[ COACH ] Ken
[ SONG | ARTIST ] Underneath The Tree | Kelly Clarkson
[ WATTPAD WORD COUNT ] 1,209 words
"We wish you a merry Christmas! We wish you a merry Christmas! We wish you a merry Christmas and a happy new year!" The carolers sang at the top of their lungs. I smiled to them and gave them each a transparent box of chocolates. Their faces lit up and smiled at me genuinely. They thanked me and I gave them one hundred pesos. Their eyes were shining as they left our front yard. I couldn't help but smile.
I walked towards the porch and sat on the rocking chair. The aroma of the ham, spaghetti sauce and different dishes hit my nose. It was already eleven in the evening. My smile faltered as I realized the time. He's still not calling or texting me.
I heard the chimes of our front door. I looked up and saw my mother. She smiled at me and asked, "Fria, do you want to help me distributing the gifts for your nieces and nephews?" I smiled at her and nodded.
We walked inside and went in the family room. I saw my four siblings together with their spouses and children. They were busy talking to one another. I was very happy that we're complete this Christmas. My father held the large bag while me and my mother distributed the gifts.
"Are you okay?" My brother, Flavio, asked me with concern. Tears immediately brimmed at the corner of my eyes but I tried to stop them. It's Christmas eve. I shouldn't cry especially in front of my family.
"If you want to talk about it…" I cut him off by saying, "No. I don't want to ruin the evening." He smiled apologetically and gave me a tight hug before giving me a box wrapped in Christmas gift wrapper. I thanked him and gave him my present.
It was thirty minutes before midnight when we went on our backyard and put all the food we prepared. Our Christmas tree was standing on the side. There were still gifts lying under it. I sighed. I couldn't really ask for more. I had a loving family, great friends and stable career. But something was missing. He was missing.
Jake and I were together for five years now. I remembered the day I agreed for us to be official. It was Christmas eve. It was under the mistletoe, beside the Christmas tree on this same backyard. He was my bestfriend way back in college. I never realized I fell in love for him until he dated Agatha, my officemate. It was awful. I kept on crying every night. I dodged his texts and calls. I avoided him. I resigned at work. I was unfair but I couldn't pretend that I was okay.
Then three months after I stopped talking to him, he went in our house. He was carrying an acoustic guitar and played 'Tenerife Sea' in front of our house. He'd always been a great singer. My heart melted for his gesture. He confessed that he realized he'd been in love for me for quite some time. When I was gone, all he could think about was me. That was all I needed to hear.
It was different to be in a relationship than to be just bestfriends. It was kind of difficult at first. We were both adjusting. But as the time went by, we became comfortable with it. He was sweet, caring and understanding. He'd been there when my grandmother died. He took care of me whenever I was sick. He would always consider what I want. We had a fair share of arguments and misunderstandings. But at the end of the day, he was all I need and he's mine.
But a week ago, we had a large fight. I got angry because he didn't tell me about his trip in Singapore today that would last until the second week of January. His boss chose him to be the company's representative for a month of studying and learning a lot more about business. He took the offer.
I was being unfair and very unreasonable. I was immature. I was happy for him, of course. I was just overreacting when I found out about it. I apologized to him but he never answered my texts or calls. I was worried and anxious.
Jake was the one I was waiting for. But now that we're not in speaking terms, I felt cold and alone. Despite of all the gifts and the celebration coming any minute now, I couldn't contain the part of me aching for him. I just hoped we could still work it out. It was my fault.
The children were clapping as the fireworks from different places began. It was already midnight. We exchanged hugs and kisses. We went back in watching the magical fireworks. They were beautiful. I wished he was here. His forgiveness would be the best gift for me.
Cold winds blew and I hugged myself. I missed him. He's all I need and everything would be complete. I couldn't ask for more than that.
I was startled when someone hugged me from the back. His familiar scent and warmth enveloped me. All I could do was stand where I was. Tears fell from my betraying eyes. I just needed this one hug and all of my worries went away.
"I'm sorry," he whispered softly. I wiped my tears and joked, "Took you long enough."
He gently turned me to him and dabbed my cheeks gently with his rough fingers. Seeing him was quite overwhelming. He smiled at me and I returned it to him. My family gathered around us. They were clearly happy to see me with him again. They talked for a while before eating.
I looked under the Christmas tree to look for my gift for Jake. As I found it, Jake was already sitting beside me. I handed him my gift and he opened it as he thanked me. It was a latest model of PSP. His eyes twinkled and he gave me a kiss on my cheek. I smiled brightly. Him being here was so different.
"Here's my gift to you," he handed me a box and I opened it immediately. I was anticipating it was a pair of earrings or a necklace.
As I opened the box, I found a small box glued inside it. I opened it and my eyes swelled with joy. My heart was filled with so much love for Jake.
He asked me to stand up so I did. He knelt in front of me as he opened the box and looked at me. I could feel everyone's eyes on us.
"I am not perfect. I have quite unappealing qualities that you know. But you still love me," he stared at me and all I could do was smile and cry at the same time.
"You complete my life and I want to take this for eternity. Fria, will you marry me?" He asked with a hopeful expression. I didn't need to think twice. I nodded and answered yes. He smiled and relief flooded his face. He put the ring on my finger while his hand was shaking. He stood up and I hugged him tightly. My family embraced us and gave their best wishes to us.
This was the greatest gift I ever received. Unconditional love. And I couldn't ask for more.
