When Love Lasts

23

This is a work of FICTION. All characters are used in FICTITIOUS manner

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"W-What? Bakit? I mean, d-did I do something bad? S-something you didn't like? Have I said something you didn't want? Did I made you feel bad or offended you? Please tell me, I will change it immediately. Babaguhin ko kung ano man ang a-ayaw mo. Ititigil ko ang mga hindi mo m-magugustuhan." I saw him starting to cry.

"Huwag mo akong p-pasukuhin please. Nagsisimula palang akong l-lumaban eh."

"A-ayaw mo na ba sakin? Do you l-like someone else now? Ayaw mo na bang nagkakasama tayo? Nakukulitan ka na ba sakin? I will give you time and space if you want and need it. Just please. Irene, I told you I will wait for you even if I wait forever. Kahit na gaano pa yan katagal, I won't rush you. I will wait"

Oh.

Napamaang ako sa sunod-sunod niyang tanong. Hala ka.

Gusto kong matawa dahil punong-puno na naman ng luha ang mukha niya pero nanaig ang pagka-awa. Para siyang bata na hindi sinama sa mall.

I chuckled. "Ang dami mong sinabi. All I'm trying to say is that. It's time to mark this day as our memorable moment" I told him.

He gave me a confused look. "Huh? I don't unde---"

I cut him off, "You passed the test." I wiped all his tears with my hanky. "Let's end the waiting game" I sweetly smiled.

Napatayo siya kaya tumayo din ako. "R-really? Are we thinking the same thing?"

"Yes. To make it clear, kung hindi mo pa naintindihan, sinasagot na kita."

Sabi ko nga, 'wag na magpaligoy-ligoy sa susunod, straight to the point na nga next time!

I was shocked when he pulled me to a hug but then I can hear him crying again.

"Don't you want it?" I asked as I rub his back.

"Of course I do. I just really thought you didn't want me anymore."

"Stop crying then, will you?" I didn't mean to make him cry. Kanina lang ang kuya ko ang napa-iyak ko, ngayon naman, siya.

Nang kumalas siya ng yakap, tumakbo siya sa dalampasigan at nagsisigaw.

"Thank you Lord! Kami na ni Irene! Woohoo!"

I looked around and people who's just passing by are now looking at him. I went to him.

"Hey!" suway ko nang nakaka-agaw na kami ng atensiyon. "Huwag ka ngang sumigaw"

He suddenly cupped my face and calm down. "You made me the happiest man tonight. How can your simple yes make this night very special." he sighed. "God answered all my prayers, thank you."

"I love you" that's all I can say. I tiptoed to meet his lips which he responded immediately. We sealed this night with a kiss... this very special night.

"I love you more my love" he replied when our lips parted.

I sweetly smiled and then we shifted our gaze to the sea, holding each other's hand. Under these millions of stars and  beautiful bright moon, I gave him my 'yes'. These celestial bodies witnessed this special moment.

"My Irene" he said and peaked at our hands intertwined together.

Eleventh of June, we became official. This day will forever be treasured.

We may just look and act like lovers these past few months, atleast now it's real. And now, with proper label.

"Let's go home?"