7/26/2018
Xi's last day in Manila.
I drove him to the airport and the traffic was not so bad for a rush hour. It's 6PM and five hours before his flight to San Francisco. He's flying first class so we still have time for coffee. I parked the car in a coffee shop facing the harbour and ordered green tea for Xi and dark mocha for myself. We decided to stay longer so we chose the table on the outside terrace to enjoy our coffee and watch the beautiful sunset of Manila Bay.
The night was young and the sky still have it's orange and yellow streaks. The mesmerising view of the sky as it reflects the sea water and the gentle July breeze made it perfect for an evening stroll.
" Will you miss me" Xi asked
"Of course, I will always miss you" I replied casually.
He took my hand and I just let him have it as we walk the grass area in front of Mall of Asia. When we got tired we decided to sit on the sea wall and quietly watch the gentle waves go back and forth.
But there's something different with Xi, the way he looks at me, his actions and his sweetness were all unusual. This past few weeks he was acting weird and if I don't know him well I will say he's acting like my boyfriend.
The sound of the 7PM cruise broke our silence.
"We haven't done that, would you like to try ?" Xi asked pointing at the Manila bay floating restaurant.
" Next time maybe" I replied
"When I get back, we will " he said excitedly
Xi still have my hand and I can feel that he is staring at me. My heart is beating faster and I'm not sure why.
"Do you remember our trip to Bangkok 14 years ago?" Xi continued.
I smiled remembering the day.
14 years ago the exact same date today in Bangkok, the day when we made a promise.
"Today is the 14th year, so we still have a year" I replied to him joking
"Would you like to go to the states?" Xi asked again but this time he was looking away and his face was serious.
"What do you mean?" trying my best to keep a normal conversation.
"I will marry you",
it was not a question and he was serious when he said it.
I was surprised but I decided to laugh, I'm was not sure on what to say.
I looked at him and he's still looking away and his face was still serious.
"JOKE? " I responded trying to lessen the tension
"How can marry you if I'm still married. You are not even my boyfriend and I'm not your type." I continued with a laugh.
He looked back and smiled at me.
"I was just thinking that it will be easier for you and the kids if you will move there." he said
I don't know why, but I was hurt with what I heard, he was just doing it to help and he doesn't have anything special for me.
"Let's go, you will be late" Ignoring what he just said.
I let Xi drive the remaining kilometers to the airport. What he said earlier is still bothering me.
For the past few months I was too busy dealing with my life that I didn't even notice him. And now, just now I'm like this. For the last time I let my eyes enjoy his beautiful face.
I chose to keep my silence until we reached the airport. And before he can unlock his door I hugged him and whispered
"Yes, I will love to marry you"
I'm still not sure what force on earth made me do that, but I'm glad that I did.
He did not say anything, he just hugged me back and kissed me on my lips. No words was spoken as he stepped out to get his luggage and waved goodbye when I drove away.
I went back to his Condo to return the car and clean his apartment before locking it.
His house will be empty again for the next 6 months. I will miss him.
I turned on the music and started cleaning the house, I removed everything in the refrigerator and take out the trash. Before leaving I decided to have another coffee, I was sitting on his coffee table when I saw the canvas across it. It reminded me of the evening it was taken 14 years ago.
1050PM
My thought was distracted by a phone beep, a message from Xi
"I will miss you. Remember you are mine now"
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