Bottle Cap

We were supposed to meet at 4 pm but my watch read 5 and still he hasn't called. I was walking in and out of endless stores and boutiques just to kill time and finally, I was at my wits end. I called him a dozen times and after what seemed like an eternity, he picked up. I can hear my voice not in it's usual tone added to my stomach's rumbling sound as I speak with him on the other line. I asked him where he was and I hung up, sounding pissed as ever.

I saw him standing at the spot he told me where he was and I can feel my eyes shooting arrows toward his direction. He said he was so sorry and I just kept on walking, not matching his pace but he circled his arm around my waist just so he could keep up. I did not say a word and then he asked me where I would want to eat. That, I thought was the perfect you-DO-NOT-ask-me-where-I-would-want-to-eat-because-I-might-probably-want-to-kill-you scene. He got the picture instantly and walked me somewhere we can eat pizza. Oh, thank God.

I still was not talking to him after we took our seats and just pretended to be busy with my phone as he started writing something in our food's receipt (which by the way, we always do) I grabbed the paper away from him and read it, it said he was sorry of what happened and that there was a ROSE! I could not help but smile. He said he placed the single rose inside his bag knowing it would be alright in there, but the moment he was about to give it to me, it has already fallen apart. He regretted that he did not hold the rose instead if just leaving it inside his backpack. He compared the rose figuratively with our relationship. He added, you can't be complacent that everything is just "okay". You have to work hard every time and to not be settled with just that. There is always something that needs working on to keep the relationship going. Well, that is deep.

 Somewhere between his smile and the way he looked at me, I gave in. Not to mention my stomach was getting full as we speak. We were back to our usual selves and the Other Kim that was unleashed a while ago was back to its cage. I came to realize that I too, have overlooked some things. I did not consider that 1. He came all the way from Batangas just to see me that night. 2. He just got out from a 16-hour shift, and 3. I forgot for a moment how we missed each other and how we looked forward to this night. I got over my hanger (hunger+anger) instantly and we talked about things we missed about each other, how the day went and all.

 

Given that I already have a curfew, I needed to go home earlier than usual and honestly, It was also a relief to me that he has to go home early as well. This time I would not think of something bad happening to him along his way home.

Night came and I kept his letter, the rose that is currently in its falling-into-pieces state and a bottle cap we kept from the place we ate in with our initials in it. It also reminded us of the novel "Lola and the Boy next door" where Lola kept a bottle cap that Cricket gave her. But he reminded me that there is no need for me to undergo a ceremony and throw it into the ocean (like Lola did in the book) because according to him, his love for me will not change. Aww! :)

I have learned so much today about relationship goals and communication; unclear things should not be left unresolved for they may cause further damage when kept in. This day started so-so but ended pretty much how we both were expecting it to be, a night filled with countless laughs and unexpected hugs and stares that makes people wonder what the hell is there to see in each other’s eyes that makes us kind of addicted in doing it. Well, THAT KIND.