After Everything (UP Series #1)

AE 54

Chapter 54

Being in a long term relationship isn’t easy, especially if it is a long distance. Bawat taon, sinusubok ang relasyon naming dalawa. Bawat pagkakataon na hindi kami magkasama, roon mas tumatatag ang tiwalang mayroon kami sa isa’t-isa. At sa bawat hindi pagkakaunawan, doon ko napapatunayan kung gaano namin kagustong intindihin ang isa’t-isa.

Long term relationship isn’t about happiness and sweetness. There are times na maboboring ka na pero pipiliin mo pa rin na magstay sa kanya. You need to be ready in tears, arguments, boring days, busy schedules and most importantly, kailangan marunong kang magpatawad, umunawa at may malawak na pasensya.

That both of you should be willing to stay by each other's side through ups and down.

I also thank God for being the center of our relationship. He was the reason why I decided to give Adam a chance. And he is still the reason why our relationship becomes stronger through the years.

Like what Adam promised to me, he was there when I walked for the second time in Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show. Kabado pa rin ako subalit hindi katulad ng unang beses kong rumampa.

"Congrats!" He greeted me with a wide smile as he gave a bouquet of flowers. He then leans down to plant a kiss on the side of my head. "Always proud of you!"

We were already here at my table, backstage. The show had already ended a while ago.

"Thanks," I answered and smiled back.

Ganoon madalas ang nangyayari sa tuwing may runway ako. Minsan kapag walang schedule si Adam, nanonood siya. At kung mayroon naman, hindi niya nakakalimutang tumawag at magpadala ng bulaklak o kung ano pa pagkatapos ng show ko para i-congratulate ako. Same with me kapag wala akong trabaho at siya naman ang may laro.

Mas naging open at lumalim din ang samahan namin dalawa sa sumunod na tatlong taon. Ang nangyari noon ay naging aral hindi lang sa relasyon namin kundi bilang indibidwal na rin.

Umuwi ako ng Pilipinas at doon namalagi ng mahigit dalawang taon para pamahalaan ang GF Cosmetics. For an important reason, GF couldn't focus and handle our businesses.

She suffered from depression and I want to be there for her. Kaya hindi ako nagdalawang isip na umuwi nang malaman iyon. Mas naging mapili rin ako sa mga trabaho na ino-offer sa akin.

Kendra also started her modeling career internationally. Naging matunog kaagad ang pangalan niya matapos niyang manalo as Asia's Next Top Model.

Bumalik din naman akong New York nang maging maayos ang lahat.

"Break," I whispered breathlessly to myself.

Kanina pa ako nagpa practice mag-isa ng lakad dito sa practice room ko. Sweats were dripping down nonstop from my face to my body. I stopped walking and turned off the treadmill as I inhaled enough air. Pabagsak akong naupo sa sahig habang hinihingal pa rin.

I stared at my reflection on the full length dance mirror. My lips were a bit apart, my hair is in a messy bun and my top is already wet. Mabilis ang pagtaas baba ng dibdib ko sa hingal, kumikislap na rin ang balat dala ng pawis. Nakakaramdam na rin ng pagod at sakit ang paa at binti ko sa suot na mataas na heels.

I remained there for another hour as I wiped my sweat and calmed myself. Pagkatapos dumiretso na akong kwarto para makapaligo at magbihis ng panibagong damit. Since I have no schedule for today and my grandparents are here, pati na rin si Adam, hindi na ako nag-ayos at nagsuot na lang ng simpleng pambahay.

I was wearing a set of pink notched crop top and knot front shorts lounge. Lumabas ako ng kwarto at nagdiretso sa living room kung saan naabutan kong komportableng nakahiga sa sofa si Adamson. Katulad ko'y nakapang bahay lang din siya. A plain round neck shirt and his jersey shorts. Sakop na sakop niya ang isang sofa sa laki ng katawan niya at haba ng biyas.