breaking free (completed)

15. gift

Rj wasn't sure if he heard what he did. The noise of the people around and the background music was quite loud. He just enjoyed the tight embrace Maine had on him for a little while longer.

"Congratulations, my love. I love you!"

Rj peeled away from the hug. He held Maine by the shoulders and looked at her in confusion and disbelief. She smiled. A few seconds later, she nodded slowly.

Rj stood up and took Maine's hand to stand up as well. With a gentle tug, they walked away from the garden to the front of the house, away from everybody.

".....did you just say what I thought you said?.....did you just talk?" They stopped at the front garden where everything was quieter. He asked again, still in disbelief.

Looking at him straight into his eyes, Maine smiled. In the months since she began signing with Rj, she didn't move her mouth or 'talk' while she signed with him; not even a sound. This was the first time that Rj heard a 'voice'.

".....yes...." she replied softly. ".....i love you....." she said, with tears now streaming down her face.

Upon seeing her reaction and tears, Rj's tears also suddenly began to flow. He had longed to hear her voice. He knew that one day she would share it again. Of all that they were celebrating for that evening, this 'gift' from Maine was the best of all.

"....thank you...." he said softly as he kissed her on the cheek and hugged her.

"....bakit?"

"....dahil ito ang pinaka-best na gift na natanggap ko sa buong buhay ko...." He said, slowly shaking his head, still in shock. He hugged her again.

"....congratulations!.....what honors are you getting?" Maine asked after a long while. They sat down on the front steps of the house.

"....cum laude....and some awards...."

"Wow!"

".....di mo lang alam.....ikaw ang naging inspiration ko...."

"....ako?...."

"....yes.....and now, I am even more inspired....kasi i have proven to myself na yung sinasabi ko lagi sa patients and families nila na habaan ang pasensya nila sa family members nila, I've lived it e....I've lived it so many times...."

".....and I am very grateful for your patience....and love...."

"Yes, Maine....I love you very, very much!......until forever...." he took her hand and intertwined his fingers with hers. She leaned on him and rested her head on his shoulder. He kissed her on the head then lifter their hands and kissed it, pressing and resting her hand on his lips for a long time.

"....until forever...." She replied.

He slightly turned so that she had to sit up straight. He looked at her straight into her eyes and leaned in for their first kiss on the lips.

Their lips parted but they were still joined at the forehead, eyes closed.

"....Maine....will you be my girlfriend?" Rj asked.

Maine slowly opened her eyes; Rj too.

She nodded slowly while smiling. "....yes....Rj.....yes....." she said.

He hugged her again then pressed his lips against hers again. "I love you." Rj said.

"I love you." Maine replied.

A while later, as both Rj and Maine sat and cuddled on the front steps, Maine felt a gentle tap on her shoulder. She turned and smiled. Rj also turned to the person behind them.