D A R W I N
I saw her as soon as I stepped on the stage.
How could I not?
In every place and in every crowd, it's her face my eyes automatically search for.
She was wearing a simple white dress topped with a plain cardigan.
Her hair was no longer red. It was back to its normal jet-black color and reached just below her shoulders in gorgeous waves.
She looked sleepy.
I know she's tired from working.
Her skin got a bit of a tan, but I already expected that.
Belle is late. She was supposed to be the one giving the speech.
My mind was a puddle so I just said a couple of things I have already said in other events before, and ended the talk without much fuss.
I don't know how to approach her.
Should I?
We didn't exactly end as much as we just went on separate ways.
It's been years, I guess it's about time we talk.
Right?
I turned my back for a second and she was already gone.
I cursed myself for missing the chance.
But was she really here or was I just making things up in my head?
Baka jet lag lang.
I was looking for her when Belle arrived — a solid hour late.
"Where's Felix?" I asked, kissing her on the cheek.
"I had to rush him to the emergency. Sumakit 'yong tiyan. Probably gall stones. Ang hilig kasi sa maalat!"
"You should have texted me. Hindi mo na sana pinilit na pumunta."
"It's alright." Kibit-balikat niya. "He was just watching The Walking Dead when I left him. Babalik din naman ako kaagad."
I nodded. "As soon as this is over, ihahatid kita."
"No," mabilis niyang pagtanggi.
"What do you mean no?" I asked. "Kailan ka pa tumanggi na ihatid ka, eh, napakatamad mong mag-commute?"
She licked her lips and smiled. "I saw Mads," she whispered excitedly.
I guess I wasn't delusional, then.
I tilted my head.
"I talked to her," she added meaningfully.
I pursed my lips. "What about?"
"I told her that you and I got back together, and that we're engaged!"
