Spanish, Chocolate and Kiwi

V - Good Night, Danielle (Final)

"Julia?"

There she was, waiting standing by Danielle's door, covered in rain, soaking wet. Upon seeing Julia there, Danielle rushed towards her and gave her a hug, "Why are you here at this time of hour?"

Julia looked at a different direction upon hearing that question, "Julia, is everything okay?" With that next question that came out from Danielle's mouth, Julia finally looked at Danielle's eyes. Just forming an eye contact, not speaking at all. "Julia, please speak up. Please." Danielle then, put her pair of arms into Julia's shoulder, trying her best to make the girl in front of her speak. With those pair of arms and the feeling of warmth from Danielle during tears from the clouds are continuously pouring that made the streets of Blumentritt have visible paddles on the ground itself.

"Julia, are you okay?"

"Are we okay?"

Upon hearing the second question, Julia looked down as her eyes started being filled up with water then as Danielle led a hand to lift the chin of the lady in front of her, those water in Julia's eyes started to form to actual tears.

Julia then held Danielle's hand not to make a romantic gesture but to melt her hand from her chin, to cut the physical contact from the both of them. No, not because she loath this lady with the rose colored glasses that is standing in front of her. It is because, she is stopping her own feelings for this person to scream out. Julia is trying her best to not rip her rib cage and let her heart out that screams feelings for Danielle. That feelings that she thought was just for fun and is just a phase. But no, after that afternoon on August and that interaction between the two of them at the bus stop made her realize that Danielle is truly filling the missing piece of Julia's heart. "Are you for real?" Julia finally spoke and asked that drawn a confused expression on Danielle's face, "What do you mean?"

"Are you real?" Julia said as she poked Danielle's chest. Tears are still visible in her as she asked that question for the second time.

"What do you mean?" Danielle asked a she hugged Julia and resting her head on her shoulder. Julia's cold as ice. Not just physically but emotionally. Danielle felt her pain.

"You should know what I am trying to point out here, Danielle." Julia said still letting Danielle be hugged by her but she didn't reciprocate it, she was just standing there as she felt Danielle's arms around her figure, getting tighter.

"I swear, I am trying to figure everything out. From you, to this confusing feelings for-"

Julia took a deep breathe as she held Danielle to slowly break their act of hugging, "Feelings for who?" Julia asked as she stuttered and as her face continuously leave marks on her face because of tears. River of tears. "Tell me, at this place, by this door, during this weather, at this moment. Feelings for who!"

"Feelings for-"

"Feelings for Charles?" Julia asked looking at Danielle as she smiled but, pain is still visible in her eyes.

"No. Maybe?"

Julia still smiling and tears visible from her eyes as she tried to wipe it out but it is nonstop pouring still, "For Pete's sake, Danielle. Stop this stupid game already. I am tired of being one of the players just for the two of you to win together, You and Charles. It was always the two of you."

"And, don't get mad or hurt by those anonymous texts and mail you've been receiving that was from me, all from me. I am f*****g sorry for investing this feelings for you. I tried to stop it, to stop those efforts of sending you messages anonymously. I was scared, Danielle. I was dead scared of having a feeling of butterflies that is from you. That I even kissed Charles to erase this and to think that it is just a phase. Because, I don't want to lose you just because of this stupid feelings. I mean, look at me in the eyes right now and say that you don't love me as much as I do, please do say it, Danielle. Please."

Danielle then looked at Julia, "Can we just take a small walk and by some bread?"

Julia then just nodded as her tears is still visible in her eyes as the night is slowly getting darker and is ready to say good night to the both of them. "Is there any store that is open and sells bread in this time of hour?" Julia asked not making eye contact with Danielle but rather with the paddles that she step on while they are walking, and a reflection of her is visible and her dry and marked with pain eyes is seen by herself.

Danielle then held Julia hand, "There is, let's try 7Eleven." But, to Danielle's surprise, Julia let go of her hand after that statement. As the night waves good night to the both of them, they entered a 7Eleven store that is nearby a bakery. No one was there, except for the store clerk, of course.

Julia sat down at a chair that is in front of a glass that covers the entire store as Danielle roamed around to find some bread and some other snacks. Then Julia felt her phone vibrated inside her pockets as soon as she got her phone in her hand it read,

Have you tell her? A text from Charles Parker.

Upon reading that, she scanned the store to check if Danielle is nearby her. She is not, with that Julia replied with, I did. I finally did tell her.

Julia was about to check something else in her phone. But, she heard Danielle's pair of sneakers making a sound towards her, she quickly returned her phone in her pocket, making herself stare at the empty streets of Blumentritt and her eyes striking a stoplight blinking non-stop.

"Hey."

"Hey."

They greeted each other like they've never seen each other in ages, "Here are some bread, chips and cold beverages for just as two."

Julia looked at Danielle trying to fight her own pain, "And let me remind you, this is not a date." Danielle smiled and led a palm of Julia's right cheek as her left hand held a potato chip, "It is not."

"It is good to clarify things, okay?"

"It is, can I tell you something important?" Danielle asked Julia as she took a sip of her cold bottled iced tea.

"I mean, sure. I have no choice but to agree." Julia said without making any eye contact.

Upon hearing that, Danielle laughed filling the empty store with laughter and she started to lean in to Julia, "I think." Danielle didn't finished her sentence as she took a deep breathe first before continuing, "I like Charles."

Danielle then looked at Julia with a smile drawn to her face as Julia spoke, "Good for you. I am very happy to hear that." Saying that as she took a bit of the bread that is in front of her.

"Thanks, how about you? Who is the lucky guy?" Julia then heard that expected question from the girl with the rose colored glasses that is seating beside her during a rainy night inside of a convenience store. She looked at Danielle with so much communication in her eyes, "I have a heart for someone. But, sadly that person's in love with someone else."

Danielle then remembered something Julia said before they went to this destination that they are sitting in.

I was dead scared of having a feeling of butterflies that is from you. That I even kissed Charles to erase this and to think that it is just a phase. Because, I don't want to lose you just because of this stupid feelings. I mean, look at me in the eyes right now and say that you don't love me as much as I do, please do say it, Danielle. Please.

That left the both of them being silent, and is there with each other waiting for each to finish the food that is sitting in front of them. The sound of the cold wind, the sound of those bites and crunch from the food and the sound of the air conditioner enveloped the silence of the lady in the rose colored glasses with the lady with the expressive and dull eyes and a bob haircut.

Both of them seeing each others' reflection through the glasses of 7Eleven. As it is also filled in raindrops for it is still raining from outside of the store. One of them was about the broke the silence between them when the store clerk approach the two ladies, "Uhm, ladies?" With that, Danielle and Julia will look at the store clerk and at the same time, "Yes?"

The store clerk smiled at the both of them as she checked her wrist watch, "It is already 9 at the evening. You two arrived here at 7:30 p.m."

Upon hearing that, Both of them stood up from their chairs, bringing their trash to the disposal bin and saying thank you to the store clerk. After that, they were about to pull the door open to exit but, "Here are some umbrellas. These are extra ones, no need to return. Have a safe trip to your homes." The store clerk said as she led the extra umbrellas to both Julia and Danielle. Both of them smiled as they pulled the door open to leave the store itself.

As they both left the store and walking back home to Danielle's, the rain started to quiet down, "That lady surely has a heart."

"She sure does." Both of them looked at each others' eyes for a few seconds then smiled, "I am sorry." Julia then said as she made a glanced at the set of starts above the night sky.

"Sorry for what?" Danielle looked at Julia, seeing her still looking at the stars. "For everything." Julia said as she smiled still looking at the stars.

They continued talking, seeing fireflies under street lights, and even those insects flying and roaming above their head. After a few minutes of walking, they made it to Danielle's.

"Well, this is my stop. Thanks for tonight." Danielle said as she stopped in from of her house door.

"You're welcome, here listen to the voice message that I've installed in this flash drive when you feel like it." Julia said as she gave a purple flash drive with a key chain of a girl in a kimono to Danielle. Upon receiving that electronic from Julia, Danielle was about to speak but Julia put a hand on her shoulder and, "I'll see you in school." And walked away.

Danielle was left by Julia as she felt tears running down her cheeks, as she opened her door and turned on the lights, greeted her brother, who was playing the piano as she rushed to her room and closed the door.

She then removed her clothes, being left with a pair of undergarments as she got her laptop and let in the flash drive as she opened the file named, For Danielle she heard a familiar voice of a female, saying,

I loved the way the Sun wrapped around you, like dress woven from strands of light.

I loved the way you stayed close to me as we held hands walking the streets at day and night.

I loved the way your eyes glimmered with hope that is visible through your rose colored glasses from the earth and polished for the first time or the way your smile could break through the eyes of the blind.

I loved your innocence, untainted by time and unbounded by faith.

I love your curiosity and how you were cautious enough to know what's at stake.

The only problem is that, I am used to heartbreak. I became best friends with pain and disappointment and I lose my believe in fate.

So familiar with bad timing, I was always in the wrong place.

Until, I realized that I couldn't go on with you being just my friend, seeing you as a friend.

I got so good with lying that I started to believe them.

So, I will put my heart in line and let my soul speak to let you that your touch is really the only thing I can feel anymore.

The glisten in your eyes is the only thing I can see anymore.

I wanna bring you close and whisper in your ears, like lovers do.

The soft spoken words that weigh down, and heavy with truth.

Honestly, all I want is to hold you as the sun goes down and not let you go until it greets us good morning.

I want to be the warm you feel when we touch.

I want to be the adrenaline rush that envelops you as we both get close.

Enough to be the climax you've never felt before.

The moment that you cry, wanting me to be the arms you that you fall in as you sleep at night.

Relieved of all the tension. Let your guard down, and I will be your wall of protection.

I want to be the ship to stir you to your right direction, to what you really feel.

Breathe me in your dreams.

Let me be your fantasy, at least.

Wow, that sounded so desperate.

Your idea forever, that is what I want to be.

The person that sweeps you off of your feet, that is what I want to be.

The face you thought you didn't deserved, that is what I want to be.

The voice of the things that you thought you couldn't achieved, that is what I want to be.

The truth is, you can be everything you dare to believe.

But most importantly, I want you to know that even though this love of ours might not lasted, I would still walk with you to the end of the world, and then, let it become another past of mine.

Sincerely,

Julia

Danielle was laying on her bed, when she started hearing that voice, let it be quiet after a few minutes as she gets the jacket that was handed to her during that night on August and entered her head on the visible hole above the ties of the jacket and let out a deep breathe.

I got so good with lying that I started to believe them.

That statement played on Danielle's mind like it's on loop, as she let herself sleep in Julia's jacket.

Meanwhile, Julia is having a conversation with Charles while she is on her study table, drinking some iced coffee, her room just filled with a light from a lamp that is visible on her table.

"So, she told you that she likes me?" Charles asked on the other line as Julia took another sip of her iced coffee.

"She did, at 7Eleven, she whispered it to me."

Charles went silent for a few minutes, breathing I felt between them, as the night gets colder and Julia being broken from the interaction between her and Danielle, and then moments later, Charles spoke.

"How about you?" Charles asked knowing that Julia, his best friend has feelings for him.

"How about us?" Charles added on the other line.

"Us, was just puppy love, I guess. With Danielle, it is different."

"What about, Danielle's feelings?" Charles suddenly asked, as Julia heard a crunch of a chip on the other line.

"Why are you asking such questions, Charles?"

Charles went silent, didn't knew what to say, but Julia continued speaking,

"Do you like Danielle?"

Charles' deep breathe was heard by Julia on the other line and, "Everybody likes Danielle."

"You like her. I can feel it, Charles."

"More than she likes you." Julia added

Charles then asked, "You believe that?"

Julia took a deep breathe and took a sip of her iced coffee before speaking, "I mean, as I've told you during this conversation, she whispered it to me."

"And what will I do about it, then?"

"You speak, Charles. Speak to her."

"How about your feelings?"

Upon hearing that question, Julia took a deep breathe, silent for a moment, "Julia?"

"If love is meant for the both of us, it will fight and search for us. For I and Danielle. And-"

Charles interrupted his best friend that is on the other line, "And?" As he took a bite of his chips and the crunch heard by Julia.

"Love is unstoppable force, don't stop it." Julia completed her sentence, not waiting for a reply from Charles as she hung up the phone, seeing her coffee, the iced fully melted and is half full.

Julia left that iced coffee of hers, not finished and she laid on her bed as she put on some earphones to listen to sleep, Mystery of Love

As the days passed, Charles did speak and started giving gifts to Danielle, every end of a school day on the corridor, Danielle and Charles will have some sort of interaction, that is saw by Julia herself for she hides in corners that is near the lockers of the school. But one moment from the two truly broke Julia's heart. It was a 4 p.m. in the afternoon, a Wednesday. Danielle and Charles is having their casual day-to-day conversation. But this day is different, for they have friends around. Julia was there, but she is not visible in both eyes of Danielle and Charles but she witnessed what happened,

Danielle was smiling and happiness is seen in her eyes, lockers are alternately opened and closed, Danielle and Charles is gathered around certain group of friends, Charles is behind Danielle, putting a necklace around her neck,"This is for you." Julia saw it, and she also saw Danielle's feeling of fulfillment as she nodded, smiled and gave the boy in front of Danielle a hug, a long tight hug. Julia stared at that moment for a few minutes not until an eye contact formed between Danielle and Julia. Julia saw Danielle's eyes full of tears, happily smiling, Danielle put a thumb up, as a sign of thanks to Julia. Surprisingly, Julia stared can't help herself but to put a pair of earphones to her ears as she smiled and closed her eyes, sitting in a corner. Trying to forget that whatever she saw that Wednesday afternoon on the school corridors is nothing to her. Days and months have gone by, that usual day to day talk between Charles and Danielle, never stopped. They were consistent.

Finally, a weekend came by, Julia is in her room, and the sun, strike onto Danielle's face. This is a sign, that waking up is a wonderful option and to start the day. But, she found herself still laying on her bed as her body enveloped under the covers of her bed. She turned to her bedside table saw a pomegrantes fruit and an two apples, the apple that is sitting beside the lamp is finished up to its core, the apple on the edge of the bedside table is fresh, not eaten just sitting there the whole entire night before this morning while the pomegrantes fruit is cut in half, that the red bubble like seeds is seen in the visible eye. Julia sat up, stared at the fruits from that beside table of hers during a Saturday morning, her iPod seen beside her, she suddenly put on her earphones in and played My Funny Valentine as she take a grasp on the half of the pomegrantes fruit, she sat on her bed, blankets covered up to her knees as she poked the fruit that left the pearl-bubble like seeds onto her fingers she closed her eyes and slowly transferred it into her mouth, leaving a tiny bit of its juice on her lips. She left the juices on her lips as she stand up to look at herself in the mirror, dried tears visible on her cheeks, and the lips of hers are chapped. Julia then walked towards her beside table, to get the two remaining fruits that is visible on it. She then, get her journal from a drawer, got back on the bed in a worm-like position. She then wrote, "You know what things."

An afternoon came, Yua decided to pay Julia a visit, they were in the living room, laying on the couch, Julia's head on Yua's shoulder as Julia stared at the ceiling, lights on the living room were dimmed, an piano beside the couch is visible as Yua started to read a story,

A youthful, handsome prince is madly in love with a princess, and she too is in love with him. Though, she seemed not to be entire aware of it. Yua told as she plays with Julia as she continued, Despite the friendship- the blossoms between them or- perhaps because of that very friendship, the youthful prince find himself so humbled and speechless that he is totally unable to bring up the subject of his love. One day, he came to the tower of the princess to ask her, point blanked, "It is better to speak or to die?" Upon hearing that, Julia put her arm behind her head and glanced at Yua who is already looking at her. "I think, I will be afraid to ask a question like that." Julia said as she sighed. "I am against that, you can totally ask that kind of question." Yua said as Julia sat up beside her, still staring at the walls of the living room, Yua then called out Julia. "Jules, you know that you can always talk to me, right? The both of you."

Julia then stood up to outside, revealing the empty streets of Manila, Tayuman. Yua followed her, they took a walk, bicycles passed them, stray cats and dogs around that street. "Did you know that I was supposed to go to the arcade with Danielle today?"

"No, why?"

"Changed of plans, she was ordered to do house chores by her mother."

"So, you stayed at home?" Yua asked as the trees swayed to their direction.

"I guess so. Why did you visit me?"

"I just felt like it." Yua said as she smiled, not making any form of eye contact with Julia.

"Thanks, and of course for that story of the prince and the princess."

"It's from an American literature in the 16th century."

"And that question, truly marked on my mind."

"I knew that."

The day passed by, Yua waved goodbye to Julia. But for her, she didn't returned home, after Yua left. She stayed outside, beside the house plants letting the afternoon sun hit her skin, watching the kids play some sports in this time of hour, cats and dogs resting below the vehicles. Then a man, approached her, to give a piece of bread; a Spanish bread. Then, after taking a small bite of that bread that is offered to her, she closed her eyes, she suddenly remembered the night that Danielle offered her some bread on 7Eleven that night of whispering to her, "I think, I like Charles." She smiled through the pain as the record of memories played through her mind. Hours later, she felt her phone vibrated and the name of the girl that she was just thinking about flashed through the screen of her phone with a text,

A party, at my place, tomorrow. Please come.

Julia left that message from Danielle on read. But of course, she will come to that party tomorrow. She cannot say no to her, especially when it means to be with her, even just for a little span of time. Even for minutes, hours, just to be with her, Julia is already satisfied.

Sunday, an afternoon under the heating sun. Julia walked in the streets of Blumentritt dressed with a polo shirt that flows with her skin with a denim short as she was walking, she stopped at an old train rail, a girl was sitting on it. She walked a bit forward to make the figure of that girl more recognizable in her eyes. It was Danielle, sitting on the side of the train rail, alone and eating a piece of Spanish bread, just like the one that Julia ate yesterday. She slowly walked towards the girl who is sitting beside the train rail, "Hey." Upon hearing that greeting, Danielle looked up and saw Julia looking at her, with a smile. "Hey, what are you doing here?" Danielle said as she took another bite of her bread, "Want some?"

"I walked here, to come and see you. You sent me a message yesterday, you said that you are having a party, right?"

"Right." Danielle said just observing the cat sitting beside her, not making any eye contact with Julia. For a moment, Both of them were silent, thinking that after that night, good thing they still have the courage to see each other. Danielle then looked at the girl, beside her who is observing the orange afternoon sky, "We are still friends, right?" Julia heard that, but she didn't looked at Danielle. Even though she felt that the lady with the rose colored glasses is looking at her, "When will the party start and with who?" Julia asked as she run her fingers through her hair. "Just a few friends of ours. Yua, Charles, Ronny and others from school."

"Ronny?"

"Ronny, a friend of mine who is great with computers, he is a geek, a smart one when it comes to technology."

"Alright, so, what will happen in your party?" Julia asked as she stood up, started walking along the train rails, Danielle followed. "We are just dancing the night away inside the living room, and maybe, watch movies. Whatever works for the night." Julia then, changed the topic, "Why are you here alone at the train rails with a cat, under the heating sun?" While walking, Danielle reached for Julia's arm so she could balance herself on the train rail and she spoke, "This is my spot. I come her when I feel great or when I am in doubt." Julia turned to Danielle, "So, do you feel great or you are in doubt?"

Danielle looked down and, "Maybe a little bit of both?" She said in a questioning manner like she doesn't know what she is feeling right this second. "Why is that?" Julia asked while her eyes got back in front as she saw houses with lights and it started to get windy as both Danielle and Julia felt the trees dance as they continued walking, Danielle then talked, "I think you know why." After a few hours of walking, they arrived in the doorstep of Danielle's house, "Why are you telling me this?"

As Julia asked that question she continued talking as Danielle twisted the door open, "Because you're my-" Julia paused for a moment, staring at the couch that is visible once the door to Danielle's house opened, "My friend."

As Julia saw the atmosphere of Danielle's home, she quickly sat on the couch, table in front of the couch, with potato chips and soda on them. The aroma of the room felt like a person can literally have a movie date on that living room, it is relaxing and the lights are dimmed as well. It is a lovely living room with a home theater feel to it, plus the ceiling fan and air conditioner that is visible to the eye. "Wow, Danielle, this living room, is wonderful." Julia said while examining the living room, that has so much space that it can fit too many people in it. "Are we going to have the party in this actual room?" Julia asked as she looked at Danielle.

As the night passed and the living room is being filled by friends of both Danielle and Julia, from Charles to Ronny and many more. They watched movies on that room with dimmed lights, had open forums, unexpected confessions to one another. But the exciting part of that party is when Ronny booted up his laptop with some music and the sounds and rhythm of the music blasted through the home theater speakers underneath the SMART television. The room was filled with music from Sabrina Carpenter, Taylor Swift up to Bruno Mars. Even though Julia is present during party of the night at Danielle's, she found herself sitting on the couch as other people danced through the music from that living room. People drinking and eating, taking pictures, on the corner talking. Everything is present on that party. But moments after, all of the people except for Julia who is now having fun with a lollipop on her mouth is in the middle dancing like they are in a night club. Moments after, Julia saw Danielle, dancing with Charles in front of her with her eyes closed and a smile drawn onto her lips. Julia seeing that, got her lollipop on her mouth as she apply it to her lips like lipstick, then put it back inside of her mouth, getting her iPod and a pair of earphones and let Harry Styles' song, Woman fill her ears.

I'm selfish, I know

But I don't ever want to see you with him

I'm selfish, I know

I told you, but I know you never listen

I hope you can see the shape that I'm in

While he's touching your skin

He's right where I should, where I should be

But you're making me bleed

Woman

Woman

La la la la la la la la

And it is fitting on the scenario that is seen by Julia's eyes. She then, stood up with the lollipop, still on her mouth and rushed to the kitchen.

She walked towards the kitchen sink to splash some water on her face, Harry Styles' Woman still played on loop through her earphones. Then, even she is on her own on that kitchen, she whispered under her breathe, "Is it better to speak of to die?" She then roamed around the kitchen as she saw grapes on a bowl of ice water and a few pieces of Spanish bread. She held removed that stem of grapes and took a piece of Spanish bread on her right hand, then she sat on the kitchen counter, spoke under her breathe once again, "I got so good with lying that I started to believe them." As she let the grapes that is cold as ice be felt by her left cheek as a teardrop passed on it as well, then another teardrop as Julia pressed a single grape from the stem of grapes. The juice and her teardrop mixed together. Then, she observed the screen of her iPod and click the button that indicates for a next song, Falling by Harry Styles played into her ears.

What am I now?

What am I now?

What if I'm someone I don't want around?

I'm fallin' again

I'm fallin' again

I'm fallin'

What if I'm down?

What if I'm out?

What if I'm someone you won't talk about?

I'm fallin' again

I'm fallin' again

I'm fallin'

You said you cared

Then, a drunk figure of Danielle came inside the kitchen, Julia didn't bothered to guide Danielle with her walking, because of that, Danielle fell down on the kitchen floor. Visible on Julia's eyes, she came down the kitchen counter to help Danielle to be in a sitting position. She just sat beside her, putting the left pair of earphones to Danielle's ear as Danielle not aware that she is already resting her head on Julia's shoulder. Then, Because I'm In Love With You by Billie Eilish played on both ears of Danielle and Julia.

I want you

I swear I'd stop breathing

If it would benefit you

If that's all I had to do

I'll give up everything

Because I'm in love with you

Yes, I'm in love with you

I'll give up everything

If it would benefit you

If that's all I had to do

Then, Julia turned to Danielle, who is drunk-asleep by now, and gave her a kiss on the forehead. To Julia's surprise, Danielle quietly spoke enough to be heard by Julia, "You taste like gra-grapes." and smiled, as the juice of the grape from Julia's lips traveled down to Danielle's lips while she is still drunk.

Then Julia spoke under her breathe, "She is definitely the drunk one, and I am the sober. Just one sober."

After that Sunday, eight days, a road trip with Charles, Julia, Danielle, Ronny, and Yua came, they took a long drive from Manila to Tagaytay.

The long drive was filled with music from Dodie, Taylor Swift, Harry Styles, Joji and Billie Eilish.

The driver of that long drive was Charles, Ronny on the passenger seat while Julia, Danielle and Yua sat on the back. The group chose Tagaytay for Julia knew that her auntie who is a half-Chinese owned a rest house around the area. The long drive was interesting for the gang played games like 20 questions, truth or dare and shared childhood stories with each other, on the middle of the sharing of each other's childhood stories,

"Did you guys know that when I was a child, I was locked inside a room with my cousins and I broke the door, which resulted for us to laughed that we peed on the bedroom floor?" Julia said while laughing.

Upon hearing that, Ronny turned to Julia, "I once wiped a dog's dump with my sister's toothbrush."

Danielle covered her mouth and laughed upon hearing that while Julia, Yua and Charles smacked Ronny on the head, one by one.

"That is f*****g disgusting, Ronny!" Charles said, eyes still on the road. Few hours of listening to music, and talking, they finally arrived Tagaytay, at the exact rest house of Julia's auntie. Upon arriving there, a backyard with swings is visible, a pond is also there and that area of Tagaytay is filled with colorful flowers, like sunflowers, roses and lilies. Moments after, Charles and the others walked towards the doorstep and rang the doorbell, they were greeted by a lady in her 30's wearing a uniform of a maid with a dog beside her. "Good day, how may I help you?" The maid greeted them with a smile, Charles was about respond but, Julia spoke, "Hello, miss. This is the rest house of aunt Joyce, right?"

"Yes, this is the one, why?"

Julia smiled, "Well, it happens that yesterday night, I sent her a message regarding of staying here for just one whole night until lunch time, tomorrow."

The maid smiled and, "That is great, since madam Joyce is not around until the next weekend, and I am all alone here with Happy." The maid said, and pertaining to the dog named Happy.

After that, Julia along with her friends entered the rest house, it was very welcoming. The living room has a fireplace, two couches, with a table on the middle, a piano beside the door of the house, a stairway leading to five rooms and the living room is filled with paintings from Van Gogh. Danielle can sense that the owner of this rest house is an artsy. Julia's group of friends took a seat from one of the couches that are facing each other. As the maid approached them, "Afternoon snack?"

Ronny smiled and nodded while Yua, Danielle and Charles gave a thumbs up to the maid. The maid then was about to walk away to get the afternoon snack but Julia stopped her, "Let me help." Julia said as she stood up walking towards the maid, "Thank you, it's in the kitchen, let's go."

Julia then turned to her friends while following the maid, "Wait here, guys."

As soon as they step in the kitchen, it looked like a kitchen of a professional chef, expensive stoves, measuring equipment for baking and cooking, appliances that make cooking and baking much easier, two kitchen sinks, a vintage looking refrigerator and everyone's favorite, a baking oven. Lights there were warm in the eyes. The made then walked towards the baking oven to get some homemade Spanish bread and some iced coffee from the kitchen counter. Julia walked towards her to offer to carry the beverages so that the maid will not struggle on bringing the bread to Julia's friends.

"Thank you." The maid thanked Julia as she walked out the kitchen being followed by Julia from behind.

As both of them arrived the living room, Charles and Ronny is sitting on the rug playing some UNO while Julia and Yua was in earphones listening to music.

As soon as they saw Julia and the maid, they got back to the couch, Julia putting down the tray that consists iced coffee and the maid putting down a bowl of Spanish bread on the center of the table.

"Our favorite, Julia!" Danielle said as soon as she saw the food on the table.

Julia looked at Danielle as she grabbed a piece of bread and gave it to her, "It surely is."

The afternoon passed as they watched crime based documentaries and Studio Ghibli films, good thing that the television on the living room of the rest house were able to access Netflix. Hours and hours later, the maid escorted the group of friends to their rooms that can be located at the second floor of the rest house. Ronny, Yua and Charles slept in the same room that is next to the room of the maid. While Julia and Danielle slept on the same room that has a bunch of instruments inside one king size bed, a study table and a shelf full of literary pieces from the Grimm Brothers and that one American literature from the 16th century.

They prepared for bed, Yua in a bunny like onesie, Ronny in a Star Wars shirt and pajamas and Charles just wearing a tank top and some boxer shorts. The bed on Charles' designated room is a queen sized bed with an extra bed underneath.

At 12 p.m. Julia read the literature that Yua read to her to Danielle, both of the ladies created a fort to sleep in and the lights in that room reflected the visual of stars. Julia wore a dragon-like onesie while Danielle wore a panda-like onesie. As both of them laid on the king size bed, Julia started reading,

A youthful, handsome prince is madly in love with a princess, and she too is in love with him. Though, she seemed not to be entire aware of it. Despite the friendship- the blossoms between them or- perhaps because of that very friendship, the youthful prince find himself so humbled and speechless that he is totally unable to bring up the subject of his love. One day, he came to the tower of the princess to ask her, point blanked, "It is better to speak or to die?" After that, she turned to Danielle who she saw was already asleep. Julia was still wide awake and sleepiness is not wrapping around her, so she decided to leave Danielle on the bed, under a blanket and walked to the living room.

The lights there were not totally blacked out, it was yellowish, she quickly walked towards the fireplace to lit it some light, afterwards she sat down on a chair that is in front of the piano. She stretched her fingers as she played a piece from Beethoven, Moonlight Sonata and its first movement.

After seven minutes of playing that piece, she then played a piece from the video game called Kingdom Hearts and it is Ventus' theme. After playing that she played a song called Words Ain't Enough as she sang the lyrics as well.

You're fire, you're proud

But you're cold when it counts

It's open and shut

You can say you love me, but

Words ain't enough

You want me, you say

But then you turn away

And I'm pressin' my luck

Julia sang that as tears filled up her eyes and her fingers naturally moved along the rhythm of the piano tiles.

Moments later, Danielle woke up because of that music and that singing voice from the living room. She sat up, checked the time on her phone, it was 2:30 a.m. Because of curiosity, she got up as she rubbed her right eye with her right hand. She then twisted the door and got out of the room, but before entirely going out, she turned around to notice the bed was empty once she got out of it. Julia was not there.

Maybe the sound of music that I am hearing is from her. Danielle thought as she smiled to herself. She quietly got out of the room, trying her best to not get noticed by Julia. She then saw Julia gracefully playing the piano, Danielle didn't come down the stairs, but she watched Julia up from the stairway. Moments after, Julia looked up, both hands still rested on the tiles of the piano. She saw Danielle in her bed head, smiling. "Hey." Danielle greeted breaking the silence between her and Julia.

"Hey." Danielle smiled as she stood up and walking towards the stairway, "Why are you awake?"

Danielle waited for Julia to come up towards her and she spoke moments after, "Your music, filled up my ears. It is actually wonderful."

"That's- thank you." Julia said as she continue walking up to the door knob of her and Danielle's room.

Danielle followed Julia from behind, closing the door as both of them laid down on their bed, Danielle being covered by a blanket while Julia's legs is over the blanket. They looked at each other, Danielle smiled and, "Good night, Julia." As Danielle positioned her ceiling facing Julia while Julia positioned herself facing the wall in front of her, "Good night, Danny." Julia said without making eye contact with Danielle.

The night passed and the group of friends woke up at 10 in the morning, as they got down to the living room and walked in the kitchen, the aroma of Champorado (Chocolate Porridge) and Tuyo (Dried Fish) enveloped inside the kitchen, Danielle was the first one to encounter that aroma next to Yua, Ronny and Charles behind her. They saw Julia with the maid preparing breakfast. Upon seeing that, Yua, Charles and Ronny walked towards the round table that can be located in the kitchen as well. While Danielle walked to stand beside Julia who is transferring the Champorado into bowls, putting in onto a tray, While the Tuyo is separated on a plate.

As Julia put their breakfast on the table, all of them including the maid said grace to the food,

Thou seest us, O my God, gathered around this table, praising Thy bounty, with our gaze set upon Thy Kingdom. O Lord! Send down upon us Thy heavenly food and confer upon us Thy blessing.

Then all aof them got a Tuyo on their bowl and started eating, "How was your night?" The maid as she took a spoonful of Champorado into her mouth. Upon hearing that, Julia and Danielle glanced at each other and smiled, "It was great.", "Wonderful, thanks for accompanying us." Ronny added as soon as he blew his hot-temperature Champorado. Moments after, Danielle and Julia helped with the dishes as Yua, Charles and Ronny step outside the kitchen to go to the backyard and have a swing, "See you at the backyard, guys!" Yua said as he followed Charles and Ronny from behind. "See you!" Danielle and Julia said as they continued washing the dishes. After 30 minutes of dealing with the dishes, the ladies went to the backyard immediately, both of them saw their three friends swinging while the flowers danced with the wind and birds singing above trees.

"Hey, you three!" Danielle said as she ran towards Charles, Yua and Ronny. "Julia and I will be going to by the pond and have a talk there, see you later." she added with a smile.

"Sure, have fun, you two." Yua said as she continued swinging.

"Be back before lunch, we are going back to Manila!" Charles and Ronny said.

Both Julia and Danielle smiled as Danielle walked back to Julia and they started walking and flowers are visible in their eyes. A lot of reds, yellows and lavenders. "Thanks for last night." Danielle said as she walked beside Julia, "You're always welcome."

"That was the first time someone read me a story before bedtime."

"How about Charles?"

"He never done it."

Julia turned to Danielle, "That's boring." as she laughed.

"Not going to argue with that, that's true." Danielle laughed as well.

The passage all the way to the pond was quiet and was filled with nature sounds from the howls of the wind, to singing of the birds. After 15 minutes of walking, Julia and Danielle finally reached the pond.

They both sat on the grass near by the pond, as Julia let a ukelele out to play Billie Elish's song 8.

Wait a minute, let me finish

I know you don't care

But, can you listen?

I came committed, guess I overdid it

Wore my heart out on a chain

Around my neck but now it's missing, hmm

Da-da-da-da-da-da

Da-da-da-da-da-da-da

Oh, hmm

So I think I better go

I never really know how to please you

You're looking at me like I'm see through

I guess I'm gonna go

I just never know how you feel

Do you even feel anything?

Then, Danielle scooted closer to Julia, singing a-long,

Why should you be

'Cause who am I to be in love

When your love never is for me

Me

Da-da-da-da-da-da

Da-da-da-da-da-da-da

Oh, hmm

So I think I better go

I never really know how to please you

You're looking at me like I'm see through

I guess I'm gonna go

I just never know how you feel

Do you even feel anything?

Julia stopped singing as she glanced at Danielle, "Are you letting the song speak for yourself or for myself?"

"Maybe both." Danielle said not making any eye contact with Julia, then Julia played another song,

I don't want a friend (just me)

I want my life in two (my life in two)

Just one more night

Waiting to get there

Waiting for you (all night)

I'm done fighting all night (waiting for you)

When I'm around slow dancing in the dark

Don't follow me, you'll end up in my arms

You have made up your mind

I don't need no more signs

Can you?

Can you?

Give me reasons we should be complete

You should be with him, I can't compete

You looked at me like I was someone else, oh well

Can't you see? (Can't you see?)

Moments after, Danielle spoke, "You really think so?"

Julia stood up, walked away from the pond, being followed by Danielle then Julia responded, "Yeah."

The two got back to the living room, saw Charles and Ronny on the couch playing some Nintendo Switch, both of the ladies asked, "Where's Yua?" Charles looked at the two, "She's at the kitchen, eating lunch."

"How about you two?"

"We're already done, eat your lunch and packed your things after we will be leaving in a few minutes."

Upon hearing that, Julia and Danielle rushed to the kitchen and saw Yua sitting alone on the table, eating some Carbonara and a slice of pepperoni pizza.

Both Julia and Danielle got the same dish and started eating in silence, Yua didn't noticed them for she is busy with listening to music.

In the middle of eating, Danielle stump on Julia's feet under the table and looked at her, Danielle just smiled and stood up as she was already finished with her dish.

Danielle followed Julia, even her dish was half finished, they went to their bedroom, suitcases above the bed,

"Julia?"

Julia ignored Danielle, "Are you okay?"

Danielle then walked towards Julia, and started packing her suitcase, "Let's talk about this, when we get back to Manila, okay?"

Julia without making any form of eye contact spoke, "Monday is the start of our semester break, I decided to stay here for those following days, I am sorry."

Danielle closed her suitcase and walked towards Julia and gave her a squeeze on the hand, "I guess, I'll see you on November then?"

"Yeah, see you."

Julia heard Danielle's foot steps out of room as she let herself be pulled by the bed, and be in a fetus position, "Good night, Julia." Danielle said before completely closing the bedroom door.

Julia whispered under her breathe,

For a second, I thought that you will pursue me to go with you, but you didn't.

A few hours after, she got up from the bed, going to the empty living, sitting on the chair in front of the piano just to play, If I Could Fly by One Direction as she sing a-long to the song as well.

If I could fly, I'd be coming right back home to you

I think I might give up everything, just ask me to

Pay attention, I hope that you listen 'cause I let my guard down

Right now I'm completely defenseless

For your eyes only, I'll show you my heart

For when you're lonely and forget who you are

I'm missing half of me when we're apart

Now you know me, for your eyes only

For your eyes only

I've got scars even though they can't always be seen

And pain gets hard, but now you're here and I don't feel a thing

Pay attention, I hope that you listen 'cause I let my guard down

Right now I'm completely defenseless

For your eyes only, I'll show you my heart

For when you're lonely and forget who you are

I'm missing half of me when we're apart

The days passed as Julia stayed at that rest house, on the final days of the of October, the maid called out to Julia to be in the leaving room for she have a call with someone. She come down as soon as possible, wearing a pair of pajamas while a pair of headphones is in her ear. She walked towards the couch that is close by the telephone, she stared at it as she remove her headphone and let it rest on her shoulders. "Julia." she heard on the other line.

Julia paused for a moment of hearing Danielle's voice on the other line, "October is finally almost done." Danielle said.

Julia smiled even though she knew that it is not visible in Danielle's eyes, "How are you? I missed you."

Danielle spoke after hearing that, "I might move to a place that is near to a new school that I'll be transferring to for the month of November this year."

Julia looked down and said, "You never said anything."

"My mother said it to me just this morning, I am sorry. I don't want to lose you."

Julia's eyes started to feel up with tears, "How about Charles?"

"He is going with me."

"Well, congrats." Julia said on the other line as her voice sounded broken.

"Hey, I don't want to lose you." Danielle said,

And she repeatedly called out,

"Julia."

"Julia."

"Julia."

Julia spoke, "You are slowly losing me, Danielle."

With that, she didn't wait for Danielle to speak again as she hang up the phone.

She then step out of the house, walked her way to the pond as soon as she arrived there, she saw a basket.

A basket with,

Grapes

Spanish Bread

Her jacket

And a Polaroid photo

She walked towards it, and sat beside it, she examined everything.

There was a letter,

Dear Julia,

I am sorry for everything, for letting you fall for me.

Sincerely,

Danielle

PS.

Here's your jacket, I washed it and sprayed it with my favorite scent.

That was a one line letter from Danielle. Julia then grabbed her jacket from the basket and let the aroma of Danielle enter her nose. Moments after she got a hold of the Polaroid photo, it was a photo of the both of them, eating some Spanish bread while Julia held a ukelele.

Underneath the photo it was written

Spanish Bread is definitely our love language.

"It is." Julia whispered under her breathe. Then, she turned to Polaroid, facing it's back and there was a piece of paper pasted on it,

I fell in love with a boy, but a girl made me feel what being loved was supposed to feel like.

Upon reading that, Julia laid on the warm grass by the pond and closed her eyes as tears naturally fell onto her cheeks.

As she whispered under her breathe,

"Good night, Danielle."

5 years later, Julia is getting ready for school as she received a voicemail from Danielle,

For love doesn't have to be labeled in a relationship, and now I chose to speak, I loved thee, more than I loved Charles.

Would you let me die for love as I speak my thoughts about my love to thee?