Till The Summer Ends

Epilogue: A Life With Her

Epilogue

'Life is full of surprises. The future is inevitable and unpredictable. You don't know what the future has for you.'

It was the 30th of May, at quarter to five in the afternoon, I was strumming my guitar, singing the song my late girlfriend's favorite. I suddenly missed her. I used to sing her a song but now, I can't anymore. I've already moved on from what happened but sometimes she occupied my mind-just like now.

While I was singing, I felt someone approaching. I didn't mind and continued until the song ended. She's a pretty girl with brownish-blonde hair. She just stared at me the whole time; full of amazement. That shook up my heart. I cleared my throat and spoke, "Do you need something, miss?"

"Ahh wala naman, p-papa-alis na naman ako. S-sige, a-alis na ako. Have a good day." She turned her back on me. Before she went off, I stopped her and ask her to come near me. I don't know why but I don't want her to go. The lady's name is Asterea.

I uttered the most ludicrous statement of my life. "Tu mina, mi reina. Haré lo que sea para hacerte mía." I wanted to bang my head on the tree for saying things like that. I was relieved when she didn't understand what I said. Who on earth would claim someone like its own property? Well, I was surprised myself.

Since then, that name was carved in my mind and later on, in my heart and soul. I suddenly forgot Cailla.

After that incident, we became friends. I would always visit her in their resthouse, have chitchats with her, and get to know her. She's sarcastic, lovely, pleasant, and kind. She admires books and she would survive a day by just reading her books-funny because we're not alike in that part.

Days passed and I realized, I'm falling in love with her. She's the one I want and the one I need.

During our first weeks as friends, I felt heartbroken. In the first place, who on Earth would celebrate a friendship weeksary? Damn, anything for the sake of love.

I knew that she was going to be away. I doubt if we would meet each other again. But I didn't let it show in me. I wanted her to be happy and I wouldn't let myself be the sole reason she was upset or sad. I gave her a star-shaped diamond necklace as a token of friendship and love from me.

I was with her 'til her flight to Manila. It was so hard for me to see her leave. I watched her slowly disappear from my sight.

I never thought I would see her again. I never had my hopes up high. My day is incomplete without her. There's not a day that I haven't thought of her. I missed her sarcasm. I missed her smile. I missed her laughs. I missed her cheeks turned red whenever I kid around. I missed everything about her. I always found myself daydreaming about her and only her.

On the thirty-first day of August, my twin called and said, our little sister wants to see me in the US. Of course, I immediately flew to the US. I haven't seen my sister for a few years now and it's time to meet her. She's been independent in the US since she was eighteen. The last time I saw her was way back in Spain.

A few days later, we reunited with my siblings. Who would've thought to see her at the airport, waving goodbye to someone? My heart skipped a beat at the sight of her. I wanted to go and meet her but I stopped myself. I felt danger everywhere and it'll be hard for me to get near her. As much as I want to keep her to myself, I just couldn't. There were many threats surrounding us.

There was a time when I went to meet my sister at a restaurant. When I saw her with Keiran, all those bright smiles on her face, I felt jealous. I should've been the one she was with. It should've been me who'll put a smile on her beautiful face. I just look at them the whole time. My sister noticed it. "You should go and talk to her, Kuya Justine." - that's what she said. I went after her when they both went outside the parking lot. Keiran left immediately without her. "This is my chance," I said to myself and went to her.

It was the twenty-first day of December when that incident happened. I clenched my fists when I heard the news. I was in a deep rage when I discovered that Asterea had been kidnapped. I couldn't think straight. I was perturbed and had nothing in mind but anger and frustration.

When Kylle located them, we hurriedly went to the place where she was held captive. It was an abandoned building full of Leon's people. I didn't waste time, I attacked and rained bullets at them. My mind went blank as I continued shooting them. I need to save mi reina. I searched everywhere. I opened every door I find until I reached the last one.

I slowly opened it only to find Leon aiming the gun at her. Fear was already written on her face. I aimed my gun at him and that made him fall to the floor; dead. I went immediately to her and hugged her tightly.

When we got out of the building, I saw someone aiming the sniper at her. I immediately used myself as a shield to protect her. I felt as if the world was spinning slowly. The bullet went deeper and I slowly lose my senses. My eyes were blurry and slowly closing. The last thing I heard was her voice begging me not to give up. I only have one thing in mind at that time. If I can't live with her, then I'm already contented with the fact that I protected her until my last breath. I love her so much and I'm willing to sacrifice my life for her.

Lord, if this will be my last moment, please keep her safe and have a happy life. - this was my last wish at that time before I close my eyes.

I opened my eyes as I finished reminiscing the memories. It has been a year since all those incidents happened. All those events that happened in my life, all I can say is that I haven't regretted a thing about it. Sacrificing my life for her is something that I would always do in a heartbeat. I would always protect and serve my queen.

As always, I'm grateful that I met her - the queen of my life. I don't believe in miracles and destiny but I do now because of her. She is the light of my life and I would be left in the darkness if I lost her.

Today is the really big day. This day is the day that I've always dreamed of since I met her; the day that she will be mine. It's our wedding day. I'm excited but at the same time, nervous. I kept walking back and forth, waiting for her to come out.

"Dude, just chill. She'll be out anytime soon. Nakakahilo kang tingnan. Lakad ka nang lakad." Jennon stopped me. Yeah, maybe he's right. I shouldn't be worried.

A few moments later, she was walking the red carpet that serves as the aisle. I watch her as she walked down the aisle. She was wearing a charming sheer silk tulle A-line dress with a fitted scoop neckline corset top, sheer long sleeves, and beautiful embroidered lace framing the neckline, top, and skirt.(Galia Lahav Haute Couture - Lynn) which suited her well. Hah! Is there even a day when she wasn't pretty? For me, she would always be the most beautiful girl in the world. The ceremony began shortly after.

"Do you Asterea Rain Lopez, take Vrylle Justine De La Verde to be your lawfully wedded husband, promising to love and cherish, through joy and sorrow, sickness and health, and whatever challenges you may face, for as long as you both shall live?" The priest asked. We both held each other's hands.

"I, Asterea Rain Lopez, take thee, Vrylle Justine De La Verde, to be my wedded husband, to have and to hold from this day forward, for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, till death do us part." She sincerely stated while looking into my eyes. I could see love and happiness in her eyes. My heart rejoiced after hearing all those words even though it's simple.

The priest asked me the same question. I looked at her as I spoke, "I, Vrylle Justine De La Verde, accept you, Asterea Rain Lopez, as my companion and my wife. I promise to care for you, honor you, and cherish you, for as long as we both shall live."

"Asterea and Vrylle, having witnessed your vows for marriage before God and all who are assembled here, by the authority invested in me, I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may now kiss the bride." I inched our gap and kissed her lovingly. I could hear the applause and cheers from the people around but I didn't seem to care. All I care about is the lady beside me; the queen is my lifelong partner already. I can't wait to live a life with her.

The End

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