A Face that launched a thousand ships

Part 3

part 3

"I want you to wear this always." He wrapped his arms around her neck, slowly locking the necklace. Immediately after putting it, he removed his arms from around her neck, placing it at his sides. She looked down on the pendant; it was a cross pendant—a silver one.

"Are you sure?" she asked, grasping the pendant tightly. The man nodded in response and then gave her a gleeful grin. "It's so I can find you easily. I'll come for you, Maria." The corner of her eyes began welling with tears; Maria nodded in reply then wrapped her arms around the man's body.

"Thank you, Antonio." She whispered, choking in sobs. Antonio closed his eyes, returning the hug to the girl. "You're always welcome."

He woke up with the soft, warm rays of the morning sun spilling in his room. Through a four-paned window, the morning sun entered, every day felt like heaven; the soft chirping of the birds, the warm sun, the breath taking view from the window, and the feeling of being close to your loved one.

Antonio hurriedly sat up; his white blanket fell to his lap revealing his six pack abs. His hair was a mess, his eyes still a bit closed, yet he did not mind this. The first thing, or rather person, who entered his mind, was Maria.

Shit! Did she leave already? What time is it? Is she still here? I hope I can still see her off! Thoughts rushed into his mind endlessly. He scrambled up his bed picking up a white polo shirt hanging by the chair. Hurriedly wearing the polo, he stumbled upon the side table; a note fell from it addressed to Antonio.

He saw the note and wondered who it was from and what was inside it. Antonio bent down to reach the note and opened it:

Antonio,

I'm sorry for leaving without waking you up. I entered your room to say goodbye but I saw that you were in a deep slumber. I didn't want to wake you up, so I wrote this letter. Please do not worry about me; I will be in good hands, that, I assure you. Take care of Spratly and grandma for me, please. I don't know when I'll be able to visit... or even come back. I will send letters, I promise. Thank you again for everything. Take care.

-Maria

His eyes widened in disbelief. He was not able to neither bid her farewell nor see her off. The man fell down his bed, eyes wide in shock. He was too late, his beloved one left without saying goodbye to him. His heart broke; the day became gloomy for him no matter how much the sun shone.

"Maria..."

For her, it seemed like forever to travel from the countryside to the capital. It was her first time leaving the place she grew up in. The road was bumpy, she was shook hard, and she felt a bit dizzy. She looked outside the carriage's window, endless rice fields was to be seen. Farmers working all day, slaving away for the sake of others; it was ironic.

Her hazel eyes glided through the scenery, looking at every detail carefully. Observing all the people her hazel eyes glided through, she remembered a certain someone—someone special. Maria smiled to herself as she remembered how he looked like. Her eyes showed glee as she kept thinking of him