Forever Trapped

Chapter 23

"Is this a 'my dress is ruined emergency' or an 'I'm fucking dying' emergency? Because I love you both with all my heart but let's not use the worse emergency lightly okay?"

"Sorry, Cynthia." I was honestly guilty.

When I told Phoenix to come (and to not drive himself to death), we... talked but not much, there was a waiting period at wala na atang paglagyan ang excitement ko. I felt this overwhelming emotion and didn't know what to do with the overflowing joy.

I found myself telling the group I may need to call for an emergency meeting.

Nang dumating si Phoenix, nakalimutan kong dagdagan ng detalye. I was so distracted with Phoenix in his pajamas, with his messy hair and tired eyes. I let him wear the square pink diamond ring I fucking love so much. Then we hugged for a while.

I really missed him. His face, his scent, just every part of his body.

Hindi ko nga lang napansin na sunod-sunod na pala ang message nila. They were asking me about the emergency but I wasn't able to answer dahil busy ako sa pakikipag-landi. I need to admit that one so I could acknowledge my mistake of letting my friends worry.

Si Phoenix kasi... masyado naman ata akong na-miss. Hindi nga nagpakita ng ilang araw pero bumawi naman ng mga worth days of performance.

"It's not a matter of life and death and yeah, the word emergency was definitely the wrong word to say. I just have some news to share."

"Kita mo to. You really have this talent of making someone go cuckoo no?" I laughed at Mikee na sigurado akong hindi naman masyadong nag-worry kasi panay pangungulit lang ang ginagawa sa group chat.

"What's this news then? It better be a big one, ha. Hindi talaga ako naka-rest ng maayos."

Oh, it's definitely a big one.

"Oh," I showed them the ring on my finger. "Your girl is engaged. Surprise!"

"How did they react?"

"Mikee was silent for a while. Cynthia ended the call and then joined the group call again," napatawa na lang ako. It was an awkward waiting time for me as they tried to digest what I said but it was also fun seeing them lose their mind a little. "They also asked me if I'm pranking them and I think they don't believe me fully yet."

"That I know," Phoenix said. "Cynthia called me to make sure. I may have to get my ear checked. Mukhang na-damage ata ng sigaw niya."

That, I wouldn't be surprised. "I can't blame them though. Pati nga ako, hindi ko alam that I'd be engaged all of a sudden."

He pushed the elevator button to his unit which was, by the way, the penthouse. We always hang out at my place but his place is definitely bigger and better. Maybe five times. Baka tamad lang talaga ako noon kaya ayaw kong dito kami nagkikita but now that we do sleepovers, I'm bending all my rules. Things you do for fucking love.

"I also didn't know you'd say yes. Which was why I gave you the ring. I'm ready to accept your answer may that be a yes or a no for now. But I wanted you to keep the ring. I don't care what you'd do with i. I just... I just really want you to have it."

"Oh..." we were holding hands so I lifted his to place a kiss there. "That's sweet."

Agad akong naligo pagdating namin. I was so tired I want to sleep already. I know we've only been engaged for a day but it's crazy how fast things change. Parang ngayon, komportable na ako masyado with the thought of staying here.

I was surprised to see Phoenix in the living area just seating. He looked like he was thinking deeply and just like that, negative thoughts came to my head.

Is he regretting proposing to me already? Gusto niya bang bawiin ang sinabi niya? Now that I said yes, did he suddenly realize he doesn't want me anymore?

My heart was beating louder and louder as the thoughts piled up. I knew I would be like this when I would be with someone. Being in a labeled relationship is complicated.

"Hey," he said when he suddenly noticed me. Nawala agad ang pag-aalala sa mukha niya and it was replaced with a smile. Parang napakadali namang nagbago ng ekspresyon sa mukha niya. Could it be that he's faking his emotions to me or maybe he's not really telling me how he feels.

"Is everything alright?" I asked him. I was worried with all the thoughts in my head but of course, nag-aalala din ako sa kaniya.

"Yeah. I was just thinking."

I sat just beside him and leaned my head on his shoulders. "About?"

"The wedding details."

"What?!" I screamed at the top of my lungs. Parang kanina lang, kung anu-ano nang iniisip ko, tapos eto lang pala ang iniisip niya?

What the actual fuck.

"You looked like you want to leave or something. I was worried there for a moment." Malakas niya akong tinawanan. "Asshole. Why would you fucking sigh then?" I challenged.

Ganoon na ba talaga siya ka-stress sa idea ng wedding that he would sigh? My goodness, the details have not crossed my mind yet but this man is already sighing because of overthinking.

"I'm not worried about the wedding, Zahara. We can get married in a church, on the beach, a barn. Do you want an underwater wedding? Or do you want to get married in a hot air balloon? No problem, we'll make it happen. Whatever you want. You are the boss here. I was just worried because I haven't met your parents yet."

"Yeah, there's also that." Tumango-tango din ako and tried to keep a straight face so he'd think I'm serious too. Mas lalong sumeryoso tuloy ang mukha niya na para bang kung ano na ang problema. "It's just that... I don't care. I also don't care where we'll get married and I don't care what my parents will think of you. If they'll like you or they don't, well... that's their problem na."

"Should we just go somewhere and get married?"

What did he just say? Yesterday, he proposed. I know that meant marriage but... really? This soon? Am I ready? Is he ready? Are we rushing things? I would like to say we thought things through but what if we are? Baka may pagsisihan kami.

"Tomorrow, next month, next year. I wouldn't mind as long as it's with you." I smiled when he said that but he paused na para bang gustong bawiin ang sinabi niya. "Hmmm, maybe I do mind. Okay, let me rephrase. I do mind a little. We'll take our time but let's not take too much time. Is that alright?"

"I love you," I wanted so much to tell him so I did.

"I'd hug you so tight but I haven't taken a bath yet so, we'll save all that for later." He said as he flashed a naughty grin and ran towards his room. "I love you!" pahabol niya pang sigaw.