Stitches and Scars

Chapter 12

"You never realize the most important day of your life is happening until it's already there. It's like a sudden storm on a clear day. It's sneaks up on you when you least expect it. You don't notice it until you're right in the middle of it. Sometimes, the day you make a big decision or commit to someone could also be the day your heart breaks, like fragile glass shattering on impact. Moments like this are what force us to say — nakakaputangina ng buhay."

Vice woke up to the soft morning light filtering through the curtains of Karylle's bedroom. He turned slightly, propping himself up on one elbow to get a better look at Karylle sleeping beside him.

A stray lock of hair had fallen across her forehead, and Vice instinctively reached out to brush it away, but stopped himself, not wanting to disturb her sleep. Instead, he let his hand rest gently on the pillow.

The sunlight caught the edges of Karylle's face, casting a warm glow that made her seem almost ethereal. Vice couldn't help but smile at the sight.

After a while, Karylle stirred slightly, beginning to wake. Vice remained still, waiting for her to open her eyes. When she finally did, their gazes met, and a sleepy smile spread across her face.

"Good morning, handsome," she murmured, her voice soft and warm.

"Good morning," Vice replied, his own smile mirroring hers. "I hope you slept well."

Karylle nodded, reaching out to take his hand. "I did, all thanks to you. Kanina ka pa ba gising?"

"Not long," Vice said, giving her hand a gentle squeeze before kissing it. "I was just enjoying the view."

Karylle laughed softly, "Flatterer."

They both laughed, the sound filling the room. Vice and Karylle lay there for a few more seconds, neither of them wanted to break. Eventually, Vice sat up slightly, leaning against the headboard. "I could get used to mornings like this," he said, looking down at her with a soft smile.

Karylle stretched, her movements relaxed. "Me too," she replied, facing him, "This is nice," their eyes locking together. Unlike other mornings in Karylle's house, now they didn't need to rush or worry about being caught by others and revealing their secret.

He slowly leaned in closer, capturing Karylle's lips in a tender, passionate kiss. The kiss lingered until they pulled away slightly, their foreheads touched, breaths mixing in the intimate space between them.

Vice looked into Karylle's eyes, feeling the weight of the moment. His heart started racing as he struggled to hold back, but the words slipped out before he could ever stop them, "I love you."

~•~•~•~

Anne and Angel were both busy in the kitchen, bustling around as they prepared breakfast and packed their things for their morning shift. The aroma of freshly brewed coffee evidently filling the room.

"I think I need more than coffee to wake myself up today," Anne said as she poured herself another cup of coffee and leaned against the counter, taking a sip. "Did you get any sleep?"

Angel shook her head, "She could oil the bedsprings as a courtesy or at least buy a more padded headboard," she added, stirring her own cup. "They were up until late, laughing — and making noises. It didn't even sound like two people doing all that. But at least they were right about the 'cardio god' Vice is. Buti na lang hindi inatake sa puso si Karylle with all that work."

Anne laughed and sighed dramatically. "And here we are, not getting any action at all. It's not fair!"

Their conversation was interrupted by the sound of footsteps on the stairs. They quickly composed themselves as Vice and Karylle entered the kitchen, but noticeably, they came in separately. Vice seemed slightly flustered, while Karylle avoided making eye contact with him.