I want you to hold my hand

Manila and lagos

As we stand on the road by our damaged vehicles I look around for a restaurant or cafe for us to sit in while we wait for the taxis to be towed.
To my right I see a beautiful, cabin like restaurant.
The outside of the cafe was Spanish style antique branded by a sign with "llustrado" on it.
I grab Daniel's hand and pull him behind me as I amble towards the restaurant.
Llustrado is even more beautiful on the inside.
The whole restaurant is Spanish old fashioned themed yet the culture of the Philippines seeped out of the fabric of the restaurant.
The walls were worn but neat, the tables and chairs romantically paired together with space in between each pair.
The host comes over to seat us.
We are placed in a cozy spot right by a larde glass window. The windows curtains remind me of the beautiful Mexican skirts the locals wore on my last trip to Mexico. A tinted white color, very plain but the aura around them welcomed warmth's and comfortability. I settle into my seat and begging looking through the window. The view was beautiful.
I first spot an orchard of tall, beautiful palm tree. All uniformly places as if they are synthetic but by the depth of the leaves you know they are real. The back drop for the trees is a stunning sunset. The sunset in manilla is incredible. Soft blotches of crimson red blended into blues and oranges. I felt whole. My eyes widen as I take in my surroundings but then I feel him.
His eyes are set on mine and our hands are still together.
"Ada, I'm sorry". He fumbles out. He takes my other hand into his and intensifies his gaze.
"What happened to you Danny ?. Why'd you stop responding ?. We spent over 6 months together, you told me you loved me... you said that no matter how hard long distance can be we would make it work". I tell him, before retrieving my hands to wipe my eyes. "You promised me visits , calls and Good morning texts. You texted me everyday for 6 months after you left and then you just stopped. I made excuses for you. I told myself everyday that you might've been busy that day or maybe you phone was lost. It took me a while to realize that wasn't the case and then I lost hope. I thought you died or were seriously ill, but you look just fine to me, so please enlighten me Danny." I gulp "what happened."

Daniel
I can feel the hurt in her word and regret runs through my body.
I loved her. I still love her, so I tell her, "he died".
"Who died Danny ?." She responds tears still escaping her eyes . "My father died." I say as I lean toward her face, arm outstretched, to wipe her tears.
Her face stiffens and I can tell she understands.

3 years ago in Lagos

Ada and I are in her lekki apartment watching the real housewives of Lagos.
Ada had been upset over an argument she had with her father the previous day and that was all she seemed to want to discuss.
"I can't believe he is still treating me like I'm 12. Ever since I left home for university he hovers." She said "I think it's sweet that he worries." I respond.
Her expression twisted and something about how she looked at me made me want to tell her everything, so I did.
"I wanna talk to you about my father my love." She straightened with attentiveness and placed her hand on my lap. "Ok."
"Well, I hate him." Saying it out loud felt surreal. I had never said it to anyone before. "He was abusive towards my mom when I was younger and she later divorced him for it. He is the reason I'm so lost at times and why I left the Philippines for America. I will not return till he dies."
"I love you." She said softly as she placed a kiss on my forehead. "You are so strong. If you ever feel lost I can always be your compass."
This was the day I knew I had met the One.