Faith.Hope.Love

24. Let's End Here

 "Is it the book from..." I stared at the familiar book Daniel was carrying.

"Yes, this is the book from Today's Hope."

"How did you get that?"

"Oh, I got this from Ma'am Carmen."

"You know her?"

"Of course. We are constructing the Boys' Home."

"The DGN Construction Company?"

"Yes. Remember when we accidentally met in Antipolo? I had a meeting with Ma'am Carmen and she shared to me about the project you're working on."

"Oh, really?" He didn't need to remind me of that day.

"I am so sorry, I was supposed to attend the book launch, but I needed to visit one of our project sites in Laguna."

"That's fine, you don't need to say sorry about that." In my mind, it was a relief that he didn't come.

"But are you really okay now? I heard that you were confined in the hospital?"

"I'm okay. Good as new. I'm coming back to work tomorrow." I told him.

"That's good news!"

"Yes. indeed. So what's new with you?" I asked Daniel not knowing what else to say.

I must admit that it was not easy to sit in front of him, conversing and trying to be myself. Looking at him, somehow brought back the memories we had when it was still us. When I was young I often heard that "First love never dies.", but I was still convincing myself until this day. Probably, for me, it was more like "True love never dies." Just a thought. But what if your first love is your true love? I also remember a saying that "If you love someone, set them free. If they come back they're yours; if they don't they never were."

I had to stop my thoughts. At this time really? Sure enough, I was a hopeless romantic. But I knew better now. Well perhaps, this what would happen if I entertain some memories from the past. Daniel was my past and I had decided to leave that past behind many years back.

Maybe, God has plans why he allowed us to meet again. Whatever it is, I'm trusting God everything. I remember His words from Ecclesiastes 3:

"For everything there is a season,
a time for every activity under heaven.
A time to be born and a time to die.
A time to plant and a time to harvest.
A time to kill and a time to heal.
A time to tear down and a time to build up.
A time to cry and a time to laugh.
A time to grieve and a time to dance.
A time to scatter stones and a time to gather stones.
A time to embrace and a time to turn away.
A time to search and a time to quit searching.
A time to keep and a time to throw away.
A time to tear and a time to mend.
A time to be quiet and a time to speak.
A time to love and a time to hate.
A time for war and a time for peace."

Daniel and I never talked after he called me that day in the office. But I never forget how it broke my heart to let him go when all I prayed for was for him to come back to me. I never tried to ask our common friends about him because I simply didn't want to know anything regarding Daniel. This maybe the right time for us to talk again.

I was startled when Daniel answered me.

"Well, I am focusing on my work now. By the way, Nanay asked me about you when I told her that you were having a book launch in Today's Hope."

"Oh, I do hope Nanay is doing well." I never thought that my heart could still feel the pain of the memories we had.

"She is doing well. And you remember, Crystal? My niece...you were her favorite."

"Yeah, how is she now?"

"She's taller than me now and she just passed the board exam for nurses." Daniel proudly narrated.

"That's so nice. Oh, we're that old already?" I laughed.

Daniel also laughed with me.

"Well, I am not that old..." He immediately denied the fact.
I had to stop laughing when Daniel looked at me seriously.

"Kath, I followed what you said about her. I tried very hard to remember the first time I fell in love with Annie but all I could remember was you. Our relationship didn't last. After that, I just focused on my work until I built the DGN Construction..."

I nodded as I processed what I was hearing. All these years, I thought they were still together.

"I looked for you and I heard that you got engaged," he added.

"It didn't push through. But it's okay. I am happy with what I am now. I hope you are also Daniel."

"Yes, I am."

"Well, we should be happy Daniel. And we have all the reasons to be happy."

"But if we could turn back, would you still accept me?" he asked.
I didn't respond to him. I didn't want to say anything that I might regret.

"But we couldn't turn it back..."

"I'm so sorry Kath. I was wrong when I let you go."

"No, Daniel. It was destined to happen. I wouldn't be here if not for that. It was God's plan for both us. I may have lost you but God found me."

He just listened.

"And look at you, you're so successful. And I'm proud of you. I always believe in you. Nanay's dream for you came true...Architect Daniel Narvaez." I sincerely reminded him.

"But I also have a dream that is yet to come true." I avoided to look him in the eyes.

Before, Daniel's eyes were the most beautiful ones for me.

"Don't tell you're thinking to shift your career...you need to finish building Boys' Home first!" I kidded.

"It's you."

"What?!" I wasn't sure if I heard him right.

"You are my dream that is yet to come true..."

Daniel reached for my hand. I was startled by his act but I didn't protest. Maybe I also wanted to know if I still feel something for him.

"You're always been my dream. I'm sorry that I was not able to stand for you. I was so confused then. I didn't want to drag you into my mess and I was full of hatred that time."

I felt that Daniel didn't tell me what was his real reason why he broke up with me. He only said that he had other plans and I was not part of it. Hearing those words were enough to pierce my heart.

I wanted to believe in every word he said but my heart has changed. I sincerely loved him before but I'd outgrown it already. My hand wasn't cold anymore when he held it and as I looked at him, all I could see was the face of Gabriel. I got back my hand from Daniel and stood up.

"Daniel, I think I have to go. It's getting late...and I forgot to bring my eyeglasses. I might have a hard time driving back."

"Kath, I'm sorry for asking you..."

"Thank you, Daniel. I have forgiven you in the past. And yes, I also waited for this time. I have waited for you to come back to me and say the things you just said. I believed that we'd have our second chance someday. You were also my dream. Remember when we agreed to become the best Nanay and Tatay?"

"I am here now Kath...let's make that dream a reality."

"But my heart has changed. I changed..."

Daniel came near and embraced me.

"I will wait for you Kath to give me another chance to make this work?" He whispered to me.

I slowly moved away from his embrace.

"Daniel, let's end here..." I turned away from him determined not to look back again.

I went out from the coffee shop. Tears came running from my eyes.

I was walking very fast to reach my car when I noticed the fireflies that were lighting my way.