The Art of Persuasion

Afterthought

Afterthought

I sensed heavy breathing on my neck the minute I woke up. It was raining cats and dogs outside and I couldn't ask for more than just hot chocolate and cuddles all day. I turned to my right and then saw a man sleeping beside me. His face was at peace, his eyelashes were captivating and I couldn't help but stroke his face as I begin to examine his whole physique. From his face, to his brawny arms even his chest that I'd always love up to this day.

He seemed to detect my undeniable fondness over his complete being as he opened his eyes and immediately searched for mine. He stared at me as if I was the only one he wanted and he'll ever want. He then flashed his authentic smile and it made my heart melt. This guy-this guy sure knows my weakness.

"Good morning, love—" He hymned as he reached for my face and gave me a peck on the lips. His hug tightened, pulling me closer to his arms not breaking our eye contact. This was the morning I have always dreamt of, other than waking up with him by my side, other than the soothing weather, this morning is special. This morning is not like any other because this day is our first year anniversary.

Yes, we've been together since then but it wasn't official. Ang mas masaya pa nito ay ganito pala ang feeling ng magcelebrate ng anniversary. It was full of excitement and at the same time anxiety because I don't want this day to be ruined. So far so good, my day started really well. Kudos to Caleb Ignatius for warming up my wonderful morning, after a couple of minutes cuddling and just playing we decided to leave the bed and make some breakfast.

We then fix ourselves dahil may pupuntahan daw kami ni Caleb. I don't know but he seems like not in the mood to go to work, hindi niya rin naman ginalaw ang hinanda kong suit niya. I know Caleb loves me but it so unlikely of him to ditch work because for one, other than me and his family-ang trabaho niya ang isa sa mga pinakamamahal niya sa kaniyang buhay. Don't get me wrong, we do celebrate every month pero palagi iyong lunch dates at after work because I am busy as well. Nagkataon lang talagang wala akong appointments ngayon samantalang siya ang tambak na tambak.

"You're not going to work?" I asked him out of nowhere. I was buttoning his burgundy long sleeved polo as he then replied to my question.

"Nope, I have priorities." I smiled as I pretend that I don't get what he's saying. My hands made its way to his nape and his hands found my hips. I looked at him, mesmerized on how godly his features are. Every single stroke was made perfectly, I am awed.

"So hindi mo na pala priority ang Crescendo, Mr. Fuego?" I asked, teasing him. He let out a chuckle and kissed my forehead. He searched for my gaze and he did found it. He looked at me, intensely.

"It's still my priority-" He paused, stroking his thumb on my cheeks. "-but God knows you're more important."

My heart stopped and I was suffocated. I can't feel my legs and even my fingers. My toes were all curled up inside my shoes and my mind was full of scrambled words. I couldn't help but smile and gave him a chaste kiss. This man in front of me may not be the easiest man to deal with but I can say that he is by far-the sweetest.

We left the house right after we finish arranging ourselves and went on with the venue. Wala akong kaalam-alam sa pupuntahan namin and I doubt that Caleb would tell it either kahit magpacute pa ako. It's worth the wait anyway so I'd rather shut up and get excited.

It was a little far that it took us a few hours to reach the place. Pagkababa ko palang ng sasakyan ay hindi ko na agad mahanap ang dila ko. I was too speechless to describe how wonderful the venue was. It wasn't that romantic because of the props and all but it was romantic because of itself alone. Dinala ako ni Caleb sa isang simbahan sa Tagaytay and it was tremendous.

We scanned and roamed the place-it was filled with stairways and flowers which gave us a peaceful and soothing vibe. We decided to enter the church at hindi ako nabigo sa nakita ko sa loob, kung gaano kaganda ang labas ng simbahan ay ganoon din kaganda ang loob nito. It was full of colorful crystal windows that made the light enter the whole area majestically. Ang maganda dito ay hindi ito kasinglaki ng area sa labas, it was the right size for a ceremony. It wasn't too diminutive and it wasn't too huge as well. You could really feel the somberness of the church and how alleviating it is.

Caleb held my arms as we stood at the center of the aisle. He then hugged me tighter than his usual hugs that made me feel something's odd. I reached for his face and he was crying his eyes out. I started laughing, I've never seen Caleb cry like this-last time I saw him like this was a year ago and it made my heart melt.

"Love, why are you crying?" I asked him-still weeping. He kissed my forehead and didn't say a word. He looked at me, authenticity and apprehension was written all over it. Hindi ko alam pero miski ako ay kinabahan na rin, I don't know what's happening and I don't know whether it is something bad or something good.

Caleb, what is it this time? Please.

"You know how much I love you, right?" He started, this time he's trying to make himself to calm down. I nodded to signal him to go on. "That I couldn't live without you and that I can't imagine spending my entire life with someone else other than you." This time, ako naman ang maluha-luha. What is this? Is this some kind of confession? Bakit parang-- bakit-parang nagpapaalam?

"Alam mong gagawin ko ang lahat para lang sayo. I would die for you, Cecily. I would." He said holding my hand tighter than the usual. Hinihintay ko parin ang sunod na sasabihin ni Caleb nang biglang may pumasok sa simbahan. I wasn't expecting him since it has been a year noong nagkita at nagkausap kami. I wasn't mad, I wasn't frightened as well when I saw him. All I could feel is-pity.

Johannes entered and we both looked at each other. It was like we only need our eyes to communicate dahil nagkakaintindihan na kami gamit non. He gave me a cautious smile and I smiled back. After what happened between us, I wasn't really mad at him. Nagulat ako sa ginawa niya and so did he. I know he's not like that and just gotten worse because he was intoxicated. I have already forgiven him and I hope he had forgiven me as well.

He handed something to Caleb and tapped each other's back. Minutes later, Johannes went out of the scene. Naguguluhan man ako ay hindi ko na tinanong si Caleb kung ano ba talagang nangyayari. I wasn't really ready to face the answers anyway dahil una sa lahat, kabadong-kabado ako and lastly, it sounded like a farewell.

"Cecily the truth is I'd go straight to the point." He said firm and certain. Bumalik sa workaholic Caleb ang pagsasalita niya which gave me goose bumps. Hindi ko na alam ang gagawin ko sa mga oras na 'to at hindi rin nakisama ang mata ko dahil tuluyan ng bumuhos ang mga luha mula rito.

And what Caleb told me after gave me the most indescribable feeling—

"Cecily, I'm breaking up with you."

"Will you be my wife instead?"

Note

And it all ends here—TAOP is finally done and I'm so happy na nakaraos ako kahit sobrang hirap ng schedule ko. I would like to thank you guys for your endless appreciation towards my story and I really love how you react in every chapter. Sobra po akong nagpapasalamat sa inyo dahil iniintindi niyo ako. I am really happy that I somehow inspired or entertained all of you. This ending may not be the best but I really did try my best in order to give you the ending you kind of expected?

Thank you guys for everything! Remember that the Fuego brothers love you with all their heart and soul.

Thank you and I love you.

Lots of love,
A