A Pure Heart: Missing Piece

Simula

As I sit here, memories flood my mind like an unstoppable river. I remember those moments when I desired a genuine connection, for a touch of pure warmth in a world that often seemed cold and distant. It's in these memories that I found him, the one who defied convention to become my anchor. His laughter, his kindness, and his compassion thawed the layers of ice around my heart, revealing the softer side I'd kept hidden. And though the journey has been far from smooth, I treasure every step we've taken together.

"How did your love story start ba, Tita Yshi?" Calliope asked me.

My niece, Calliope, had that sparkle in her eyes as she asked that. I chuckled and glanced at Ate Cassandra, who smiled and nodded, encouraging me to share the story since her daughter's curiosity was evident. On the side, my nephews, Dos and Rye, couldn't have been more different. Dos appeared solemn and serious, while Rye exuded a playful vibe. The twins, Kean and Sean, stood alongside Calliope, looking thoroughly intrigued. And there's Gabriel, chuckling at the other side.

"You want full details, honey?" I chuckled at my niece.

"Why not? I think it's kind of interesting because you're cool, Tita! I wonder how he made you smitten!"

Natawa sila Ate Cassandra at Ate Nicole kaya pasimple akong umirap sa dalawa dahil alam kong alam nila kung papaano ako naging pabebe rin gaya nila. Hindi ko na lang naman pinansin pa sila pagkatapos saka na tumingin sa dagat kung nasaan sila kuya, at hindi namin alam kung ano ang pinagkakaabalahan nilang mga lalaki. We're having our family vacation now in our private island far from the urban's chaos. Hindi ko lang alam bakit ang makukulit na mga anak nila ay hindi sumama sa kanila at biglang gustong malaman na ang nobela ko. Hindi naman talaga si Calliope ang pasimuno rito, si Gabriel...

"Come on!" Gabriel said excitedly, laughing.

"Come here, Gab," I told him and gently tapped my lap so he could sit there.

How did it start? Napatawa ako sa isipan ko habang inaalala ang mga nakaraan. We met when he was a sophomore and I was a freshie.

I woke up to the irritating sound of Precious' voice that morning, urging me to get out of bed. It was clear that I had overslept, and she had been attempting to wake me up for a while. Annoyed, I pushed her aside and groaned. She scolded me for staying up so late, but I couldn't be bothered. After a quick wash, I got dressed in a hurry, realizing I was running late. I gathered my things, and we rushed out of the house.

As I sped my car towards our university, Precious suddenly pointed out that I had forgotten to wear shoes. Ang lutang, hindi ba? I glanced at my bare feet, cursed under my breath, and pulled over to the side of the road because of her mocking laugh. I ordered her to get out of the car, and she did so with an eye roll. I resumed driving, feeling increasingly annoyed. Looking in the sideview mirror, I couldn't help but smirk at her frustrated expression as I left her in front of a mall.

We were in a hurry, and my bad mood was intensifying. Ang sakit na ng paa ko kahit na semento ang nilalakaran, sakto pa talaga na may nakabangga sa akin.

"Aray," I groaned when someone bumped into me.

Good thing I was able to balance myself not to fall on the ground. It's annoying that someone just bumped me. Inis kong nilingon ang lalaking nakabangga sa akin at saglit kong pinasadahan ang kabuuan niya. He sported a dark blue button-down long-sleeve polo, with the sleeves stylishly rolled up to his elbows, complemented by a pair of black jeans. His hawk-like eyes locked onto mine, and his well-defined lips curved into a captivating, charming smile.