Chapter 25: The Promise of Forever

"For you," I was surprised when Drew handed me three pieces of plastic flowers. He knew that ever since then I have been allergic to the smell of any flower. A smile immediately reciprocated to my surprise as I took in Drew's hand the three pieces of flowers. 

"Thank you." I smiled and said as I touched what he gave me. 

"Anything for you." His sweet answer thrilled me. 

Here we are now in the park, we are waiting for Michelle and Sunny. Michelle said that she would just follow Drew and me because we were going somewhere. She included Sunny because ever since Drew and I introduced Sunny to them, Michelle had hardly let her go. She really loves her niece that much, to the point that sometimes she almost sleeps at home just to be with Sunny. 

"Where are we really going, Drew?" I hesitated to question him. We've been here in the park for almost half an hour, waiting for Michelle but here it is and still nothing. 

"Just." He replied seriously. I just frowned again. The truth is that I'm bored here because Sunny doesn't have anyone to scratch me. 

"Stop pouting." He said seriously not looking at me. 

"Hey, why?" I wonder. 

"Psh." The wind just blew me away. This is really Drew, hard to understand sometimes. Sometimes he's sweet, then sometimes he's bossy. 

"Who are you texting?" I barely peeked at his phone to see who he was talking to because earlier his forehead was furrowed while looking at it. But he immediately pulled it away from me as if he was hiding something. 

"It was nothing." He answered coldly before getting up from the grass where the two of us were sitting and finally walking away from me. 

"What's his problem?" I just asked myself. Because Drew is busy and I'm really bored here so I'll just tell you about what happened in my life in the past two months. 

It's December fifteenth today, which happened to be my 23rd birthday. Nothing is perfect now because Mama and Papa are in another country to attend the seminar. They left last week and will return next week. 

In the past two months, much has changed. My family is complete again and I am happy that I live with mama, papa and my daughter Sunny. While Drew visits Sunny and me every day, and on weekends the three of us go out, sometimes the whole family on Drew's side and on my side.

In two months, I can say that I am the happiest person in the world because of the many blessings I have received despite the hardships I have gone through over the years. 

God is really good! 

Tita Fely remains in the jail, and her husband is deported to the Philippines. He was deprived of the right not to re -enter the country. 

Belle, on the other hand, continued her studies. She is now in Russia to fix and start her life again. I told her to stay with us, with mama and papa but she vehemently refused. She said she wanted to be independent like me. She wanted to live alone with no expectation from anyone but herself. Since it was her decision, so I could do nothing but be happy for her and give my support. 

Michelle, on the other hand, continued to manage Paradise Island in Palawan ... with the help of Gab. But the two, still no label, it's like you and your crush. Where Gab admitted that he also likesbMichelle, that's when Michelle suddenly doubted how she felt about Gab. I don't know, their situation is a bit complicated. 

Drew and I? We're fine, we're okay, the relationship we have is just cool. Andrew is still working as an Engineer in local and even abroad. I really wonder how well he managed to be the engineer and standing CEO of Paradise Corporation. I'm just thinking because his obligations make me dizzy ... how much more can you do yourself? Ugh! But despite everything, he still managed his time excellently. He's really very good ever since, until now. And I am so much proud of him! 

"Let's go?" I looked up when I saw Drew's outstretched hand. I reached for his hand and he helped me to my feet on the grass. 

"How about Sunny and Michelle?" I asked.

"They're not coming. They're already at home." He replied. I just nodded. 

"Are you okay?" I'm making sure of him. He looks just as frustrated before. 

"Yeah, I'm fine." He said smiling. He also tightened his grip on my hand so I just smiled as we walked to his car.

"I'm sorry about earlier," he said seriously as he focused his attention on driving. 

"It's okay." I smiled in response to him. He took my hand and gently kissed it. 

"I love you." He whispered despite kissing my hand. 

"I love you too." I replied and gave him my sweetest smile. 

Drew parked his car in front of a large house. After he parked, he opened the door for me and helped me get out of the car. 

"What are we doing here?" I asked him. Looks like no one lives in this village yet. Apart from the on-going construction of the houses here, the distance between each house will also be far apart. Only this big house with a mixture of black and white is the theme of the house. It looked so beautiful, I suddenly remembered my dream house when I was still in high school. I just wonder why we are here and to whom this house belongs. Maybe Drew knows its owner? 

"Will you marry me?" My eyes widened when Drew suddenly knelt in front of me, right here across the house. 

"D-Drew ..." I just whispered. I didn't know what to say so I remained dumbfounded and stared at him. 

"Claire Sydney Agustin, again, will you marry me?" His tone of voice begged even his eyes when he asked me again the question I didn't expect. 

"Is that still being asked?" I laughed questioning him back as I held back my tears. I didn't expect it now ... especially since it was my birthday when he really thought of proposing. 

"...of course Drew! I will marry you, Michael Andrew Claveria!" I was so happy to say that he was overjoyed. But instead of giving me the ring, I was surprised because he put a key in my palm. 

"Yes!" He shouted loudly as he jumped for joy. I just screamed when he suddenly lifted me up and turned me around three times. When he lowered me he immediately crushed me with a passionate kiss. 

"I love you." He then whispered as he kissed me on my forehead. I just smiled at him for what he did. 

"W-what's this?" I asked him that what I was referring to was the key he gave me. But instead of answering me he took my hand and guided me into the gate of the big house.

"What are we doing here?" I frowned at him. He just shrugged at me. He also showed me the door lock. 

"Open it." He told me smiling. Suddenly my heart pounded because of the emotions I suddenly felt. My hands were shaking as I unlocked the main door of the house. When I opened it with the key Drew had given me, I slowly pushed it open. 

"SURPRISE!" 

"HAPPY BIRTHDAY, MOMMA!" 

"HAPPY BIRTHDAY, SYDNEY MY DAUGHTER!" 

"HAPPY BIRTHDAY, BESTFRIEND!" 

"HAPPY BIRTHDAY, COUSIN!" 

"HAPPY BIRTHDAY, MA'AM!" 

I almost lost my strength because of the surprise that greeted me inside, thankfully and immediately Drew supported me. I thought they aren't aware that it's my day, today. I thought mama and papa were still in another country, so was Belle. But look, they're all there! My tears quickly fell from my eyes because of the overjoy and because I did not expect this event. 

"Happy birthday to the most amazing woman in my life. I love you today, tomorrow and forever." Andrew greeted me and it makes me cried harder. 

"I love you always and forever momma too. Happy birthday again!" Because of overjoyed, so I was no longer able to answer my daughter. I just hugged her tightly.