Arra
One year na kami!
There were a lot of adjustments and challenges, sure.
Some were cute - like in the beginning, when we would forget to kiss.
We were so used to being friends and we were already together often, that there were times when he'd bring me home and we'd bid each other good night. When he gets home, he'll call and say, "Huy! We forgot to make out!"
Cute talaga eh at hayok sa mahalay na kiss pero nakakalimot.
I would worry if attraction was a problem but when we do kiss, well, hindi lang siya PG mga friends.
Another cute adjustment was celebrating our months together. We like giving each other practical gifts and one time, he gave me a few packs of AA and AAA batteries because I always ran out for my remote controllers and clocks at the condo.
When Pauline saw it, she commented, "Except for being inseparable, are you two ever romantic?!"
Some of the challenges were a little more serious.
When we passed our six months, Pong told me that he was asked to oversee a project in Dubai. "It's a short term assignment but it will still be six weeks that I won't be here."
He would miss our 7th month and my birthday.
"Well, look at it this way... You can buy me real gold coins there," I said, trying to look at the bright side.
He pouted. "Wrong timing naman."
I held his hand. "Don't worry. Bawi na lang tayo when you get back."
"But your birthday..."
"I know. I am sad pero ganun talaga eh. I'll be okay," I said. He looked skeptical but I promised to try and be okay for him.
It was the first time in a long time that we would be separated and we were both a mess. I swore not to show him how sad I was, but he wasn't making it easy.
I helped him pack for his trip. "Will you bring me to the airport?"
"Yup! Of course!"
"Good. Gusto ko yan," he said, giving me a back hug and kissing my temple. He paused, then said, "Or wag na lang kaya?"
"Why?!"
"Baka hindi ako umalis eh."
I pinched his cheeks. "Cute mo talaga eh. Cute, cute ng Pong Turtle ko."
"Aray, Arra!"
"Sorry! Kiss ko na," I cooed.
"Sige," biglang change ng mood niya. Before long, playful kisses deepened and he ended up on top of me on the floor. His clothes beneath me.
"Wait, magugusot yung damit mo."
"Hubadan mo na lang ako."
I laughed. "I meant these ones we need to pack! Hindi yang suot mo."
"Pareho lang yan. Shhh kiss mo pa ako."
And I did.
Those six weeks were tough! On the way to the airport, he wouldn't let go of my hand and would steal kisses so that his driver wouldn't see.
The first week, we constantly talked and sent messages but by the second week he started to become busy and the number of calls dropped significantly. He would only have time to call close to my bedtime so it left only a few minutes to talk.
"Sorry, R."
"Don't worry about it."
"Few more weeks then I'm home."
"Yes! Yun na nga lang iniisip ko," I bid him good night. "I miss you, Pong."
"I miss you, too! Soon nandiyan na ako. Thanks for staying with me for seven months!"
"Siyempre naman. Cute ka eh."
He chuckled. "Sleep na. Talk to you tomorrow!"
On my birthday, I received a surprise bouquet of roses, with a note that read:
I'm sorry I couldn't be there, my Love. Babawi talaga ako when I get home. Thank you for allowing me to be part of life. The world has gotten so much better with you in it.
Have a fantastic day, Arra! I miss you and can't wait to see you again.
I love and adore you,
Pong the Pogi
My phone rang. "Pong the Pogi?!"
"Bakit hindi ba?"
I laughed. "Siyempre pogi!"
"Happy birthday, R! I'm still sad I'm not there."
"Don't be! Few weeks na lang."
"Yes, yes. Don't pick me up na. I'll go to your condo as soon as I land."
"Are you sure?"
"Yes. Papapakin kita when I get back, magready ka na!"
"Huy, grabe ka! Wait, it's still too early there. Rest na!"
"Okay. I'll call you later."
"Thanks for the roses, Pong. I miss you so much," I said.
"I miss you, too. See you soon."
He made good on his promise when he arrived. As soon as I opened the door, he hugged me tightly. "Arra!"
It was a miracle that we still were able to lock the door.
"I missed you!"
"I missed you, too!"
Those words were the last words we said in a very long time because we kissed away the six weeks we were apart.
And now, one year!!!
I was getting ready for our date — one of our rare romantic ones. I had my hair blow dried, did my make up and wore a formal black dress because Pong is taking me to a posh restaurant.
I'm so nervous!
I caught Pong looking a jewelry websites and he's taken some trips to the mall without me. Now, a posh, romantic restaurant.
Could this be it?!
Isn't it too fast though?
Are we ready?
Masyado ba akong assuming?
Girl, wag kang mag-expect!
