The Blue Bike

        THE BLUE BIKE TheGuyWhoWearsMaroon 2021               IT WAS A CALM and dark morning when Deirdre woke up early. He still feels the cold of the morning breeze. Everything was quiet and everybody was asleep. He went out of his room and walked across the living area of their second floor into a door that leads to the balcony. He opened it and stepped outside. Now that he was out it was much colder. He sat in the lounge that was there. He thought of random things until he appeared in his mind. He wondered if he was doing ok. If he's stressed out of his job. If he misses him. Deirdre stood up and went to the railing of the balcony facing the highway. It was still dark and the light coming from the streetlamp was the only thing that brightens the early morning when somebody riding a bicycle halted below the lamp right in front of their gate. He looked at him wondering who he was. He was surprised when he finally saw him clearly and said in as low as a sound of a whisper the name of the person he suddenly thought of a while ago, "Ivor".      “Ivor” The guy beside Deirdre introduced himself while he was waiting to be called to come to the counter to pay his tuition. He turned to look at him and saw him offer his right hand which he accepted and smiled. “I’m Deirdre.” The guy, Ivor, seemed not to hear Deirdre clearly so he asked again of his name. “I am sorry?” Ivor asked, leaning his head a little closer to Deirdre to hear him better. “Deirdre. My name is Deirdre.”  “Oh. You have a unique name. By the way, nice meeting you. What’s your major? Mine is architecture.” He then straightened up after hearing Deirdre’s name. “Thanks. I am also taking up architecture.” “Nice. So we are from the same college and course. Why haven’t I met you before? I almost know everyone in CAAD, but you.” “Actually, I’m a transferee. Just had a little personal problem, so I decided to move to this school.” “I see. So what year are you now? Do you have friends already?” “I’m in my second year. Yeah, I have a friend from high school who is also taking up the course here. She’s the one who suggested for me to transfer here. How about you, what year?” “Okay, that makes sense. I am already in my third year. Are you originally from Tacloban?” “No. I am from Borongan.” “Really? What a small world, so we are both from Borongan.” “So you’re also a Boronganon. How great!” “Aldo! Deirdre Aldo!” He heard his name called by the teller. Deirdre immediately stood up without a word to Ivor who he just met. He walked towards the counter and made his transaction then he accepted the receipt after. As he leaves the counter his friend approached him. “Are you done?” she asked when she got to his side. “Kim? Thank God it’s just you. You almost scared me. Yes, just now.” He answered with a little startled reaction. “Oh don’t be so exaggerated. Let’s go. I am hungry and I have something to tell you.” Kim gave a very intriguing facial expression which made Deirdre think. “What is it?” He asked but he soon realized it must be something about her boyfriend. Why? Because she always makes that expression whenever something beautiful or exciting happens between them. “Oh never mind. I think I already know.” “No, you don’t. Come on.” Kim drags Deirdre out of the building heading to the cafeteria to have their lunch.   “Excuse me. Excuse me. I’m sorry I don’t mean to.” It’s been a week since the new school year started. Deirdre makes haste as he briskly walks to his classroom passing through students in front of him in the walkway. He’s already late and this is the third time in a row he arrived to school late because of the traffic along the way plus he is actually currently residing very far from the school. He already reached the pitched walkway towards their college building when someone from behind him calls out his name. “Deirdre! Wait up!” He looked back and saw Ivor almost running just to catch up with him. Deirdre slowed but he didn’t stop allowing Ivor to catch up. “You just arrived? What time is your class?” Ivor asked as he finally reached Deirdre’s side as they continue to walk up the path. “Yes, it was traffic and it was hard to get a ride from Manlurip because the multicabs are all full. So yeah, I am late again for the third time to my class. Do you know a boarding house near the university with vacant rooms or even just bed space? I won’t last with this kind of set up and my time and money are just being wasted.” “I know one. In our dorm. I am actually renting the whole room but if you want we can just split the rent.” “Really? Thanks, let’s talk about it again later.” Deirdre said when they already reached their college building. “Sure.” Ivor said while he heads to the Computer Lab and Deirdre climbed up the stairs to the drafting room.   Saturday morning, Deirdre went to the university because he will be meeting Ivor to show him the room in his dorm. But he’s been waiting for almost an hour and there was no sign of Ivor to be seen. He called him on his phone and he was glad Ivor answered right away. “Hello, good morning.” A groggy voice answered. “Hello. Ivor. Where are you? This is Deirdre. I have been waiting for you for almost an hour now.” He heard a loud sound from the other line like something just fell to the floor. “What was that? Are you okay?” “Deirdre. I am sorry, I forgot I was going to show you the dorm today. I just woke up. Are you in school now?” “Yes. I’m at the gates.” “Is it okay if you just come here? I’ll instruct you how to get here.” “Do I have a choice?” So over the phone, Ivor told Deirdre the way to his dorm. After getting the instruction, Deirdre hung up the call and made his way to the dorm. When he was already near, he called Ivor again to tell him to meet him outside. “Ivor, I am already here, where are you?” Deirdre said. “Where are you? I can’t see you” Ivor was on a balcony trying to look for him. Then seconds after he finally saw him. “Wait, I can see you now. Look up!” Though curious, Deirdre followed and looked up. He saw Ivor on a balcony with a big smile and waving at him like a kid which he admits was so cute and made him smile also.     Ivor waved his hand to Deirdre and asked him to come down. Deirdre signaled his hand for Ivor to wait. He quickly went to his room, took his jacket, and ran down the stair making sure not to create any disturbing sound. Passing through the living area to the dining and the kitchen, he went out through the backdoor and immediately put his slippers on. He ran again towards the gate and flung it open. When he was out, he closed the gate once again and faced Ivor. He suddenly how forgot to speak and just stared at his face. He can't believe it, he was just thinking of him earlier and now he is here standing before him. Catching his breath, Ivor spoke "I can't believe it you are here", Deirdre walked closer. "I was just thinking of you and hoping to see you as I was turning on that corner." "You were? I was also thinking of you." Deirdre finally found his words. "Yeah. I am just so happy. Come with me. I want to show you something." Ivor suddenly announced. "Where?" "Just come, we have no time." So Deirdre hopped into the backseat of Ivor's bike and they went down the street. "When did you come home? Don't you have work today?" Deirdre asked as he fix himself on the seat to be more comfortable. "Last night. No, I'm on leave for a short vacation." "Why did you come here?" "I wanted to see you. I want to talk to you." "About what?" Deirdre leaned a little closer to Ivor’s back to hear him clearly and have a better conversation. "I want to invite you to work with me. I want to open a restaurant and I want you to be my partner. Please say yes." "When did you think of this? Of course, I will say yes." "I have been thinking of this for a long time. I just can't get the chance to meet you and I was so worried you won't say yes. But now you just did. I am very glad. I want to talk more about this venture I am proposing to you, but I guess now is not the right time and place to do it. Let's set a date and discuss about it one of these days?” He looked back to Deirdre and the latter just nodded in response. “Anyway, how are you?" focusing now his attention back to the road. "I am fine.” Deirdre started. “I am currently working on a project in the city and I sometimes conduct workshops and teach young kids around our neighborhood who are into arts. Actually, yesterday I made a discussion on painting before the senior high students of the school where my friend is teaching.” "That is great! I am happy for you because you get to do the things you really loved doing. I still remember you used to tell me your plans once you graduate. Your dreams." "Thanks. Well, probably I am now living my dreams."     With only the light from the street lamps coming through the window illuminating their room, they each lie on their own bed and talk about things and other stuff. After a while of chatting their room suddenly turned so quiet. “Deirdre, are you asleep already?” Ivor called him shifting to lie on his side to look at Deirdre whose bed is just across his. “Not yet. Why?” Deirdre answered turning his head in Ivor’s direction. “Have you ever wondered what your future will be?” “What?” Deirdre was amused with what Ivor said, so he turned on his side to face him. Though it’s dark he can still see his face thanks to the light coming from the street and he is sure with Ivor’s expression that he is serious. “Why do you ask? Did something happen?” “Nothing serious, but I just thought of it. Like if I will be able to reach my dreams or if even just finish college, although I am already in my third year. Things like these make me wonder. How about you?” “Honestly, I always wonder about the future. I always have this fear of ‘what if there is no future for me?’, ‘what if I die before I even finish college?’” Deirdre paused. “I actually have fear of dying, but I try not to think about it by thinking of my dreams instead.” “Really? So what are your dreams?” “I want to become a renowned architect and design buildings that help enhance people’s living. I also want to teach arts and conduct painting exhibits.” Deirdre said with pure joy and hope of the future and his dreams. “That’s beautiful.” Ivor smiled as he saw Deirdre’s face lit up as he talks of his dreams. “How about you? What are your dreams?” Now Deirdre threw back the question to Ivor. “I dream of designing a building depicting and embodying the very unique character and elements of Filipino architecture. I want to put the Philippines, or even Eastern Visayas on the map of world-class architecture.” “I know you will be able to reach them and live your dreams.” “Thanks.” Ivor sat upon his bed. Deirdre just looked at him with curiosity. “Deirdre, I have something to show you.” He stood up and Deirdre followed suit. Ivor walked into the balcony. Deirdre stood beside him wondering what he’s going to show him in this dark evening. He was looking up to the sky like searching for something. “What is it?” He also c****d his head upwards. “Wait, I am looking for it.” Ivor kept gazing up into the sky searching for something. “Found it!” “Found what?” Deirdre glanced at him, surprised. “Come here.” Ivor pulled Deirdre closer to him. He stepped a little back making Deirdre stand in front of him. He pointed with his right index finger to the black sky dotted with stars. “There, can you see it?” “Stars? Yes, I can see them.” “Yes, but I want you to look at that particular group of stars.”  He kept on pointing into the heavens, so Deirdre focused his sight on the direction Ivor was pointing. It took Deirdre a while to finally see the constellation Ivor was showing him. It was like a kite, he thought. “I see it. Is it a kite? What’s its name?” “No, it’s not a kite. It’s called Ursa Minor Little Bear. It’s my favorite constellation.” “Really? Why?” Deirdre asked, amazed. “Actually, my late older brother was the one who taught me about it. He said if ever I get lost without a compass and can’t find my way in an unfamiliar place like a forest especially during the night, I should just look up and find that constellation because it will tell me my direction.” Ivor said feeling so proud of himself because he really takes pride with that knowledge his late brother taught him. “How is that?” Deirdre asked with amazement. “You see the last star on its tail? That’s actually Polaris. The northern star. So when you see it and you are getting lost you will definitely know the directions because it always tells you where the north is.” “Wow, that’s amazing! I didn’t know about that. Do you know other constellations?” “Yeah, look at this.” Ivor held Deirdre’s right hand and pointed it to the sky.     "Hold onto me, this is quite a steep road." Ivor instructed Deirdre as he prepares to climb. "Let me help you." Deirdre suggested. "No, just hold on tight.” Ivor retorted. “I promised myself once that I will take you with me on a bike climbing this hill. So just hang on." Ivor insisted as he feels the difficulty in stepping on his pedals. "Who told you to do that for me? If I will be with you on this, I will help." as Deirdre retorted he suddenly jumped off the slow-moving bicycle and pushed Ivor as he pedals upward. "Alright, you can help me but don't force yourself too much." Ivor said as he continues to floor the bicycle until they finally reached the top of the slope. "Hurry. Climb back to my bike, we might miss it." Ivor called Deirdre again. "What is it you want to show me?" "Just hurry." Still filled with curiosity, Deirdre just followed and sat back again in his seat as he breathes heavily after pushing the bicycle. They cycled again on the road passing by huge trees, schools, a cemetery, distant houses, and another hill just beyond the city's old damp site. This time they are moving down towards a curve facing a river. There was already light but the sun hasn't come out yet. They turned on the curve and Ivor pedaled again as they move parallel to the river. There were another group of houses they went through and another curve. Unlike earlier the houses were built closer to each other, quite marring the view of the river. As they turn on the curve, the arch of the city greeted them. It was perhaps inspired from the classic orders of Greek architecture, but shows poor execution and lacks the intricate beauty it should possess for it was not as grandeur as the foreign classic inspiration. It was in golden ochre color with accents of brown on the trims. Beyond this arch is the bridge named after the river traversing between their city and the next town. Before they reached the arch they already stepped down from the bicycle and walked towards the bridge passing under the arch. "So you want to show me the sunrise?" Deirdre asked, finally realizing Ivor glanced at Deirdre and smiled. "Yes. That's why I was hurrying you. But we just arrived on time." They crossed the street walking on the bridge. "This is the first time I stepped on this bridge, though I've already passed through this bridge countless times. Thank you for this." "Really? I am glad I took you with me this time. Let's stay here." Ivor replied as they stopped in the guard rail in the middle of the bridge. They faced the horizon on the Pacific Ocean beyond the mouth of the river. Half of the sun was already visible and its rays painted the sky and the clouds with different shades of red and orange. It was a magnificent view and the warmth of the sun adds a different kind of feeling to the atmosphere. It was soothing and calming. A feeling Deirdre has already forgotten. A view he once saw before but very unfamiliar every time he sees it. It feels like the first time, especially now that he is watching it with Ivor for the very first time. "This is very beautiful. Awe-inspiring! I feel like I want to paint this." "I'm glad you liked it. I would love to see you paint this." Ivor moved closer to Deirdre. "Deirdre, I also have one more thing to talk about with you." Deirdre looked at him. "What is it?" "I know our friendship has been through a lot and I am glad we're ok now, but I just want to know, that text you sent me in 2014, did you really mean it? Did you really like me that much?" Deirdre was surprised and his face turned crimson like the sky and clouds. Deirdre is lying in bed in his room in their house in Borongan. He just woke up and it was still early. Yesterday was Valentine’s Day and he was almost able to confess to Ivor his feelings for him over the phone when he called last night, but he decided not to do it because he felt embarrassed. He didn’t know how he was going to say it and Ivor told him he and his friends were out to drink and he wished for Deirdre to be there. So instead of confessing, Deirdre just greeted him Happy Valentine’s Day. But this morning, he suddenly had the courage to finally confess. Looking at the screen of his phone, he read the message he composed containing his feelings for Ivor. Good morning! I have something to tell you but I just have one favour, please just keep this between the two of us. Ivor, I don't know when did this exactly start, but whatever this is I'm feeling right now, I know that it's all true. I am in love with you. “Should I really send this or not? But the sign I was praying for was already given to me yesterday right after I asked for it. The words were just encoded on the screen of my phone but the phrase I am in love with you is echoing in my head.” Though he’s having second thoughts of sending the message, Deirdre was actually determined to finally do it. “Oh my! I can feel butterflies in my stomach. I have to do this or else I might not get another chance to do this. I have to take risks.” After that, he searched Ivor’s name in his contacts and selected it. Then he pressed the Send button. The button that will change everything. Message Sent was flashed on the screen of his phone. He did it and his heartbeat is faster than its normal pace. He kept lying down on his bed. After a while, he got up. “Maybe he's still asleep. It's just 6:30 am and they drunk last night to celebrate Valentine's Day.” The following day Deirdre returned to Tacloban. There was fear in his heart that something will really happen. The consequences of what he did yesterday. Plus his thoughts were so spontaneous he can't control them. And the fear he was holding in him is starting to come to life. He hasn't talked to him but when he arrived that morning there was no reaction on Ivor’s face. He knew this would happen, but he never expected this to be so soon. He just hopes for the best but he can’t stop being disappointed and sad. All the joy he felt yesterday turned to desolation. He observed Ivor’s starting to avoid him and it pains him like he is being torn to pieces. Deirdre was right when he said that the day he confessed to Ivor will be the turning point of everything. Since that day, they started drifting apart. The closeness they had once became a distant memory. They no longer talk to each other and whenever they are together in their room, it was like they don’t see each other. Deirdre tried to talk to Ivor, but whenever he gets the chance he always falls back and decides not to. This happened few times until he finally stopped thinking of trying to fix everything, even though he really wants to bring back their friendship before because he can no longer take the loneliness and pain he’s feeling and going through.     "You still remember? But when I asked you in December of 2017 you seemed to forget that I even texted you." Deirdre paused. He looked back to the sunrise. Now the sun is completely out of the horizon; a hot bright golden sphere floating above the horizon. He took a deep breath and spoke, "Yes, Ivor I meant it. That text was my confession. You have no idea how it made me happy because finally, I was able to express the feelings I have been keeping. I know it's unbelievable, but I was really in love with you that time…" he glanced back to Ivor "…and I am still in love with you up until now. It has never changed." Deirdre shook his head. "No, it did. It changed into something more. My feelings for you became even much stronger and more real." "Oh Deirdre, I am sorry. I received your text that time, but all I could think of was "why me?”, yet I will admit it, I felt a little joy in my heart because somehow someone got to like me as more than a friend. However, I didn't know how to deal with it, especially it’s an admiration coming from the same s*x. From you. And you asked me not to tell anybody, which I did. Honestly, I felt excited for you to come back right then because you were here away from me when you confessed, but you acted like nothing happened the moment you arrived the following day." "I didn't know what you were thinking back then. You didn't reply to that text I sent you so I was clueless of what you were feeling and thinking. And when I arrived back that time I was so nervous, I didn't know exactly what to do and I saw in your face like you didn't care about my confession. I was so hurt that's why I started ignoring you." "That one also. It was tearing me every time you ignore me. I didn’t see the point you confessed to me, then you will just ignore me. It made me mad. I kept asking myself what I did that suddenly you stopped talking to me. But now I know, you were just reacting to me because I acted like I didn't know anything and I didn't care, but I will tell you now all of the things you were thinking back then was wrong. I even kept your message." "I know you didn't delete it." Deirdre admitted. "You know?" "Yes. One time when you and your sister went out, you left your phone in your bed. I am just not sure if you intended that or not. I took your phone and opened your inbox and looked for my message. And it was there. It was opened. I read it but I wondered why my number in your phone has no name." "Ah, that? I actually forgot my phone. And I removed your name from your number because I don't want anyone to know it was your message; your confession to me. I want to be the only one who knows about it, and you also told me not to tell anybody. That's why." "I see. Now I am okay because everything is clear." "So much for that, I want to ask you. You said you're still in love with me, want to go out with me? Not that I am taking advantage of you because you said you still have feelings for me, but I really want to take a chance with you this time." Deirdre was not able to speak for a moment and they just eyed each other. "Yes. I want to go out with you.” Deirdre finally answered as his eyes were starting to swell. “Does this mean you finally have feelings for me?" "I am sorry it took me so long to realize. I am sorry I kept you waiting. I am so sorry I hurt you. But let me replace those painful memories with happy ones we will be making.” Ivor reached for Deirdre’s hands and kissed its knuckles without breaking their gazes and softly spoke. “Deirdre, please say yes. Can I be your boyfriend?" Deirdre was so elated he can't stop his tears from flowing down his cheeks. Finally, all those times he prayed and hoped for Ivor to feel the same thing he does for him are culminating in this very moment. With this sunrise as their witness, this bridge, the river, and the vehicles passing through and forth. "Oh Ivor, you have no idea how long I have been waiting for this moment for you to ask me that question.” he sweetly smiled. “Yes, Ivor. I want you to be my boyfriend." he said as his tears kept flowing. Ivor closed their distance and hugged Deirdre tightly. "Stop crying, Deirdre. We are just about to start but I am already making you cry." Ivor looked at Deirdre's face and wiped his tears. "I love you, Deirdre." Deirdre cried even more because he’s just so happy and he can't contain the feeling of joy and love right now. "I love you, too Ivor." The height of the sun was perfect when Ivor kissed Deirdre, casting their silhouette and sealing the light between their lips.           The End                   The Blue Bike TGWWM 2021