Piper took a few, slow steps back from the happy crowd.
All the while, his eyes were fixated on the girl with the brightest smiling eyes. The girl who's soft hair had once been a tenant to his willing shoulders. The girl who talks back at him like she knows better; but also the girl whom he found solace and rest even in the most mundane places.
"I like him, Piper. I like her a lot."
Ria meant more to him than she'll ever know, and he was a few minutes, hours and days late—like he always was and maybe will ever be.
And he knew, Del was the only person who can make her eyes smile like that. It was Del whom she had reserved her heart ever since they were thirteen.
He remembered that prom night, when Del was only a few strides ahead of him upang buhatin ang lasing na lasing noon na si Ria. But he stopped midstep, at gaya ngayon, he just watched Del take Ria in his arms. And it might have taken awhile for Del to realize that he liked this girl, pero noon pa man nakita na niya kung paanong mayroong pag-iingat sa pakikitungo nito kay Ria.
Fifteen years later, Del was still the same cautious foe. Only now he was brave enough to pursue Ria. He was happy that the girl he longed is with her happy.
Del is one heck of a lucky bastard.
Maybe it would take another lifetime for him to find another Ria, but she sure is always worth it.
WAKAS
BINABASA MO ANG
In Time With You
RomanceThe Perfect Roadtrip Checklist: Nostalgic playlist, check! Late night conversations, check! Your first love on the steering wheel, check! At isang bandehadong stubborn feels-check na check! Sangria Anne Rojas never imagined herself, fifteen years a...
