The Shining Glory of the Queen

Chapter 4

"It hurts to know that I had to suffer to know my true worth."

- Arissa Castillo's Quote

We had a great time last night. Ang daming niluto ni James but my favorite one was his chop suey. It was one of the best versions I've tasted. His dish was even more delectable than restaurants.

Hinayaan ko ding kumain sina Tita Guia kasama namin sa table. Ang lungkot naman kung dadalawa lang kami ni James sa dining area.

We played a lot of games. Sabi nga ni Ninette, para daw kaming bata ni James kasi parehas kaming sore loser. Also, Drake called last night and asked if we were doing fine.

I mentioned having a guest pero hindi ko natuloy kasi may babaeng sumigaw— este umungol sa background. Nakakahiya kasi naka-loud speaker pa naman yung phone ko that time.

We ended up laughing our asses off nang mag-end yung call. Si Tita Guia naman, ang laki ng simangot kasi– "hindi ko pinalaki si Kiko ng ganyan," na sinasabi niya.

Kiko kasi yung nickname niya kay Tita Guia. Tinawanan na lang namin yung simangot ni Tita Guia kaya natawa na din siya at binatukan ako.

Mag-aala una nang umalis si James sa bahay kasi naglinis din kami sa bahay.

Tinignan ko yung alarm clock ko at nakita ko na pass nine na pala. Tumayo ako at nagpalit ng beach dress kasi may stroll ako ngayon sa shore. Sinabi ko na din kina Tita Guia yun kagabi.

"Tita Guia! Alis na po muna ako! Maglalakad-lakad lang," sabi ko palabas sa porch.

"Sige Issa! Ingat ka 'nak!" sagot niya habang patuloy na nagwawalis sa baba ng sofa.

I'm walking down the shore while reading a book of Nicholas Sparks. I smile at myself while looking up the morning sky, thinking of how peaceful this walk feels.

Click. A sound of a camera was heard from behind the trees. I look at its direction but no one was there. I furrow my brows as I walked faster.

I hear the sound of pacing footsteps from my back. I immediately ran away from the sounds but the pacing became running as soon as I did.

The footsteps came closer and my heart started beating faster than it ever did before. It reminded me of a time where this happened five years ago.

"No! Please stop chasing me!" I cried as I ran away faster.

The person wraps his arms around my body as he/she pulled me closer. "Jae, Jae. Calm down," James whispered in my ears as I collapsed in his arms.

"Calm down, princess," he whispers as I stop wriggling in his arms.

"That's it, that's it, calm down," he mumbles while we both sit down on the sand.

After a few minutes of his soothing words entering my ears, my heartbeat finally calms down and my ragged breathing demeans itself too.

I just lean my back on his muscular chest as I sit between his legs so that he can assure me that I am not in some kind of trouble.

I didn't even bother to complain of our unusual position but then again, it helps to know that someone is here with me. It helps, knowing that he's not going to leave me anytime soon.