Hanging out.

11 am.

Japan Time.

Gracie awoken from her sleep. I haven't gotten enough sleep because of what I felt towards the last message I accidentally saw from her cellphone.
I made her coffee and we both shared it. The moment was sweet but short. 

I walked her out of my humble abode and life was back to regular.  Well, at least it was for me. 

But there was something that was on my mind that entire day.

Bakit kaya niya ako hinalikan?! (Why did she kiss me?)

What was her reason for it? Why did she do it? Does she like me too? Did she want me to do something about it?

All these thoughts running through my head and I could not find an answer for any of them.

-----------------------------------

5:30 pm.

A text message came to my phone. I thought it very weird that it was from her, because people from work only text me. 

-Hey!!! I was wondering if I can chill out in your room for a bit?

I very much acknowledged her request. After a few moments she was right in front of my doorstep.

I wondered why.

Sweet Pictures #2

Everything was fine until...

2 am

Japan Time

BLDG 3333

Room 402

I couldn’t sleep. A lot of things ran through my mind. There was this feeling that I could not shake off.  There are thoughts that ran through my mind that I could not erase.

I asked if you are ok. You responded in a flirtatious way.  Henceforth, you have lost full awareness. Alas, you are not the only one. As I approached you, my mind ran debating if I should. So I took the opportunity to hold your hand and asked if my lips can engage yours. And softly you said, “Yes”.

 My lips made its way to yours. My hands wrapped around your fingers. Your hold became more tighter as we become one. I savored every moment of it. It felt like it was eternal. It was so great, that I held back and looked at you in the eye. There was sadness in your eyes. As if they were saying “save me”. I let go of your hold and wrapped my arms around you. My lips returned to yours. I took the chance to make this last forever.

The moment was sweet. It is so sweet; I thought this is too good to be true.

But I didn’t let this feeling get the best of me.  I released my hold and stepped away from you. As I exclaimed “you’re drunk. Just rest and you’ll be fine”, you fell back to my throne.

The moment was done. I rested on my couch as I gave way to your need of a place to lay rest. Sacrifices have to be done for those who you love. Apparently, I was in love. But the feeling was interrupted by a simple text message. I glanced where the sound emanated from.

It was her phone.

I looked and my heart fell.

(Text Message: I love you. I wish I could see you)

The name was not recalled. But the feelings were shattered.

How can this be?

Sweet Pictures #1

Gracie's drunk adventure

I had to sit there. I couldn't see clear since my head was spinning.

"Are you okay?" he asked.

"Ssssure."

His face was serious. I think he was thinking really hard. It's the perfect time. I thought.  Or was it really?

I stared at him like no other girl would. I would smile whenever we caught each others eyes. The giggly person in me usually came out when I was drunk.  Alcohol blocks your senses and self-control so it was normal. I didn't feel like I was in trouble, oh no. At least, I didn't care what happened to me during that time. I wanted something so bad to happen, which is the reason why I didn't leave.  All of a sudden, he asked:

"Gracie... Can I kiss you?"

"Yes." I smiled.

He came up to me close and he touched my lips. Slowly, I made my way through his mouth. The butterflies I felt in my stomach was unexpected. He pulled back, but it felt too soon. I think he knew it too which is why he kissed me again. It was the most passionate kiss I have ever had. He tasted like red velvet cake, and I smelled his clothes. Burberry. I thought it was. His skin felt smooth when he touched my hand. His body rigid, when I put my hand on his chest.

"Gracie?"

"Yes?"

"You should go sleep,"

Laying on his bed, I deliberately turned my back against him. I closed my eyes and he was still awake. I think he watched over me while I slept the whole night. 

Alcohol, Ocean, And shenanigans.

It was 4pm in Japan.

Text message : "C u @ QD Brcks" - Jay>Gracie

I burned my time by entertaining myself with loud music and a couple of light alcoholic drinks. Suddenly, I received a text message. The thought about where to go and what places to see slightly put me under pressure. Alas, time was on my side, not for long though.

Text message : "I'm here. :)" - Gracie>Jay

I jumped up fast enough I knocked over my drink. I cleaned up my mess and my room as fast as the housekeeping from Marriot. After all the shenanigans, I bolted out of my room and headed out to the lobby.

There she was. I felt like a little kid staring at the biggest lollipop in a candy store. I composed myself as I approached her. I greeted her with a big hug and met up with the friends.

It was a blast. Proper introductions to the friends were rendered. Jokes were tossed around the group. We teased each other with names and such. All was fun.

We got to the train station. The tolls were filled with Japanese passengers. As we waited in line, our conversations and jokes continued. The sense of boredom stuck each and everyone of us. So, the ridiculous person that I am, I proceeded on making fun of people in the crowd. The crowd cheered on. Making fun of people can be somewhat amusing when utilized properly. Laughter and joy did not leave the group until we boarded the train and arrived at the beach. Everyone got excited and the level of fun elevated. As the group proceeded to the beach, Grace and I fell back from the group and walked slow.  Too bad these are the conversations I have a hard time recalling.  Although, this is what I remember:

Gracie - "Gusto ko uminom!!! (I wanna drink!!!)

Jay - "Walang tindahan na malapit dito na meron alak. (There's no store here nearby with alcohol.)

A light bulb flickered then lit on top on my head. I gathered everyone and asked if they all wanted to drink. All rejoiced in favor as we proceeded back to the barracks. The plan was to start a small party in the room since I stashed liquor in my man-cave. Drinks were passed. The music blared and the room thumped from the bass of my speakers. While I passed the drinks, I could not help but notice that they congregated to one spot of my room. As the night passed by and as the alcohol depleted, everyone started to depart one by one. I asked the remaining people in the group to help clean our ruckus.  Happily, they agreed. Finally, the room resumed to its original position.

Everyone left after that. Wait, not everyone.

I see her on my seat, staring at me.

My heart pounded. My skin had goosebumps from my head to toe. I was nervous. And all I thought was:


"Oh no."

Gracie's walk from Church

I sang my last note, as the pianist kept playing. I skimmed through the audience in search of people that I knew.

Wait. Isn't that him...?

The song had finished, and I had to walk back to my seat. The mass continued.

I concentrated very hard in praying that day. It was fairly difficult, knowing that there were people you knew in the Church staring at you. An hour has passed, the mass was over.

I opened my umbrella as I walked through the steps leading to the commissary. The sun shown brightly and drizzled at the same time. It gave me peace of mind that the day ahead of me would be spent eating and walking around Japan.  As I pondered my thoughts to myself, someone had tapped me by the shoulder.

"Hi."

"Hello."

Alas, it was him.

"Name's Jay. We work together at the hospital... Just wanted to say that you did a nice job singing in Church today."

"Why thank you," I said. "I just got here from "C" school.  I saw you at work the other day... Do you go to Church often?" I stuttered.

"Every Sunday," He held my umbrella for me.

"Thanks," I smirked.

"Do you want to chill with some friends tonight? We're planning to go to the beach."

"Sure," I said.

"Let me get your number and I'll let you know what time we'll meet up."

The commissary was right beside the barracks. By this time, we had already reached the building and stood outside as he took out his phone. Back then, the iphone 3GS was the most technologically advanced kind.  He saved my number and we both bid our goodbyes.  I guess he didn't know how to react when he asked to shake my hand.  People call me insensitive, so I didn't think much of it.

Maybe he wants to be friends.

I knew that I really liked him, so I sought out a plan.  Part of the girl code is to see if a boy likes you.  It wasn't hard to do. I knew what I had to do. I just had to plan it out and see if it worked.