SINKING DEEP
(Quintessence)
"Yes baby, I'll be back in the Philippines after this. Wait for me, hmm? May inaasikaso lang ako dito.” I reassured her through the line. Umalis ako sa bansa to find the hospital na makakatulong sa kanya.
Ang sinabi ng assistant sakin na hospital ay hindi raw nila magagamot ang situation ni Rhea because of the cornea. They can't treat it.
“When will you gonna go back? I want you here..” sabi nito sa malalambing pero malulungkot na boses.
I wished I could bring her with me, but the fear of worsening her condition or exhausting her with constant travel held me back. It had been a week since I left her in the Philippines, tirelessly searching for the right hospital for her eye surgery.
"Baby, soon we'll be together. Everything I'm doing is for you. Just hold on a little longer. I'll be by your side soon," I reassured her over the phone.
Her breathing sounded a bit heavy as she responded, "Please be careful. I'll wait for you. I miss you."
"I miss you too. Remember to eat well. Your wifey will be back soon," I said, my heart aching with the distance between us.
"Miss Mercedez, Venezuella hospital is on the line," my assistant interrupted our conversation.
Confusion flooded me. "But they rejected us before. Why are they calling now?" I wondered aloud. Despite their previous refusal, I had visited the Venezuella hospital where I was treated four years ago, hoping for a solution. The fact that they were reaching out left me both puzzled and hopeful.
“I'll call you back, baby.” Sabi ko dito at tanging humm lang ang narinig ko, then she ended the call. Mabilis ko namang kinuha ang telephone at sinagot ang tawag galing sa Venezuella.
“This is Dr. Aaron from Venezuella Hospital, is this Freyja Mercedez?” the voice of a man resonated from the telephone.
Aaron? Wala namang Aaron ang kumausap sakin nung pumunta ako doon. Halos pinuntahan ko na rin ang mga renowned hospitals kaso wala talaga —reason why nasa labas ako ng bansa ngayon.
“Y-yes this is Freyja Mercedez speaking,” I responded.
"I am Dr. Aaron Venezuella, the owner of Venezuella Hospital. I was the one who cared for a person you're connected with, the one who donated her eyes to someone, Miss Rhea Blee Isfaela, correct?" he asked, filling me with an overwhelming sense of hope and happiness.
"Yes," my voice quivered as I replied.
"I can treat her," he declared.
I quickly hung up the phone, my heart racing with hope. "Fatima, we need to return to the Philippines immediately. Hurry, I can't afford to waste any more time," I urgently instructed her.
Nag-travel ako for almost twenty hours without resting, sleeping, and eating on time. It was evening nang nakarating ako sa Venezuella and a not-so-old man greeted me. He's wearing a doctor lab gown, obviously he's really a doctor. He confessed everything to me, that he was the one who took her eyes out at siya lang din ang makakatulong kay Rhea.
We reached an agreement, and I scheduled Rhea's surgery for the following day, which was fine by them.
Arriving at their door once more, I felt a wave of exhaustion and sleepiness washing over me. All I wanted was to collapse on the floor right there.
I knocked three times, hoping someone would hear, but there was no response. It was late, around 11 pm, and it seemed like they were already asleep. Without any reaction, I resigned to the idea of sleeping on the floor since I couldn't bear the thought of traveling back.
Just as I settled down to rest, contemplating my makeshift bed, a door creaked open, and Rhea's face appeared.
I immediately pulled her into a tight hug. "Bakit hindi ka pa tulog?" I questioned, her arms embracing me without a word.
"Because I was waiting," she replied softly, “Are you planning to sleep here?” she inquired.
“Alam mong darating ako?” tanong ko dito.
“I always sleep late when you're not sleeping besides me, I heard knock at knew it's you,” she answered. “Are you hungry?”
“Tired, baby.” I replied nestling on her shoulder while hugging her tightly.
“Kumain ka na?” she asked. Umiling ako, napalayo naman ito sakin.
“Ye—” just as I could finished, tumunog naman ang sikmura ko, urging her to pull me papasok papunta sa kitchen.
“You need to eat, Jael. It's not good for you to skip meals considering you're always busy traveling.” Her words laced with worry.
She's still wearing a black sunglasses, hiding her eyes, I'm just amazed that she can do everything even she can't see.
"Take a seat here while I eat," I said, guiding her gently to sit on my lap. I balanced the plate in one hand, bringing the food to my mouth, while my other hand rested on her waist.
It was a simple, ordinary moment for us. Yet, amidst the simplicity, I found profound happiness. In these moments, even when my body felt weary, being with her provided a sense of calm. With her by my side, my body, soul, and entirety found peace.
***
So could you tell us about your relationship? How do you see love as connected to your passion?”
“In matters of the heart, love resembles the intricate strokes of a painting, sometimes perfect and at times flawed. It demands determination to weather the challenges, and in the end, it can create something remarkably beautiful. Love, akin to art, necessitates patience, dedication, and an acceptance of imperfections," I expressed with a gentle smile.
"Is there a special person in your life, someone you're romantically involved with?" the interviewer probed further.
"I am fortunate to have someone significant, my first love. She brightens my life, bringing peace and freedom. She completes me in ways I never imagined," I revealed, my gaze drifting across the room until it settled on a woman, her presence filling me with warmth. "She's right there," I added.
The interviewer glanced back, her expression softening into a smile. My heartfelt words resonated deeply, offering viewers a profound insight into the intricate tapestry of love and relationships.
“Thank you for this interview, Miss Mercedez. I hope you have a good day, this interview with you is our pleasure.”
“Thank you,” I responded. Tumayo ako mula sa upuan at naglakad papunta sa kanya.
I saw her beaming expression nang papalapit na ako sa kanya, I hugged her tightly when she opens her arms and envelope me in an embrace.
“That was sweet,” she softly said, her eyes were directly staring mine.
"You're truly beautiful; your eyes, they feel like they've always belonged to you," I remarked, my gaze fixed on her.
Months had passed since her surgery, a painstaking process, especially considering the delicate nature of corneal transplantation. Matagal kaming naghintay since the doctor said that it'll take so long, we endured the time, and when she finally beheld the world anew through her fresh eyes, I felt an overwhelming surge of happiness. Now, here we were, planning our day at the museum after my interview.
Unbeknownst to her, I had a surprise prepared, a token of my unwavering commitment to never let her go again, to never leave her side.
"Let's go?" I asked, eager to step out of the room and start on our museum date.
She nodded in agreement, “Hold my hand,” she demanded. Kinuha ko naman ang kamay niya at baka magbago pa ang mood nito. Though hindi siya katulad ng dati na mainitin ang ulo, talagang malaki ang pinagbago niya.
As we walked, a small box nestled within my pocket, I couldn't help but chuckle with anticipation.
Nakarating kami sa sasakyan at agad ko naman itong pinagbuksan nang may tumawag sakin mula sa likod, “Miss Freyja!” tawag nito.
I stopped on my track and saw a woman running towards me, “May pupuntahan ka ba?” tanong nito.
“Yes,” I answered immediately, “Why?”
Nagdadalawang isip naman itong magsalita, “Ah, eh... may interview ka pa mamaya sakin.” Aniya.
My eyebrows furrowed, “I thought wala na since wala namang nakasulat sa schedule ko, Dianna?”
“Are you gonna stand there or what?” Rhea's cold voice struck in the air. Oh shit. Nakatayo pa pala ito kasi hindi ko pa binuksan ang pintuan ng sasakyan.
“I'm sorry but I'm busy, okay? Maybe next time I'll schedule for another interview.” Pagpasensya ko dito at hindi na hinintay ang sagot.
She silently entered the car without uttering a word, sending shivers down my spine. It was the first time I had heard her speak so coldly; it was as if Rhea's previous persona had suddenly resurfaced. I followed her lead, climbing into the car, leaving my employee, Dianna, behind.
"Baby, she's just my employee. There have been a lot of interviews lately," I hurriedly explained, anticipating her unspoken thoughts. But her eyes remained fixed on the other side, refusing to meet mine.
"Baby..." I started, attempting to bridge the emotional gap between us.
"It's always your work and never me. I allowed you to prioritize your interviews because I understand how busy you are. I've patiently waited for you and accepted the times we couldn't be together. I even prepared meals that you didn't eat because you were too tired from work, and I was fine with that," she said, her voice cracking, on the verge of tears.
I immediately reached out, grasping her hand. "Baby, I'm so sorry. I truly am. That's why I rescheduled and cleared my interviews for today, because I wanted to spend this time with yo—"
"But you're still preoccupied with work, not even thinking about me. Hindi nalang sana ako sumama if this is what will happen, " she interrupted, her voice soft, her silent tears breaking my heart.
Dahan-dahan kong kinabig ang mukha niyang may tumutulo ng mga luha, I sighed and smiled at her gently kissing her forehead. “I'm sorry, I promise babawi ako, babawi ako sayo.” I assured her.
“How? Puro ka trabaho, work here, work there, work everywhere. Even sa bahay natin, you're on your laptop all the time..” narinig ko ang hingos niya.
“Because,” wala na akong maisagot. Totoo naman, I've been busy this past few months kasi inilipat ko ang dalawang business ko dito sa pilipinas, at isang business nalang ang natira sa germany. There's a lot interviews, meetings, and so on na hindi ko pala alam nawawalan na akong oras sa kanya.
Naalala kong nakakatulog ako without eating dinner kasi sobrang pagod talaga, ngayon ko lang din siya narinig na nagreklamo, bagay na hindi niya ginagawa nung nakaraan.
"How about if I clear my schedule for a week or even a month? Would that be alright with you?" I asked, gently cupping her face.
"No," I expected her to agree, but her response surprised me. "If you take a break just for me, I can't allow that. I only wanted a little time with you. I want you to focus on your work, but also remember me. Give us a little time, that's all I need. I don't care about your female employees, because I know you're mine. I just want a little time with you, baby. A little time is all I ask," she said, her words carrying a depth of genuine emotion.
A sweet smile crossed my lips as I realized the truth in her words. She was more important to me than anyone else, and I needed to prioritize our relationship above all else.
"Then let's go, and I'll enjoy the dinner you cook for us in the evening," I said after kissing her gently.
"Are you sure?" her face lit up like a child.
"Yes, baby. Let's make the most of this day. We still have plenty of time to enjoy our museum date," I said, settling back into the driver's seat and starting the car.
We arrived and entered the renowned museum, surrounded by numerous paintings adorning the walls. The room was a vibrant display of diverse art forms and artists. I gently held her hand as we began to explore the area together.
"This is my first time having a date with you in a museum," she remarked, delicately caressing my hands.
"Are you happy?" I inquired, guiding her as we strolled around, admiring the various paintings.
She turned to me, her smile radiant. "How could I not be happy when I'm experiencing this with the girl I love the most and will continue to love the most?" Her eyes met mine, filled with warmth. "I always enjoy and cherish these moments when I'm with you," she concluded.
I directed her attention to a painting, an abstract representation of a circle in vibrant shades of orange and red. "Do you see that artwork?"
"Hmm, yes, I have my interpretation, but I'd love to hear yours," she chuckled.
"Alright, that art symbolizes passion in red, and orange represents determination. The circle represents life, love, your essence. It's like life, baby. Everything needs passion, a burning desire, and the determination to face it all," I explained. She smiled in response.
"For me, that art symbolizes love for a person, and the circle serves as the boundary. When passion and determination are balanced, it looks like that, with the colors in harmony. But if they're not in equilibrium, the colors might comes out from the circle devoid of worth," she answered.
“You mean?” tanong ko sa kanya habang nakangiti pa rin.
“I mean,” putol na sagot niya, “I'm not your professor anymore so don't expect long explanations from me.”
Bahagya akong natawa sa sinabi niya, oo nga pala, she's not my professor anymore.
“Alright let's proceed to another art,” natatawang sabi ko sabay hinila siya papunta sa ibang paintings.
I walked hand in hand with her through the calm atmosphere of the museum, both of us looking eagerly at the various pieces of art hanging on the walls. We examined each item with the scholarly zeal, delving into their complex meanings as a monument to the artist's soul.
Gazing at an abstract masterwork, she asked, "Do you see the depth in this painting?" "The layers of emotions are woven intricately, like a tapestry of human experiences."
I grinned, fascinated not only by the artwork but also by the excitement in her eyes. They had no idea that I was hiding a box with a promise of eternity in my pocket.
We were deep in conversation as we explored more, talking about the colors, brushstrokes, and unspoken stories that each piece of art revealed. We were having a lyrical conversation as our words danced across the silent but expressive canvases all around us.
My heart grew full of love as we stood in front of a captivating sculpture. Her thoughts engrossed in the artwork, I stared at her with astonishment in her eyes. I realized at that same moment that the timing was ideal.
With shaky hands from worry and excitement, I carefully took the small box out of my pocket. I dropped to my knees and spoke in a gentle but firm tone. "In the expansive gallery of my existence, you are the most cherished masterpiece of mine, Rhea. I love you so deeply, and will love you forever. Would you stand beside me as my life's companion, my wife, baby? Will you marry me?"
With a look of astonishment and happiness in her eyes, she turned to face me. As I waited for her answer, tears welled up in my eyes and the whole museum faded away, leaving only the two of us and the unsaid promise of a future together.
Bearing the ring box, I knelt before her, witnessing her reaction: a hand covering her mouth, tears streaming down her face, a mixture of smiles and sobs.
"Yes, yes, baby. Freyja Elie Mercedez, I will marry you, and I will stand by your side for eternity," she replied, taking my hand and pulling me up. We sealed our commitment with a kiss in front of the paintings that seemed to mirror our love story.
In that moment, we reluctantly released each other, our eyes still reflecting the disbelief of our newfound happiness. Tenderly, I held her hand, caressing it as I slid the ring onto her finger.
"Rhea, we might not be at the altar yet, but from this instant forward, my promise to you is sealed. I vow to be with you always, to embrace the life we dream of together. To care for our children in the days to come and relish the future that lies ahead – a future where it's just us. I love you profoundly, more than words can express," I finished, placing the ring on her finger and sealing our commitment with a passionate kiss.
***
[A/N]: This part is where you play the song 'I Belong To You by Jacob Lee.
If I could be honest
Here in this moment
I've been so nervous
To stand here with you
They're all here for us
And I feel their aura
But just for a moment
I'll pretend it's just you
As the well-known notes of "I Belong to You" enveloped us like a cozy, musical embrace, I stood at the altar, my pulse pounding with excitement. The music was the ideal background for this special event because it reverberated with the promise of love.
Yes they can hear us
But they don't understand
I have said all of my vows behind the curtains
I know they see us
But they don't stand a chance
I have kissed those lips a thousand times before this
I watched with my eyes as our beloved friends, Charlotte and her wife Samantha, walked down the aisle with glowing grins of delight while the music played quietly in the background. Savannah and Catalina trailed behind, exuding a contagious delight and confident, elegant steps. Raya and Vivien did the same, their faces beaming with the sheer joy of the moment.
Tomorrow I'll open my eyes
And I will whisper to my wife
I belong to you
And I will wait to hear you say
As a tear rolls down your face
I belong to you
Subsequently, the charming group of flower girls arrived. Charlotte's daughter Xiell gracefully strolled forward, strewing petals behind her. Savannah's twin girls, Tanniah and Vanniah, trailed after, their innocence lending an even more tender touch to the occasion. Vivien's daughter Sorraine finally made her way down the aisle, her eyes aglow with excitement.
If I could be honest
Here at the altar
I refuse to grow older
Unless it's with you
I fell in love
And made you a promise
Though I'd never noticed
How much it meant to you
The emotion that permeated the air was only made stronger by their every move and smile. It served as a reminder of the wonderful trip we were starting together and a monument to the love and support that were all around us. My heart grew full with thankfulness with each face I knew and each stride they took, realizing that we weren't alone in this and that we were encircled by the comfort of family and friends.
Tears welled up in my parents' eyes as they walked down the aisle, their smiles radiant with joy and pride. They were happy for me, thrilled that I had found this profound happiness. The emotions of the song washed over me, perfectly capturing the essence of our wedding day. Even though I couldn't see her yet, I knew my bride was equally eager to meet her future wife at the altar.
Yes they can hear us
But they misunderstand
There are more behind these words that we have spoken
Yes they can see us
But only at a glance
Only you know the man that I am beyond the surface
I wore a pristine white wedding dress, my choice symbolizing our unity. I couldn't fathom the exact gown she wore, but I was certain it complemented her perfectly. Everything suited her, after all.
My gaze locked onto her father, Mr. Walter Isfaela, walking with immense pride and happiness, adding to the emotional intensity of the moment.
Tomorrow I'll open my eyes
And I will whisper to my wife
I belong to you
And I will wait to hear you say
As a tear rolls down your face
I belong to you
My eyes widened, tears falling, heart beats faster when I saw her, slowly walking through the aisle. I couldn't help but see my wife, the love of my life, walking toward me as the music continued, her eyes fixed on mine and her heart, I know, beating in time with mine.
Tomorrow I'll open my eyes
And I will whisper to my wife
I belong to you
And I will wait to hear you say
As a tear rolls down your face
I belong to you
The love, the music, and the smiles all came together to create a symphony of feelings that perfectly captured our love tale.
I belong with you
When they let us choose
I will say I do
I belong with you
When they let us choose
I will say I do
Her wedding gown was an exquisite work of art that was meant to catch everyone's attention in this space. Made from the finest silk, the gown shone flawlessly in ivory, glowing softly in the mellow light of the setting sun. The bodice was embellished with exquisite lace that was painstakingly hand-embroidered with glittering gems and pearls that glistened with every motion.
The dress's sweetheart neckline drew attention to her elegant shoulders and collarbones. Her curves were embraced by the tight bodice, which gave way to a huge ball gown skirt that billowed out in layers of luxurious satin and tulle. The skirt's skillfully draped layers gave off an air of ethereal romance, as the fabric seemed to hover around the wearer.
“You're so beautiful,” I mumbled as I watch her smiling at me.
Behind her dangled a long, dramatic train, embellished with lace appliqués that melded well with the elaborate motifs on the bodice. With a grand sweep, the train left a path of pure grace in its wake. The dress had an exquisite lace-up corset at the back that accentuated her tiny waist and gave it a hint of vintage charm.
She finished the ensemble with a cathedral-length veil composed of the most translucent tulle, trimmed with dainty lace edges that echoed the style of the gown. Diamond-studded gloves encircled her fingers, and a brilliant gem-studded tiara crowned her refined updo, lending an air of royal refinement.
She was a picture of elegance and sophistication, matching the grandeur of the occasion with every stride she took. I was in complete amazement of her wedding dress and her beauty.
With tears in both our eyes, her father walked her down the aisle, his emotions raw and heartfelt.
"Here is my daughter. Cherish her, love her like I couldn't do for her mother. I entrust her to you," he said, his smile sincere.
I looked at her, the woman who would soon be my wife. She gently wrapped her arms around mine, and together we walked towards the altar, where the priest awaited us.
The priest stood before us, his presence filled the chapel with a sense of sanctity and love. "Dear beloved, today we bear witness to a union that transcends the physical realm, for love knows no bounds. As you trade these rings, my dear, may they represent your unwavering devotion and love. Please put the ring on Rhea Blee Isfaela's finger, Freyja Elie Mercedez, and give her your sincere vows of fidelity and love. The air was heavy with seriousness and blessings as the priest spoke.
“As I place this ring onto your finger, I want you to feel the weight of my vows, the depth of my commitment, and the unshakable power of my love. In this holy moment, I stand before you, my love, my heart, and my eternal companion. I pledge to cherish you with this ring—not just for today, not just for this lifetime, but for all the lifetimes that come after. I promise to always be there for you, respecting every aspect of your individuality. I swear to communicate with you in your heart's language so that you always feel cherished, even in your quiet moments."
"I pledge to be truthful, to share my highs and lows in life, and to offer a safe haven where others may freely express their vulnerabilities without fear of consequence.” I promised, there was couple of cries and sobs from the people witnessing us, even her.
“I promise to be your companion through good times and bad, achievements and setbacks. I promise to support you in times of adversity and to celebrate your achievements as though they were my own. Together, we will overcome the darkness and return to the light.” I concluded, with sobs.
“Please put the ring on Freyja Elie Mercedez's finger, Rhea Blee Isfaela, and give her your sincere vows of fidelity and love.”
She held my hand, anticipation overcame me, “ I offer my trust to you with this ring. I commit to having faith in our path together, trusting in your love, and believing in the kindness of your heart. You have my undying trust and I know that you will take good care of my dreams, insecurities, and vulnerabilities."
"When we're together, it doesn't matter whether our physical bodies contain pieces that weren't meant to be ours. Even if these eyes that will look at you and admire you forever are not mine, and even though the heart inside of you may not have been originally yours, we still complete each other,” she smiled, caressing my hands, as she successfully slid the ring in my finger.
“You have my word that I will love you with all of my heart and soul. As the sun sets and the moon creates its silvery canopy over the night sky, I shall always love you. Laughter, tears, mayhem, and peaceful times all combined—I will always love you.” She concluded with tears glimmering on her eyes.
“Dear beloved, we are witnessing a marriage that transcends the material world today because love has no boundaries. Dear Freyja Elie Mercedez and Rhea Blee Isfaela, your love is proof of the heart's eternal power that withstands obstacles and distance.” The priest announced.
“Freyja Elie Mercedez, do you vow to love and cherish Rhea Blee Isfaela, in sickness and in health, for all the days of your life?" His words reverberated, filling my heart with immense joy.
"I do, Father," I replied, my voice filled with conviction. The priest then shifted his gaze to my bride.
"And you, Rhea Blee Isfaela, do you promise to love and cherish Freyja Elie Mercedez, in sickness and in health, for all the days of your life?"
She glanced at me, her eyes brimming with love. "I do, Father."
"Then, you may now kiss the bride," he declared, concluding the ceremony. Our lips met in a tender embrace, radiating softness, affection, and the overwhelming happiness of our union.
“May you both have endless joy, understanding, and unshakable commitment on your path together. Together with exchanging vows today, you are uniting your souls to create a love narrative that will motivate future generations. Allow the love, respect, and boundless compassion that emanate from this sacred link to serve as a beacon of guidance. Congratulations.”
I, my wife and everyone else in the chapel felt the depth of feeling that the priest's words, which were weighted with love and dedication, echoed.
“I can finally call you my wife now, Mrs. Rhea Blee Isfaela-Mercedez.” I chuckled, wiping my tears while my other hand caressing her waist.
"You can't imagine how long I've waited for this moment to arrive. It's surreal to think about all the challenges we've faced, and now, we're here, bound together," she softly expressed, her eyes tracing the contours of my face. "I would endure any pain, overcome any obstacle, as long as I got you in the end. I love you, my wife." With those words, she kissed me passionately, sealing our love in our embrace.
Our love is like an intense adventure that takes us to the deepest recesses of our souls. The brightest parts of our relationship, fueled by everlasting trust and boundless desire, emerge amid the shadows. We explore uncharted ground in each other's hearts, like a profound dive, and embrace the mysterious allure of our profound love. It all started at the surface of the ocean, where strong waves used to slam against us.
Now, we swim gently in the deep waters, reflecting the depth of our love because our love will be forever still, sinking deep.
***
[A/N]: In this final chapter, I express my gratitude to each one of you for continuously supporting me in crafting this story. There were moments when I found it a bit cringeworthy, but your comments on every chapter ignited my passion. I am genuinely thankful from the depths of my heart for your unwavering support, especially to @cielwalker4 @shizumaaishiteru, who stood by me throughout this journey. The epilogue will be released soon, and once again, thank you all for your support.