Sleep, My Love

Chapter 24

Author's Note: For the full effect of this chapter, consider listening to the song while reading.

"Shit!"

The car swerved slightly as Rylan's hands slipped on the wheel in shock. He quickly regained control. He pulled over to the side of the road, the tires crunching on the gravel as he brought the car to a stop under the glow of a streetlight.

He turned to me, his eyes wide with disbelief.

"Tama ba narinig ko?"

Dahan-dahan akong tumango. "Yes."

"Can you... can you say that again?"

I took a deep breath, looking directly into his eyes.

"I like you, Rylan. I want to be with you."

He dramatically put his hand over his mouth, shocked.

"Totoo ba? You like me? You want to be with me?"

I couldn't help but giggle at his reaction. "Yes, I do. I've felt this way for a while now, and I just couldn't keep it any longer. I want to be true to you and to myself."

His hand moved from his mouth to his chest. "Wait, prinoprocess ko pa. I still can't believe it. Panaginip ba 'to?"

I laughed. "You're not dreaming, Rylan. It's real."

He reached out and took my hand, his eyes shining with happiness in the moonlight. "I feel like the luckiest guy in the world right now." He squeezed my hand gently, his grin widening. "Thank you for telling me. I want to be with you too, more than anything."

I chuckled. "Are you sure?"

"Yes!" He was enthusiastic. "And does this mean we're together now? Like, a couple?"

My smile grew even wider. "Yes. Let's make it official."

His reaction was both cute and comically exaggerated. He put both hands over his mouth, his eyes wide as saucers, and then let out a muffled, "Wow!" He quickly composed himself, though his happiness was still evident. "I can't believe it! This is the best night of my life!"

I was just smiling, watching him. I know it took long for me to give in and I know how happy he was about it.

"Can I... can I hug you?" He asked carefully.

I nodded. He removed his seatbelt and leaned over. His arms enveloped me gently, pulling me close. He held me for a moment, I can feel his heart beating rapidly before he pulled back just enough to look into my eyes.

"Di ko ma-explain 'yung saya ko ngayon. Hindi ko inexpect na sasabihin mo na gusto mo rin ako," naluluha niyang saad. "Kahit noon na ina-admire lang kita mula sa malayo, kontento na ako basta makita kang nakangiti. Lahat ng ginawa ko ay para sa 'yo dahil mahal na mahal kita. Kahit na hindi mo man suklian 'yung nararamdaman ko, sapat na sa akin na mahal kita. Pero ngayon, na alam kong gusto mo rin ako, pakiramdam ko ang swerte-swerte ko."

Hindi ako makapagsalita, hinayaan ko siyang sabihin lahat ng gusto niyang sabihin.

"Ayokong mangako ng napakarami, gusto ko lang sabihin na gagawin ko ang trabaho ko bilang boyfriend mo at hindi ko hahayaang masaktan ka ng basta-basta," pumiyok ang boses niya, at sandali siyang tumigil para punasan ang mga luha gamit ang likod ng kamay niya, habang namumula na ang ilong niya sa pag-iyak.

"I want to see you happy, and I'll work every day to make sure you are," he smiled.

He took a deep breath, his tears still streaming down his cheeks.

My heart ached at the sight of his vulnerability. I gently lifted my hands and cupped his tear-streaked face. I wiped away his tears with my thumbs. He pouted while looking at me.