I fell in love

Chapter 34

The days passed slowly, filled with the kind of silence and stillness that felt both expected and exhausting.

But I had prepared for that. I knew there would be stretches of time like this—ordinary, uneventful, and hard to get through.

I was ready for the quiet, for the days that felt like nothing and everything all at once. Even in the boredom and the weight of routine, one thing stayed clear in my heart.

"Did you accept the project?" I politely asked.

Nabalitaan ko na may project siya abroad. She didn't tell me when so I wanted to clarify.

"Hindi pa natin napag uusapan, eh. I told them I'll ask you first."

It was a rainy and peaceful afternoon, the kind that made everything slow down.

The television was playing something on Netflix, though neither of us was really watching. It was just background noise, something to accompany the quiet comfort we had found in each other's presence.

On the table sat two mugs of hot coffee, steam curling gently upward, mingling with the scent of fresh cinnamon rolls we had just taken a bite of.

Althea was beside me, legs curled under her, her head occasionally leaning against my shoulder.

"Come closer," she pulled me as she said that.

"Are you having a hard time deciding on that project?" Curious lang. Wala naman kasing problema kung kukunin niya o hindi.

"Nope. I'm actually depending on your decision. I have upcoming projects with different models dito sa Manila and out of the city." She gracefully sipped on her coffee.

Really, tho. Everything that she does, even her little moves, just everything, it amazes me. It's as if I was made to be amazed by her.

"Sayang yung project na yon, Love. Saang bansa nga?" Since I only heard the project by the news, ang naabutan ko lang ay ang mga photographers na kukunin.

"New York, daw eh. Four days sa New York, tapos five days sa Paris." She's looking at me intently as if she's waiting for a reaction.

"Get that project. Sayang naman. That will be a big break. Hindi ka nauubusan ng trabaho, yes, but that's such a big project for you to reject."

"Nath will be one of the models, babe. That's why I'm considering your opinion." She looked at me with a guessing stare.

I couldn't help but roll my eyes when she said it. It's not like I wasn't bothered, but come on. Why should it matter if Nathalie's going to be there?

I looked at Althea, amused more than anything. She really thought that would shake me.

I trust her. I know her. And I know how solid we are. Nothing's going to happen.

It's just funny how she still feels the need to explain, like I'd ever doubt her.

"We can facetime each other, love. After shoot or when you have time."

"Magkaiba ang oras natin, mahal."

"It's really fine, Althea. Sa akin ka pa rin naman uuwi." A slight laugh came out of my mouth.

I don't know why I'm this happy. My heart is happy, I have my peace within me. I have a faithful girlfriend, a girlfriend who's more than willing to sacrifice anything for me.

How could I ask for more? This is more than what I have ever imagined. This is more than what I've been praying for.

"I love you..." it was almost a whisper. Kasunod ng binitawan kong mga salita ang halik na iginawad ko sa pingi niya.