She just came out from a very important exam. She saw her best friend sitting alone at the tambayan, looking really dismal. She approached him, a worried look on her face. “San ka galing? I was looking for you inside. You weren’t able to take the test.” He answered with a sigh “I guess I would have to take it next sem then.” She sat beside him. “Look at me. I’m turning 24 and I’m far from graduating. I’m a disappointment.” She turned to him and saw a few tears threatening to fall. She flashed a big smile and then made a funny face. “At least ikaw, hindi nag-aral kaya ka bagsak. Ako nga, nag-aral na ko pero bagsak pa rin.” She groaned. He can’t help but laugh on her reaction. He looked at her intently, her smile still radiating. She’s still making funny faces to cheer him up. And then he said it… I love you... *************** She received his text. It read: U dnt nid 2 say sorry coz im not mad. Juz tel me if you dnt want 2 talk anymore and I will understand. But if you nid some1 to talk 2, im always here. Just a txt away. *************** He’s 18. She’s 17. They’ve been together since 4th year high school. But they need to break up. Her parents would like their only girl to finish her studies first. She gave back the ring he gave to her. “I can’t wear this anymore.”, she said. On her 18th birthday, he gave her a necklace. His ring served as the its pendant. “I’m giving this back to the rightful owner. I know you can’t wear this on your finger. But please wear this around your neck.” She tried to hide her tears. He held her hands. “I will wait for the time that you can wear my ring on your finger. For the meantime, seeing you wear it near your heart is enough.” *************** He missed work for 2 days already. He’s worried that he can’t meet his deadline. She knocked before letting herself in. “I brought you soup. Are you feeling better?” She asked with concern. He shook his head with a firm NO. He noticed her drop some blueprints on the table. “What are those?” “Your design.”, she replied hesitantly. “I finished your draft. I know that you can’t work on ‘em and I was afraid you’re gonna miss your deadline. I hope you don’t mind.”, her voice still very unsure. “When did you finish that?” “Last night.”, she said nonchalantly. “Didn’t you have plans last night?’” “I cancelled.” “What?! You've been anticipating it the whole month!” “It’s both our asses on the line if you weren’t able to finish that. No biggie!” She helped him up and seated him in front of well-prepared meal. “Kain na.”, she added. “Ako nagluto nito.” *****************
It’s 1 am. He yawned as he glanced at the clock. He decided to take a quick nap before going back to business. He was about to close his eyes when his phone rang.
“Hon?”, his girlfriend on the other line. The urgency in her voice made him stand up.
“Hon, bakit?”
“Matutulog ka na ba?”
He sighed as he looked back at the inviting bed. “Hindi pa naman. Bakit?”
“Busy ka?”
“Hindi naman.”
“Punta ka naman dito. Namimiss na kita eh.”
“Sige. Wait for me. I’ll get the keys to the car.”
“Thanks, hon. See yah in a while.”
He took one fleeting look at the tons of paper work he needs to finish by tomorrow morning. I need to stop over a coffee shop for a strong espresso. I have a long drive ahead of me.
He closed his eyes and he could see his girlfriend face light up as she runs to him for a firm hug. She would then give him a peck on the cheek.
It’s all worth it.
*****************
His loud snore woke her up. It was like angry thunder before a menacing storm. She stood up, ready to pounce on the sleeping culprit. But he stirred, almost aware of the danger.
His breathing became calmer. His lips partly open. She can hear his silent moan. His hair slightly dishevelled, unruly strands fall against his face. She fought the urge to gently carress it off.
Before she knew it, she'd been watching him sleep for hours. I can get use to this.
****************
I love that you get cold when it's 71 degrees out. I love that it takes you an hour and a half to order a sandwich. I love that you get a little crinkle above your nose when you're looking at me like I'm nuts. I love that after I spend the day with you, I can still smell your perfume on my clothes. And I love that you are the last person I want to talk to before I go to sleep at night. And it's not because I'm lonely, and it's not because it's New Year's Eve. I came here tonight because when you realize you want to spend the rest of your life with somebody, you want the rest of your life to start as soon as possible.
-Harry Burns to Sally Albright
When Harry met Sally, 1989
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