Sometimes, when things are really going great, that's the surefire sign that something bad is about to happen. Something really really bad; something that would change the course of your entire life. And there is no way to prepare for it without seeming paranoid, so you just continue feeling happy for a little while, ignoring the little voice in your head that keeps telling you to be on your toes.
That's how Lea felt today.
She was supposed to be happy, off-the-rails, unguarded happy. It was her birthday, and she was in Disneyland, with the love of her life. What could go wrong, right?
And that's when things started going wrong.
They have been in line for the Jungle Cruise for a good 40 minutes when the operator announced that the ride was experiencing technical difficulties and would be closed to ensure everyone's safety.
For someone who's always late, Aga didn't have much patience when his time is being wasted. She immediately held him by the waist and flashed an apologetic smile. He just sighed, trying to hide his unmistakable and still guapong simangot.
"Lipat na lang tayo, Babes?"
"All the rides are nearly closed. Sabi mo you wanted to ride that na, so inuna natin kahit ang haba haba ng pila. We could have gone to other rides muna. Ayan tuloy."
"I'm sorry. You know how much I love thrill rides."
"Sayang oras kasi, Babes. We only have 24 hours to celebrate your birthday, and we wasted almost an hour waiting for something na di naman pala natin masasakyan. Buti sana kung ikaw na lang sinakyan ko."
Lea's eyes widened at his response. She hit him squarely on the chest, which just made him laugh.
They just walked around, not really in the mood to ride anything anymore. Aga's arm were around Lea's shoulders, and just like that, they seemed like a normal couple. No cameras following them wherever they go. No friends asking for details about the whens and the hows. Just the two of them, away from everyone else, in the happiest place on Earth.
"You wanna watch the parade?"
Ah, the famed Disney Parade. Lea wanted to watch, but she didn't want to be in a crowd, so she shook her head and said, "'Yung fireworks na lang, Babes. I'm already a Disney Princess, di ko na sila kailangang makita," she said in a fake bragging tone. "See how lucky you are? You're dating Mulan and Jasmine, two in one pa!"
"Napakayabang naman ng girlfriend ko. Talaga naman."
"How can I not be mayabang? I have you."
"Nang-aangkin ka na ngayon, ha?"
"Bakit, akin ka naman talaga, ah?"
Aga caught her eye and whispered, "Sa'yong sa'yo, Babes. Palaging sa'yo."
He pulled her close, and gave her a kiss on her forehead. Just as his lips touched her skin, the fireworks started going off, and at that moment, she literally couldn't have wished for a much better birthday celebration.
Towards the end of the fireworks display, Lea felt Aga leaning towards her. She pretended not to notice, and continued watching the sky. Moments later, she heard him say, "Mahal na mahal kita, Lea. Happy birthday."
She couldn't help it anymore, she tiptoed, wrapped her arms around his and kissed him on the lips.
"Mahal na mahal din kita, Babes."
---
With three hours of her birthday left, Lea decided it was best if they just stayed at their hotel room and well... celebrate.
