A Starbucks Love Story [COMPLETED]

Our Road To Forever (4)

I spent Christmas Eve at Fernandez' household. Every Christmas pala, may reunion sila.

Sabi ni Tita Carmen, it's just a simple gathering. But I know better. Alam kong buong angkan nila, nandun at isa yung malaking party.

That's why I wore a decent dress. Tita Carmen also texted me na kung pwede, red ang isuot ko. Too bad, nasuot ko na yung red dress ko kaya nag-white sleeveless blouse na lang ako at red skater skirt. Sinuot ko ulit yung plaited necklace ko.

Napansin ko din na nung nag-pumps ako nung birthday ko, I'm height level with Luther. Kaya nag-flesh-colored flats na lang ako.

Masaya yung party nila, I got to meet Luther's extended family again. Almost lahat ng anak ng kapatid ng daddy nya, lalaki. So I really had no girls to talk to besides sa mga tita.

Luther never left my side. I'm glad that he's a very warm company when it comes to parties of their family. Sobrang mag-kaiba kasi talaga ang lifestyle ng pamilya naming dalawa.

But what I can't forget is yung sinabi sa akin nung mga kapatid ni Tita Carmen before kami umalis ni Luther.

"We really think you're the perfect match for Luther, anak. Carmen said so herself. In-love na in-love sayo ang pamangkin namin! He can't get his eyes off of you all evening!"

I looked up at Luther that time and he was blushing. Hindi ko makalimutan yung mukha nya nun.

Until now na nasa bahay kami nila Claire for New Year's Eve. Napag-kasunduan ng barkada na dito kaming lahat magce-celebrate.

Nandito na kaming lahat except for Luther. May dadaanan pa daw kasi sya.

I went out to the balcony overseeing the front of the house to wait for him. Nang lapitan ako nila Claire, Bernice at Faye.

Bernice: "Huy! Nage-emote ka na naman dyan"

Faye: "Akala ko ba sabi mo, enjoy lang?"

Ako: "Ano ba kayo, naka-dungaw lang dito, nage-emote na agad? Di ba pwedeng naghihintay lang?"

Inakbayan ako ni Claire.

Claire: "Don't deny, Ellie. You're thinking about Luther. Di mo pa nasasabi noh?"

I sadly nod. Hindi ko pa kayang sabihin kay Luther.

Faye: "Ellie, you really have to tell him now. Remember, second week of January na magi-start yung visa processing mo"

I covered my face with both of my palm. Hindi ko na napigilang umiyak ng tahimik.

Claire: "Oh, Ellie don't cry" Niyakap nya ako.

Ako: "Hindi ko yata kayang iwan sya. Nagba-back fire lahat ng sinasabi ko sa akin e. Sabi ko, gagawin ko 'to kasi ito yung nauna pero...shit, ano bang gagawin ko?"

Bernice: "You can still say no, Ellie. Kung ako masusunod, iaatras ko na yung franchise---"

Ako: "No! No, wag. I just have to pull myself together. Eto na yung naging desisyon ko, kailangan kong panindigan to" I straightened my face again and wiped my tears.

We suddenly heard an engine down the balcony.

Dumating na si Luther. Hindi nakabukas yung ilaw kaya hindi nya kami nakikita. He went out of the car holding a big bottle of what I think is champagne with a ribbon on it.

May kausap sya sa phone nya.

Luther: "I'm here at Ellie's friend's na, Mom. Tsaka mo na ako kulitin dyan, okay? Love you, bye"