Greatest Witch

Kabanata 18

The Farewell Ball 

Before my bed rest is about to end, there is something I did not expect. He stay together with me until sunrise. Slightly hugging me from the right side of the bed while his hands are holding mine. I almost cried when I heard him whispering my name... saying it's not my fault at all. Dahil alam ko sa sarili kong ako mismo ang pumipigil ng mga emosyong dapat matanggal ko nang nararamdaman sa kaniya. 

Dahil takot ako. Paano kung peligro lamang ang hatid nu'n sa kaniya? Paano kung masaktan ko lamang siya? Kasi, in the first place he's already broken... many times. I couldn't afford to add another heart break or trauma to him because he is important to me, as a man and as a person I'm being affectionate with. 

"Wow, you thought highly of me. I can feel the love, young lady." I almost jump in heart attack when I heard his voice. 

"Nandiyan ka pala," I manage to calm my voice, kahit nasa loob nang kalooban ko ay parang sasabog na ang mga emosyong pilit na makawala. 

"Kanina ka pa riyan?" I asked. 

Umupo siya sa katapat na upuan nang aking kama habang direktang nakatingin sa akin na may matamis na ngiti sa kaniyang labi. 

"Hmm, yeah, almost an hour. I love to hear your thoughts from a far, it makes me fall madly in love with you..." He softly spoken. 

"Flame, I know my feelings for you has not been clarified yet but I want to assure you that... it's you and no one else. I just can't express myself yet for---"

"Hush, dearest. I like you and my heart only beats for you. No need to express yourself because I know since the sun and the moon shines from above that you are mine." 

I reach for his face, "I think our feelings are mutual..." I caress his hair softly as I trace his eyebrows, nose, cheeks and down to his tempting lips. 

"Dear, you are tempting me. I don't want to take you here... not yet." Aniya sa nanghihinang boses na tila nagpipigil. 

"I'm sorry. It's just me and my hormones, I guess." 

He chuckles, "It's normal, it's fine, it's the result of art of love..." 

"I just want to be with you... "

"You are with me, dear." He hold my hand and gently touch the back of it and planted a soft kiss. 

"Is the materials and other necessity for the ball are ready? Baka may mga kakailanganin pa, I can help---" 

"They can manage, you saved us all kaya you need all absolute rest to be stable. Do not worry about other things, except me and Lewtol." 

I smile, "I miss your pet." 

"Which pet?" Kunot-noong tanong niya. Uminit ang aking mukha dahil sa tanong niya. God, what I am thinking? I must be crazy. Hindi ako makatingin sa kaniya dahil doon. Sakto namang may kumatok sa pintuan kaya natuon ang atensyon ko roon.

"Miss Zenger, you receive a letter from Madam Z." Ron announced from the door. 

"I'll get it for you."

"Thank you." I said. 

He winks, "Anything for you, dear." 

Kinuha niya ang sulat mula kay Ron. Kulay green ang sobre at may ribbon itong kulay itim. Maganda rin ang design nito dahil sa mga kumikinang na bulaklak na tila mga maliliit na ginto. Inabot ni Flame sa akin iyon nang may pagkamangha. 

"This letter looks nice, I mean, Madam Z is exquisite in many things but this is not her cup of tea." 

"Kilalang-kilala mo talaga siya ano?"