April 20th

VIII

VIII

Luke Rivas

    The last academic year was hectic. My classes were nearly all majors which I tried so hard to divide my attention to, and the minor classes had more activities than my course-related units. I had no problem with extras since I usually don’t participate in school events. My leisure time, excluding doing a part-time job, was hanging out in coffee shops and pubs. I’m not an alcoholic nor do I smoke. Unless you count second-hand smoke. Mace and I had left school an hour ago. We hanged out here in Cafe Racer having a beer. I stood up. “Man, I’ll probably head out to the Café now, since it’s still early.”

 “Now?”

 “I have no other things to do this week, I might as well earn.” 

“Well, do you need a lift?”

 “I’ll walk. See you” I walked out of the glass doors and suddenly was hit by the warm breeze. The heat was hot yet the breeze kept it at bay. Crossing the street where the trees are lined up, the walk will be longer since Cafe Racer is far up North. I pulled my sling bag overhead and look for my phone to check on apps to keep me busy. Out of my peripheral vision, a figure with long hair passed, I instantly turned around, “Alaica?” 

The woman was startled. It wasn’t her. I apologized and bid her farewell. I didn’t look for my phone anymore since the long walk will be filled with memories from yesterday. 

Arci Martin

 Two months had passed.

 Two months of summer vacation worth of mourning Jake. 

    The summer was the seasonal reminder of Jake. He and Reese took vacations every summer here in Dipolog visiting their grandparents. Walking the same dusty street where we both ran hands held together. Wiping each other's sweat, staying in my bedroom watching television, and eating pizza take-out by Reese. It was every summer I was waiting every other year, a season they will visit and we'll reunite. Sadly, for this year, again, I wasn't expecting Jake. 

     The three of us had a trek once. 'twas the most memorable one, it occurred a day before his birthday 18th birthday. We were all excited to hike up on the mountains and watch the sunset till sunrise. Both he and his brother brought plenty of things we would need, while I was carrying our packed food and my change of clothes. We left home around six in the morning, by the time we reached the peak it was almost four in the afternoon. Jake busied himself looking for woods and twigs for a bonfire, while, Reese set up the tent for us to sleep in. “Here,” Reeve handed me his bottle. I gulped down as I sat at the tent opening. The view was of the valley below and the sun still high above. The open sea shone blue grey from afar. 

Reese set a log in front of the tent, he was currently sitting facing me. “Your nose is flaring, Reese.” I laughed. He shook his head. 

Jake came back from collecting wood and he set it up. Jake took off her top earlier when we arrived, while Reese changed into a new one and took off his boots. I started taking off my shoes, too, wanting to feel relief. I still wore my sports b*a and my shorts, but they only covered a small area of my skin so I didn’t bother changing into new ones.

 “I’m sore,” I complained. Jake sat beside me and massaged my shoulders. “I thought we took a trek to feel sore”.

     An hour or two had passed and the sun was beginning to set. Blazing shades of orange, gold, yellow, hint of red to brown, filled the skies. “Agaw dilim,” I heard Reese said. I shivered as the breeze turned chiller. I seemingly couldn’t stop closing my eyes, when the heat of the bonfire Jake just set up and the cold air was hitting me. I think Jake helped me wore his shirt and guided me inside. I could only recall Jake’s warmth from my back as we sleep. 

 IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII

    My sweat pores break out as I helped Mum plant and water the green garden. Almost all here are vegetables and spices. I raised my arms up to my face and inspect my nails full of dirt, I smiled. I love the feel of them in my hands, it reminds me how dirt could bring things to life. It reminds me to be humble and be still, like the ground. I looked over to Mum who was busy harvesting chili peppers, bitter gourds, and other products to be sold later today. I went over to the back and turn on the water sprinklers. Water started to spray and I enjoy the feeling of it on the surface of my skin. The leaves of the “Kalaruton” as Mum referred to them are slowly being drenched. Kalaruton are root and rhizome products such as carrots, horseradish, sweet potatoes, and cassava. I went to the nearby sink pulled over my top, leaving me with my Sando, and washed my arms to my face.

 “King!” Mum called out. “Wait, I’m washing the dirt off” I went over to her and saw a man, probably a customer gonna buy some goods. He was wearing faded-out denim and a white shirt. Mum was facing me, while the customer was facing the opposite. 

“Good morning,” I greeted happily. Communication with good customers always makes me feel glad, the feeling of being able to provide the things they need and want. Seeing them happy as they arrive and leave. “King,” the guy turned around. “Reese?"

I took no time to waste, I hurriedly reached out to him for a hug. He was taller and I had to arch my back wanting to feel his warmth as he hugged me back. "Reese, I missed you."

He pulled out from the hug and placed both of his arms on my shoulders. "I missed you, too. It has been so long." He smiled sincerely

Mum fake coughed, "Please, if you're going to catch up, kindly offer Reese something to eat up inside the house." 

"I have hot cinnamon bread inside. Go!"

    I led the way.

Reese sat on the terrace overviewing the garden. The air was starting to get humid, I reminded myself to turn on the Air cooler later. I brought over two cups of coffee and a batch of piping hot cinnamon bread and placed it on the coffee table. 

I took the opposite chair, "I'm so pleased I got to see you again, Reese."

His eyes trained on mine, bellowing silence over us. I  suddenly feel embarrassed knowing I was closer to Jake than I was with him. "I mean, you haven't visited us, your grandparents rather, for two years."

His gaze left mine and cleared his throat, "I was actually busy in school. 2nd and 3rd level had so many demands, now I'm graduating I just have to make enough hours in internships."

Oh. I sipped on my coffee as he spoke. It really has been a long time. He grew a stubble of hair in his jaw. He still has his dark hair and thick-trimmed brows. He looked nothing like his brother but more of his Dad, Uncle John.

"King?" I lifted my eyes and met his gaze. "You were saying?"

He grinned. "I just asked you if you want to join me visit the cemetery?" His expression changed as he mentioned it.

"I don't know, I haven't visited him since the burial. I just-- couldn't bear the pain. I'm sorry." A tear fell.

"It's alright," Another one.

Reese stood up and moved my chair towards the side. He bends his knees down on the floor and placed his arms on either side of my legs. He looked up to me and brushed the tears away, "We'll be alright soon, okay?" I nodded.

He crossed his arms over my lap and placed his head over, 

 just like what he does when I'm upset.