Reach [Complete]

[14]

We were in school today, organizing the final touches for the upcoming event. Gaganapin na ito this week – isang araw nalang to be exact. The place was ornated with decorations like banderitas and fairy lights prepared for the night. Naka set-up na din ang mga food and game booths kahit saan. 

I have been keeping my distance from Caleb these past few weeks. Alam kong halata ng lahat pero nanatili'ng tikom ang bibig nila. I knew Caleb was looking for the perfect timing to get me alone but I didn't let him.

Tuwing pumupunta kami sa school at kahit pauwi ay kasama namin sina Wade, Nhor at Danae. Caleb and I were usually silent on the car ride. My friends would babble about nothing and everything just to ease off the awkward air.

Nang makasiguro akong maayos na ang loob ng gym ay napag-desisyonan kong sa labas naman ang i-check. The outside was full of wooden benches under enormous trees. Maging ang labas ng gym ay may mga dekorasyon.

I was quietly walking here and there, admiring the place and the cool wind kissing my face when I heard someone call my name.

"Aria!"

Hindi ko na kailangan lingunin kung sino 'yun. I tried to compose myself and wore a bright smile(which was obviously awkward but who cares?).

"Caleb."

"Kanina pa kita hinahanap. Eto oh," I had to look up for him since he was tall but the rays of the sun hit my eyes kaya naman napapikit ako. Lumipat siya sa harapan ko at sinangga ang init ng araw.

"S-salamat," iniabot ko ang hawak niyang ice tea na nasa isang bote.

"Naisip lang kita dahil masyado'ng mainit at matirik ang araw," he smiled at me.

Am I sinful if I was thinking of kissing him again right then and there? I stopped myself though, nakatatak na sa isip ko ang kaakibat na pagkailang kapag hinalikan ko siya ulit.

We sat down on a nearby bench and drank our beverages silently. Napatingin ako sa maliit na bubuyog na lumilipad paikot sa puno. It didn't even come near us and a random thought crossed my mind – are province animals really this friendly?

"Aria," natigil ako sa pagsunod ng tingin sa bubuyog ng magsalita si Caleb. He was talking softly, and I was bracing for whatever he was going to say. I tried to act normal even if my heart wants to get out of my ribcage.

"Bakit mo'ko iniiwasan?" He wasn't looking at my direction but I felt his pain which brought pain to me too. Gusto ko sanang hawakan ang kamay niya o kahit ang mukha niya para iharap sa akin pero natatakot akong umiwas siya.

"Alam mo naman gusto kita diba? Hindi ko pa siguro nasasabi pero ipinapakita ko naman. I planned about confessing to you after the fiesta, but after that kiss, you've been avoiding me. Did you know I almost shouted in glee when you kissed me because Aria!" Napaangat  ang tingin ko sa kanya ng isigaw niya ang pangalan ko. "That was the happiest day of my life!"