"Happy 30th Monthsary, Hon! I love you!" Gilbert grinned at me as soon as he saw me!

I smiled at him and he enveloped me in his embrace. I just got home from work and I didn't expect to have this surprise from him.

"Sabi mo, may meeting ka ngayon kaya hindi mo ako masusundo! Tapos may pa-andar ka pala!" I exclaimed and slapped his arm playfully when we pulled back from the embrace.

"Ako pa ba!" He winked and he pulled me to sit with him on the couch. "Kinumbinsi ko pa sila Tita na dito ko na lang gawin ang surprise ko sa 'yo kasi ang gulo sa bahay namin. Andoon pa mga kamag-anak ko."

"Bakit! Saan mo naman balak talaga?" Pang-aasar ko sa kanya. Alam niya kung gaano ko kina-aayawan ang pagiging tuso niya. Madalas ay muntik na siyang nawawala sa sarili at muntik na naming gawin ang mga bagay na hindi pa dapat para sa mga magkasintahang hindi pa kasal. Pero hindi naman kami umaabot doon.

"Ah basta! Ang alam ko lang, mahal kita!" Sambit nito ng may himig na paglalambing.

My heart fluttered at his words. I took in the decorated living room where we are in. It was filled with hearts and number 30 was on the center of the curtain. A squishy pink-colored teddy bear and a bouquet of cadbury and hershey chocolates are lying on the other edge of the couch.

Typical Gil. He really knows my favorites.

What surprised me more was when my younger brother's remote control toy car bumped into my feet. He knew I hate how he can be messy with his things.

Carlo is only seven years old while our sister, Carmen, is thirteen. I am the eldest of three kids of a pediatrician mom and our surgeon dad.

"Ano ba 'yan, Car—" I was about to scold him when I noticed something shiny that glistened under the lights of our chandelier. "T-teka. H-hon?"

"Yes. I got your mom and dad's blessings." He said and exhaled. He bent down to pick that little shiny-circle shaped accessory and knelt down in front of me, "hon, we're almost on our 3rd year anniversary. I always look forward to spending eternity with you. Will you be my wife? Will you marry this asshole that I am?"

With eyes filled with unshed tears, I nodded and he wore it on my finger. It was only then that I realized that it was a small diamond ring. It was only later when I learned that my siblings are present as well as my parents.

They emerged from the dining area and both Carlo & Carmen have played with the confetti. Mom and Dad have their smiles of approval waiting for us.

"Congrats, anak!" Dad greeted us and I couldn't utter a word because of bliss.

"Should I welcome you to our family na? Or is it too early pa?" Mom joked and I laughed.

We spent the rest of the night over a sumptuous dinner and Gil was the sweetest. I am just glad that he got along well with my whole family.

Days passed by like a blur.

Our 31st monthsary came. We became busy with our lives: me as a dermatologist and him as a businessman.

Then came our 32nd month as a couple and also our 2nd month as fiancee, but time isn't too cooperative with us. We were not given the luxury of time to celebrate as I was also on several conventions.

33rd monthsary.

I felt like we are drifting apart. I was available. But he was not.

I figured he must have been extremely busy and he must have needed time to rest which is understandable. I let it slide.

34th monthsary.

Excuses. More rants. More time to vent out.

These have been his concerns every time we talk.

Palagi raw akong 'busy' when in fact,  I always make time for him despite my busy schedule.

35th monthsary.

I had it. I was on the brink of my patience.

Arguments. Nonsensical ones. Random complaints over little things.

Between the two of us, I am the woman. It was expected to have come from me. Those moody behavior. But it has become the other way around.

36th monthsary.

Our supposed-to-be 3rd year anniversary.

And also, Christmas Day.

It has been our yearly tradition as a couple to celebrate it together either with his family or mine. But since, we have spent it last year in my house, it's his turn this time.

I figured that he must have been drunk with Christmas Eve's feast with his cousins so I took the initiative to visit him in their humble abode this morning.

Tita Alicia greeted and welcomed me with open arms inside their house. Tito Fred saw me too and did the same. So did their relatives.

"Alam mo naman saan kwarto niya, you may go ahead, Dear." Tita Alicia nodded at me and I went up.

When I entered his room, I shook my head seeing how messy his room is. He never learned.

"Good morning, Hon! Rise and shine!" I said in my most cheerful voice. I tried to pull out the comforter because I know how irritated he is whenever his sleep is ruined but always forgives me every time. "Merry Christmas!"

"Five minutes." He mumbled and pulled up his comforter again. I sighed and yanked it back. He groaned and sat up in anger, "ano ba! Hindi ka ba makaintindi? Five minutes pa nga hindi ba! Kita mong natutulog ang tao!"

"H-hon." I managed to say. "S-sorry. Pero, hindi ba, may lakad tayo? You know, our yearly tradition?"

Our anniversary habit. Spending time with each other. I didn't dare say.

"Lumakad ka, mag-isa mo!" He yelled and snuggled under the sheets.

His cousin, Art, must have heard it when he ran upstairs to his room. His head peeked in and said, "problema, Cla?"

"Lasing lang siguro siya." I shook my head and managed a smile. I almost choke on my words. "Alis na ako. Thanks, Art."

I ran downstairs with hurt and tear-stained face and went inside my car. I wiped my face dry and started the engine.

When I reached home, I glanced at the clock, it's already past eleven in the morning. I wondered what time did their session ended.

"Oh, wala kang lakad ngayon, anak?" Mom asked while she and Dad were watching a movie on Netflix at the living room.

"Wala po, 'ma. Babawi po pala ako ng tulog ngayon." I said without so much energy and proceeded upstairs to my room.

Hindi pa man nag-iinit ang puwet ko sa kama when my phone beeped for a message.

Let's break up.

I blinked in disbelief. I chuckled at his old joke.

I'm serious. Let's not see each other again.

Hot tears sprung from my eyes as I began to dial his number. It rang but he never answered.

I tried to reach him by calling Art, but, he didn't want to talk. I tried to ask him through his mother and father too. But, they gave the same answers.

Christmas Day doesn't feel so happy after all.

I didn't let this thing ruined the season, I spent the rest of the day with my family. We ate and bonded with each other.

🏖🏖🏖

A new week came. The last week before the year 2021 ends.

I was busy anecdoting my patients' records when I received an email notifying me that I have won an all-expenses paid ticket to Isla del Sol for three days and two nights. My eyes brightened up and so does my mood.

I almost forgot about the online raffle which I have joined about a month ago. They had the draw about two days ago and it slipped my mind.

I have always love the beach and discovering a new island is indeed an adventure I always look forward to.

I searched for the place on the internet and found out that it is somewhere in the Visayas region. Quite far and enough distance away from home. From the busy life of the city.

I was ecstatic. Joyous that when I came home, I didn't waste any more time and packed my clothes suited for the days I will be spending there. I even brought extra clothes on, in case, I might be needing it.

I squeezed into my luggage some comfortable pair of shorts, about three to four sundresses, two pairs of flipflops, toiletries, my Louis Vuiton shades and a light jacket, in case it gets cold by night. In my handcarry sling bag, I filled it with my essentials and once satisfied, let it go and placed it inside my closet.

Wednesday came and I have informed my secretary that I will be on leave starting tomorrow as my flight is scheduled after lunch until Monday next week. Mom and Dad even encouraged me to go with it as they have known what happened between me and him.

I boarded the plane and calmed my nerves. My water-borne self was thrilled to set foot on a new discovery.

I didn't realized that I have taken my nap when a flight attendant tapped my shoulder as we have descended from the air. I checked my window and yes, the powdery-like sand greeted my eyesight.

Once the pilot gave us his go-signal to stand up, everyone did so while I remained seated. I let them leave first before I did. And when, it's my turn, I held on to my sling bag and went out of the plane.

We went to the baggage area and within a few minutes, I got my luggage. The friendly driver of the island fetched me along with four others who won the ticket.

It didn't take us long to reach the island and we're instantly greeted with the bright rays of sun and its colorful facade.

Isla del Sol is indeed a serene and a paradise to see. Coconut trees were aligned to give way to the vast ocean that awaits its guests.

Inside the resort is an equally adorable place with ceramic pillars that served as beams that will support the place. White and gold happened to be the main colors of the lobby of the resort.

I wasn't able to take it all in as we were being lead to our rooms– rather, suites. And oh, it was beautiful!

We got here at around four in the afternoon so I decided to unpack my bags and unload my things into the cabinets and pull out my toiletries. I already have my red one piece inside my denim shorts so it's easier for me to take it off later.

I went out into the seashore and saw a couple of guys and girls enjoying the waters. It was indeed inviting.

I already put my sunscreen on and I just knew right then that I will be enjoying my stay here. I swam to my heart's content and only stopped when I felt my legs go weak.

"Aray! Ah!" I complained when I learned that cramps have gotten to me.

I spat out some sea water as I tried to keep afloat. I tried calling out for help but no one seemed to hear me.

"H-help!" I cried out and thankfully, a guy saw me and came to my aid.

"Hey, Miss!" He said and went to where I was. He successfully pulled me out of the sea and into the shore.
"You had cramps."

"Yes." I barely managed to answer and it pained me even more when he stretched and massaged it. "Oh! Shocks! Ano yon!"

"Relax. I just did what I saw in the movies. Wag mo munang ilalakad yan ha. Let it rest for awhile." He instructed. "I'm Felix, by the way."

"Seryoso ka? I came here to have fun and enjoy, tapos sasabihin mo sa aking 'wag mo munang ilalakad yan' ? Gusto ko lang namang makalimot, bakit kailangang pati ang pag-eenjoy ko pansamantala mauudlot pa?" I couldn't help snapping out at him who jumped back in surprise. I didn't realize that I have begun crying at him.

"He-hey. Relax. Kailangang matingnan muna yan bago—" He tried to explain but I cut him off again.

"— Oo na! Tanggap ko na! Tanggap ko ng hindi na pwede! Ang hindi ko maintindihan bakit bigla na lang nagkaganito!" I ranted for another time. I kept throwing sand to no one in particular until I felt him hug me.
In a usual approach, I could have shove him but at that moment, I needed it.

"Sshh. Just let it out. Give yourself time to heal. Wag mong madaliin ang lahat." He said as if he knew my pain. Suddenly, I felt comfort.

We stayed for a bit until he assisted and helped me to my room.

"Hey," I began before he walked away from my suite. "Thank you for helping me out kanina. I would have drowned if you weren't there."

"You're welcome." He smiled and for what seemed to be too hard for me to do, suddenly, became easier then. I started smiling too.

I called it a night and decided to return to the sea and explore the island more tomorrow. Thank heavens, I had my dinner taken much earlier before I swam and had my leg cramped. I can go to sleep in peace.

🏖🏖🏖

I awoke the next day and I felt lighter than air. Maybe, venting out has lifted the weight off my heart and off my shoulders.

Had my breakfast along with other guests and we're invited for some island hopping. I immediately put on my sunscreen and jumped into the boat.

I was about to look ahead when the sun shone so brightly and I forgot to bring my shades with me. But, one of the guests, thankfully stood to block the beaming rays.

"So, okay ka na?" He asked and I frowned. I gasped when I came to know who he is.

"Felix?" I asked sounding unsure and he nodded. He looks far more divine today than last night. His tousled brown hair gave him the boy-next-door looks and his body screamed a washboard abs over his board shorts.

"Yes, I am. Good morning." He grinned. "Ready for the adventure of a lifetime?" He asked but it was more of an invitation.

From what transpired last night, I have to give it to him. He's right.

I needed the time to heal. And just by looking at him, I know, na hindi rin malayong buksan ko ulit ang puso kong ito sa pagpasok ng bagong umaga at bagong taon.

"You bet, I am." I smiled genuinely this time.

"Tara na ho, Manong!" He called out excitedly and our boat went off to the sea.

End