With All Might

Kabanata 21

My eyes glitter when I saw the bridge. The greenery mountains of Zaccarrio can be seen here like a I am using a telescope. Kita ko rin ang maliliit na establishamento, ang mga burol sa baba at nagliliparang mga ibon sa himpapawid naman sa taas. It's like we are lost in a jungle and below us is the beautiful wonder of the earth.

"Galing mong pumili ng araw ah. Walang masyadong tao."

Napuna ko kasing walang halos tao sa lugar. Dati naman jampack dito. I've been here a few times with my two bestfriends. Pero sa tagal no'n, baka nga may nag bago na dito sa La Lovela.

He only smile at me as he pull me closer. The bridge have railings kaya kahit maliliit na bata, impossibleng maaksidente. The owner really made sure that while we are enjoying the beautiful view, we can feel the safetiness.

"Grabe, nilalamig na ako!" I shiver and hug tighter his jacket.

Nawala na ang inis ko sa kanya kanina. Gamit ko pala talaga ang jacket na 'to. Hindi ko nalang siguro isusuli sa kanya? I giggle.

"Why are you giggling?" he ask with a boyish grin.

"Akin na 'tong jacket mo. Na suot ko na e." maarte ko siyang inirapan.

He lean to kiss me on my temple. "Hindi lang kita na date, nagsusungit ka na."

Umirap uli ako. "I thought you let me wear this jacket because you are angry when I'm wearing crop top shirts. Now I know why."

He laugh that he place his hand on his chest. "You are confusing me..."

Hindi nga sweet ang pagiging terretorial at conservative niya pero... may parte naman sa'kin na nagustohan 'yon.

"Hmmp!"

We stop walking in the middle. Tanaw ko ang fog. Kaya pala mas lalong lumamig. Though the cold is bearable. Only if you are wearing jacket. Hex too is wearing his own cardigan jacket.

I lean on the railings and stare below. There are different trees below us. On some parts, I can see the lake too. On the other side are the greenery mountains and in the sky are the clouds with some fog.

"Do you like it here?" he whisper in my ear.

He hug me from behind and his hands are securing my body, afraid that I might fall if he doesn't hold me even if there are railings.

I nod and glance at him to smile. "It's cold. Para tayong nasa abroad."

"Soon, we are going to travel abroad. For now that I only have little money, is it okay if we tour in local areas?"

I softly chuckle. "Konti pa ba pera mo niyan? Ni rentahan mo nga ata ang buong lugar e."

He sheepishly smile at me. "I just promise Alfaro to win a case for him in the future once I become a legal lawyer and he needs my help."

Alfaro Vellinido's family owns La Lovela. And from what I can recall, ka batch niya lang ata ito o mas bata sa kanya ng isang taon. Their family is elite too and I meet them a few times on some social events.

Hinarap ko siya saka inayos ang kwelyo ng jacket niya. "I have faith that you will become a lawyer. I just hope that Alfaro wouldn't need your help though."

He chuckle. "Thank you for having faith in me." He lift my hand and kiss it.

Uminit ang pisngi ko kahit ang lamig lamig ng lugar. I couldn't hide my face since he's holding me still and we're both facing each other.

"I'll always have faith in everything you do, Hex. I know you'll do great things, better things. I will support you always."

He kiss my nose and lean his forehead to mine. Pumikit siya at ganoon rin ako habang yakap niya.

"I will strive better to become successful. For you, for us and for our family in the future Zaccary..." he said gently.

Uminit lalo ang pisngi ko nang may mapagtanto sa sinabi niya. Para daw sa family namin... sa future... And to build a family... kailangan makasal kami... at pagkatapos ng kasal... honeymoon! At doon... makakabuo ng bata.. Mariin akong pumikit, pilit na binura ang mga malilikot na naiisip.

"I will too, Hex. Mag-aaral ako ng maigi para sa'tin." I smile then.

I open my eyes and found out he is already staring at me, his eyes twinkling with some emotions I can't name.

"And don't look at other boys anymore." he demanded.

Natawa lang ako at kinurot ang matangos niyang ilong. "Ikaw din. Dapat akin ka lang. Mamaya niyan maraming humaharot sa'yo sa Maynila tapos magpapaharot ka din."

His lips form a grim line and before he got pissed, I kiss his lips. It stretch to smile and now it's claiming mine.