Paolo
It didn't turn out as planned. Let me start from when I picked her up.
I wanted to take her out to something special and romantic — we rarely do this kasi Arra din just likes simple dates for us. She also still feels uneasy when I spend "too much" for her.
When I told her nga where we were going tonight, she hesitated pa. "Pong, I heard it's expensive there eh."
"It's okay. I prepared for this. Besides, anniversary natin!"
She eventually agreed on the condition that dessert was on her.
I knew she was going to dress for the occasion so I made sure I looked like I deserve her. I wore a suit, slim tie, made sure I smelled nice, and checked that the ring was in my jacket pocket.
The ring I bought for her a few weeks after we became official.
I then headed to her place.
When she opened her door, I was stunned speechless. I've always found her pretty but, all dolled up, Arra was gorgeous. I was silent for so long, she asked worriedly, "You don't like what my makeup?"
"No, I... I'm... You're beautiful. I'm not sure if I look okay?"
She pinched my cheek lightly. "So pogi."
It was difficult to look straight at the road when I was driving. I was so thankful when we got to the restaurant because I could spend all my time looking at her. "Ganda."
"Pong," she shushed, blushing. To divert the topic, she said, "I have news pala."
"What is it?"
"I submitted my papers today. I'm up for a promotion! Sana makuha ko," she shared.
"Good luck! When will you hear any update?"
"'Maybe in two months daw because it goes through a lot of committees, regional management before they can implement."
We continued to talk about work and our families, until dessert was served. I asked, "One year! What's your favorite of this year?"
"Hmmm... I think it would be our Japan trip," she said. When I asked why, "It was autumn, which is my favorite season. Then, it was such a relaxing trip but we got to see and learn so much. Lastly, I proved then na gentleman ka talaga and I really, really like that."
It was simple. I asked her permission and then her parents to take her on the trip. Then, I booked two rooms for us and, as tempted as I was, slept in my room for the duration.
Arra and I had THE talk (not the relationship talk, the XRated talk one) before that and she told me she wasn't ready. She liked where we were but she wasn't ready for everything yet. She closed that talk with "I guess that's it, huh?"
"Oo naman," I replied. Her body her rules.
But apparently that wasn't what she meant. "I beg you not to ghost me. If sleeping together is a non-negotiable for you, please just breakup with me now."
"WHAT?!"
She told me that it had been an issue with a couple of guys she dated so she expected this.
I rolled me eyes. "Hindi mo pa ba alam na iba ako sa kanila?"
"I know but your needs —"
"Yung need ko is to make sure you and I work this out. You're not ready, I respect that. Feeling naman nito iiwan kita for that? Tapos magboboyfriend ka ng iba? Neknek mo," I said. "Panghabang buhay tayo 'no!"
She smiled but her eyes were rimmed with tears. "Thank you."
"Don't be. That's how it should be. I'm sorry others were jerks to you... pero pasalamat na din ako engot sila kundi baka naagaw ka pa."
10,000 gold coins for Pong the Pogi! (Uy siya nagsabi niyan ha but I was really glad I made her happy.)
"Ikaw?" Arra asks now. "What moment was your favorite?"
Without batting an eyelash, I said, "Everytime you say you'll take care of me forever or do something for or with me for the rest of your life. I can't tell you how happy and secure that makes me feel and I am so grateful."
Ito na. This was the moment.
"Arra?"
"Yes?"
"I want that. I want us to spend the rest of our lives together."
"Pong —" she looked tense.
I was shaking as I pulled the box out of my jacket.
"Pong..."
"Will you marry me?"
Silence.
No happy surprise expression.
Just shock.
Shit.
"Pong... I... I'm not sure I'd be a good wife at this point."
Shaking more. My chest hurts. Cannot breathe... talk to her! Talk to her! Fight for this. "What do you mean? You don't have want to marry me ba?"
"I do! I do!"
Okay good. So bakit hindi ka pa sumasagot? Umayos ka Arra Clara. "Then, what's the matter?"
"I just... with the upcoming promotion, there's going to be a lot of work and I worry that you'd feel neglected if I become busy... and thing is I do want to get that role."
I smiled. "Arra, I would never stop you from reaching your dreams."
"I know but I want to be a great partner to you, too. Good wife. I won't be ready to have kids soon," she confessed. "Would... would you be okay with that?"
"Of course! Hindi mo pa alam yun? I promised you we'd make this work. You and me hanggang dulo. Kasama dun yung pagsupport sa mga pangarap mo."
"Really?"
I nodded.
"I'm sorry I doubted you."
"Apology accepted. Now -"
"Wait!"
"What? Arra hindi na kaya ng puso ko yung suspense ha."
She held my hand. "Let's go home. Ask me again there. I want Rocky to be with us."
It was the longest ride of my life.
When we got to my place, I asked her to wait at the living room as I got Rocky.
Tying the box on his neck collar, we walked out, knelt before Arra
"No need to kneel!"
"I want to! You owe me this! Kanina pa ako mahihimatay sa kaba."
She nodded and bit her lip, tears already starting to flow.
"Arra, you know I love you. I've loved you for a long time. I know we haven't been together for long but it's enough for me to know that you're the only one for me. Arra, will you marry me?"
"YES YES YES!"
🎵 at ngayon, nandito na... palaging hahawakan iyong mga kamay...
Di ka na mag-iisa sa hirap at ginhawa ay iibigin ka
Mula noon hanggang ngayon
Mula ngayon hanggang dulo...🎵
—-
Note: Sorry for the delay guys! I had a headache because of this heat. I hope all of you are safe! ♥️
