Chapter 6: Chapter 6
I keep working on my presentation and Miss Nichole checks it from time to time. I feel like my head is going to burst! Figures. Plans. Recommendations. Name it! I tried doing my best, keeping in mind that hardwork pays off. I blankly stared at my laptop screen as I indulge myself in Cheetos and Maltesers.
The days went fast. I did a decent first draft, I believe. I've been busy the whole week and I deserve this quick escape. Slowly, my mind dazed to our upcoming hike and I fell asleep.
I woke up as my phone rang. Chris. I smile as I see his name flash on my screen.
"Hi, Ash! Are you ready? We're on our way."
"Right now? God, Chris! I just woke up!" I said, startled.
OUR? Meaning it's not just the two of us? I wonder who might that be. I thought as I waited for his answer.
"Chill, Ash. I'm kidding. I actually called to make sure that you wake up on time. Better not be in a hurry, right?" He teased.
"Don't worry. I'm not having second thoughts on coming," I mocked.
"Ha-ha. Funny, Ash." He countered.
"Mister, I'll be fixing myself now. May I?" I asked sarcastically.
"Go ahead, we'll pick you up after an hour."
"We?" I asked, nonchalantly.
"What?" He asked, laughing.
"Err. Never mind."
"Someone will drive for us. You'll have me all by yourself during our climb, don't worry." He teased.
"Funny." I suppressed my smile.
"Go fix yourself now. We'll pick you up in an hour."
I gave my things one final check to make sure I didn't forget anything. Since I don't wanna look or feel awkward with Chris, I decided to wear my most comfortable hiking clothes. I stared at myself in the mirror and smiled as my stubborn mind wonders if he will appreciate my appearance. Shaking my head, I put my hair up in a ponytail. I picked up my bag, cap, and jacket as I hear the doorbell ring.
I get myself comfortable in his car while Chris suits up our things. When everything is in place, he sat beside me at the back seat.
"Ready?" He asked.
I nodded and a yawn escaped my mouth. I was about to say something when he ruffled my hair and told me that I can sleep throughout the trip.
"I'm not sleepy!" I protested.
"So it shows." He smiled.
God, he really has beautiful smile. I love it when he smiles-- the way the corners of his eyes wrinkle and the dimple on the right side of his cheek shows. I'm starting to like him. Or is it just on how he treats me? Either way, I know that I can't. And I shouldn't. Any feeling would just ruin the friendship we may have. I was detached from my thoughts when I hear him singing along with the radio.
His singing is way out of tune but I can't help from being amazed on how good he looks while doing that. Such an unfair world. He glanced at me, and, as if reading my thoughts, he asked. "What?"
"You're cute." I replied before I can stop myself. Geez, can I take those words back?
"What?"
Ugh. Thank God he didn't hear. I shook my head. "Go, sing." I smiled.
He did as he was told. Can't he hear how bad he sounds? I chuckled at the thought.
"Stop daydreaming, Ash!" He laughs at me.
"I'm not! It's just that I find you too talented." I mocked.
"Making fun of me again, huh?"
I giggled.
"Sing with me! Come on!"
"Not a chance! I'm not as gifted as you are."
"Bad girl."
Halfway of our trip, we decided to take a nap for us to have enough energy later. He fell asleep first and I let him lean on my shoulder. Having him this close triggered an unknown alarm in my entire system.
As I looked out the window, I remembered what happened before. Despite how I thought I kept things intact, for him, there's always something that lacks. But with Chris, I always feel carefree; like I don't have to worry too much on my actions or on how things are going to work. And it scares me. If only I had met Chris sooner.
Have you ever been afraid
On hearing your own heart beat
When words must be left unsaid
But your mind accepts defeat
Take me back to the time
When the beat and the words still rhyme
"Can't sleep?" He asked, studying me as he wakes up.
"I'm about to. But I'm hungry." I lied.
"Let's stop somewhere to eat. Marco told me you love everything Jollibee. Does that sound good?" He offered. And it lightened my mood.
"Everything Jollibee? What a term." I contained my amazement. Impressive, Chris.
We didn't stay long and after more than an hour, we are already at the Ampucao- Sta. Fe Ridge Eco-Trail, the jump off of Mount Ulap.
We had our orientation and briefly discussed the usual stuff. It's 3am and the place is so cold. Personally, I love climbing with this kind of weather since it's less exhausting and more enjoyable. The mountain is newly opened for climbers, going on for just a year so we were told not to expect established and definite trails.
I have read that Mt. Ulap somehow resembles New Zealand and if we're lucky enough, we will be able to fully experience the sea of clouds. I keep my fingers crossed. This is a great stress reliever, I thought. And with this unbelievably gorgeous man climbing with me... Shaking my head at the thought, I smiled and glanced his way.
"Ash! Are you still with me?"
"Ha ha. Of course, I am."
"If you say so. Come."
I walked beside him and was caught off- guard when he pulls me closer and playfully placed his arm over my shoulders .
"First picture together! Smile!" He said with a child-like excitement.
As if teasing him, I pulled my cap down, enough to cover just my eyes, and grinned widely.
"What's with the covering of your face?" He acts annoyed but failed.
"What? I think it's great!" I said as I looked at the photo.
"Whatever. You're really weird." He said.
"..but I love the way it is." He added in a voice just above a whisper.
I smirked.
On our way to the first summit, it felt like we were instantly transported to New Zealand. We walk through slopes, grassed hills, and even saw herds of cows. The clouds also seemed within reach, like we can actually inhale them as we breathe. I took in the view, closed my eyes, and silently thanked God for this wonderful creation. As I opened my eyes, I saw a single tree on the opposite side. I smiled at the view and when I looked at Chris to ask him to go to the tree with me, I saw him sitting on top of one of the small hills, facing the view with a vast grassland and pine trees. I wondered what is he thinking. I slowly went into his direction and sat beside him.
"What are you doing?" I peeked through his sketch book. I didn't notice he brought one.
"Just doing a sketch of this awesome view."
"Didn't know you brought one." I said, pertaining to his drawing stuff.
"Uh. Yeah. I always bring these with me whenever I go out to places like this." He said as he runs his hand through his hair, slightly smiling.
"Loving the view?" I asked.
"You?" He teased.
"What?" I asked, hiding my confusion.
"I'm asking if YOU loved the view." He answered, feigning innocence.
"I asked you first!" I protested.
"Here. Look." He said as he showed me his sketch.
"Wow. How can you draw that in such a short time?" I asked, amazed.
"It's just a sketch. See? I didn't put much details yet." He explained.
"But it's beautiful already." It's true. I noticed, looking closely, that the landscape doesn't have much details. Nevertheless, it still looked amazing.
"Because what's in front of us now is beautiful."
"Are you planning to finish it here?"
"No."
"So you'll leave it undone?"
"No."
I gave him a quizzical look.
"I made this sketch to capture what's in front of us, how it basically appears to the world. I left out the small details for me to draw them at a later time-- from memory, from my heart, from the way I remember them, and how I view them with my own eyes." He stated, as if feeling every word.
I was speechless. He looked at me with a small smile on his lips and I managed to gather my thoughts together.
"Impressive." I muttered.
"What?"
"Uhm. Nothing. Come, I have something to show you."
He placed his things on his bag as I tugged his arm, leading him to the tree I saw a while ago. While we were walking, I pointed to the tree to where we are going. He gently removed my hand from his arm and held it in his hands. I was about to protest when he squeezed my hand and smiled, like he was assuring me that nothing's wrong with it. I shrugged and continued walking. I want to feel awkward but unreasonably felt comfortable instead.
"Make a wish!" I suggested.
"Why? There's no shooting star!" He chuckled.
"Come on. Just make a wish!" I insisted, faking a smirk.
"Why would I?" He teased, trying to annoy me.
"This tree has been here for like forever. It has withered every storm, witnessed the most beautiful sunrise and sunset, and has seen everything, including climbers like us since this mountain has opened to let us witness its beauty." I tried to sound convincing.
"And what does my wish have to do with that?" He stifled a smile, challenging my patience.
To let it see how amazing the person I am with now. To add this moment to the countless beautiful things that this tree has witnessed. To wish that whatever bond we have will be as strong and firm as this tree was and will ever be. I smiled at my thought. The list can go on but was interrupted by his voice.
"Hey. I was just teasing you. I'll make a wish." He said as he held my hand again.
With our hands intertwined, with no valid explanation for doing so, we made our wish.
Moments later, I felt him gently squeeze my hand, willing me to come with him toward the second peak, the Gungal Rock.
Weekly Power Status
-- Power
Ranking 
-- Power
stone