Field of Carnations (Solace Series #1)

Special Chapter

Birds chirping outside and warm arms snaked around my waist were the first things that came into my senses as I woke up from sleep. Humikab ako at kinusot ang mga mata bago iniba ang posisyon para tuluyan siyang makaharap. Dahan dahan, kusang umangat ang sulok ng aking labi at natuon ang buong atensyon sa kanya.

Mahimbing pa ang tulog at ang higpit kung yumakap.

Ang iilang hibla rin ng itim niyang buhok ay tumabing sa kanyang wangis. Hindi ko tuloy makita ang kabilang mata niya kaya sa maingat na galaw, dinala ko ang kamay sa pisngi nito upang hawiin iyon.

Then, my gaze drifted to the white comforter and I felt a heaviness and warmth. His legs were at the top of mine as if I was going to run away.

Silly. Why would I go somewhere without you? Gustong gusto kitang kasama buong segundo, oras, araw, buwan, at taon.

I would fight for us my love, even for a decade. 

And I would be the seeker, so let me find you.

Hinding hindi ka pwedeng humiwalay sa akin, hindi ako papayag.

Do I sound possessive? Why not? He's mine, to begin with.

''Good morning, my baby.'' After a long time of caressing his cheeks, he finally woke up and greeted me.

''Good morning. How's the sleep of my one and only?'' I whispered.

Saglit siyang napamulat para sumulyap sa akin at pagkatapos ay isunubsob ang ulo sa malambot na unan.

His raspy chuckle filled my ears. Hindi nakuntento ay niyakap na ako papalapit.

I love my mornings like this so much.

''Ang ganda mo.''

Aniya habang nasa salamin ang atensyon ko, naglalagay ng concealer at blush matapos itali ang buhok. ''Crush mo na naman ako.''

''Di ah, mga 99.9% lang.''

Napailing na lang ako sa komento niya dahil ganyan naman siya palagi. Ganyan siguro maglambing.

After a long and tiring week, a weekend vacation is all we need. Nandito kami ngayon sa may beach at hinihintay ang paglubog ng araw.

''Cute ng mga bata, tignan mo.'' Tinuro ko ang dalawang paslit, babae at lalaki na gumagawa ng sand castle.

He hummed and kissed my temples as his hands rested on my waist.

''How many kids do you want in the future?''

My gaze turned to him and I put all my weight on his chest as I rested my back. ''Isa? Or maybe dalawa so he or she won't be lonely?''

''We need a big space for that. What kind of house do you want?''

''I don't wish for a huge house, Aku. Kapag masyadong malaki, baka hindi na tayo masyadong magkausap at kita sa loob ng bahay kaya yung sakto lang ang ipagawa natin. And please, make the exterior and interior white and minimalistic lang ha? It should be calm and comforting. I want a peaceful ambience sa bahay.''

''Yes baby, I'll take note of that.''

Sa ilang oras na pamamalagi, sabay naming pinanood ang paglubog ng araw. It was slowly hiding in the clouds as its reflection was magically evident in the vast ocean.

Isang hiwaga at kayamanan ang abilidad ng mga ulap na maging marikit sa paraang hindi kailangang diktahan. It was so mesmerizing that even people painted and photographed them.

And him...this man beside me? He deserves to be painted and photographed a billion times.

But nope, it should be countless times. Make it infinity.

At ngayon, kumakanta siya habang ako nama'y nagmamasid sa paligid. Nakatitig lang sa mga taong may kanya kanyang buhay—kwento.

My eyes dropped to his cheek, and I gave him a peck. I smiled and felt more than relieved when I realized how far we've come.

Two hearts, both soaked in bleeding darkness.

Siya at ako, nandito ngayon sa piling ng bawat isa. Masaya at payapa. Just like what I've wished for our days to pass by.

''Pwede ba tayong pumunta ulit doon sa pinagawan mo nitong bracelet natin? I want a customized necklace.''

''Of course. Kailan and para saan?'' Ibinaling niya ang buong atensyon sa akin at ngumiti.

I closed my mouth and looked somewhere else. Nahihiya akong sabihin.

Baka tuksuhin niya ako.

''Baby what is it...''

''Nothing, babe.''

I want to wear your initials around my neck.

That's it. 

''Ano nga? Why? Are you going to propose to me using a necklace?'' Ayan na naman ang pilyo niyang tawa.

''Kapal mo naman! Pogi ka na n'yan? Ha?''

''Yes, since birth.''

He continued to tease me more as the music and ocean waves filled the place. Tila musika ang bawat halakhak niya at walang humpay ito sa pagpapatibok ng aking puso.

To the universe, please don't make my days go by more quickly... I want to cherish every minute with him in this lifetime.

I want the world for me and he's my world.