Eh Yung Hindi Naman Tayo? DATI (COMPLETED)

That Girl

October 26, 2017:

I looked in the sunvisor mirror of my car and checked my hair and fixed my collar before closing and placing my hands on the wheel.

I was just leaving the event I was part of, a launch of the newest model of the phone brand I'm endorsing. It was unfortunate that it happened today, the same day when I would rather be in a different launch.

I remembered when we found out our schedules. I was so regretful and tried to get out of the event. I was not the only main endorser so I was hoping they would allow that. There would be other product unveilings for me to attend but there can only be one first book launch for my beloved.

Sadly, I couldn't pass on the event without risking legalities in my contract with them. I was so bummed out. I was furious and frustrated. I tearfully apologized to you over and over but you simply smiled at me and cradled my face in your gentle hands.

"Okay lang. Alam ko naman how you want to be there. Sa puso ko when I step into the venue and greet those who came to support me and sign each book and smile for pictures, kasama kita." You then kissed the tip of my nose and touched our foreheads together.

I bursted into louder sobs with your sweet gesture and for understanding our situation. I was filled with appreciation for you and gratitude to the Lord for blessing me with that girl.

That girl who understands and supports entirely and loves unconditionally.

I checked the bouquet of yellow roses and pink carnations on the backseat and smiled. I know these flowers can't make up for my absence but hopefully, they would still make you smile.

I always want to give you a reason to because you are that girl. That girl that owns the smile that warms me to the depths of my soul.

I turned the engine on and started driving.

"Ma, hatid muna kita. Wala pa daw sa condo si Meng. Dinner pa kasama sina Tatay." I told Mama Ten who was seated in the passenger seat.

"Di ka ba kasama sa pa-dinner ni mayor?" She asked.

"Sobrang late ko na po. Nakakahiya nang manggulo dun. Patapos na din sila. Sabi naman po ni Nanay, next time na lang. Gusto ko din mauna kay Meng para ma-ready yung surprise."

"Paano? Sa parking lot ba yang surprise mo? Wala ka namang susi at access sa elevator." She said.

I grinned. "Meron na."

"Luh luh luh... Yung mga ganyang ngisi mo, kilala ko yan. Kalmahan mo lang baka ma-kalbo ka ni Engr. Mendoza." She reprimanded.

"Ano bang iniisip mo, Ma? Ang good boy ko kaya." I said with a wide smile.

"Hay naku, kung good boy ka, santa ako!" She rolled her eyes and I chuckled. "Sasama muna ako sa'yo. Gusto ko din i-congratulate muna si Meng. Ako na bahala mag-taxi pauwi."

"Sige po, Santa Ten." I laughed.

//

When you texted that you were headed home, I hurriedly finished the heart-shape that I was creating from yellow and white rose petals in your living room. That was after I made a path along the foyer with the same petals and put up the banner on one wall.

"Ang effort nito ah." Mama Ten said. "Ako na maghahanda niyang champagne at mga baso."

"Ako na, Ma. Wala ito. Kulang pa ito." I smiled.

I wanted to do more, to give you more although I knew you would tell me I shouldn't because you are that girl.

That amazing girl who deserves all the grandest things this world could offer but delights in the simple things.

I made some last minute touches with roses on the cocktail table and checked how I looked in the light blue long-sleeved polo that I folded up to my elbows.

I then picked up the bouquet and stood in the middle of the rose petal heart.

"Nasa baba na daw siya." I told Mama Ten, who retreated to the kitchen, after reading your text.

I hugged the bouquet a little closer and took a deep breath as I nervously waited for that girl.

That girl who spoke to my heart even before I heard her voice.

That girl who tried to look ugly with her facial contortions but only proved to the world how beautiful she really is.

That girl who has effortlessly made the world fall at her feet but still does not believe how we all adore her.

That girl who didn't think she can do more than dubsmash and make funny faces but has amazed the world over and over with each revelation of a new talent and awesome things she can do.

I held my breath as I heard the doorknob click because that meant seeing that girl.

That girl who stole my heart and I willfully let her run away with it.

That girl who still takes my breath away every time I see her.

That girl whose eyes I drown in, whose arms I dwell in and whose smile I delight in.

That girl I will forever hold in my heart, bathe in my love and circle with my protection.

That girl I will never ever ever get tired of kissing.

"Love!" You beamed when you saw me and ran straight to me.

I dropped the bouquet on the floor and wrapped you in my arms then met the luscious lips that came crashing with mine.

I held you tighter and kissed you with my heart full and my spirits high because you are that girl.

Yup, you're that girl, MY girl, My Nicomaine. 💛🍃

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