Weeks had passed since Blade and I decided to give us a real shot, and I was surprised at how... natural it felt. I had thought it would be difficult, messy, or that the shadows of my past would somehow make things harder between us.
But being with Blade wasn't like that. It was steady and warm, and even though there were moments when the memories crept in, he had a way of grounding me... reminding me of the present and everything we were building together.
On the nights I couldn't sleep, he'd stay on the phone with me, his voice was always calm and soothing, talking about anything and everything until my eyelids grew heavy.
We had our routines, little moments that felt simple but were new to me. I loved the way he'd absentmindedly reach for my hand as he drove or the way he'd tilt his head down to listen to me when I was telling him about my day, like I was the only thing in the world that mattered.
"The management set up a simple meet and greet. It will serve as a welcome event for Josiah," sabi niya sa akin. "Everyone is bringing their girlfriend. I want to bring you with me but I also want to make sure that it won't make you uncomfortable in any way."
"Kailan ba 'yan?"
"Saturday night. But if you're not comfortable, it's okay."
"I think I'm available. Anong oras matatapos kung sakali?"
"It will start around 5 pm. Will probably end around 8."
He told me that I should think about it first dahil sa sabado pa naman. Cali also asked me if I'm down. Sinabi ko kaagad sa kanyang pupunta ako. Wala naman sigurong magiging problema. Sa gilid lang naman kami, uupo lang at manonood.
When Saturday came, napaaga ang punta ni Blade sa bahay para ipaalam kila Mommy at Daddy ang tungkol sa lakad namin.
Medyo marami na ang tao nang makarating kami. Halos mapuno na iyong mga upuan. Marami na rin ang mga nagkalat na cameras. Isa si Blade sa huling dumating kaya naman halos dumugin kaagad siya ng mga cameraman nang makita.
"Gagi! Sila pa rin pala talaga! Oh my gosh!"
"Ang ganda niya lalo!"
Nakahawak si Blade sa akin habang inaalalayan ako papunta sa harapan. Nakayuko lang din ako. Sinalubong kaagad ako ni Cali.
"Backstage girlfriend duty," Cali chuckled. "I never thought I'd experience this."
When the event started, nanatili lang kami sa gilid. May mga lumapit sa aming part ng management at nagpakilala. They even asked for pictures. Nang umalis sila ay tinuon ko na muli ang atensyon ko kila Blade.
The staff prepared games for them. Sobrang taas ng energy ng mga tao. Meron iyong laro na kailangan ng partner each from the fans. Tawang-tawa pa ako dahil humingi pa ng permiso sa akin iyong partner ni Blade para hawakan siya.
The management also gave us some food. Minsan naman ay nakikipag-usap ako sa mga kasama namin ni Cali na girlfriends ng teammates ni Blade.
"Talent? Sinong gusto niyong sumunod? May naririnig ako rito kanina. Blaze Zander, show your talent daw!" malakas na sabi nung host.
"Sample! Sample! Sample! Sample!"
The crowd started chanting his name. Nagsimula na siyang itulak ng mga teammates niya na pinangunahan ni Josiah para tumayo at tanggapin ang mic. Napailing na lamang siya bago tuluyang tumayo.
"I'm not prepared for this," umiiling na sabi niya. Nagtawanan ang mga tao. "But I have my girlfriend on the side."
Nanlaki ang mga mata ko nang bigla niya akong ituro. Hindi pa ako nakaka get over nang senyasan niya akong umakyat.
BINABASA MO ANG
Steady Rhythms of Love (Ryker Series #2)
RomanceDriven by their own struggles, Zara and Blade set out on a path of self-exploration and recovery. They encounter obstacles along the road that put their love to the test and make them face unexpected struggles. They need to find a way to bring their...
