Hi! It's the last chapter of Falling in Love in London. I hope you enjoy it! Thank you for staying and reading until the end! Thank you for joining Kiersten and Connagh's journey!

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Chapter 35

Looking at myself in the mirror, thinking how far I've become means so much to me. I couldn't appreciate all the support I received from this journey. It was quite a long way pero narating ko rin ang dulo and that's the important thing. What happened in London made me ready for this new phase of my life.

Being independent and doing all the things on my own accord helps me to figure out the problem by myself. I might not realize it before, but reflecting to all the things I've done, not just what happened in London, but all the things I did to make it happen was all worth it.

Just this morning, I received a message from Berkeley.

Congratulations, Kiers! I know you'll make it! See you soon, alright? xx

I replied and meaning to say my appreciation for what he had also done for me. If he wasn't for him, I might not survive my stay in London, but because of his generosity and kindness towards me, I felt so appreciated. And maybe that's the reason I fell for him. He's not hard to like naman.

He even wanted to visit me here in the Philippines, but because he wasn't able to travel at this moment, he'll look forward to it and I'm expecting him sooner to be here—just to hang around and all.

I wore a pearl blue cocktail dress and white stilettos just like what the dress code for female be like. Ako lang din naman ang nag-ayos sa sarili ko. I thought of letting my hair undone—I'll just use straightening iron and that's all, or I'll spend some time curling my hair. But I spend thinking of the second option so I thought I had to go with it and then there was me, spending thirty minutes curling my hair. Hindi naman buong buhok ang kinulot ko kung hindi ang dulo lang ng mga ito and I think it's perfect.

Ako na rin ang nag-makeup sa sarili ko and I had to use light one para hindi ako magmukhang payaso sa pictures.

A moment later, I heard knocks on the door. I already finished preparing and I'm just checking myself in front of the mirror and how I really look today. Tumuloy naman papasok sa loob ang kumatok at pinto. Then I saw it was just mom and she wore the proudest smile today. Hindi ko rin naman maitago na sobra akong proud sa sarili ko dahil narating ko 'to ngayon.

Some might say na ang OA ko, but this is an achievement and many don't have the luxury to achieve because of some circumstances, I'm so grateful na nabigyan ako ng pagkakataon to be at the end of this journey. To see everything change after four years.

"You look so perfect, nak," pagbati ni mama sa akin.

"As always naman, ma. And of course, kanino pa ba ako magmamana?"

Mom giggled. "Ikaw talaga mapagbiro pa. Ready ka na ba? Ayaw naming ma-late ka sa graduation mo. Kailangan na natin umalis."

Dahil sa pagmamadali ni mama ay binilisan ko na lang din ang pag-asikaso ko. Kinuha ko na ang mga dapat kong dalhin at hindi rapat maiwan. I met down the living room and when I found them ready to go ay hinintay na namin ang booked car na susunduin kami ngayon para dalhin sa venue na pagdarausan ng graduation namin.

Ilang saglit lang din naman ay dumating na ang sasakyan at tumuloy na kaming tatlo sa loob at nagsimula ng bumiyahe. Ramdam ko naman ang kabog ng dibdib. I'm just trying to feel okay and not to worry about anything. Knowing that I'll be getting a Latin Honor, I would be so proud to march on the stage getting that title.

"Anak," tawag ni mama sa akin. "Pupunta ba 'yong manliligaw mo?"

Napakunot-noo naman ako sa sinabi ni mama. "Manliligaw? Wala nga akong manliligaw ma."

"Sino ba 'yong pumunta sa 'tin no'ng nakaraang linggo? 'Yong puti? Nakilala mo ba 'yon sa London?"

Napahugot naman ako ng malalim na hininga. Umiling naman ako upang ipaalam sa kanila na walang akong manliligaw. "Ilang beses ko ng uulitin, hindi ko manliligaw si Connagh and he'll never be. Siguro bumibisita lang talaga siya."

"Bakit naman hindi?" takang tanong ni papa. "Approve nga kaagad ako sa kanya, e! Mukhang sabik na makita ka rin."

I sighed. "Kung sabik man siya, bakit hindi niya sinasagot 'yong mga email, tawag, o kaya text ko sa kanya? I even asked his friends pero wala rin silang ideya so..." Napakibit-balikat na lang din naman ako. "Imposible talag na nandito siya ngayon. Baka bumalik na 'yon ng London."

"'Wag mawalan ng pag-asa anak, babalik din 'yan." Ngiti pa sa akin ni mama. Iyong klase ng ngiti na bet na bet niya si Connagh para sa akin.

They knew about Berkeley. I didn't say a word about it pero si Tita Gina pala ang nag-kwento kay mama no'ng one na nagkausap silang dalawa. I have no remorse to tita dahil okay lang naman talaga, I just need to explain a lot of times sa parents ko why I was dating someone in London. Pinakita ko naman 'yong picture ni Berk at biglang nag-ihip ang hangin at bet na bet na nila.

Bakit daw ako nakipag-break? Sayang daw ang lahi. I don't know what they wanted me to do, but knowing that someone had an interest with me back in London has a high chance na makuha raw ulit ako ng mga puti. At hindi raw sila nagkamali no'ng biglang sumulpot ang isang puting kano sa bahay namin at sinabi pa nilang destiny ko talagang makapangasawa ng ibang lahi.

Though I'm not sure about that, but I wanted to see Connagh. I wanted to know his intention and why he was here. If he's here because of me or something else? If it's not me... it would break me.

I was quiet the whole time we're going to the venue. May halo ng kaba at excitement ang nararamdaman ko and I think it's normal.

It also doesn't take us long when we reached the venue. Pagkababa namin ng sasakyan at tumungo kung saan kailangan naming pumila upang makapasok sa loob ng premises. I've been updating my blockmates din kung nasaan na ako at inaalam ko rin kung nasaan na sila. As soon as we are checked by the security ay tumuloy na kami sa loob ng premises.

We took a few pictures of us together and I just had to pull someone I know so he could take a picture of us. Habang tinitingnan ko naman ang mga picture namin ay pinipigilan ko lamang maiyak.

When I have to leave them so they can go to their respective seats, I had to meet my blockmates so I know where I should be going. While I'm with them talking about what we'll be doing after graduation or what company they've already applied for. Some even wished to find a job abroad which I think the best thing to do because a lot of opportunities has store for everyone when they step out of their comfort zone.

A moment later, while we're taking pictures, I received a notification from someone I had a feud back in London. I touch the notification and it lead to our message box in Instagram. She reacted to my IG story. She saw it. She didn't unfollow me then.

Amanda: Congratulations, Kiersten! You did it!

I actually didn't know what to response to it because we haven't spoke to eache like after she got mean to us on the flower market in London.

Kiersten: Hey... thank you! I appreciate this message, Amanda.

Amanda: Of course, no problem. You deserved it.

Kiersten: Thank you... and it's past midnight there in London, right?

Amanda: Yeah, can't sleep. I'm trying, but my insomnia kicks in so I'm just trying to find some time to sleep. But anyway, enjoy your day and congratulations again!

Kiersten: Thank you! And you'll achieve it, too!

Amanda: Well... let's just hope for that or maybe not. I know you know what happened to me so I guess, it'll be hard for me to continue my internship. I've had a fair share of mistakes and I regret it. And I regret hating on you and being a bitch to you. I hope you forgive me with that. I'm sorry...

Kiersten: Hey, Amanda. That's alright. That was over and it's on the past. We've move on from that so I guess it's better to leave all of that behind. And yes, I'm accepting your apology and I hope you'll do great in life and of course a healthy baby. That's all I could say.

Amanda: Omg! Thank you so much! I appreciate you too, Kiersten!

Kiersten: Of course, no worries! And hey, I'll talk to you again, our ceremony will start in any minute now.

Amanda: Go girl! Congratulations!

I put my phone back to my hidden pouch in my dress, the smile on my face couldn't seem to get off after our conversation. It was light and feel good. We did clear the air on that moment and knowing that Amanda regretted the decisions she made before, it's a good thing she's taking steps on how she'll make her life better and wonderful.

A moment later, we were told to line up for the marching ceremony and when it started, it brought chills down to our spine when we heard the graduation march. When it's my turn, I march with grace and I know at this point, I'm making my parents proud. I'm trying not to cry when every people's attention are on me, but not that long when I was about to get on my designated seat, I saw someone familiar sitting with the school board officials on the stage.

He looked so dashing, intimidating, and so professional. Pumapalakpak siya habang nakatingin sa akin. He's smirking and I'm too shock to give him a better reaction. Muntik pa akong mahulog sa kinauupuan ko dahil sobra-sobra rin ang pagkatititig ko sa kanya. I saw him laughed when it happened, but he immediately tried to hide it and put his attention away.

All throughout the ceremony, hindi maalis ang pakatitig ko sa kanya. I know he's also looking at my direction, but I couldn't believe he'll be here today at my graduation. He was also called to make a short speech. He's one of the guest speaker today and I don't know how did that happen, but I'm quite he did it.

While he was talking, of course, my attention was all over him and I can notice he couldn't help himself, but look at my direction. Napangingiti rin kasi siya kaagad and that makes me smile as well. Para akong baliw na ngumingiti habang nagsasalita si Connagh kahit 'yong iba ay bored na bored na sa sinasabi nito.

When the receiving of diploma happened, Connagh was there sitting on the chair together with the other officials. And when it's time for me to receive my Latin Honor, he was there and stood behind some officiates to shake my hands and congratulate me. When I got it, I shook every each of their hand and when it's Connagh's turn, I've got to hold his hand again and it's the best feeling. Hindi ko naiwasang mapangiti dahil iyong mga titig na ipinaparatin niya sa akin ay may mga kakaibang mensahe rin.

Before I even left him, he whispered I should wait for him after the ceremony and I'm not sure how will that happen, but right after the ceremony ended, I looked for him on the stage, but he's already nowhere to be found so I went straight to find my parents and they hugged and kissed all they want.

They were also surprised to find the Puting Kano on the stage. Kinilig naman si naman ang gwapo-gwapo raw talaga kahit hindi maintindihan 'yong English nito dahil sa pagkaroroon nito ng British accent. When we're out of the convention and headed out of the premises to the garden area where most of the students are, I was looking around for him because he told me I should wait for him.

Maybe he already left?

"Let's celebrate na, 'nak. Saan tayo kakain?"

"Malapit na lang MOA," tugon ni papa.

"Teka lang po..." aniko.

"Hinihintay mo pa ba? Akala ko hindi siya pupunta talaga. Nakakagulat."

"Pupuntahan ka ba no'n?" tanong naman ni papa sa akin.

Not until someone behind them talks and my head immediately shifted to the source of his voice and there he was. I found him towering us all. Napapansin kong napapatingin pa ang ilang estudyante sa amin dahil obviously, ang guest speaker lang naman ang nasa harapan namin.

Hindi rin naman makapaniwala sina mama at papa. He greeted them as well, but he walked towards me and handed over to me a bouquet of flowers. He even kiss me on my cheek. In front of my parents—in front of my schoolmates. I was stunned by his presence at tila nakatitig lamang ako sa mukha niya.

"Am I late for the celebration?" he asked and smiled.

"No, no, pogi," sagot ni mama. Natawa pa ito ng bahagya sa kanyang sagot.

"Join us, sir," pag-aayaya naman ni papa sa kanya.

"Oh, please, don't call me sir. Just call me Connagh. That's fine."

"Connagh..." pagtawag ko sa kanya. Nilingon naman niya ako. And he was smirking. "I didn't know you'll be here."

He chuckled. "I know... it was a surprise."

But then I hit him on his chest. Mahina lang naman. Ikinagulat niya pa iyong ginawa ko. "But you've been ignoring my emails, messages, and all."

He smirked. "Well, it's part of the surprise and I don't want to spoil it after I visit your home a few weeks ago."

"Yeah... that really made me confused," I said, staring at his face. "But wjy are you really here in the Philippines, Connagh?"

He smiled and hold my hand. "I know this is gonna be a little bit cheesy so disclaimer for that. Because back in London, I met a girl who was sometimes shy and timid, but funny and bubbly. Her personality and determination attracted me that's why I wanted to be around her. I started liking and getting to know her. At that time, I wasn't sure what's going to happen, but I hold onto the feeling that I know I'm quite sure of why this certain person makes me happy. I fell in love with a girl back in London, and not because she's Rebecca or whatever, but because she is who she is. But yeah, I thought I would be over you when you left London and I thought that's the end of it. I fall in love in London, but I came to Manila because this is where my certain person lives."

I tried not crack my voice, but hearing all those words from him making me feel so much in awe of him. "... and that's me?"

He nodded, quite sure of his words. "Yes... that's you. My London girl—or whatever Andrew and Caro might say, but yes, you're that certain person, Kiersten. And I hope we could make it work this time."

My forehead creased when he said those last words, but my parents already cheered me up na sagutin ko na raw kaagad. It ruined the moment pero alam kong gusto lang din nila ako maging masaya.

I took a deep breath and smiled. I slowly nodded my head to answer his question. "Yes, Connagh... I think it would be nice. But I needed some answer first."

His eyes squinted. "Why did you kiss me on the coffee when I'm a stranger to you?"

A lopsided grin grew on his face. "Wanna know why?"

"Of course," determinado kong sagot.

"Sure, but can we do that later and celebrate your achievement? I know a place and it's on me, mom, dad," ani Connagh sa magulang ko. "Don't worry about anything, I'll handle it. Shall we?"

"Wait!" pagpigil ko. Tiningnan naman nila ako. "Can we take some photos muna before we go?"

"Sure, let's do that," pagpayag ni Connagh.

Then I had to pull someone I know to take a picture of me and my parents together with Connagh. And also hindi makalilimutan ang picture naming dalawa ni Connagh and this huge—and I just now realized that it has lavender, roses, and other assorted flowers. The picture was quite amazing. Hindi rin naman nakatakas si Connagh sa ibang gustong magpapicture sa kanya. So, because it kept us waiting kung lahat ay papayagan niya ay nag-excuse na lamang siya upang makaalis na rin kami ng tuluyan.

And I didn't that I would be happy to see Connagh now. But then, I know everything happened for a reason. That what happened in London continued here in Manila. That it's not wrong to fall in love with someone else... maybe it's just the right timing. And maybe it's the right person as well.

Today, I'm the happiest person in the world. I have my family, my achievement, and someone who makes me feel so special. I feel like I don't deserve this, but I couldn't ask for more.

I'm freaking in love.

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Thank you for reading! I hope you enjoy this chapter! Let me know your thoughts! I would appreciate it so much!

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