Sweet 18 (8)

I feel his warmth on my lips. I slowly open my eyes. He’s looking at me, smiling. My favorite face to see every morning.

“Good morning, babe.” He greeted me.

I move closer and give him a kiss again. “Good morning, babe.”

He stood up and took his shirt and shorts on. “Fix yourself. I’ll prepare the breakfast.”

He left me in the room. I stood up and went to the bathroom to wash my face and brush my teeth. I wear my shirt and shorts too after.

I heard the doorbell. He has a visitor? I went down to check who he or she was.

I froze on the stairs. My parents are looking at me with their angry eyes. Uncle Marcus looks apologetic to my parents.

“Let me–” Uncle Marcus didn’t finish his sentence because dad already punched him on the face.

“Dad!” I screamed.

“How dare you! We trusted you, Marcus!” Dad shouted.

I was about to help Uncle Marcus because he was on the floor but mom gets me and pulls me outside of the house.

I tried to get my hands out of her grip but she slaps me. “You disgrace our family, Bry!”

She drags me inside the car. Dad rides in and immediately drives fast, away from Marcus. Everything happens so fast. I was with the love of my life a minute ago, now my parents are taking me away from him. And it breaks my heart.

“You’ll be grounded for the rest of your school life, Bry!” Dad glared at me through the rearview mirror.

“Disappointment! Disappointment! Fucking disappointment!” Mom keeps on shouting.

I feel my tears fall on my cheeks. I didn’t see this coming. I just fall in love.

People may judge me but I don’t care. They don’t know our true story, our true feelings. All the days I have spent with Marcus were the bestest days. I feel happy, I feel free, and I feel love.

But took me away from him.

And it fucking hurts.

I woke up one day that ten years have passed since the last time I saw my first man, my first love, my everything, my Marcus.

I tried to search him, asked his whereabouts but to no avail. Until I get tired looking for him. Maybe he doesn’t want to see me anymore.

Maybe he doesn’t love me anymore.

I understand. He wanted to protect me. By means of protection, he hides himself so I won’t get in trouble with my parents.

In ten years, lot of things can be changed. I’m afraid that one day if we see each other again, he will treat me as a stranger. Worse yet, he’s already with someone he loves.

While I’m still left alone 10 years ago where we shared our love to each other.

I work now as an Interior Designer. I fly from one country to another since I have clients from different parts of the world.

“You always impressed us, Brianna!” My client praised me. “I will surely recommend you!”

“Thank you!” I said goodbye to them and went out of their house.

I have plenty of time to tour the place. That’s one thing I like about my job, I can tour once I finished my project.

This is how I breath.

I’m trying to forget him but…I can’t. How to unlove the person who made so much impact on me?

I went to a souvenir store so I could buy it for my bestfriend. She’s only constant in my life.

“Bry?”

I look up to the person who calls me.

I studied his face first. And my eyes went big because of my realization.

Finally, after 10 years of longing, I saw him again.

I hugged him immediately.

“Marcus!” I hold his face. “Gosh, I can’t believe that I will see you again.” My tears start to form in my eyes.

He hugged me back. “I miss you so much.”

Once again, we wrapped each other in a warm hug.

We walked around the park. I don’t know. I don’t want to expect. I’m in pain for 10 years, and I don’t want to rub salt into my wound.

“It’s been 10 years. Never in my dreams that I would see you again. I tried to find you but–“

He holds my hand to stop me. “I’m sorry. I did that for you.”

I nod. “I know. I know. You live here?”

“Yeah.” He smiled. “I migrated here 5 years ago.”

“You look like a real dad now.” I tease him.

He shrugs. “I am a father now.”

“Oh!” I’m happy he has his own family now. That’s what we wish to the people we love, their own happiness. “Boy or girl?”

“Boy. His name is Marco, and he’s five years old.” He’s a proud dad. It’s evident in his eyes.

“I know you’re a great dad.” I praised him.

“Thank you.” We sat facing the playground while leaves kept on falling.

“How’s your wife?” I asked. I accepted it now that maybe he’s just part of my life but will never be my whole life.

He looks at me before he stares back at the playground. He sighed. “We’re divorced. Marriage didn’t work out that well. Marco is staying with her. But I maintained a good relationship with her, we’re friends now.”

I nod.

A glimpse of chance.

“You? Family? Boyfriend?” He asked.

I smiled. “I’m a career-oriented woman. I don’t have time to go on dates.”

He nods. “So you’re here for work?”

I look at him. “Yeah, but I’m done so I’m touring the place.”

“This is a good country.” He boasted.

“Should I…live here?” I want to live with you. It’s always you. You’re my home.

He looks away. He swallowed before looking back at me. “Bry…”

I laugh. “I’m just kidding. I know. I understand.”

He massages his neck. “It’s still you.”

Our eyes locked. A tear fell on my cheek. “You want me to live here?” I asked again.

“If I want to be unfair, I would say yes. But I want the best in your life. Look at you, you’re a successful fine young woman now.”

“Do you want me here?” I asked again.

“Fuck.” He closed his eyes. He grabbed my face and sealed my lips with his kisses.

He parted our lips and looked at me straight to my eyes. “I’m ready to take the risk.”

|to be continued|

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