Where We Promised

Chapter 25

Confess

Hindi ako mapakali buong hapon dahil lipad ng lipad ang aking isipan sa kung anong laman ng envelope na binigay ni Terrence, o sa kung anong sasabihin niya sa akin mamaya. Pagtunog ng bell ng Professor sa kaniyang mesa- hudyat ng pagtapos ng panghuling klase- agad akong lumabas sa classroom at pumunta sa pinag usapan naming lugar ng pagkikita.

While I was panting and catching up my breath, I saw his back while kicking stones in front of an old tree. I wonder kung ilang minuto na siya dito naghihintay. I whistled at him to catch his attention at lumingon nga ito ng mabilis.

Naglakad na ako to close the distance between us. Curious na curious kung anong laman ng envelope na binigay niya, kinuha ko ito at pinakita sa kaniya. I waved it at his face. I showed my teasing smile at him at sinusundot sundot pa siya.

"Pwede ko na bang buksan?" I asked him in a jolly manner. He sighed, smiled, and nodded at me. Ano ba kasi to? Bakit parang kinakabahan ako.

It's scented paper, and if you look closely, kitang-kita mo ang small details ng paper na parang may vines and flowers. Is this an invitation for his birthday? Pero parang ang fancy naman ata, at tapos na ang birthday niya?

'I like you'

Hindi masyadong nag load sa utak ko ang nabasa ko pagbukas ko sa bigay niya. Hindi ako makaimik dahil sa naghalo-halong nararamdaman ko. Tinitigan ko ang envelope at dahan-dahang inangat ang paningin sa lalaking nasa harapan ko ngayon.

His face is showing confidence, but his body language gave him away. He is nervous. I am too! My freaking best friend just confessed to me with a scented paper!

Ano kayang magiging reaction nila Miggy at Hera pag nalaman nila ito. But that's the least of my concern right now dahil sa bilis ng tibok ng puso ko. I can almost feel physical pain from my heartbeats and churning of my stomach because of... kilig?

My best friend and crush confessed to me. He risked it!

"I couldn't understand myself the past months we're not together. Every time nakikita ko kayo ni Anton, I feel things I shouldn't feel for a friend. Every time I see you happy, I feel happy. Every time I see you in pain, I'm hurting with you." He said, all eyes on me. He stepped once more for us to be closer.

"I like you, Maria Christina. Not just as a friend, but as a woman." He handed me three pieces of red roses. I want to cry.

While I was having second thoughts about me confessing to Terrence, here he is... bravely risking it all! What if hindi ko siya gusto, anong mangyayari sa pagkakaibigan namin?

But that is not my concern right now! I like him too. I want him as my best friend and as my lover.

I know my silence scared him. His breathing changed and he put his hands inside his pockets. I hugged him and I felt him stiffen. He's shocked. I inwardly giggle.

"You're brave for saying that to me, Terrence," I said while still hugging him. I have no plans on breaking this hug, not until I also say my feelings to him.

"Did you know that one of the reasons why I distanced myself to you is because... I like you?" I whispered. Shy because I feel like my reasons were too shallow. He broke the hug to see my face. I saw him shocked. His eyes were so wide, at kita ko ang pagpipigil niya ng ngiti.

"You like me too?" He asked as if he didn't hear me.

Yes, you idiot! Pinapaulit mo pa talaga! Hiyang-hiya na ako. I felt my cheeks heated and for all I know, feel ko pulang-pula na ako ngayon.

"Oo nga." I said while rolling my eyes, avoiding his gazes. "Pinapaulit pa talaga," I added in a whisper manner. Pero narinig niya parin ata dahilan kung bakit ang lakas ng tawa niya.

Sinapak-sapak ko na siya sa braso dahil napapalingon na ang ibang kaklase namin na nasa malayo dahil sa lakas ng tawa niya. Pulang-pula na ako sa hiya dito tapos nandito siya, tuwang-tuwa pa sabay lagay ng isang kamay niya sa tiyan.

Tatalikuran ko na sana siya nang hilain niya ako at inilibot niya ang kanyang braso sa akin. He's hugging me tightly. Tumahan na siya sa pagtawa pero ramdam ko parin ang galak. He's scent enveloped my nose. It smelled comfort. I feel at peace. I tightened my hug too, when I felt one of his hands caressing my hair.

I was once dreaming of this happening. Me in the arms of the man I like- feeling comfort, peace, and serenity all at once. I never thought that that man could be my best friend.

"Manliligaw ako sa'yo kahit sinabi mong gusto mo ako," He whispered to me.

"I will work hard for your 'yes', Cring. Don't give it to me so soon. I want to earn it, okay?"

With those words... I knew I couldn't like or even love another man other than Terrence. Is it too soon to say it?

I nodded in response to his words. While hugging me, I felt him kiss the top of my head. I like you very much, Terrence. Our years of friendship may be at stake when everything fails, but an eternity of "what ifs" will also hunt me if I don't give in today.

I'm choosing to risk it all for you, too.