LOGINShare
III
Last Updated:
2023-07-29 01:36:38The other night, dear, as I lay sleeping
I dreamed I held you in my arms
When I awoke, dear, I was mistaken
So I hung my head and I cried.
- You Are My Sunshine, Moira
***
SATURDAY. Weekend. Various types of Christmas decor are scattered throughout the mall. Jose Marie Chan songs are playing throughout the mall speakers.
She had no intention of leaving her house that day. But when she woke up this morning, Infinity felt that her apartment was crowded and as if everything inside her room was gagging her up.
She needs fresh air. She needed to see new things, though she had reasons not to go out. First, she didn't want to spend some money. She’s not poor or rich. Her expenditures per month are based on her royalties and salary. Sometimes, she doesn’t have the privilege of spending a lot. Second, this season, the Christmas season, maybe the happiest occasion in the Philippines, but this season also gives her so many heartbreaks.
She wants to be something other than a walking bitter guard, but staying inside her apartment will result in no good. She will only be consumed by grief. And she is afraid of the things that can happen when she indulges in her grief and loneliness. She just looked around the mall. Maybe seeing many people will, somewhat, ease the hollowness in her heart.
She walked aimlessly until her feet took her inside the department store. There is a lot of decor for sale because Christmas is approaching. She couldn't help but smile when he touched an angel pendant on the Christmas tree. Her thoughts drifted to the past.
~ * ~
"What the hell dear! D-Don't go there! Oh! HAHAHAHAH.” Loud laughter filled the small apartment.
"It's really good to squeeze you here." He said while squeezing the woman's side fats. A loud and contagious laugh once again enveloped the small apartment.
“M-Mahal.” She didn't want to be tickled anymore and scold him, but she didn’t have the strength to do it.
"Why?" There were different emotions in his eyes—happiness, contentment, and love.
"That's enough. I can't fix our Christmas tree if you continue tickling me. Oh! Instead of teasing me, can you just help me?” She asked him sweetly.
He stole a kiss from her lips before letting her go. It was light, but her heart was so lost because of it.
He went to the open box in the middle of their small living room containing the Christmas decorations.
"Mahal, what is this?" He holds a small picture frame with a Christmas design. It has a strap attached to the back.
"I bought that at the market the other day." She approached him and took out 4 more pieces like that with different designs on the box. "I still have some here."
"What will you do with it?"
She took the frame he was holding and went to the small center table in their living room. She put a picture and hung it on the assembled Christmas tree.
“Wow!” he said when he saw what she did.
"I would like this to be a tradition for our future family." As she stared at the frame hung on the Christmas tree, it now contained a photograph of them. She faced her husband, who was staring at her.
"I want our Christmas tree to be filled with Christmas picture frames every year. There will be our picture together. Pictures of what happened to us that year. And of course, pictures of our future child." She's already dreaming while telling those things to her husband.
She looked back at the Christmas frame.
"I don't want a fancy Christmas celebration. All I want is our complete family, even without fancy gifts. The most important thing is that we love each other. Because...I've never experienced Christmas like that."
She looked back at her husband again. She can't phantom the emotions in his eyes. Love, sadness, joy. She was not surprised when he suddenly hugged her. Tightly. In such a way, it will relieve the sadness in her heart.
"I promise to--"
"Hey! Didn't I tell you, don't make promises? Promises are made to be broken.”
At other times he might have whined, which he often does when she tells him not to make promises, but this time he didn't argue with her.
"Okay, okay! From now on, there is no Christmas when we are not together. We and our future children." She felt a kiss fall on her forehead. One of the many gestures she loved him doing to her.
"Children?" She suddenly asked.
"Yes, why?" There is mischief in his eyes.
"Why? How many children do you want?” She asks nervously.
"I want a big family, of course. Maybe 3's enough." She felt a little relieved to hear her husband’s answer. She also loves to have a big family, but not too big because she is afraid that she can’t give enough and fair attention to all of them.
"But I have twin siblings, my cousins are twins. You know, it was running in our genes. So 6 or 8 is enough." He laughs wholeheartedly while hugging her.
"M-Mahal!" Infinity called him in disbelief.
"Just kidding! It’s just a joke!” He is still laughing. He held both of her hands and kissed them firmly.
"I know we will get to the point of our marriage where we will have little arguments, little grudges, or fights. But remember this, I am your family. The same way as you are my family. No matter what happens, you will be the person I am going home to. You are my home."
Her eyes blurred because of what he said. He also gave her that intense stare that made her fall over and over again.
"I promised in front of your mother's grave that I would not leave you. And I have no plans to disappoint her. You've been through too much, Love.”
“E-Elroy.” She wanted to say something to him but she couldn't. Her heart was being swallowed up by her emotions right now.
“Now that I'm here. You have someone to lean on. Not only me but also our future children. We are family now, love.” He kissed her again on the lips and hugged her tighter.
"I know you don't want people to make promises to you. But this is the promise that I and your children will keep."
He put his hands on her nape, making her look into his hazel-brown eyes. Those eyes she will never get tired of looking at.
"We will always be together. You will never celebrate Christmas alone, you will never be sad. And if you cry, it is tears of joy.”
She closed the distance between them by hugging him.
"T-Thank you."
He kissed her forehead again.
"Don’t say thank you because you deserve it. You deserve to be happy. And I'm lucky because you allowed me to fulfill your dreams."
"I love you." She whispered into his chest.
"Ditto"
~ * ~
With the happy and colorful lights around her, her tears fell.
Almost 5 years and she's still trapped.
She is also guilty of why she is still tied to the chains of the past five years. But could you blame her? There was a part of her that wanted to bury everything in oblivion. All the crying, all the pain, all the grief over the things fate threw at her. But a bigger part of her didn't want to let them go.
Why?
Because those memories were the thing that gave her so much reason to fight in life.
Her Christmas has returned to how it used to be for the past five years. It was much more painful because of the added memories and broken promises.
But her life must go on. Her life must spin at the same time the Earth revolves. Even though her world is gone. She was about to leave the department store when something, more on someone, caught her attention. She just saw his back and he was far away from her but she knew who it was.
He looks dashing in a long white sleeve polo paired with jeans in blue loafers. He is in casual dress today. Maybe he is off from work.
He is talking to someone on the phone. She was rooted in the same place the moment she saw him.
He is now walking towards her while looking from left and right. Maybe he is searching for someone. She can't take her eyes off him, she follows his every move. She almost gasped when he walked in her direction. She immediately went to the other aisle.
Infinity saw his face more clearly now. He's happily talking to the person on the other side. She kept still until he walked past her place.
In the crowded place, she felt alone.
At the same time, she remembered an old friend. It’s been a while since her last visit to her. Maybe this is the right moment. She decided to visit her tomorrow.
Related chapters
Here To Stay IV
Leaves will soon grow from the bareness of trees And all will be alright in time From waves overgrown come the calmness of seas And all will be alright in time Wounds of the past wll eventually heal And all will be alright in time ‘Cause all of this comes with a love that is real You never really love someone until you learn to forgive. - Leaves, Ben&Ben *** AN old lady can be seen leaning back in her bed, looking off into the distance. She seemed to be thinking deeply. Its wrinkled skin is the living evidence of resilience. A young man was seen sitting on a stool near her bed. While the old lady was looking into the distance, he was just staring at her. The man beside her had different emotions that you could see in his eyes. Flattering, and resentful, but the love and missing are more pronounced. He loved the person who served as his second mother. In truth, this old lady is more loving than her mother. She took care of them, raised them, preached lessons, and paid atte
Last Updated : 2023-08-05Here To Stay V
*** INFINITY happily entered a compound. It's a little bit chaotic because of the horns of cars and people walking beside the vicinity. It was neighboring a lot of condominiums and a shopping mall. But the atmosphere is peaceful once you enter the compound. Thanks to a lot of trees surrounding the vicinity, it most blocked the noise and pollution. The home for the elderly who have no other home. It has been a long time since she last visited this place. Maybe two months. The reason is first, she was too busy at work. Second, as much as possible, she doesn't want to see people from her past. Sadness was already consuming her every day, it was swallowing her whole. Maybe her heart can't take it anymore if there is someone or something that could remind her of her past. This is the person she leaned on when he was alone. She became a wall to Infinity at times when she had no one to lean on. She never left her side, but fate did a little trick once again. That’s why she ended up in th
Last Updated : 2023-08-09Here To Stay VI
Can love be measured by the hours in a day? I have no answers now but this much I can say I know I’ll need him till the stars all burn away - Where Do I Begin “Love Story”, Gary Valenciano *** MONDAY. Tears in Heaven, the novel Infinity is currently writing, has just been uploaded to the website. And before the new chapter warms up, Pipay and Robin are already messing around at their tables talking about it. "Did the writer of this story get neglected when she was still a child? Why does she like to make her readers cry?" Robin said those words quite loudly. She is sure that is a comment from one of her readers. "While I'm reading this, I'm thinking happy thoughts because I'm sure I'm going to cry. But it didn't work. This story is excellent but heartbreaking.” "I want to tweak the writer for this story." She heard Pipay say. “Infinity! Come on! Go hide! Your readers are ready to eat you alive!" Robin threatens her. "If your reader is okay with it, I am glad to tweak you m
Last Updated : 2023-08-13Here To Stay VII
*** HER feet took her to a place he never thought she would return to. This place reminds her of so many happy memories. Yet the moment she enters the coffee shop, she feels nothing but sadness and pain. The coffee shop used to be her happy place. Her piece of heaven. Not much has changed in that area. The tables have just been added, and the employees have changed, but the ambiance and the feel inside the coffee shop remain the same. Her former university is just 2 blocks away. So many students were there today, some were just chatting with their friends and some were reviewing. She sees herself in them. Years ago. She used to be that university student in that very same spot. She stayed there almost every day early in the morning while she was procrastinating her papers that had to be submitted the next day. She would order a cup of their cheapest coffee and would stay there for hours. This is also the same place where they've shared so many memories. She immediately
Last Updated : 2023-08-16Here To Stay VIII
It’s hard enough just passing the time When I can’t seem to get off my mind And where is the good in goodbye? Tell me why, tell me why - Do You Ever Think About Me, Brian Mcknight *** THE Journal’s Awards Night is just around the corner, some writers are already busy preparing. But Infinity is not affected at all. It's not because she's an introvert, but she's not too fond of parties and glamour. She is the type of person who likes silence. Peace. Because that is what she's dreamed of having all this time. Peace of mind. She has seen the categories that will be awarded. She is nominated in 3 categories. The tragic story category, which is said by his colleagues, will definitely be given to her. The romance category and the Young Adult category. Even so, she is still actually thinking of ways to avoid awards night. She doesn’t have the slightest interest in attending the program, if only she could avoid her friend before the program, she would. "Infinity, do you already have
Last Updated : 2023-08-18Here To Stay IX
*** "WHAT do you think, Felice, Infinity? Is this good for me?" Angelica asked them if the red gown she was holding would look good on her. It has a simple design, but Infinity thinks that it would be a perfect match for Angelica’s complexion. "It suits you, Angelica. All the gowns you wear are good for you. Your complexion suited every color," Felice answered. "Oh no! It is the same with you. The gowns you fit look good on you too. I also like your complexion. You look like Ms. Venus Raj!” "She's my peg for the awards night! Let's go back to the gown that looks like what she wore during her Ms. Universe competition! I think that is the one I would wear! I feel like I am the queen of the Universe!” Both of the girls laugh at their silliness. Infinity just watched silently from one side. She's not out of place or third wheel to the two. She just prefers to be quiet on one side. Her companions know this. Sometimes she laughs or answers when they ask for her opinion. "How about you
Last Updated : 2023-08-20Here To Stay X
‘Cause I wish you the best of all this could give And I told you when you left me There’s nothing to forgive But I always thought you’d come back, tell me all you found was heartbreak and misery It’s hard for me to say, I’m jealous of the way You’re happy without me. - Jealous, Labrinth *** “OMG! Why are there so many people?” Felice asked them nervously. "What is this? (1)KathNiel’s* new movie red carpet premiere? There are also lots of reporters!” Pipay is also nervous when she sees the swamp of people. They agreed to go together to The Journal's Awards Night. First, it's embarrassing to enter the venue if you're alone. But the main reason is to save money on fares. "I didn't expect so many reporters to come. I think sir Patrick went overboard here." Robin was whispering while they were following the asher to enter the red carpet and the venue. "Our platform has also become quite big. Online reading and writing have become popular. I am not surprised if the media is
Last Updated : 2023-08-22Here To Stay XI
*** EVERYONE'S already seated in their designated seats. They are also seated together except for Angelica. She was seated at the tables with the higher-ups. The program started as usual and everyone was shocked by Sir Patrick's opening speech. Or because they are not used to Sir Patrick being formal, like now. There were lots of programs before they could eat, and she could hear Pipay and Robin grumbling because they were so hungry. After some announcement, the host opened the buffet, which means they are already allowed to eat. Actually, The Journal doesn't have many employees. But since this is the first event of the company under Sir Patrick, and the news of its expansion into publishing. It was a piece of big news! That is why there are lots of reporters and business persons present who are also curious about the business flow of a writing platform. There are business people who are still thinking about investing in the company and some are already investors. For Infinity, it
Last Updated : 2023-08-24
Latest chapter
Here To Stay EPILOGUE
EPILOGUESUBJECT: To my King, My ElroyInfinity Ramos (InfinityRamosSantos@g***l.com) to Paolo Elroy Santos (PaoloElroySantos@g***l.com)Mahal,Today marks 4 years since we were together again, and 11 years as a married couple if we count the years we have been apart. Plus the 2 years we were together before the accident.Who could have thought that the decade we are together would give us a rollercoaster of emotions, trials, and frustrations? Because our relationship has been through so much. Who could have thought that we had only been married for more than a decade? If I wrote our story and turned it into a novel, 100 chapters would not be enough, and maybe my readers would lose the desire to read it!As we celebrate our 11th wedding anniversary, let me say through this email some of the things I find hard to say in person.First, I am sorry. I want to apologize for the things I've done that I know that hurt you. From my decision to leave you after the accident, and the infinite tim
Here To Stay FINAL CHAPTER
I want you to know that you'll be the oneAnd I'll be the guy who'll be on his kneesTo say I love you and I need youAnd say I'd die for you just give me your forever- Give Me Your Forever, Zack Tubudlo***SUBJECT: To our angel, Zeus.Infinity Ramos (InfinityRamosSantos@gmail.com) to Perseus Elford Ramos Santos (ZeusRamosSantos@gmail.com)Dear Zeus,Today is the Christening of your Godmother Grace's first child. Your
Here To Stay CXVIII
We look for love, no time for tearsWasted water's all that isAnd it don't make no flowers growGood things might come to those who waitNot for those who wait too lateWe gotta go for all we know- Just The Two of Us, Bill Withers and Grover Washington, Jr.***ELROY went home a little bit late that night. Her brother went home a while ago and only the house helpers and the private nurse were with her in the condo. She is trying to lighten the mood even thoug
Here To Stay CXVII
***ELROY is livid. He had never felt this kind of anger before. He was busy with his work when Leo called him. He is sure that Leo is angry. But hearing what happened he also felt the same. That's why, before going home, he first went to his parents' mansion. It was almost their dinner time at the mansion, so he knew that his mother was already there. And he found his entire family at the dining table while the servants brought out the food one by one. "P-Paolo, you're here! Come eat dinner with us!” His mother said happily. He can't stomach his mother! How could she
Here To Stay CXVI
Araw-gabi nasa isip ka, napapanagip kaKahit san man magpuntaAraw-gabi nalalasing sa tuwaKapag kapiling ka, araw-gabi tayong dalawa- Araw Gabi, Regine Velasquez***A few days later, things between Infinity and Elroy patched up. The doctor had given them the go signal to be discharged from the hospital. "Are you sure you can travel to Manila?" Leo asked his sister worriedly. "You know you can stay here to heal more. Besides, Jana said you have passed the critical stage. But we can't be complacent yet. Your pregnancy is delicate.&rdquo
Here To Stay CXV
***“GOOD EVENING!” Leo happily greeted his sister as he entered her hospital room. But she's not alone. She's with Enzo, and he also has bruises and cuts on his face. He gave a sweet smile to his little sister and kissed her forehead. She was a little embarrassed, but he didn't mind. She looks cute blushing. "Hello! How was your day? How's the baby?” Leo asked as he was caressing her head. He could hear Enzo grunt on the other side. "Janna said that we should be careful, she had spotting earlier! That asshole stresses her out!”
Here To Stay CXIV
Go easy on me, baby. I was still a child Didn't get the chance to feel the world around me I had no time to choose, what I chose to do So go easy on me - Easy on Me, Adele *** ELROY was rooted in his place when the man Infinity called Lorenzo told him that he was Infinity's brother. "Sir Lorenzo, Dr. Santa Cruz is asking for you inside.” Said the nurse who had just come out of his wife’s room. Lorenzo walked towards Infinity's room, that's why Elroy decided t
Here To Stay CXIII
***ELROY did not waste any seconds and started to drive to where his wife was. It took him hours to travel, but he did not feel tired. When he arrived at the said hospital, the visiting hours were over. He decided to stay at the local motel, freshen up, and go to her first thing tomorrow. When the morning came, he bought a flower basket and went straight to the hospital. She asked the front desk where her room was, and the station nurse said it was in the suite. He was in front of her door. He had been waiting for this time for a week. But he didn't know why he was agitated. 3 minutes passed when he decided to knock and open the door. He was welcomed by sofas, which looked like the receiving area of the room. At the end of the room, there was a separate room that looked like the room of the patient itself. He peered and there, he saw his wife. She is sleeping soundly, but based on her face she looks tired. He put the flowers on the bedside table and sat in the visitor's chair
Here To Stay CXII
Ikaw lamang ang tangi kong minamahal, ang lagi kong dinarasal. Sana'y habang buhay tayong magkasama, ang puso ko'y ibibigay lamang sa 'yo Ito ang aking pangako mula ngayon hanggang magpakailan pa man. Ikaw lamang - Ikaw Lamang, Gary Valenciano *** ELROY immediately went to the orphanage expecting his wife to be there. But she is nowhere to be found. “Infinity hasn't been back here since you left. The last time we exchanged messages was when you returned from Manila,” Sister Mabelle said to him. Elroy's heart beat erratically. Infinity is not here. Where will he find his wife? He had no idea where she could go. "Thank you, Sister." He just said this while trying to think of where his wife could go. He wasted no time and immediately left the orphanage. It had been a long drive from Manila, but he would not hesitate to return there just to find out where his wife was. "P-Paolo! Paolo!” He heard sister Mabelle shouting his name, so he immediately stopped getting in the car.
