Fragments of Us

47: Ella

I woke up without Jema's soft gaze on my face, but it suddenly changed when she caught me staring back.

"You're still in trouble for making a fool out of me."

She rolled her eyes at me and was about to get up, but I immediately caught her waist.

"I know I am, but you're not going anywhere."

I cupped her face and planted soft kisses all over it.

"Do you believe in fate, destiny, or things like love at first sight?"

Her nose scrunched because I knew the question sounded familiar. It was the second time I asked her.

"I know. I know. You definitely not, but when you met me, you definitely believed in rage at first sight."

I burst out of laughter after repeating what she said to me, but her expressions didn't change; rather, she looked me straight in the eyes and genuinely spoke.

"I still don't believe in love at first sight, but after everything that happened and after everything we've been through, I know I am destined to love you. I never planned on looking back at this place, but fate pulled me back after I'd come running after you, so no, Ella, I don't believe in love at first sight, but I do believe that you are my love at first choice, and nothing is ever going to stop me from choosing you in every heartbeat."

I was literally speechless after hearing what Jema said, but we were interrupted by Mafe smashing the door.

"Wake up, love birds! I'm already famished here. I'm going to break the door if you don't come out after five minutes, I'm telling you."

Jema left a peck on my lips before fixing herself up while I remained lying with a smile on my face.

The day went smoothly, and I just realized I had never declared my love for her yet. I am not for real. She's been too vocal about how she feels about me, while I just always stood there and watched what happened next.

Tonight I'm going to ask her to be mine at MG's. Well, I just hope my singing skills didn't just miraculously vanish after I left for Manila.

Everything was set. The song, my speech, and the promise ring. I just need to keep it working.

I don't think Jema has the slightest idea of what I will be doing. We were just sitting on one table at MG's with Mafe and our friends when she excused herself, but then it took her a while to come back, which made me worry, so I came looking for her.

My chest suddenly tightened, and my head went spinning with the appalling sight I'd just witnessed. Jema and the guy she almost left with no face were hugging each other somewhere not so far from MG's.