DESIRES OF THE HEART

Later At Night.

At Annabelle's Apartment.

Annabelle is seated by her bed side and in total darkness, thinking about the current situation that took place.

Annabelle: (I don't understand this feeling. Somehow I feel relieved that I don't have to go through another meaningless relationship, but at the same time, somewhere inside of me I feel sad, like I just lost the most valuable piece of me. On top of that I called him a coward. Whatever, I just have to get over it). Hah!!. (Breaths heavily. She stands up to go to the living room when Margaret arrives and flips the light switch on. Surprised) Mom?. When did you arrive?.

Margaret: A few minutes ago. Your sisters told me you went to change your clothes. (Hands over a plastic bag which contains Annabelle's present) Happy birthday sweetheart (hugs her tight).

Annabelle: Thank you mom.

Weeks Passing.

Diana keeps calling Annabelle's cell phone to check on her, but Annabelle doesn't answer. Every time she called, Annabelle would simply ignore.

The Next Day, Still At Annabelle's Apartment.

Annabelle is cooking breakfast when she hears someone knocking at the door.

Annabelle: (In a loud voice) Can someone please get the door!.

Clarissa: (From the restroom) I can't, I'm in the restroom.

Eline: And I'm naked!. I just finished taking a shower.

Annabelle: Okay, I'll just get the door (rushes and opens the door when she sees Diana. Surprised!) Diana?.

Diana: (Suddenly walks in and slightly upset) Are you avoiding me?.

Annabelle: (Her facial expression goes from surprised to normal) What is it?.

Diana: What is wrong with you too?.

Annabelle: What are you talking about? (walks back to the kitchen and Diana follows her).

Diana: First, Harry won't talk to me, and you too?. What really happened between you two?.

Annabelle: Nothing!.

Diana: What?.

Annabelle: (Suddenly upset) You know I should really spank you in the face right now.

Diana: (Surprised, covering her cheek with both hands) Why would you do that?. What did I do?.

Annabelle: (Raising her cook spoon as if to hit her) What did you do?, what did you do?. After setting us up at the Karaoke, you have the guts to ask me that? (resumes cooking).

Diana: Forget that. I just came to inform you that Harry already left.

Annabelle: (Her heart suddenly stops, as if to fall out of her chest, but she pretends not to care as she slowly resumes her cooking) Left to go where?.

Diana: To the military. He'll be gone for 6 months. (Annabelle suddenly stops cooking. Diana continues). I'm afraid if he leaves without saying goodbye, I think he'd regret it.

Annabelle: (Suddenly upset) Why are you telling me this?. You know you're putting me in a very awkward space right now.

Diana: Yes I know!. And I also know that you love him and that's why I came all the way here. He left early so we should be able to get to him (there is total awkward silence between them).

Annabelle: (Scratches her head, trying to make a decision) Can you take me to him?.

Diana: (Nodes and smiles with satisfaction).

At The Military Bus Station

Diana and Annabelle arrive at the bus station and Annabelle quickly runs out of the car.

Annabelle: (Looking around for Harry. There are hundreds of other military students waiting to board. Harry is about to board the bus when he suddenly turns around and sees Annabelle. Annabelle finally locks eyes with him) Harry!.

Harry: Annabelle!. (Walks away from the bus, thinking about what he should say when Annabelle suddenly walks approaches him. Stutters) What... how did you know?.

Annabelle: (Suddenly exclaims) Diana!.

Harry: (Nodes) I'm leaving. I'll be gone for 6 months.

Annabelle: Why?.

Harry: (Surprised) Huh?.

Annabelle: Why are you leaving?. Are you perhaps trying to get away from me?.

Harry: (Scratches his head in confusion. Stutters) It's... it's not what you think?.

Annabelle: (Suddenly upset) Go!.

Harry: What?.

Annabelle: (Turns to leave, but suddenly stops and turns) Just so you know, I won't be waiting for you when you get back.

Harry: (Already understands her words and emotions. Smiles lovingly) I think you will.

Annabelle: I said I won't.

Harry: (Folds his arms behind his back) I think you would.

Annabelle: Are you trying to question my words?.

Harry: So why did you come here then?. You would've just told me through text you weren't going to wait for me. (Moving forward but Annabelle suddenly moves back. He moves forward again, getting closer, he whispers to her ear) I Love You too.

Annabelle: (Heart pounding) Anyway, take care (turns to leave when Harry pulls her back and kisses her passionately. The people who notice, including Diana, starts clapping and cheering them on)

Harry: I'll see you soon, I promise. (Walks back to the bus. He turns around one more time when Annabelle suddenly runs and hugs him tight. He caresses her hair softly and kisses her on the forehead) I'll be back (steps into the bus while constantly looking back at Annabelle).

Days, Weeks and Months go by. Annabelle and Harry continue to chat through text messages and FaceTime.

At Annabelle's Apartment

Annabelle: (On the phone with Harry) I miss you already.

Voice: I miss you more. Have you eaten?.

Annabelle: I did. Have you eaten?. Is it the same old porridge? (all of the times Harry called, he mentioned eating porridge).

Voice: I did. This time around it was a home cooked meal. We had volunteers bring us food.

Annabelle: That's a good thing then (There is total awkward silence between them when Harry suddenly breaks the silence).

Voice: I Love You. I want you to always know that I long for the day I can finally see you again.

Annabelle: I'll be waiting.

Voice: Why don't you go to sleep now?. You sound tired.

Annabelle: No. We should talk all night. I want to listen to your voice for a long time before I fall asleep.

Voice: I wish I could, but I have to wake up early. They'd kick me out if they saw me falling asleep in the middle of our training.

Annabelle: (Jokingly) That'll make you come home even faster (they both laugh).

Voice: You're even more beautiful when you laugh.

Annabelle: (Smiles in cute, but shy manner) How can you make me feel so shy even when you're not here?.

Voice: Because you love me? (laughs. They continue talking on the phone for a long time).

2 MONTHS LATER

At The Community College (Last day of the Semester).

Annabelle: (Walks out of the building when she suddenly sees a group of boys holding out a big banner which reads, "Will you be my girl?. Also, I would love for you to spend the rest of your life with me in the nearest future. From Harry to my beloved Queen Annabelle". Amazed, shy, moved by those words, She starts to cry when she sees Harry walking towards her with a bouquets of rose flowers in military uniform) Harry....

Harry: (Smiles awkwardly) I'm sorry I didn't have time to shower. I was really desperate.

Annabelle: You... (Suddenly hugs him passionately. The whole crowd cheers for them).