Life has become unpredictable for Engineer Elliott ever since he became official with his girlfriend, Kimberly, his former company's HR Head.

"Ano ba naman 'yan, Hon!" Kimberly complained when she learned about him being unavailable for her grandmother's birthday celebration because of a site inspection he has to attend to in Siargao. "Kung kailan naman mag-80th birthday si lola, hindi ka pwede."

"Anong gagawin ko, Hon? Trabaho 'to." Elliott answered, brows furrowed at her. "Hindi ako pwedeng humindi. Naka-oo na ako. Wala ng ibang kukuha sa site. Tatatlo lang kaming engineer dito at may mga naka-assign sa kanila. Hindi sila iisang lugar lang na pwede nilang daanan para saluhin yun. Para namang hindi mo alam ang trabaho ko!" He said in disappointment and massaged the bridge of his nose.

He looked at her hoping for her  understanding about his situation but all he got was her annoyed frown and silence he always dreaded to see.

"Look, kung hindi talaga pwede, then at least, be present for my dad's birthday next month." She sighed. She started twirling the noodles held between her fork and ate.

Elliott's eyes widened as he had forgotten about it. "Kailan yun?" He asked and pulled out his phone to check his schedule.

"Friday night. Month before lola's birthday. Sa ancestral house gagawin." She said and he gulped as he saw that he has promised his twin, Cotton, that he will fetch him at the airport. She noticed him fell quiet. "What? Hindi ka rin pwede?"

"Sa araw na iyon ang uwi ni Cotton. Nakapangako akong susunduin ko siya." He admitted and met her eyes. She scoffed and put down her fork. "Hon. Please. Kilala mo ang kapatid kong yun. Nagdaramdam yun."

"I want out." She said and his jaw dropped open. "Our relationship is not alright. Our schedules don't meet. Bibihira na lang tayo magkita at kung magkakasama man, nauuwi tayo sa away. Please. I want out."

"H-hon! Pag-usapan naman natin 'to." Elliott said, his voice quivering as he speak. "Alam mo kung gaano kahalaga ang pamilya ko sa akin. And I don't want them to feel neglected especially Cotton dahil bihira lang siya makiusap sa akin."

"Paano naman ako, Elliott? Sa tingin mo ba, hindi ako nahihirapan sa sitwasyon natin? I am always the one making ways to be with you and spend time with you! Nakakapagod na!" She exclaimed, tears sprawling down her cheeks. "Sa relasyong eto, ako na lang ang gumagawa ng paraan para maayos ito. And, I'm tired, Elliott. Let's take a break." With that she said, she left his condominium unit where they chose to celebrate her promotion at work.

Elliott was left in shock and tears with what she had said. He sat at the foot of his bed in agape as the words began to sink in.

He reminisced their years together: how they started from being the bickering adults to being the sweet and crazy couple whom their officemates didn't expect them to be.

Their relationship may be full of bumps on the road but they were able to surpass it after some time and just by thinking about losing her completely wreaks havoc in his system. He knew what he needed to do.

For few weeks, he neither called nor texted her. He gave her the cool off she needed but he also knew what he wanted. He talked to the important people in her life and asked for permission which they were happy with.

Her grandmother's 80th birthday came and she lost all hope that he will talk to her again when she knew it was her who wanted out.

"Lola! Eto na ang ultimate birthday surprise namin sa'yo!" Her dad exclaimed and her brows knitted in curiosity. She wasn't informed of what it was since they have already given her their gifts.

Just then, on cue, Elliott came from the door with a present in his hand. She tried to meet his gaze for an explanation but his eyes are on her grandmother.

"Happy 80th birthday po, Lola Lilac! I know you guys were thinking bakit hindi kami magkasabay ni Kim na pumunta rito. We were not okay but then, I realized that I cannot afford to lose her anymore. So, let me take this opportunity po to do this." He looked around and he got approving glances from everyone. And then, their eyes locked, "Kimberly, hon, we have been through so much and I don't mind going through them at all basta ikaw ang kasama ko. Will you be my wife and spend your life with me until the end of time?"

Her eyes shone with tears when she saw diamond ring on his hand, "yes, Elliott. I will be with you until the end of time."

End