April 21, 2007 - Day 6
Day 6 – April 21, 2007
I saw him walk away. He had this sad look on his face as if we’re not going to see each other again. A tear rolled down my cheek.
So is this goodbye?
I turned my back for I can’t bear to see him leave.
--
I woke up feeling sweat trickling down my neck. I stood up and found an empty space beside me in the hammock.
God, it’s so hot.
I wiped my forehead and began walking.
Where’s everyone, anyway?
As I walked down the beach, I saw faces but none of them I know of. I went to our room and found it empty as well.
Whatthehell?! Asan na ang mga tao??
I walked to the reception area.
“Miss, nakita mo yung mga tao sa 2 rooms na yun?”
“Hindi po, Maam.”
“Walang binilin or anything?”
“Wala po e.”
I am feeling a bit dizzy already. Maybe because I haven’t eaten since…? I don’t know. So I went to the in-house restaurant and ordered for myself grilled chicken sandwich and mango juice and sat on the couch outside our room.
Hay… it’s the last day already. Tomorrow, they will leave and everything will be back to normal. I shall go back my world and they will go back to theirs. Two different worlds, but joined by fate into one for 7 days. Just 7 days. Sana forever na lang to.
Tears began to form in my eyes as I take another bite of my sandwich.
At bakit naiiyak ka na naman, Meg? Ha? Ha? Feeling ka talaga. Pasalamat ka na lang nakasama mo sila no. Just be thankful that Eric already knows you exist. That a certain girl named Meg Yap cares for him too damn much. SHIT. What are these tears??? Sayang lang luha mo, Meg.
I took a sip of my juice and watched the waves crash to the shore. I wiped my tears away as I took a last bite of my sandwich. I stood up and decided to take a walk.
Memories of the past days flashed before my eyes.
I stopped and saw the familiar path towards the grotto. I remembered the time when I hid myself from him and Andy.
Eric: So where did you go?
Meg: I just hid from you and Andy.
Eric: WHAT?! Are you kidding or what?!
Meg: No. Because you guys were too engrossed in your Ricdy world that you forgot there is another person with you guys. So I thought I'd see how long it would take you to realize I'm gone.
Eric: And so?
Meg: It took you several steps and around 5 minutes. *laughs*
Thinking of what had happened made me laugh a bit. Eric looked so damn lost that time. He looked like a lost puppy looking for his mommy. HAHA. In this case, I’m the mommy. XD
That was the first time I felt he really cared. Looking back, I sounded like a jealous “girlfriend” then. Telling him not to leave me and always be beside me. As if I have the right. GEEZ.
I walked some more and I saw the accessories store where Eric brought so many stuff I thought he’d buy the whole store. His stalking skills I discovered in this store too. HAHA. How did he know that I’m “sunshine girl”? HOW? *bangs head on the wall* SUCH STALKERS. -__-
But there’s one moment there that I’d never forget.
Shet. What is he doing here?
“Hi...” That’s the only word that managed to come out of my mouth.
“Sinong kasama mo?” He asks.
“Ha...Ah...”
I am still frozen in shock.
Suddenly, I feel my hand growing warmer as another hand intertwines with it.
Eric appears out of nowhere.
“Boyfriend mo?” He asks. He looks at Eric.
Before I can even answer, I hear Eric say, “Yes.”
I turn to Eric with a big question mark on my face.
“Hon, let’s go...,” I hear his wife (supposedly) say.
Eric turns me around as we walk out a different exit.
He holds me as we walk out the store. He better be, because I was so disoriented I cannot walk straight.
Why did I have to see him?
With her.
And my goodness, of all the time and places, why here? And why now?
I want to cry.
Eric: Are you okay? Okay, you don’t look okay.
I put my arms around his waist and rest my head on his chest.
Meg: Can I stay this way for a few minutes? I just need a hug.
He plants a kiss on my forehead and holds me in his arms.
I was so down that time that I totally appreciated Eric’s comforting arms. Back then, I’ve never felt so low but so loved at the same time.
Ilang beses kong tinanong sa sarili ko kung tama bang hayaan kong ganito ang nangyayari kahit na alam kong wala ring mangyayari sa huli.
But then again, my heart screamed YES most of the time so my mind couldn’t do anything about it.
My head is throbbing again. I guess the scorching sun is taking its toll on me. I’ve been walking and walking and now I’ve reached the end of the island. I walked towards the familiar rock and leaned back. I closed my eyes as memories flashed in my head…
“…Because I think my heart’s gonna be broken again soon.” I look at the sand and kicked some stones. With my eyes hot with tears, I looked at him. “I don’t want to love someone I can’t be with the rest of my life, Eric. Not again. That’s why I’m trying to pull myself away from you because I am really starting to fall in love with you. I know I love you because you’re Eric of Shinhwa and all, but now… I can’t help but love you because you’re YOU. The way you are, the things you love, the things you hate, the things you do for me – I don’t want to get used to it. I don’t want to fall in love with you. Because it’s impossible… it’s hard… it hurts…it’s not meant to be… this is just a dream that should remain to be a dream… ”
Tears fall from my eyes. Again.
Eric held my hands. “Look at me, Meg. I believe that miracles happen. Dreams can come true. Because I am falling in love with you too. The days we’ve spent here together … it’s been a while since I’ve felt this happy…this peaceful. And all of this is because of you. I was stranded. You taught me how to move on. You taught me how simple life can be. You kept me grounded. You’re my rock. I love you, Meg. Really.”
I am at a loss for words.
I stood up.
And walked away.
“Mahirap nga e. Grabe naman ‘to. Dapat sinabi na lang niya na tama ako. Para tapos na ang lahat. Shiet.”
I was walking farther and farther away from him.
Huwag ka nang lumingon. Kaya mo yan.
“Meg!”
I hear his footsteps behind me.
Lakad lang nang lakad, Meg.
“I can’t promise you forever, Meg.”
I stopped. A tear fell.
I felt his fingers intertwine against mine.
“But I’ll never let go.”
+
Nerie’s sleep was suddenly disturbed by a soft moan.
“You said you’d never let go…”
She rubbed her eyes and saw Meg mumbling in her sleep. Beads of sweat formed in her forehead; she was chilling. Nerie immediately got up and looked at her phone. It’s 7am.
She saw Kate come out of the bathroom.
Nerie: Kate, can you bring me a basin of water and a towel please? Meg’s having a chill. Dali! *panic mode*
Kate: What?! Okay, I’ll get ice from outside too, it will help.
Nerie just nods.
Nerie touched Meg’s forehead, she was hot.
Nerie: Naku, unnie. Anong nangyayari sayo?
“You said you’d never let go…” Meg mumbles again.
Gab enters the room with a glass of water and some medicine.
Gab: I saw Kate and she told me what happened. Here I brought medicine and some crackers.
Nerie: Thanks Gab. She needs this. And I think she needs something else. Or rather someone else. Can you stay here for a while?
--
“Eric…”
I felt hot tears flow from my eyes.
“Meg… meg…wake up…” the voice said softly.
I heard HIS voice. I thought I’d never hear it again.
I tried to open my eyes and saw a face. Though it was blurry, I can never mistake that face for someone else. I tried getting up but my head was just too heavy. Parang mabibiyak yung ulo ko.
“Hey… what are you doing here?” I said.
“Well, Nerie went to our room and told me you needed me so I came rushing. Well, you know your friend; she was in a panic mode already so I got scared. God, I was so worried. You were chilling until 30 minutes ago. We almost brought you to a hospital. Good thing, there’s a doctor checked in this hotel too,” Eric said with a loving look as he ran his fingers through my cheek.
“Oh.”
It was all I could say. If he only knew what was going through my mind a while ago. I’m half crazy already. I don’t know what’s real and not real anymore. I think they have to bring me to a mental hospital instead after all of this.
“How are you feeling now? Don’t scare me like that again okay?” He said as he continues to wipe my forehead with a cold towel. “Thank god you’re fever is down.” He said as he touched my cheek.
All this time, I was just staring at him.
Eric had this worried look in his face. A look that I don’t want to see.
This is getting really bad.
I closed my eyes.
Can I just sleep forever? This has to end.
All of a sudden, a warm feeling enveloped my entire body. I thought my fever was coming back again.
Instead, I felt Eric’s hand on mine as he lay down beside me. Shoulders brushing, skin touching.
I can now feel his breathing as he turns to his side to face me.
Eric: Meg, look at me.
Meg: Hmmm…
Eric: Hey… I said look at me.
Eric said those words as tenderly as he can possibly say it. He squeezed my hand.
Eric: Come on, Meg. I know what you’ve been thinking and dreaming about.
I opened my eyes and stared at the ceiling.
Meg: You do?
How could he have possibly known?
I closed my eyes again.
Eric: Well, you’re a pretty good sleep talker. Although I can’t seem to figure out everything that you’ve been saying, I think I get the gist of it.
He said, almost laughing.
What the hell? Natatawa pa siya ah? Kala niya ata nakakatawa ‘to e.
Pero, ganun ba ako kaingay? Shet. This is embarrassing.
Meg: Well, if you heard me right, then the right thing to do is for you to leave me alone.
OUCH.
Sakit nun ah. Well, kung masakit sa kanya, mas masakit sa akin.
A tear falls from my eye.
And I felt his finger wipe it away before it can run fully down my cheek.
Eric: I know you don’t mean that, Meg. How many times do I have to tell you that you should trust me on this? When I said I’ll never let go, I really mean it. When I told you I love you, I meant it with all my heart. I know it may sound unreal with all of this happening but that’s really how I feel. Now, do you believe me?
I can feel him still staring at me.
My eyes are still shut and I have no intention of opening them because if I do, hot fresh tears would come out in no time.
I answered in silence. I didn’t budge.
Because if I do, I am going to break down and cry.
Then, I felt his warmth slowly drifting away…
--
Eric did what he had to do.
He stood up and closed the door behind him.
He walked past Nerie, Angel and Rhanie who were about to enter their cottage. He barely noticed them.
Nerie had to call him out.
Nerie: Eric, how’s Meg? Is she okay already?
He turned to face the girls.
Eric: Your friend is one hard-headed lady. I think she’s physically okay. But I think she has a big problem when it comes to this. *points to heart*
Then he walks towards the boy’s cottage, his head bent down.
--
The girls entered the room and found Meg sitting on the bed, staring blankly.
Angel: Anong nangyari sa inyo ni Eric?
Rhanie: Nag-away ba kayo?
Meg: Inaway ko ata e. Hindi ko alam….
She then burst into tears.
--
Well, surprise, surprise. I just learned that we are going to have a photoshoot today. When Nerie, Angel and Rhanie entered the room, I did not notice that they were all made up already. How can I? I just cried and cried until they told me that we were having a photoshoot. Well that’s one bad news for me. Because one, I don’t look well. Especially with all my drama as evidenced by an empty tissue box on the floor. Two, there will be couple shots and I don’t think Eric wants to see me right now. God, I’m so bad. Three, well, Eric hates me. I just know it. I wanna bang my head on the wall.
Make-up artist: Hey, don’t move too much…
I don’t have a choice do I? So here I am, having my make-up done in the room since none of the girls wanted me to go out yet. They wanted me to rest more.
Kate: Meg, are you sure you want to go through with this?
Angel: It’s okay if you’re not up to this…
Meg: Even though I’m not feeling well, I am going to do this. Sayang naman di ba? At hindi ko sisirain ang photoshoot na ‘to. Don’t worry, I’ll be good. I just hope Eric’s in a good mood already. But he’s a good actor anyway so… and well, I can be a good actress as well. So don’t worry, we’ll be good.
She tried to convince her friends. And herself.
Here we go.
--
Since there can’t possibly be 6 photographers for the photoshoot, the girls decided to make us last.
I went out of the room.
WOW. Sunlight.
The sun is shining brightly.
Good thing I had a buri hat with me because my head is still a little heavy. I put it on.
I have to find Eric.
As I walked along the beach, I saw Gab and Junjin having their shoot. HAHA. Now, they look like they’re shooting the sweet/cute poses because they’re laughing as they do the poses. How cute. Junjin was well, almost half-naked, he had a white wife-beater on just like the others I suppose. HAHA. Gab was wearing her brown bikini that complemented her beautiful glowing skin. They look so cute and happy. <333333333333
Anyway, moving on to finding Eric.
I see the Lee family sitting on the sand, I suppose they’re resting, maybe they’re done with the couples part of the shoot.
Minwoo: Hey there sexy lady…
Typical Minwoo. Aigoo. HAHA.
But yeah, I smiled.
Meg: Sexier than Kate? *looks at Kate* And you don’t looks so bad as well Mr. M. HAHA.
Kate is now looking at Minwoo.
Minwoo: Of course not. No one can be sexier than my GIRLFRIEND.
He kissed Kate on the cheek to which Kate returns with a hug.
Aww… these two. Looking at them, I realized that we’ve gotten really close with the members in the 6 days that we’ve been with them. If you think about it, it seemed short doesn’t it? But if you’re with them every single minute of the day (well, except when we go to sleep of course. XD), it wouldn’t be really surprising.
Akala ko kami lang ni Eric ang nahihibang. HAHA.
Anyway… I almost forgot why I am here.
Angel: Hey Meg, what brings you here?
Andy: You’re supposed to be in your shoot right?
Meg: I know. I’m looking for Eric. Did you see him?
The four of them suddenly went quiet.
Meg: Come on. I need to talk to him. I know he’s still mad at me right now. And I know it’s my fault.
I wanted to pull my hair. But I don’t want to ruin my hair.
This is frustrating. No one is telling me where the hell he is.
“So at least you know it’s your fault.”
I heard a voice say.
Oh no. *panic mode*
With my back still facing the person where the voice is coming from (which you know obviously who), I saw Angel, Andy, Kate and Minwoo standing up. Angel flashed me a “hwaiting” sign while Kate just smiled.
OMG. My hands suddenly went as cold as ice.
Should I just smile too?
Shoot. I have this whole speech planned in my head and now I cannot remember a thing. WTF.
NOOOOOO. Okay. Breathe in, breathe out.
Leche. Ang hirap talaga kapag may kasalanan ka. Ang hirap!!
I turned around and faced Eric.
As I opened my mouth to explain, the most unexpected thing happened. He started talking.
Eric: Remember the first day when you thought you saw me in front of you? You thought you were just imagining things. But you’re not. I was there, pretty. I saw you with your eyes closed, sitting on the sand, looking very peaceful.
He slowly walked towards me and continued talking.
Eric: When I decided to come to this vacation, I was not expecting anything. I told myself I just needed a break. I’m tired physically and emotionally. When I saw you at the airport, I was relieved. Why? Because you’re like a breath of fresh air – fun, relaxing and cheerful. I know you’re exactly what I need.
Okay, is this suppose to be good or bad? He’s making me nervous here. We now stand face to face; he fixed some of my stray hair and tucked it behind my ear. He gave me a faint smile. Then he moved away and sat on the sand and faced the ocean.
Eric: I was right. Days passed by, I enjoyed your company. You made me happy, made me forget everything I needed to forget. Like how you looked during the first day, I felt peaceful. Then I saw her again. I was afraid everything would come back to me - all the things that I tried so hard to forget. However, I was thankful I saw her again. I needed closure I guess, an assurance that I wasn’t being unfair to you. I know you’re giving your all to me and this vacation. I can see, I can feel it.
He tapped the space beside him and asked me to sit beside him.
Meg: Eric, I…
He placed his hand on top of mine. He glanced at me.
Eric: Let me finish first, okay?
Good, because honestly, I don’t know what to say.
Eric: We’re both victims of the past, Meg. If we don’t learn to let go of the past, then we’re depriving ourselves of the future. When we talked two days ago, I thought we were okay already. I thought you were okay already. When will you let go, Meg?
My eyes just welled up with tears. I held his hand.
Meg: I’m sorry Eric…
Tears continued to fall from my eyes as I start sobbing.
Eric wiped my tears away as he brought me into his arms.
I placed my arms around his neck and held on to him tightly.
Eric: Stop crying…shhh… it’s okay, Meg.
--
At a not so far place…
Minwoo: What the hell is happening to those two?
*smacks*
Angel: Kuya! What are you doing there hiding? Mind your own business okay! Come on….
*drags him out of the place*
Minwoo: Hey… that hurts… Ouch…
--
The two confused souls held each other for quite a while.
She was wiping her tears as they continue to fall.
Unknown to her, he was wiping his too.
--
My head now rests on Eric’s shoulder. I’ve stopped crying. Thank goodness. I thought my tears would never stop.
“Meg…are you okay now?” Eric said as he rubbed my arm.
“Uh,” I said and looked at him.
“Okay, that’s good. Cause we need – “
“I’m ready, Eric.”
“For the shoot? No, you’re not, you –“
“To let go.”
Eric looked at me with questioning eyes.
I held his face with my hands and softly kissed his lips.
“I love you. The only thing that I wouldn’t let go of now is you.”
Eric pulled me into a hug.
“You really like scaring me huh, Meg? I thought you’re letting go of us,” Eric said and sighed.
I felt his heart beating fast.
He sure got scared huh?
He let go of the hug.
He looked into my eyes as he gently held my hand.
“Thank you. Thank you for making me feel that love is something I shouldn’t give up on. Thank you for not letting go. Thank you for making me happy. Thank you for loving me the way you do. Thank you for…everything…”
Then his voice changed.
Now, don’t go crying on me, Eric.
Shoot.
“Hey…come on, don’t cry too. I’m the only one who’s supposed to do that,” I laughed and hugged him tightly.
He laughed and hugged me back just as tight.
“And hey, I love you too, in case I forgot to tell you.”
He let go and gave me his most gorgeous smile.
Then, he kissed my forehead.
Then, my cheek.
Then, my nose.
Then, he gently placed his lips on mine.
I saw him walk away. He had this sad look on his face as if we’re not going to see each other again. A tear rolled down my cheek.
So is this goodbye?
I turned my back for I can’t bear to see him leave.
--
I woke up feeling sweat trickling down my neck. I stood up and found an empty space beside me in the hammock.
God, it’s so hot.
I wiped my forehead and began walking.
Where’s everyone, anyway?
As I walked down the beach, I saw faces but none of them I know of. I went to our room and found it empty as well.
Whatthehell?! Asan na ang mga tao??
I walked to the reception area.
“Miss, nakita mo yung mga tao sa 2 rooms na yun?”
“Hindi po, Maam.”
“Walang binilin or anything?”
“Wala po e.”
I am feeling a bit dizzy already. Maybe because I haven’t eaten since…? I don’t know. So I went to the in-house restaurant and ordered for myself grilled chicken sandwich and mango juice and sat on the couch outside our room.
Hay… it’s the last day already. Tomorrow, they will leave and everything will be back to normal. I shall go back my world and they will go back to theirs. Two different worlds, but joined by fate into one for 7 days. Just 7 days. Sana forever na lang to.
Tears began to form in my eyes as I take another bite of my sandwich.
At bakit naiiyak ka na naman, Meg? Ha? Ha? Feeling ka talaga. Pasalamat ka na lang nakasama mo sila no. Just be thankful that Eric already knows you exist. That a certain girl named Meg Yap cares for him too damn much. SHIT. What are these tears??? Sayang lang luha mo, Meg.
I took a sip of my juice and watched the waves crash to the shore. I wiped my tears away as I took a last bite of my sandwich. I stood up and decided to take a walk.
Memories of the past days flashed before my eyes.
I stopped and saw the familiar path towards the grotto. I remembered the time when I hid myself from him and Andy.
Eric: So where did you go?
Meg: I just hid from you and Andy.
Eric: WHAT?! Are you kidding or what?!
Meg: No. Because you guys were too engrossed in your Ricdy world that you forgot there is another person with you guys. So I thought I'd see how long it would take you to realize I'm gone.
Eric: And so?
Meg: It took you several steps and around 5 minutes. *laughs*
Thinking of what had happened made me laugh a bit. Eric looked so damn lost that time. He looked like a lost puppy looking for his mommy. HAHA. In this case, I’m the mommy. XD
That was the first time I felt he really cared. Looking back, I sounded like a jealous “girlfriend” then. Telling him not to leave me and always be beside me. As if I have the right. GEEZ.
I walked some more and I saw the accessories store where Eric brought so many stuff I thought he’d buy the whole store. His stalking skills I discovered in this store too. HAHA. How did he know that I’m “sunshine girl”? HOW? *bangs head on the wall* SUCH STALKERS. -__-
But there’s one moment there that I’d never forget.
Shet. What is he doing here?
“Hi...” That’s the only word that managed to come out of my mouth.
“Sinong kasama mo?” He asks.
“Ha...Ah...”
I am still frozen in shock.
Suddenly, I feel my hand growing warmer as another hand intertwines with it.
Eric appears out of nowhere.
“Boyfriend mo?” He asks. He looks at Eric.
Before I can even answer, I hear Eric say, “Yes.”
I turn to Eric with a big question mark on my face.
“Hon, let’s go...,” I hear his wife (supposedly) say.
Eric turns me around as we walk out a different exit.
He holds me as we walk out the store. He better be, because I was so disoriented I cannot walk straight.
Why did I have to see him?
With her.
And my goodness, of all the time and places, why here? And why now?
I want to cry.
Eric: Are you okay? Okay, you don’t look okay.
I put my arms around his waist and rest my head on his chest.
Meg: Can I stay this way for a few minutes? I just need a hug.
He plants a kiss on my forehead and holds me in his arms.
I was so down that time that I totally appreciated Eric’s comforting arms. Back then, I’ve never felt so low but so loved at the same time.
Ilang beses kong tinanong sa sarili ko kung tama bang hayaan kong ganito ang nangyayari kahit na alam kong wala ring mangyayari sa huli.
But then again, my heart screamed YES most of the time so my mind couldn’t do anything about it.
My head is throbbing again. I guess the scorching sun is taking its toll on me. I’ve been walking and walking and now I’ve reached the end of the island. I walked towards the familiar rock and leaned back. I closed my eyes as memories flashed in my head…
“…Because I think my heart’s gonna be broken again soon.” I look at the sand and kicked some stones. With my eyes hot with tears, I looked at him. “I don’t want to love someone I can’t be with the rest of my life, Eric. Not again. That’s why I’m trying to pull myself away from you because I am really starting to fall in love with you. I know I love you because you’re Eric of Shinhwa and all, but now… I can’t help but love you because you’re YOU. The way you are, the things you love, the things you hate, the things you do for me – I don’t want to get used to it. I don’t want to fall in love with you. Because it’s impossible… it’s hard… it hurts…it’s not meant to be… this is just a dream that should remain to be a dream… ”
Tears fall from my eyes. Again.
Eric held my hands. “Look at me, Meg. I believe that miracles happen. Dreams can come true. Because I am falling in love with you too. The days we’ve spent here together … it’s been a while since I’ve felt this happy…this peaceful. And all of this is because of you. I was stranded. You taught me how to move on. You taught me how simple life can be. You kept me grounded. You’re my rock. I love you, Meg. Really.”
I am at a loss for words.
I stood up.
And walked away.
“Mahirap nga e. Grabe naman ‘to. Dapat sinabi na lang niya na tama ako. Para tapos na ang lahat. Shiet.”
I was walking farther and farther away from him.
Huwag ka nang lumingon. Kaya mo yan.
“Meg!”
I hear his footsteps behind me.
Lakad lang nang lakad, Meg.
“I can’t promise you forever, Meg.”
I stopped. A tear fell.
I felt his fingers intertwine against mine.
“But I’ll never let go.”
+
Nerie’s sleep was suddenly disturbed by a soft moan.
“You said you’d never let go…”
She rubbed her eyes and saw Meg mumbling in her sleep. Beads of sweat formed in her forehead; she was chilling. Nerie immediately got up and looked at her phone. It’s 7am.
She saw Kate come out of the bathroom.
Nerie: Kate, can you bring me a basin of water and a towel please? Meg’s having a chill. Dali! *panic mode*
Kate: What?! Okay, I’ll get ice from outside too, it will help.
Nerie just nods.
Nerie touched Meg’s forehead, she was hot.
Nerie: Naku, unnie. Anong nangyayari sayo?
“You said you’d never let go…” Meg mumbles again.
Gab enters the room with a glass of water and some medicine.
Gab: I saw Kate and she told me what happened. Here I brought medicine and some crackers.
Nerie: Thanks Gab. She needs this. And I think she needs something else. Or rather someone else. Can you stay here for a while?
--
“Eric…”
I felt hot tears flow from my eyes.
“Meg… meg…wake up…” the voice said softly.
I heard HIS voice. I thought I’d never hear it again.
I tried to open my eyes and saw a face. Though it was blurry, I can never mistake that face for someone else. I tried getting up but my head was just too heavy. Parang mabibiyak yung ulo ko.
“Hey… what are you doing here?” I said.
“Well, Nerie went to our room and told me you needed me so I came rushing. Well, you know your friend; she was in a panic mode already so I got scared. God, I was so worried. You were chilling until 30 minutes ago. We almost brought you to a hospital. Good thing, there’s a doctor checked in this hotel too,” Eric said with a loving look as he ran his fingers through my cheek.
“Oh.”
It was all I could say. If he only knew what was going through my mind a while ago. I’m half crazy already. I don’t know what’s real and not real anymore. I think they have to bring me to a mental hospital instead after all of this.
“How are you feeling now? Don’t scare me like that again okay?” He said as he continues to wipe my forehead with a cold towel. “Thank god you’re fever is down.” He said as he touched my cheek.
All this time, I was just staring at him.
Eric had this worried look in his face. A look that I don’t want to see.
This is getting really bad.
I closed my eyes.
Can I just sleep forever? This has to end.
All of a sudden, a warm feeling enveloped my entire body. I thought my fever was coming back again.
Instead, I felt Eric’s hand on mine as he lay down beside me. Shoulders brushing, skin touching.
I can now feel his breathing as he turns to his side to face me.
Eric: Meg, look at me.
Meg: Hmmm…
Eric: Hey… I said look at me.
Eric said those words as tenderly as he can possibly say it. He squeezed my hand.
Eric: Come on, Meg. I know what you’ve been thinking and dreaming about.
I opened my eyes and stared at the ceiling.
Meg: You do?
How could he have possibly known?
I closed my eyes again.
Eric: Well, you’re a pretty good sleep talker. Although I can’t seem to figure out everything that you’ve been saying, I think I get the gist of it.
He said, almost laughing.
What the hell? Natatawa pa siya ah? Kala niya ata nakakatawa ‘to e.
Pero, ganun ba ako kaingay? Shet. This is embarrassing.
Meg: Well, if you heard me right, then the right thing to do is for you to leave me alone.
OUCH.
Sakit nun ah. Well, kung masakit sa kanya, mas masakit sa akin.
A tear falls from my eye.
And I felt his finger wipe it away before it can run fully down my cheek.
Eric: I know you don’t mean that, Meg. How many times do I have to tell you that you should trust me on this? When I said I’ll never let go, I really mean it. When I told you I love you, I meant it with all my heart. I know it may sound unreal with all of this happening but that’s really how I feel. Now, do you believe me?
I can feel him still staring at me.
My eyes are still shut and I have no intention of opening them because if I do, hot fresh tears would come out in no time.
I answered in silence. I didn’t budge.
Because if I do, I am going to break down and cry.
Then, I felt his warmth slowly drifting away…
--
Eric did what he had to do.
He stood up and closed the door behind him.
He walked past Nerie, Angel and Rhanie who were about to enter their cottage. He barely noticed them.
Nerie had to call him out.
Nerie: Eric, how’s Meg? Is she okay already?
He turned to face the girls.
Eric: Your friend is one hard-headed lady. I think she’s physically okay. But I think she has a big problem when it comes to this. *points to heart*
Then he walks towards the boy’s cottage, his head bent down.
--
The girls entered the room and found Meg sitting on the bed, staring blankly.
Angel: Anong nangyari sa inyo ni Eric?
Rhanie: Nag-away ba kayo?
Meg: Inaway ko ata e. Hindi ko alam….
She then burst into tears.
--
Well, surprise, surprise. I just learned that we are going to have a photoshoot today. When Nerie, Angel and Rhanie entered the room, I did not notice that they were all made up already. How can I? I just cried and cried until they told me that we were having a photoshoot. Well that’s one bad news for me. Because one, I don’t look well. Especially with all my drama as evidenced by an empty tissue box on the floor. Two, there will be couple shots and I don’t think Eric wants to see me right now. God, I’m so bad. Three, well, Eric hates me. I just know it. I wanna bang my head on the wall.
Make-up artist: Hey, don’t move too much…
I don’t have a choice do I? So here I am, having my make-up done in the room since none of the girls wanted me to go out yet. They wanted me to rest more.
Kate: Meg, are you sure you want to go through with this?
Angel: It’s okay if you’re not up to this…
Meg: Even though I’m not feeling well, I am going to do this. Sayang naman di ba? At hindi ko sisirain ang photoshoot na ‘to. Don’t worry, I’ll be good. I just hope Eric’s in a good mood already. But he’s a good actor anyway so… and well, I can be a good actress as well. So don’t worry, we’ll be good.
She tried to convince her friends. And herself.
Here we go.
--
Since there can’t possibly be 6 photographers for the photoshoot, the girls decided to make us last.
I went out of the room.
WOW. Sunlight.
The sun is shining brightly.
Good thing I had a buri hat with me because my head is still a little heavy. I put it on.
I have to find Eric.
As I walked along the beach, I saw Gab and Junjin having their shoot. HAHA. Now, they look like they’re shooting the sweet/cute poses because they’re laughing as they do the poses. How cute. Junjin was well, almost half-naked, he had a white wife-beater on just like the others I suppose. HAHA. Gab was wearing her brown bikini that complemented her beautiful glowing skin. They look so cute and happy. <333333333333
Anyway, moving on to finding Eric.
I see the Lee family sitting on the sand, I suppose they’re resting, maybe they’re done with the couples part of the shoot.
Minwoo: Hey there sexy lady…
Typical Minwoo. Aigoo. HAHA.
But yeah, I smiled.
Meg: Sexier than Kate? *looks at Kate* And you don’t looks so bad as well Mr. M. HAHA.
Kate is now looking at Minwoo.
Minwoo: Of course not. No one can be sexier than my GIRLFRIEND.
He kissed Kate on the cheek to which Kate returns with a hug.
Aww… these two. Looking at them, I realized that we’ve gotten really close with the members in the 6 days that we’ve been with them. If you think about it, it seemed short doesn’t it? But if you’re with them every single minute of the day (well, except when we go to sleep of course. XD), it wouldn’t be really surprising.
Akala ko kami lang ni Eric ang nahihibang. HAHA.
Anyway… I almost forgot why I am here.
Angel: Hey Meg, what brings you here?
Andy: You’re supposed to be in your shoot right?
Meg: I know. I’m looking for Eric. Did you see him?
The four of them suddenly went quiet.
Meg: Come on. I need to talk to him. I know he’s still mad at me right now. And I know it’s my fault.
I wanted to pull my hair. But I don’t want to ruin my hair.
This is frustrating. No one is telling me where the hell he is.
“So at least you know it’s your fault.”
I heard a voice say.
Oh no. *panic mode*
With my back still facing the person where the voice is coming from (which you know obviously who), I saw Angel, Andy, Kate and Minwoo standing up. Angel flashed me a “hwaiting” sign while Kate just smiled.
OMG. My hands suddenly went as cold as ice.
Should I just smile too?
Shoot. I have this whole speech planned in my head and now I cannot remember a thing. WTF.
NOOOOOO. Okay. Breathe in, breathe out.
Leche. Ang hirap talaga kapag may kasalanan ka. Ang hirap!!
I turned around and faced Eric.
As I opened my mouth to explain, the most unexpected thing happened. He started talking.
Eric: Remember the first day when you thought you saw me in front of you? You thought you were just imagining things. But you’re not. I was there, pretty. I saw you with your eyes closed, sitting on the sand, looking very peaceful.
He slowly walked towards me and continued talking.
Eric: When I decided to come to this vacation, I was not expecting anything. I told myself I just needed a break. I’m tired physically and emotionally. When I saw you at the airport, I was relieved. Why? Because you’re like a breath of fresh air – fun, relaxing and cheerful. I know you’re exactly what I need.
Okay, is this suppose to be good or bad? He’s making me nervous here. We now stand face to face; he fixed some of my stray hair and tucked it behind my ear. He gave me a faint smile. Then he moved away and sat on the sand and faced the ocean.
Eric: I was right. Days passed by, I enjoyed your company. You made me happy, made me forget everything I needed to forget. Like how you looked during the first day, I felt peaceful. Then I saw her again. I was afraid everything would come back to me - all the things that I tried so hard to forget. However, I was thankful I saw her again. I needed closure I guess, an assurance that I wasn’t being unfair to you. I know you’re giving your all to me and this vacation. I can see, I can feel it.
He tapped the space beside him and asked me to sit beside him.
Meg: Eric, I…
He placed his hand on top of mine. He glanced at me.
Eric: Let me finish first, okay?
Good, because honestly, I don’t know what to say.
Eric: We’re both victims of the past, Meg. If we don’t learn to let go of the past, then we’re depriving ourselves of the future. When we talked two days ago, I thought we were okay already. I thought you were okay already. When will you let go, Meg?
My eyes just welled up with tears. I held his hand.
Meg: I’m sorry Eric…
Tears continued to fall from my eyes as I start sobbing.
Eric wiped my tears away as he brought me into his arms.
I placed my arms around his neck and held on to him tightly.
Eric: Stop crying…shhh… it’s okay, Meg.
--
At a not so far place…
Minwoo: What the hell is happening to those two?
*smacks*
Angel: Kuya! What are you doing there hiding? Mind your own business okay! Come on….
*drags him out of the place*
Minwoo: Hey… that hurts… Ouch…
--
The two confused souls held each other for quite a while.
She was wiping her tears as they continue to fall.
Unknown to her, he was wiping his too.
--
My head now rests on Eric’s shoulder. I’ve stopped crying. Thank goodness. I thought my tears would never stop.
“Meg…are you okay now?” Eric said as he rubbed my arm.
“Uh,” I said and looked at him.
“Okay, that’s good. Cause we need – “
“I’m ready, Eric.”
“For the shoot? No, you’re not, you –“
“To let go.”
Eric looked at me with questioning eyes.
I held his face with my hands and softly kissed his lips.
“I love you. The only thing that I wouldn’t let go of now is you.”
Eric pulled me into a hug.
“You really like scaring me huh, Meg? I thought you’re letting go of us,” Eric said and sighed.
I felt his heart beating fast.
He sure got scared huh?
He let go of the hug.
He looked into my eyes as he gently held my hand.
“Thank you. Thank you for making me feel that love is something I shouldn’t give up on. Thank you for not letting go. Thank you for making me happy. Thank you for loving me the way you do. Thank you for…everything…”
Then his voice changed.
Now, don’t go crying on me, Eric.
Shoot.
“Hey…come on, don’t cry too. I’m the only one who’s supposed to do that,” I laughed and hugged him tightly.
He laughed and hugged me back just as tight.
“And hey, I love you too, in case I forgot to tell you.”
He let go and gave me his most gorgeous smile.
Then, he kissed my forehead.
Then, my cheek.
Then, my nose.
Then, he gently placed his lips on mine.
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