So Into You (A JeDean / GaWong Story)

Officially Yours

***
(Jema said)

"B, nasa Ateneo ako ngayon. May training kami," I informed Deanna early in the morning. "Brunch tayo after?"

"Baby, may makeup class ako eh," she said. "Kita na lang tayo sa gabi please?"

"Aba may balak. Hahaha."

"Hahaha wala ah. Talagang busy lang with school work."

"I understand. I'll run some errands first tapos babalik ako dito."

"Okay. See you!"

During the practice, my teammates told me that there would be a bonfire celebration that night to recognize Ateneo's athletes--and Deanna would receive a special award.

A part of me was pissed at Deanna for not telling me--I thought we were already at the level where we tell each other important things. But a bigger part of me wanted to celebrate her, with her.

We were scheduled to meet after the program but I sneaked in the theater to watch her. Her teammates asked me to join them when Deanna was called to the backstage.

After a few minutes, Deanna received the Step Up Athlete of the year. We were all out cheering for her. She gave a heartfelt message to all her supporters.

She was surprised to see me when she returned to her seat.

"Oh hi!" Deanna said as she sat beside me. "Kanina ka pa?"

"Yup..." I said, giving her a bouquet of flowers. "Congrats, Deans!"

Her cheeks turned pink. "Wow! Thank you!"

"You're welcome."

She held on my wrist. "Tara?"

I nodded. She guided me out the theater.

"Bakit di mo sinabing may award ka?" I asked, removing my wrist from her grasp and pushing her a little to prove a point. "Mabuti na lang may nagtsismis sa 'kin."

"Ehhh... di naman kasi big deal," she answered.

"Deanna, it's a big deal. I want to support you all throughout--mapa-game pa yan, schoolwork, photoshoots, at kung ano pa. Hangga't kaya ko, I wouldn't miss any of it for the world."

"I'm sorry... hindi na mauulit... Galit ka ba?" She pouted and it melted my heart.

"Pano pa ko magagalit kung ganyan ka kacute? Basta next time ha." I gave her a smile.

"Yes po..."

Deanna led the way along the brick walkway. The back of our hands touched and before I could recover from it, my fingers were already intertwined with hers. My heart was beating so fast that it was difficult to move.

Deanna adjusted her pace with mine. We reminisced about the times we crossed paths but never hit it off before the epic staredown.

"Did you know that we were in a photo together?" Deanna asked.

"Huh talaga?"

"Kasama mo pa nga ex mo nun."

"Selos ka?" I teased her.

"Ako? Oo..."

It wasn't the response I expected. "Hala bakit?"

"Eh sana mas matagal na tayong close."

"Isipin mo na lang na those events led us to each other. We have all the time now, tomorrow and the days to come."

Deanna gripped my hand tighter. She led me uphill to the Church of the Gesu and we sat on the ledge under the stars.

"I know you've been here in campus for your practices but I want to bring you to a place very close to my heart," she said.

She tried letting go of my hand but I refused to. I place our hands on my chest. "Dito lang yan."

"I wrote down some things I wanted to tell you on a letter here in my pocket." She used her other hand to find the letter but it wasn't in there

"Just tell me what you remember. One of the many things that I like about you is you always speak from the heart."

Deanna smiled but still looked nervous.

"Okay then... here it goes..." She cleared her throat and breathed heavily. "I've been spending happy moments here in Ateneo and I would like to add another one to that list. This time, I hope it will be with you..."

She paused, probably trying to recall her script. I gave her a smile of encouragement.

"When I'm with you, everything seems brighter and lighter. You're a ray of sunshine--you bring smiles to me and the people around you. I always look forward to the days when I will see you. I like myself more when I'm around you. You inspire me to be a better person. So thank you..."

I let her continue. "Jema... hindi ko alam kung kailan pa o paano nangyari. Pero bago pa sumabog yung puso ko dahil sa nararamdaman ko para sa'yo, gusto kong sabihin na mahal na kita... mahal na mahal..."

I started tearing up but fought hard against it. She carried on.

"I would like to be there for you too--to make you feel loved, to hold your hand, to carry your purse around, to just be present even if you don't need me. I choose you, I choose to be with you. I hope you'll choose me back... Will you finally and officially be my... girlfriend, Jessica Margarett Galanza?"

"Mahal na rin kita... mahal na mahal..." I answered as I let tears stream down my face. "I, Jessica Margarett Galanza, is officially yours, Maria Deanna Izabella Wong."

She pulled me to an embrace and we cried together in happiness.