They knew that she still had to leave. And on her last day and night, they stayed "home".
They talked and talked until they ran out of words to take their minds off of what was eminent. They cook and ate together... took a stroll along the beach... drank coffee on the terrace while they watched the sunset as they held each other's hand. They talked but mostly felt contented by just looking and smiling at one another and just be together.
She couldn't bear the thought of him watching her leave and of her seeing herself leaving him. But she must be strong for him as how he's trying to be strong for her.
He was sleeping peacefully...and as she watched him with all her heart, tears came running down her face. For she now succumbed to what had been the truth all along...even for a very short time, after all her denials...after battling with her pride...after trying to be so rational for so long...she couldn't stay away from that truth...she knew she already loved and loves him before she even met him and being with him made it stronger.
As she finally surrendered, she then moved closer to him and felt him held her tighter...one of the moments she will truly miss and long for.
She raised her head a little in way that she could whisper on his ear what she had been wanting to say all long...
...
He tried hard to sleep since he knows she won't sleep if he won't...and when he felt he was about to, he felt her moved closer...he pretended to be sleeping but held her tighter and pulled her even closer...and when he thought that nothing more was coming...she felt her move again and felt her cheek on his cheek...felt her lips on his ear...and he was on the edge...thrilled beyond compare...
He was up for anything she was up to...and when he couldn't wait any longer he felt her breathed so deep...and emotions flooded him as he heard the words he longed to hear...spoken so delicately. But...came his frustrations...
The happiness he felt was indescribable...but he also knew what it took her to say it...being a lady, he knew it wasn't easy for her...and being a gentleman, he knew better...so defeated by morals...values...norms...tradition...et cetera, despite how hard it was, he kept his eyes shut. And as he felt her head back to his arm, he moved even closer to her, almost crashing her to him...
...
Finally she said it...it wasn't easy but definitely wasn't hard as well...
When she felt him almost crashing her with his arms...thinking that she may have woke him up...she instantly closed her eyes and slowly fell asleep...not knowing that he was just waiting for it...
...
He waited so patiently for her to fall asleep...and when he knew and felt that she was, he opened his eyes and watch her sleep...
He knew he loved her before he even "actually" met her...but he was all the while reluctant to let her know thinking that he might scare her away...and that is one risk he couldn't dare take...so he took his time...
That's why, he was very happy to know that she feels the same way but at the same time, he got very frustrated because again...a gentleman should take that step first...and not being able to respond to her and let her know what he truly feels was absolutely even beyond frustration...and he didn't intend to say it in her sleep...and so he waited.
She woke up without him by her side...she had gotten really used to it now that it's what she hoped for before sleeping and upon waking up...but no, it wasn't going to happen on the day of her departure...she felt like crying but got a hold of herself and quickly scanned the room...but no sign of him at all...
She was about to get out of bed when she heard footsteps...and patiently waited for him...and when she thought she wouldn't be surprised, she was wrong...on the doorway, he stood with a tray of food in one hand and a basket of flowers on the other. Probably for some it would be a common thing but not for her...again, one of her firsts was done by him and with him...
He was smiling as he said, "Breakfast in bed my lady..."
She was speechless...so she just smiled and showed him how happy she made him feel.
As they finished eating...came the harsh reality...she must prepare to leave. But neither showed sadness...they acted like they used to since she came. She took a bath while he went down to clean the dishes and stayed there until she went down all prepped up.
Seeing her going down wearing that same dress she wore when she arrived, all he can think of was to take her away with him where no rules, no law, no restrictions that could ever separate them like this.
She his pain and he saw her. He met her on the last step and kissed her passionately. And they kissed until they were out of breath. They could go on kissing but as they heard the bell rang, it was time for her to go.
She somehow convinced him that she doesn't like the idea of him driving her to the airport and watch her leave...he was against it but he understood. And so the agreed that she would take a cab.
Just when she thought that there would be no more...as he opened the door, she saw a familiar man...and her jaw dropped...she never thought that he would hire the same cab driver. And she laughed so hard as she came to hug him and said, "How thoughtful of you..."
Seeing her reactions, he was relieved that it's not gonna be a sad departure on her part somehow...and teasingly said,"...and by the way dear, he's already paid so it's okay to forget again..." And all of them laughed.
They watched the driver took her luggage as they continued to hug and kiss...neither wanted to let go...but she had to...she carefully moved away, took his hand and slowly walked to the waiting cab...and before he opened the door for her...she turned to face him with teary eyes and said, " this is it..." and gave him a quick kiss.
But before she could get in and hide her tears...he caught her...held her face in both hands...wiped her tears...and spoke softly..." Tell me you'll wait for me."
Couldn't speak so she nodded.
He was tempted to say "the words" he'd been dying to tell her...but he knew it wasn't the time yet...and with all courage he could muster, he decided to once again, wait.
...
Although she already saw it in his eyes and for sure he saw the same in hers, she didn't want to hear it especially now that she's leaving...she felt it, she saw it...its more than enough...if waiting must be done, waiting she will do.
...
She already was out of sight... "For now", he thought deeply...
And as he walked back to his house...he felt loneliness...but not the same loneliness he used to feel...and the emptiness he used to feel before is no longer felt...for he now is filled with hope.
...
He went up back to the room they shared...bringing back memories...he never thought that he could be this melodramatic...and as he went through the things she had touched...he saw the a paper on top the dresser...certain that it was from her, he took it and rushed to sit and started reading...
To his surprise...the letter dated a day before she arrived...and he got more intrigued...
...
With a content heart...he smiled as he carefully folded the letter...walked to open one of the drawers where he had hidden the only way to get her back. "Until I kiss you hello..."