Thorns

Chapter 23

The days passed quickly. I guess that is normal when you experiencing a priceless happiness. The final exam and the final defense of our thesis are approaching. Ilang buwan na lang at ga-graduate na ako, pero hindi ko pa rin nasasabi kay Jackson ang pag alis ko papuntang Canada.

I feel like my eyes are getting tired after several hours of reading so I put the book down, rubbed my eyes and rested my head in the book. Sinulyapan ko si Jackson na nasa likod ko at mahimbing na natutulog. Wala akong trabaho sa araw na ito kaya niyaya niya ako rito sa condo para dito na lang ako mag aral... at para makita niya rin daw ako.

Ilang araw din kaming hindi nakakapag kita dahil bukod sa maraming ginagawa ko, halos nauubos na rin ang oras niya sa training. Nalalapit na kasi ang kanilang play offs.

I slowly approached and lay next to him. He's facing me so I can see up close the few scars on his face from the accident before and the bruises he got from fighting. To this day, I still wonder why they fought with Carlo. He still doesn't say the reason and he even told me to avoid them.

Is their fight that serious? Na pati ako iiwasan na rin sila?

Hinawakan ko ang mga tuyong sugat gamit ang daliri, dahan dahan para hindi siya magising. At kahit halata ang mga iyon sa mukha niya, nananatili pa rin siyang maganda sa paningin ko.

Yes. He is beautiful, as if God took his time to carve his face beautifully and perfectly. Gentle yet rough features. Gentle because of his eyes and smile, rough because of expression when he is pissed, the clenched jaw and intense staring yet he looks so peaceful when he's sleeping.

It's fascinating to watch him sleep.

Sa gitna ng pag trace ko roon, mabilis niyang nahuli ang daliri ko habang nakapikit at pinisil ng mabuti.

"I thought you were sleeping." I softly asked.

"I was."

"Sorry." He smiled and opened his hazel nut eyes. His eyes are something. Malalim, at para bang gusto kong magpakalunod doon. He reached my cheek and caressed it with rough hands but a soft touch.

"Done with your readings?" malambing niyang tanong.

"Hindi pa."

"Then why are you lying here?" alam kong mang aasar na naman siya kaya umahon na ako pero hinila niya lang ulit ako. Masyadong malapit ang mukha namin kaya umusog ako ng kaunti, pakiramdam ko magliliyab ako kapag lumapit pa lalo sa kaniya.

"What do you want to eat?" he asked while playing with my bangs.

"Bakit mo ba lagi tinatanong kung anong gusto kong kainin?"

"Kasi gusto ko lagi kang busog." Hinila ng mararahan ang pisngi ko ng magkabilaan. I looked silly but the happiness of Jackson's eyes right now is something. Something comforting and contentment.

Soon, I will tell him about my leaving. Magagalit kaya siya? Malulungkot? Hahayaan akong umalis?... Sasamahan ako roon?... Or will he let me achieve my dreams while he does the same for his? We will be busy pursuing our dreams but being apart from each other, at kapag puwede na kami pareho... puwede pa kaya?

But the thought of staying here, staying with my family, working and looking forward to what happens to me and Jackson looks... nice.

I leaned forward so I could kiss his chin and looked at him deeply, so I could reach his soul.

"Mahal kita." Tahimik kong sinabi.

I didn't know that I could change for someone. I'm not like this, but when it comes to him, I can do anything; I can give everything, and if the day comes when he tells me not to leave... I'm afraid I can follow what he wants. Because I love him too much, too deep na pati ako nahihirapan umahon.