Chapter 6

A few days before Valentine's, Isabella and Carlo were assigned to decorate the school stage for the prom night that will be held the following week. That afternoon, Isabella was busy cutting some Styrofoam for the lettering when a boy from the third grade approached her and told her that Carlo wants to talk to her. She asked where, and the boy pointed towards the empty classroom at the end of the hallway. She immediately put down her things and walked towards the classroom thinking what it might be. She reached the room and opened the door. There's no one else inside aside from Carlo. He was slouching on a chair in the middle of the room, facing the blackboard while playing with the pen in his right hand.

"You want to talk to me?" she asked as she approached him.

"Yes," he said with a serious face.

"What about? You look serious." She sat on the chair next to him and stared at the scribbles of the grade three students on the blackboard.

"I don't want to lose you," he said still not looking at her.

"I'm not going anywhere and I'm not dying, silly!" she replied, a little confused why he would say that.

"I know. I just want you to know that," he said before facing her. She is still puzzled but she didn't dare ask why yet, maybe later, he would tell her, too.

He looked intently into her eyes for a few seconds as if trying to read her thoughts. For Isabella, Carlo looked like he just cried or is about to cry.

"Is there anything wrong?" she asked, holding his right hand. She felt the electricity run through her veins as their skin touched. This isn't the first time they held hands but it paralyzed her for a moment, not wanting to move a single muscle. His stare is burning the deepest depths of her soul. Then she felt confused, not sure what is really going on. Why is he staring at me like that? Is he going to say that he loves me again? He has never mentioned about it again after his encounter with her mother. She wanted to break the silence but his eyes, glimmering like the sky filled with stars is hypnotizing her. His beautiful sad eyes.

"Whatever it is, I am here for you," she finally said.

"Tell me this, Isabella, that whatever happens to us, we'll always be in each other's heart and mind, and even death can't make us part."

"Wow! That's a mouthful," she said trying to remove her tension.

"Just say it," he said firmly, pretending to be grumpy.

Isabella was repeating those words, Carlo leaned over and kissed her forehead.

"You can go now," Carlo commanded her. Her eyebrows met, took the books she found on the other table, and threw it at him. The book hit his stomach.

"Ouch! Why did you do that?!" he exclaimed clutching his hurt tummy. He was surprised because she's the kind of woman who wouldn't hurt anyone. Isabella stood right in front of him, Carlo still sitting on his chair.

"What do you think of yourself, huh?! A prince? And what do you think of me? Do I look like a maid that will heed you in your every call?"

Carlo laughed and stood beside her, "You're so childish," he said messing up her hair.

"No, I'm not! You are!"

"Remember, you still have a lot of things to do for the decorations," he said pushing her towards the door.

"Oh yeah! I remember that, and as far as I know, we are supposed to do it, not just me, right? So you better get your ass out of this room and help me get this decoration thing done as soon as possible," she grabbed his right hand and dragged him outside.

It is very noticeable that Carlo and Isabella are very sweet while helping each other with the decorations. Everyone thinks that they are already in a relationship yet they still deny. They're just best friends they always say.

Jane's jealousy grew more whenever she sees Carlo and Isabella together. She never talked to Isabella again, especially about Carlo, because in her mind, Isabella wants him for herself.

Carlo arrived in school on Valentine's Day with a bouquet of white flowers, of course, for Isabella. He approached Isabella who is just sitting on her chair, writing a love letter for Carlo. She was so into it that she didn't notice that Carlo is already standing in front of her.

"Isabella," he said softly and smiled.

She almost leaped from her seat when he heard his voice and immediately covered her paper with her palms.

"How long have you been there?"

"Long enough to read your letter for me," he joked.

"I hate you! It's not going to be a surprise anymore," she covered her face in embarassment.

Carlo laughed out loud and teased her, "You are such a child. I've got these for you." And he handed her a bouquet of twelve white roses, some of them are yet to bloom.

"Wow! Oh my God! They are beautiful!" she exclaimed.

He kissed her on her forehead before sitting down.

"This is all I got for you, Carlo," she said as she handed him the letter she wrote on a piece of bond paper with their initials on front of the folded paper – I.C.

My dearest Carlo,

Happy hearts' day! Thank you so much for all the care that you've given me. Thank you for everything. You are the best thing that happened in my life. I will do everything for you, too. You are the only person who made me feel loved and important. I value every second of our time together. Whatever happens to us, we'll always be in each other's heart and mind, and not even death can make us part.

Carlo was touched by her message that he couldn't say anything. He just held her hands and squeezed it. They both smiled while looking into each other's eyes.