When Our Love Blooms

Day Care Center

Hannah got up early today as she will be attending a very special event in her life. The ribbon cutting of the beautiful playground she donated in the day care center. She will be speaking a short talk and then the grand lunch will take place on the ground.

Jack was busy gathering his troops as they were going to escort the city officials on an event that will take place in Good Shepherd Day Care Center located in the outskirts of the city. Jack was riding the military vehicle this time. As they arrived, the program was already about to start so they quickly positioned themselves as their task was to maintain safety and order for the whole duration of the program.

"Ladies and gentlemen, please help me welcome, our program sponsor, and the donor of our newly built beautiful playground, no other than Ms. Hannah dela Vega. Let's give her a round of applause." The master of ceremony announced.

Jack's eyes widened as he gathered his thoughts about what he had just heard. Ms. Hannah dela Vega. He turned to check who's gonna come up on stage and it was really her. It was his Hannah. His heart skipped. His body shivered. He was suddenly nervous.

"So it was really her, the one I kept seeing in the city and this was where she frequent herself. But why is she using her single name? Wasn't she married?" Jack was astounded looking at her on stage not hearing what she's speaking until he heard the audience upplauded once again at the end of her speech. He couldn't gather his thoughts until one of the staff came to invite him for lunch.

Hannah happily sat on the center table together with the city officials.

"We're very thankful for your generousity Ms. Hannah. As we could see the children were very happy with what you shared with them." The city mayor told Hannah.

"It's my pleasure sir. I've been longing to do this but I only realized it today. It took me more than a decade to make this dream a reality." She replied.

After speaking, she saw a familiar man coming to her direction. He was escorted by the staff and led him to the empty seat right beside her.

"Thank you." Jack told the staff as he sat beside Hannah.

"Hi Ms. Hannah." He threw her a shy smile as if they didn't know each other. He didn't have to greet the mayor and other city officials as they were together coming to the venue.

"Oh, Ms. Hannah, this is Jack. Our military commander stationed in the city. He's been in the service for almost 9 years." One official introduced.

"Thank you sir. Eight and half years to be exact." Jack confirmed.

"Hello, thanks for keeping us all safe today during the whole event, sir." Hannah pretended she didn't know Jack.

"Let's enjoy lunch." She added as she smiled to everyone.

Jack and Hannah were both uneasy and couldn't look at each other while the rest of the officials had no idea what was going on between them.

Hannah couldn't bear the atmosphere so she excused herself and pretended to go to the washroom but she instead went to the hidden corner of the playground. She hid there while trying to calm herself down.

Jack followed a glance towards her and as he saw her entered the playground, he immediately followed her. He lost sight of her so he walked around the playground to see where she could've possibly gone.

He found her in the corner sitting on a bench. He watched her for a few minutes and when he couldn't control himself, he came near her and hugged her from behind.

Hannah was so shocked at first but quickly burst in tears the moment she realized it was Jack's familiar hug.

"Hannah, baby." Jack whispered.