Scripted Relationship

Chapter 22

As the mass went on, I occasionally looked on Rose to see what she was doing. At times, she would look at me and smile. But most of the time, her eyes were closed and would bow and put her praying hands near her lips. I thought that she must be praying for something. Something she really needed. I believe that even the strong needed strength from Him.

When the 'Ama Namin' part came, everyone stretched out their hands, extended them to the nearest person on their sides, and held the others' hands. I thought of doing the same thing to Rose. But when I looked at her, her eyes were closed and she was holding her hands near her lips still. I was bothered by it so I went near her.

"Rose?" I murmured to her ear. She just stared at me blankly. Then, the "Ama Namin" song started and instantenously Rose suddenly stretched her hand. On cue, I slowly held her hand, faced the altar and sang the song. While I was holding her hand, I felt some kind of connection between the two of us. An electric current of some sort. I don't know. But it felt good that it can only make me form a grin on my face.

During the sign of peace, I faced her so that I can give her a hug. But she was busy giving peace with other people we both don't know. She even shook the hands of the males and kissed the females in the cheek. It was not weird or pecualiar. She was just bubbly and approachable even to strangers. I smiled at her act, simply stood there instead and faced the altar after one or two bows to other persons. Suddenly, Rose faced me and hugged me.

"Akala mo nakalimutan kita," Rose said to me. "Peace be with you." She smiled as she let go.

"Peace be with you too, Gorgie," I said to her in response.

After the mass, we went to the back part of the church where the candle-lighting area was located.

"Did you know that one of the miracles of the Our Lady?" I asked her rhetorically while we were walking. "It didn't catch fire nor was it extremely damaged by those who wanted it burnt or destroyed. The church was attacked by the natives and the Japs, and yet, it survived."

"Sa tingin ko talaga," Rose said inquisitively looking at the basilica. "Miracles happen because we believe in them. Naniniwala tayo na kahit anong mangyari sa atin, basta't may pananalig tayo sa Kanya o kahit sa taong pinagkakatiwalaan natin, may himala."

"I thought so too," I said to her. "But you know what else I thought? Our Lady protected the sanctuary. It's like a woman protecting the heart of a man from harm. Just like what you did for me. Because I believe in you."

Rose simply smiled back at me. When we reached the candle-lighting area, Rose saw another big image of Our Lady of Manaoag and was amazed. She then went to the nearest candle-laying platform, closed her eyes and prayed silently. I joined her in praying while looking up at the image of the Our Lady when I heard her speaking her prayer.

"Mama Mary, pakisabi naman po kay Kuya Jesus na maraming salamat po at nagkakilala kami ni Erik. Ang gusto lang naman po, tulungan niya ako sa paggawa ng kauna-unahan kong script. Pero ang lakas ko po ata kay Kuya Jesus. Binigyan niya pa po ako ng consolation prize. Sana po makuha ko ang grand prize kung mamarapatin Niya lang po. Maraming salamat po talaga. I hope you would intercede po whatever prayers Erik will make. Amen."

My head must have been floating in thin air because I found myself staring at her. She was thoughtful and sweet on her prayer. Nothing more I can do then but smile as she ended her prayer with a sign of the Cross. She looked at me curiously.

"Ngayon ka lang ba nakarinig ng dasal?"

"No," I replied as we walked away from the candle-lighting area. Rose simply let out a smile and then, she kissed me on my cheek. I felt my heart beat so fast that I was almost nearing nervousness like I never felt before. I also felt my face hot as blushed.