Letters To You

Chapter 13

"Your words are my drug
and your lips are my freedom,
so kiss me,
speak to me,
make this world make sense
once again."

Topher Kearby

Jho

Bea never left my side the whole dinner. She would regularly brush her ankles with mine or rub the back of my hand to get my attention. I would squeeze her hand to let her know I was fine. I'm absolutely fine. Why not? Her parents were very welcoming from the start and that made me ease up to the point that we exchanged opinions about politics, business and other current events in the country without even minding that our ideas clashed. I suspect that she was the tensed one since she was passive but later on joined the conversation.

When dinner was finished Bea excused herself from the table and Tito Elmer disappeared to his study to fix some papers. A few moments of silence was shared by me and Tita Det until she suddenly spoke.

"Alam mo Jho, I have never seen Beatriz this happy since her brother passed away. She's way different now," she confessed then took a sip of water. "Bea had a lot of friends but she was never like this to anyone except-"

I was startled by the voice echoing loudly inside the house. Bea.

"Jho, I already had my room fixed! Akyat ka na!"

Tita Det sighed and continued, "I just hope you stay by her side even when things got tough. Sige, akyat ka na."

I was bewildered by her cryptic statement which I hadn't had the chance to clarify since she left me while I was idling.

I brushed off the thought walking towards Bea's room. I was about to knock when the door burst open. Bea was frowning, however, when she saw me, her face relaxed.

"I was about to call you." she held my hand and led me inside.

I could smell a tinge of vanilla and strawberry in the air. Hmm. I'd love to stay here.
Everything that was in her room were pleasant to my eyes. There were books arranged neatly on the bookshelf, paintings of my favorite artists hung on the wall, and of course a queen-sized bed covered with Winnie the Pooh sheets. She seemed to have noticed that the bed caught my attention.

She hugged me from behind, a gesture that would always make my stomach churn.

"I bought it for you so it would be easier for me to convince you to stay here tonight."

I find her idea funny and thoughtful. Since I really love Winnie the Pooh, she had her sheets changed, but I don't need those to convince me to sleep here.

"What makes you think it'll convince me, huh Miss de Leon?" I tried to hide my smile.

She pouted. "Don't you like it, Jho? It was hard to look for a queen-sized bed."

"Now are you sulking? Where's your confidence?" I chuckled and turned to face her. "Anything from you is very much appreciated."

I kissed her cheek and jumped towards the bed. She was still standing there, staring at me.

"I have something for you," she shyly said.

Bea

I just love it when Jho is playful — it infects me. She delivered herself well in front of my parents. She was natural and genuine. I could see that my parents were entertained by her presence. I stayed quiet for almost the entire dinner because I was admiring her. I love to watch her talk about her ideas and understand her perspective. I love to catch her biting her lip after she stops speaking. I love to see how the side of her eyes crinkle as she let out the most beautiful smile I have ever seen.

I excused myself after dinner and left Jho with my mom. I hope she likes my present. I told Yaya Beth to change the sheets and sweep the floor while I rummaged through my drawer, looking for the small box where the locket was and also the short letter I wrote for her. I wasn't keen on making letters since it made me remember how I poured my heart out to someone and came out empty-handed. However, I know that Jho will appreciate it anyway because she's the sentimental type – letters and small gestures of love would appeal to her.

I just really hope.

She was pretty much caught up with the painting that hung on the wall and the collections of books that I kept on my bookshelf, but she was probably mostly absorbed by the Winnie the Pooh sheets that I bought. She jumped into the bed after she teased me that I've lost the usual confidence but reassured me immediately that she would love anything that comes from me.

Whew.

So here it goes.

"I have something for you," I shyly declared while I rubbed the back of my neck, looking at the cold hard floor.

She quickly sat up, eyes lighting up like a child who was handed a candy.

"What is it?"

I went back to the study table and collected the box and scented paper. I hid it behind my back then sat next to her. I grab hold of her cheeks with my free hand and caressed it.

My heart was beating irregularly, hands slightly trembling and beads of sweat starting to form on my temples. I've never been this nervous in my life.

"It's not much but it's made just for you. For the letter, read it when you're alone," I said as I handed the items.

She excitedly untangled the ribbon tied to the box and set the paper aside. She took the locket out and opened it. She covered her mouth in surprise and kissed me on the cheek. Her silence was making me anxious despite receiving a good response from her nonverbally.

"So, w-what do you think?" I asked, my breathing shallow.

"I think it's the most thoughtful I could ever receive. Thank you, Bey. I love you." Her response immediately calmed me.

"I love you too. Do you want me to put it on for you?" I suggested.

She smiled – my favorite smile. "Definitely."

I gently brushed off the hair on her nape to one side then carefully wrapped the chain around her neck and locked it. I grabbed the chance to bury my nose on her bare neck, which I couldn't resist kissing.

Well, it's exposed and she's really sexy. I just had to. I reasoned.

She bent her neck to the opposite side, giving me a wider access and closed her eyes in response, savoring the sensation.

"Bey..." she whispered invitingly.

And God help me. It was the sexiest thing I have ever heard.