Moon and Flowers

Chapter Thirty-two

In the late evening a few moments after dinner, I let Spade stay outside to have a drink with Sebastien and Tito Carlos. Nakailang pilit pa yata ako bago siya pumayag. He set terms and conditions before allowing himself to have fun tonight. Now, I have Ate Sally and Savina in my room. Mahimbing na ang tulog ni Savina dahil sa pagod kakaswimming kanina kaya naman parang tumahimik ang mundo. She brought joy to me this day.

"Diana..." Ate Sally pulled the edge of my cardigan and fastened it more on my shoulder. "Hindi ka pa ba matutulog? Baka gising ka na naman buong gabi n'yan mamaya."

"Mayamaya po kapag inantok." Umayos ako ng pagkakasandal. 

I just watched Savina peacefully waltzing into her dreams. Seeing her like this puts me at peace that I can't I explain. Maybe I did grow fond of her since then, a ball of sunshine in every way. 

While she was sleeping, I wished things for her. I always know she would grow up with the same free-spirited and outspoken attitude. Like life wouldn't scare her at all. I wish she would stay this perfect amount of sweet and sassy. I wish she could handle more of Spade's teasing nature at her. I wish she could be there for Spade, be the same sunshine as she did for me. 

Mayamaya ginising na ni Ate Sally si Savina para lumipat sa kwarto niya. It wasn't the same as before. She stood up and looked at me with a sleepy smile. 

"Good night, my sweet Ate Diana." Savina gave me a light hug and a kiss on the cheek. 

I leaned closer to Savina to give her a soft kiss on her forehead. "Good night, princess."

Habang hinahatid ni Ate Sally si Savina, yakap ko si Puck. I slowly drifted to light sleep. This platypus working its charm as always.

The first few hours I spent sleeping felt like seconds when I woke up, suddenly gasping for air. Umupo ako at sumandal sa headboard habang pinapakalma ang paghinga ko. And once the rage of my breathing calmed, it was easier to drown back to sleep again. But then I had the sudden urge to pee so I stood up. The nurse assisted me but I declined.

I was washing my hands when I heard the bedroom door click open. It's a sign that Spade's already here. I heard him asking where I am. I dried my hands and before I get out, he went inside the bathroom. I don't think he's that drunk but he's a mess of reeking alcohol. 

I was just about to ask him when he wrapped his arms around me. Tight. He didn't say anything, making me stay in his embrace a little longer.

"What's wrong?" I mumbled, voice hoarse.

"Nothing. I missed you." He whispered back, lightly caressing my hair. "This must be how it feels. Missing someone before they're even gone."

I want to hold him until how it feels to embrace him carves and weaves on my skin. I just don't want this to end.

"Let's go to sleep," I urged him. "You have a long flight tomorrow."

When he pulled off, I found his sleepy eyes glistening in a yearning manner. I smiled gently and urged him to go back inside. He first tucked me comfortably into my bed before dropping himself to the recliner beside me. 

I held his hand, brushing the back of it with my thumb. I miss him. Before I'm even gone. "Spade," I tried to call him. "Come here." I moved further to the corner of my bed and tap the empty space. "Sleep here beside me."

"Will you be okay?" He moved beside me as soon as I confirmed, though hesitant. "Tell me if you're uncomfortable." 

I rested my head on his chest, getting his hand back in mine, thumb brushing the same. "This is comfortable."