Miss Historian and Her Lady Guide (The Love We Found)

Maria and Isabel's Story

A few weeks had passed since the exhibition's opening, and the city of Manila seemed to buzz with the echoes of María and Isabel's story. The exhibition was a success beyond anyone's expectations, and Roxan and Dana were still basking in the afterglow. Their phones rang incessantly with calls from journalists, historians, and even a film producer who wanted to adapt the story into a screenplay.

But amidst all the excitement, a quiet reality was settling in: they had brought María and Isabel's love story back to life, but what did that mean for their own?

One humid afternoon, Dana and Roxan sat on their small balcony, overlooking the bustling street below. The sun was setting, casting a soft orange glow over the city. Roxan took a sip of iced tea, her eyes scanning the horizon, lost in thought.

Dana watched her quietly, sensing the shift in Roxan's mood. "You've been a little quiet these past few days," Dana remarked gently. "What's on your mind?"

Roxan turned to her, a small smile forming on her lips. "I guess I'm just... processing everything," she admitted. "The exhibition, the response... it's been a whirlwind. I keep thinking about María and Isabel, and all they went through. It makes me grateful for what we have, but also... it makes me wonder what comes next."

Dana nodded, understanding. "I've been thinking about that, too," she confessed. "We've put so much of ourselves into this project, into uncovering their story. And now that it's out there, I guess I'm wondering... what's the next adventure for us?"

Roxan laughed softly. "You always talk about adventures," she teased. "But I love that about you."

Dana grinned, reaching out to tuck a strand of hair behind Roxan's ear. "Life should be an adventure, don't you think?" she asked. "Especially now, after all we've been through."

Roxan nodded, her heart swelling with affection. "Yeah," she agreed. "Maybe you're right. Maybe it's time for us to start thinking about our own story... our own future."

Dana's expression softened, and she leaned in closer. "You know, I've been thinking... we could use some time away, just the two of us," she suggested. "How about a little trip? Maybe to one of the islands? Somewhere quiet, where we can just breathe and be."

Roxan's face lit up at the idea. "That sounds amazing," she said, her excitement bubbling to the surface. "A break from everything... just us, the sea, and the sky."

Dana smiled, relieved to see Roxan's spirits lifting. "I've always wanted to take you to Palawan," she added. "There's this little beach I know, away from the tourists. It's like our own private paradise."

Roxan's eyes sparkled with enthusiasm. "Let's do it," she said. "Let's book the trip and just go. No deadlines, no meetings, just... us."

Dana nodded, pulling Roxan into a warm embrace. "Us," she whispered against Roxan's hair. "I love the sound of that."

---

A week later, they found themselves on a small boat, cutting through the crystal-clear waters of Palawan. The island was a picture of serenity, with its white-sand beaches, lush greenery, and limestone cliffs. As they neared the shore, Dana pointed to a secluded cove surrounded by towering rocks.

"That's it," she said with a grin. "Our little piece of paradise."

Roxan's breath caught in her throat as she took in the sight. "It's beautiful," she whispered. "I can't believe this place exists."

They spent the next few days basking in the island's tranquility. They swam in the warm, turquoise waters, explored hidden caves, and watched the sun dip below the horizon in a blaze of orange and pink. Each day felt like a gift, a reminder of the love they had found and the journey they had shared.

One evening, as they sat on the beach, a gentle breeze ruffling their hair, Dana turned to Roxan with a thoughtful expression.

"I've been thinking," she began, her voice soft but steady. "About us... about what we want moving forward."

Roxan's heart skipped a beat. "What do you mean?" she asked, her voice tentative but hopeful.

Dana took a deep breath, her eyes searching Roxan's. "I love you, Roxan," she said, her voice filled with emotion. "I love who we are together, and I love the life we're building. And I want... I want more of it. I want to wake up beside you every day, to share all the adventures, big and small."

Roxan felt her eyes fill with tears, a mix of happiness and anticipation coursing through her. "Dana, I—" she began, but Dana gently placed a finger on her lips, stopping her.

"I want us to build a life together, whatever that looks like," Dana continued. "I want to travel, to write, to make new discoveries... but most of all, I want to do it with you, by my side."

Roxan's tears spilled over, and she laughed softly, overwhelmed by the depth of her own feelings. "Yes," she whispered, her voice choked with emotion. "Yes, I want that too. I want everything with you, Dana."

Dana smiled, her own eyes glistening with tears. "Then let's do it," she said. "Let's make a promise to each other, right here, right now. To always choose love, no matter what. To face the world together, and to never stop dreaming, or believing, in each other."

Roxan nodded, her heart swelling with love. "I promise," she said, her voice clear and strong. "I promise to love you, to believe in us, and to choose this life with you, every single day."

Dana leaned in, pressing her forehead against Roxan's, their breaths mingling in the warm evening air. "To us," she whispered.

"To us," Roxan echoed, closing the distance between them and sealing their promise with a kiss—a kiss filled with the promise of a future yet to come, a future full of love, adventure, and endless possibilities.

---

The next morning, as they walked along the shore, hand in hand, they talked about their dreams. Dana spoke of writing a book together, not just about María and Isabel, but about love stories that had been forgotten, erased, or hidden away. Roxan spoke of starting a foundation to preserve these stories, to give them the space and recognition they deserved.

The ideas flowed easily, organically, and by the time they returned to their little bungalow, they were buzzing with excitement. They felt a renewed sense of purpose, a vision for their future that was clearer and brighter than ever before.

Later, as they sat on the porch, watching the sun set once more, Dana turned to Roxan with a smile. "So, what's our first step?" she asked.

Roxan grinned, feeling a thrill of excitement. "Our first step," she said, "is to start writing. To capture these stories, these voices, and make sure they're never forgotten again."

Dana nodded, her smile widening. "And our second step?"

Roxan laughed. "Our second step is to see where that takes us," she replied. "To let the adventure unfold, one day at a time."

Dana leaned over, kissing Roxan softly. "I like that plan," she murmured. "I like it a lot."

And as they sat there, the waves gently lapping at the shore, they knew that they were ready for whatever came next. Together, they would write the next chapter of their story, with all the love and courage they had found in each other's arms.

The future was theirs, and it was filled with promise.