I'm Getting Older While He's Not (Unconditional Love Trilogy #1)

Kabanata 2: Ang Pagkahulog

"Well, tomorrow po, I will wait for you at the main gate," pagbasak niya sa katahimikan dahilan para mapangiti ako.

"Uhm, sure," I replied shortly. I'm not sure why my responses are so brief. Hindi ko alam ang sasabihin ko. This is worse than I thought.

I can't believe na nagsisimula na akong kumati like Adelaide!

"Bakit ang cold mo? Did Manong Jay did something not good to you?" he asked with a  tone of indicating concern.

Ha? So, iniisip niyang nakalikot ang petchay ko?

“Ha? Hindi! Walang ginawang masama sa akin si manong Jay, maayos pa nga niya akong hinatid. To be honest, sa entrance lang sana ako magpapababa kaso, pinilit niyang sq loob na lang baka raw kasi magalit ka,” I laughed as I explained. That's probably what he's been thinking the whole time. I felt bad for him.

“As everyone should,” he sounded like mad dad now. “Everyone sould be mindful of their actions— lalo sa iyo, I will never forgive them if there's something bad will happen to you.”

This is bad. Kinikilig na ako sa mga corny and cringe banat niya. Dapat na akong pabagsakin.

"Sige po, I think you're tried, go to sleep na po," he ordered while yawning. "Goodnight, mahal. Sleepwell, take care, stay safe, see you tomorrow, and I love you," he added something before abruptly ending the call. Suddenly, the last word he said echoed in my mind, replaying over and over as I tried to process everything. It felt as if it had become stuck there, refusing to fade away.

I love you? It was the first time I had ever heard those words from a man. Yes, he had said it earlier, but hearing it now felt entirely different. I felt like a candle melting from the warmth of his confession. My biological father passed away when I was just a baby, and I never received an “I love you” from him. According to my mom, he died when I was about eight months old. I had never seen his grave or even a picture of him, which made Ethan's words feel even more significant to me.

That’s why I had never heard “I love you” from a man before, and it’s also why I was so hesitant to fall in love. My mom’s story showed me that love often leads to pain. Nobody seems to be truly happy when they’re in love; it always ends in tragedy. I couldn't shake the feeling that love was something to be avoided, a path that only led to heartbreak.

Since my parents aren't married, I'm using my mother's surname, Carter. Then, last year, Mom allegedly introduced her new husband? We didn't talk much because he's still a little introverted. Since I'm not used to his presence, I sometimes don't want to go home immediately away.

I merely shook my head since I feel like an idiot in this situation. I should accept it now since sabi nila, nangyari na.

Huminga ako nang malalim at ni-back ko na 'yong messenger at pumuntang facebook; I tap the search bar and I searched Ethan's full name.

Matagal na rin kaming friends sa facebook ni Ethan. Since grade 10 pa, yata? I guess? Pero hindi kami nag in-interact kasi super seryoso niya lagi. Napakalinis ng account niya ni wala nga siya shared post at walang profile. Huminga ako nang malalim at lumipat ako sa IG niya.

@ecob_gonzales
Ethan Jacob Gonzales
Estaré esperando a la mujer de mi sueño.

   01           8.9k               03
Post    Followers   Following

Napangiti ako nang lumabas na 'yong account niya. 8.9k followers? OMG, ngayon ko lang nalaman na famous pala itong lalaki na 'to. Sumingkit ang mata ko nang makitang tatlo lang na ni-follow niya. Kinagat ko ang ibaba kong labi sabay pindot ng following niya.

Kumunot ang noo ko nang makita ko ang name ko sa list. Ni hindi nga ako aware na naka follow pala siya sa akin.

Following:

@QuezhiaKayeCarts
@DwayNatutulogKapagNagseselos
@Eraserhead

I can't believe it. I took a look at his post. There was only one, and it was his profile picture. I pressed his DP while glancing at Ethan's face, trembling.

Napatili ako sa bumungad sa akin. He's quite attractive here. Kaya hindi na ako nagulat why so many ladies were staring at him earlier.

Ilang saglit, zi-noom ko 'yong picture niya since medyo hindi kita nang maayos iyong mukha niya; Naka black hoodie siya habang naka upo at may hawak na coffee.

Pinagmasdan ko rin 'yong mukha niya. He has healthy, straight black hair and bristly eyebrows that frame his brown almond-shaped eyes, which speak of a dark and mysterious allure. His features are striking, with a perfect jawline, a well-defined nose, and kissable lips. He resembles a mix of Shawn Mendes and Cha Eun Woo, especially with his slightly almond-shaped eyes that add to his enigmatic charm.

Hahalikan ko pa sana 'yong screen ng cellphone ko nang I accidentally tap the like button.

OMG! Isang bangungot ito! I was about to hit unlike, but then a message suddenly popped up on my screen.

From Ethan:

I know you already missed me, stop stalking. You should go to bed and sleep na po, Mahal.

I quickly turned off my Wi-Fi and plugged in my phone to charge. Just as I was settling into bed, ready to fall asleep but someone knocked on my door. I sat up hastily and carefully opened the door, curious and a little anxious about who it might be.

"Anak, kumain ka na ba?" mahinanong tanong ni Mommy. Tinignan ko siya nang saglit at tumango na rin ako pagkatapos no'n.

"Sige, anak, matulog ka na at may pasok ka pa bukas," Mommy said as she slowly shut the door without making any noise. I quickly turned out the light and dashed to my bed.

My ceiling has left me speechless. I'm convinced that I've been in this world for far too long at ngayon lang ako nakaramdam ng kilig. I used to have male pals in primary school, but I have no feelings for any of them. Simply platonic.

After a few moments of thought, I made my bed and went to sleep. I wish he could sleep well, too. I love him, too.

And that night. I know I'm in terror, because in just a day, I'm already fallen at him.

*****
I'm Getting Older While He's Not
#UnconditionalLoveSeries
-kyahhhgorgeous