Going the Distance (Book #1 of Distance series)

24: Priceless

It's a typical weekday morning but with a large set of all-Filipino breakfast menu on the table. Kasabay rin namin sa agahan sina Bruce at Lyanna. Ang pinagtataka ko lang, parang ang tabang ng pagkakatimpla ko sa mga niluto ko kahit pinuri pa ni Andy na masarap ang mga ito.

I cannot taste the food. They are so bland I cannot smell them even. Just how weird is that? My sight seems a bit blurry too. Do I need to wear graded eyeglasses already?

Kinamot ko ang mga mata ko at baka sakaling luminaw ang paningin ko. But then it's the image of Andy's room appearing before me as I slowly open my eyes. Nakita ko mula sa bintana na maliwanag na sa labas. Ano'ng petsa na at bakit nasa higaan pa rin ako?

The dining room scene was nothing but a dream! I check the time in my phone and it's whooping seven in the morning already! May nadampot pa akong rose petal sa kama.

I roll over, open my eyes wider and wipe them sleepily with the back of my hand, only to find Andy nowhere beside me. Malamang nasa school na siya. Hindi man lang niya ako ginising bago siya pumasok sa trabaho. Ayaw siguro niya maistorbo ang mahimbing kong tulog.

As I turn back to lay flat on the bed, I'm astounded to find the decorated ceiling in front of me. I'm sure I did not miss seeing these last night because although I was too tired, I know these cute decors weren't really there. It's too obvious to notice them, though.

White and peach balloons are taped at the ceiling. Their strings hang down along with twisted ribbons of white and peach as well. What's even more striking are the printed photographs stuck to the strings that I can almost reach.

Bumangon ako pero nanatili akong nakaupo sa kama. Tiningnan ko ang mga litrato at natagpuan ko ang sari-sari kong mga larawan. Saan niya kaya nakuha ang mga ito? Sa Instagram ko? And dami ng mga litrato ko! Pati mga OOTD ko nandito, mga litrato namin ni Zeus, mga selfie ko sa school at kung anu-ano pa.

I also realize that I am sitting in a bed full of peach rose petals. Ang nadampot ko kanina ay isa lang sa napakarami pala nilang nagkalat dito sa kama. Ano'ng pakulo ito ni Andy? Mayroon pa sa sahig na trail ng petals patungo sa banyo.

Consumed with my burning curiosity, I get off from bed to follow the trail of petals leading to the bathroom. There instantly I find the wall mirror with an embossed lettering that reads, "Happy Birthday, my Chef" in hot pink color! May caricature ko pa na nakasuot ng chef uniform at drawing ng cake.

He knows today's my birthday!

Natandaan niya ang birthday ko kahit isang beses ko lang iyon nabanggit sa kanya sa isa sa mga chat namin.

A box at the corner of the lavatory counter top catches my attention too. It has a tiny standee in its top with a sign that says, "Curious cat? Open me up!" with a cut-out picture of my cat Zeus.

My jaw drops at sinundan ko iyon ng tawa. Naaaliw na ako sa mga nangyayari. Are these his kind of surprises?

Binuksan ko ang kahon at binasa ang note na nakasulat sa likod ng cover.

I may have given you lots of roses today... and petals. They'll wither and die. But I will give you something that will never fade in this earth... Today.

Today is a special day out so I'm taking you to various dates every normal couple does. I'll try to make everything unforgettable. That is something that will never wither nor die. Memories with you today.

What I just read is making my heart melt big time! This is a very lovely note, I can say. What are you doing to me, Andy? You'll make me fall for you real hard.