A Four-Letter-Word Called LOVE (COMPLETE - ENG Translation On-Going)

Prologue

A/N:

"Ate", is a Filipino term in reference to an older female relative or respected friend (especially one's own sister), and means "Sister".

- - -

- - -

- - -

"What is LOVE?"

It might seem a simple, four-letter-word and yet, a compelling and profound question to answer.

How many times have I read about this on a slam book?

You know, that small note that Ate used to keep and write personal stuff on it?

That particular, pink-coloured booklet that she always brought with her and read it with her mates.

Twice? Thrice?

Ugh! I couldn't even recall how many times, haha!

All I know is, I'm pretty amazed and amused while reading the answers from her mates about the meaning of that four-letter-word—

Most notably, from her.

I know it's rude and utterly disrespectful to invade someone's privacy, especially if you secretly read someone else's thoughts. But I couldn't help it—no wonder why I always get scolded by my Mum because of my curiosity;

Or should I say, being an utter nosey git?

Och, well!

Let's go back to the previous question.

"What is the definition of LOVE?"

Me? I utterly have no idea what is the answer to that particular question.

I guess I'm way too young to understand what LOVE means. Yes, I always read her answer, but I couldn't comprehend what Ate meant precisely.

I asked my Mum about it. But instead of answering my thoughts, her brows slightly furrow then she grins and giggled. I slightly frowned and asked why she suddenly laughed at me.

"You are way too young for that kind of question, Chris."

"But why, Mum? I just want to know what LOVE means, that's all. I want to know what's the right answer for that straightforward question."

Mum was just gazing at me. She's baffled, but her eyes are full of different gleam and euphoria I couldn't comprehend. She cups and holds my cheeks and beams at me.

"There's no absolute right nor wrong answer for LOVE, sweetie. LOVE is when you're happy when that person is around. You feel elated every time that person is with you. You're delighted to see that person's smile, hearing their laughter and seeing the happiness in their eyes. In other words, LOVE is this indescribable, sheer euphoria that you feel every time that special person you admire is happy."

Eh? Is that it?

So, this indescribable, sheer euphoria that you feel every time that particular person you admire is happy is LOVE?

Ate's answer suddenly daunts me;

^LOVE is seeing the one you love happy. You feel this indescribable euphoria to know that he's happy. You know, what matters to you the most is seeing his smile and happiness on his eyes^

I fainted a sweet smile when Ate's cute, lovely face suddenly pops out of my head—

—Especially her beautiful smile and the way how intoxicating her laugh is.

Oh, dear!

Blimey, Chris!

You're always gushing and blushing every time you think about her!

You look like a complete tool every time her lovely face flutters inside your young mind.

I might not understand my Mum and Ate's answers about this four-letter-word, all I know is,

I'm happy.

I'm happy every time I see her elated;

I'm way beyond delighted every time I see her enchanting, beautiful smile. I feel so glad and pleased when I make her laugh every time she's heartbroken from all those guys she'd dated;

And I have this indescribable, sheer euphoric feeling every time I'm with her.

Wait, is it already LOVE that I'm feeling right now?

Ha! No way! Maybe I'm just weird, that's all.

Why did I say that?

I'm only ten years old, and yet, my feelings are way beyond matured for this woman I called "my Ate" (big sister).

I was just ten years old on that time when I felt this weird yet, indescribable profound feeling that a 10-year-old shouldn't feel.

But what can I do?

I couldn't help myself but feel this way.

Yes, she's my Ate. She's my 'big sister' because she's ten years older than me and I grew up looking up to her. We're just 'siblings' in the eyes of the people around us, especially to both our families.

I'm only a 'wee brother' for her and nothing else.

But for me—for me,

She's the woman that I want to be with and will make her happy for the rest of my life;

I don't want to see her cry and heartbroken by those pricks and jerks from her school.

All I wanted is to be with her and only her—

—to be with Ate Mhairi.

"To be with the woman that I love named Mhairi."