He was in the midst of watching a music video from his iPad when the pilot announced that their aircraft is on its final descent. He barely heard the announcement as he was too engrossed watching his girlfriend singing to him. Isa iyon sa mga personalized music videos na ginawa ni Sarah habang nasa US si Gerald. It was her version of a Thousand Years inspired by their favorite movie. He would play it every night before he goes to sleep. The flight attendant approached him and politely requested him to turn it off as the aircraft is about to descend. He promptly stowed it away and kept it inside his carry on luggage and looked outside the window, marvelling at the scenic view of Ipanema's famous coastline.
Gerald went straight to the information desk as soon as he collected his luggage. Inalam niya agad kung saan ang arrival gate ng Emirates para salubungin si Sarah. He scanned the airport's directory looking for a flower shop where he can get her favorite tulips. Mabuti na lamang at nadelay ang connecting flight nila Sarah from Dubai kaya nauna pa rin dumating ng Brazil si Gerald.
Ipinagpatuloy niya ang panunuod ng music video habang naghihintay sa pagdating ni Sarah. He would check the arrival status board from time to time, eagerly anticipating for her arrival. He sent a quick message to Teacher G informing her that he's already in Brazil and he's waiting for them outside Gate 3. He scribbled something in his iPad and positioned himself near the gate where he can see her.
He scanned the crowd milling around the conveyor belt, waiting for their luggages. His thoughts drifted back to the time when he was waiting for her at Suvarnabhumi airport's departure lounge. Sarah flew to Thailand for a TVC shoot and spent her birthday there. Her reaction was priceless when she saw him waiting for her at the airport. Her wish was finally granted, she spent her 24th birthday with him. They flew back to Manila together.
Fast forward to the present, he's now back in the airport, waiting patiently at the sidelines clutching the rosary around his neck. Her plane should arrive any minute now. He kept glancing at his watch. Hindi siya nainip sa mahabang biyahe papuntang Brazil pero pakiramdam niya mas matagal pa ang isang oras na paghihintay sa loob ng airport ngayon.
"Where are you, my baby girl?" He muttered to himself. He placed the flowers on top of his luggage. Ganito siguro ang pakiramdam ng isang groom waiting for his bride. Except that they were inside an airport and he is wearing casual clothes.
A few minutes later he spotted Garlic and Teacher G. He saw Sarah and KC trailing behind them. Kahit na nakasuot ng shades si Sarah, he recognized her right away. She was carrying her favorite bag, a Givenchy Nightingale. He knew it was hers dahil isa iyon sa mga pasalubong niya kay Sarah when he came back from one of his trips abroad.
He watched her every move from afar. She would shift her weight from one foot to another waiting for her Rimowa luggage. He was wishing that he was there to help her collect her luggage. Kung pwede lang na pumasok sa loob ay ginawa na ni Gerald. Mabuti na lamang at may kasama sila Sarah na kaibigan nila Garlic na umalalay sa kanila sa mga gamit nila.
They immediately queued at the exit area after they collected all their belongings. Sarah took off her shades and propped it on top of her head. She was absent-mindedly staring outside, absorbing the airport scene around her. She was waiting for her turn to exit the gate when she saw a sign blinking from someone's iPad.
BABY GIRL
Now if she had a concert here in Brazil, this scene would look normal. She would not be surprised if someone welcomed her with a banner. But this time it felt strange, she was there to watch someone else's concert. She pushed her trolley forward and craned her neck hoping to see a clearer view of the person behind the iPad.
Her heart skipped a beat when she finally saw the face of the guy holding it. Hindi siya maaring magkamali. Even if he was wearing a cap, he recognized his profile three yards away from her. She knew it was him.
Her very own Edward.
She nudged KC who was standing in front of her and grabbed her arm.
"Oh my, parang nakita ko si Gerald sa labas. Nanaginip ba ako?"
"Huh, si Ge? Sure ka, where?" tanong ni KC.
"Ayun oh, yung naka cap banda duon...." She was about to point where she last saw him but he was no longer standing at that spot.
"Teka, diba sabi mo nasa Toronto si Ge? Ano yun, nag teleport siya papunta dito? Alam ko miss mo na siya, pero baka namamalikmata ka lang girl. Baka jet lag lang yan, Sars. Here, have some water."
"Hmmm, baka nga guni guni ko lang yun. Tara na nga, baka maiwan pa tayo nila Teacher G." She handed back the water bottle to KC and pushed her trolley forward.
He was not sure if she saw him but he did notice that she glanced at his direction. He was about to wave at her when his phone buzzed. It was his cue to move towards the waiting area where he would meet Teacher G.
"Wow, you made it Ge! Andun pa sila Sasa sa loob pero palabas na. Sige na, salubungin mo na si baby girl mo, ako na bahala sa gamit mo."
He dropped his bag and moved towards the gate.
She almost cried when she saw him standing behind the railing, grinning from ear to ear. Their eyes were locked the entire time she was pushing her cart towards him. Without saying anything, she jumped straight into his arms and locked him in a tight embrace. He lifted her and buried his face in her hair. At that moment, the people around them faded into the background. KC could not help but capture the tender moment with her camera. He pulled away and held her face with both hands.
"Yes, it's me. Welcome to Brazil, baby girl. Ready for our honeymoon?"
