Musings

Stolen

(last day in Italy of being together)

Their ride to Switzerland was pretty exciting. They had the windows rolled down, wind blowing through their hairs, smiles plastered on their faces as they admired the beautiful view and found happiness in each other's presence. The entire time she had her camera out while he pointed at stuff that they should capture. Some were of the buildings and of the scenic views while others were just random ones like of the bird they saw splashing in the puddle of water. But all of these were meaningful to them in some way or another because each of these stolen moments was a testimony of their time spent together.

They were on a tight schedule but were still able to make most of their time. They shopped for souvenirs and gifts for thier respective families, ate some traditional food and took some more pictures. But with each passing second that brought them closer to his departure, a weight settled on their hearts.

And it grew heavier on thier return journey. She had her head on his shoulder while he had an arm wrapped around her. Their breaths slow and uneven.

He feels her sighing as snuggles closer to him

'As much as I miss my family, friends and...... even though I feel so happy when I bring out.... a smile on people, and as much as I'm grateful ....to all what has been... given to me, I dont want... to return... don't want to go back', she forces the words out of her mouth as a silent tear escapes from her eye.

He gently wipes her tear away. He pats her in assurance and waits. Because he knows that she needs to get it out of her chest, needs him to just listen.

'Ever since that fateful day, my life took a 360 degree turn. My days were spent worrying about how I was going to manage this sudden popularity while still keeping myself grounded. How not to let this get to me, not overcome me. How to keep my showbiz and real life separated. And most of all, figure you out', she added with a smile was she raises her head to look up at him.

He raises his eyebrow in return but their is a hint of a smirk playing on his lips

'You know, I was afraid of what could be between us. And whether I should let it happen or not. But you were great. You let me take my time but still didn't give up', her voice drips with gratefulness

' I accepted it a long time ago that we couldn't have a normal relationship. Every movement of ours will be scrutinized and magnified and our privacy compromised. But if it meant that I could still have you by my side, it was alright. Because at the end of the day what matters is US.

But this trip. This trip has weakened my resolve. It gave me 3 weeks of normalcy, to do those mundane activities with you that I had thought would never become a part of our relationship. I got to be that simple girl again who wanted nothing but spend them with her BF.

And I'm so used to it now, to the familiarity of always having you by my side, that letting go has become so hard for me.
Cause we both know that once we land home, we can't have what we had here', she says as she buries herself deeper in his warmth, unknown to her that he was having an emotional breakdown

After taking some time to pull himself together, he starts

' Dont worry, the feeling is mutual. Unlike you, I gave up normalcy the moment I entered this field. I had to sacrifice so much to fulfill my needs that letting go of the 'real me', felt like a small price to pay. I didn't get to spend my life like a normal teenager, not able to cherish that phase of my life. I'm not being ungrateful but it will always remain with me that the Universe took that from me.

But ever since you came, I realized how much I missed being that simple boy. Being around you let me be that again. And this trip made it all the more special.

But you don't have to worry. I know that I want this to last. And believe my when I say this that I will do everything in my power to give us these precious minutes. Cause these moments that we steal from the Universe not only make you happy but me too. I have finally found what or better put, 'who' makes me happy and nothing is going to take that away from me', he says it with determination.

She looks at him, wondering what did she do to deserve someone like him

' And I promise you the same',

He smiles, knowing that she will always be by his side

'Ikaw at ako?', he asks

'Ikaw at ako, always '

Because no matter how much is stolen from them, they will always have each other.