The Promise
1179 Words
We felt tipsy after our fourth bottle of vodka so Andrew already asked for the bill and settled it. We left the club shortly after.
It was past midnight. There were still a few people walking around though. We passed by a convenience store and bought iced coffee in a can. I told him we could sober up by the seashore. He just nodded.
It was a clear starry night and the moon was seemingly bright as well. We were seated on the sand while drinking our coffee. Both silent.
While at the club and drinking, I managed to tell him my breakup story and why I ended up on this island alone. Every little detail I shared with him was due to drunkenness.
He was quiet all the time and was listening intently to what I was saying.
I didn't mince my words even up to the point of cursing my ex-bf.
"I thought I got over him, but, in fact, that was just a facade I was trying to show everyone, that I was okay already but I wasn't, definitely not ok yet," I recalled saying with emphasis.
I cried so hard and felt ashamed. I forgot I was with some stranger and I lost my cool. He saw right through me and I became so weak in front of him.
Neither he said a word nor leave from my side after.
He was finished with his coffee and finally, he spoke.
"Eli, I acknowledge that you're going through something so I didn't say anything until now. I let you do all the talking as I was just here to listen. It was quite hard for you to open up your emotions to some random guy you just met. You might be feeling ashamed of that too.
In fact, I should be honored for trusting me with your story and I certainly accept also that I am in no position to pry or inquire further because I'm not privy to what you and your ex-bf had shared in the past.
And I would like to keep it at that.
I could just promise you that I would be here for you as long as you need me as your new friend, seemed like to me that we were fated this way.
You might be alone now but need not be lonely. I could keep you company while you're here. And would speak only about your heart problems whenever you allowed me.
Honestly, I already felt like there was something strange going on with you the moment you took your seat next to me on the plane. You seemed like a lost soul, unaware of your surroundings. You even stepped on my shoes but you didn't know that. You snored so loudly I couldn't focus on my reading. Tired much? You leaned over my shoulders and almost drooled on my shirt I had to push you to the other side. So, please apologize now for your misbehavior.
Kidding aside, I was actually observing your every action until you were picked up by the hotel staff and you came to your senses finally. I sighed in relief then.
It was however purely coincidental seeing you again at the restaurant. I felt very happy you were looking fine already compared to how I first saw you."
Andrew was looking up at the sky while he was delivering his speech. But I felt the sincerity in his every word. He's such a sweet and smart guy.
"Andrew,"
"Yes?" He turned to me.
"I was so sorry for stepping on your shoes, for almost drooling on your shirt, for snoring loudly it made you upset...sorry for my troubles that kept you worried," I said.
"Well, I couldn't accept your sorry just yet. Please promise me you would let me accompany you for the next four days." He replied
"Fine. Then you would have to accept my apology after. I would not want to go back to Manila knowing somebody's angry with me,"
"I swear," while he raised his right hand.
Andrew and I stayed at the beach area for a couple of hours more. After that serious talk, we agreed not to bring up my recent breakup or anything about my ex-boyfriend in our future conversations. It would be better that way so as not to spoil the fun or break the good mood.
According to him, there would come a time when I could freely discuss it again without me having to feel its weight anymore.
"It indeed was heartbreaking for someone like you who experienced it the first time. But you would eventually get over those painful memories sooner than you expected. You just need to live in the moment and not dwell too much on the past. Let bygones be bygones." He reassured me.
Instead, we discussed anything and everything else, exchanging banters and jokes in between.
I was star gazing when he asked me.
"Do you know how stars die?"
I shook my head. "How?"
"Usually in an overdose," he grinned.
I nudged at his shoulder. "Come on, that's funny I could die now!"
"Eli, why didn't the Dog Star laugh at the joke?"
"Why?" I asked looking confused.
"Because it was too Sirius!"
He bit his lip, trying to control his laughter.
"Nice try, dude. More practice," I commented as I gave a pat on his shoulder.
He then turned to me looking serious and a bit upset
"How dare you insult my "Sirius" joke? I was trying so hard to make you laugh and what did I get in return?"
"Oh, Andrew, I'm so sorry. Didn't mean to offend. I was just teasing you. Who says your jokes aren't funny, huh?" I apologized
"Got ya, I was just bluffing,"
"The nerve of you and your wicked ways!"
I poked him at his side.
"So shall we call it a night?" I asked
"Why, you don't want my presence anymore?"
"That's not what I mean. It's just getting colder here outside and we need to rest, "I explained.
"Ok, I will walk with you to your hotel,"
"How about you, where do you stay?"
"I am staying at our family's villa, a short drive from here," he replied.
"Will I see you again?"
"Of course, you made a promise, right?" he winked.
"Yes, indeed,"
When we were in the hotel lobby, he took out his phone and asked for my number. He would just message me about our itinerary since he volunteered to be my personal tour guide for four days.
We were still standing for a few minutes more when I broke the ice telling him that I should get in already. He wasn't sure about his next action but went with it anyway.
He moved closer to me so that our bodies are only a few inches away. He leaned forward and was telling me that he did enjoy our time together. Before I knew it, he already raised my chin up and landed a soft peck on my lips.
Then he ushered himself out.
- Writer
