Each Other

CHAPTER EIGHTEEN

So far, they've been good.

With Miguel's special request, Sam has extended their stay in the Philippines with another two weeks.

She told Matt this and of course, he was glad. More time with her.

Or at least that's what he thought.

He has been wondering why Sam always wants to be home by 9pm. And in all the dates and night-outs? She has never failed once.

But instead of asking, he settled with the thought of her needing to have enough sleep for work.

Yes, work. Sam just couldn't handle being away from medicine for that long. She loves what she does, and she's good at it. Knowing what she did in Boston, it was no doubt that the hospital that she used to work at—Jaime is also still there—gave her temporary privileges. A job was actually offered but she politely said she's unable to answer because of the last tiny bit of ongoing commitments with her clinical trial.

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Since they had to postpone their date two weeks ago because of a business emergency that Matthew had, they decided to reschedule for today.

Perfect timing, no work for Matthew and no cases for Sam today.

They decided to leave early evening. Miguel was with his Ninong Anthony and Andrew so Sam had nothing to worry about.

Since it is a Sunday and they both missed the morning mass, they decided to hear the evening mass at Our Lady of the Abandoned before dinner since Matt said that he reserved a restaurant in Marikina. One that was recommended by a colleague.

He parked the car and they walked in the church, hand in hand.

They settle at the 4th pew from the altar.

The priest starts his sermon.

Midway, Matt finds himself rather nostalgic. Going to church together wasn't new for them. Something about sitting by her now, sermon ongoing, brings him back to the Sundays after finals and they would always hear mass together. Thankful that they made it through another semester together.

Coincidentally, the priest says, "Sa panahon ngayon, what I realize is that often we don't love like we should. We're not good lovers!" The people laughed but Sam knew that this sermon was gonna be one she might dwell on later. She looks up t Matthew, only to find him looking at the priest.

"We live in a society today that teaches us to look out for Number One. We love to show kindness and generosity when it fits in our schedule. But sometimes we don't like to get involved when it is inconvenient for us. Ganyan tayo, e. Normally, sa mga panahon na mas kailangan natin ipakita ang love, mas nagiging magulo. Bakit?"

"Because instead of loving the other despite of their faults, you are choosing to love because of only their virtues. Now, alam ko na dapat you always see the good in others? Tama?" People nod, "Pero dapat, kung mahal mo ang isang tao, nakikita mo din 'yung mga faults niya at dapat kaya mo 'yun tanggapin. Kasi parte 'yun ng pagkatao niya. Lahat ng tao ay nagkakamali." Without noticing, Matthew looks over to Samantha. He just smiles.

"Kaya nga lang, hindi lahat natuto agad. Kapag nagmahal tayo, dapat magmahal tayo ng buo. Pero ang love, hindi madali. Hindi lahat puro kilig, puro date... nasusubok ang love sa mga oras na magkaaway kayo o may problema. Kas hindi puro emosyon ang love, it's also a choice. 'Yung taong mahal mo, siguraduhin mong handa at willing kang piliin at piliin siya."

With the end of the sermon, Sam doesn't notice her tears until one falls. She quickly wipes it before Matt notices it.

Matthew places his hand on top of hers, which was resting on her lap.