chapter 12

                                    

                                          
It turns out the blue duffel bag had everything that I needed for the hike. Aiken didn't agree when I told him that I would take a shower so I had no choice but to change my clothes. He said that it wasn't advisable to take a shower since kaka okay ko lang. Na hindi pwede dahil sa lagnat ko kagabi. Swear, he sounded just like my doctor a while ago. I wore black track pants, black fitted long sleeves, white zip up hoodie, and even a black hiking boots that's just the perfect size for my feet. The duffel bag has everything. Literally.

"Let's go?" I asked when I stepped out of the room. He is leaning on the wall, his eyes immediately found mine and a lazy smile formed on his lips. 

"Halika na. Ang tigas ng ulo mo." He said and chuckled.

A grin formed on my lips and let him grasp my wrist and together we walked towards outside. Where hikers are piling in a one line and everyone had a common smile on their faces. Aiken stopped and looked back at me. He faced me and placed a white puffy bonnet on my head, letting his hands linger at the top of my head for a few more moments. I smiled, out of words. 

The hike went smoothly. Small rocks are littered on the trail, the air damp and sweet, the wind blowing harshly against our bodies, and the temperature icy cold. He held my hand and intertwined our fingers, my cheeks heated with embarrassment but I felt thankful for the warmth of his skin on me. He's walking ahead of me, and every once in a while, he would glance back just to see if I'm doing fine. His grasp on my hand felt firm and soft. Fierce and delicate at the same time. 

Trees surrounded us, small trunks, huge ones, bright green leaves, and dark ones. When we finally emerged back into the clear blue sky, the world lay all the way down. Aiken didn't let go of my hand instead, he held on it tightly and pulled me closer to him. At this distance, I feel like we're at the top of the world. Vast lumps of mountains covered everywhere, the colour green and brown of different hue, and the wind clean and refreshing. 

"Do you want to shout it out loud? Release the negativity that you've been carrying" Aiken said, looking into my eyes. 

I looked around and saw that no one else was looking at us, everyone was busy taking aesthetic pictures of themselves and the breathtaking view. Not for long though. "Be real. Tell these mountains what you want and then tell your parents." I nodded, taking a deep breath.

"I'm tired!" I take another deep breath and felt something lift off along with the pain that bore inside of me. I placed both hands near my mouth, in a cone-like form and shouted, "I don't want to be your puppet anymore! I don't want to marry that guy! This my life! Let me have this choice! Let me choose who I want! Hindi na ako bata! Kaya ko ng mag desisyon para sa sarili ko!" I was panting by the time I finished my piece. My chest felt light, my heart calm and still. Aiken looked at me with a proud smile on his face and a glimmer of pride in his eyes. I smiled, grateful and happy. 

"Ms. bawal 'yan." A guy holding a piece of vintage camera in his hand said, his face filled with concern as he walked up to me. "Hindi pwedeng sumigaw dito. Pinagbabawal iyon." All colour drained from my face. I looked at Aiken for support and he waved his hand in front of him and scratched the back of his head, looking sorry and shy. 

"Opo! Pinapagalitan ko nga po eh. Pasensya na po." I stared at him, astounded and annoyed. 

Ang gago. 

He glanced at me and frowned. "Sabi ko sayo hindi pwede diba. Ang tigas talaga ng ulo mo" He said as if he's talking to a puppy. I narrowed my eyes at him, out of words. This guy is seriously...ugh. Naiinis ako pero bakit ako natatawa?