"Come on, Aillard, bumangon ka na diyan," asar na ani Astrid sa lalaki habang hinahatak ang kamay nito para pabangunin mula sa pagkakahiga. "Kapag hindi ka pa bumangon diyan, sinasabi ko sa'yo, hindi talaga kita papansinin hanggang sa makauwi tayo. I'm dead serious, Aillard, hindi ako nagbibiro."
Lalo niyang seryosong binigyan ng mukha at tono ang kanyang pananalita para makumbinsi ito at hindi magduda sa kanya. At wala pang isang minuto matapos niya ito sabihin, mabilis na itong nakabangon mula sa pagkahiga. Natawa si Astrid nang halos madapa ang lalaki habang bumabangon papuntang banyo.
"I'm awake. I'm awake. Okay, give me 30 minutes to prepare," sabi niya mula sa banyo. Naririnig niya mula sa labas ang lagaslas ng tubig, senyales na naliligo na ang lalaki.
"Babangon din pala ang dami pang arte," nakaupo si Astrid sa kama habang tinatawanan ng mahina. Talaga nga namang nakapupukaw ito ng pansin mula sa lalaki. Thank, God, it’s still effective.
Ngayon ang ikatlong araw nilang nasa Tagaytay. Sa ngayon, maayos naman ang lahat at masasabi niyang totoong nag-enjoy sila sa pagsasama.
Sa tatlong araw na magkasama sila, marami na silang nagawa ni Aillard. Napuntahan na nila ang kabilang isla malapit sa rest house ni Aillard na pag-aari pala ni Creed. Nakilala na rin niya si Manang Cecil, ang caretaker ng bahay ng binata, pati na ang asawa nitong si Mang Kanor, at dahil mangingisda si Mang Kanor ay sumama si Aillard dito sa pangingisda.
And because of that, they come out with the idea na hindi sila bibili ng kung ano anong karne sa grocery store dahil ang mahuhuli ni Aillard na isda o kahit anong pagkaing dagat ang kakainin nila pwera na lamang kung talagang wala itong mahuli na alam naman niyang malabong mangyari dahil sagana ang buong dagat dito sa maliit na bayan na ito ng isda at iba't ibang pagkaing dagat.
Astrid eyed the watch on her wrist. "Aillard, hurry up, it's already four!"
"I'm done. Let's go." Lumabas na ang bagong paligong lalaki mula sa banyo, nakabihis na rin ito.
Sabay silang lumabas ni Aillard ng bahay. Napayakap si Astrid sa sarili habang biglang umihip ang malamig na simoy ng hangin. Inayos niya ang suot na cardigan para kahit papaano ay mabawasan ang lamig na nararamdaman niya.
"Goodness, it's cold," she murmured under her breath.
Binilisan niya ang paglalakad nang makita niyang malapit nang sumikat ang araw, isang senyales na malapit nang lumiwanag sa lugar. Inalalayan siya ni Aillard upang makasakay sa maliit na bangka ni Mang Kanor. Inuupahan nila ang isang bangkang hindi na ginagamit ni Mang Kanor sa halagang limang daang piso para makatulong din sa kanila. Ginagamit nila ang bangka tuwing umaga para manood ng pagsikat ng araw, at pagkatapos ay sinasamahan niya si Aillard sa panghuhuli ng isda, isang gawain na nakasanayan na nilang dalawa.
"Careful," Aillard cautioned, almost stumbling as the boat rocked.
Astrid smiled. "Thank you."
Aillard squeezed her hand before releasing it. She watched as he pushed the boat until it no longer touched the sand. She gripped tightly on both sides as the boat rocked when Aillard boarded.
Aillard spent several minutes paddling until they reached a deeper part of the sea.
Upon arriving at their usual spot, Aillard stowed the paddles in the boat and allowed it to bob gently with the small waves. The scent of saltwater filled her nostrils, mingling with the breeze that brushed against her face.
Today's weather was serene, creating a pleasant atmosphere. Aillard positioned himself behind her, fulfilling her dream as he embraced her quietly from behind while they awaited the sunrise.
"I notice you enjoy this position," she remarked.
Aillard sighed. "I like how warm you are when I hug you," he expressed. She nodded in agreement, sharing his sentiment. She enjoyed that position just as much.
Astrid couldn't estimate how long they stayed there, simply gazing at the sea and holding each other, awaiting the sunrise. She savored the view and the comforting embrace of Aillard.
"I will never tire of watching sunrises and sunsets with you, and doing this every day if you're by my side," Aillard whispered into her ear, planting a kiss on her head afterward.
Her heart raced. Only he had the ability to make her heart race so intensely.
Astrid smiled. "Me too. Hindi rin ako magsasawa na gawin ang ganito, Aillard. Hinding-hindi. I love doing these kinds of things with you..." Hinigpitan niya ang pagkakayakap sa dalawang braso nito na nakayakap sa kanya. "I really do."
And I think I'm falling for you... No, because I already fell hard for you. I really do.
Watching the sunrise is part of their daily routine. They are always silent during these moments, not needing to talk every second and every minute. For Astrid, Aillard's presence is enough, and they both appreciate the beautiful and amazing view in front of them.
For Astrid, watching the sunrise is one of the top things she wants to see in the world while she still can. Well, perhaps not the top; at the very top of her list is seeing her mother smile and be happy.
She didn't have many opportunities to see such views back in their village and other places, especially after her mother passed away. Ngayon na binigyan siya ng pagkakataon na makita at masilayan ulit ang ganitong klaseng tanawin, hindi na niya ito sasayangin.
"It's so breathtaking," Astrid whispered. "I love this place."
"I love you," Aillard whispered.
"Are you saying something?" Astrid asked in astonishment. She hadn't heard what he said because his voice was too soft.
Aillard shrugged and smiled at her. Then he shrugged again and returned his gaze forward.
The sun was gradually rising, accompanied by a smile spreading across her lips. If only they didn't have to leave this place, she would stay indefinitely, but she understood that this wasn't their life together with Aillard. They each had their own responsibilities to attend to: Aillard needed to return to manage his company and studio, while Astrid had to go back to assist her mother in running their own business.
"Aillard?" Astrid called out to the young man.
"Hmm..." Aillard hummed in response.
Astrid bit her lower lip. In the days they had spent together, there was something she wanted to know, but now she hesitated to ask the man.
"Why... why are you doing this? I hope you won't take offense at my question, but I want to understand why you're doing all of this," Astrid paused briefly before continuing, "the way you take care of me, being here with me, and these sweet gestures. I don't want to read too much into everything you do, but I can't help it. And now I want to hear it from you, why are you doing this?" She continued to question him earnestly.
Astrid was nervous about what Aillard might answer, but she still wanted to know his response. She admitted to herself that everything between her and Aillard was moving too fast, but she couldn't stop herself from getting closer to him.
"Do you want to know the truth?" Aillard asked her in return.
Astrid nodded. "Yes." She moved away from him, sitting on the other side of the boat to face him properly.
"The truth is... when I first saw you in the elevator, I felt something different for you. Maybe for others, this might sound strange, but there was something when our eyes met that day. At first, I didn't pay much attention to it until everywhere I went, I kept seeing you. From the street when you were with the two kids, at Calle Crisologo, at the plaza—I thought those were our last meetings, but I was wrong because I saw you again."
Astrid couldn't help but smile as she recalled those memories. "Yeah, I remember all of that."
"And on that day, I couldn't resist anymore the urge to be with you and take care of you, even though it's not my duty to do so. But I can't stop myself. No, I don't want to stop myself."
Astrid was alarmed when Aillard stood up suddenly. "Damn it, Aillard! Sit down before you fall!" Astrid cursed as the boat suddenly shifted, nearly causing Aillard to lose his balance, but he quickly regained his footing.
"Kung mahuhulog ako sa'yo, okay lang basta siguraduhin mo lang na sasaluhin mo ako," sabi ni Aillard. Napalunok si Astrid sa huling sinabi nito at natataranta sa kanyang kinauupuan. "Astrid... Gusto kong maging bahagi ng buhay mo at gusto kong maging bahagi ka ng buhay ko."
Humakbang ito palapit sa kanya. Isang maliit na hakbang pa ang ginawa nito, ngunit hindi sinasadya ay natapakan nito ang sagwan na ibinaba nito kanina, na nagresulta sa pagbulusok ng katawan nito sa tubig.
"Oh, my God! Aillard!" sigaw ni Astrid sa gulat. Mabilis niyang nilapitan ang pinagbagsakan nito. "Aillard?! Aillard!" pagtawag niya sa pangalan ng lalaki.
Ilang segundo na ang lumipas at hindi pa rin lumilitaw ang lalaki. Where is he? I'm worried.
Malakas at mabilis ang pagtibok ng puso niya. Nag-aalala na siya sa lalaki—baka kung ano na ang masamang nangyari dito. Paano kung nabagok ang ulo nito? Paano kung kinain siya ng mga isda? Paano kung may kumuha sa kanya na sirena at hindi na siya maibalik?
Sa sobrang taranta na nararamdaman niya, hindi niya alam ang dapat niyang gawin. Unti-unting nababasa ang mga mata niya kasabay ng pag-agos ng masaganang luha.
"Aillard! Please, magpakita ka na... Aillard, I want to be part of your life too. I beg you..." pagmamakaawa niya. Tinakpan ni Astrid ang kanyang mukha gamit ang magkabilang kamay at humagulgol.
Tanging ang kanyang pag-iyak ang naririnig sa buong paligid.
"Aillard..." bulong niya, unti-unting nawawalan ng pag-asa.
Mabilis na inalis ni Astrid ang kanyang mga kamay mula sa mukha nang maramdaman niya ang pinaghalong lamig at init ng kamay na marahang humaplos sa kanyang basang pisngi at inilagay ang ilang hibla ng buhok na nakatakas sa pagkakapusod sa likod ng kanyang tenga.
"Don't cry... I'm here. I'm fine," Aillard said softly.
Astrid stared at his face. He smiled warmly at her while one hand gripped the side of the boat for support. Water dripped from his hair, and as the light gradually brightened, she could clearly see his perfect form.
"Aillard..." Once everything sank in, she lunged at him and hugged him tightly.
"f**k!" Aillard cursed loudly as they both plunged into the water due to her sudden embrace.
As their bodies submerged, Aillard held her tightly. He didn't let go. In her panic, Astrid couldn't help but swallow some seawater. Aillard quickly pulled her up.
Astrid coughed repeatedly as Aillard lifted her from the water. She knew how to swim, but she wasn't a pro. She wrapped her legs tightly around his body and clung to him while catching her breath.
"Are you okay? Don't do that again, Astrid," Aillard says, worried.
"I-I'm sorry... I'm just worried about you. I thought something bad happened to you," she sobbed again.
"Shhh... don't cry... I'm sorry I made you worry."
Astrid faced Aillard and gently caressed his cheek. "Aillard... I want you to be part of my life."
Aillard smiled. "I know."
She raised an eyebrow. "You knew?" she asked, curious.
"Yes, because I know you've had a crush on me since we first met," he said, grinning with a hint of pride.
She hid her face in his neck out of embarrassment.
All this time, he knew she had a crush on him since they were in Vigan. As she hugged him, she could feel his shoulders shaking, a sign that he was laughing.
"So, are we... Are we in a relationship? Am I your girlfriend now?" Astrid asked.
Aillard hummed. "Yes. I'm your man and you're my girl. You're mine now. Only mine."
Astrid smiled. My man. I like it.
She waited for him to say those three words, but after a minute passed in silence, she decided to speak first.
"I love you, Aillard," Astrid said softly.
Just as she spoke those words, a yacht appeared a meter away from them.
As the yacht drew closer, Creed emerged, dressed in a white polo shirt and plain black pants. He held a glass of wine in one hand, sipping it slowly while watching Aillard and Astrid.
"Hey, Astrid! It's nice to see you again!" Creed greeted, waving at her.
Astrid waved back with one hand. "Hi, Creed."
"Let's go. You might get cold; we've been here for a while," Aillard said to her.
She responded with a brief nod. Astrid was still waiting for Aillard to say those three words back to her. She couldn't help but feel a pang of sadness at his silence.
Alam ni Astrid sa sarili niyang nagmumukha siyang desperada, pero hindi siya naniniwala sa "men should always make the first move." Naniniwala siyang dapat ding gumawa ng unang hakbang ang mga babae. Bukod pa rito, hindi sa lahat ng pagkakataon ay kailangan nating hintayin ang mga lalaki na gumawa ng unang hakbang.
Tinulungan siya ni Aillard na makaakyat sa stern ng yacht, habang si Creed naman ay pumasok sa loob. Pagbalik nito, may dala na siyang roba para sa kanila ni Aillard. Mabilis na inabot ni Aillard ang roba at agad siyang binalot nito.
"Subukan mong tumingin, Delevingne, tutusukin ko 'yang mata mo," matalim na sabi ni Aillard kay Creed, na lubos niyang ipinagtaka.
Dinala siya ni Aillard papasok sa isang silid. Tahimik siyang sumusunod, at ganoon din naman ang binata. Bago sila pumasok, hinarap muna ni Aillard si Creed na nakangisi lamang.
"Use the boat and bring it back. Don't forget to pay Mang Kanor," Aillard said before closing the door. Astrid could hear Creed's complaints. "Take a bath first, baka matuyuan ka pa at magkasakit. May damit ka na doon sa may drawer," he told her.
She held his hand when she saw he was about to leave. "Where are you going?" she asked.
Aillard faced her. "I’m just going to talk to Creed; I’ll be back soon." He released her hand and kissed her forehead before stepping out.
Her heart was hammering inside her chest, feeling like it was about to leap out of her ribcage. She stood there for several minutes, not moving, since Aillard had left the room.
"You're being crazy as f**k again, Astrid Aitana," she murmured to herself.
Dala-dala ang isang knee-length na dress at ang bagong underwear na kinuha niya sa drawer na binanggit kanina ng lalaki, pumasok siya sa banyo para maligo. Pinagmasdan ni Astrid ang sarili sa salamin na nasa harap niya. Namula ang kanyang mga pisngi nang makita niyang see-through ang kanyang bra mula sa suot na shirt. Kaya pala ganun na lang kung suutan siya ni Aillard kanina ng roba.
"You did another embarrassment in your life, Astrid," sabi niya sa sarili.
Iling-iling na hinubad niya ang suot at saka siya nagbabad sa bathtub. Kalahating oras siya roon bago magpasya na magbanlaw. Paglabas niya ng banyo, agad na hinanap ng kanyang paningin ang lalaki, pero wala ito doon.
She sat at the vanity table and dried her hair. Hinayaan niyang nakalugay ang buhok niya. Naglagay si Astrid ng powder sa mukha at lip gloss bago lumabas ng silid para hanapin ang lalaki.
Agad siyang kinutuban nang hindi niya mahanap ang lalaki sa unang palapag ng yacht at napansin ang katahimikan sa paligid. Nang akyatin niya ang deck ng yacht, natagpuan ni Astrid ang sarili na gulat na nakatingin sa maliit na aso na nasa harapan niya, kasama ang taong kanina pa niya hinahanap.