3 I've waited for this moment

Charles never left Daryle's side as they continued to warm themselves around the bonfire. It was a bit cold and they have to squeeze closer to block the heat from escaping them. They all recalled their happy and trying moments together as a class. Everyone shared their experiences when they were assigned for practice teaching to different schools.

Having heard everyone's storey, Mr. Duran cracked up one question for all of them. "What is your biggest regret as a student?"

Everyone fell silent and went in deep thought. They looked at each other as if to point out who will be the first to say something.

"Let's start with the class valedictorian!" Vance pointed at Daryle. Vance was among the candidates for cum laude but for whatever reason he was not listed as one.

"Daryle! Daryle! Daryle!..." everyone chanted in unison.

"Okay, okay! Im going to answer my dad's question now. My biggest regret as a student was.... was... studying a course that I didn't actually like? Not that I regret going to school but this course was not my choice. I'm so sorry " Daryle bowed her head as she played with the stick she was using to fix the fire wood.

Mr. Duran nodded as if he understood what his daughter meant." Someday, you will use that for your own good. You can take another course if you want. I don't mind as long as you will graduate as a suma cum laude again" He said half jokingly.

Charles looked intently at the lady beside her. Her head still bowed as she stuck the stick on the ground. " Dar, are you okay?" He gently patted her back.

"Im fine, just continue the game," She replied softly.

Hearing her regret and seeing her like this made Charles want to hug her and offer his shoulder to cry on. Yet how will he do this when her father was eyeing on them like a hawk?

"You guys continue the game, and enjoy the night. There are some blankets inside if you feel cold. The first floor is also ckeared if any of you want to stay for the night. You all can sleep like sardines, the space should be enough. Just keep the lights on." Mr. Duran decided to let these young people express their feelings and thoughts freely, having sensed the tension between them. He saw Charles patting his daughter's back apparently trying to comfort her. He decided to let them be by themselves. After all, they're already college graduates.

Charles saw that Mr. Duran was about to go. He found his courage to rise from his feet and approached his host. Surprised, Mr. Duran stopped from his tracks and put his hands into his pockets as if waiting for this man to join him.

"Uncle.." Charles bowed his head as he spoke softly near Mr. Duran's ear. " Can I have a talk with you?" he asked.

"What is it, son?" Mr. Duran asked back as he took out his left hand from his pocket and draped it over Charles' shoulder.

"I long waited for this moment to ask permission from you about Daryle. She has long been my crush since we were in first year and I never felt attracted like this to any other girl. Can I please court your daughter? I think I'm in love with her, sir." He went directly.

"Son, that's very noble of you. It must have taken you great self restraint to wait till this time. However, I cannot decide for her regarding this matter. I can only give you my permission to try your chance. I've never heard her having boyfriends by the way." Mr. Duran said.

"Thank you so much sir! " At long last! I hope she can accept me in her heart." Charles smiles his victorious smile once again as he turned back to go to his original position.

"You talked to dad?" Daryle glanced at him.

"Dar... can you guess what we talked about?" He whispered to her ears.

"Did he allow you to marry me already?" She asked with a teasing tone while she turned her head away from his face.

"Ha! Silly! Not yet. Let's go through the process first. " He said as he stretched out his legs towards the center. They were talking softly about themselves as everyone was listening to the one sharing his or her regrets.

"Dar, did you know I have long waited for this moment to ask your parents permission to court you.? Your dad just gave me his permission." He said.

"Oh! What can I say? I was never courted by anybody before so maybe I have also long waited for this moment to be courted by someone." She said with a soft laughter that tickled the heart of the man beside her.