Two Less Lonely People (A JLC-BA Fanfic)

Chapter 5

Two weeks ago....

"We should get going Alex, it's late" Mina started to get up from her chair.

Alex pulled her arm and set her back on her seat "What's the rush, Mins? It is only half past ten. Let's stay awhile, ok? Alex said half-pleading.

They now have their own nook at Carlo's where they would spend hours on end without being bothered by the other guests and vice-versa. Alex had called it Carlo's love nest; and they were the first occupants of the "nest." 

He held her hand tightly. "Are you tired of being with me?" He looked at Mina giving her his lost puppy look. Mina laughed out loud and cried out, "Alex, don't get cute on me now" unable to control her laughter until Alex joined in.

" I was just thinking of you, Sir." Mina replied smiling sweetly at Alex as she cupped his cheeks briefly. "It would be too late coming back after taking me home."

"What's your worry, won't you accompany me back?" Alex grinned.

Four times a week, it has been their routine for Alex to fetch Mina from work which is a good 41 kms away from Tagaytay, after which they travel back to the city to spend the evening together. He actually goes 4-ways coming and going whenever they meet. After he took her home, she would "accompany" him on the way back by talking with him on the phone until he arrived in his condo. Many times, they would still talk until both were ready to go to bed.

"Still, you are out there exposed to the elements" Mina continued without letting up on the subject. "The roads get slippery when it rains, the roads are winding on the way up here; sometimes the road may be deserted or else there are wayward drivers on the road. What if something happens to you, how can I get help?" Mina sounded off her concern.

Sensing Mina was upset, Alex wanted to humor her yet he pretended to be serious "Yeah, that's right. Not to mention the aswangs (Philippine ghoul) flying around the midnight skies."

"Alexander! Stop that!" Mina cried out realizing he was teasing her. "Can't you get serious for once?" she crossed her arms over her chest in an uptight manner.

Laughing slightly, Alex pulled his chair closer to Mina, sat down and took her hand. He intertwined his fingers with hers and held her hand tightly. He was almost sure Mina would pull her hand away like she usually does, but this time she didn't and held on tightly to his grip. He felt her body relaxing and Alex saw the chance to tell Mina what he had been wanting to say the past weeks they've been together.

"I'm sorry, Mins if I made you upset" Alex started. "I know you are worried about my coming and going. I know you said we should just talk everyday and meet on weekends only; but that's not enough for me. I want to see you. I need to see your smile and hear your laughter to complete my day. I want to see you and tell me how you spent your day. I want us to argue so I can see your glaring eyes and pouting lips...." He was cut short when Mina straightened up and looked at him with a pout about to say something, but Alex put his finger on her lips. "Sssh! Listen to me first. I'm being serious now."

Mina smirked but Alex was surprised when Mina settled back in her seat and didn't argue. He was more amazed when she leaned her head on his shoulder. Feeling encouraged by the gesture, he let go of Mina's hand and placed his arm on her shoulder and pulled her closer to him.

It felt good being held by Alex like this, Mina thought. She had thwarted his many attempts to get close because she knew she wouldn't be able to resist him.

Mina had thought that it would be a short-lived fling and Alex would soon tire of her and move on. After all, their physical distance alone is too taxing for the man she thought Alex was. Mina, however, was proved wrong. For the next two months after their second meeting at Carlo's, he had painstakingly took the drive to and from Tagaytay City and her home in Lemery with nary a complaint, but always with a smile of anticipation on his face whenever he sees her coming towards the parking lot of the company Mina works in.

They spent many long hours talking about anything that took their fancy, which may be as mundane as the color of the uniforms of Tagaytay's traffic aides to the ecological balance surrounding Taal lake and its beautiful volcano. Mina was surprised at how proudly and expertly Alex can discuss the varieties of the cut flower industry. She couldn't help but be amazed by this man whose charm goes beyond his good looks and heart-melting smiles; Alex was a sensitive and kind-hearted person.

Mina was extremely happy being with Alex. She can talk freely with him without fear of being censured; without being reprimanded particularly if she became stubborn at times. Mina felt Alex respected her opinion and it meant a lot to her.

Her thoughts strayed to remembering how it was with Francis, her ex-fiance. But that was how she and Francis started too. He had bragged to his friends how adorable and loving Mina was. She never realized Francis' feelings had changed until she read the note he left for her on their wedding day.

Mina shuddered at the thought and Alex felt it. "Are you cold" he asked her which jolted Mina out of her thoughts.

"No, not really" Mina answered as she snuggled closer to Alex, her head touching his chest.

Alex held her tighter and closer. "I love you, Mina" He whispered. There he finally said it, Alex thought and he waited with bated breath at what Mina will say or do.

Mina knew this was coming and as much as she was thrilled to hear it, she dreaded the consequences. If she said no, she might lose this man whom she has become truly fond of. If she acknowledged his feelings, then she is opening herself up to the likelihood of being hurt again....and that scared her big time.

Mina could hear Alex' breathing getting deeper into a sigh. She lifted her head to meet his gaze. His eyes were anxious trying to read her mind through hers. Mina's eyes turned blurry holding back her tears but a tear fell down her cheeks. She could feel Alex' hand brushing the tear away and the ones that came after.

"I love you too, Alex" Mina struggled with the words and Alex noticed it spot on. While ecstatic with her admission, he knew he had to lighten the mood to unburden her.

"Say what, Carmina?" Alex pretended he didn't hear what she said. He grinned widely and Mina realized he was teasing her again.

"Alexander!" Mina hissed in frustration as she tried to release herself from Alex' embrace. But Alex held her tighter and wouldn't let her go.

Feeling that her efforts were futile, Mina settled back into Alex' arms feeling happy and secure. She wouldn't fight it any longer. She loved this man and even if she was hounded by her past, she couldn't bear to be without him.

Alex lifted her face and looked into her eyes longingly. He kissed her forehead and Mina closed her eyes. She felt Alex' mouth on her lips for a sweet lingering kiss.