The Greatest Stand After The Deepest Fall

2

Eight months.

Parang tayo na, pero hindi. We are sailing safe in this so called 'almost' relationship.

Sabi ng close friends ko, para daw akong kumuha ng bato na ipupukpok ko sa ulo ko.

They also said, I should be wise enough to never settle with this kind of relationship. Yung okay, mahal ang isa't isa pero walang label. Sobrang hirap na nga raw ng sitwasyon natin sa simula pa lang, mas ginawa ko pa raw komplikado.

But little do they know, we're totally okay with it.

We have super valid reasons why we chose to stay in this stage.

You have your own priorities, and so do I. You are focused on your studies and you're not yet open about your sexuality with your family. At ako rin naman, I'm busy building a strong blocks for my career.

So, we need to take things real slow but real sure.

And besides, having no label doesn't changed the fact that we had eight months of pure bliss, indeed.

We do exchange i miss yous, i love yous, sweet nothings and all.

At kahit na anong pagiging abala natin sa kanya-kanya nating buhay, we always try to find a quality time for us via chats, text messages, phone calls or video chats.

Just like right now.

Jace.

"Tumataba na ako." nag-aalala mong sabi sa kabilang linya ng cellphone.

"That's good to hear." masaya kong komento.

"Anong maganda duuun? Hindi na nagkakasya sa akin mga damiiiit koooo!"

"Syempre, may mga bebe fats na akong makukurot sa iyo." pang-aasar ko, as usual.

"Hmp!" at yan ang paborito mong sagot.

"O hmpp?"

"Mamaya nyan maghanap ka ng sexy e." I could inagine you pouting on the other line. How cute could it be.

"Hindi ko gagawin yun. Kahit mabalot ka na ng taba, ikaw at ikaw pa rin." I said being sincere to every word that I uttered.

You don't have any idea how perfect you are in my eyes.

"Talaga lang a?"

"Hala to. Hindi naniniwala?" kunwari ay may himig ng pagtatampo.

"Hmmm. Naniniwala naman."

Silence. And I liked even this silence that enveloped us.

"I love you, Jace." I always can't help myself letting you know what I feel. Hinding hindi ako nagsasawang sabihin sa iyo, ipaalala na you are loved and will always be.

"I love you, too. I want to hug you right now.." I can trace the longing in your voice, for I feel it too within me.

Sa loob ng walong buwan, wala akong ibang hiniling kundi sana dumating ang pagkakataon na mayakap na kita at iyon ay maging isa sa mga patunay kung gaano ako katotoo sa nararamdaman ko para sa iyo.

"Soon, you'll be able to do that." I assured her.

"How soon is that soon, Cayle?" medyo nalungkot ang tinig mo sa pagtatanong.

"Secret for now." I answered with a smile.

Lingid sa kaalaman mo, I booked a flight two months from now. Sa wakas, inaprubahan rin ang leave ko sa work. One week. Makakasama kita ng one week. I will make the most of it. Swear.

"I hate secrets."

"But I am your most beautiful secret." biro ko sa kanya.

Hindi alam ng parents at friends niya ang existence ko sa buhay niya.

Natahimik siya sa sinabi ko.

"I'm sorry." pero biglang basag niya rin sa katahimikan.

"For what, my dear?"

"For being not ready..."

"I understand and I'll always understand." nakangiti kong sabi. "I'll wait for that moment na handa ka na... kahit gaano pa katagal... maghihintay ako.. 'cause you'll always be worth the wait."

"Thank you, Cayle. Thank you talaga.."

"No, Jace. Thank you."