Arctic Heart [#Wattys2018 Winner]

Chapter 26

"Bababa na ako," sabi ko at agad na pinatay ang tawag bago lumabas ng kwarto.

Nagmadali ako sa pagbaba at dire-diretso palabas ng aming bahay.

Jace was already leaning on his car while his arms were crossed on his chest. He smiled when he saw me before opening his arms wide.

I ran to him as fast as I can. I was immediately covered with his warm embrace. Wala nang mas magandang pakiramdam kapag nasa bisig ka ng taong mahal mo. I wouldn't mind being locked up in his arms forever.

Bahagya naman akong nag-angat ng tingin sa kanya at agad naman siyang rumesponde sa aking pagtingin.

"Kala ko bukas na tayo magkikita?" sabi ko sa kanya.

"You got me worried earlier so I drove all the way here while calling you..." he said. "I wanted to make sure your safe."

"I am!" I told him.

He chuckled and hugged me tighter. "I know..." he said. "You are now here in my arms. Of course, you are."

Dumako naman ang aking mata sa kanyang mata na namumungay. Siguro'y dahil 'yon sa pagod. He needed to keep his eyes wide all the time while drawing or sketching his designs.

"Are you tired?" I asked even if the answer was too obvious.

He smiled and shook his head. "Not anymore."

Ngumuso naman ako bago inabot ang kanyang pisngi. Napapikit siya nang marahan ko itong himasin. Habang siya'y patuloy pa rin na nakapikit ay tumingkayad ako upang halikan ang kanyang pisngi at agad naman siyang dumilat.

"Magpahinga ka na sa inyo..." sabi ko. "I know you're tired. I can see it in your eyes that you are."

"I want to stay with you longer..." he said.

"Matagal naman tayong magkakasama this week. May trip pa tayo bukas, 'di ba?" paalala ko sa kanya.

Bumuntong hininga naman siya at saka tumango. He leaned forward to give me a kiss on my forehead that lasted for a few seconds.

"Good night, girlfriend..." he whispered.

I smiled and tiptoed to kiss him on his cheek. "Drive safe, boyfriend."

Jace chuckled and nodded. He was about to go inside the car when we heard footsteps coming closer.

We both turned to look on our left and saw Austin.

Napakunot naman ang aking noo. "Where did you go?" tanong ko.

He glanced at Jace before directing his stare at me. "I just went out for a walk. Your father told me to just notify your guards about it," he answered and looked at Jace again. "Good evening."

Nilingon ko naman si Jace na matamang nakatingin kay Austin.

"Good evening," he simply greeted Austin and gave his full attention to me once again. "I'll go home now."

Tumango naman ako at hinayaan ko na siyang umalis upang makasabay na rin sa pagpasok kay Austin sa aming bahay.

"I can see that he's a good man..." Austin said that made me turn to him. "...and that he loves you."

I bit my lower lip and nodded before a smile escaped from my lips.

"I can also see that you're happy with him," he added. "You love him so much, don't you?"

"I do..." I told him. "Even before I left for New York and met you, guys, I already do love him. He's my puppy love when I was in high school that turned out to be something more... something deep."