Chapter 7

The view of the terrain to Gungal rock is breathtaking. My eyes cannot contain the beauty of nature, added to the scent of pine trees and fresh air all over the place. The trail becomes a bit steep and rocky as we near the second peak.

Chris has been mindful of my steps, never failing to look after me. I feel his gentle touch on my arm, steadying me, whenever I lose my balance. I'm not a damsel in distress here, I thought. I appreciate him being a gentleman, really. It's just that I am not used to being treated that way. I guess traveling often with friends, or by yourself, gives you the feeling that you can handle things well without any special attention from anyone.

That's the thing about being single for quite a while. You become capable of doing things on your own; relying on yourself more than anyone else. You become a little too tough, your walls a little too hard to break.

My mind continues to wander. The familiar fear starts to grip my heart. But I can get used to this, having someone actually feels good. Maybe it's safer this time? I shook my head, pushing my thoughts away. Maybe I'll take it slow. Enjoy. But still, I can't let my guard down.

"Is there something that bothers you?" Chris asked, distracting me, with concern evident in his tone.

"Nothing. Just, uhmm, tired." I lied.

"You seem to be in deep thought."

I playfully pinched his cheeks. "I'm not. Now, can you give me some Snickers? My tummy's growling."

He smiled. "Here."

I know he wants to ask more but chose to let it go instead. I stopped thinking about things and focused on the scene I am currently in. So much for overthinking, Ash.

After going through slopes, the Gungal Rock, along with a number of rock formations, came in view. Excitement and anticipation made my heart beat faster. The hike to Mt. Ulap won't be complete without this protruding rock formation as this is considered as one of its highlights. At one point, I mentally asked myself if I can muster the courage to sit on the edge. Imagine a huge and seemingly half a triangle rock that hangs almost diagonally over the stretch of forests and mountains.

"Lady's first?" Chris asked, observing my reaction.

I nodded.

"Or you want us to go together?" He suggested.

"That would be better, I guess." I smiled.

"What happened to the brave girl, huh?" He mocked.

"Can't find her." I laughed.

He ruffled my hair and offered his hand to lead me. I took it and for some unexplainable reason, I felt safe. I decided, maybe just for this moment, not to entertain fear or any negative thought. I took a deep breath and smiled widely. Chris smiled back and briefly squeezed my hand. Damn that smile.

We asked one of the local tourist guides to take our photos since they know the best angles, the right shots, and position to further accentuate the view.

Chris went first, walking carefully on the surface of the rock. Upon finding his balance, he offered his hand again and guided me until we're standing beside each other. I clutched into his arm as I felt the wind blow.

"Are you okay?" He asked.

"I am. Come! Let's walk to the edge!" I answered, feeling braver.

"That's my girl."

We waved to the tour guide who is busy taking our photos. Even without our cue! Stolen shots, maybe? After few shots, we walked towards the edge. I felt my adrenaline rush. I can't help but smile because it is indeed one for the books!

We admired the beauty that surrounds us. The mountains serve as a perfect backdrop to the majestic rock formation to where we are standing right now. I took a deep breath, feeling every bit of this surreal moment. I was brought back to the present when I felt his gentle kiss on my forehead.

"I'm sorry, I can't help it." Even with his smile, I can sense a hint of guilt.

"No, it's okay." I said genuinely. It really was okay. I think we both found no words to say at this time so we contented ourselves with silence, allowing this wonderful creation to consume us.

After a few minutes, we decided to go down and proceed to the last and final summit.

We slowed our pace this time, enjoying the upward and downward slopes leading to Mt. Ulap itself. Unlike the steep but equally amazing trails on the way to the first two summits, this one is easier. Still grassy and misty, we felt the whole place get colder. The ambiance, thank God, made the exhaustion bearable.

While on our way, I scanned the photos with Chris, especially those that were taken by our guide in Gungal Rock. I was impressed on how he managed to take great photos of us even if most of them are random and stolen shots.

"Look at you! Your legs seem to be shaking!" He laughs.

"So now you're the one making fun of me, huh?!" I countered, trying to hide my smile.

"I thought you're one brave girl." He commented, still mocking me.

"I'm actually afraid of heights." I confessed.

He looked confused for a bit, then he smirked, "But you climb mountains, right?"

"Uhm, yeah? It's my way of somehow battling with my fear. I want to overcome it."

"Wow." I can sense admiration in his tone.

Ignoring his reaction, I continued browsing in my camera. I felt my heart skip a beat upon seeing a particular photo. I heard him giggle beside me and in turn, I teasingly gave him a what-the-fuck look. I actually like the shot. It seems genuine.

"What?" He tried to act nonchalant.

"You had this on cue, right?" I asked sarcastically, making fun of him.

"You wish!" He countered.

"I love this shot. Like, really." I tried my best to sound serious because I actually am. Get a grip of yourself, Ash!

"Same here. But I swear, I didn't know it was captured."

"Promise?"

"Yeah. With all my fucking heart." He said as he raised his right hand and placed it over his heart.

I laughed. "If you say so."

We looked at the photo again before I turned off my camera. I smiled to myself. The image of him kissing my forehead with my eyes closed emanates sincerity, add that to the perfect mountain backdrop and the clear blue sky. We were like part of the painting-- the characters that, no matter how small, completes the meaning of the wonderful masterpiece. Thank God, for the gift of nature.

After about almost an hour, we finally reached the peak.

Everything that I've read about this mountain is an understatement. I can't blame them, because even I, cannot perfectly describe this amazing place. Words will never be enough. Photos taken can't give its beauty justice. I can't believe my own eyes. It is one of the most beautiful places I've ever been.

"Wow! I feel like we can almost touch the clouds!" I almost exclaimed.

"Ashley! Here! Smile!" He clicked his cam as soon as I faced him. I was too stunned to protest.

"Chris! Let's go and take our lunch there! I'm starving!" I pointed to one of the highest hills on top.

We took our lunch on top of the hill. Neither of us talked much. We, again, were consumed by the beauty that surrounds us. After eating, we spent an hour appreciating the rewarding scene in front of us.

"Chris, thank you." I muttered, looking on the mountains through the sea of clouds.

"I'm glad you enjoyed this adventure." He answered, looking at the same direction.

"I didn't expect I'd enjoy this with you. I really appreciate it."

"Anything for you, Miss."

"How did you know? I mean, that I'd consider this trip? That this is the kind that I'll actually enjoy?"

"I just know." He said with a little smile on his lips. Damn.

"But we don't know each other that much yet. What if I like, say, a romantic dinner on a posh restaurant?" I tried to act serious.

"We've been talking for months!"

"Uh huh." I just nodded.

"And Research, Ash. Research." He teased.

"You sound creepy on that part!" I said, acting scared.

"Creepy? You think of someone with a face like this, creepy?"

"You're so fond of yourself, aren't you?"

We both laughed.

It is now time to descend the mountain. While we still want to stay a little longer, the guide said that it will be better if we leave already. So we followed.

The trail going down is steep, almost on a 90-degree. It is a challenge, really, because the steps are only carved and you have to rely on the branches for support when you need it. We focused on our way down, watching each other's back. We held hands whenever needed or 'just because.' There were times when we felt like our knees are going to give away. It was a long way down.

Finally, after crossing slopes and several bridges, we can finally say: We survived Mt. Ulap.

Exhausted, we fixed ourselves before going home. When the driver arrived, we climbed up the car and before we even notice, Chris and I drifted off to sleep.