Drowning Emotions (Isla Series #5)

20

"How long have you been keeping this from me, Veronica?"

When Gia asked me that, my gaze was darted to the table. I just returned from Boracay, and guess what? I was all over the news and social media because of my sudden confession.

"It was stated in your contract that you're not permitted to date. Do you realize that you must pay the penalty for disobeying your contract? Or were you not using your mind when you answered the reporter?"

I eyed her. "I'm quitting. My contract's almost over-"

"Iyon na nga! Hindi mo na lang hinintay na matapos! You still have months, Veronica! Not weeks nor day, but months! Ang tagal pa. Malayo pa! You have scheduled photoshoots already. What if they back out? Siraan ka? Jesus! The boss will not let this pass!" She had no chill.

"I don't care. I'll pay no matter how much they ask of me. I will not take my confession back," mataman na sabi ko sabay tayo sa bangko. "If that's all, I might as well leave because I have to study. Just send me an email regarding my shoots if tuloy pa ang mga iyon. Thanks." Then, I left the room.

In one blink, it was BAR month already. We were almost all staying in hotels and had our own BAROPS team. Daily, I get different food, like donuts and other sweet delicacies delivered from my family. The hotel room was extremely quiet; no sound could be heard. Nakakabingi to the point na nagse-space out ako.

"Hindi ba dapat nag-aaral ka sa hotel ngayon? BAR na bukas."Gulat si Marco nang nakita ako sa labas ng apartment.

"You said to rest if I'm not in the proper state of mind," paalala ko bago siya niyakap nang mahigpit. "Mababaliw na ako. I need a little distraction. I need to breathe. I'll continue studying when I go back to the hotel."

Pumunta kami sa kwarto niya. Doon ko lang napansin na nakatapis lang siya ng tuwalya sa baywang, bagong ligo. Nahiga ako sa kama. He turned his AC on before sitting beside me, putting one hand on my side to block me.

"Huwag kang kabahan," he told me.

Umismid ako. "Sige, ito hindi na," sarkastikong sabi ko.

"Bwisit." He chuckled, brushing his hair wet back away from his forehead. The water drip a bit on my shirt.

He kissed my forehead for a brief moment. Nanatili siyang nakayakap sa akin. His breathing was heavy. Dinama ko lang ang init ng katawan niya. I missed sleeping beside him.

Ever since lumipat ako sa condo, ang dalang namin magkita. He was struggling with his 5th year, I was focused on reviewing.

"I love you," I suddenly blurted out. I wasn't expecting a response since he never said those words again to me. Gusto ko lang sabihin iyon. It just gets stronger daily. I couldn't contain it. I need too say it aloud otherwise I'll drown from loving him.

Loving him too much.

Loving him too strong.

Loving him more than I love myself.

"I want to thank you for being patient and understanding, especially these past months because I'm not really around and I forget to reach out sometimes. I'm really grateful for you." Pumikit ako, nakangiti nang tipid. "I know I have said this a couple of times before and I've said it again, and I'm about to say it again... I love you. I really really do love you, Marco."

I heard him chuckle softly near my ear. "Mga salita mo, Marquez, ah..."

"Thank you for existing," I told him.

He pushed himself away from me but remained leaning near my face. "No, thank you for existing," he returned the words in such sincere tone before kissing me.