TIMELESS SERIES BOOK 1: TWICE UPON A TIME

Chapter 1

2023

Jepoy carried the bouquet of yellow tulips dearly in his arms while waiting patiently for someone. Its bright petals resembled sunshine, of newfound hope, and he wished this would help him convey his sincere apology to his girlfriend. After all, yellow tulips are Via's favorite flower- and just like these flowers, Via is her light when life seems to darken.

"Son, hindi pa ba tayo papasok," tanong ni Governor Armando Salcedo, and kanyang mapagmahal na ama at ama rin ng kanilang probinsiya.

"Mauna na siguro kayo ni Yuki, Pa. Hihintayin ko po muna si Via kung maaari," nahihiyang ngiti ni Jepoy.

His sister, Yuki, smirked and threw him a playful glance.

"Yan kasi. Kung kailan iilang araw nalang graduation na, inaway mo pa si Ate Via," tukso nito.

"You know a lot of things, kid," tawa lang din ang naging tugon ni Jepoy.

"Susunod agad ako Pa. Mag-uusap lang talaga kami saglit."

Tumango lang ang kanyang ama habang ang kanyang kapatid ay patuloy pa ring natatawa.

His pretty with a spicy tongue sister was right. Meron silang di pagkakaunawaan kaya mas mainam kung mapag usapan nila bago magsimula ang ceremony. Napakahalaga ng araw na ito para sa kanilang dalawa at ayaw niyang magdiwang na hindi sila okay. Actually, hindi talaga siya mag-eenjoy kung hindi sila okay.

Shortly, his eyes flashed when he saw a familiar stature walking toward the entrance. It was his sunshine, together with her parents.

"Good afternoon po, tito, tita," maligayang bati ni Jepoy sa kanyang future in-laws.

"Kaawaan ka ng Diyos, anak," saad ni Atty. Victor Madrigal, ama ni Via.

"Congratulations on your accomplishments, iho. Thank you for staying with my daughter as you fulfill your dreams together," tugon naman ni Dra. Aviline Madrigal, kanyang ina.

"It is my pleasure, tita. At nandito lang po ako, supporting and loving her for the rest of our lives."

Matamis na ngiti lamang ang naging tugon ng mga magulang ni Via, habang hindi naman maitago ng dalaga ang pamumula ng kanyang pisngi.

"Well, it seemed that you two need some time together, right? I'll give you some time, love birds, but make sure to be quick, okay?" Nakangiting sambit ni Atty. Victor at nagpaalam sa kanila.

A moment of silence was shared when it was only the two of them left. They moved to the side of the building to have some privacy and also not to disturb the incoming guests.

Via was looking downward, perplexed on how to say she was sorry.

Jepoy, too, seemed to forget the lines he memorized asking for her forgiveness.

"Uhm-

Sabay silang nagbukambibig at natigilan.

"You first, Vi," lambing ng lalaki.

"No, ikaw na mauna, mosh," sagot ni Via.

Jepoy let out a gush of breath, then inhaled some courage from the atmosphere.

"Oh, I brought your sunnies, Vi. Congratulations to us- and sorry for what happened the recent day," he uttered and looked at her sincerely.

"It was not my intention to hinder you from doing what makes you happy. I shouldn't raise my voice on you even if I meant nothing but your safety. I am sorry, Vivi, I really do. Please, forgive me."

Nakatitig lang si Via habang nagsasalita ang nobyo. Without warning, she threw herself into his arms, never mind that the tulips were pressed together by their warm, longing bodies.