Lost and Found

Chapter 16

The morning light, a pale, hesitant sliver, crept through the gap in the curtains, painting the room in a soft, ethereal glow. It fell on the bed, illuminating the scene before me – Ms. Ria, her face serene in slumber, her dark hair a cascade of silk against the white pillow. She was beautiful, even in sleep, her features softened by the absence of the usual intensity in her eyes.

Pinagmasdan ko muna ito habang natutulog, napaka ganda niya, nakakabighani

"I love you" I whisper, at sinusuklay ang buhok nito gamit ang aking kamay

I can't really believe na pumayag siya sa sinabi ko kagabi, tungkol sa napag usapan namin. Well I don't care kahit na matawag na mistress as long as we're both happy

My heart hammered against my ribs, a wild, erratic rhythm that mirrored the chaotic storm raging within me. It was the night after the forbidden confession.

The night after I, Celes, a mere student, had poured out my heart to Ms. Ria, the woman who held my academic aspirations and my deepest affections in her elegant, capable hands.

The memory of her surprised, then hesitant, then finally hesitant smile, played in my mind like a loop on repeat.

The way she had traced the line of my jaw with her thumb, the way her eyes had held mine, a flicker of something unreadable in their depths, all of it replayed in my mind, each detail etched into my memory.

I had been a nervous wreck, my voice trembling as I confessed again my feelings, fearing of rejection again, fearing the consequences of my impulsive act. But Ms. Ria, ever the composed, ever the enigmatic, had surprised me.

She hadn't pushed me away. She hadn't rebuked me. She had simply listened, her gaze unwavering, her expression a study in controlled emotions.

And then, after a long, silent moment, she had leaned in, her lips brushing against mine in a feather-light touch, a whisper of a kiss that sent shivers down my spine.

It was a kiss that held the promise of something more, something forbidden, something  dangerous.

But the morning had arrived, bringing with it the harsh reality of our situation. Ms. Ria, my professor, my mentor, the woman who held my future in her hands, was also the woman who had kissed me, the woman who had awakened a storm of emotions within me.

I knew we couldn't continue this, not in the confines of the school, not with the watchful eyes of colleagues and students. It was a secret we had to keep, a forbidden romance that could shatter our lives if exposed.

Yet, the memory of that kiss, the warmth of her touch, the way she had held me close, all of it lingered, a sweet, intoxicating ache that wouldn't fade.

I reached out, my fingers tracing the curve of her cheek, the smooth, cool skin sending shivers down my arm. She stirred, a soft sigh escaping her lips, her eyes fluttering open.

"Good morning," she murmured, her voice husky with sleep.

"Good morning," I whispered back, my voice trembling slightly.

She smiled, a slow, sleepy smile that lit up her face, making her eyes sparkle like pools of molten gold. "You're awake early," she said, her voice a soft melody that sent a thrill through me.

"I couldn't sleep," I admitted, my gaze locked on hers.

"I can see that," she said, a hint of amusement in her voice. "You look like you've seen a ghost."

I blushed, my cheeks burning under her gaze. "I'm just… a little nervous about today," I mumbled, my voice barely whispering.

"Today?" she asked, her brow furrowed in confusion. "What's happening today?"