Chapter 8

After the prom, everyone noticed a different kind of closeness between Carlo and Isabella They hold hands wherever they go, and sit closer to each other. Sometimes, they catch the two of them hugging when there's no one else in the classroom. Everything seemed to be like heaven for Isabella and Carlo, until reality hit them hard. They started practicing for their class graduation. They realized that their everyday sweetness and company would be soon over. As they sit beside each other on the cement floor near the basketball court. Isabella held Carlo's hand.

"What will happen after graduation?"

Carlo pulled her head towards his shoulder. "You're worrying too much!" He told her. "Remember? Whatever happens, I'll always be with you. We can study in the same college and everything will be just the same."

"I'll be studying in Manila. I got a scholarship from the University."

"What? When did you apply for that?"

"Last week. My mom took me there, I had no idea what was happening. But believe me, I didn't plan that. I just took the exam, and then earlier, I got the letter that I passed." Carlo hugged her tighter. "Is there no option to back-out?"

"I don't know. You know my mother. But I believe we can survive this. It's only four years. Every weekend, I'll be home and we will see each other."

Graduation came, Isabella gave her valedictory speech. They took pictures on the stage with the whole class. All the time, Carlo didn't let go of her hand. That evening, Isabella celebrated their graduation at Carlo's house. Even though she was the valedictorian, they didn't have the money to afford even a small celebration because her step father just lost his job.

Lucy was very proud of Isabella. She gave her a gift. A silver necklace with the holy family pendant. "I've been keeping this since Carlo was a baby. This doesn't cost too much but I believe in the sanctity of marriage and a happy family. I'm not saying that you should marry Carlo for both of you are still young. But I do hope that whatever path you take you should always work towards the betterment of your family. Be it the family with your parents or the family that you will build. May God bless you both and if the day comes that you plan to be together and get married, and I'm no longer here, you know, you have my blessing."

"Oh Lucy," Isabella hugged the old woman. " I love you so much, Lucy. Thank you for always caring and loving me even though we are not related. And please, you should be present when Carlo and I get married."

Carlo smiled when she heard her. His mind immediately thought about marrying the only woman he loved. His one and only Isabella.

He thought about a garden wedding. The dawn is breaking and everyone is seated on white chairs in the middle of a garden filled with roses and daffodils. The pulpit is on the front, covered with white roses. And as the rays of the sun slowly peak through the dark sky, Isabella walks down the aisle. Her grace, her poise, her beauty radiating like the sunrise that lights up her path. The light yellow rays that strike through her white backless, satin wedding gown. She reaches Carlo's hand at the same time that the sun is finally out.

"Hey!" Isabella shook him, by the arm. "Stop daydreaming." Carlo laughed.

After dinner, they sat outside, at the balcony, her head leaning on his shoulder. The wind is blowing slowly, making a soft sound from the rustling leaves.

"They said the stars can tell your future. Do you believe that?" Isabella said as they stare at the millions of stars shining on the dark sky.

"No. I believe that we create our own future, our own path. The stars are just celestial bodies that do not even know we exist. "They can light our lives during our darkest hours but they don't lead us anywhere. They are just there, lighting. It's up to us which way we go."

Isabella rested her head on his lap and looked up to see his face.

"Carlo…"

"Hmmm?"

"I love you."

"I love you, too, much more than the stars in the sky."

The summer vacation started and Isabella spent most of the days in Carlo's house. She helped in household chores which Lucy always try to stop her, but she is insistent that the old woman can only smile and let her do it. She helps in watering the plants, especially Lucy's white roses. She always trims the leaves careful not to cut any flowers.

Carlo loved Isabella more every day. As he sees her doing chores, helping her grandmother, he felt so sure that he has found the woman that he will spend his entire life with.

One day, as Isabella was watering the plants. Carlo grabbed him from the back and hugged her tightly.

"Carlo, I'm watering the plants," she said sweetly.

"I want to hug you first. Do you love my grandmother's roses more than me?"

"Of course not. I love you more, you know that."

"Then prove it."

She faced Carlo and pointed the hose towards him.

"There you go, my beloved Carlo. I hope that you'll grow more flowers this month," she said while showering him. They both laughed, Carlo grabbed the hose from her and showered her too. They were both laughing in the middle of the garden, running around, having fun. When Carlo cornered her at the side of the garden he leaned forward and kissed her forehead, down to her nose, then stared at her eyes for a few seconds before kissing her lips. That was their first kiss. Her whole body shivered, electricity crawled through her veins. She closed her eyes and lingered in the kiss. His lips just simply pressing on hers, but it was enough to make her feel like floating on cloud nine. Carlo broke away from the kiss. As they opened their eyes, she said, "That was beautiful."