30 Days To Paradise // COMPLETED

Three Years Later

I've been called a prodigy for finishing my degree in a span of three years but I won't attest to that. It was sheer determination and the will to be better that drove me to this moment. Even attending my graduation ceremony alone wasn't a problem as right now, all my focus is on going home.

Barmont has been my sanctuary, a place for refuge. I've met new people, discovered things about myself and have learned independence. It was indeed a journey. But I don't want to waste my time alone.

"I already packed that Amy! Of course." I was closing my suitcase when Amy called for the nth time.

"I just miss you! You didn't come home, even once! Three years is a long time you know! Everyone missed you!" She was squealing like remember she would be.

"Even him?" Then it was silence.

"Let's talk about that later. Just get your pretty ass home." She giggled.

*

Everyone still looked the same, Greg, Cameron and Amy with Blake (who followed her to NHU) was there grinning like kids on a Christmas morning. It was all hugs and chats. Greg is now preparing to be a professional swimmer. Cameron just changed his major for the third time while Amy is going to be a nurse. Blake, well, is gearing for med school. How the tables have turned. I glanced around the room and the place still looked the same, it felt like three years was just yesterday.

Then the door opened for the awaited guest. It was Josh, as charming, as lovely and as boyish as I remember him last. Indeed, it was the last time I saw him, after graduation that I have asked him to runaway with me. I can remember it as clear as the day.

"Will you runaway with me?" Asking him, it felt as if my heart is hanging on the line.

"Do you remember my promise?" My hand immediately went to my necklace.

"I will wait for you, my love. No matter how long it takes, I'll be here for you." He sealed the promise with a kiss as my tears were running down my face.

Just then before I went home to finally prepare for my leaving, he hugged me and told me this.

"I love you Frankie. Body and soul." Then I never looked back, not even once.

And I never went back, within the three years of being away, no phone call, or text. I stalked his facebook once and it's still the same, the same photo. And here he is now, looking as beautiful as the winter's first snow or the sunrise that promises a new day. The Josh I have loved and will always love.

Everybody was silent as if giving us our moment. Then just like any other sappy movies, I ran to him, as funny as it may look I didn't care. And there he was, opening his arms like it's my home. Indeed, he is my home.

"Welcome back my love. Welcome home."

"I missed you so much Josh." And I was crying, crying like a baby.

"No need to be sad Frankie. I'm here now and I've waited for you. How was paradise?" I looked at him, deep into his eyes and found the sincerity that was there when I first realized I loved him.

"He's standing in front of me." And for the first time in three years, I have kissed him again. And it felt just like the first time he ever kissed me.

"Well then..." he whispered between kisses. "Welcome to Paradise."