AN: The one shot story you're about to read contains a sensitive topic. If you are not open to such, please do not continue.
“Will you marry me?” He dropped that bomb as he was kneeling in front of me. Tears suddenly rushed their way out of my eyes.
The place was perfect: white and red rose petals were scattered around us, the wind was calm, little white lights brought serenity, candles made it all romantic and even the musicians made it perfect.
I covered my mouth with my free hand. I was staring at him as he was holding my left hand, still waiting for my answer. I couldn’t find the right words, I was lost for words – no, I have a lot to say in mind but I just did not know how. I was in a dilemma when I saw my mom and dad from afar. I saw them holding hands. His parents were beside mine. They were waiting for my answer. They were waiting for him to slip the ring.
I closed my eyes and took a deep breath. And even if it was against my desire, even if I might regret it for the rest of my life, even if this is not what I wanted.. I opened my eyes and looked at him.
~ ~ ~
Hot is an understatement. I’m not so sure if I am in Canada or some place in hell. I hope I could adapt with this summer temperature. My heart was pounding as I took my way out of the airport. This is it. Three weeks of stay here should be enough.
“Miss Ganda!” I immediately grinned as I heard that voice. And when I turned around, nakita ko sya.
“Yes?” I teasingly said.
“Ugh? Excuse me, miss? Sino ka?” Sabi nya sa seryosong tono. Napataas ang kilay ko. “Hindi ikaw, di ka naman maganda eh.” Aniya sabay kawala ng nakakalokong ngiti.
“Ah, hindi rin kita kausap. Assuming!” I said and we both laughed. After that cheap joke, kinuha nya ang nag-iisa kong maliit na travel bag sabay pasok sa kotse nya.
“Can we go to a park or somewhere first? Ayoko pa umuwi sa bahay mo eh.” I asked habang nagmamaneho sya.
Napataas ang kilay nya sabay lingon sakin, halatang halata ang pagtataka sa mukha nya. “Ugh, sure? The next park I know is five minutes away.” Sabi nya tapos ay tumango ako. I sighed as I prepared myself. This will probably be the one of the hardest things I’ll ever do.
“So, why are we here? You could rest in my house, you know.” Aniya sabay upo sa bench. Nang nakaupo na ako sa tabi nya, kinuha ko ang kamay nya at pinagsakop ang aming mga daliri. With our hands entwined, it felt good. No, it felt perfect.
Tinitigan ko lang sya. Ang tagal na pero ganito pa rin yung nararamdaman ko kapag nakikita ko syang nakangiti. Nalulusaw pa rin yung puso ko, nakakalimutan ko yung ibang tao at parang tumitigil yung pag-ikot ng mundo. Suddenly, guilt ran through me.
I closed my eyes and took a deep breath. “Namiss kita.” I murmured as I mentally cursed myself. Naduwag nanaman ako. Hindi iyon ang gusto kong sabihin. It was true tho, pero basta hindi dapat iyon ang sinabi ko. Nginitian naman nya ako tapos dinampian ng halik sa labi.
