Chapter 4

His fiancé was always there for him.

"Time broke you. Time brought you sorrow but it is only you who can heal it." She hugged him and whispered, "I love you."

She is Grace Aquino.

***

December 2, 2001. Billy was wandering around in the Hotel Supreme, 111 Magsaysay Avenue, Baguio city. At the waiting area was a silhouette of a woman sitting on the couch looking vista outside. Billy approached and sat opposite to her.

"You're a participant?"

"Yes, you?"

Billy nodded.

She looked straight to the eyes, fierce. "What brings you here?"

Billy nervously uttered, "Just wandering …round."

She looked at him strangely.

"By the way, Billy Domingo." Smiled, reaching her hand.

"Grace Aquino."

"What a pretty name." Still clamped her hand.

***

Grace Aquino is an average heighted woman but there are more impressive about her, she has distinguished beauty: a gracefully stout, black long-haired, soft spoken woman. She achieved so much awards for determining, persevering in what she is interested to. And she went several places for being a good, excellent theater actress. She has done several international performances. And she loved writing. Writing, much to it…

***

…Grace felt uncomfortable. She pulled her hand and patted on her laps. She felt unusual. "Where're you from?"

"Here in Baguio, you?"

"Also here." Corner of her mouth turned up. She thought. She did.

She felt ease and light with him. And the conversation was lengthened. They talked a lot. Shared a lot. Opened a lot. Contact digits exchanged.

"We should be inside by now." Billy spoke gentlemanly.

That moment, friendship sprouted. But doesn't mean it'll end there. Mutual wants, understanding. Communication never stopped in phones. They both loved traveling, adventuring, food-tripping and writing. Loved a lot. Grace fell to Billy, unwantedly. She loved him more than he looked her. Camp John Hay was full of memories for them. Hangout there. Drafting goals. Writing poems.

Through a poem, Grace expressed her feeling into him. She kept it. She lied.

"You like me?" Billy asked smirking.

"No, dickhead." Grace fixed her hair, out-of-focused.

Billy chuckled. He picked the pen touching her hand. Eyes met. Grace swallowed. Hearts hammered.

***

On the 12th day of April 2002, Billy thought of revealing it out. He tried to let it be but he need to vent out. Night of surprise. He set up a date at Camp John Hay, Grace unknowingly. That balmy flowers, scented candles, sweet music.

"What is this so romantic?" Grace amusedly asked. She wore her leather black shining jacket, fitted in a pair of jeans, as usual get-up. Smacked a red lipstick. There she goes.

Billy chaperoned her to the seat.

"What's all about these?" Grace asked smilingly.

"Hmmm... For you."

"What?"

"Grace, huh... I like you." He could not control what is in his heart and said it all. Finally, he reached and held her hand. Grace stopped breathing for a couple of seconds. And air release.

"I like you too, Billy." Grace expressed it sweetly.

Billy stood up and hugged her.

Night passed. Love began to spring. The beginning of responsibilities.

***

February 14, 2004. The night in Baguio City was as usual as yesterday. The sky was bright and the stars were visible, perfect for star-gazing while lying on the ground under the pine trees. The cold breeze fitted a thick sweater, and a cuddle. Burnham Park was as usual many were wandering and dating.

The day Billy thought for hundred folds was the heart's day. He planned out what would be the surprises that will get a sweet approval.

Billy was sweating sitting beside Grace. And he was thinking deep, and uneasy. "Let's take a walk, Grace." Grace erected and held his hand. Billy was in a thought of ifs, and feared of the result. Just that night, Billy was mum, and Grace was wondering why so silent and act strangely. They walked nearer to the lake and watched the boats. "Grace, I need to use a toilet. Wait me here." She sat on the bench.

Minutes later, one guy came nearer to her, and gave her a bunch of red roses. "I'm sorry. I can't accept that. I have already a boyfriend." But the guy insisted, "Just get it and don't wonder." Then, he went off. Another man, passed by and handed her a box of chocolate. She was wondering and looking around for Billy, was thinking Billy might got jealous. A group of boys stood in front of her and sung, God gave me you. And another man gave her a human-size teddy bear. Grace was surprised to what she saw. Unfading smile painted on her lips. It was Billy behind the teddy bear, and read: "Feelings were confused. Future seemed not yet secured. Love needed to be assured. Whatever it takes, I know you are mine. And you are my true love."

Billy opened the little box and knelt down. As he was kneeling, people in the boats spread a big banner and shouted: "Will you be my lifetime partner?"

"Will you be my lifetime partner?" Billy said it so sincere.

Grace was in cloudy eyes. She hugged him and said "yes" and the people were shouting out loud. Billy fitted the ring to her finger. He was in wet eyes, and embraced her. He whispered, "I love you."

"I to you." Grace stared at her finger with a ring, finally.