Kisses of Tragedy (Published under LIB)

When I Finally Got Her

When I Finally Got Her

"Okay ka na ba?"

That was the only time Azumi lifted her head from eating the banana split sundae as she fixated her chestnut eyes on me. My lips curved into a smile when I saw vanilla ice cream smudged on the side of her lips. I leaned closer to her and wiped it with my thumb.

She giggled and took another spoonful of ice cream on her mouth.

"Okay na ako. Salamat, Martin ha. Baka kung wala ka kanina, marahil umiiyak pa rin ako sa kwarto."

Earlier, her parents had a huge fight about something. Financial problem, probably. Then, she called me. Before I could even response a "hello", I already heard sobs from the other line so I asked her out and brought her to have an ice cream.

Ice cream has always been her comfort food.

I smiled. "Wala 'yon... Basta kapag malungkot ka, I'm always one call away."

Really, when it comes to her, I always keep myself available. After all, that's what a suitor should do to win her right?

Well if you're not asking, I've been courting Azumi for five months now. I met her from a mutual friend. The first time my eyes laid on her, she already got me. And when I knew her even more, I knew I've fell for her hard. So five months ago, I swore to myself that I'll have her at any cost. Not in a sexual way, but romantically.

--

It was already late noon. The dazzling tangerine sun-kissed the tip of the ocean as it gave shades of orange to the vast clouds of the pier. Watching how the sun will set on that day was the last destination for our date.

"You told me before that sunsets always make you feel sad," she said, breaking the silence.

"Yes, why?" I asked, trying to hide the smile creeping on my lips.

I really love how she can remember every little thing I've told her months ago. She's attentively sweet.

"I want to change your view about it. So that whenever you would watch sunsets, you will feel delighted instead of feeling sad."

"So what are you planning to do about it, hmm?" Amusement was evident on my voice.

With her five feet height, she tip-toed and snaked her arms around my neck. I suddenly gulped from our too much closeness. Smiling, she slowly crossed the remaining space between our faces.

And just like how the sun touched the sea, her soft warm lips pressed mine. My lips parted in shock. Before I could even kiss her back, she already pulled away and giggled.

I frowned. "What was that for?"

"A sealed kiss." The orange gleam of sunlight reflected on her chestnut eyes.  "Sinasagot na kita, Martin."

---

Last Friday was my bestfriend's 20th birthday and he invited me to their house to celebrate with our other friends. While we were having fun from drinking beers, Timmy called me to get my attention.

"Martin, alas-diyes na ng gabi ah! Hindi ba magagalit girlfriend mo sa'yo?" he hoarsely asked. His body was a bit swaying, an indication that he's already tipsy.

I shook my head. "Nah, she won't."

Why would she be? Nagpaalam naman ako sa kanya na pupunta ako sa birthday ni Vince e, at isa pa, walang babae rito. She doesn't have to worry anything.

"Eh paano kung magalit?" he asked again.

I shrugged. "Edi magso-sorry ako, what else?" I chuckled and drank my shot. "Azumi loves me so much, she'll forgive me," I said confidently.