Mystery Behind Romance [ONE SHOT]

Our 8th Roadtrip

His lips taste of sweet mint and are incredibly soft. And his fresh scent fills my senses, leaving my body yearning for more.

I savor his lips and cape his name, but suddenly he stops.

"Why?" I whispered.

My heart began to ache, and I was unable to stop myself from expressing my dismay to him.

"Why?" I asked again, but this time, I didn't get a response. He exited the car.

My eyes began to well up with tears, but I have to control them. So I got out of the car and took a deep breath.

"Please don't ruin this; it's our first kiss," I said. Umiling siya at hinilot ang sintido bago humarap sa akin.

"I'm sorry, but I can't do it anymore,"

"W-what are you saying? Okay, naman tayo kanina ah," umiling siya.

"Sinubukan ko lang na gawing okay," naguguluhang tinitigan ko siya.

"A-nong... Bakit? May problema ba tayo?"

Kinagat ko ang labi ko ng mag umpisa ng pumatak ang luha. Umiwas siya ng tingin at ibinaling ang mata sa malawak na karagatan.

"I want to commit to someone who isn't just free in the summer. I want real love, not like this." Bumaling siya sa akin ng sambitin niya iyon.

Ang sikat ng araw na tumatama sa kaniyang mukha ay nagdala ng kislap sa mata niyang unti-unti nating napupuno ng luha.

"No, please don't do this to me."

"But we must; this is controlling our lives."

"What? No! Is that your reflection for this?
"Oo, dahil 'yan ang totoo."

"Sayo! Pero sakin, hindi! This gives me motivation and inspiration to strive for success in all that I do in life. Siguro ikaw," natigilan siya ng tumaas na ang boses ko.

"Siguro ako nga lang," sambit nito bago ilang beses na lumunok. Umiiyak na umiling ako.

"You have to be aware that you are currently hurting me," sambit ko.

"I'm sorry, pero nasasaktan narin ako." Pinagkatitigan ko siya ng tuluyan itong humarap sa akin.

"I missed you so much at sakal na sakal ako sa bawat araw na gustong gusto kitang mahawakan. Pakiramdam ko hindi ako makahinga tuwing iniisip ko kung nasaan ka, sino ang kasama mo o kung may ibang lalaki ba ang umaaligid sayo. Sobra akong naaapektohan. Kasi wala akong magawa. And this... A one road trip with you during summer is more like a torture to me.

"Funny enough, this was our first kiss even though it has been eight years. Why? Every summer is like the first time I meet you. Clair, hindi tayo umuusad."

"But I am contented, Sam," I said, merely begging.

"But I am not," he replied, which broke my heart into a million pieces.

"I know it will cause heartbreak to both of us, pero... Iligtas natin ang sarili natin bago pa tayo masanay sa ganito." I started to cry even harder as he came over and assisted me in wiping away my tears.

"Claire, what a wonderful person you are. I can see why you are unable to go with me. Our obligations caused us to be apart from one another. Moreover, I urge you to refuse to accept less. Even though I love you so much, I hope you have all the things you deserve."

Hinuli ko ang kamay niya at hinayaang nasa pisngi ko lamang iyon.

"Sam, kaya ko naman mag-adjust."

"Pagkatapos ay tatalikuran mo lahat ng taong umaasa sayo dito? Claire, no. You do not deserve that. You deserve to be loved and supported throughout your darkest moments. who is always willing to give you a hug and a kiss. However, it hurts to consider that... You're going to kiss someone else, but I have to put up with it, too."

"No, Sam, hindi ko kaya...please."

"Alam kong kakayanin mo, kakayanin natin."

"Mali ka... hindi ko kaya, please!"

Tatlong hakbang paurong ang ginawa niya pagkakatapos bitawan ako.

"Sam, please. I'm begging you; don't leave me."

"I'm sorry, Claire, but sa pagkakataong ito, nahihirapan narin ako."

I knew I was lost when he said that. Despite the excruciating pain I was in, I straightened up and gave him a bitter nod.

Gaya ng sabi ko, ipaglalaban ko siya ano man ang mangyari ngunit ako mismo ang susuko kung mapapagod siya.

Sa walong taong nakalipas. Ramdam ko ang parehas na hirap na sinasabi niya. Hindi ko mabilang kung ilang beses na ba akong sumigaw sa mundo, bakit hindi nila hayaang magkasama kami. Ngunit napagod na rin akong magtanong hanggang sa, sinanay ko ang sariling makontento nalang. All I want is his love. Kaya ng iparamdam niya sa akin iyon, I know I can conquer all.

However, that is the nature of love. Everybody handles long-distance relationships differently, and each has their own coping strategies. Every time I miss him, I am able to draw back on the memories we shared. Even if it doesn't seem completely satisfying, at least it will ease the daily pain of missing him.

But, this does not imply that I am strong and he is weak. He was merely defending his way of thinking.

To prologue that, who am I?

Besides, these broken road trips will never define my love. Those eight years will always be precious. Particularly our eighth road trip. When we both decide to drive independently...in separate ends.