Eh Yung Hindi Naman Tayo? DATI (COMPLETED)

The Boyfriend

As the line narrows down to the last 3 or 4 patients in the Medical Mission, I walk away from the table for a few seconds to check my phone again for your message.

I smile as I see three simple words that make my heart do a little back flip.

I miss you.

I start typing a response and look up as Mama Ten calls me back to the table.

I miss you so much it hurts. See you later, Love.

It's true. The little pang in my chest that I feel whenever you're not around is so real, I can physically feel the pain.

Okay. I know what you'll say. You'll probably giggle and hit my arm and say I'm exaggerating but you can't really blame me for that. Truth is, I have never felt this much for anyone. I never even knew I was capable of such intense emotions of love and fear and everything in between until I met you.

So, in all honesty and factuality, there is no exaggeration. I love you that much and more, my Nicomaine.

Every hour away from you feels like a lifetime and if I let the longing take over me without distractions, I don't think I'll be able to breathe.

So as much that I wish to be with you right now to support you on your McDonald's store blessing, I am happy to be here and be able to help, happier to see the grateful smiles on people's faces and happiest that even though I've been busy, I have people help me out for my little surprise when I see you later.

An hour passes and it is finally time to leave, I say my thanks and bid my farewells to the doctors and volunteers then go to the car. I know I am facing a long ride and hours of traffic ahead but I don't mind. Heck! I wouldn't mind going through a path crossing seven rivers, miles of barren desert and mountains of snow as long as it leads me to you.

It's past dinner time when the welcome arch of Bulacan greets us and I give myself a little pat on the back for having the sense to send dinner to your home ahead.

My phone rings and my heart starts jumping around in somersaults. Ah, the things you make me feel, Maine Mendoza.

"Hello, Love."

"Love! Matagal ka pa? Miss na miss na kita." You slightly whine on the other line and it's totally adorable.

"Teka. Tumaya ba ako sa lotto today? Parang nanalo na ako dun sa sinabi mo, Love." I say and you giggle.

"Malapit na kami, Menggay ko a miss na miss na miss na miss na miss na miss din kita."

"Good. I love you."

"Grabe! Dalawang lotto na talaga napanalunan ko." I grin. "I love you more."

"Lotto talaga? Pampakalma yan for when you face Tatay as RJ, the boyfriend instead of RJ, the suitor. See you, Love. Thank you daw pala sa dinner. Ililibre ka daw ng McDo ni Nanay." You laugh.

"Twister Fries and Chicken Nuggets?"

"Samahan pa natin ng McFreeze." You add.

"Haaay... Miss na miss na talaga kita. I wish I can see that smile on your face right now."

"Me too." You say. "Miss ko na yung close up ng dimple mo." You giggle. "Sige na. Tawag na ako. Bye."

"Bye, Love."

--
A few minutes later we pull up in front of your house and you run out to gate to meet us.

Your eyes sparkle as you smile at me through the gaps in the gate while you open it, your loosely curled hair gloriously framing your lovely face. I step inside with a bouquet of red and yellow tulips in my arm and I can't help but gasp at how stunning you look in red.

A huge smile rips through my face and I think that I might break my jaw if I smiled any wider. You sprint straight into my waiting arms and I lift you up in a tight embrace.

I sigh contentedly. I finally have you in my arms again, feeling your warm and slender body against mine, inhaling your sweet fragrance and hearing your soft breathing and gentle heartbeat so close to me.

"I love you so much, Love. Miss na miss na miss kita talaga." I whisper. "Congratulations today."

"Thank you. I love you too."

I set you back down and gently place a hand on your cheek. I stare into your beautiful brown eyes then down to your full red lips and like ocean to the shore my lips make their way to yours. We share a long and gentle kiss before reluctantly pulling away.

"We should probably get inside. Magtataka sina Tatay kung bakit wala pa tayo doon." You say with our foreheads leaning against each other.

"Tara." I smile and lodge the bouquet in my hand in between us because there is no chance I will step away from you if I don't do so.

You gladly accept the flowers and we walk towards your house, holding hands with our fingers intertwined.

When we get to the door, we find your whole family in the living room excitedly looking at pictures and videos of the day's events on each other's phones and cameras.

They don't seem to notice us at first until Matti runs towards me, calling my name. "Ah-de. Ah-de."

I grin at him and catch him with one arm before he collides with my thigh then carry him up, never letting go of your hand.

Everyone's gazes then turn to us as we play with Matti with our hands still interlocking.

Silence fills the room as the curious stares shift from our faces to our hands to Matti then to our hands and finally to our faces again.

"Tay, Nay..." You call and your parents nod. "Andito na po si RJ..." You look at me and smile. "Boyfriend ko."

I smile back at you and squeeze your hand before we both turn to face your family who for a while do not show any reactions aside from half open mouths ready to say something and wide-eyed stares.

Your siblings then take turns looking at us then your parents then us then your parents waiting for their reaction.

"Menggay." Your Tatay finally speaks and an anxious unified gasp is heard across the room. "Ngayon mo pa lang pala sinagot yan? Akala ko nga ikakasal na kayo." He chuckles and the room bursts into laughter and cheer.

You lean your head on my shoulder and sigh contentedly and we share a couple of seconds of quiet joy before we are pulled into a wonderful chaos of cheerful greetings, giggles and teasing.

And it is perfect. 💛

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Unbeta'ed and not proofread. Thank you for reading. 😊