Merry Christmas,
Callan and Dillion
Where Do Broken Hearts Go?
SUNRISE SERIES 5

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"Is this really necessary, babe? I don't have time for it."

I looked at him when he talked. I chuckled when I saw his frowning face. I stopped what I am doing and stand up, walking towards him.

When I stand in front of him, he encircled his arms around my waist and put his head on my tummy which made me smile and caressed his hair.

"I just feel like doing it...with you." He looked at me and I saw how he smiled with what he heard. "This will be a special Christmas for me. For us." I kissed his head. "But it's you okay if you can't help. You should rest instead."

He's probably tired from work, that's why.

"No. Okay, let's do it together." I smiled again then patted his head.

I walked back to my position and I feel him following me. He then sat beside me and stared at those decorations on the floor. I even saw him scratched his head as he tried to assemble one. I can't help but to laugh at his misery.

He really had a hard time with this, huh.

I just stopped laughing when he glared at me. This man is really scary when he's serious. I fix mine then tried to help him deal with his.

"That's not how you do it. Wait," I took the space between us and grabbed his hand, guiding him of what he should do. It's a Christmas light so he should be careful not to cut any wire, or else, it will go useless.

Is he even listening?

When I looked at him, I saw him just staring at me. "Dummy, why are you staring?" He let out a chuckle when I kissed the tip of his nose. "We should get going. There's more to do there."

I even saw him blushed with what I did but I stopped myself from teasing him. He will end up mad at me if I do. I don't want to sleep outside the room.

It will be the happiest Christmas I've ever had. I'm never been excited with that occasion but now, all I want to happen is us, celebrating Christmas together. Watching how lanterns lit up, the city being surrounded with varieties of lights. That will be amazing, if ever.

I asked him if he wanted to decor his unit too, but he just shook his head. I actually want us to live together but I guess, it was still early. It's just two months after we got back together. There are lot of things that happened before, so we still have to adjust with each other.

I don't want to pressure him so, I am really looking for a perfect timing for me to ask him that thing. Nevertheless, nothing won't change if we'll live together or not.

"Dillion, wait! I still have to put it...here," I smiled as I watch him put the little star at the top of the tree. I got my phone and sneak a photo of him. He looked cute! "This good or nah?"

"Wear this and stand next to the tree. Please!" I throw him the reindeer headband and see him frowned but still catched. I smiled widely for him not to say no. I knew I won when he rolled his eyes and really wore the headband which made me smirk. "1, 2, 3...smile! Wow, you look cute here."

"I always do, Dillion."

"Sure," I answered as I stared at his photo. I smiled again and decided to post it on my Instagram. I looked at him when he sat on the sofa and checked his phone. "You have plans today?"

"Would I go here if I have?"

This man! He's really mean.

"You're bad, Callan." I jumped off the chair and walked towards him. I keep my phone on my pocket and sat beside him, putting my head on his shoulder. "You want to go somewhere? Come on, let's eat outside."

"It's literally 16th of the month, are you expecting free space places?" Right. Everywhere is probably crowded since everyone is busy buying gifts and decorations. But I want to treat him outside. "But if you want to, then maybe we could do something about it."

I can't conceal my smile because of what he said. I pushed myself more to him and I heard him chuckled before hugging me. I rested myself on him and feel his heartbeat.

"Mahal kita..."

We decided to go there at night; at Orchard Road. Since it is already December, the Orchard Road is now dressed with Christmas decorations everywhere. In the range of half month November to January first next year, they are turning the road into magnificent place.

Actually, they have various of themes every year. That's what makes this place beautiful. They treasure the Christmas that much, and the fancy decorations were the evidences.

"I still remember the first time we've been here together."

Happiness filled me as satisfaction reflected his sparkling eyes. He's roaming his eyes around and I can't help but to adore that scenery.

That was the thing I will never get tired watching.

"Here. I brought your sweater." I knew he will forget to bring again that's why I am the one who brought for him. Man, my guy is so forgetful.

"Thanks." He wore it, chuckling a little. My heartbeat's pace became unusual when he held my hand and pull me for a walk. His hand was warm which bring comfort in me, making me smile a bit. "Look at that tall, and big Christmas tree. Can we go near?"

"Of course." We walked towards to the tree he's pointing. His mouth formed with awe because of what he saw. The lights were reflecting on his face as he stared at those. "Hey, you should see this."

I call him and pointed the moving train. He looked at me before coming near. He held my hand again when he realized that I let it go.

Clingy now, are we?

The ION Orchard had the fanciest Christmas decoration. From its gigantic Christmas tree, and the breathe-taking miniature Christmas town. I let him roam around and enjoy himself with the snowmen and reindeers.

Kahit na masungit siya parati, kapag naman sa mga ganitong bagay, para siyang bata.

"Baby, come here!" He called me so I had no choice but to stand up and walked towards him. He encircled his arms around my neck and I wrapped my arms around his waist to support us. "Let's take a picture."

I smiled at the camera while pinching his cheek. He laugh it off before clicking the shot. I didn't get off my hand on his waist as I watch him look at our photo together. A smile was drawn on his face which made my heart sank with joy.

Him, smiling, will always be the best gift for me.

Hinayaan namin ang sarili na makidaloy sa mga taong naglalakad din. Despite of accommodating many people, this doesn't stop us to enjoy. Maririnig ang iba't ibang kantang pampasko na pinapatugtog sa bawat building na madadaanan namin.

"Water?" Inalok ko siya ng tubig nang umupo kami sa isang plant box. Mukhang napagod siya kalalakad kaya napagdesisyunan kong magpahinga na lang muna kami. "You're sweating."

"It's okay." I wiped his sweat while he was drinking. Some would throw a glance at us but will immediately withdraw. I even saw some of them blushing, so I would giggle. "You hungry?"

"Nope. Are you?" Tumango siya kaya nilibot ko ang paningin, naghahanap ng puwedeng hanapan ng puwede naming kainan. There are many food stalls scattered everywhere so I didn't have hard time finding one. "Do you want to come with me...or just wait me here?"

"I want to come with you." I smiled and helped him stand up before wrapping my arms around his neck.

We spent the night together while watching how people and vehicle passed by. We were silent but this feels good.

Us, holding hands, feeling the cold breeze. It was dreamy. Too good to be true. But he made it possible.

The changing color of Christmas lights, the soothing sound of Christmas carols, the noisiness of people around us; those things completed our night. I actually wanted to stay longer but I know, Callan is already tired and sleepy.

I glanced at him and saw him sleeping peacefully. We were at my car, and we were on our way to my unit. He was with his sweater and his arms are crossed on his chest. He didn't even bother removing the red Rudolf's nose and the reindeer's horn.

He's like a baby. My baby.

I wake him up when we reached the parking lot. Pinilit ko pa siyang maglinis ng katawan dahil panay ang reklamo niya na inaantok na siya. In the end, I won. I don't want him to acquire any allergies outside so it would be better if he clean before going off to bed.

"Goodnight, love."

I kissed his forehead and put a blanket. After that, I turned off the lamp and lay beside him, putting his head on my arm. I fell a sleep while singing him a song.

Kinabukasan, nagising lang ako nang may maamoy na mabango. Umaga pa lang pero nakangiti na agad ako dahil alam kong nagluto si Callan.

And I was right! Naabutan ko siya sa kusina, nagluluto. Mukhang katatapos lang niya maligo dahil wala pa siyang damit pang-itaas at basa pa ang buhok niya.

"Good morning, baby!" I hugged him tight and kissed his cheek.

"Good morning. I cooked." He let me do what I want. While he was cooking, I'm just hugging him from the back. "Oh, before I forgot. I wanted to ask you something."

Pinakawalan ko siya kaya nagkaroon siya ng pagkakataon na humarap sa'kin. I raised a brow, urging him to talk. I just hope it wasn't a bad news.

"My sister texted me if we can go there to celebrate Christmas." I went silent with the mention of his family.

I don't know how to face them. I don't know if they were mad at me because of what I did to Callan. Up until now, I think they don't want me for him. I've done worst.

"I-Is that...okay for them t-to see me?" I bowed a little, feeling embarrassed.

"Huh? Why would they not? Sabi ko sa'yo, si ate na nga ang nagsabi." He cupped my face and made me looked at him. He flashed an assuring smile. "Dillion, are you still guilty of what you did before?"

"Of course..." I said in almost a whisper voice. My sad eyes reflected his. "I don't know if they forgive me already. What if...they really don't want me for you? What if they are still mad at me?"

Kyla's angry eyes, his mom's disgusted face, and his brother's disappointed stares played on my mind. Those sceneries burned the hope on me. Everytime I'll close my eyes, those things are the only one I could think.

It hurts.

"Baby, look at me." I opened my eyes again when he talked. He planted a soft kiss on my lips and then smiled again. "Can you do me a favor?"

"Of course, whatever you want."

"I want you to forgive yourself." He smiled sadly. "Sa lahat, ikaw na lang ang hindi nakaka-move on. You are good, okay? What you did years ago was just a mistake. I forgave you, we already forgave you, so please forgive yourself." He hugged me. "Can you do that for me, hmm?"

I don't know if I can, especially that every night, those sad eyes and crying face of him is coming back on my dreams. It was never easy to forget them. My greatest fear.

"I'll try..." I flashed a small smile. For him, I will try my best.

Napapayag niya din akong sumama sa kaniya sa celebration na gaganapin nila. We planned to be there on 23rd of the month so we can help them. Do'n na rin namin naisipan na mag-New Year.

Umalis na din naman ako dahil may trabaho pa ako. I actually wanted to drove Callan to his building but he refuses. He said that I'm going to be late if I still waited for him.

"Take care!" He waved his hand and watched me leave.

Days went fast. They were right when they say that time flew really fast when you're enjoying. I just found myself helping Callan to pack our things.

We're going to his family today. I'm so nervous but when he's smiling at me, those vanished. He assures me that everything will be alright.

"You can sleep." I looked at him with what he said. We're currently at the airplane. Our eyes met and I just feel myself smiling like a fool. "Sleep. We still have much time."

I feel him playing with my hair as I closed my eyes. I told him I love him before dozing off to sleep.

Nagising lang ako nang gisingin ako ni Callan para kumain. Naka-earphone na siya ngayon naglalaro ng kung ano-ano sa phone niya. Talking Tom, I guess? He's taking care of him but sometimes, he'll carry then drop it. Or throw it which made me laugh.

Damn, if we'll had a family, will he also do that to our kids?

"Ladies and Gentlemen, we have not yet reached the gate. Please remain seated until the Captain turns off the "Fasten Seat Belt" sign. Thank you."

It didn't took us long when the plane took off. I helped him with our baggages as we walked outside.

I missed the atmosphere here. Though, it's Christmas, the wind is warm which is good. Umaga 'yun kaya naman ang mga nakikita kong Christmas decor ay mga parol lang at mga christmas trees.

"Callaaaaan!" I looked at the one who called him. It was his sister with her son. Mabilis silang naglalakad palapit sa'min kaya umiwas ako ng tingin. "I thought you're not coming! Nagbabagong buhay ka na, ha."

"Whatever." I saw him rolled his eyes and carried his niece. "Hi, baby. Missed me?" I watched him played with the boy with a smile on my face.

"Hi, Dillion! I was glad you came." I was stunned when he hugged me. Awkwardly, I hugged her back.

"Yeah. Callan said I should come." I sighed in relief because she's not mad at me. Lumingon ako kay Callan na noon ay nakatingin lang din sa'kin. He gave me a thumbs up before chuckling. "M-Merry Christmas..."

His sister's husband is with us so he was the one who drove back to their house. This was actually the first time I am going to meet his family and be at their house.

We were secret years ago.

This was big. Sinabi niya sa'kin na may kaniya-kaniya na silang bahay na magkakapatid pero pinili nilang sa luma nilang bahay sila mag-celebrate. Nando'n na din ang mga iba niya pang kapatid. They were four, which made me feel a slight jealousy.

I realized how alone I am.

"Hey, you want to go to my room?" Tumingin ako sa kaniya saka tumango. "We'll sleep on my room while we're staying here. But we have guest room...if you're not comfortable."

"Okay." I laughed when he made a sulking look because of my answer. "Kidding. Of course, we're sharing a room."

I ran after him as he walk upstairs. I even helped him dealing with his baggage but he just ignored me. Oh, he's on his mood again. This moody man of mine, really.

"Psst, babe. Are you mad at me or something?" I walked near him and sat beside him. Nakaupo kami sa higaan niya habang siya naman ay abalang chine-check ang bag namin.

I put my hand on his neck and kiss him on his cheek, down to the side of his neck, biting it a little but didn't leave a mark.

"Don't be mad na." I made him face me. I cupped his face and caressed it while staring at his eyes. His cheeks were warm and it made me smirk. "I'm sorry if I did something again."

I attacked his lips and didn't let him answer. I feel him encircled his hand around my nape as we shared the kiss. I bit his lower lip, and heard his soft pleased voice.

Oh, no. I think I know where we'll end up. I smirked.

And I was right. We really ended up in bed that time. I watched him sleep while facing my neck and I am just combing his hair. He looked at peace and I can't help but to beam.

I kissed his forehead before standing. I go to the bathroom and washed my body before going down. Nadaanan ko pa ang nakababatang kapatid niya kaya ngumiti ako sa kaniya. He somehow resembles his brother with his unexpressive eyes and dull face, but when he smile, it was pleasant to the eye.

"Hey, man. You were Dillion, right? You're both strong, huh. I remembered him sneaking out of the house just to see you back when he was still college." He laughed as if he remembers something funny. "Where is my brother, anyways?"

"He's sleeping in his room. You can talk to him when he woke up. I'll tell him you wanted to talk."

We just talked there about something. Since, he's also an Engineer, we understand some things. At least, there are things we're similar. I am so aware that they are family of Engineers, and Callan is the only one who had the courage to break the family line.

See how brave my man is. For his dream.

I strolled to the kitchen to got myself some water. But I saw his mother cleaning plates. I was glued to the entrance of the kitchen because I don't know what to say.

"Oh, god." I immediately attended her when she dropped a plate.

"Let me, Ma'am. You might get wound." I kneeled and started collecting those broken glasses. I look for dust pan and put those there. Winalis ko na lang ang ibang bubog. "Are you okay, Ma'am?"

"Yes." When our eyes met, I saw the shock on her face. I was just standing uncomfortably there. I don't know what to say to his mother. "You were Callan's...uhm, boyfriend?"

She was hesitant mentioning the 'boyfriend' word. "Y-Yes. He...he told me that we're going to c-celebrate Christmas here..." My voice is slow and light. I am so intimidated by her presence.

"Oh, right. I don't have the chance to welcome you both arrived." She tapped my shoulder. "Welcome home."

Home. It warmed my heart.

I am...home? I smiled with that thought.

"Thank you, Ma'am." She chuckled elegantly.

"Oh, drop the Ma'am thing. It sounds like I am so old." I awkwardly laugh with her. "Call me Mom or whatever you want. Just not Ma'am."

I was relief that she wasn't mad anymore. I thought she will spit things that can hurt me. She was actually cool, far than I thought of her.

I helped her preparing our lunch for today. She's telling stories on Callan's childhood and I would often laugh. I didn't know that his childhood was that fun. I wonder what will be his reaction if he heard these.

"Wow, you're obviously not having fun here." Napatingin ako sa lalaking pumasok sa loob ng kusina. Callan's wearing new clothes now, and he looks like he just came from shower. Really? He'll greet us with his sarcastic remarks?

"You sleep well?" His mother asked him. He just nods his head, drinking water while looking at me. "Good. Would you mind if I ask you to join your boyfriend here? I actually wanted to rest."

"No problem. You shouldn't tire yourself." His mother looked at me again before smiling while wiping her hands.

"It's good to know you more, Dillion."

Ngumiti lang ako at tumango. "Thank you for the time, M-Mom..." She nods before marching out of the room. When she finally vanished on my sight, I let out a breathe.

"How are you with my mother? You look stupid, really." I glared at him when he went beside me, teasing.

"Your mom is good. She didn't let me feel uncomfortable." Smile was painted on my face as I remembered how she welcomed me.

"Our Mom." I looked at him when he talked. He cupped my face and kissed me. "You are part of the family, Dillion."

We waited until the Christmas eve. Kahit na ilang araw pa lang ako dito, naramdaman kong parte na rin ako ng pamilya nila. We helped them put additional decorations. We even bought gifts for each other.

I never experienced Christmas with my family so this little celebration of us made me emotional. Staring at those kids who's forming a circle to their grandmother, letting out a giggle, made me happy. Callan is laughing with his friends and sister. I was with his brother and his brother in law.

"Have you ever thought of marrying my brother, Dillion?" His brother, Clark, seems drunk already. "I am not a good brother to him but still, I wanted the best for him."

Marrying Callan? "Of course." It was my dream. To marry him. I wanted to introduce him to God. "I always wanted to. I just want to find opportunity to ask him."

"Good. I wanted an assurance that he'll be in good hands." I smiled at him. I can't promise to be with him all the time, but as long as I can, he will be in good hands.

I am just staring at Callan who's laying on my lap. We are at their backyard, watching those fireworks lit up the sky. Busy ang mga tao sa loob ng bahay, mukhang nagkakatuwaan sila kaya hindi nila napansin na wala kami do'n.

"Callan." I called him. Dahan-dahan niya namang minulat ang mata niya at kaagad nagtama ang paningin namin. I caressed his cheek with my thumb. "What are your thoughts of marrying me?"

Silence followed after that. Naririnig ko ang tibok ng puso naming dalawa habang hindi napuputol ang tinginan. The fireworks reflected his eyes that's why I saw how it glistened with something.

"Are you seriously proposing right now?" He chuckled, getting up. Hinayaan ko siyang bumangon.

"Hindi naman. Wala pa nga akong singsing, 'e." Bumuntong-hininga siya. "Gusto ko lang tanungin kung anong tingin mo sa bagay na 'yun."

"Married or not, nothing will change. Marriage is just...a mortal promise. People don't need those papers for them to say that they love each other." Is this how he lowkey saying that he don't want to marry me? "God knows how much I love you, my family supported us, and my friends aren't against with this. That's enough for me."

I looked down and held his hand. I tightened it as I looked at his eyes again. I kissed his lips softly, as if I will hurt it, I will break it.

"I love you." Pinatong ko ang noo ko sa noo niya habang hinahabol ang hininga. "Let's get married."

I wanted him to be mine. I wanted everything in him to be mine. I wanted to introduce him properly to God, to get His blessings. I wanted to prove his family how much I love Callan.

I wanted to wake up everyday with him. I wanted to fullfil all my dreams with him, on my arms. I wanted to face my fears with him on my side.

If not him, then there will be no one.

I wanted him to live with me...as my husband.

- E N D -

A/N: Here's a special chapter from me! I hope you liked it! And Merry Christmas! Let's start a New Year with love, and hope.