Scripted Relationship

ERIK

I invited Rose to join me in our province in Pangasinan to attend the annual birthday celebration of Mom. Actually, it was Mom who invited Rose after I told some of our stories to her. Well, I needed to share a bits of our stories to her since she already knew that we were becoming an item in social media. Also, my Mom won't stop from asking me questions unless I tell her the bits.

Two days before our travel, I went to Rose's house and talked seriously with Tita Gina. At first, Tita Gina was very hesitant to allow Rose to join me. So, I explained to her that nothing bad or mysterious will happen between us other than to attend the birthday celebration of my Mom. I promised that we won't be staying in the same room as I have my room there. Rose will be staying in the guest room already prepared for her. It was only then I was able to get the much-awaited approval from Tita Gina. I still remember that Rose's family is conservative.

On the day came of our travel to Pangasinan, I went to Rose's house to pick her up and her things. I reassured to Tita Gina that I will be taking good care of Rose and that no harm will come to her. Tita Gina, of course, reassured her trust to me as well and prayed for our safe journey. Before we left, Rose was curious with the car I brought. Well, I brought my Chevrolet Camaro this time. Rose asked me what made me bring "Bumblebee" (because it did resemble the car of Shia LaBouf in "Transformers"). I simply smiled at her and told her that it's about time that she try riding the precious car given to me by Dad. She seemed happy about it and hopped on.

We took TPLEX that's why the road was clear and smooth. Good thing, I was able to sleep properly last night so there's no sign of dizziness on my part. I exited the car in Urdaneta, Pangasinan. I continued driving until we reach our first quick stopover: Our Lady of Manaoag Church. I stopped the car once I found a suitable parking. Did I mention that Rose looked like an angel when she's asleep? Yes, I thought I did. She was sleeping so soundly on her seat that I can stay in my seat and stare at her angelic beauty. But I thought we needed to go so I slowly tried to wake Rose up.

"Rose, we're here."

Rose simply let out a grunt.

"Hey! I said we're here!" I shouted at her jokingly.

"WHAT?! ANO?!" And she got up within mili-seconds. "Ano ka ba naman, Erik? Huwag kang manggugulat."

"You're difficult to wake up," I said to her with a chuckle. "Tulog mantika. Anyway, let's get out. We might miss the mass."

I saw the confusion on Rose's face. Maybe, she was wondering where were we and why were here to attend a mass. Anyway, I got out of the car and went to the other side so that I can help Rose get out. As she was getting out of the car, she yawned. At that exact moment, the rays of sun caught her pixie cut hair and white skin. It was like some kind of a movie slow-motion scene with matching sparkles. Now that's a sight.

"Kung titigan mo lang ako, huwag naman 'yong halata," Rose splurted out. "Obvious ka kasi."

I came back to my senses and shook my head. I was indeed obvious but I won't let her know I did. "I wasn't staring at you, feeler woman!" I poked her and ran after saying that.

"FEELER WOMAN KA DIYAN!" Rose shouted to me as she run after me which she eventually did out a frolic. After a brief sprint, I secured the car because we were both outside already.

"Nasaan ba tayo?" Rose asked me.

"Manaoag. Never been here before?" Rose nodded in reply.

And so, we went inside the church through the main entrance of the basilica. It was a Saturday morning so there were few people who attended the mass. Rose and I saw that most of the people present within the Manaoag Complex were tourists and visitors who believed in the miracles of Our Lady of Manaoag. I even saw some young people carrying a plastic envelope with paper and pencil inside it. Maybe, they were the ones who are to take their examinations. We found our sit in the pew near the altar.