us."

And I couldn't help but smile even more.

- - -

When the car pulled into a stop, tumambad sa akin ang sacred ambiance ng church sa area namin.

From its brown stoned walls and chatters from the churchgoers, makikita mo talagang isa ito sa dinadagsang lugar kahit na hindi Sunday.

I ran out of the car like a small kid and heard my mom's chuckle vibrating from my ears after I did such gesture. "Be careful, anak! Susunod kami sayo!"

I passed through the aroma of orange coated eggs submerged through long sticks and witnessed the sampaguitas that are being offered through the churchgoers.

I made my way inside and felt relieved upon seeing that no one secured our favorite spot. The third row from the front.

Agad akong lumuhod, hands clasped tightly.

Naging tradition na rin kasi ng family namin ito. Na kada may nangyayaring blessing sa amin, pupunta kami sa church para personal na magpasalamat kay Lord.

Plus, pumupunta talaga kami dito whenever we need His presence. Pag nandito kami, ramdam namin yung peace na kinacrave naming maramdaman. Kahit ano pang negativity ang nararamdaman namin, mawawala yon kapag nandito na kami.

To make it short, this is our safest sanctuary.

I grew up admiring the presence of God. I am thankful because my parents imposed me the ideals and virtues that God used to teach to His disciples.

He may not be seen or touched but His powerful love conquers such barriers.

"Heavenly father..." I mouthed, the smile still visible to my face. "Thank you so much for the opportunity that you've given to me. I will make sure that the path that you've chosen for me to take will remain right as long as I have you to guide and nourish me with your everlasting love."

"Please continue to shed me with light and love. Well, inevitable ang negative thoughts pero please don't let it affect me. May times kasi na nagdodoubt ako sa sarili ko and I end up being worried over my own thoughts. I know you're powerful enough to abolish the worries that I feel. Alam niyo naman pong yung will niyo ang pinagkakatiwalaan ko, diba?"

"And one more thing Lord, guide me sa pagaaral ko. No distractions muna po ha? Happy crush po, pwede. Pero ayoko po muna mag-jowa—"

And a loud thump stopped me from doing so.

Nawala ang concentration ko pagkatapos kong marinig iyon.

Luh, anyare? Hindi naman ako ganito. Wala nga akong pakialam sa surroundings ko pag sobrang immersed ako mag-dasal.

Hindi ko alam kung bakit pero agad akong napalingon and was surprised upon seeing that a man who sat right next to me. Well, not totally next to me. Siguro may konting gap sa aming dalawa.

I couldn't help but look at him with my eyebrows raised.

And when our eyes met, I was astounded.

Jet black hair, attractive eyes, pointed nose, and plump lips.

He's sporting a white shirt and cowboy jeans. Simple at lousy man ito pag sinuot ng iba pero sakanya, may dating.

I felt my eyes blink. Teka, tao ba 'to or anime character?

Okay, sige. Gwapo siya.

Sa sobrang gwapo, mukha siyang hindi totoo. Parang galing siya sa mga fictional books. If he will be defined as a feeling, he'd be surreal. Ganun siya ka-gwapo.

Okay, I'd give him that.

"Oh, sorry. Did I startle you?" He whispered, his face twitched in guilt.

Ay wow, look who's stating the obvious.

"Ay, pogi kaso shunga." I didn't realize that the four words slipped out of my mouth. But of course, how will I be able to take my words back?

Akala ko magiging violent ang reaction niya at baka magiging laman na ako ng social media sites after my impulsive gesture.

But it didn't. He didn't.

He just shook his head with a small smile. "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to startle you. Lilipat nalang ako if you want–"

"No, no. It's okay." agad kong tugon at agad nang bumalik sa prayer position ko. Within my peripheral eye, nakita kong napa-ngiti yung lalaki sa sinabi ko.

Mariin akong napa-pikit pagkatapos kong ma-witness iyon.

"Lord naman eh, kakasabi ko lang na ilayo mo ako sa distractions eh. Binibigyan mo naman na agad ako ng happy crush eh."

- - -

Rita Daniela as Princess Aragoza
Ken Chan as Grant Altamirano

Hello, mga sismars! Here's another story from me. Puro point of view lang ni Princess (Rita) ang nandito dahil parang journal niya ito. Hoping that you guys will support this! ♡