Tiffany
We’ve been here in Baguio for over a week now. Because of that, I can say that Travis is more comfortable in my presence. Even though there are still some reservations on my part, especially when we sleep on the same bed, he still maintains a significant distance between us.
In the past few days, we visited the Bencab Museum and Botanical Garden. Besides that, I also received a call from Miguel and Jela. They said they were happy because of the pictures I uploaded. Even though they didn’t ask, they can also see that Travis is gradually becoming at ease with me. They just hope that he will also have a pleasant interaction with the photographers during his upcoming photoshoots so that his attitude won’t be portrayed negatively in the media. Miguel is tired of having to plead with them to not publish Travis’ uncooperative behavior on set.
Another thing I am grateful for is that up until now, nobody has recognized Travis here, despite his fans being aware that he is in Baguio. So, we can still move around peacefully.
I can’t help but feel like we’re a couple on an out-of-town vacation. Aside from that, he’s now comfortable again in front of a camera.
Today, we decided to go to Wright Park. It’s also one of the nicest places here that we shouldn’t miss visiting, especially because it will be my first time trying horseback riding.
We took some time finding a parking space. We had to wait for someone to leave before we could park. Since it’s December, we expected that finding parking would be one of our problems due to the large number of people flocking to tourist spots.
Travis immediately adjusted his shades and mask before getting out of the car. I followed suit.
I shook my head. He’s here to relax, and yet, I feel like he’s not enjoying it at all because he needs to wear a disguise most of the time.
“You probably don’t need to dress like that. I think people would still give you privacy once they get to know you,” I suggested as we started walking.
“It’s not a problem for me if it’s just me. I’ve been to other places alone before, and I don’t really bother to wear a disguise outfit. Just now,” he replied.
I nodded. “True. But since I’m with you now, I understand if you’re worried about rumors spreading about the two of us, especially since your show is still ongoing, and they’re not familiar with me.”
He suddenly stopped walking, causing me to stop and look at him. “What?” I asked.
“I don’t care if people gossip about us. What I’m worried about are the hurtful words they might throw at you if it happens,” he said seriously.
I was momentarily speechless because of what he said until he overtook me. I had no idea he was actually concerned about that.
When I recovered, I couldn’t help but suppress a smile on my lips. My heart seemed to leap, and I couldn’t contain the thought that he also worries about me. Especially with what I feel.
The moment we reached the higher level using the high stairs, a bunch of tall pine trees and garden flowers came into our view. I couldn’t help but take pictures of them as we continued to walk around.
I also didn’t miss the opportunity to take pictures of The Mansion. It’s the official summer palace of the President of the Philippines. I even took a picture at the reflection pool, or Pool of Pines. After we finished, I convinced Travis to let me take his picture there as well. I’m uploading his pictures two days later. If I upload them immediately on the same day I took them, his fans will immediately know his current location.
After taking several shots of the pristine view of pine trees and garden flowers, we finally switched to riding horses.
One of the pony boys approached us to assist. I was surprised when Travis made me the only one to choose my horse to ride.
“How about you?” I asked while choosing.
“We will ride the same horse. It might be difficult and something might happen to you. I’ll take care of you,” he replied grumpily.
I frowned. “I can manage myself. Besides, I have a guide with me,” I reasoned.
“It’s better to be sure,” he insisted.
I didn’t argue with him anymore. Besides, the fact that I will be riding the same horse as Travis made my heart do somersaults.
After finally making up my mind, our guide was about to assist me in getting on the horse when Travis quickly held my waist to help me sit on top of the horse. Then he followed suit.
I swallowed hard when I felt his warm breath on my neck. It was cold here, but it felt like my hair stood on end because of that. The intoxicating scent of his cologne didn’t help either; it seemed to penetrate my nose even more.
“Don’t worry. This is not my first time, so you will be alright,” he assured me.
I just nodded. My tongue felt tangled because of the whirlwind of emotions enveloping me now.
The moment he reached the lead rope, I couldn’t help but hold my breath. I could feel his chest pressed against my back, and I could also sense the rapid beating of his heart.
But why? Is he nervous too? Do we still feel the same way about each other?
We silently made our way around the Wright Park Riding Circle. We didn’t have any other companions except for a few riders and guides. Some people were watching us from their benches and even from the viewing deck.
“How long do you plan to hold your breath? You might suddenly collapse.” He chuckled.
I was taken aback. I didn’t expect him to notice that.
I bit my lower lip. “Sorry. I’m just a bit nervous.”
“Don’t be. I’m here with you.”
His words eased my mind. Just like how he often lightened my burdens in the past.
Sometimes, I would dismount to take solo photos of him. I even took a video of him. It’s perfect to upload for his story.
When we got tired of going around, we decided to take a rest and eat at the stalls here. I’m really happy because he’s enjoying his stay here without thinking about the limelight.
So, before we completely leave this place and I finish my work, I will make sure to resolve the conflict between the two of us.
***
That evening, we decided to go to the Baguio Night Market. He was still wearing his disguised outfit, with his thick jacket and a shawl wrapped around his neck. He was completely covered, and you wouldn’t recognize him anymore.
“What if they mistake you for a thief there?” I jokingly remarked as we walked down the street.
He shrugged. “I don’t really mind. It’s actually good because they would willingly keep their distance from me if that happened.”
I just shook my head and looked outside. With the window rolled down, I hugged myself as a sudden gust of cold wind blew.
After a while, we arrived at the night market. It took us some time to find a suitable parking spot due to the number of vehicles and people present. Once we made sure everything was fine, we both got out of the car together.
We were immediately greeted by the festive atmosphere, thanks to the twinkling Christmas lights. The sound of Christmas music played in every corner of the place. So even though it was night, the place was still full of life.
I followed Travis as he headed straight to a clothing store. From there, he picked up a blue t-shirt with the word “Baguio” written on it.
I looked at him, surprised. “Are you serious about shopping here?” I whispered to him.
He tilted his head to my side. “You did tell me to be my usual self while we’re staying here, right? So, I am just being the ordinary me right now.”
I was taken aback. He was right. I was with the ordinary Travis, not the celebrity one.
He then took another set of clothes and handed them to me.
I frowned when I took it. “What’s this for?”
“You take that one. It’s also a part of your collection and a memento of your visit here,” he insisted.
I looked at the size of the t-shirt he handed me. My size has been different since our college days, so I was surprised that he got it right.
“How did you even know my size?” I couldn’t help but ask while examining it.
He shrugged. “Even after all these years, I still remember every curve of your body. So, at a glance, I can tell if something has changed or remained the same.”
My eyes widened, and I let go of the shirt I was holding. I also noticed the mischievous smile on the store attendant’s face as she observed the two of us.
“When did you lose your mouth filter?” I said in disbelief.
He laughed mischievously. “Stop complaining. It’s my treat.”
In the end, I decided to take the t-shirt so the conversation wouldn’t drag on any longer. Besides, even though I knew many people had this kind of shirt, I couldn’t help but feel thrilled because it felt like we had a couple shirts.
Afterwards, we went through the other shops here one by one. He looked at shoes and hats, while I went to see keychains, pins, wallets, and other souvenir items.
Because of the affordable prices of the items here, you could really buy a complete fashionable package for only a thousand pesos. There were even extra trinkets.
But our shopping was interrupted by a series of loud bangs. I looked up at the sky, and my mouth dropped open when I saw the sparkling fireworks there.
Slowly, I turned to Travis, who was just at the adjacent store. He was looking at the sky, and I couldn’t help but be mesmerized by the gentle smile on his face.
Automatically, I reached for the camera hanging around my neck and quickly took a photo of him.
There’s no way that I will let this chance slip through my fingers without capturing this moment. As I looked intently at his picture, it was no longer a surprise that he definitely stood out in the midst of the crowd.
Then he turned his gaze towards me and quickly approached. I was surprised when he suddenly held my hand and pulled me away.
“Let’s go over there.”
I followed him silently. I lost focus on the fireworks as it shifted to our intertwined hands. The way we ran seemed as if we were escaping the present to return to the past.
Even if there are words that are still left unsaid, I believe that I’m slowly finding my way back to his heart. Just a few more days, and I can finally have the chance to correct the mistakes I made on that Christmas night.
But for now, all I want is to enjoy this moment.