Awakened Soul

Gift

Weeks had been passed and Moxie's birthday is quite soon. I'm excited for her especial day because I want to give her something I know I can make her day. Besides, I have money with me somehow I've saved from my weekly allowance. On Saturday, I work part time at Dino's father computer shop to assist the students on surfing the net, printing and gaming. In this way, I am able to keep my own money so dad won't have to give me allowance anymore to pursue my college. I've been saving up since I was freshmen until now and it makes me feel very proud of myself.

The owner of the shop was my father's closest friend whose son was known as the math geek back in elementary days

***

The sun isn't up in the sky yet, I manage to get up from my bed. I quickly showered with cold water to activate the fluid that circulates in my body. I put on my black jogger; pair with plain Hollister T-shirt. I took my Indigo cap incase the sun would be so warm during the day (same color as my running shoes) and then I put it inside my backpack. And before I finally leave the room, I look in the mirror ; scan my image to see how passing days are adding up to my years of existence. I've grown so much. From the time I last seen myself standing with mom... Oh, it was indeed a good memory that I would never want to trade to anything. Seeing her smile like Moxie's makes my heart at peace.

When I came down, I saw her in the kitchen while filling up the tumblers from the water jug. She's wearing a black sport's leggings that really shown here figure. She wears my favorite hoodie and a running shoes making her look a bit of fluff.

"You ready?" I asked

"Oh yes!"

I can tell her that she is so happy and excited that her smile could almost reach the corner of her ears.

"I wish father could come with us today but I've talked to him yesterday about us going out and he said he might be home so late." I said.

"It's okay. Let's just bring him something for dinner so he does not have to cook anymore."

***

" P 20.00 each. " said a petite young man whom I presume was guarding the way in towards the place. He seem really nice and accommodating because he was smiling to the people the whole time.

I handed him the bill and asked Moxie.

"Are you sure you wanna do it? I can give you time to think about it. It will definitely take so much time for us to get there on the top." I really worry about her honestly.

"Don't you trust me? I can do it! Its my first time to visit the place and aside from that, today is my birthday so there is no turning back." she said with so much confidence.

We continue walking; almost losing our energy as we reach the top. The pathway is going around like loops. Cars may go as well for those who does not want to take on foot. Along the road would be seen lights from each post because the sun isn't up yet. While on our way, we saw a small cave and on it's side of the wall was written its history,I presumed. We went close to the cave and read each words that has been written for hundred of years. To my prior, the spot was once had been a hiding place of soldiers during the American and Japanese wars in the Philippines. I was totally amazed by how they kept the place in secret. On our way up, there was a cable that supposed to be hanging with a bicycle wired on it, thought it looks terrifying because of the heights but I would definitely love to try it. Upon getting onto the top, we almost fall our knees on the ground because we put so much of our strength to reach the highest. Our back was totally immersed with perspirations but all the hard work to get there was really paid off after witnessing the 360 degrees view of Mayon Volcano. There was no sign of clouds covering the perfect cone-shaped of it. The view of the whole city was spectacular. The ocean sits peacefully along the coast and on the west was a plane that was about to take off from the runaway.

It was windy outside. The heat from the sun was just enough to warm my skin. Moxie was taking photos of the view with her phone. I thought it was best to take her a good snap with the volcano. But then, she immediately took her phone back to check the photos just after.

"You like it here?

"YES! she said while scrolling down through her phone without looking.

I take out the gift from my pocket; bought it few days ago before her birthday and gave it to her.

She then looked at me. Didn't move. She pause for a moment before she finally give her response.

"Ross."

Next thing she did was she put her arms around me. It was so tight.

Then she whisper,

"Thank you.."

I could hear the cracks from the tone of her voice. I could not tell whether she was simply expressing her joy or she was going through so much pain. It felt like a mixed of emotions stuck from every corner of her being. We stood there embracing each other for almost 2 minutes. I can see few people around throwing out us a stare, wondering what on earth is up with us. Right! We are obviously looking like couple on public display of affection.

"Thank you" she said. "This is so much."

I could feel the sadness in her voice. Whether she would wear her make up or not, I can see in her eyes the pain she is going through since our mom died. I've known her ever since we were kids but now lot's of things has changed her.

I put on the necklace with a silver moon pendant around her neck.

"I don't know what to say or feel right now but... this is so beautiful."

"It was meant for you. Just like the moon, you are the only thing I have who gives hope and light to me whenever my world becomes dark." I told her smiling. I pinch her softly on her cheek.

"AWWW! That hurts!

I almost laugh. She touched the area where it has left a slightly red mark on her cheek. Then she went on wiping her wet face.

"I knew you gonna buy this because you love the moon."

"I bought this to make you feel that you are not alone, and that you have me all the time. So whenever you are feeling down just look up the sky and you can have all my ears. I will listen. Ok?

"I'm all good. I promise. You see? I'm too beautiful to worry about small things." she chuckle.

In front of me was the perfect view of the volcano but no matter how far I'm looking at, I saw Moxie

put her head down a little causing her shoulder-length hair to fall and cover her face.

"You know what...I just feel like.."

"What?

"I mean.. perhaps to just disappear." she continue.

I look at her face.

What is she talking about?

"Moxie, Wh-

"JOOOKING! she jumped up and pushed me a little.

"HAHAHAHAHA"

"Hey! It's not funny at all!

"It is."

"It is not! -_-

"Why are you so serious, Ross?

"WAAAAIT!!! Where are you going?!

She turns her back and start galloping her feet away. I have no option but to stand up and go after her. I did not notice how time went so fast. We both agree to go down on the hill so we can go straight to Wildlife as well until we still have time left before it gets dark.

"Careful" I said. "You don't seem you so hungry at all" She took the biggest bite I've ever seen.

"Ohhh...slowly.. My goodness! You almost choke." I told her.

"My body hurts a little after we went down." she said.

"Can you wait me? I'll get you something to drink. Alright? I turned fast and lefther alone on the swing. I was really happy they had put stores in the zoo so whenever the visitors get hungry after watching the animals can grab something nearby.

After few hours of filling up our stomach, we walk around again and went up to a huge tower that seems to look like a castle. We took snaps on each corner, went down to ride on a boat together even if it was so hot and the last thing we did was we rode on a bicycle. I really hope that I made her so happy today.

It was almost dark when we got home. We bought something for dad at LCC Supermarket so that he does not have to cook anymore for his dinner.