The Heart of a Wounded Soldier

CHAPTER 14

Ikalabing-apat na Kabanata: Adore

Truly, when we know that someone is behind our back, we become tougher and braver. One thing I love the most about life are humans and their entirety. We are like clay – molded and made. The one who forms us is our experiences. We fall, we get up, we drown, and we rise.

I am still a young clay, I have yet to form or break. But I will never be dissolved by challenges. Before, it was just me and the world. Now, it's me, him, and the universe. Slowly, I am getting the hang of life. Slowly, but surely, I'll be efficacious and I'll reach the stars up above. The fear's lesser now. I know I am loved.

"I hope I am one of the things you are thinking right now."

I was amused by his notion. "Hulaan mo."

He's vibrant. Three days ago, I am moved by his extra effort and silly lines. Now, I am dancing and leaping inside.

"The kiss in the cheek is enough to power me up for three days. What more if..." he trailed off.

I'm sure my cheeks turned red. "Kumain ka na!"

He's thrilled like a lady on her first date. Kailangan ko pang huminga ng ilang beses bago masanay sa mga banat niya. I never thought he'd have this side. Iyong corny at maloko. All along I thought he's formal and serious. I am excited to discover more things about him.

"Favorite fruit?" I asked as I slice the cake in my plate. Every after work, we'd eat outside just like now. He's making me fat by eating desserts.

He pursed his red lips. "Lahat?"

"Lahat? Dapat mayroong isa. Stick to one ka dapat."

His face showed submission. "Rambutan maybe?"

Did he just decide he likes rambutan? "Oh bakit?" He better explain this well. I really want to know.

"It reminds me of you?" I was about to protest but he cut me off.

"You're tough on the outside. But on the inside, you're soft and fuzzy. You also have this strong core... that's what I love about you."

I fiddled with my fingers and he caught those. "Something else you wanna ask?"

"Tell me about your ideal woman."

"That'd take long to answer. Hmm... she's too broad but at the same time proximate. She's brave but also afraid. She's too courageous yet she's a babe."

I silently digested his words. Her ideal woman...

"You wanna know who?" I nodded. He kissed my fingers and showed his poignant orbs.

"It's you. It will always be you."

Napakarami ko nang dapat na ipagpasalamat sa Kaniya. I have lived my younger years with gaiety and pain. Now, I am breaking all my limits to fulfill the promise I made. I have started my venture a long time ago. And to which in this journey, I met him.

I'd like to think that He allowed me to meet him because I can't do it alone. Ibinigay ko ang tiwala ko sa Kanya, at hindi niya ako binigo. He sent me an angel through his form. Nagkaroon ng panibagong rason kung bakita gusto kong magpatuloy sa landas na ito.

When we stumble, He'd show us light.

"I really like your lips Gabby. Saan bang derma ka pumunta ha?" pangungulit ni Lyle.

"Natural lang 'yan."

Kanina pa niya ako kinukulit patungkol sa features ng aking mukha. Panay ang pagpipilit niya na sana mayroon din siyang mga labi katulad ng sa akin.