Love Deferred (Andrei Roxas ans Fides Mondragon Story)

chapter 39: surprise visit

One morning, Andrei is preparing to return to the Philippines after a short vacation with Fides.

Andrei: (Packing his suitcase, a somber expression on his face) "I can't believe it's time to leave again."

Fides: (Sitting on the bed, watching him quietly) "I know. It feels like we just got this time together."

Andrei: (Sitting down beside her, taking her hands in his) "Fides, being with you these past few days... it's been everything to me."

Fides: (Squeezing his hands) "Me too, Andrei. I don't want you to go."

Andrei: (Brushing a strand of hair from her face) "I don't want to either. But we can't keep doing this—being apart like this."

Fides: (Nodding sadly) "I know."

Andrei: "I think it's time... we find a way to change this. To be together."

Fides: (Looking at him hopefully) "You mean...?"

Andrei: "I mean finding a solution, Fides. It's been enough, waiting and being apart. I want us to be together, without these distances."

Fides: (Tears welling up in her eyes) "Andrei..."

Andrei: (Pulling her into a tight embrace) "I love you, Fides. And I can't stand being away from you anymore."

Fides: (Holding him close) "I love you too, Andrei. Let's find a way."

Andrei: (Looking into her eyes) "We will. I promise... The time we deferred our love is more than enough...."

They spend the rest of the day discussing possibilities, making plans, and dreaming of a future where they can finally be together without the separation that has defined their relationship. In each other's arms, they find strength and determination to overcome the distance, knowing that their love is worth every effort and sacrifice.

At the airport, Fides stood close to Andrei, their fingers intertwined as they waited for his departure announcement. The air was tense with unspoken emotions, a mix of sadness and determination lingering between them.

Andrei: (Squeezing her hand gently) "I wish I didn't have to leave."

Fides: (Smiling through her tears) "I know. But we'll find a way, Andrei. We always do."

Andrei: (Brushing a tear from her cheek) "I promise, Fides. This won't be forever."

Fides: (Nodding, her voice trembling) "I'll be waiting for you."

As the boarding call echoed through the terminal, they shared one last embrace, holding onto each other as if they could freeze time. With a final kiss, Andrei turned reluctantly towards the gate, his heart heavy with longing for the moments they had shared.

Andrei: (Looking back at her with determination) "I love you, Fides. Until next time."

Fides: (Watching him walk away, her heart full of love and hope) "I love you too, Andrei. Take care."

And with that, Andrei disappeared beyond the security checkpoint, leaving Fides with a bittersweet ache in her chest and a renewed resolve to find a way to bridge the distance between them for good.

The video calls resumed soon after Andrei returned to the Philippines, bridging the physical distance that separated him and Fides. Each call became a cherished lifeline, a way for them to share their daily lives, dreams, and plans for the future.

Andrei: (Smiling warmly into the camera) "I miss you, Fides."

Fides: (Her eyes lighting up) "I miss you too, Andrei. How's everything back home?"