The Longest Weekend [Part 3]

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This is Part 3 of a Short Story about a chance encounter between two wounded souls over an enchanting weekend.

Read again Part 2 (Click Below)

The Longest Weekend [Part 2]

This is Part 2 of a Short Story about a chance encounter between two wounded souls over an enchanting weekend.

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Upon opening her eyes, she knew it was the morning she wanted. The early rays peeking through the sheer curtains abundantly washed the room. Just as she was about to get up, she cautiously stopped to check her foot. Amazingly, she felt no pain at all. Instantly, though, she felt a shade of fear, thinking she may have just dreamt everything about that night. The hot chocolate, the exquisite evening by the beach, the pleasant dinner… and Derek. She turned to look for her cell phone and saw the sweater, immediately smiling at the reality of it all. She checked the time and saw that it was almost 7 AM. She got up and prepared for the unknown. She told herself to let the moment carry her wherever it may lead.

Looking at the mirror while brushing her bob, she began to hear herself ask: Am I attractive enough? Do I need to be as pretty as my friends? Is being sweet and nice, good enough to be loved back? For years, her looks had never mattered to her. She had been content with her “safe” look, even though she’d been complimented on it. She decided to wear the yellow minidress she had only worn once and wore a black cardigan over it. She debated with herself about bringing a hat in case it would be too sunny outside. She didn’t want to squint the whole time she would be out. No hat, she silently screamed. She grabbed her small knapsack containing her phone and other essentials and headed for the door. When she opened it, she immediately heard the calming splashes of the waves nearby and smelled the salty sea air before actually seeing the vast blue in front of her. She just stared at the marvel before her. Just as she made her first step forward, she felt her right foot stroke against something hard on the floor. It was a large sea stone resting on what seemed to be a paper. It was a note!

Good morning, Ericka. The view from your doorstep at sunrise is breathtaking. Try catching it next time. I’ll wait for you at the restaurant for breakfast. Coffee or tea? See you in a bit!

Folding back the note, she thought of how strangely things were happening. She initially just wanted to be alone because she needed to. But she couldn’t just be selfish to the man who had been so kind and helpful to her. Two days, she thought. Two days wouldn’t be too long, and she would be back to her familiar world and be normal again. Then, on autopilot, she felt her body go along with the wind.

“Mom, everything’s fine. I’ve pretty much enjoyed all the places I’ve been to,” Derek said, trying to cheer up his mother who never liked the idea of him going out of the country.

“You always tell me that even when you’re not, and I know when you are not because I’m your mother. Remember when you were having problems with…”

“…Mom, please, let’s not go back there anymore. Everything’s changed, and I’ve moved on,” he cut his mom off.

“I’m sorry… I know you need this, but please, just take care of yourself, okay? And don’t forget to call again.”

“I won’t, Mom. Just say hi to the kids for me, okay? And I want you to stop worrying because it’s not good for your health. I love you, Mom…” Derek said, seeing Ericka from afar and never leaving from staring. “Mom… I’ll call you again. Just need to get my breakfast. Love you, Mom.” He ended the call without cutting his gaze until she was just a yard away.

“Good morning, D… Derek,” Ericka smiled and made a tiny wave in front of him. He got up and towered over her, making her feel smaller.

“You… look… uh, beautiful. Yellow suits you best.” He felt himself blush this time.

“Here, please sit down. There’s a buffet served, but if there’s anything you want, we can just order now,” he offered her a seat, obviously uneasy.

“Oh no, it’s fine. I’ll just have my coffee and check on the buffet. How about you? Have you had your breakfast? You seem to have gotten up so early.”

“I was waiting for you. I can’t eat ahead.”

“Oh, I’m sorry. I didn’t know you were up so early. You could’ve knocked.”

“Oh please, I’m an early riser and I enjoy long walks at sunrise. I was just a bit concerned that you might not want to see me anymore because of how I acted last night.”

“What are you talking about, Mr. Gentleman of the night? You were almost too kind to be true.”

“If you weren’t so cute, then I might have been a bit less of that.” He saw that kind of made her uncomfortable.

“Um, want to get our breakfast now?” he suggested.

“Sure,” she obliged.

“Hmmm, I love the coffee. I could drink this all day,” Ericka remarked, savoring the rich aroma wafting from her cup.

“Well, I would have 5 rounds of coffee at home. How was your omelet? I make good ones back at home. Well, at least I love it,” Derek replied with a grin, teasing her about her breakfast choice.

“The omelet was yummy, too. But I enjoyed the Danggit better,” Ericka said, reminiscing about the delicious local delicacy she had sampled earlier.

“Oh, you mean those poor little fishes you had. They looked funny on your plate,” Derek remarked, amused by her fondness for the unconventional dish.

“They’re my favorites… along with my Mom’s beef steaks, my Dad’s adobo and kinilaw, my Mom’s spaghetti, and… chocolates,” Ericka listed off her favorite dishes, each one accompanied by a flood of cherished memories.

“Uh, whatever you just said, it seemed like you are your parents’ biggest fan,” Derek remarked playfully, noting Ericka’s deep affection for her family’s cooking.

“Both my parents are good cooks. They’re pretty much self-taught and they got their recipes from their parents as well. I love to cook, too… that is if I’m in the mood,” Ericka explained, her eyes lighting up as she talked about her passion for cooking.

“Uhm, that gives me an idea to get you in the mood always,” Derek teased, earning a playful retort from Ericka.

“Be my guest,” she countered, her lips curling into a mischievous smile. “So, what’s your plan…?”

Derek had already made arrangements for the day, having contacted a travel and tour company to help them explore the city and visit various attractions. As they embarked on their adventure, Ericka felt a mix of anticipation and fear, knowing how vulnerable she was at that moment. But seeing Derek waiting for her in the hotel lobby, looking so harmless, she pushed aside her apprehensions and joined him, ready to embrace the day’s adventures.

Their first series of stops included brief visits to old churches, where Ericka marveled at the rich religious and cultural heritage of Bohol. Derek, too, took in the sights, carefully observing the relics and architecture of each church. Despite her inner turmoil, Ericka gamely took pictures of Derek as he explored, while he, in turn, stole glances at her as she captured the beauty of the church gardens.

In Baclayon church, the last of their stops, Ericka led Derek inside, where the soft light flooded the interiors, casting a warm glow over everything. Derek was visibly amazed by the old-world charm of the church, his curiosity piqued by the unfamiliar rituals of the Catholic faith. As Ericka knelt in prayer, Derek followed suit, drawn in by the atmosphere of reverence and devotion. Watching her bow her head in solemn contemplation, he couldn’t help but feel a deep sense of connection to her, a shared moment of quiet introspection amidst the grandeur of the church.

As she poured out her heart in silent prayer, the weight of her words hung heavy in the air. Each plea, each question, echoed in the recesses of her soul, seeking solace and understanding amid her turmoil.

I know we always talk…and maybe you’re already sick of hearing my prayers repeatedly. It’s not my fault, I guess. You have all the powers that I don’t. Please bless those people who have been so patient and understanding while I’ve been so distant. For loving me unconditionally even after I’ve given them up over someone before.

Her words carried a sense of gratitude and remorse, a recognition of the love and support she had received even in her darkest moments. Yet, beneath the surface, there lingered a deeper ache, a longing for closure and peace.

And wherever that someone is right now… give him the life that he wanted… with the one he left me for… No… I am not bitter, am I? Who am I to complain? I’m just someone who had a perfect life… that was just a little spot and I can just wipe it off, right?

You know that I still don’t wanna let go, right? But, what do you want me to do? Where are you taking me…?

In the middle of her prayers, she turned to where she heard a light thug from her right and saw him…slowly kneeling beside her just staring intently at where she once did…and he bowed his head…

It has been a great week! I couldn’t thank you enough for letting me do this, at last. I know you’ve wanted me to do this even way before but…I know, I’ve been so foolish to act like I know better. I’ve met someone…I think you know who she is. She’s special, and I pray that you help her out with whatever she’s dealing with right now…like how you saved me before. And if there’s something I can do, please show me how…time’s running out…she may need it before I have to go….

At that moment, as they knelt side by side in silent communion, Ericka felt a profound sense of gratitude and hope wash over her. Despite the uncertainties that lay ahead, she knew that she was not alone — that in Derek, she had found a friend, a confidant, and perhaps, even a guiding light on her journey forward.

He looked to his left and saw her staring at him, her expression a mix of puzzlement and curiosity. He noticed the hint of dew in the corners of her eyes again, indicating a depth of emotion beneath her surface. When he smiled at her, she broke the gaze, shyly shifting her focus ahead and making the sign of the cross before rising to sit at the pew. Derek finished his prayers before joining her, settling beside her with a sense of peace.

“It feels great to pray,” he softly muttered, hoping to ease any tension that lingered between them.

“Uhm…,” she replied quietly, her agreement tinged with a hint of apprehension. She knew she had been distant, and she hoped he didn’t take her blank stare earlier too seriously. She hadn’t been looking at him, she defended in her thoughts.

“Thanks for keeping me company, Ericka. And all these churches are beautiful. Hope they stay like this for a long time,” Derek said, trying to bridge the gap between them with conversation.

Turning to him, Ericka’s lips curled into a warm smile. “I enjoyed the trip, too. Ironically, I haven’t been to all these churches as well, so thanks to you,” she admitted, her tone softening with genuine gratitude.

“…my pleasure! Well, I guess we need to get back to our quarters now before it gets dark and cold,” Derek suggested, offering his hand to help her stand. Instinctively, she accepted the gesture, feeling a sense of connection with him as they made their way to the exit. Just before leaving the church, she glanced back at the apse and smiled, a flicker of peace settling within her soul.

That was Part 3 of this short story. Click below to read part 4.

The Longest Weekend [Part 4]

This is Part 4 of a Short Story about a chance encounter between two wounded souls over an enchanting weekend.