"Nice miss Laura! Great! Good! Good!"

The photographer complemented as i make more poses for the shots. Today is the 1st day of photshoot for the dress of my clothing line. And Ill be honest, I'm very much excited for this day. I've been in many photoshoots of different brands, but doing photoshoots for your own brand hits different. Though I didn't made the designs or sew the clothes on my own. I still feel proud. Specially to my workers.

Since there are designs that are for men, or can be wear by women as well. Lester is the one who will we use as the model. But he said he don't want his face to be seen. So his shots will be faceless or half face. 4

"Good job miss Laura! Iba ka talaga!" The phoographer complimented for the nth time.

"Hindi kumukupas!" He said and i giggled.

"Grabe ka naman! Hindi talaga kukupas 'yan 'no! Wala pa naman isang taon na nag resign si miss Laura." Lester said to the photographer. They seems to be nice friends since Lester recommended him to be the photographer.

The photographer chuckled, "Oo nga pala, sorry sorry." He said and I smiled.

"So.. sibce tapos naman na sa mga dresses and skirts right? Si Lester na ba?" I asked and I hear Lester gasp.

"Oh my God! This is it! It's my time to shine!" Lester exclaimed and I giggled.

"Goodluck Lester! I'll be in the dressing room, okay? Ill wiay there!" I said and bid him goodbye. Lester is already wearing his first fit.

I entered the dressing room and found Ara inside.

"Hey, nag snack ka na ba?" I asked and her head snap up.

She smiled, "Yes maam, I had na po. Kayo po ba? Gusto niyo po ba ipaghanda ko kayo?" She softly ask and i shake my head.

"No no, it's fine, i can get mine on my own." I said and she nods.

Andito lang naman ang mga pagkain kaya pwede ko naman kunin nalang. But Ara is really a sweet girl. And she reminds reminds of Jax sometimes. Sweet and softie, but the difference between  them is that Jax can joke sometimes while Ara is just a pure soft girl.

I changed into my clothes before grabbing some snacks for myself. I place down the foods on the table before setting up my Ipad and prepare for an Instagram live.

"Hello guys! Nag breakfsst na ba kayo? Or snack?" I asked before taking a bite of my hotdog sandwich.

I look at the comment section and saw different responses.

I hum as I saw that they've answered their yes and even include what what ate.

"Mhmm, pancit canton sounds nice." I said while chewing on my food.

Even though I've been in so much interviews and camera exposure, when it comes in Instagram live, if there's no one asking anything, i don't know what to say. Specially that I have no one here to talk with. I just kept on looking at the comment section, looking if there's some question I can answer.

Since there's alot of people watching and commenting, every comment goes up so quick that I can't even read them properly. Random names started popping on the screen. I would just giggle when I cant understand anything.

My eyes squinted when I saw a familiar name started popping up. It's more of spamming the comments.

Jirx_Xliver: Dont tell me that's your breakfast

Jirx_Xliver: eat more, hindi enough ang isang hotdog sandwich.

Jirx_Xliver: boyfriend niya 'to.

Angelaaa: luh, feeling si kuya.

Celinee_sns: takot sa lalaki 'yan kuya, huwag kang ano.

elms: oo nga HHAHAHA, di mo kami mauuto.

I pursed my lips when I had to read on full speed because their comment going up so quick. I just used my fingers and try to find their whole conversation in the comments.

My brows furrowed and pull away from the iPad and grab my phone, I go to Instagram and search the same username that commented those. I have a hint it's Jiro, Jirx Xliver? He just changed the 'O' to 'X'.

I stalked his account, there's only few post. A cup of coffee, his papers, his office, and a picture of himself himself faceless.

"This guy knows what aesthetic is." I said and look in front without realizing that I'm still on live.

"Oh my God.." i mumbled and lean closer to the phone.

"That was my friend, he sent me something, no worries." I said and smiled at the camera. There's few questions that I happily answered.

Few minutes later, Jiro kept on commenting on my live and I would just ignore his comment. Some of my fans are even making fun of him.

Suddenly, Lester entered the dressing rokm and when he saw that he's on the frame, he immediately run to the side.

"I guess.. thats all for today guys, I have few things to do. See you soon! Bye!" I said and give a peace sign before ending the live. I sigh and close my Ipad before looking at Lester.

"How's the shoot?" I asked him, he's already holding food and laying down on the couch, still wearing the last fit he probably used in the shoot.

"Masaya HAHAH, masaya pala 'yon." He said before letting out another laugh. He looks like he's paralyzed or he's just probably stunned that he did photshoot for the first time.

"Faceless shots ang ginawa namin. Medyo nahihiya pa akong ipakita ang aking feslak." He said and i giggled while shaking my head.

"Kumakain na ba yung team?" I asked and he nods.

"Yes ma'am, nag pa-pack up na nga sila eh." Lester replied and I nod.

"Nai-send naman na ang payment nila diba?" I asked and Lester nods.

"Change into your clothes then we can go home na." I said and he nods before standing up.

I waited for few minutes before Lester change into his clothes and eat his snack and we are good to go. We bid goodbyes to the team and other workers. We took my van to get home and get some rest.

Since the shoot ends around quarter to 12, I fall asleep in my condo and woke up around 3 PM. I decided to stay at my condo for the rest of the afternoon and not bother Ali and Gwen in the hospital. I did small cleaning and small organizing. I sprayed some air freshener and make the atmosphere lighter.

Around 6 PM, I once again end up laying down on my bed, and admiring the city view from my condo. I sigh and pick up my phone, is Jiro busy at this time? It's 6:13 in the afternoon and his shift ends at 7 PM. Ill just be a stubborn girlfriend at this point.

I playfully chuckled and dialed his number. I bit my lower lip, waiting for him to answer.

[Hey..] I gasp when he answered.

"Hello! Busy ka?" I playfully ask and giggled.

[You sound happy? How was the shoot?] He ask and i scoff.

"Sinabi ko naman sa Intsgram live, don't don't as if hindi." I said and I hear him chuckle which i find sexy.

[Looks like hindi rin pala naitago ang identity ko.] He said and i giggled.

"You suck at it, halata naman na pangalan mo 'yon." I said and he giggled from the other line.

[Yeah, pero at least hindi sila naniwala na boyfriend mo 'ko.] He said and I rolled my eyes.

"Not until i confirm it to the public." I said and I hear him hum which I once again find sexy.

"Wait, your shift is not done yet, i just called para mangulit but I'll end it na. Bye!" I cheerfully said and he hum.

[Mhmm, bye, see you later.] My brows furrowed.

"What-" before i could even finish my sentence, he end the call which made me even more confused.

"Bahala ka nga." I said and put down my phone and leave the bed to prepare for dinner.

I cooked pesto pasta and buttered shrimp for dinner. I'm playing my Spotify playlist while cooking which made me do some cute dances. I'm just wearing a simple, pastel pink short and a spaghetti strap, white shirt. I'm either singing with the song or humming with the melody.

"What?" I confusedly ask when someone knocked on mh door. I look at the shrimp I'm cooking when I hear another knock.

I'm not expecting anyone to come, who could've it be?

"Wait.." I said and turn off the stove and wrap my arms around my chest area.

I didn't look at the peak whole, which is something dumb for me to forget. But as I open the door, my eyes widened.

"Jiro!? Why are you here!?" I exclaimed and he giggled before looking up and down to me, I'm wearing the cute apron Lester bought for me.

"You're cooking?" He asked and I slowly nod.

He hum, "I brought crepe cake, you want?" He ask and i slowly nod.

He giggled, "Papasukin mo naman ako." He said and realization hit me. I started panicking before nodding and stepping a side. He entered my unit and close the doro for him.

"Smells nice, anong niluluto mo?" He ask while walking towards the table.

"P-Pesto pasta and buttered shrimp." I said stuttering which i find stupid.

He chuckled while looking at the pesto pasta.

"Why are you stuttering? It's just me, it's just your boyfriend, it's just your Jiro." He softly said before turning around to face me. He opened his arms and wrap it around me which made me flinch a bit.

"You're still not used with these?" He ask while hugging me. Swaying our bodies to the melody of the sweet song playing.

"I.. siguro, love is something..  i didn't realized that I would experience." I said and I hear him hum.

"Why is that?" He ask, still swaying our bodies. I wrap my arms around him and burried my face on his chest, inhaling his scent.

"Kasi.. its something.. na hindi ko alam kung ano ba talaga siya. Love for friends I know that, but for partner? Hindi ko alam kung paano 'yon. My parents..  is not a role model for me in terms of relationship, hindi ko sila nakita na sweet sa isat isa. I grew up with them being so... formal with each other. Then.. mom left to work in another country. Which made everything seems more.. worse." I said and I felt his soft caress on my back. He didn't utter any word which I took as an opportunity to continue talking 

"Lalo kong hindi nakita yung love sa kanilang dalawa. Kaya.. hindi ko alam kung ano ba dapat ang mararamdaman ko, kung ano ba dapat ang gagawin ko. Kung paano ako magiging perfect girlfriend sayo, because I'm not really good at expressing my feelings, kaya natatakot ako na baka magsawa ka sa akin dahil hindi ako kasing sweet ng ibang babae." I said and this time he stop swaying our bodies which made me confused, he pull away from the hug and held my cheeks.

"Saan mo naman nakuha 'yan?" He ask, looking straight to my eyes.

I pursed my lips and avoided his eyes, "Laura.. saan mo nakuha 'yang mga pinagsasabi mo?" He once again ask, I bit my lower lip and face him.

"Hindi ba ganun naman talaga dapat? Hindi ba dapat sweet ako sayo? Hindi ba dapat I give you kisses-"

I was cut off when he suddenly pull me for another another hug.

"No, I fell in love with a clueless Laura, I fell in love with  Laura who denies her feelings and doubt her love for me. I fell in love with a Laura who's when it comes on love, hindi siya sigurado. Hindi ganung babae ang kailangan ko Laura. Hindi ganun yung minahal kong babae." He said behind my ears which immediately made me tear up. His words, his touches and his hugs feels more different at this point. With the slow reverb song at the background makes everything more emotional.

"Hindi 'yon yung kailangan ko, hindi ko kailangan ng ganong klase na relasyon. Kung ano yung kaya mong ibigay, 'yon lang, sapat na lahat sa akin Laura. Wala kang dapat baguhin sa sarili mo. Please always remember that, minahal kita, dahil ganiyan ka. At patuloy kitang mamahalin na  hindi mo kinakailangan na magbago para lang masabi na isa kang perfect girlfriend. For me, you're beyond perfect." He said and that's when tears started streaming down my cheeks. I let out soft sobs and he immediately caress my back.

"Hey, sshh~ please dont cry, please, you're gonna make me emotional too." He softly said and I nod. We stayed like that for few seconds before he pull away. Wiping my tears and cupping me cheeks.

He smiled at me, "Kain nalang tayo? Food makes everything better." He said and I smiled and nod.

He help me prepare the foods and table before we proceed on eating. It was a quiet atmosphere but not awkward. More on comfortable, I feel comfortable around him. He's my safe place.

After dinner, he wash the dishes while I take a shower. He told me he'll stay here for the night because tomorrow is his day off and he wants to spend the whole day with me. Which is totally fine because I dont have any work to do too since the team is in editing stage on the photos we took this morning.

"I want to personally hear from you how your shoot went." He said while softly rubbing his thumb on my arm. We are now on my bed, still a soft, reverb song playing on the background, lights turned off and the light from the city is the only source of light of the bedroom.

I wrap my arms tighter on his body nf snuggled on his chest.

"It was fine, the feeling is a bit new and more exciting since it's my own brand I'm working for. I really like the clothes." I said and I hear him hum.

"I'm glad you enjoy it. I want the best for you." He said and I smiled.

"Where do you want to go to tomorrow? Let's have a  date." He said and something suddenly came up in my mind.

"We didnt really had a decent date before, were always hiding from people." I said and he chuckled.

"I know right, we were still.. kids back then. Let's be honest, we were still.. clueless about true love or how love really works. But we were both under the control of love." He said and a smile formed on my lips.

"Lets do things that a normal couple do tomorrow." I said and he hum before caressing my arm. We are now cuddling on my bed and it is the most comfortable place ever, in his arms.

"Well.. before, when were still in Tagkawayan, I always dream of bringing you to a mall kahit alam ko na mas may kakayahan ka pa na dalhin ako sa mall, pinangarap ko na ibili ka ng malaking stuffed toy, tapos chocolate, ilibre ka sa sine, tapos mag arcade tayo, tapos magtatawanan lang tayo, tapos maglalakad tayo sa tabi ng dagat bago may sunset habang magkahawak ng kamay. Nililipad ng hangin ang buhok mo, at dinadama natin ang lamig ng paligid." He said and my smile went wider.

"Then, lets do all those tomorrow. Ilibre mo 'ko, pakainin mo 'ko, ibili mo ko ng stuffed toy at chocolate, mag sine tayo. Let's walk by the seaside while holding hands. Let's..  fulfill your dreams." I said and he look at me before chuckling.

"Thats a great idea. I'm excited, finally." He said and pull me closer to him.

"Pero matulog na muna tayo. Para may energy tayo bukas para gawin lahat ng 'yon." He said and I chuckled before nodding and closing my eyes.

The next morning, I woke up alone in my bed, I look around the room and saw Jiro's phone on the bedside table and it is more than enough for me to feel relieved that he didnt leave me. I get up from bed and wear my indoor slippers before leaving the bedroom. Still half a sleep I walk towards the kitchen and hear some noises from there, I pull a chair from the dining and sit down there while Jiro is cooking wearing the pink apron that i have.

"Good morning miss sleepy head, hindi mo talaga pinakawalan yung braso ko. Naka-unan ka sa akin buong gabi, ang sakit tuloy." He said and a playful chuckle left my lips.

"Sorry, ang comfortable kasi." I said and he hum before placing a plate with Spam and eggs.

"To be followed ang fried rice." He said and I giggled before nodding.

"Sure, chef." I said and he faced me, a pout on his lips.

"Dun kana sa boyfriend ng kaibigan mo." He playfully said which made me burst into laughter.

"Grabe ka! He's really out of this. Idinadamay mo pa yung tao." I said and I just hear him scoff before facing back the stove once again. I started preparing the plates and utensils. He also made some coffee for the both of us and few minutes later, the food is served.

We're not really in a rush since supermalls usually opens at 10 AM, so we were able to take a shower, and fix ourselves.

"Mukhang hindi ka ready ah. Ang dami mong dalang damit." I said while fixing my hair from my bed where he is sitting and waiting for me to finish, he look at me and chuckled.

"Hospitals are doctor's second home, kaya halos lahat ng essentials namin ay nasa ospital na rin. I have lots of clothes sa clinic ko, and I actually planned all of this kaya nagdala na ako ng maraming damit." He said and I slowly nod before continuing what I was doing. Around 10:15 AM we were able to leave my unit and drive to the mall.

Our first stop, is the arcade, which made me excited because it's been so long since I've been in an arcade.

"Woah! Jiro! Look I got a jackpot! Jiro!" I said, jumping like a kid as the ball dropped on the whole saying jackpot.

I kept on shaking Jiro's arms as ticket kept on coming out and out.

Jiro chuckled, "Naka dalawang jackpot na ako, pero hindi ko naman nilamog yung braso mo." He said that made me stop and pout. I look at his tickets and I was a lot.

We continue playing, we played basketball, we played claw machines, we dance that he was really oppose to since there's a lot of people looking at us and recognizing us. For hours, I forgot I was a retired model, I forgot people used to see me in magazines, brochures, billboards and TV news. I'm sure, there's alot of pictures of me and Jiro in the internet, and after this. I'll confirm our relationship to the public. They have nothing bad to sat about Jiro anyways, and I won't let them.

"Hindi umabot yung tickets natin kahit pagsamahin para makuha yung malaking teddy bear." I sadly said as we are now here at the counter to claim our prizes. He giggled and nod.

"Ibibili nalang kita, don't worry, get the prize you want with your tickets and I'll get mine." He said and I slowly nod. I started looking at the accessories area. I honestly don't know what to pick, but I don't want to be killjoy. So I end up picking a kiddie accessory set and a stationery set and the remaining tickets are for candies. I look at Jiro and see him with cans of sodas, junk foods and candies.

"Seriously?" I asked when he got his prizes. He look at me and giggled.

"Minsan lang, tsaka let's bring these sa cinema." He said and I slowly nod.

We leave the arcade and I thought we're gonna buy a stuffed toy, but instead he brought me to a restaurant.

"Mag lu-lunch na agad tayo?" I asked before we could even enter the restaurant. He stopped walking and look at me.

"Bakit? Ayaw mo ba? After this manonood na tayo ng sine, baka malipasan ka ng gutom, kahit light food lang kainin mo." He said and I slowly nod before we enter the restaurant, I just end up ordering a lasagna which is not a light meal but I was still able to finish it.

Around 12 PM, we're done eating and leave the restaurant and proceed to the cinema.

"The rom-com looks great, lets watch watch one." He said and I nod. I wait at the entrance of the cinema as he buy us tickets.

"Lets go, the movie will start in few minutes." He said and I nod. We entered the cinema with the snacks he got from the arcade.

"Shit, halos mapupuno, ayaw ko naman na sa sulok tayo mapaupo." He said and my brows furrowed.

"Why?" I asked and he shake his head before pulling me in the center part where there's two available seat.

"Excuse me, excuse us please." He said while holding tight on my hands. At last, we sat down on the seats and make pursed comfortable. Just as we sat down, the movie started. He's the one who opened the pop corn while I open the can of sodas for us.

In the middle of the movie, I felt his hand on mine, tapping a certain pattern. At first it makes me nervous and tensed since I can feel the warmth of his hand, but soon as the movie continues, and his tapping on my hand don't stop, I get used and comfortable to it.

Everyone in the cinema squealed when the two characters kissed. I felt my cheeks heat up when some people look both both me and Jiro. Probably having the hint that we are in a  relationship. When the movie ends, me and Jiro waited for half of the people to leave the cinema before me and Jiro leave the cinema.

"Anong oras na?" I asked while we are walking, hands intertwined with each other.

"Quarter to 3." He said and my lips parted.

"Hapon na pala." I said and he hum.

"Oo nga, lets go, my bibilhin pa ako para sayo." He said and I just nod, following where he will lead me. We entered the department store and he immediately drag me to the stuffed toy area.

"Jiro this looks cute! Look! Milktea!" I excitedly said and he smile widely at me.

"Ganiyan ba ang gusto ko? Ayaw mo ng teddy bear? This one, look, this one is a soft one too." He said, raising a khaki colored teddy bear is have the same texture as the milktea stuffed toy.

"Yes, yes, I like that one!" I said and he giggled before nodding, he hand me the teddy bear and reach for my hand, I hug the teddy bear in my arms as we walk to the other side of the Department store.

"Chocolates?" He said when we stopped stopped the chocolate area. I let go of his hands and walk towards the chocolates.

I reach for a square container with Ferrero Roche, "Ferrero?" I asked, he look at me and nod.

"Ikaw bahala, kung ano gusto mo." He said and i nod before hugging the chocolates too.

"This, I want this." I said and he giggled before nodding. He reach for my hands again and proceed to the counter, paying for the teddy bear and chocolates.

"Here," he said and hand me the paper bag.

"Yey! I'll hug the teddy bear every night." I said and he chuckled.

"Lets go, meron pa tayong pupuntahan." He said and i nod before once again intertwining our hands. We exit the mall and reach the parking lot. He open the door for me and I enter his car.

Our next stop is at the beach, and it's perfect timing since it's almost sunset. I let go of his hand and run towards the water like a kid.

"Jiro take a picture of me here! Bilis!" I said he chuckled, shaking his head before pulling out his phone from his pocket. I turn my back at him and started posing. I just hear the camera flashing and flashing.

"Okay ba?" I asked as I run towards him.

He hum and showed me the picture, "You look great." He said and I smiled.

I reach out my hand, "Hmm, lets make your other dream come true. Holding hands while walking by the shore." I said, he look at my hands and smile. He once again interwine our hands.

We started walking on the sand, breeze brushing through our faces. No one utter any word, just the sound of the waves and our feet on the sand is the only sound that we can heard. After few minutes, we sat down on the sand, watching the sea  eat the sun.

I rest my head on his shoulder and take a deep breath.

"I never realized this feels so good." I said as I inhale the scent of the sea. I hear him hum and reach for my hands.

"Thank you, thank you for letting me fulfill my dreams. For letting me do all those couple things with you." He said and a smile formed on my lips.

"You're welcome, and it's nothing. Like I said, never I realized being all lovey dovey feels nice. Pero hindi naman ibig sabibin na gusto ko ganito tayo lagi. Let's keep it moderate." I said and he chuckled.

"Siyempre naman, may trabaho tayo pareho. Minsan-minsan lang natin gawin 'to." He said and I hum before reaching for his hand and for the nth time, intertwining our hands.

"Tara na, may isa pa akong pangarap na mangyari." He said and I nod. He help me get up from the sand and walk back to his car.

He brought me to an unfamiliar place. Something I haven't been before. When I step my feet out of his car, I look a confusedly and he giggled.

"Jiro, asan tayo?" I asked as he reach for my hand and lead me to a way.

"You'll see." He said as he open a door. There I saw a set up, a table and decorations all over the place.

"Gusto kong sulitin na natin ang araw na 'to." He said and walk towards the table. He help me sit down before sitting across me.

I look around the place, "This is just.. a date right?" I ask and he chuckled.

"Not really, there's more actually, waiter!" He said before calling the waiter. The waiter started serving our foods which all look so good.

"You'll surely like these, trust me." He said and i nod before taking a bite.

I'm having this feels na hindi lang ito basta date. I appreciate the efforts and decorations pero alam ko na meron pang mamgyayari sa tabi ito. And it honestly makes me nervous. Lumipas pa ang ilang minuto at nanatili siyang tahimik na kumakain. I wipe the side of my lips at sinasadyang umubo para kunin ang kaniyang attensyon.

"Jiro.." I called and he hum.

"I'd like.. to talk about something." He said and it looks like he immediately get what I mean.

"Sure, go on." He said and put down his utensils.

I take a deep breath, "I want to talk about.. that night. And what happened after that night." I said and I saw him pursed his lips.

"Ah, 'yon ba? Go on, you may ask questions." He said and I slowly nod.

I take a very deep breath, gathering all the courage to say the words I've been wanting to. "I truly want to say sorry for everything I said. I want to say na hindi ko sinasadya lahat ng sinabi ko, na napilitan lang ako dahil pinagtatangkaan ni dad na ipahamak ka, and I don't want that those happen. Na napilitan lang ako dahil sa mga oras na 'yon buo na ang desisyon ko na pumunta ng New York at ipagpatuloy ang career ko. Pero hindi totoo na hindi kita minahal, dahil minahal naman talaga kita Jiro." Bahagya akong napatigil at huminga nang malalim.

"Hindi ko alam at hindi natin alam kung anong kayang gawin ni dad sa inyo ni lola that time. Dad is powerful, may mga koneksyon siya sa mga tao na may kakayahang gawin ang mga bagay at hindi ko alam kung paano o sino sila which made it more harder for me. Pero that time, your safety is what I'm thinking of. Ayaw kitang mapahamak, ayaw kitang masaktan. Ayaw kong magaya ka sa nga napapanood natin sa TV na pinapahirapan ang isa para lang layuan ang anak nila. Jiro hindi 'yon ang gusto kong mangyari. Sa mga oras na yon ang gusto kong mangyari ay maghiwalay tayo nang walang nasasaktan ng pisikal."

After those words left my lips, I can't help but to tear up a bit. I take a deep breath and try to calm myself down.

"Pero hindi, I still hurt you. With words, with hurtful words. And that time, I think you shouldn't  let your opportunity in Harvard to pass. I just want the best for you. It was a stupid idea to use our level in life para mas saktan ka. I should have just explain why we had to end us that time. Why we need to break up. Matagal ang naging kontrata ko sa New York, and I'm afraid na baka magsawa ka maghintay sa akin. Na baka mapagod ka kakahintay at mawalan ka nang gana. Long distance relationship is hard Jiro, you were my first at lahat-lahat nang nangyari noon ay bago sa akin. We can't guarantee long distance relationship to someone na walang alam sa pag-ibig." I said as I lower down my head while my hands are clasped together.

"But I'm still here, I still waited. Kahit nasa US  ako ikaw lagi yung iniisip ko. Kahit masakit, kahit hindi ko mapigilan na mapaiyak habang iniisip ka. Kahit hindi ko mapigilan na matulala at umiyak, ayos lang.  Sa tuwing makikita kita sa billboards, sa tuwing pag ke-kwentuhan ka ng mga kaklase ko, sa tuwing mababanggit ang pangalan mo,  nasasaktan ako. I was hurt so bad dahil ilang beses ko inisip na kung anong katangahan ang pumasok sa isip ko para mahalin ka nung una palang. Alam ko naman na walang wala ako sayo  Laura. Wala tayong pinagkapareho sa isa't isa. Magkaibang-magkaiba ang pamumuhay natin. Sino ba naman ako? Isang pulubi na nakatira sa ilalim ng tulay ay papatulan ng isang nakatira sa mala mansion na bahay?  Yun nga yung kinakatakutan ko, na isumbat mo lahat sa akin, isumbat mo lahat nang pagkakaiba natin. At nung gabing yon..." he pause, taling a deep breath. A sob left his mouth which made my eyes widened. It made feel worse and cry harder. Is this what my friends are talking about? His grievance? All the things he wanted to say, all the pain I caused him?

"Nung gabing 'yon umuwi ako ng umiiyak, wala sa sarili, hindi ako makatulog. Hindi ako makaiyak ng malakas kahit gusto ko dahil ayaw ko na mag-alala si lola. Kahit bagsak na bagsak ang buong katawan ko sa panghihina dahil sa sakit na nararamdaman ko at pag-iyak, nagpakalakas ako para kay lola sa mga oras na 'yon. " He continued and i nod, tears flowing down my cheeks. I wipe those tears away only for another set to rush down.

"I'm sorry, I'm sorry Jiro. I.. alam kong mali ang ginawa ko, alam kong maling-mali ako. I should have just  end us that time in a better way. Hindi ko na dapat sinaktan ang sarili natin. Hindi sa ganong paraan, hindi sa parehas tayong nasira at nasaktan." I said and he nod, wiping his tears  away. His eyes were focused on the table and not meeting mine, which made it more painful for me.

"Taon Laura, taon akong nakulong sa sarili kong mga tanong, mga hinanakit, lahat-lahat Laura. Alam kong marami akong pagkukulang noon. Pero hindi ko pa rin maisip kung bakit hindi pa rin sapat lahat kahit ginawa ko yung lahat ng makakaya ko at maibigay sayo kung anong meron  ako." He said, before letting out a deep breath. I nod and more tears stream down my cheeks. I reach for his hands and caress it.

"I'm sorry, I'm sorry talaga, it was a stupid decision. Hindi ko na dapat lahat sinabi yon sayo. Kung alam ko lang kung paano ka sisirain ng mga 'yon. Hindi na dapat, hindi ko na dapat sinabi lahat." I said, crying my eyes out. It pains me, it pains me knowing all of these. Lahat ng 'yon, naramdaman niya nang dahil sa akin. Nang dahil sa mga sinabi ko.

"Then.. si lola, siya nalang ang meron ako sa mga oras na 'yon. Hinang-hina na siya, she can barely walk or speak. But before.. before i could even made up decision kung tutuloy ako sa US, she.. she passed away." That caught my attention, i look at him wuth wide eyes. He look at me and meet my eyes before chuckling.

"Hindi ko alam kung anong gagawin ko nung oras na hindi na siya magising, hindi ko alam kung sinong tatawagin ko at hihingan ko nang tulong. Kahit bahagya pa rin akong nanghihina sa mga oras na yon, pinilit ko siyang dalhin sa ospital, pero putangina Laura, walang wala ako sa mga oras na yon. Simula palang Laura wala na ako." Another sobbed left his lips and I know the topic of lola is very sensitive to him.

"Hindi na kami nakapasok ng ospital dahil wala naman na daw pag-asa sure lola, walang tumulong sa amin. Walang na-awa sa isang binatilyo at sa katawan ng lola niyang wala ng buhay. Wala akong pera para ipa-imbalsa si lola. Para ipalibing siya, at alam mo kung ano yung pinaka masakit?" He paused and I can clearly see how a tear dropped from his eyes.

"Ako yung naglibing sa sarili kong lola. Para gusto ko nalang sumunod sa mga oras na yon. Kinailangan ko siyang ilibing sa lupa sa labas ng sementeryo dahil wala akong pera pambili man lamang ng kabaong. Tangina Laura, ubos na ubos ako nung iwan mo 'ko. Siya na nga lang ang meron ako ng mga panahon na 'yon. Siya nalang yung dahilan ko para manatili sa Pilipinas pero pati siya iniwan ako. Hindi ko man lang nagawang ibalot yung katawan niya sa kahit ano!" He exclaimed, his voice mixed with anger and sadness which made me cry another set of tears .

"Yung dalawang babae na pinaka pinapahalagahan ko, iniwan ako nang magkasunod." He bitterly chuckled which made me even more guilty.

"Jiro-

"Kahit masakit, alam ko na normal lang 'yon, lola is old that time. She have been telling me that one day she'll leave me, and I take that as something natural. At least, just like what you said, wala na ako maiiwan dito." He said and i pursed my lips. He remove his hand from my my before reaching towards my face.

"Pero kahit ganun Laura, kahit pakiramdam ko binagsakan ako ng langit at lupa noon, hindi ako nagalit sayo. Hindi nawala yung pagmamahal ko. Ikaw at ikaw lang babae na minahal ko ng sobra-sobra." He said, smiling at me when tears continue to flow down my cheeks.

A sob escaped my lips, "Jiro.." I called with a shaky voice, tears continue streaming down my face. He chuckled before pulling away. I cover cover face with my hands as tears won't stop flowing down my cheeks.

"Laura.." he called me, I look at my side and there see him kneeling down on his one knee. I can't  help but to cry harder as i realized what he's doing.

"Laura, please stop crying and let's move forward. It's in the past and we shall forget about that nightmare." He said before opening the red velvet box that contains a ring with a beautiful stone.

"Will you do the honor and make me the happiest surgeon in the world and be my wife?" He ask and I started nodding.

"Yes, yes Jiro! I will marry you!" I said and he smiled before standing up from his knee and putting the ring on me. I immediately stand up and attack him with my hug.

"I love you Jiro! I love you and I'm sorry!" I cried out, he giggled and I felt him caress my back.

"I love you too Laura, and you don't have to say sorry anymore. Pass is pass, what we should think about is now.. is our wedding." He said and I pull away from the hug. We lock our eyes together before slowly pulling closer to each other for a passionate kiss. A kiss that is full off love for each other. The kiss didn't last long and he pull away and connected our foreheads.

"I love you, I love you, I love you!" He chanted which made me giggle.

It was bit a relief, a relief that everything I've been wanting  to say has been said. No more problems and heavy feels. No more regrets. Just.. just the love between us right now.

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