CHAPTER 4 “MORNING WALK”

That night it became difficult for Jason to fall asleep. He still remembers what his mother had told him earlier

That Jenny his girlfriend when he was in college is the same lady guest that his mother likes very much.

From lying on his bed Jason got up. Then he opened his bedroom window and inhaled the fresh evening breeze.

Many times since social media became in demand, he tried to find Jenny. He didn't understand why he was doing that in the beginning, but as he said when he visited Ara at her grave recently, he could feel that Jenny needed him.

And now that heaven seems to have given him what he has been asking for, what will he do?

At that question, Jason did nothing but let out a sigh.

He still does not forget what happened even though it has happened for almost ten years already.

He also did not forget the pain and reproach in Jenny's eyes when they last met. As well as the heavy words she uttered to him before they finally parted.

“I have lost a lot since I loved you. I have given everything but they are still not enough. You killed me, you took away my dream and the reason to live. And now, you want me to forgive you? I’m sorry, but after all that I have been through because of you, I do not believe that it is possible for a person who has died to forgive.”

It was his fault and he admits that. He tried to turn to others the love that he felt for Ara because he was so hurt when he found out about her and Daniel.

He dated many women back then.

They were all beautiful and sexy.

But because Jenny was his friend and she was always by his side, he could not avoid not seeing her. Until finally she became his girlfriend.

Jenny loved him then and so did he with her. 

But his love for Ara prevailed. As well as the jealousy he harbors in his chest every time he sees her happy with Daniel.

And Jenny?

It was all too late when he realized her worth to him. When she was no longer with him.

He feels very guilty about everything. And now that the young lady is just here nearby, that is the reason he sees so he seems to be afraid to face her.

He does wonder how Jenny is doing?

With that question, Jason immediately felt an intense longing for his ex-girlfriend.

Is he ready?

That was when the young man just shook his head and then went back to his bed.

*****

JENNY felt so relieved when she woke up the next day.

The cold weather and pine trees are the reason why she loves Baguio City so much. In addition to that is the fact that the beautiful view calms her mood.

She just took a quick shower and decided not to wet her hair. 

She also took a bath yesterday when she arrived and did not come out of her cabin so her hair did not get dirty.

She had finished dressing and was currently fixing herself in front of the mirror when she heard a series of knocks on her door. She thought it might be Malou and she wasn't wrong.

"Good morning, how was your sleep?" it was Malou’s kind question to her.

 "Very good," Jenny replied while smiling sweetly.

"I'll just take the tray," Malou said.

 "Ah, just a moment," said Jenny who hurriedly picked up the tray in the kitchen.

"Thank you, please tell Mama Loida that the Leche Flan was delicious," she said, handing Malou the tray along with the saucer and teaspoon that she had washed last night.

Malou nodded as the aura of her face was happy as she stared at her. "Ma'am Loida is asking if you want to have breakfast with them?"

With that question, Jenny's mind quickly worked to think of an answer. "Oh, thank you but I just want to go for a walk this morning," she said truthfully.

 “Is that so? All right, I’ll tell her that. Don't forget to wear a bonnet and jacket. It is foggy and cold, you may catch a cold,” Malou reminded before finally leaving her.

Jenny followed Malou with her gaze as she walked away before closing the door. She does not have a bonnet to wear but she will be wearing a hooded jacket so there will be nothing to worry about.

*****

AT the branch of a well-known coffee shop Jenny thought of buying coffee when she saw it not far from where she came from. There was no customer at the counter so the transaction was quick.

 She was not sure if it was because of the dinner that she ate last night so she did not feel hungry and that is why she preferred to just sip hot coffee while walking.

Someday I will buy a house here in Baguio.

 That was what a part of her mind said as she smiled looking up at the tall pine trees lined up on the other side of the road she was walking on.

Because of that, the young lady did not notice the man walking in her direction who is busy over the cellphone he is holding. It is too late to avoid that because they had bumped into each other already. The lid of the coffee she was holding was removed and so it spat out of her hand and that made her let go of the cup.

"Oh, miss sorry I didn't mean to!" the prompt words of the man she collided with.

Jenny ignored that and instead bowed without looking at the man to pick up the paper cup.

 "You men have always had the same nonsense excuse of saying those words after hurting someone!" her disgusted reaction.

 "That's why I said I’m sorry because I didn't mean to," he insisted.

 "It's too late because I'm already hurt!" the young lady’s angry reply then stood up.

Jenny also looked up at the tall man in front of her now. Just to stop when for the first time after almost ten years she had a chance to see the dark and for her, they are the most perfect pair of eyes in the world.

"J-Jason?" she said in a tone of disbelief along with the inexplicable and rapid pounding of her chest.

"Jen," Jason said then smiled at her.

*****

"ARE you hurt? May I see?" when he recovered from the shock, Jason suddenly remembered that Jenny had scorched from the coffee spilled from the cup earlier.

 She did not say a word while he is holding her hand that he saw was slightly red. But it didn't take long because Jenny also withdrew her hand from him.

"I'm fine," she said then looked down to avoid his gaze.

Jason smiled at what the young lady did. 

She still doesn't change, still the shy Jenny he met before.

"So what Mama is saying is true," he said which caused his ex-girlfriend to look up at him again.

"What?" Jenny's eyebrows met.

"That you are our beautiful and kind guest who came yesterday," he replied then could not stop himself from smiling.

 He did not take his eyes off the most beautiful face he had ever seen in his entire life. That's why he was able to see the surprise on her face.

"W-What do you mean?"

Jason's smile widened when he heard the tremor in Jenny's voice.

 "I am the son of the owner of the cabin you are renting and staying in now," he replied.

 Jenny's eyes widened at what she heard. "Are you Mama Loida's son?" she asked him

 Jason nodded then stepped closer to Jenny. "How are you?"

 Before the young lady could answer, Jason was unable to control himself. He pulled her then hugged her tightly.

 "I'm happy and we met again," he whispered in a volume that he knew has reached Jenny’s hearing.