Stonehearts 5: Emerald

Thirty Six

Hindi nakaligtas kay Cael ang panghihina ko dahil pagkatapos ng confession na 'yon, agad niya akong tinanong kung kumain na daw ba ako. I wanted to lie but when his eyes landed on the kitchen, there I knew that lying would be futile at that moment.

Kaya pinagalitan niya nanaman ako at sinabing dapat hindi ako nag-s-skip ng pagkain, let alone three consecutive meals. Kaya ayun kahit ayaw ko pang umalis sa pagkakaupo ko sa hita niya at ayaw ko pang mawala ang init ng yakap ng mga bisig niya, minabuti niyang magluto muna para makakain na raw ako.

The family dinner that should take place didn't happen. His Dad and Mom were very understanding when we said that we have to sort some things between us. They have been supportive and told us that there will always be a next time for it. Kuya Kel wasn't happy though. Naiinis siya dahil hindi siya makakatikim ng Mechado, natawa na lang kami, nagtataka kung bakit iba ang obsession niya sa Mechado kumakailan.

We spent the whole day holed up in our unit. After he had fed me a food that will last me about a week, we stayed at the sofa curled together.

He has his back on the couch's arm while I am situated in between his legs and my back perfectly resting on his muscled chest. We were basking in the silence while we watch whatever 's on the T.V. His fingers were twirling a few strands of my hair as his breathing started to lull me into sleep.

I was about to close my eyes when I heard him speak. "Meine, do you want to open the box again?"

I looked up at him but he was already staring at me. It took me a few moments to realize what box he was talking about.

"Just as long as you promise me that you'll stay with me."

His eyes slanted with his lips as he smiled one hell of a panty-dropping smile. I would go gaga for it at any day.

"Today, tomorrow, and the day after that. I'm here for you, with you, always." He said before he reached for my hand and gently placed a kiss there.

He helped me stand before I guided him to our bedroom. Katulad ng last time, umupo ulit siya sa dulo ng kama saka ako hinintay na kunin ang kahon sa ibabaw ng estante.

Bago inabot 'yon, sandali muna akong napatigil at nag-isip. Alam ko naman na darating at darating ang araw na 'to but I can't still believe that I have already arrived at this point.

This is the moment that I will let go of every cruel feeling the past had brought me, the moment where my heart will be free to fly again, the moment where my life will finally be awake for the wondrous future experience I have to see.

Cael must've mistaken my sudden stillness because I felt his front pressing my back before his arms circled my waist. The frantic beating of his heart confirmed that he is as nervous as me as I decide to take this huge leap in my life.

He kissed my temple a couple of times then he whispered, "Meine, you don't have to do this if you aren't ready. If you need more time, we can come back for this in the future." He reminded me.

I placed my hand on top of his and gave him a gentle squeeze. "All I'll ever needed is here hugging me." I smartly replied. Saka ko siya sinabihan na umupo na ulit sa kama para maumpisahan na namin 'to.

Agad naman akong pumwesto sa tabi niya. Napansin ko ang titig niya sa akin habang nag-iipon pa ako ng lakas ng loob na bukas 'yon. Hindi ko alam kung gaano ako katagal na tahimik hangga't sa naisipan kong tumingin kay Cael. The look on his face, the look of someone who has so much faith in me, pushed me to life the cover.

Isa-isa kong inilabas ang mga laman noon saka ko ibinaba sa sahig ang kahon. I held the frame at arms length, remembering the day Marcus gave this to me. Cael waited for my moment to be done, he put his arm on my shoulder and pulled me closer to him.

"Let's do it?" It was clearly a question. Tiningala ko siya saka ako ngumiti at tumango.

Hinatak niya ako patayo at palabas ng kwarto, papunta sa harap ng dingding kung saan dating nakasabit ang masterpiece ni Marcus. This time, hindi ko na kailangan lingunin si Cael para humugot ng lakas dahil 'yong presensiya niya pa lang ay sapat na.

I drew in a short breath and stepped forward to place the frame back on its hook. Inayos ko pa ito at siniguradong tuwid ang pagkakalagay ko bago ako bumalik sa pwesto ko sa tabi ni Cael. Agad naman niya akong inakbayan saka siya humalik sa tuktok ng ulo ko.

"It's beautiful." He said in awe. "Now, let's talk about the other three." Yaya niya sa akin saka kami bumalik sa kwarto.

Napagdesisyunan namin na bukas, dadalawin namin si Mama Belen. Nakaramdam pa rin ako ng kaba pero hindi ako takot. Na-miss ko na rin naman siya at sobrang dami kong gustong sabihin at ikwento sa kanya.

Iniligay naman ni Cael sa mini-frame ang polaroid picture namin ni Marc at pwinesto 'yon sa may sala namin. Sabi niya para kapag doon daw kami nagtrabaho, tignan ko lang daw ang litratong 'yon at magkakaroon na raw ako ng inspirasyon sa ginagawa ako.

And for my wedding dress, Cael asked if he can see it. Sabi ko naman itinago ko 'yon sa cabinet sa bahay; kila Mommy, pero kung gusto niya makita why not naman. Medyo nagulat pa nga ako nang sinabi niyang hindi siya makapaghintay na makita akong suot 'yon, iba 'yong kaba at kabog ng dibdib ko at napansin niya 'yon base sa ngiti na biglang napadpad sa gwapo niyang mukha.

With every piece of the puzzle falling to their rightful places, I can't help but to think about the natural course of life. We really are destined to bruise our knees once in awhile, to experience pain so sharp that it can cut you deep and will leave you bleeding until you are almost dying. But somehow, when you're already drowning from everything that's happening. Someone will lend you a hand and will replace the struggle with nothing but never ending rainbows.