Hooked [Fin]

Epilogue

"Bro, kain na tayo." pukaw ni Glenn kay Calix nang sumapit na ang lunch time.

Umiling siya. "Sabay na ako pababa pero 'di ako sasabay." sabi niya sa mga co-trainees niya.

Mapanudyong tinignan siya nina Nash at Glenn. Ang mga ito kasi ang kasama niya sa department na inassign sakanila.

"Saan mo naman idedate si Elisha? Sigurado ka bang kaibigan mo lang siya?" ani ni Nash nang pababa na sila sakay ng elevator.

Pinamulsa niya ang mga kamay at kusa nalang siya nangiti sa tuwing lumilitaw ang cute na mukha ni Elisha sa isip niya.

"You just got whipped, man." sabi ni Glenn sabay tapik sa balikat niya.

"Nah, he just got hooked." sabi ni Nash at nag-high five pa ang dalawa.

Napangisi siya at napayuko. Yeah, he is. Whipped, flipped, stung, hooked, whatever it is that they call it, he knows he's in love with her.

Mahigpit na niyakap ni Calix mula sa likod si Elisha. Nandito sila sa veranda ng condo unit niya. Nakahiga siya sa may lounge chair habang nasa pagitan ng hita niya si Elisha at yakap niya. They're both watching the stars above them.

Isiniksik niya ang ulo sa crook ng leeg ni Elisha at sinamyo ang amoy nito. Eversince college days, hindi pa rin nagbago ang amoy nito. Amoy baby pa rin. He can't help but to get addictive to her smell, heck! He is he kidding? He's just so addicted to Elisha. Period.

Napansin niyang kanina pa tahimik ito kaya naman siniksik niya pa ang sarili rito. "What are you thinking about? Hmm?"

He saw a smile crept on her sweet lips. She put her arm out and stretched it infront of them, the back of her palm facing them and then he smiled when something glittered on her fingers.

"It perfectly fits you, baby." bulong niya rito.

Mas lalong inilapit nito ang kamay sakanilang dalawa. Hinawakan niya ang kamay nito na suot ang singsing na magsisimbolo ng pagsasama nila habang-buhay.

"I can't believe that we're getting married tomorrow." sabi nito.

Nilayo niya ang sarili at pinakatitigan ito. "Believe it, Elisha. Hindi na kita pakakawalan pa." seryosong saad niya rito.

Natatawang pinalo siya ng dalaga at umayos ng upo para maharap siya ng maayos, pero nasa pagitan pa rin ito ng mga hita niya. "Hindi na rin kita pakakawalan pa, Calix. Ang tagal ko kaya 'to hinintay! Took you long enough, though."

He smiled because she even whispered the last sentece but he still heard it. His fiancé is so cute. He sighed and kissed her temple. He will not get tired to say that she's his fiancé now and by tomorrow, she will be Mrs. Santillan, his wife.

Their relationship was a whirlwind experience. Matapos siya nitong sagutin at bigyan pa ng pagkakataon limang taon na ang nakalilipas, hindi niya na ito pinakawalan pa.

Yes, they have their mishaps, arguments and petty fights, pero hindi iyon naging hadlang para magiba ang pagsasamahan nila. Elisha is still continuing her career as an author. In fact, he's proud of her. She bagged several awards and recognitions in different ceremonies. She even worked with some international authors who are also famous in their own genres.

"I love you, Elisha." paglalambing niya rito.

Sumandal sakanya ito. "I love you too, Calix."

Nanatili lang sila sa ganoong posisyon nang tumikhim ito. "Hindi mo ba talaga tatanggapin ang offer?"

He groaned when she opened that topic up again. "Elisha, I told you many times, hindi nga po. I will not leave you."