Flying Without Wings (Del Gallego Series #1)

Chapter 30

This is the last chapter before the epilogue, and TWEH ends after that. It's been a whirlwind flight and so many storms we went through. I am happy our wings did it but I am sad because some of you will take new ways sooner. But before you fly your chosen sky, always remember the lesson that Maximo and Athena engraved herein... love, forgiveness, and justice, will set us free.

This chapter is strictly intended for adults, therefore it's not suitable for anybody under the age of eighteen. Readers' discretion is advised. Take this warning seriously.

Chapter 30: Home

After those dark days when I fell under a storm, it's hard to imagine that it was the same sky that gave me light to find my way back. Now I am watching that magnificent light reflected from each leaf and wisp of clouds above. It was a perfect moment for me to realize that a new day had come, and those pains engraved herein are done yesterday.

Everything now is getting settled into its right place.

I can already feel myself breathing freely while my eyes remain fixed on the golden arching rays of morning. Kumalabog ang dibdib ko. Mas lumakas iyon nang maramdaman ko ang pagyakap sa akin ng pamilyar na tao.

With the sigh, my shoulders relaxed, and the corners of my lips slowly lifted the moment I heard his raspy voice afterward.

"Baby, you okay?"

His voice... It really had that deepest tone, something that carries my heart for a moment of time. Tinatanaw ko ang paparating na araw sa labas ng terasa nang nakangiti, hanggang sa dumating ito.

I then shifted my gaze to my side and saw Maximo. His chin settled on my shoulder as if it became his favorite place. I felt the butterflies partying in my stomach because of that thought. Ngumuso ito habang tinititigan pabalik ang aking mga matang puno ng kasiyahan. I remained to stare at him, causing him to groan, and abruptly stole a kiss.

I blinked in surprise.

Nang marinig ko ang kanyang malalim na halakhak, uminit ang mga pisngi ko sa kahihiyan. Mabilis kong ipinirmi ang tingin sa harapan, kagat ang pang-ibabang labi, habang nanunukso akong tinitingnan niya.

"I'm a good kisser!" he proudly said while hugging me.

Bumusangot ang mukha ko dahil sa pagiging mayabang niya.

"Baby?" marahan na tawag niya.

Tumigil na ito sa pag-halakhak, pero kita ko pa rin ang sinusupil na ngiti.

Napalunok na lamang ako dahil tila nangaakit ang labi niya.

Gusto ko tikman.

My cheeks flared at my thought.

"Baby, I love you..." he whispered, kissing the side of my lips.

Ibinalik ko sa kanya ang tingin, pero hindi ko mapigilan hindi sulyapan ang labi niya. Maximo is unaware of the thoughts going through my head. He keeps kissing my temple and cheeks.

"I love you so much."

My heart's steady beat had already shifted its tempo. While I'm in his arms, I feel like it starts a new genre, and I'm happily welcoming those sounds.

"Maximo..." mahinang tawag ko sa pangalan niya.

"Hmm?"

Tumigil ito sa paghalik bago ako tiningnan, kunot noo, dahil siguro sa nag-iinit kong pisngi na sinasabayan pa ng mga malalang ideya na tumatakbo sa isipan. Napababa ako ng tingin sa leeg niya at sumiksik.

Nahihiya ako.

"Hey, why are you hiding?"

Pinilit niya akong tingnan, pero mas itinago ko ang mukha sa dibdib niya dahil lumalala na ang naiisip ko!