THE PROMISE

Chapter Eight--Until Forever

The clouds were moving in harmony with the steady hum of the school's bus. They were coming home from the week-long Taekwondo tournament that they competed into. Although Charles only started six months ago, his determination to compete with Gavin pushed him towards the line-up. And what bonus! He won a Silver Medal for defeating another student much larger than him.

Charles glanced at Gavin. His eyes were closed. Probably trying to catch some sleep. Well, too bad for him, thought Charles, before lightly tapping Gavin's hunched shoulder. Gavin stirred and looked at Charles, slightly annoyed. Charles secretly smiled. Gavin dislikes being disturbed when he's trying to sleep.

"If I grow old alone, will you come to me?" Charles asked. Just asked. He didn't mean anything by it. It came at him randomly.

Gavin frowned. "Why would you think you'd be alone when you grow old?"

"Duh! I'm gay. Have you forgotten about it? Gay people mostly end up alone, y'know." He replied matter-of-factly.

This time, it was Gavin's turn to state his truth. "You won't be alone. I'll be with you. We could be alone together."

Charles directed his gaze outside, blushing. Then, another thought occurred to him. "Yeah. But until when?" he mumbled.

But Gavin heard it. He looked at Charles whose back is still facing him. He held Charles's hand, closed his eyes, and replied, "Until forever."

The bus screeched to a stop. Four hugely built men entered it, holding rifles, and told them to be quiet. They saw Charles's and Gavin's seat and headed there, separating the two from the other students inside.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The car was pulled over by a police mobile. Gavin exhaled, calming himself, before speaking to the dastardly officers who probably pulled him over because they were short of money. Gavin pulled down his car's window and smiled at the two rather pretentiously.

"What did I do wrong, officers?" he asked.

"Gavin De Guzman, right?" the shorter of the two said.

"Yes, how do you know my name?" Gavin questioned, heart starting to beat rapidly.

"Something's happened to a Charles Phillip Tan. According to the hospital, you were listed as his emergency contact." The taller of the two explained.

"What happened to him? And why didn't the hospital call me themselves?!" Gavin asked, panicking.

"We don't know, Sir. We just need you to come with us."

Gavin nodded and the two police officers walked back to the police mobile and led the way. After 20 minutes, the police car stopped in front of a garden. Confused, Gavin didn't immediately step out from his car. The two police officers approached him once again.

"What the hell is this? This is not a hospital." Gavin complained.

"Charles is in here, Mr. De Guzman."

Hesitantly, Gavin stepped out of his car and walked towards the garden. And then he saw Charles standing in front of a small cottage. Gavin's nervousness began to fade and was replaced by a precious smile. When he was inches away from Charles, he jokingly asked, "What the hell is this?"

Charles returned the smile and whispered in Gavin's ear, "Did I make you worry?"

"Yes, you did, you troublesome fool."

"Well, that's just the start. Because you'll have to worry about me forever."

Charles began to kneel down, nervously unfolded his right hand.  In it a small, navy blue, porcelain box.  Charles gulped, trying to refrain from bursting into tears,  and opened the box.  It was a ring engraved with the words 'Until Forever'. 

"Gavin, when we were thirteen, before everything became a blur to me, we were on a bus.  And I asked you words of my insecurities and fears.  You held my hand and replied, 'Until Forever'.  Now, with this ring, if you'll accept it, I shall promise you the same.  Gavin, will you be with me until forever?"

 Gavin bit his lip, trying to contain his happiness.  But he exploded in laughter alongside with a downpour of tears.  He knelt down in front of Charles and pulled something from his pocket. It was also a ring, embellished with words, 'I Promise'. 

"Charles, my love, my purpose in life, there is nothing in this world that I could ever want and need than you.  You need not ask and I don't need to either.  But we ask the question all the same.  Will you be with me until forever?"

 The two smiled, happiness captured in one moment.  They replied "Yes!" in unison, holding each other tight and close.  And when they let go for just mere minutes, Charles and Gavin sealed their promise in a passionate kiss so warm and gentle it erased the questions of past and future.  And was replaced by the calming security of each other's breath and beats.

Two hearts throbbing in-sync. Separated. Now they are one.