My fault
Felipe's
"You said that you like it here. You said that you were learning a lot from my cousins and my uncle, why are you leaving now, Love?"
If I tell her the truth, would she hate me, or would Jaqueline hate Yafa more? I looked at her for a little longer. I was putting things in my suitcase, still thinking of the things I will have to tell her. Clearly, I cannot tell her about Rafa and what we were before. I don't want to complicate their relationship. Jaqueline is a kind woman, she has a lot of patience and understanding. I've known her for almost two years, and I never saw her lose her temper. I know she is a good person; I just don't want to risk her relationship with Rafa. What she doesn't know won't kill her.
"Felipe, answer me!" She demanded. Oh, she knows what she wants, and she demands for it. I finally give her my full attention. I sat on the edge of the bed, patted the space next to me to make her sit beside me and then I held on to her hand. Jaque has such exquisite hands that the ring I bought her look more extravagant because of her hands.
"I am learning a lot here, and yes, Love, I like it here but I am needed at the office. You know that Ruel is just establishing the company here and he needed more hands." She pouted, but I'm sure she understands. Mas mabuti sigurong iyon na lang ang dahilang alam niya kaysa ang kung anopaman. I wouldn't want to be the reason of any fit between her and Rafa. Rafaelle, I guess she's been through so much, ayoko nang makadagdag pa.
I've known Rafaelle for a long time. I met her on a summer day in Italy. She was vacationing alone and I happened to be in the same situation. Back then, I was so in love with her that I did think that the reason why we kept on meeting back in Italy is because of the fates, it was romantic to think that we are destined to meet. She was way too young for my liking but I felt the need to be next to her so I pursued her. I flew to New York to take that chance. Rafaelle, at first was reluctant to let me in. She kept on telling me that she doesn't want a relationship because if ever she has one, it will never be her priority, and I told her that it's fine because I like her that much and I am willing to wait for her – no matter how long it takes.
My grandmother always tells me that I have an excellent kind of patience. I enjoy waiting, especially when I think about the reward that I am gonna have at the end of that waiting, so, I waited for Rafa. I have accepted the fact that I am not on top of her list. Her list goes like this; her mom, her studies, her work, and anything else that comes after that and I will always be last, pero paulit – ulit kong sinasabi sa kanya na okay lang sa akin basta uuwi siya sa akin, and whenever she is with me, I make her feel home, I make her feel that she can trust me and that she can bear her soul to me.
It didn't take long before Rafa became comfortable, slowly, she shows me the real her. Hindi ako nabigla nang makita ko ang parte ng pagkatao niyang puro bubog at sugat, I nurtured her and sheltered her as long as I could, I guess that was how we developed our dynamics – the baby girl and the daddy alter ego. Rafa has security issues. All her life she fought hard to be independent and happy, but she lacks of assurance from her family and the feeling of security and that was what I give her...
Minahal ko siya nang lubos. I am loyal and faithful, back then, I only want her that is why I made sure that she knows that. Wala akong ibang babae, hindi ako nag-e-entertain ng ibang babae, for me, it was only Rafaelle, if it's not her, then there's no one...
But no matter how patient I am, Rafaelle had worn it out. I got tired of waiting, and I gave up – but before I did that, I gave her an ultimatum. It's her and me or her and her issues. Pwede ko namang yakapin lahat ng issues niya, I am willing to take care of her, if she'll just choose me.
