Rod's POV
I woke up coz someone's cupping my face and as I open my eyes, a smile automatically formed on my face coz I saw Lizzy. She smile back and kissed my forehead kaya napapikit ako.
Imee: Good morning, love.
Rod: Good morning.
I held her nape so that I can bring her face closer to mine. After a second, I claim her lips. Honestly, I didn't expect that she will kiss me back but I'm happy coz for the first time, hindi niya ako sinampal o sinungitan man lang agad.
Because normally if I do this everytime I woke up or she woke up, she would frown, give me a death glare or dadampi ang kamay niya sa pisngi ko HAHA pero hindi naman gaano malakas. It's just a playful slap.
Imee: I prepared breakfast, love. Wait, kunin ko lang.
I simply nodded and smile. I didn't utter any words na dahil medyo naninibago ako. While waiting for her, I stood up and did my morning routine muna.
I just did a quick bath and as I went out of the bathroom, agad namang bumungad sa akin ang breakfast in bed. Guess what, there's even a rose which made me kilig and sit beside Lizzy.
*while eating
Imee: Day 1, love. We only have 2 days (then smile)
Rod: We can extend — (didn't finish his words coz Imee speak up)
Imee: Extend? What 'bout our wedding?
Rod: Next week pa naman, love.
Imee: But we have to make sure na okay po ang lahat diba? (Rod nodded)
Rod: Ganto nalang, love. Balik nalang tayo dito after our wedding, okay? Let's spend our one month honeymoon here. What do you think?
Imee: Okay. Whatever you say, Laurel.
Our conversation goes on. It took us half an hour to finish our breakfast then after that I called the staff na to get the plates.
Actually I didn't book a room in this hotel. Kagabi babalik na sana ako sa kabilang hotel eh but Lizzy ask me to stay kaya wala na akong nagawa kundi samahan siya dito.
It's been an hour and while sitting on the couch, Lizzy hugged me from the back. Jeezzz! Marupok pa naman ako so I turned off my phone and held her arm.
Imee: Anong oras natin kukunin yung mga gamit mo, love?
Rod: Mamayang gabi nalang, love. I'll buy clothes nalang ulit then after dinner, daanan nalang natin.
Imee: Okay (smile and sit beside Rod)
Rod: Sigurado ka bang ayaw mong mamasyal ngayon, love? (Pulled Imee closer to him which caused her to rest her head on his chest)
Imee: Nah, bukas nalang tayo lumabas. For now, let's just stay here so I can be clingy anytime (then hug Rod tight)
Rod: Sus! Yang pagiging clingy mo hanggang yakap lang naman love eh. Landiin mo naman ako besides tayong dalawa lang naman dito eh. Promise, hindi ako kokontra o magrereklamo.
Imee: Anong klaseng landi ba ang gusto mo ha? (Chuckled and look at Rod)
Rod: Flirt with me lalong-lalo na kapag nasa kama tayo, love (then smile seductively)
Imee: Yan ba talaga ang gusto mo, Mr. Laurel? (Raised her left brow while running her fingers on Rod's chest)
Rod: Yes, love.
Imee: (cup Rod's face and bring her face closer to him) If that's the case, be ready tonight, okay?
While Lizzy tell those words, she's looking directly into my eyes then down to my lips. T***~***! I never expect that she will seduce me like this. She even traced my lower lip using her thumb while biting her lower lip as well.
At dahil hirap akong magpigil, I held her hand and pinned her on the couch. I know nagulat siya coz her eyes widen when she realised that I was on top of her na.
Imee: W-what are you doing, Rod? (Nervous)
Rod: You remember what you said yesterday?
Imee: H-huh? A-ano bang sinabi ko?
Rod: Sabi mo pwede kitang halikan kahit gaano katagal diba? Hindi ko nagawa kagabi so I will do it now.
Imee: S-sinabi ko ba yun? No! Wala akong sinabing ganon, Roderick.
That made me chuckled. I know she's just pretending na wala siyang sinabi para makatakas lang ulit sakin but nah! Not now. Not today, my love.
Imee: Outch!
Rod: Why? You think you can escape again? Nah (then shook his head) I won't let that happen, love — (didn't finish his words coz Imee speak up again)
Imee: Yung kamay ko, Rod!
When she tell those words, I realise na I'm holding her hands too tight na pala so I sit properly and helped her to get up so she can sit as well.
Rod: Sorry, love. H-hindi ko sinasadya.
Honestly, I'm worried rn coz she's holding her right arm. Pasalamat nalang talaga ako dahil hindi namumula coz if that happens, baka magkita na kami ni San Pedro mamaya.
Rod: Shall I buy ice, love? Sobrang sakit ba? Mahapdi ba o hindi naman? (Then hold Imee's hand)....I'm really sorry, love. I-I didn't mean to hold you tight — (didn't continue his words coz Imee laugh)
Imee: Uto-uto ka pa din pala noh?
Rod: Huh? (Confuse)
Imee: Hamster (then laugh even more)
Rod: Ah ganon?
After telling those words, I shook my head and laugh at the same time dahil halatang kinakabahan na siya. Umaatras ba naman kaya lalo akong lumalapit sa kanya.
When she reach the end of the couch, she immediately stood up. Actually she was about to run but it's too late coz I held her waist.
Imee: Biro lang yun, Rod. Ano ba!
Rod: Palagi mo nalang akong pinagtitripan ha (then sniffed Lizzy's neck) Napakabango naman tala— (didn't finish his words coz Lizzy speak up)
Imee: Jeezzzz! It tickles me.
Lizzy pushed me kaya medyo napakalayo ako and that gave her a chance to run. Okay! Here we go! She was about to lock her self in the bedroom but she failed coz I eventually came in HAHA. Actually para kaming mga batang naghahabulan at ako ang taya.
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We're just roaming around and while buying stuffs for our only niece, I saw a fancy resto so I told Lizzy to have early dinner.
For our appetisers, Lizzy ordered Ravioli. Honestly, I told her na ayaw ko non kasi mas gusto ko ang mini beef welly pero tinaasan ako ng kilay eh and said "Karne talaga agad-agad? Seriously?", kaya wala na akong nagawa but to let her order my food. See! Ganto kahirap magkaroon ng fiancée na Doctor HAHAHA
For our main, Lizzy let me order what I want which is Rosemary Garlic Lamb Chops with Pimentón and Mint. Pinili ko talaga yung may dahon-dahon kaunti para balance HAHA while Lizzy ordered Herb-Crusted Broccoli Steak With Asparagus and Tomatoes. Vegetarian ang mahal ko eh.
While having our dessert which is chocolate mousse (as always coz it's our fav), Lizzy broke the silence.
Imee: It's our second day, love. One day to go.
When Imee tell those words, she smile genuinely and reach for her glass of wine and offered a toast. It took us another 15 minutes to finish our desserts then after that I pay our bill na and had night walk. Half an hour had pass, napahinto at umupo na muna kami coz we're freezing. Masakit na din ang mga paa namin kakalakad.
Imee: Ang lamig, loviiiiii (then hug Rod's arm)
Rod: Manipis naman kasi ata yang coat mo, love?
Imee: No! Makapal kaya....S-sadyang malamig lang talaga.
Rod: Well, you have a point (nodded).....Ahm, wait (distance himself and was about to remove his coat but Imee speak up)
Imee: No!
Rod: Pulang-pula na yang pisngi at ilong mo, mahal ko (chuckled). Wag ka nang kumontra, okay? You need this (unzipping his coat).
Imee: I said no, Rod. You put it on and don't worry 'bout me. Kaya ko naman yung lamig love eh.
Rod: Y-you sure? Wait, dito ka lang ha? I'll just buy another coat nalang if you don't wanna use — (didn't continue his words coz Imee stop him)
Imee: Shushhh! Ang dami mong alam. Iiwan mo pa ako? Tsk! Yakap mo lang katapat ng lamig na'to noh.
Honestly, I was too stunned when Lizzy tell those words. I didn't expect na sasabihin niya yun. I mean hindi lang kasi kami ang tao sa place na 'to. Nakakapanibago talaga.
Imee: Hey! Are you okay?
Rod: Y-yes, love.
Imee: Eh bakit tulala ka jan? (Confuse)
Rod: Kinilig lang ako (look away and move closer to Imee)
Imee: Kinilig? Dahil? B-bakit?
Rod: Dahil sa sinabi mo. Hayst! Nawawala talaga pagkaangas ko sayo, Doc (then shook his head playfully)
Imee: Malamang! Ako 'to eh (then flip her hair which made Roderick laugh)
Rod: But kidding aside love, I didn't expect na sasabihin mo yun that's why hindi ako nakapagsalita agad. Madaming tao eh and knowing you, eh hindi ka naman nagsasabi ng mga ganong salita in public.
Imee: Kung nasa Pilipinas tayo, syempre hindi ko sasabihin yun. Pero nandito tayo eh. We're in New York, love. Hindi nila tayo naiintindihan kaya okay lang (chuckled)
Rod: Love naman!
Imee: Oh bakit?
Rod: Napakaano mo talaga (Tampo face)
Imee: Che! Manahimik ka nga! Payakap na lang, pwede? (Then hug Rod's arm). Wala ako sa mood manuyo, okay? Tumigil ka. Maging malambing ka nalang, hmm?
Rod: O-okay, boss.
Imee: Good! Oh ano pang hinihintay mo? Yakapin mo na ako? My gosh! Para kang pagong ha.
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It's our last day here in New York and as I woke up, it's nearly 8am na pala so I immediately get up and did my morning routine.
As I went out of the bedroom, I saw her arranging the plates and utensils on the table na. Good thing I'm holding my phone kaya nakunan ko agad siya ng mga litrato.
When she placed the food on the table, she saw me taking pictures which made her smirked and walk towards me.
Imee: Good morning, love (kiss Rod and hug him tight)
Rod: Sarap naman non, love. Isa pa —
I didn't even continue my words coz Lizzy immediately kiss me and placed her hands on my nape. Jeezzzz! This is exactly the morning I want.
Imee: It's our last day (teary eye)
Rod: Babalik tayo, love.
Imee: S-Syempre! (control herself not to cry)
Rod: So what did you cook for breakfast?
She smile genuinely and kiss me once again before we head to the dining room. It took us an hour to finish our food coz we had discussions 'bout our plans after our wedding (serious things). Honestly she's not comfortable pa kaya hindi na muna ako nagtanong ng kung ano-ano.
In order to enjoy our last day in this freezing country, namasyal na muna kami besides bukas pa naman ang flight namin going back to Manila.
Believe it or not, Lizzy and I had ice cream even though nanginginig na kami sa lamig HAHAH. We also had our lunch at one of the famous Resto here in NYC and around 1pm, bumili lang kami ulit ng mga pasalubong na pinapahabol ng pamangkin namin. Hayyy! I can't wait na anak naman namin ang ipapamili namin soon.
We got back in the hotel before 6pm. Lizzy asked me kasi to prepare dinner. Syempre sino ba naman ako para tumanggi so as I took off my coat, I straightly go to the kitchen and start cooking.
I cooked Flank Steak with Chimichurri, crispy hash browns and some vegetable salad. Actually I enjoyed cooking everytime Lizzy ask me to do it kasi lumalabas ang creativity at pagiging chef ko HAHAH. Napapa-isip nga ako eh, siguro kung hindi ako Architect, for sure chef ako ngayon and siguro mas mayaman ako ngayon HAHA.
*while eating
Rod: Love?
Imee: Hmm? (Look at Rod)
Rod: Si Mom and Dad ang susundo sa atin ha?
Imee: Okay (nodded and smile)
Rod: Nga pala love, naayos mo na ba yung mga pasalubong ni Bella? Kasya ba sa suitcase mo? Kung hindi, pwede naman sa maleta ko or bili tayo besides we still have time pa naman (then look at his wristwatch)
Imee: Okay na, love. Kaunti lang naman ang dala kong gamit eh. Tsaka most of the things na kailangang dalhin for the seminar that I attend with Dr. Francisco eh naiuwi na niya.
Rod: Oh okay. Great! (Smile and continue eating)
Imee: Yah.
Lizzy smile back then continue to eat as well. Masaya din ako dahil nagustuhan niya ang lahat ng niluto ko. She almost finish all of it. Kaunti nga lang ang nakain ko eh but it's fine dahil para sa kanya naman lahat yun.
While washing the dishes, Lizzy is in the living room while drinking wine. Sigurado ako nagbabasa din yun coz there's a shelf that full of books eh.
It took me 10 minutes to wash all the dishes and while wiping my hands, Lizzy is now walking towards me. She's smiling habang hawak ang isang bote ng wine at glass.
Imee: You done?
Rod: Yes, ma'am.
Imee: So? (Placed the wine on the table and stood up infront of Rod)
Rod: What do you mean so, love? (Confuse)
Imee: It's our last night, wala ka bang gustong gawin? (Then took a sip on her glass)
Rod: Let's watch a movie?
Imee: And?
Rod: Order some snacks din para hindi ka magutom habang nanonood, love—(didn't finish his words coz Imee speak up)
Imee: And? (Placed the glass of wine on the table)
Rod: Ahm (thinking)....... Kung hindi ka pa inaantok after watching the movie which you will choose, pwede tayong bumaba muna. Let's have coffee —
Imee: I wanna stay here. Ayokong lumabas.
Rod: W-well, sleep perhaps?
Imee: Talaga? Gusto mo nang matulog agad? (Then raised her left brow)
Rod: Eh yung gusto kong gawin kasi love ayaw mo pa naman eh.
Imee: Huh? A-ano ba yun? (Confuse)
Rod: Sus! Doctor ka, love. Alam mo na yun (chuckled)
Imee: Ano namang connect ng pagiging Doctor ko sa gusto mong gawin ha? (Frowning)
Rod: Malayo tayo, love. Tayong dalawa lang dito. Walang istorbo (then raised his brows playfully)
Imee: I don't get it (shook her head) What is it ba kasi?
Rod: (Clear his throat) Make babies, love.
Imee: Ewwww! (Push Rod slightly then laugh)
Rod: Why? (Chuckled)
Imee: Atat ka talaga eh noh? Di ka na ba makapaghintay ha? Palaging yan nalang sinasabi mo eh (smirked)
Rod: You wanna know the truth? Hindi na talaga (shook his head) Jusko! Kung hindi lang talaga ako nagpipigil at wala akong takot sa mga magulang natin lalong-lalo na kay Tito Edward, kanina pa kita pinagsasamantalahan, love. Kanina ka pa siguro pagod (then laugh).
Imee: Eh kasalanan mo, napakatagal mo kasing pakasalan ako eh. Hay! Sa totoo lang mas mabagal ka pa sa pagong, Mr. R.
While Lizzy tell those words, she's stepping back. Jusko! Kunyaring matapang sa mga binibitawang mga salita pero ang totoo takot at kinakabahan na HAHA.
As I said earlier, we had movie marathon lang while eating some chips and water. Gusto ko nga sanang uminom ng soda eh kaso tigre ang kasama ko. Baka imbes na maging masaya ang gabing 'to, maging delubyo pa.
Around 11pm, the movie ended. Ako na ang nagligpit sa mga pinag-kainan namin coz Lizzy didn't do her night routine pa.
I am now in bedroom 2, laying on the bed but still I can't sleep pa. Actually hindi kami magkatabi ni Lizzy coz she's sleeping in bedroom 1. Minutes had pass, someone knocked the door so I told her to come in dahil alam kong si Lizzy yun.
As the door opens, she immediately hop on the bed and smile genuinely.
Imee: Can I sleep here, love?
Rod: Seriously? (Surprise)
Imee: Yah (nodded). I-I want to sleep next to you, Rod. Naalala ko kasi, sabi mo dati dapat masanay na ako diba? So yeah, tabi tayo and you know me, I love hugs while sleeping (teary eye).
Rod: You okay? (Cupped Imee's face)
Imee: Of course (nodded but her tears started to fall). You know that I love you, right? Hindi ko man madalas sabihin, pero ramdam mo naman diba?
Rod: Oo naman, love. Masungit nga lang pero okay lang (chuckled then wiped Imee's tears). Wait, why all of a sudden nagiging ma-drama at iyakin na naman ang Doktora ko, hmm? May problema ba?
Imee: Wala. I-I just realise how lucky I am to have you in my life, my Architect. Thank you for staying with me for the last three days (cry even more and hug Rod tight).
Rod: Shush! You don't have to say thank you, okay? Kahit pa hindi mo hilingin, gagawin ko talaga, love (then kissed Imee's cheek).
Imee: I love you so much, love.
Rod: I love you more.
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I woke up because of the alarm I set last night. Well, Lizzy isn't beside me na so I think she's already in bedroom 1 and getting ready for our flight.
As I get up, I move the curtains and open the sliding door. Jeezzzz! What a lovely morning. Sana ganto kaganda ang panahon noong nakaraang mga araw pero it's fine. I mean Lizzy and I had a great time din naman.
I just stare at the city for a couple of minutes and as I went back in the room, I immediately look for my phone. Medyo natagalan din ako kakahanap dahil ang naaalala ko, I placed it on the side table next to the lamp last night. But in the end, I saw it on the table next to the remotes na so I got confuse.
As I grab my phone, there's a letter so I sit then read it coz it's from Lizzy. There's even one rose kaya abot hanggang tenga ang ngiti ko. Ganto pala ang feeling nang mabigyan ng bulaklak.
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Dear Roderick,
Loving someone from a far isn't easy, Rod. But I'm lucky because you did it, my love. Sabi nga ni Kuya Anthony, giving flowers for almost 3 years isn't a joke. Ibig sabihin non, seryoso ka talaga and I never regret that I gave you a chance.
Letting you to be part of my life is the best decision I made. Salamat sa pagmamahal at walang sawang pag-intindi sa akin, mahal. Thank you for being my home. You are the hardest lesson I ever had to learn yet the best memory that I will keep forever. No one can replace you, my love.
Sorry for all the pain I've cause, Rod. I was wrong and insensitive coz I forgot that I'm hurting you because I feel hurt. Pasensiya na din dahil hindi ko nabigay yung oras na gusto mo but I tried my best.
I don't know if you will forgive me but this is the right thing to do. I love you so much so I'm letting you go.
We are Asymptotes.
PAALAM, MAHAL.
- Lizzy
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While reading her letter, hindi ko mapagilan ang pagpatak ng mga luha ko. Halos gumuho ang mundo ko sa sakit na nararamdaman ko ngayon. Like, if this is a nightmare? Please wake me up!
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