"There's nothing like you for me, together..."
"Lucia."
The crowd went louder. After hearing a name they didn't expect to, the people around started looking left and right in hopes to see who "Lucia" is. Well, people, that's me, your local cute girl. I'm silently praying they won't realize it's me and bully me to go up the stage.
Jed stopped singing, his muffled breathing echoed on the microphone. He opened his eyes, his gaze automatically locking with mine. I froze on the spot. I was never ready for this, screw you Jed.
Of course it won't escape the eye of people. They went after whoever Jed is looking at and surprise surprise! It's me. I heard them collectively gasp, especially the ones near me. They started cheering for whatever reason. My mind cannot process quickly and whatever it is that's happening? I am trying to complete the pieces.
I flinched when somebody tapped my shoulders telling me to go up the stage. My feet won't move, I thought I will welcome him again? What about the "open arms" now Lucia?
Jed tilted his head seeing I am hesitating, I noticed the crowd around us is getting thicker and thicker. To my surprise, Jed jumped from the stage. What's more annoying is he did it so coolly that it seems like he's so flawless.
I thought he will still say something but then he suddenly grabbed my wrist and ran. The people made way for us, he dragged me in a gentle way because I was still standing on my spot. When I realized what's going on, I started running with him.
The smell of the salty sea breeze and the warm sun embraced us as we sprint. I can hear the water splashing and the birds not too far from us. However, amidst everything surrounding us, the fast beating of my heart seems to deafen me. Is this the part I'm supposed to feel like I am in a movie? That scene wherein it's only us and nothing more?
Maybe those are exaggeration, but not completely a lie. Because whatever is happening now? It's very vivid to me. His hands clasped with mine, his smile, his warmth.
I found myself laughing with him. There's no conversation, just our hearty chuckles. He slowed down on his tracks, so did I. I was about to ask him why but my unspoken questions were answered when he pointed out something behind me.
"Wow."
Have you ever seen the sky from the sea? Have you ever been this solemn? The inexplicable feelings bottling in my heart is almost too much to me. For a moment I forgot who we are and what we were, it's just... us.
The skies were painted in a crimson hue, splashes of violet and orange are swirling on the cloud that covers the sun almost in half, it made me think of how beautiful the world really is.
"You look so amazed."
Jed said, just staring at the marvelous scene in front.
"You too, doesn't look any less amazed."
"I'd pay to look at this everyday."
He said finally giving me a glance.
"The sunset?"
"You."
I felt my heart skip a beat. Why does his words hurt and feel so good at the same time? His sweet voice is like a treat and a punishment in one. It's like a guilty pleasure.. something I'm not sure if I deserve.
"You don't have to pay, though."
He lifted an eyebrow, a secret flex because his brows are literally perfect.
"I- I mean you see me everyday, I live in your house."
Okay that sounded wrong.
Jed gave me a side smile, of course he will tease me. He's Jed after all.
"We don't live in the same room, though."
"Because we shouldn't, we're not married!"
"Yet."
"No!"
"Yes."
"Never!"
"Soon."
"N—"
"I love you."
There I was, speechless. Three words and yet it can affect my everything like this. Three words and he have the control over me already.
"I love you, too."
He didn't move. He continued staring, not even showing any emotions. When I waved my hands in front of him, he jolted.
"Shit."
He washed his face with his palms.
"Lucia, I... You don't know how often I dream about this. About you."
"I'm sorry, Jed... I made the decision for you to take."
"Do you regret that? Making me leave?"
"I do. After I said those words and pushed you away, I realized how dumb I was."
"Won't you blame me? I could've stayed and not listen."
He leaned in closer, his voice getting weaker and softer.
"I honestly felt betrayed. It was still my decision so I cannot blame you."
"I learned something when I was away."
I felt his hands gently brush my hair, he carefully slid his fingers on my locks and then combed it gently. The nostalgia was too strong that I felt chills crept up my arms.
"That love is not to be rushed. When we were together, I cannot take a second away from you. I want you always near, I want you always beside me, I don't want you with any other guys. I don't want you out of my sight. My heart beats like it's about to burst whenever I'm with you, but that wasn't the love I want for you."
His hands held mine, he gently rubbed my thumb. He's right. That's exactly how I was feeling back then too, like I'm always breathless with him. But now? It's very different.
His hand caressing mine gave a gentle touch to my heart. A warmth I never knew I'm capable of feeling. Something too impossible and out of my reach yet I am experiencing.
He whispered with his eyes only looking at me, "Love is supposed to be freeing, it's not the raging heartbeats, it's not the thrill nor the excitement, it's the comfort... it's serenity. That's what I am feeling now."
The sea does bring serenity but I know it's Jed who's making me feel this way. I feel safe, I feel loved. I feel like I'm home.
"Thank you for making me feel this way, Jed, and yes, you are my comfort, too. You're my rest in this tiring world."
I gasped when he suddenly fished something out of his pocket. A ring. A silver ring with an infinity sign.
"Don't worry I'm not proposing for marriage, yet."
He tried sliding the ring but it won't go through.
I pouted.
"Is this supposed to be for another girl? Why doesn't it fit?"
His forehead creased, I'm just kidding but then he's taking it seriously.
"4 years ago, I keep holding your hand so I can get this size right, I bought this that day when we were supposed to perform, I guess I should have had it resized." He scratched his nape obviously upset.
My heart swell, he bought me a ring years ago and kept it in hopes of having me back. He never gave up.
I touched his cheeks, he looks pouty but then his tensed body relaxed when I cupped his face.
"Don't worry," I brought my other hand and locked my fingers with him, "... this still fits."
Then he grinned, Jed is really simple minded. I love him for everything he is.
"I was so nervous performing earlier."
"Doesn't seem like it."
"It's been a long time since I played in front of people."
"You mean you didn't perform abroad?"
He shook his head signifying he didn't even touched his guitar.
"When you're away from me, it felt like no music score makes sense. It's like I forgot the melody."
"Well, I am here now. Will you remember it clearly?"
"Not unless you become officially my girl."
I was about to answer when he suddenly crashed his lips to mine. At first he was just brushing his lips to mine softly, I felt his warm breath and his body hugging me, heat rose up to my cheeks. He kissed me like he never did it to anybody else, like he wanted only me to kiss him. His kisses were sensual yet delicate, they were careful but longing. It made me feel like I was transferred in another dimension, it was like we share one breath.
After a while he let go of my lips slightly numbed. The faint smudges of lipstick on the side of his lips not trying to hide what just happened.
He pressed his forehead against mine while we catch our breaths together. I closed my eyes savoring his presence.
"Idiot, you should have let me answer first."
"By the way you answered my lips, I guess that was a 'yes'."
I smacked his shoulders.
"And what if I told you that was a 'no'?"
"Then I'm willing to do it again and again until it's a big 'yes', Lucia."