Stonehearts 7: Ruby

Twenty Five

Was I surprised when he said those three words I've been longing to hear from him?

Yes. I'm freaking shaken I think I forgot how to breathe.

But, did I stay after?

No, I didn't.

After he blurted those words out, I gave him a final smile and headed out. My knees were trembling and my pulse were sprinting, pero kinaya ko. Nagawa ko siyang talikuran at hindi muli pang lumingon.

Do I still have feelings for him?

Yes. I do. In fact, daddy was right. It's still as strong as before. It never withered nor falter.

But, why did I choose to walk away?

Because it isn't right anymore. He's all I've ever dreamed of, yes. But, Marco is everything I needed. Ilang beses kong pinaulit-ulit 'yon sa utak ko para lang magawa kong sumakay sa sasakyan ko at umalis.

"Arcie, luma na rin talaga kasi 'yong mesa mo. It's high time we replace it." Marco's voice brought me back to the present.

We're at a furniture shop picking a new work table for me. Bumigay na kasi 'yong mesa ko sa kuwarto. I don't have any sentimental attachments to it or any of sort, Marco must've misread my stillness to that.

"I know." I murmured.

He was behind me while we stand in front of seven different desk. Who knew tables can offer different configurations? One even has an attached cup holder to it.

He snaked his arms on my waist from behind and rested his chin on my shoulders. Automatically, I planted my hands on top of his.

"Then why do I feel like you're mourning over your broken table?" he asked sweetly but teasing.

"I wasn't. Hindi ko lang inakala na marami pa lang pagpipilian. Nalilito na tuloy ako."

My response made him chuckle. He straightened his posture and pointed at the red table with a gray frame and legs, while keeping his other arm around me.

"How about that one?"

"It has cup holders." I added.

"Alam ko. You've been looking at it funny when Kuya showed it to us." He answered, placing a kiss on my temple. He then directed his attention to the staff assisting us, "Kuya, we'll take that one. May bago po ba kayong stock?"

"Yes, Sir. Mayroon po. Ipapa-assemble niyo na po ba o hindi na?"

Marco kept quiet and I know he's waiting for me to answer the question so I did. "Hindi na Kuya. Kami na lang, hindi kakasya sa sasakyan ko kapag naka-assemble na."

"Sige po, Ma'am. May instructions naman pong kasama. Sandali lang po, kuhanan ko lang kayo stock."

Kumawala ako sa pagkaakap ni Marco sa'kin nang umalis 'yong nag-a-assist sa'min.

"I hope you're good with building things. Because obviously, ikaw ang gagawa." Biro ko sa kanya.

He chuckled, taking both my hands in his. "Yes, Ma'am. I happen to be your best guy."

"My only guy."

His face went serious and his stare got heavy. "You don't have to say things you don't mean, Arcie. Like I've told you before, time will come that you don't have to force yourself. That is, if you still choose to stay with me."

"Marco." I whispered, creasing my eyebrows and wishing the water works won't start. "I don't force myself to be with you. And I'm here now, ikaw ang pinili ko."