Drowning In Your Love

30

Dinner

"What time did you get here?" I asked Hezekiah.

Nakapatong ang ulo ko sa dibdib niya habang yakap ko siya at marahan niya namang hinahaplos ang buhok ko.

"Three. I couldn't use the hotel's chopper because there's no pilot available. I took the earliest flight at the airport."

"Mmm..." Tumango ako tapos nag-angat nang tingin sa kanya. "Nakita ka bang dumating nila mommy at tita Her?"

"I don't think so. Alam kong nandito ka kaya dumiretso na ako dito sa bahay niyo."

I slightly giggled. "For sure magugulat silang nandito ka."

We became quiet for a while.

Ang nangyari sa amin kanina ay paulit ulit na pumapasok sa isip ko. Hindi pa rin talaga ako makapaniwala.

But I'm very happy because my first time happened with the person I love and also my future husband.

"Sorry I didn't brought you a graduation gift..."

Muli akong napaangat ng tingin dahil sa sinabi ni Hezekiah.

"Hindi naman kailangan, saka ang dami mo na kayang binigay sa akin...See?" Pinakita ko sa kanya ang kamay kong may suot ng bracelet at promise ring na bigay niya.

Hezekiah smiled gently. Marahan niyang hinawakan ang kamay kong iyon at dinala sa kanyang labi.

"I love you, Tilly."

Pangalawang beses ko na itong narinig ngayong araw, pero napapatigil pa rin ako dahil hindi makapaniwala.

"You're not ready to say it too?"

"No..." Napaahon ako para mas maharap siya. "I..."

But now that I'm looking at his face properly...I don't think I'm courageous enough to do that. I suddenly felt shy.

"It's okay..." He gentle grabbed my face and kissed my forehead. "I have waited for this for more than ten years. I can wait more, Tiana."

My heart throbbed because of what he said.

Hezekiah is always so considerate when it comes to me. He always make sure that I'm comfortable and I'm ready with whatever is gonna happen to our relationship. He will always ask for my opinion first and explains everything to me. That's what makes me fall in love with him more.

"I love you, Hezekiah Nigel...I'm sorry for not saying it back immediately."

Hindi nagreact si Hezekiah. Nanatili siyang nakatitig sa aking mga mata. He looks kinda suprise.

"Ah!" Untas ko nang may maalala. "I have something to give you..."

Mas inangat ko ang aking katawan para maabot ang paper bag sa bedside table na nasa gilid ni Hezekiah.

I flushed when I noticed that my chest is in front of his face because of what I did. Binilisan ko nalang ang pag-abot sa paper bag para makaayos na.

"S-Sorry..." I mumbled.

Ngumiti naman si Hezekiah. "It's okay. What is that?" Aniya sabay baling sa hawak ko.

"Open it." I said and handed him the paper bag.

Umahon na rin si Hezekiah sa pagkakahiga at sumandal sa headboard ng kama ko. I'm just watching him while he's opening my gift.