Fortress Island Series 2 Romano: Can't We Try (BOOK 2)

ELEVEN: PROMISE

We were now approaching the Port of Batangas and from here, I could see a few people strolling around, other yachts docked nearby, few men in their boats leisurely fishing as we passed by them.

But my eyes zeroed in on the one woman standing at the dockside who seemed like she’s waiting for something. One of her men pointed our yacht and it caught everyone’s attention. Kumunot ang noo ko dahil sa kakaibang tingin na pinupukol nila sa direksiyon namin lalong-lalo na ang ang ginang na iyon. Sino ang mga taong ito?

Romano muttered incoherent words under his breath. Pareho kaming nakatingin sa mga taong yun. I sensed the tension building in Romano’s demeanor. He squeezed my hand and harder this time.

I peered up to him because I couldn’t understand why he’s acting strange suddenly. He looked down on me and gave me a reassuring smile. His facial expression was calm, but his eyes were telling me otherwise.

“Everything will be okay.” He whispered.

I gave him a slight nod. Despite being confused, I didn’t speak. I knew something was wrong. Romano looked straight ahead and met those people’s eyes with a hint of a warning. I could hear the grinding of his teeth and clenching of jaw.

That woman, na ngayo’y ilang metro na lang ang layo mula sa amin, she’s carrying an air of authority. Kung pagbabasehan ang kanyang tindig at paraan ng pananamit, mukhang may idea na ako kung sino siya.

Romano pulled me and brought me to the back side of the yacht, avoiding the scrutinizing gaze from them. We both sighed as we faced the vast ocean. I wished we could stay like this. When I was with him, all I could think about was how happy I was. And I never felt this kind of happiness to anyone. It was probably too early for me to say this since I had no experience in love, but I was certain that Romano was the only one for me. He would be my only love.

And when the yacht finally docked, my heart starting to beat wildly against my chest. I stepped closer to Romano’s side and clutched the quivering muscles of his bicep. I looked up to him once more.

“Thank you.”

Surprised by my words, he asked. “Para saan?”

“Sa pagdala mo sa akin sa isla n’yo. Hindi ko alam kung paano mo pinlano ito at kung ano ang ginawa mong hakbang para maisangkatuparan iyon pero hindi ko na iyon itatanong. Hindi ko rin kailangang malaman, Romano. Your effort is highly appreciated. I feel so special, Romano. Thank you and…I love you.” My cheeks flushed when I said those words.  I did tell him my ‘thank you’ a couple of times since yesterday but I felt like he needed to know that once more.

“Babe, the moments I spend with you are the happiest moments of my life. I should be the one saying how grateful I am that I met you. If you were to ask me, and if I’d chose to be selfish, hindi na kita iuuwi sa inyo. I want you to stay with me. I want us to be together. Always.”

A pang of pain hit my heart. It gave me a feeling that Romano and I would separate soon. I shut my eyes momentarily. I did not want to entertain such ridiculous thoughts.

I grinned at him. “Wala namang dapat ipagmadali, Romano. We will finish studies; we will work hard. Gusto kong abutin ang mga pangarap kong kasama ka. Gagawin kitang inspirasyon kaya sana ganun ka rin sa akin.”

“Gawin mo rin akong inspirasyon sa mga ido-drawing mo. I want your paintings of me covered your walls in your room. Para lagi mo akong nakikita san ka man lumingon.” He chuckled.

Hindi ko alam kung nagbibiro siya. Lumabi ako. “Maging singer ka muna. Lahat ng official posters mo ididikit ko sa bawat sulok ng bahay namin. I will buy all your albums and I will be your number one fan, Romano.”

Umiiling ito na natatawa. “Ang laki ng tiwala mo sa talent ko, Maya. But I’m sorry, just thinking about it makes me cringe. I hate crowds and I’m a shy type of a guy, you know.”

Tinampal ko pa ito sa braso. “Shy ka diyan. Fulfill my dreams, Romano. Para kahit mawalay man tayo o kung hindi man tayo magkatuluyan sa hinaharap, maririnig ko pa rin ang iyong boses. Makikita pa rin kita sa telebisyon.”

“Anong mawalay ka diyan, asa ka naman na pakakawalan kita.” Supladong saad nito. Hinapit nito ang aking baywang at pinatakan ng halik ang aking noo. “Mahal kita, Maya.”

Nahihiyang tumingin ako sa kanya. “Mahal din kita.”

Tinawag ng captain si Romano. They talked privately. Romano seemed very apologetic to the old man. Tinapik ng captain ang balikat ng lalake at bahagya pa itong umiling. Romano could only bow his head.

When he came back to me, he was smiling as if nothing happened. He was hiding the burden from me. Siguro ay nagi-guilty ito sa ginawa, kung ano man iyon.

 Nagpasalamat kami sa mga crew na halatang mga puyat pa. Romano and I slept on the big rock last night. Halos dalawang oras lang din naman ang naitulog namin. We spent most of our time chatting and sharing our childhood memories. I made him sing a song for me, too. But in between those conversations, Romano would kiss me roughly and almost savagely. In just one night, I felt like I became a pro in kissing. I learned a lot from him.

When our feet finally landed on the cemented pathway, Romano stepped in front of me and hid me from behind. Ang ginang at mga tauhan nito na kanina pa nag-aabang sa amin ay naglalakad na ngayon palapit sa amin.

“Sino sila, Romano?” Of course, I knew that woman. I saw her picture frames in the big house.

“My mother.” He confirmed.

Bumagal ang mga hakbang namin. Malalaki naman ang mga hakbang ni Senyora Leonora na nanlilisik ang mga mata sa amin.

“Romano!” May gigil sa kanyang boses.

“Ma—”

Napasinghap ako sa gulat. Romano’s face was titled to the side. He was slapped hard by his mother. Nag-igting ang bagang nito. Pumikit ako at sinandal ang noo sa kanyang likod. Nag-init ang sulok ng aking mga mata. Kinuyom ko ang aking mga kamao sa kanyang damit. Gusto ko siyang yakapin pero hindi ko magawa dahil tiyak akong mas lalong ikakagalit iyon ng kanyang ina.

“How dare you lie to me!” Her mother’s voice resonated. “Kaya ka hindi sumama sa akin sa Lipa ay dahil lalayas ka at hindi ka man lang humingi ng permiso sa akin na gagamitin mo ang mga tao ko at ang yate!”

“Humingi ako ng permiso kay Papa, Ma.” Madiin na sagot ng lalake.

“Of course! What do you expect from your father who’s always busy travelling! He would always agree to your bullshits because he has no time to even think about it, Romano. Sinadya mong hindi ipaalam sa akin dahil alam mong hindi ako papayag. Galing kami sa isla ngunit tumanggi kang sumama and suddenly, you went there with this…” Senyora Leonora clutched my forearm and pulled me away from his son. “…with this girl? Ang babata n’yo pa!” Puno ng malisyang pinaglipat-lipat nito ang tingin sa aming dalawa.

“Wala kaming ginawang masama, Ma! She’s…” He gritted his teeth. “She’s Maya. She is my friend.” Romano’s face contorted as if the words left a bitter taste in his mouth. He ducked his head while shaking.

I blinked my tears away. I did not expect him to introduce me to his mother as his girlfriend. In fact, I was glad he lied. It would have made things complicated. Tumango ako at tiningala ang ina nito.

“Nagsasabi po siya ng totoo, Senyora. Wala po kaming ginawang masama sa isla n’yo. Pinasyal lang po talaga ako ni Romano. Pinakita lang po niya sa akin ang magagandang tanawin sa isla.  Manghang-mangha po ako. At tsaka magkaibigan lang din po talaga kami. Kaya nga po tiwala akong sumama sa kanyang paanyaya.” Kalmado lamang ang boses ko kahit ang totoo ay nanginig ang aking kalamnan.

“I don’t care! The fact that my son befriends someone who doesn’t belong to our circle is already enough to make me angry! Taga-saan ka? Sinong anak ka? Anong trabaho ng mga magulang mo? I don’t let my sons mingle with commoners, hija. And by your looks, I could tell….” She shook her head in dismay. Nakakainsulto ang mga pinupukol niya sa akin.

“Let her go, Ma.” Matigas ang tinig ni Romano. He tugged my other hand. “Do not insult her!”

“I’m not insulting her; I’m stating a fact! Oh, my God. I can’t believe you’ve done this to me, Romano. I expected so much from you. Wait till your father hear about this.” Binitawan ako ni Senyora. Romano securely wrapped his arm around my waist. Ang kamay nito ang hinawakan ang likod ng aking ulo at dinala sa kanyang dibdib. Mas lalong naningkit ang mga mata ng ina niya sa amin.

“Luluwas tayo ng Maynila bukas na bukas din! I don’t expect no for an answer, Romano. You promised that you’ll fly with us to Spain. Let’s go home, now!” Tumalikod si Senyora sa amin.

“Ma, isabay na natin si Maya pauwi. Kailangan ko siyang ihatid sa bahay nila.”

Senyora’s steps were halted. She immediately swung around. The nerves on her face were becoming visible. Her hands turned into fist. “What did you say? Isasabay natin yan? I am not going to let that girl ride in our car, Romano!”

“Leona.”

Sabay kaming napatingin sa boses na iyon. Agad na nanginig ang aking tuhod nang makita si Papa na nakatayo ilang metro mula sa amin. Kakaibis lang nito mula sa sasakyan.

Senyora’s stance rapidly changed. “No—Norman, anong ginagawa mo dito? Hindi ba dapat ay nagpapagaling ka?  I told you, you can take all the rest that you want.”

Kumunot ang aking noo. Nagpapagaling? May sakit ba ang Papa ko?

“Okay na ako.” Tipid na sagot ng aking ama. “Sinusundo ko lang ang aking anak.” My father started walking toward us. His expression stoic, almost unreadable. If I hadn’t known my father so well, I would probably say he’s mad, but he wasn’t. He was more of worried about me.

Senyora covered her mouth. She seemed shocked.  “Norman…paano mo nalaman…”

Nilampasan ni Papa si Senyora na hindi tinapunan ng tingin ang huli. Kusa namang kumilos ang aking mga paa at hindi ko na napigilan pa ang mapaluha. I made him worry. Tinakbo ko ang ilang distansiya sa pagitan namin at agad na yumakap sa aking ama.

A collective gasp escaped from Senyora’s lips. She was stunned.

“I’m sorry, Papa.”

Umiling si Papa Norman. Bakas sa mukha ang pagod at pangamba. “Sa bahay na natin ito pag-usapan. Umuwi na tayo.”

“Manong Norman.” Romano stood behind me. Namulsa itong nakatingin sa amin. He looked apologetic. “You have nothing to worry po. Wala kaming ginawang masama ni Maya. I respect her so much.”

Pinaglipat-lipat ni Papa ang tingin sa aming dalawa pagkatapos ay bumuntong-hininga. “Alam ko. Pero hindi pa rin magandang tignan. Gusto kong magalit dahil hindi kayo nagpaalam sa akin pero ngayong yakap ko ang aking anak, medyo gumaan ang kalooban ko. Marami tayong pag-uusapan, Romano, pero hindi ito ang tamang panahon. Iuuwi ko muna ang anak ko.”

“Opo. May sasabihin din po ako sa inyo.” Bahagya akong sinulyapan ni Romano at tipid na ngumiti sa akin. I gave him a quick nod.

“Heto.” Inabot ni Papa ang susi ng sasakyan kay Romano. “Pakibigay sa guard ng Mama mo. Magko-commute na lamang kami pauwi sa Lobo.”

“Norman.” Sumingit ang Senyora. Humakbang ito palapit sa amin. “Hindi ko alam na anak mo pala siya. I… I did not mean to be rude…” She was finally able to pull herself. She did not look angry now, but I could tell she was still shaking. Was she nervous? Why did she seem appalled learning that I was my father’s daughter?

“I don’t want you to commute. You took a leave because you got sick, you said. Use the car and driver her home. My kotse naman akong dala. Romano will ride with me.”

“No, Ma. Not this time. Not after you slapped me in front of everyone. And why did you bring your bodyguards?”

“Because I know how hard-headed you are, Romano. At kung hindi kita mapasunod, I would have told them—”

“To hurt me?”

“Hell, no! I thought you might feel threaten when they’re around. Their purpose is to keep you in your place, son. Look, I will never harm you. Not ever, okay?” Her voice became softer at the end.

Umiling si Romano. “I won’t still ride with you in the same car.”

“Then by all means, the four of us will ride in the same damn car!”

“Ma, but you said….”

“I can always change my mind. That’s my car, after all.” Matigas ang tono nito. “Let’s go.”

Lahat kami ay hindi na kumibo. Sa pagdating ni Papa ay tila nabawasan ang tensiyon. Pero nag-aalala akong baka pagdating sa bahay ay si Tiya Lorna naman ang sisisihin ni Papa.

Nagbigay ng instruction si Senyora sa mga bodyguards nito pagkatapos ay lumapit sa kotseng gamit ni Papa. Binuksan ni Papa ang pintuan ng passenger seat at mukhang papasok na doon ang Senyora nang pigilan ito ni Papa.

“Leona, alam kong sasakyan mo ito pero hindi ata magandang tignan kung ang mga anak natin ang magtatabi sa likod. Di ba at yan ang ikinagagalit mo?”

Tumikhim ang Senyora. Kahit matigas ang dating ng kanyang mukha, it did not escape the look of disappointment in her eyes.

 “Of course. I agree.”

Romano opened the backseat door at pumasok agad ang kanyang ina doon. Ako naman ay agad na tumalima at pumasok sa passenger seat. Nilagay ko ang backpack ko sa paahan.

Umikot si Papa sa driver’s seat at nakasunod lamang ang mga mata ko sa kanya. Nang maupo ito, bahagya itong sumulyap sa akin. I clutched his forearm.

“Pa, okay ka lang ba? Medyo maputla po kayo.” Hininaan ko lang ang boses ko kahit na ba alam kong narinig iyon ng mag-ina sa likod.

“Pagod lang, anak. Medyo masama din ang loob ko.”

“I’m sorry, po. Galing ka bang Maynila, Pa?”

Tipid itong tumango. Pinaandar na nito ang sasakyan. Umayos ako ng upo at kumagat-labi na lamang. I think it was my cue to shut my mouth. Pero ilang minuto ang makalipas, hindi pa rin ako mapakali sa aking kinauupuan. Ramdam ko kasi ang mga titig ng dalawang tao sa aming likod. I had a feeling Senyora had been staring at me. And when I glanced up at the rearview mirror, I realized I was right. I just couldn’t describe what her eyes were telling me. But one thing was for sure, she looked puzzled and intrigued.

She blatantly cleared her throat. “Romano, are you sure you did not touch the girl?”

“Ma! Enough with your nonsense questions!” Romano cursed silently.

Halos sumadsad ang mukha ko sa dashboard dahil sa biglaang pagpreno ni Papa Norman. He tilted his head to look at Romano. His blank expressions were sending me goosebumps.

“Sagutin mo ang tanong ng iyong Mama, Romano.”

“I did not. Manong, I swear! Please trust me, trust us. I know how how important Maya is to you. Mahalaga din po siya sa akin. Hindi ko sisirain ang pagkakaibigan namin at ang tiwalang pinagkaloob n’yo sa akin.”

“Pa…. please.” Kumapit ako sa braso ng aking ama. “Hindi kami nagsisinungaling. Nabanggit ko kasi kay Romano na mahilig akong mag-drawing at gusto kong ipinta ang magagandang tanawin. He was kind enough to invite me to their island. Ngayon, may subject na ako sa susunod kong iguguhit.”

My father heaved a sigh. “Ikwento mo sa akin ang bawat detalye na iyong pagpunta sa isla pagdating natin sa bahay.”

“Opo.” Tumango ako at sumandal ulit. Iniisip ko na kung paanong kwento ang gagawin ko na hindi mabanggit ang ilang pagkakataong naghalikan kami ni Romano. Sana ay mapanindigan ko ang pagsisinungaling.

Mayamaya pa, my phone vibrated. Romano’s name flashed in the screen. Tinaob ko ang cellphone sa aking hita. Bakit kailangan niyang mag-text? I scowled. Ang sarap talagang batukan ng lalakeng ‘to!

When I felt like my father wouldn’t notice, I flipped my phone and read Romano’s text.

Him: I’m sorry if we have to lie, babe. I don’t want to put you on the spot. Everything will be alright. Have faith in me, okay? Please delete this message. I love you.

I sighed and deleted it. I love you too, Romano.

**********

“Pa, yun lang po talaga ang nangyari.”  I kept crossing my fingers behind my back. I knew it was wrong to lie but I was left with no choice. I was not prepared enough to face my father’s wrath once he knew that Romano and I did was more than just talking.

“Hindi na ito mauulit pa, Mira. Sa ngayon, ayoko munang makipagkita ka kay Romano. Bukas ay luluwas tayo ng Maynila. Ginayak na ng tiya Lorna mo ang iyong mga gamit.” Papa Norman touched his chest and massaged it gently.

I was sitting across him, and I immediately stood up and sat next to him. “Okay ka lang, Pa? May masakit ba sa’yo?”

He vehemently shook his head. “Okay lang ako. Wala kayong dapat ipag-alala.”

“Ano yung sinabi ni Senyora na nagpapagaling ka raw? May sakit ka ba, Pa? Akala ko ay galing ka ng Maynila niyan, Pa?”

“Bakit hindi mo sabihin ang totoo sa anak mo, kuya Norman? Hay naku. Ako na nga lang ang magkwento.” Nang maibaba ni tiya ang pitsel ng tubig at baso sa lamesita, umupo ito sa inupuan ko kanina. “Kausap ko ang mama mo kaninang umaga. Dinala niya sa ospital ang papa mo kahapon dahil naninikip ang dibdib.”

“Ano po?” Nanlaki ang mga mata ko. “Papa….” Niyakap ko ito at naiyak na naman ako. Inalo ako ni Papa sa pamamagitan ng paghaplos sa aking buhok.

“Mirasol, wag kang OA pamangkin. Walang malubhang karamdaman ang iyong ama, sabi ng doktor. Dala lang daw ng stress kaya sinabihan siyang magpahinga muna ng ilang araw. Ewan ko ba bakit nandito yan ngayon. Nag-aalala si Sylvia. Paano mo nalaman ang tungkol sa pagpunta nila Mira sa isla, kuya? Sinong matabil na dila ang nagreport sa’yo?”

“Tinawagan ko si Leona. Nabanggit niya sa akin ang ginawa ni Romano. May kasama daw itong babae sa isla. Alam ko na agad kung sino kaya nagpa-discharge na ako total wala namang deperensiya sa akin.”

“Bakit kasi tinawagan mo pa ang babaeng yun. Di ka na talaga nadala.”

“Pa, akala ko po ba magre-resign ka na?” I peered up to him.

My father looked down on me with gentle eyes. He seemed reluctant to speak about it. “Kailangan niya pa ang serbisyo ko ng tatlong buwan. Pumayag naman ako dahil sa loob ng mga buwang iyon ay madalas siyang nasa ibang bansa kasama ang buong mag-anak niya. Madalas na ako sa bahay niyan, Mira.” He smiled. “Sana ay okay lang sa’yo, anak?”

Tumango ako. Paanong hindi magiging okay? Mas naging masayahin nga ito mula nang pumasok bilang personal driver ng Senyora. Hindi ko na itinanong pa kung nagkabalikan na sila ni Mama. Alam ko naman na ang sagot.

“Tutungo ako sa bayan, kuya. May tinugon si Sylvia na mga gamot na hindi mo nadala papunta dito. Bibilhin ko sa malaking pharmacy. Maiwan ka dito sa bahay Mira at bantayan mo yang ama mo at baka lumabas na naman.”

“Sige po. Pero tiya, may ipapasuyo po sana ako. Pwede n’yo ba akong ibili ng canvas sa bookstore? May iguguhit lang po ako.”

“Oo ba. Anong size ba.”

“Saglit lang po at isusulit ko para mas accurate. Pa-assist nalang po kayo dun.”

I planned to draw the island. It would serve as my gift to Romano.

********

I spent all my afternoon and evening sketching, drawing on the canvas in my room. Kinatok ako kanina ni Tiya para lang sabihan ako na natutulog na si Papa sa sala. She told me not to stay up late lalo na’t halata daw sa akin na wala akong naitulog noong nakaraang gabi. But I was planning to pull an all-nighter para matapos ko ito. Matutulog na lang ako sa biyahe pabalik ng Maynila mamaya.

I was awakened by the vibrating sound of my phone on my table. Kinusot ko pa sandali ang aking mga mata dahil sa panlalabo. My head was throbbing in pain. Nakatulog pala ako.

I grabbed my phone and checked who was calling me at this unholy hour. “Uh? Bakit tumatawag ‘to ng ganitong oras?” Alas tres pa lang kasi ng madaling araw. Kung pagbabasehan ang ganitong oras, halos dalawang oras din ang naitulog ko.

“Romano?” Bungad ko.

“Hi, babe. Sorry for disturbing your slumber.”

My brows furrowed. Something’s wrong in his voice. “Are you okay?”

He sighed. “Now that I hear your voice, I’m better. But it would be a lot better if I get to see you before I go…”

Before I go….

“Luluwas ka na ba ngayon?” Alam ko naman na ngayong araw ang alis nito pero hindi ko akalain na ganito kaaga.

“In an hour, yeah. Do you think you can sneak out and meet me?”

“Huh?” Napatayo ako. “Nasaan ka?” Maalala kong nasa sala lang pala natutulog si Papa. Baka magising ko ito sa boses ko.

“Outside your gate. It’s cold.” Bahagya itong tumawa.

My heart melted. “Bababa ako but give me some time. Nasa sala natutulog si Papa. Sa kusina ako dadaan.” Kung sa front door, there’s a high chance I would disrupt his sleep. He’s a light sleeper after all.

“Okay. Take your time, babe.”

I ended the call. Nilingon ko ang canvas na nakasandal sa pader. I had already finished the drawing. Kukulayan ko nalang sana pero mukhang hindi ko na iyon magagawa dahil hindi ko alam kung kailan kami magkikita ulit ni Romano.

Nagmadali ako. Binalot ko ang canvas gamit ang manila paper at pinaikutan ng tape. I grabbed my jacket and wore it with haste. Marahan kong pinihit ang seradura ng pintuan. The sound of the door opening made me breathless.

I clutched the canvas under my armpit and walked on my tiptoes. I could hear my father snoring from here.  I sighed in relief when I finally able to step out the kitchen door. I made it down a flight of stairs to the ground. Using the flashlight of my phone, umikot ako patungong harap ng bahay. Masyado pang madalim at wala rin akong mamataang mga bituin sa kalangitan. Mukhang uulan mamaya.

Nang makarating sa gate, halos mapangiwi ako sa ingay ng bakal. I was starting to hate that noise and the gate itself. Another sigh escaped my lips when I finally slipped through the small opening.

Romano was leaning against the wall, his head bowed down. He straightened when he saw me coming to him.

“Hi. Sorry kung—”

Hindi ko naituloy ang sasabihin ko dahil inatake agad ni Romano ang aking mga labi. His kisses were rough and demanding, nipping and biting my lips as if they were his favorite food.

He leaned his forehead against mine. “I miss you.”

I was catching my breath. “I miss you.”

He cupped my cheeks and planted soft kisses on my lips. “I love you.”

I chuckled. “I love you. Sandali lang, Romano. Here, this is for you. Hulaan mo kung ano yan.”

“Hmmm…” Inbot nito ang canvas. “Kung mahuhulaan ko, will you let me suck your neck?”

Mahinang sinuntok ko ang kanyang dibdib. “Kalokohan mo.”

He laughed. “I don’t have to guess what this is, babe. It’s pretty obvious. Alam ko na rin kung ano ang nakaguhit dito.”

“Hindi ko pa nakulayan. Ikaw nalang magkulay. Gandahan mo ha. Dapat yung kasing ganda ko.” I pouted.

Romano stifled a smile. “Babe, your beauty is beyond compare.” He placed the canvas against the wall. He pulled my head and buried it on his chest. I wrapped my arms around his waist.  We both sighed.

“Babalik agad ako. I will make an excuse para hindi ako magtagal sa Spain. I don’t want to study there.”

“Okay lang, Romano. Sundin mo nalang ang gusto ng magulang mo. We can always call each other naman, di ba.”

“Babe, that’s the problem. Talking with you over the phone won’t be enough. I’d still want to see you in person, hug you and kiss you like this. Missing you will drive me crazy.”

“Okay…” I did not ever think I could convince him. Just like what his mother said, he’s stubborn and hard-headed.

Ilang sandali kaming nanatili na magkayakap. Naghiwalay lang kami nang may ilang kabataan ang dumaan.

“I have to go.”

I nodded. “You should go now.” My eyes getting misty. Ayokong umiyak.

Inangat nito ang canvas. “Gagalingan ko sa pagkulay para naman di masayang ang effort mo. Ipapakita ko ito sa’yo kapag nakabalik na ako.”

“I look forward to it, Romano.”

He dipped down and gently brushed his lips against mine. “I love you, babe.”

“I love you.”

“I will be back soon.”

“Okay.”

“Don’t cheat on me.”

I giggled. “Not ever.”

“I love you.”

“I love you.”

“But I love you more.”

I snorted, although I was squirming inside. “Fine. Sabi mo, e.”

“I will see you soon. That’s a promise.”

“I’ll wait for you, Romano.”

Romano started walking backwards. Even though he’s smiling, it did not reach his eyes. I waved at him. My lips quivered. He waved back  at me and blew me a kiss. When he turned away, that’s when I started crying.

Little did I know, I would never get to see to him again…