For Annie

Prologue

Prologue

"Annie..." I called out her name, then happily said, "Finally, I got you."

I moved closer to reach the seat belt and quickly strapped her. I gently touched her cheeks using my thumb and carefully remove the strands of hair blocking her sight. Those beautiful eyes, how I love staring at it. Everytime, I see it mirroring her soul.

The first time I saw Annie, I knew that I am willing to give her everything. Everything is probably an understatement. But still, everything, for Annie. Lumabas siya sa pinto ng kanilang bahay at pinagbuksan ako ng gate. I noticed that she walks extremely slow and she hangs her head down like a sinner. The cuffs of her long sleeves was constantly pulled to hide her hands. Then, she looked up to meet my gaze. Mababakas sa mata niya ang lungkot at pagod. Nevertheless, she smiled a little and accepted the flowers I was offering. Her nails were clean and bare, no paint. Then, she muttered her first word to me, "Thank you." After that, she went inside and left me mesmerized. Annie does not know me then, but she smiled even though she's obviously in pain, when most people would just turn their back without even muttering their gratitude. Hers felt sincere. That night, I dreamed of her. I fantasized about her summoning me inside her home and telling me stories of her life. Who would have thought that we'd be right here, together?

At long last, she is mine.

I smiled and feared that my lips would tear up. Pakiramdam ko, ako ang pinaka-swerteng lalaki sa mundo. I have Annie, there's nothing more I could ask for, absolutely nothing.

Umayos ako ng upo at agad na ikinabit ang sariling seat belt. I started the car engine and drove off.

I glimpsed at her side. The beauty of the night highlighted the city lights. Annie loved how every lights we pass by glimmer in her eyes.

"But my heart it is brighter than all of the many stars in the sky, for it sparkles with Annie. It glows with the light of the love of my Annie. With the thought of the light of the eyes of my Annie," I recited an excerpt from Edgar Allan Poe's poem-For Annie. Oh, my love, Annie. I'd give anything, even the stars, for you.

Then, we silently listened to a song by Stephen Speaks-Passenger Seat. It was hard to focus my eyes on driving as she is just beside me. I kept on glancing at her side and she was just sitting still. Annie's probably savoring this moment like what I am doing.

I rolled the car windows down and let the wind touch her face. She once told me that she loved this feeling, for she feels free whenever the wind blows. Now, I am unlocking every shackles that's keeping her from being free. With me, she will be extremely happy.

I promise you, Annie, you'll be more than happy.

The song soon stopped to a halt when I pulled over in front of my home, our home. I unbuckled our seat belts.

I gently pulled her hand to my lips and planted soft kisses. "We're here," I said. She didn't answer as she was already asleep.

I let her hand go and moved my face close to hers. "I've got all that I need, right here in the passenger seat," I hummed in her ears.

I carried her out of the car. Even when sleeping, her face is a beauty. I walked until I get to the lawn. She told me before that she wanted to lie down under the dark sky with different flowers surrounding her. I want to make her dream come true. Everything, for Annie.

"I love you," I said to her.

I laid her in the flower bed and kissed her goodnight.