Theresia
I wake up to a familiar scent, but Alice's side of the bed is empty. As the cold morning air greets me, I instinctively reach for my coat before heading towards the kitchen. There, I find her busy preparing breakfast, but the sight of her slightly stressed expression and the messy kitchen tells me she's struggling. Flour lightly dusts her face, bringing a playful charm to the moment. I can't help but smile at how cute she looks with a hint of flour on her nose.
Cute naman ng chef namin"
I quietly approached her, I wrapped my arms around her waist from behind, planting a tender kiss on her nape. She reciprocated by holding my hand and gently rubbing it.
"Good morning, Did you sleep well?" she asked in soft voice, turning to meet my gaze and pulling me into a warm hug. I leaned my head on her neck, savoring her comforting and fresh scent.
"I always sleep well when you're beside me," I murmur, planting a gentle kiss on her cheeks.
"Let's have breakfast first, then we can go back to our room if you want," she whispered, giving me a seductive look.
She pulled out the chair for me, placing a table napkin on my thigh before serving the food onto my plate. "Love, I am so lucky to have you," I expressed, urging her to sit beside me as I held her hand. "I am the luckiest because I have you," she whispered, leaning in to kiss my head tenderly.
As we savored the meal, Ate Gie and Cath arrived, looking a bit disheveled as if they had just woken up.
"Grabe lakas pala uminom ni attorney," Ate Gie remarked. "Ginawang tubig yung beer," Cath added with a laugh.
"Sakit pa ng ulo ko, hindi ako nakatulog kagabi, ingay kasi ng kabilang room," Ate Gie shared in a humorous tone, casting a teasing glance at us.
"Basta hindi ako 'yung maingay kagabi," Alice replied. I playfully pinched her thigh and gave her a serious look. She was teasing me, causing me to blush in embarrassment.
"Kain na kayo, sabayan niyo na kami," I suggested, attempting to change the topic, while Alice struggled to hold back her laughter, a mischievous glint in her eyes that I found annoying.
We were engrossed in a casual conversation over our meal when Ate Gie proposed some exciting activities we could enjoy during our stay on the island.
"Mangisda tayo, may maliit na bangka dyan," Ate Gie suggested.
"Can I join, but I can't swim eh," I chimed in.
"Don't worry, kasama mo naman ako," Alice reassured me with a wink.
"Mayoraa, ang landi," Ate teased, bursting into laughter.
"tsee, kumain ka nalang dyan," Alice playfully replied, placing a huge portion of food on Ate Gie's plate.
Cath and I couldn't help but burst into laughter with these two. It seemed like a siblings fighting. We started by tidying up the cottage and gathering our fishing equipment. The weather was nice, perfect for these activities. We would be using a small boat suitable for four people. Ate Gie and Cath took the front, while Alice and I settled at the back.
Alice's Pov:
Since we arrived here, each moment has been brimming with happiness. The feeling of being with her is surreal. Our relationship may be complicated, but my intentions and love for her will always remain pure. If only I could stay in this place and be with her, I would. However, I understand she has other commitments, and I refuse to be selfish. I admit until now, her touch, her smile, her gaze still leave me in awe. Meeting a woman like her, so perfect was beyond my wildest dreams. I will not let her go. I will not waste this opportunity, and this time, I will love her wholeheartedly.
"Alice, you're so quiet, may problema ba?" she asked gently, moving closer to me, fixing my hair, and lightly place a sweet kiss on my lips.
"Theresia, let's make it official. I want to be clear that you're mine now. In my life, things have always felt uncertain, but with you, I feel sure. I can't imagine losing you again. Please, don't ever leave me. I love you so much. Will you be my girlfriend from now on, and let's see where this takes us when we get back?"
Sure ka na ba this time? Theresia chuckled softly, her eyes filled with warmth. "I've felt the same uncertainty in my life, but with you, everything just feels right. I don't want to lose you either. I want to be yours, completely. Yes, I'll be your girlfriend Mayor Alice leal Guo. I love you.
Tears welled up in my eyes as her words sank in, finally able to call this woman as mine. "I love you, Attorney Theresia. 'Yes' is the only answer I accept; remember, I don't take 'no' for an answer," I whispered, drawing her closer until our faces were mere inches apart. We locked eyes for a moment. I gently kissed her forehead before pressing my lips to hers. Her hands found their place on my waist, intensifying our kiss. Time seemed to fade away, leaving just the two of us lost in that moment.
"Buset, kinikilig kiffy ko sa inyo," Ate Gie remarked.
"Kailangan lang pala ma-kidnap para magkaaminan," Cath added with a laugh.
"Panira kayo sa moment." They stood at the edge of the boat. I nudged Ate Gie as Cath held her, and they both tumbled into the water.
"Love, do you want to swim?" I asked Theresia, but she seemed unsure.
"Hindi ako marunong lumangoy, I am fine here," she responded.
"hawak ka lang sa akin, ako bahala sayo," I assured her. She was a bit hesitant but still agreed.
"Sige na attorney, Olympian swimmer 'yan sa bahay nila," Ate Gie teased, laughter in her voice.
"Shh, hindi ka nauubusan ng side comment, Ate Gie. Lulunurin kita diyan."
The water wasn't too deep, just above our heads. Despite the shallow depth, she clung to my neck tightly, clearly nervous.
"Love, hindi na ako makahinga sa higpit ng hawak mo, baka malunod tayo pareho," I said.
"Sorry, I am just not comfortable in deep water," she said while pouting. As an opportunist, I saw this as a chance to kiss her since she could barely move. I kept kissing her rosy cheeks, ears and neck.
"Sana ganto din kahigpit hawak mo sakin mamaya sa kwarto," I whispered, barely able to contain my laughter.
"You're always naughty," she replied, her gaze filled with affection.
As we watched the sunset, wrapped in each other's embrace, the tranquil setting, the soft glow, the gentle waters, and our shared laughter filled the moment with warmth and joy.
