Love and Resilience

The first day of being together (pt 2)

JOVANA’S POV

I stood in front of the gravestone, the early morning breeze rustling the leaves. My fingers traced the engraved letters of my mother's name as I took a deep breath.

"Mom,"  I whispered, feeling a slight tremble in my voice. "The girl I told you about... the one I met in Cebu during the Sinulong fest? Her name is Serena. And she’s my girlfriend now."

The weight of those words made me smile. I could almost hear my mother laughing, telling me she already knew, somehow. I stayed there for a while longer, talking to her about everything that had happened about how Serena made me feel alive in a way I hadn’t felt in years. I hoped, deep down, that wherever she was, she was proud of me.

By noon, I was at the hospital, a skip in my step as I moved from task to task. The usual long hours felt lighter, the weight of responsibility almost enjoyable with Serena on my mind. My colleagues noticed something different about me maybe it was the way I smiled more or the fact that my usual focused frown had softened.

I checked my phone every chance I got, hoping to see a message from her. Just a simple “good luck” from Serena was enough to make my heart race.

When the clock finally hit the end of my shift, exhaustion hadn't set in yet. Instead, I felt an odd mix of excitement and nerves as I headed home. Serena and I were officially together, and every thought of her made the world seem brighter.

It wasn’t long after I got home when I heard the familiar knock at my apartment door. My three best friends barged in, laughing loudly, arms full of snacks and beer.

"Look who’s in such a good mood today!" Connie teased, throwing her bag onto my couch. "What’s up, Jovana? Got some good news you’re hiding from us?"

I laughed, shaking my head. "Sasabihin ko sainyo mamaya," I said, grabbing my phone and shooting a quick text to Serena.

To Serena
Hey, is it okay if I drink with my friends tonight? They brought beer, and I just want to check with you.

Within moments, my phone buzzed with her reply.

From Serena
Of course! Have fun with them love :*

That last word "love made me grin like a fool. I was so deep in my thoughts that I almost didn’t hear when Max spoke up.

"Yo, Jovana! What’s with the goofy smile, huh? Did you ask Serena yet or what?"

"Ask her what?" Gia nudged me, raising an eyebrow, already knowing what the topic was about.

Heat rose to my cheeks. I couldn’t hide the truth now. I cleared my throat and glanced at them nervously.
"Well... yes. I did."

A beat of silence passed, and then chaos erupted.

"What the fudge, she said yes? didn’r she?!" Connie shouted, smacking the back of my head, laughing.

Max was practically bouncing on the couch. "This is huge!"

Even Gia, the quietest of the group, gave me a knowing smile. "We’re happy for you, Jovana."

My heart swelled with warmth at their excitement. The teasing didn’t stop, though. They were relentless.

"So, kailan ang kasal?"  Connie asked, waggling her eyebrows.

Max joined in, grabbing one of the beers and cracking it open. "Kailangan na ba namin mag buy ng matching bridesmaid dresses now?"

"Okay, okay, okay, calm down," I laughed, taking the beer Jack offered me. "It’s just the first day of being together. Let’s not jump to any weddings."

But the truth was, in the back of my mind, I wondered if this was the start of something even bigger. Serena wasn’t just anyone. She was special. I could feel it deep in my chest.

The conversation moved from one topic to another work, life, and old memories but it always found its way back to Serena. I told them about our time in Cebu, how she had this magnetic energy that drew me in from the moment we met. How our text conversations turned into late-night talks that I never wanted to end. And how, in just a few short weeks, I knew she was going to be someone important in my life.

"She’s got you whipped," Gia joked, leaning back in her chair.

"Maybe,"  I admitted, smiling. "But I’m okay with that."

The night went on like this laughter, teasing, and the easy comfort that came with being surrounded by friends who knew me better than anyone. But even as I joked and drank with them, a part of my mind was still on Serena, wondering what she was doing, if she was thinking about me too.

By the time my friends left, the apartment was quiet again. I collapsed onto the couch, exhausted but happy. I picked up my phone one last time, sending Serena a quick text before bed.

To Serena
Miss you, I want to see you :(

Her reply came almost instantly.

From Serena
Miss you more love, then let’s meet when we have free time. Now, sleep I know you’re a bit dizzy. Good night, I love you.

To Serena
Okay love, I can’t wait. You too I know you’re tired. I love you more, sleep well and good night.

And with that, I closed my eyes, my heart full.