Through Secrets Unveiled

Chapter Sixty-One - Time Flies

IT was already April—three months later after Renante gave the engagement ring to Stacey which she can wear if she has already made up her mind about marrying him. Everything went well after that. Tila ba hindi nangyari ang pag-uusap na iyon dahil hindi na napag-usapan pa iyon uli. They both became busy with VVatch, since Stacey decided to stay in his company.

On a normal day, Renante would usually choose the most practical option. He would not agree to dropping his work at VVatch just to go all the way from Philippines to Ireland. But guess what? He just did.

They occupied two Business class seats, made of deep blue upholstery and convertible to full flat beds.

Tinatanaw ni Renante ang katabing bintana nang maramdaman ang pagpatong ng kamay ni Stacey sa kamay niyang nasa ibabaw ng arm rest ng upuan. He leaned forward, so that he could peek at her.

"Don't worry. They will be alright," matamis nitong ngiti sa kanya habang pinatutungkulan ang mga naiwan sa Vvatch. "After all, season break ng wristwatch production natin, remember? It is also impractical for us to ship and stock up our inventory during these months of extreme heat and extreme wet seasons. We already have enough wristwatches in stock for up for sale from April to August." Stacey chuckled nervously. Siguro ay natatakot itong magbago pa ang kanyang isip.

He smiled and placed his other hand on top of her hand. "I know. And I am not worried about them. I am just looking around and checking out this plane. My concern is your safety."

Tiningnan ng dalaga ang magkapatong nilang mga kamay. "I—no—We . . . We will be alright, Renante."

He took in a deep breath and looked at their hands. "Kung bakit ba naman kasi hindi na lang kayo mag-video call ng tatay mo. O 'di kaya, siya na lang ang papuntahin mo rito."

When their eyes met once more, Stacey slightly shook her head. "I prefer to meet him on Ireland, Renante. I prefer to talk to him in person."

"Alam kong gusto mo na ayusin ang lahat sa buhay mo bago tayo ikasal. But your parents' issues are not yours to fix."

"I know." Her eyes met his'. "You see, it's between me and my father, Renante. I believe that his issue with my mother is not a valid reason for him to do distance from me. So, maybe, there is just a misunderstanding between us. Maybe, I did something wrong . . . These things need tobe clarified. Kaya pupuntahan ko siya roon. Kapag nakipag-video call lang ako o international calls, makaisip siya ng excuse para iwasan ang mga taong ko." I don't want to waste any more time." Stacey smiled shyly and lowered her eyes again. "Excited na akong magsuot ng singsing."

He could not help a small chuckle that accompanied his grin. His grin was so wide it reached from ear to ear. Natatawang napailing na lang si Renante.

"O, ano'ng reaksiyon iyan? You look relieved. Parang hindi ka makapaniwala. Naiisip mo pala na posibleng hindi ko isuot iyong singsing?" natatawang silip ni Stacey sa kanyang mukha.

He returned his eyes at her. "Not really. I am just surprised that you'll bring this up. I mean, we haven't mentioned anything about marriage for months."

Ipinatong ni Stacey ang isa pa nitong kamay sa ibabaw ng kanyang kamay. Sa pagkakataong ito, parehong magkaka-sandwich na ang kanilang mga kamay sa kamay ng isa't isa.

"You know how much I wanted to marry you. Since day one, alam kong ikaw na talaga, Renante. Ikaw na ang nai-imagine ko na pakakasalan ko. Pagkatapos, ngayong matutupad na iyon, palalagpasin ko pa? Siyempre, never!"

Kapwa sila natawa. Inalis ni Renante ang isang kamay mula sa pagkakaipit sa ilalim ng palad ni Stacey. He used that hand to reach for the side of her face. Fuck their seat's divider. They simply leaned forward with all their might so that their faces could close in their distance. So that their lips will meet for a short, yet tight kiss.