Stars and Monsoon Skies (Sky Series 2)

20th Verse

Over the past few weeks, my mind had been stable.

I was at peace.

But not until a bad dream sucked all the air from my lungs.

The cold air blowing on my face was sending chills down to my whole body. Wala akong makita. Walang tao, walang ilaw.

Itim.

Madilim ang paligid.

Walang kahit anong source ng ilaw. Nasaan ako?

Hindi ako makagalaw. My heart was beating fast and my mind was clouded with fear.

Ngunit hindi ko alam kung saan nanggagaling ang takot. Ang alam ko lang ay nababalot ng takot ang puso ko. I wanna break free. I wanna go home.

Isang mahinang pag iyak ang naririnig ko sa kanang bahagi ng kwarto. A soft, feminine voice. Pamilyar ang boses na 'yon sa 'kin ngunit hindi ko mapagtanto kung sino at kanino nanggagaling ang tunog na 'yon.

She whimpered again.

I couldn't see whom it came from but I knew where it came from. 

Just as I was about to call her name, a hand gripped my ankles ceasing all the words from coming out of my mouth. It was replaced by a piercing scream.

Nagising na lang ako na pawis na pawis habang ang alarm ng phone ko ay malakas na tumutunog. Agad kong nilibot ang paningin sa buong kwarto. Nang makita ko ang pamilyar na sofa sa tapat ng kama na hinihigaan ko, I knew I was safe. I was in my dorm.

Panaginip lang 'yon, Jules. Panaginip lang.

I suddenly missed my Lola in Ilocos. I needed her comfort. I wanted to see her so bad.

Pinatay ko ang alarm sa phone at tumayo na para maligo. Pagkatingin ko sa phone ko ay may text na agad si Archer. Malakas pa rin ang pagkabog ng dibdib ko habang binabasa ang text niya and I was still sweating. Whatever that dream was about, hindi maganda 'yon.

Archer:
Good morning, baby. Good luck on your exam, I know you'll do well, don't stress yourself too much. I miss you.

Me:
Thank you! I miss you too. May rehearsal ka ba today?

Archer:
I have but you can always text or call me. I have my phone with me all the time, and I always have time for you. Don't hesitate, okay?

Me:
So okay lang sa 'yo na maging clingy ako?

Archer:
Oo naman, mas gusto ko nga 'yon. You can wrap yourself around me and I won't mind.

Me:
Be careful sa mga wini-wish mo baka mamaya hindi na ako umalis sa tabi mo.

Archer:
That would be better better, baby.

Me:
Okay, then. I'll do that. Maliligo na ako, mamaya na kita ite-text.

Archer:
Damn, don't give me visuals.

Me:
Hoy!

Archer:
Don't worry, Jules, I have a pretty great imagination.

I blushed. Ang aga aga naman, Arch!

Me:
Bahala ka diyan. Bye na!