Puhon, Tayo

NOON: Chapter 19

I wait in pure anticipation and stay rooted on the ground for almost two hours now. The beating of my heart doubles as the hand of the clock ticks. I breathe in and out, gasping for anxious air. The feeling of excitement and fear bombarded my heart like a deadly grenade. Bakit ko ba nararamdaman ‘to? Eh, halos gab-gabi naman nag-uusap kami sa telepono ni Tanner. But still, the mere fact that I can finally hold him again, talk to him in person again, kiss him again just pure improbable.

After three long years, Tanner and I will be with each other’s arms again. We have surpassed the challenge of long-distance relationship for three years. Grabe, I can’t imagine that we have celebrated every anniversary virtually! We have managed, our relationship even grows stronger. I already meet her mom online. She is so sweet and supportive. She even encourages me to pursue my master’s degree in her school.

Anticipation grows bigger and bigger inside my chest. I am rubbing my palms out of pure eagerness to see Tanner again. Bakit ba kasi ang tagal ng dating niya? I look at my wristwatch and it’s past two hours since I waited here in Silay Airport.  I start to feel anxious as fear slowly creeps its way to my heart. Paano kung may nangyari nang masama kay Tanner? Huwag naman sana.

Pilit kong pinapakalma ang aking sarili habang hindi inaalis ang tingin sa arrival area. Maraming tao na ang lumalabas doon simula nang dumating ako pero wala pa ring anino ni Tanner ang nakita ko.

“Nasaan ka na…” I hold the strap of my shoulder bag and tap my foot several times, trying to calm the nerves in my body.

Kahit may paparating akong demo teaching next week, ipinagpaliban ko pa rin ang pag gawa ng mga instructional materials ko para lang masundo si Tanner. Ang importante nakagawa na ako ng aking lesson plan, madali na lang tapusin ang iba. I just need this time with the man my heart beats hard for. I have waited for this day and I can’t let this pass.

“Kora!”

I hold my breath when his familiar voice reaches my ears. I grin when I finally see Tanner in the flesh. My eyes water at the sight of him but I can’t contain myself and run towards him. Buti na lang at naka white sneakers ako kaya madali ang ang bawat paggalaw ko.

“Tanner!” He opens his arms wide to accept me and I jump into him, giving him a tight embrace. Tanner carries me tight and turns me around. I miss this man. I miss my man!

Our laughing voice fill the entire place. Nakatatawag na rin kami ng pansin ng ibang mga travelers pero hindi namin sila pinansin. Tanner and I are caught up in our own little bubble. Tila naglaho ang lahat ng taong nakapaligid sa amin at tanging kaming dalawa lang ang nag-e-exist.

“Babe! I miss you! I miss you so much!” mangiyak-ngiyak na sambit ko at pinaliguan si Tanner ng halik sa pisngi. Ilang araw din kasi ang byahe niya mula sa States at sa mga panahong nasa alapaap siya, hindi kami nakapag-usap. Sobrang kaba ang naramdaman ko habang naglalakbay sa kung saan ang aking isip.

“I miss you too, babe… so much it hurts!” Tanner pouts his lips playfully. I laugh still in his arms. I reach for his lips and give it a peck. Tanner grins and draws his head closer to kiss me once again but someone clears his throat to get our attention.

Pareho kaming napatigil ni Tanner at napalingon sa pinaggalingan ng boses. Nanlaki ang mga matang napabitaw ako sa pagkakayakap kay Tanner at mahinang hinampas-hampas ang balikat niya para makababa ako mula sa kanyang pagkakarga. He lets go of me and helps me stand on my feet.

OMG! I forget his mother! She also arrives with Tanner. Jusko! Nakahihiya ang ginawa ko! Parang gusto ko na tuloy magpalamon sa lupa. I bite the inside of my cheek and give my attention to his mother. She is gorgeous and tall, like a cut-out model. Pareho sila ni Tanner na matangos ang ilong at hugis ng labi.

“G-good afternoon po!” nauutal na bati ko at napakagat ulit sa aking labi. I steal an awkward look at Tanner but his only grinning at me, amused of the current situation I am in.

“Kora! You look so stunning in person. It’s really nice to finally meet my son’s greatest love.” Tanner’s Mom, Tita Sophie, beams at me as she reaches for my cheeks. I accept her embrace and offer my cheeks for a kiss. Naramdaman ko ang pagdaloy ng mainit na sensasyon sa aking pisngi. Siguradong pulang-pula na ako.

“It’s nice meeting you rin po, T-Tita Sophie. Sorry for my sudden outburst. I just really miss your son.”

Tita Sophie holds my hand and laughs at my statement, even Tanner chuckles beside me. Gusto ko siyang sikuhin pero dahil kaharap namin ang nanay niya, behave ako.

“I don’t mind. You two look really good together. Nakaka-feeling bata. Let’s go? I need to rest.” Tita Sophie once again smiles at us and turns her back from us leading the way.

Tanner snakes his arm on my waist and kisses my temple. “Relax. Mom don’t bite, babe.”

I shoot him a glare as we follow his mom. “Heh!” But I also snake one arm on his back. More than himself, I also miss his warmth and scent that reminds me of sweet and calming ocean breeze.

Didiretso kami sa ancestral house nila ni Tanner sa Silay City para doon maghapunan. After several years, makikita ko ulit ang lolo at dad niya. Noong unang beses ko silang nakilala, sobrang kinakabahan din ako dahil baka magkatotoo ang imagination ko. But they accepted me warmly. They even tease Tanner to be faster and tie the knot with me. Tinawanan lang namin ang mga biro nila, pero alam naman namin ni Tanner na doon din ang patutunguhan namin. I can’t imagine marrying someone else but Tanner. I am so sure of a future with him.

“Kora, why don’t you stay the night with us? Sabay na lang tayong umuwi bukas? Gagabihin na kasi tayo pag babayahe tayo pauwi mamaya at madilim na sa daan.” Tita Sohpie offers. I really find it amusing to hear her speaking in Tagalog. Bigla akong napaisip sa suhestiyon ni Tita Sohpie. Tanner glances at me silently, waiting for my answer. Nagpaalam naman ako kay Papa at sinabi ko rin ang posibilidad na mag-stay kami sa ancestral house nila. Papa only asnwers me with, ‘Ikaw ang bahala, anak. Malaki ka na.’

So, since it’s up to me, I slowly nod my head and offer a smile. “Sure po, Tita. I already told my father about it. I have spare clothes din naman po.” Girl Scout yata ako.

“Nice! Thanks for asking mom!” Tanner grins at me and winks at her mom who is seated at the passenger seat. Tanner and I settled at the backseat, more like cuddling. We’re just inseparable.

“Tamang-tama. I have something to give you that I left in the house three years ago.” Napaangat ako ng tingin para pagmasdan ang mukha ni Tanner. He’s looking down at me and he beams when our eyes meet.

“What is it?” I ask out of curiosity, feeling excited of his gift. I actually prepare something for him too but I will not tell just yet.

“It’s a secret, babe.” Tanner grins and I answer him with a pout. Akala niya siya lang ang may pa secret ngayon!

“I can’t wait…” I rest my head on his chest and I can’t help but smile to myself when I hear the wild beating of his heart. I still make his heart trembles huh!

I settle in his warm embrace as I set my eyes on the lush green wheat field that are slowly turning to gold because of the slowly setting sun. The sight is breathtakingly beautiful. Since nasa mataas na bahagi ng Silay ang ancestral house nila ni Tanner, walang ibang nakapaligid sa magkabilang dako ng daan kundi mga nagluluntiang dahon ng mga puno ng Narra, tubo at palay, mga pangunahing produkto ng Negros. Kung tama ako, pagmamay-ari na ng lolo ni Tanner ang lupaing ito. Napakalawak ng lupang pagmamay-ari nila.

Tita Shopie opens the car’s window on his side and lets out her arm. A fresh gentle wind lingers inside the car replacing the cool artificial wind coming from the car’s aircon. I close my eyes and suck in air. This feels calming, a pure escape from the busy streets of the metro.

“God, I miss this kind of fresh air!” Tita Sophie exclaims as she draws her face to meet more air.

“Someone in the house misses you more, Mom!” Tanner laughs when he receives a gentle jab from his mother. My heart swells at the sight of him bonding with his mom.

I did the right thing letting Tanner go home to his mother three years ago. Tita Sophie makes a man out of my boo. I can’t help but feel proud of myself.

Minutes past, when silence settles inside the car, I grab Tanner’s arms to get his attention. He looks down at me curious. I smile at him and motion my phone.

“Let’s take a picture together!” I sound excited. Tanner obliges and grants my request. He draws closer to me and even hugs me tighter as he faces my phone. A sweet smile forms in my lips as I hit capture.

“You look so pretty, babe.” Tanner compliments me and my heart swells with pure joy because of his words. He really knows how to draw out the confidence in me.

“Thank you, babe. You look pretty too.” I grin at the way he scowls at my compliment. I open my i********: and post our picture together. I put a caption that says: THE MISSING PPIECE OF MY HEART IS FINALLY HOME. WELCOME BACK, BABE. @thetannergaston_