Always

Chapter 31

"Acceptance won't be easy but it will make your life easier."

°°°

Alex (girl)

I went to the cafe tita said and is now entering. Hindi ko alam kung bakit but I hope it won't be something that has to do with us.

I spotted her and walked straight and sat down. "Hello po," I smiled.

Ngumiti rin siya and offered me some of her cinamon rolls.

"I've seen posters in your school today, and it's mostly about you Alex," she started.

Oh no, I know those posters will be trouble someday.

"I've seen a poster saying you are in a relationship with Alex," she raised her brow.

"That just happened tita, I-I-I don't know," I spattered.

"No, it's okay. You don't have to worry. I am not the kind of guardian who puts barricades around you. It's totally fine with me," she talked.

Phew, and here I thought I would be banned from having him.

"But there are some things I want you to know. Alex is a good kid, he's smart, talented even," she started off.

"Ayokong mabigla ka so I want it to say to you first hand bago mo pa marinig sa iba," where is she going with this?

"You barely know his parents because they were sometimes out of town for their business. Minsan mag-isa si Alex sa bahay nila with their maids and drivers. Alex is a strong boy I know and I want you to understand that he deserves to be accepted and you did," she stopped to sip a coffee on her mug.

Me, I'm holding my breath in anticipation.

"Adopted child si Alex and he really needs support and love. I know he knows that he is adopted but I think he just needs to hear it from his parents for him to accept the truth. Alam kong kakayanin niya but today, I want you to understand na kung may mga behaviors man siya na hindi mo maintindihan minsan, it's greatly affected by his situation," I don't know what to say, I'm rendered speechless.

"Pano yung biological parents niya?" I finally found my voice.

"Who knows? Hindi namin alam, ang nakakaalam lang ay yung adopted parents niya. Kaya please, just understand him," she offered a smile to me.

"Walang problema tita," I answered with uncertainty. But I know he needs it so I'm giving it a shot.

--

I've been lying on my bed for almost 3 hours thinking about what tita said a while ago.

Gusto kaya ni Alex na malaman ko? Or do Alex want me to ask him? god damn it! It's getting so complicated, I'm starting to be worried.

Alex, I didn't know you had a past like this. Hindi ko alam na ganito nakaraan mo and still here I am still not sure what to do.

"His parents are so strict Alex, I still think you don't need to be caught up in his family drama. Pero I see something special between you too so I'm going to trust you with this,"

Do I want to get involved in this? What if something happens to him because of me? What if he gets in trouble because of me?

I'm getting irritated, I need time to think. I need him to make me think clearer.

Alam kong late na but I needed him to supress my anxiety, I need him to reassure me.

*hi, kita tayo?*

I hit the send button and patiently waited for his reply.

*sure, dating meeting place. :)*

I didn't reply and went dashing out the house.

Nang nakarating ako dun sa gate nakita ko siyang nakaupo malapit sa bench. I ran towards him and hugged him tightly as if I was going to loose him.

"Are you okay?" Tanong niya.
"Yes, I am, I just need you to hug me," I demanded so he tightly wrapped his arms around my small frame.

His scent invaded my senses and all my anxiety obediently calmed down.

Nakakahinga na akong maluwag. Like what I've thought, I really need him in these kind of times.

I am so ashamed of myself for thinking that way a while back. Now I know what to do, I know what I want.

He makes things clearer for me to see and I know he needs me too. Naiintindihan ko na kung bakit kelangan niya ako. And I want to be there for him. I want him to know that I will stay, that he is worth it. That everything about us is not worth doubting.

"Timing," he spoke suddenly.

"Bakit?" Tanong ko na nakayakap parin sa kanya.

"Medyo magulo sa bahay ngayon eh. Dad is on havoc today and I just want to stay out of his way right now," he tilted my head and planted a soft warm kiss on my lips.

I suddenly felt like crying so I deepened the kiss pushing my tears at the back of my head.

I don't want him to feel this way. I don't want him to pity himself and think negative thoughts.

Knowing something this precious about him makes me feel overwhelmed. Someday, I know you'll be okay.

You'll be fine and contented in your life.

Hold on tight, I will be here for you.

**