Little Infinity (fanfic)

Part I.

It was one of the few afternoons that Richard always wished he could have more - no meetings, no tapings, no scheduled activities outside. Owning the rest of that day alone (Juliana was at school while Lucy was in Ormoc for her congressional duties), he was in his office (his favorite spot in the house by the way) checking his bookshelves for papers and folders that were in no use for disposal. As he pulled out a green portfolio, a softbound book fell on the floor along with a Polaroid picture that has been obviously tucked inside for years. He picked it up and examined the book cautiously. It was a copy of Robert Ludlum’s thriller novel, The Bourne Ultimatum. Not giving much attention to the book, he looked at the picture of a girl in a white sweater sleeping peacefully on a passenger’s seat. Needless to say it was, Dawn. As he flipped the picture, neatly scribbled words into the upper left part read, “SFO, 1992”. He searched for the in between pages of the book and smiled as he saw a tissue (with a café signage, Spike’s Coffee and Teas) that has been tarnished by age with an autograph sign in it. Richard instantly knew that the book, the picture (most especially with the young woman in it) and the tissue, made up one of the best moments that he still knew by heart up to now.

It was as if he was transported back sometime in 1992, on a particular vacation that he and Dawn shared. After Dawn’s parents separated, her father and her brother settled in San Francisco and since then she had always wanted to visit them. So, he and Dawn took a two week break from showbiz commitments and booked a flight bound for San Francisco. It was obviously a long discussion between Dawn and her mother who at that time wasn’t in good terms with her father. Yet at the end, Dawn got her mother’s approval with only one condition, “Bring Richard with you.” And so, the two week Frisco vacation pushed through. Apparently, he was excited and nervous as well because he knew he would be spending those two weeks with Dawn’s father, someone that Dawn has always something good to say and someone that he has yet to meet.

It was a breezy morning in San Francisco as he; Dawn, Dawn’s father Fazil and Dawn’s brother George were having an early breakfast at Spike’s Coffee and Teas, a local neighborhood café that has been a favorite place for Dawn’s father since they settled there. Fazil has been constantly repeating to his daughter since they arrived, how he loved their waffles and pancakes and how they make freshly roasted coffee and espresso and one of these days, he would surely take them there. George and Richard ordered a medium roast Houseblend Coffee with two serves of Cream and Cheese pancakes, while Fazil opted for Dark blend coffee and his favorite Belgian waffle. Among the three men, it was Dawn who was giddily excited and ordered everything she could think of from the menu list. She got Strawberry and Honey glazed pancake, Lemon Butter cookie, Spike’s signature Milk cookie and a cup of decaf Lauren’s blend coffee.

“Kaya among ubusin yan, Dawny?” Fazil asked as he smiled mischievously to his daughter calling her endearingly as Dawny.

“Yes Pa, kung di naman tutulungan ako ni Richard na ubusin ‘to.” Dawn replied extending her elbow to his side, as if drawing some sort of “back-up” in him.

“Diba babe?” Dawn added, looking at him smiling full.

Richard looked at her direction obliged to agree, “Ah- Yes, Yes po.” looking at Fazil’s direction awkwardly.

Fazil in return, just looked at him then drank his coffee.

Well, their first meeting was pretty civil. Richard shook his hand while Fazil answered his gesture with a tap on his Richard’s shoulder. “Good Evening, Sir.” was the first statement Richard said to him, in which he replied with just a nod. The course of their stay at Fazil’s home puzzled Richard. Prior to meeting him, Dawn described his father as makwento and malambing (“Madaldal at makwento ng sobra si Pappy mana ako dun, I’m sure he will like you, babe”). Indeed he was malambing evidently, he likes to hug his daughter and pamper her all day, he calls her as Dawny and Dawn in return would call her Pappy or Paps. It was the makwento part that Richard couldn’t understand. For him Fazil was a man of few words, literally. He would only look, nod or pat his back but he never did say any single word to Richard.

After their breakfast, Fazil dropped George at school who was then a college freshman lad. He instructed the love birds stay at Spike’s until he returns. Richard and Dawn were left still unfinished eating what Dawn had hoarded on the table.

“Ang dami mo kasing inorder oh- Aaaaaah.” Richard said stuffing a slice of pancake into Dawn’s mouth.

“Akala ko ba tutulungan mo ako.” Dawn asked munching the pancake up to its last piece.

“Sinusubuan nga kita, oh tulong din yan diba?” He said smiling as Dawn’s eyes grew bigger towards the man sitting adjacent to their table.

“Baaabe!” Dawn said pointing the man, sipping his coffee. The man appeared to be in his early 40’s, sturdy and serious looking man. Starring at the man, Richard could say that he has no recollection or whatsoever of this man that has caught his girlfriend’s attention.

“What?! Sino yan?” He asked.

“Seriously babe? That’s Robert Ludlum… shhhhh” Dawn answered in a low tone, enough for him to hear.

“Robert who?!” Richard repeated since he was not able to grasp the last name of this certain Robert.

“Lud-lum.” Dawn repeated giving emphasis to every syllable. “He’s a bestselling author, you know, of the Bourne series.”

“I haven’t read his books nor heard his name. Baka naman kamukha lang, Love. Alam mo naman Americans parang magkakamukha.”

“No that’s really him and I can’t believe you don’t know him and his books, thriller pa naman ang series niya, babe.” Dawn said pouting at him crossing her arms on her chest.

“You read thriller? Kelan ka pa nahilig dun? I thought you’re into Mills and Boons type of books.”

“Well, I don’t really read his works, its Mama. She likes his works. Gosh babe, get me his autograph please.” She hurriedly look for a pen and paper in her bag, glad enough that she brought her fountain pen but unfortunately no paper.

“Love, ayoko baka may nakakakilala sa atin dito. Nakakahiya kaya.” Richard retorted in defense.

Dawn looked around examined the people inside the café. “Babe, look tayo lang ang Caucasians dito, chances are walang may nakakakilala sa atin. Besides, he’s a writer so mag pa autograph man tayo walang nakakahiya dun.” Dawn said persuasively.

“Okay, okay so pen and paper?” Richard smiled sheepishly as if saying he was going to win this for he knew she got no paper.

In a panic state, Dawn looked for a paper but to no avail of course. But the ever maparaan as she is, she got the resto’s unused tissue and gave it to her boyfriend. “Here, pwede na to babe!”

Richard finally conceded and was about to go to the writer’s direction when Dawn grabbed his hand and used another tissue to wipe the bread crumbs on his lips, “Teka babe, you got crumbs pa.”

“Sus love, naglambing ka pa ng last minute gagawin ko na nga ang request mo.” Richard said pinching Dawn’s nose something that he can’t always seem to resist especially when Dawn asks for something.

Eventually, Richard was able to obtain the autograph. He had to excuse himself from disturbing the novelist’s private time saying that he was a big fan of his works and how excited he was to see it in the silver screen while Dawn on the nearby table can’t almost contain her joy and excitement upon seeing that Robert Ludlum actually signed the tissue. Robert wasn’t much of chatter but was generous enough that a fan recognized him. Richard thanked the renowned writer for his time and to justify how much of a (pseudo) fan he is, Richard praised his works by saying, “Your works are simply the best” saying it in a most convincing facial expression, something that Richard was obviously a master of being an actor himself.

Dawn was indeed blissful when Richard handed her the autograph.

“Thank youuuu babe, Mama will be very happy and envious! Don’t worry babe, pagdating ng Manila or here, we’ll look for a copy of his book, para naman at least you will remember him, masabi mo rin in the future that you met Robert Ludlum.” Dawn said proudly leaning her head on Richard’s shoulder.

Richard on the other hand was half mindedly listening to Dawn as he looked at her in her most euphoric state. He regretted he left his camera on the car thus, his girlfriend would have been happier if she was able to have a photo op with him. He smiled as he realized how childish and mature she could be all at once. One second she is a sweet child-like girl yelping and giggling but next thing she can be in her prime, independent lady like stance that no man will never think twice but fall in love with her. He realized that her simple pleasures and vibrant uniqueness make her more lovable and how his heart melts every time he sees her in such pure happiness. With her, Richard thinks he could shut the rest of the world because he knew they are each other’s world. However, he can’t help but also be frightened as to what the future may hold for the both of them. It is something that they are incapable of controlling no matter how mutual their feelings are. Richard refused to entertain those handful of “what ifs” that has been racing in his mind. He hugged her so tightly that made Dawn question.

 “Hey hey babe, easy lang… Para naman akong ma cho-choke sa hug mo. Is there something wrong?” Dawn said as she chunked the last Lemon Butter cookie in her hand.

“Wala nangigigil lang. Happy lang kaya ako na happy ka. And you owe me a great deal with that autograph, ha love.” He said as he loosened his hug on her.

Just as in time that they were almost done, Fazil came up and picked them up. On the way to the car, Dawn was eager to tell her father how they scored a signature from Ludlum inside the café.

“Favorite author mo? I should read his novels, by that.” Fazil asked.

“No, Mama’s. This autograph was actually for her.” Dawn answered as he hugged her father’s side. Fazil smiled and kissed her hair as he removed his baseball cap and transferred it to Dawn’s head. Richard who was walking behind the two, could not help but be swept away by that father and daughter moment he had just witnessed.

As they approached the car, Fazil was quick to instruct that Dawn must sit at the back and Richard must take the front seat next to him. Richard obliged to do so and was thankful enough that Dawn was really madaldal which made the trip a lot easier for him. Richard would give one word opinions such as “Yeah”, “Oo”, “Minsan” or other words that sounded agreeable to the topic. He was exchanging glances between the window and the rear view mirror looking at his girlfriend’s father anticipating his actions. Fazil was in his usual manner mostly listening to his daughter’s stories. For a moment there was an obvious silence and the two gentlemen thought Dawn was just having a pause from her chatting, a long snore reverberated inside the car. Fazil smiled from the rear view mirror looking at his daughter.

“Mana sa Mama niya, madaling makatulog.” Fazil said his eyes still fixed on the road.

It startled Richard knowing that it was actually the first time he and Fazil engaged in a verbal conversation. He was looking for a suitable answer something that would be impressive yet only an, “Oo nga po sir.” escaped his mouth. He wanted to tick off himself. Yeah Richard, so much for an answer. Fazil stopped on a nearby Walmart for a quick grocery and instructed Richard to stay with Dawn since she was probably in her deep sleep already. He was checking on Dawn almost every minute smiling how beautiful she was even when sleeping. He adjusted the car’s air condition into medium level knowing that she easily gets cold. He was at loss for words by just merely looking at his girlfriend and indeed he was one hell of a lucky guy. He picked his Polaroid camera, adjusted its lens and took a candid shot of Dawn. He was waiting for the photo paper when a loud “Ehem” coming from Fazil surprised him.

“No sir, It’s not what you’re thinking.” Richard quickly defended.

As Fazil settled himself inside the car, he looked Richard straight into his eyes, held him by his shoulders and smiled, “Relax. I know.”

“So you act for a living?” Fazil asked Richard as he continued driving.

“Yes sir I do, same as your daughter.” Richard tried to answer in his most casual way.

“You always have your camera with you, are you a photographer as well?”

“Just an amateur sir”

Questions like those seemed to make Richard more uncomfortable but at the same time he was glad that they were both trying to break the ice that was in between them for days now. Moreover, Richard knew that with those questions Fazil was trying to know more of him. He was thinking for a good topic when Fazil suddenly spoke.

“Show business is a though world isn’t it? How do you guys handle it?”

“It is, sir. Well actually we just enjoy it and everything that comes with it. I guess that would be much easy to take, rather than think it as a work or burden.” Richard said as-a-matter-of-factly. It was for the first time during their conversation that he didn’t grapple for words to answer and he felt a sense of relief after.

“So you and Dawny, how long have you been… in a relationship?”

“For a year and a half, sir.”

“Only… and yet she moved in with you.” It was something that Richard did not expect. Just as he thought he could be relaxed in this conversation.

“Don’t get me wrong sir. I have pure intentions with your daughter. It was a mutual decision sir. I did not persuade her.” Richard may sound defensive but he knew it was the real thing.

"I never questioned your intentions, Richard. I am her father, I hope you understand that. She is the eldest yet she is still my little girl. I am speaking here as a father." Fazil said firmly.

"Hindi ako galit that she moved in with you, she is 24 already.  She has her own decisions and I trust her with that. She has the whole world and every opportunity in her plate. I cannot dictate her happiness. I cannot be with her all time time. She can be vulnerable. And that's what I fear the most. You get me right?" Fazil added.

"Yes sir, I do. Of course." Of course Richard understood him. He was even eager to hear what this man has to say.

"I can see it the way she looked at you and the way you look at her. You are both each other's happiness and I don't have the right to get in between of you.  I know you are a good man. I've been hearing a lot of you from Dawny everytime she calls me. And yes, I can say that you exceeded my expectation. I mean going with her all the way here in Sanfo is enough for me to say that you are indeed serious with my daughter. I know it takes a lot of courage to meet your girlfriend's father and even stay at my house, right?" Fazil said smiling as he added, "She has gone through a lot. I knew the separation didn't make it any lighter. I had to take it by experience with George. He was so young when it happened. I told him it was the best thing for me and his mama. I wasn't able to do it with Dawn. I guess she was mature enough to understand things. But I knew she took it by heart. That's what I regret the most, I wasn't around to comfort her. To assure her that I am still here and I am still her father no matter what." Fazil added.

"She is a smart girl sir. She holds no grudges to her mama or to you. She clearly understood both perspectives." Richard said as he took a peep from Dawn at the back, thankful that she was still asleep.
Fazil shared more stories to Richard. About the younger Dawn and how much of a performer she was when she was still a kid. Richard in return shared the awards Dawn has won and how good she is with her craft, how they first met and how he fell in love with her. It was a light conversation in which Richard understood why Dawn described her father as “makwento”. Fazil felt Richard filled that gap that has been missing when he turned his back and left his family. He turned serious once again and spoke to him.

"Can you do me a favor?"

"About what sir?"

Fazil held his breath as if drawing strength and spoke, "Be somebody who will be there for her always. Well I don't know what's in store for the both of you in the future but, I hope you could be that somebody that she can always turn to. Somebody she can always trust.“ He knew what he was asking was too much from guy he barely knew.

Richard knew it was a hard feat but he also knew she is more than worth it.
"Yes sir, I will." He knew he has to stand by his promise and he was even more than willing to do it no matter what the future may bring. Young man as he was at that time yet he knew Dawn was already worth his whole life.

They were almost home long before they knew it. As Fazil unbuckled his seat belt he tapped Richard's back and added, "One more thing, I think calling me "sir" is a 'lil bit formal and too advanced for my age, I won't mind you calling me "Tito" though. Paki gising na din si Sleeping Beauty, I’ll bring these groceries inside."
"Yes po, tito." Richard smiled and opened the back seat door. He lifted Dawn's head closer to his shoulder as he put her arms around her and whispered, "Love gising na, were home."

Richard smiled as he recalled those moments made in San Francisco. For him those were not mere look backs but special memories with a special woman. As he looked the Polaroid picture he remembered how he tirelessly searched for that Robert Ludlum novels in the bookstores here in Manila. He remembered how delighted Dawn was upon learning that he actually purchased the books as she in return gave Richard the autographed tissue. (“Keep it babe, remember I was with you when you had that sign.”) His sight landed on the infamous Orlina glass sculpture “Dawn” that was carefully placed in the middle of his bookshelves. Indeed it was a sight to behold as he realized that their romance may be ill fated yet Dawn has never really left his life… never did. Just like the book, the photographs, the memories- everything that has something to do with their past, it never really went away… even the feelings. Richard took his phone and tried to reach her. He was not expecting her to answer his call for he knew she might still be on taping. His intention was only to let her know that well, he remembered her today… though he knew “missed her” would precisely describe what he actually felt. And just when he least expected it, she picked his call.

“Hello…”

Part II.

It was obviously a pleasant surprise for Richard as he started to look for words to answer her but then a short, “Hey!” with a bit of excitement escaped his mouth.

“Anong atin?” Dawn asked on the other line on which Richard would’ve asked himself as well. Ano nga ba?

“Wala. Para lang to let you know I’m still breathing.” Clearly he is not good with alibis when it comes to Dawn.

“Wala kang magawa no? Corny ka na naman eh.” She giggled.

He was amused on how she knew him even by simple phone calls like this. Noticeably, he heard a sort of electric mixer sound on the other line, he knew by then that Dawn’s in the kitchen.

“Cooking something, D?” He asked.

Dawn smiled. It has been a while since the last time he called her “D” and admittedly, she does miss it.

It was a moniker christened by Richard himself while taping for the latter parts of Walang Hanggan. It was a crisp October afternoon as they were both chilling inside her tent waiting for their scene to be taken. Richard had always suited himself in her tent saying “madami ditong pagkain” which was true by the way, hence she also knew that alone couldn’t only be his sole reason. Richard was quietly reading his script when out of the blue he said, “Tawagin kaya kitang “D” tapos tatawagin mo akong “G”.” Dawn raised an eyebrow as she was sitting in front of the mirror doing a re-touch of her mascara, taken aback with what she heard. She could see him through the mirror as she thought he was only in his usual bored self, she said nothing in reply and continued her re-touch. They had the tent all by themselves so he was really talking to her, unless he is reading his script which is obviously would be too odd. He caught her in the eye as he repeated, “Diba? D and G.”

“Which stands for Dawn and Gomez? Baka naman you meant R?” She asked still pre occupied with what she was doing.

“Eh you don’t call me Richard naman diba? You call me Gomz so G na lang. Para D and G, Dawn and Gomz. Yung Richard and Dawn kasi parang too 90’s pa.” He said smiling proudly at her.

“So parang sinabi mo na din na ang tanda na natin.” She said now smiling.

Richard stood behind her, bent a little trying to make an eye contact through the mirror itself.

“Parang hindi ka naman tumatanda eh, look at you ang ganda kaya ng asawa ko.” He said grinning.

Dawn’s eyebrow met as she turned and looked up to him smiling, “Loko loko ka talaga no, G?” giving emphasis on the moniker he just created.

“Oo nga D, loko loko talaga ‘tong si Marco.” He smirked referring to the character he portrays. The kilig was noticeably hard to amiss that very moment. It was a natural charm that only a Richard Gomez can deliver and she couldn’t also believe how she can still be swept away with nuances like that after all these years.

“Carrot muffins, G” she then replied riding along and taking her senses back into the present. “Ayisha’s special request I don’t know, she must have seen it on TV basta bigla na lang akong kinulit Carrot muffins daw.” She added.

“No work for you today?”

“Not yet. Hindi naman ako Dyesebel so I think working hours would be shorter this time.”

Promptly, Richard remembered he was not able to congratulate her. The management casted Dawn on Dyesebel in lieu of their supposed comeback teleserye, as for him a movie is currently on works.

“Congratulations nga pala for Dyesebel, heard it in the news. Sorry I was so busy that time.”  Was he? Or was he only disappointed for their supposed to be reunion project?

“Naku G, para kang Alpha and Omega. It’s either una ka lagi or huli. But, thank you. The cast are good so I think we’ll be working smoothly.” Dawn said.

As if on cue, Richard’s lip turned tight with her choice of words, “Alpha and Omega… Una or huli.” He can’t help but remember her line during the Walang Hanggan Pasasalamat Concert , “You are my one and only… My first and my last” not minding whether she was in Emily’s shoes while saying that. He does not affirm if it has something to do with it or purely coincidence yet either way, Richard knew she definitely got him there.

“Oh I see… Don’t forget your gigantic pamaypay and your scarf. Looks like your location will require you to be under the sun than the usual.” Richard reminded though he knew those are the two staple things Dawn could not start a day without.

“Thank you kunin na kitang PA sa susunod ha?” Dawn said jokingly.

“Sure ma’am, pwede ako PA, driver at security makakatipid ka talaga sakin. Marami nga lang mangungulit sayo kasi pogi ‘tong magiging alalay mo. Syempre dapat lang maganda rin kasi ang amo.”

On the other line, Dawn couldn’t help but laugh so hard that she almost spilled the mixture on the pan. It was one of the many things that she missed about him. He could immensely make her laugh without doing so much effort, a natural charmer by his own. Dawn could hardly believe how Richard’s presence even just his voice can make her well, pretty clumsy. That kind of clumsiness she had back then when Richard did something that would make her stomach flutter with butterflies, yes that’s how she dealt with “kilig”.

"Gwapong gwapo ka talaga sa sarili mo no. Teka goms pa tulong naman, oh."

"Na kainin yang Carrot muffins? Would you like to bring it here personally o ako na kukuha diyan? Either way game ako." Richard quickly answered of which he was clearly joking, but half meant of course.

"Walang hiya ka rin talaga." Dawn can't help but grin with his antics, truly irresistible and hard to ignore she added, "Shall I add Lemon or Vanilla? Yung seryoso ha!"

"Seryoso naman ako kanina pa ah. Puntahan na nga kita diyan para tulungan." Richard teased even more.

"Gooooooms!" Dawn whined getting impatient.

"Oh sisimangot na yan... I'd go for Lemon. Ayisha will surely love the citrusy aftertaste." He said as he imagined how cute she looked whining up against his pangungulit.

It has always been a sense of security for Richard that his opinions always mattered to Dawn. For him it signaled that Dawn had always trusted his choice no matter how small or huge it is. In more ways than one for two years that they lived under one roof, it was safe enough that they have been dependent with each other so much. They had become each other’s best critic when it comes to fashion, acting skills and all sorts, something that they still practice even up to now. Indeed old habits die hard, as what they say.

For an instance, he remembered that gown she used during the Star Magic Ball 2012. Yes, it was his choice of gown for her. It was almost a last minute decision so the ever ready Dawn was apparently cramming knowing that she barely had time to prepare. She asked for his help to choose among the two gowns that her stylist, Eric Pe Benito had prepared for her. Both gowns were in the shade of Black, as the event’s motif thus, both were also impeccably done that she really had a hard time choosing. The first gown was an off shoulder bustier cut which exposes Dawn’s chest, something that he immediately disapproved no matter how stunning she looked on it.

“Pangit?” Dawn asked as crossed her hands on her chest.

“It’s not pangit, it’s… it’s too revealing.” Richard said as if looking for the right words to say.

“Ay nakakakilig naman ang pagka protective ni Sir Goms kay Ms. Dawn.” That was Patricia, Richard’s stylist to which sent everybody inside the tent smile slyly and roar with “uyyyy”.

“Ganyan yan, akala siguro nito teenager pa ako.” Dawn eyeing him on the corner to where he was seated.

“Try mo muna kasi ang isa, then we’ll see.” Richard said suggestively.

Minutes later, Dawn stepped out of the dressing room with the second gown on. It was Richard’s turn to struggle with words as he felt a lump in his throat. She was effortlessly elegant in that Givenchy gown. Considerably a plain black gown, with no embellishment, long sleeved, floor length, body hugging which accentuated her natural curves yet she was breathtakingly sophisticated on it, his kind of weakness, undoubtedly.

“So how’s this one?” Dawn asked him eyes twinkling searching for his approval.

“Wow! You look… Wow Dawn… ” Well he was at loss for words, literally speechless.

The ever funny man that he is he immediately added, “Magbihis ka na nga baka maiuwi kita ng di oras.” It made everyone laugh and squeal in kilig as well. Dawn rolled her eyes in return, smiled and whispered, “Huwag mo akong ma Indian-indian bukas, humanda ka sakin.”

And as the history can be recalled, he wasn’t able to make it to the ball.

It was a sort of catching up for the both of them as they talked everything from Richard’s recent guesting on the other network with the Megastar to which Dawn teased, “Uy nag reminisce”, which gave Richard a sense of suspicion. Was that a hint of jealousy?

“Oo nga, andami rin naming napag-usapan matagal din kaming di nakapag-usap ng ganun.” He said trying to aggregate things so as to confirm his thoughts.

“Mukhang enjoy na enjoy ka ah.” Dawn said, giving emphasis on the word, enjoy na enjoy.

Richard smiled as he held his phone lightly, “Eto naman ang bilis magselos wala yung isang araw na taping sa higit 11 months na taping natin. Sus.”

“Uy hindi ako nagseselos no.” Dawn was quick enough to deny, though it was pretty obvious already.

Indeed she is.

“O sige na nga, hindi na.” Richard conceded just to keep her over.

God only knows how long their conversation lasted for they both lost in track of time, a usual turn out to every phone call they had. Richard doesn’t want to end it yet but he also knew he have to.

“O, don’t forget to sprinkle it with cheese on top. Kids love that.” Richard said.

“I’m sure she will. Ayisha loves cheese din kasi. So, thank you for the tips and the call? I don’t even know if have to thank you for that, ang kulit mo!”

Richard smile as he said, “Uy, oo nga pala advance happy birthday!”

“Hala ang aga naman ng greetings February pa lang, what was that for?” She asked.

“Alpha and Omega, remember? So I can only either be the first or last.”

Dawn was clearly swept away (again) as to how he made it a conscious effort to greet her first hand but then she said, “I can see the effort that you wanted to greet me first, thank you for that, but you know I’d be very disappointed pag hindi ka tumawag sa birthday ko.”

“Oo na, tatawag na ako sa birthday mo, pati na din sa later part ng March, so that I can say na I greeted you first, on time and last.”

Dawn let out a giggle as she said, “Magpakita ka at manglibre! Sige na, bye na nga.”

“Ikaw ang magpakita at ikaw ang manglibre kasi mauuna ka mag birthday! Sige, seriously I hope to see you soon D, bye.”

It was a playful banter that would rather not reciprocate each other’s “palipad hangin” tactics but obviously boils down to one thing: they do miss each other.

As their conversation ended, it made Richard realize that he can content himself with things like this, simple and uncomplicated. That's the funny thing about their relationship. When people (most especially the media) would ask what kind of relationship they have, terms like genuine friends or best friends became a cliché. Because the truth is, even Richard himself cannot determine what kind of relationship they have until now. An unknown relationship that lies quietly in their hearts but consumes his mind all the time most especially at night. He cannot even equate it to a certain level of friendship because he knew theirs is even more special than that. He would not rather complicate and would not put a label on it hence by his own. Richard would rather call it as a little infinity, a connection for a lifetime. In one way or another, they will always be in each other’s life. Because Dawn wasn’t just a part of his past by chance, she has been a part of him in every chapter of his life and no one could ever take that. She is a constant reminder of how beautiful his past life was, a past that had always been worth looking back to and a past that he would have wanted to go back to if given a chance. She had always secured this special spot in his heart and in it are the feelings (whatever feelings are those) that he choose not to entertain because again, he is afraid that things might go beyond his control. Thus, Richard remembered what her father told him in San Fo, "Be somebody who will be there for her always… I hope you could be that somebody that she can always turn to. Somebody she can always trust.“ He knew for a fact that he was able to keep his promise and still keeping it as long as he can. 

Richard moved closer to the Orlina glass sculpture. The sun’s reflection through the window’s glass made it even more beautiful as the prism refracted the main colors of the glass sculpture, Black and Blue. He traced its outline as he whispered the words he long to say even from the start of their conversation, 

“I’ve been missing you a lot, really.” ♡

"For them, however, the new reality nonetheless left them feeling the same way about each other as they once had. And yet, they fell in love once more. Or maybe, phrasing it differently, they never fell out of love in the first place."

- Nicholas Sparks on Dawson and Amanda (characters from his novel, The Best of Me)

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author's note:

this is purely a product of fiction, no factual basis whatsoever and does not intend to alter past events. i do not proof read my works. my apologies for inconsistencies in grammar, punctuation and spelling. reviews, critics or comments are appreciated and will be taken constructively. thank you.

enjoy! :)

signed with a feather,

xoxopenguin ❤