WILD ROSE (BOOK2)

Chapter Nine: Justin

Three months ago

So much things have changed in just a span of three months.

Sigrid is right.

Things are actually getting better.

I’m starting to get better.

With the help of the wrong but seems so right person.

Devon.

Who would have thought that the one who broke me will actually be the one who is capable of fixing me?

I let him stay that night.

I let him try.

Though, there was a lot of time, I’m feeling anxious and tried to push him away.

Pero nanatili pa rin si Devon sa tabi ko.

Despite my fickle mind, his resolve didn’t waver. Not even a tiny bit.

For the first month, I had this push and pull attitude towards him.

But Devon sticks to his words.

Never once in three months he made me feel neglected.

He’s constantly by my side.

He’s so patient with me.

Little by little, parts of my shattered and missing pieces are slowly coming back together.

For years, I thought that it was easier to live with regrets than to make a lot of effort and face the truth.

But now that I’m facing the truth.

I realized something.

I realized my mistake.

I gave up.

I gave up so easily.

And even though, I’m still having a relapse here and there.

I’m finally starting to forgive myself.

And it feels so good! Damn good!

In fact, talking about my baby and Brandon becomes easier and easier with each passing day.

And now, for the last month, Devon and I have this every week routine to visit their grave.

Come to think of it. I think things really started to change on that point.

Going there with Devon is like a counselling or therapy for us. Especially for me.

Every time Devon and I visited their grave or every time na nagku-kwento ako dito ng mga bagay tungkol kay Brandon o sa naging pagbubuntis ko, I had this feeling like a weight has been lifted off my shoulders.

So I often tell him stories about Brandon. His likes and dislikes.

At yung mga bagay na may kinalaman sa naging pagbubuntis ko.

It’s not that much because I had an easy pregnancy.

No dizziness.

No nausea.

No vomit.

I didn’t even crave for any specific food. Not at all!

Nonetheless, I want to tell him everything.

I want to be as open as possible with Devon.

Anyway, the barrier is definitely still there. Pero nagsisimula na yung matibag sa bawat araw na dumadaan.

Moving on.

About naman sa relationship ni Devon with my friends.

I think it will be 50/50, to say the least.

For some strange reason, Sigrid likes Devon now. A LOT if I may add. Which of course, is super strange and weird because we’re talking about Sigrid here.

But anyway, no matter how much I pry or no matter how many tricks I pulled off. Their lips have remained sealed sa kung ano mang nangyari sa kanilang dalawa.

Though it’s crystal clear, there’s a puzzling conspiracy between them. I just decided not to dig further.

Trey is on Sigrid’s side. Because well, he has the hots for Sigrid. It’s just as plain and simple as that.

Kabaligtaran naman yon nila Robbie at Rei.

Rei remained stiff, grouchy and always on his guard whenever Devon was around.

Robbie is as bad as Rei but thanks to his honeymoon. He had no choice but to leave us alone.

 “Armie! Devon is here.” Sigrid’s loud voice downstairs snapped me out of my thoughts.

I shook my head and took a deep breath.  I opened my bedroom door and called down, trying to be as casual as possible. “Give me a few minutes.”

I took my time applying my lip balm and powdering my nose.

When I think I’m calmed enough, bumaba na ako.

As soon as I hopped off the last step, I looked over at what Devon was doing.

He’s just silently sipping his juice while reading a newspaper.

He looks so casual with his jeans and V-neck white t-shirt.

His aura shouted hot and manly. Like seriously manly.

I looked down.

Oh God! My hormone is raging overdrive.

His shoulders were wide.

His biceps are lean.

Muscle defined his chest.

Talk about being perfect!

Get your mind outta the gutter Armie! I scolded myself internally as I shook my head, trying to push the dirty thoughts out of my mind.

I moved forward and cleared my throat, dramatically to get his attention.

Devon lookup, automatic na napangiti ito nang makita ako. “Hey.”

He stood up and walked towards me. He grabbed my hand as he kissed my cheeks.

I let him hold my hand for a moment, before moving it away, slightly embarrassed.

Yes guys! Our relationship is completely rated G.

He swept a tendril of hair away from my face and tucked it behind my ears. “You want to go now?”

I gulped hard and looked away from his face. I glanced over his shoulder.  “Finished your drinks first.” Sagot ko dito habang nginunguso ko yung iniinom nito kanina.

Tumango lang si Devon habang inaabot yung baso nito.

Inilang lagok lang ni Devon yung juice nito. Halata na ayaw ako nitong paghintayin.

“What’s inside the plastic bag?” Tanong ko dito nang mahagip ng mga mata ko yung plastic bag na nakalapag sa may carpet.

“Oh right. I forgot about that.” Devon said, putting his glass back onto the centre table. He grabbed the plastic bag. “Ahmm. Pineapple?”

I automatically beamed at him. “Thanks.” I said as I grabbed the bag out of his hand.

I just chugged my last stock of pineapple earlier.

Kumuha agad ako ng isang lata bago ko nilapag yung plastic bag sa centre table.

Naiiling at nangingiti lang na nakatingin sakin si Devon habang umiinom ako. “What?” Tanong ko dito nang mapangalahati ko na yung iniinom ko.

Devon shook his head as his smile grew wider. “Nothing.”

I pouted. “Devon.”

He shrugged his shoulders. “It’s just that you hated pineapple before. But now, you want to drink it every day.”

I scoffed. “Nothing is permanent in this world except change. Didn’t you know that?” I asked with a tone of grown-ups sometimes used when the other party is talking nonsense.

He flicked my forehead in playful manner. “Smart pants.” Natatawa na sagot nito.

We smiled at each other.

“Kidding aside. Are you sure you want to go shopping with me?” I asked him warily.

Devon nodded his head. “I’m sure.” He replied without batting an eyelash.

I sighed. “I know you’re busy Devon. This won’t take long anyway, you don’t really need to come. I’m just going to buy a few books and some baking things. It’s not—– ”

He pressed my lips together to cut me off. “I want to be with you.” I swatted his hand away from my lips.

He just laughed at me. “Besides, shopping with you is more tempting than a bunch of paper works.” He added, raising his eyebrow upside down in a teasing manner.

I rolled my eyes at his stubbornness. I frowned. “Devon. Seriously—-”

Devon cut me off. Again

“You’re more important, mine.” He cupped my face. His eyes holding my gaze. “Second best doesn’t suit you. You will always be my first priority now.”

My heart skips a beat.

I can feel my face blushing.

I wring my knuckles nervously and looked down at my feet. “Er..” I said, suddenly unable to form words.

Devon held my chin to keep my face directed towards him. And then he bumped his knuckles against it. “Just stop complaining and let me spoil you.”

In three months, Devon looks more and more like his old self.

He’s really consistent.

I think this is really the real deal.

A warm smile started spreading across my lips.

And for the first time in three months, I let my feelings completely loose.

I leaned forward and kissed his cheek.

My lips lingered there for a little while and I mumbled, “Thank you Justin.”

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