It's Official!

Five Months Later...

It's been five months since I got to know David. We've spent time together every once in a while. He's visited my parents a few times too and he has invited me to his place a few times too. We update each other a lot on social media and messaging. He is actually a very nice and fun guy. I would always wonder when we could have met again but time didn't permit us to.

Whenever I think about him, I suddenly feel butterflies in my stomach. I would sometimes even see myself smiling even when I'm alone.

My parents did tell me that they like him for me. Karina also thinks David is the one for me too. I do feel the same sometimes. He makes me feel like we are more than friends.

What did I do to deserve such supportive people?

There are butterflies in my stomach and that endless joy in me never fades.

What is this weird feeling? Is this love?

I can't even imagine myself not think and wonder what this feeling is. Why can't I seem to find the answer to that one question?

I got up from my bed to prepare for my class at 1 in the afternoon.

When I came out of the bedroom, I went downstairs to the kitchen and prepared breakfast for myself.

Since my parents won't be around until next month, I've been cooking more often which I don't usually do before.

Hours Later...

It's 11:30 already and I must head to school now. I ran to my room, got changed, and went straight to my car.

On my way to the campus, I dropped by my favorite coffee shop to get my favorite iced latte before heading to class.

At the campus...

I just parked my car when I saw David's car arriving. It has been quite some time since I last bumped into David at the parking lot.

When he got done, I waved at him and he waved back.

"Hi. How have you been"?

"Doing great actually. It has been a while since we last met each other. How are you"? He asked

"I'm doing great. It really has been a while. We should catch up more often now".

"Sure. How about this afternoon"? He asked

Is he asking me out?! I'm feeling butterflies in my stomach again.

"Sure".

"Meet me here at 2 pm"? He asked

"2 pm. Alright, I'll be here".

After our short chat, we headed to our classes. I'm really lucky that Karina understands that I want to spend time with my other friends too. But, I am finally able to spend time with David. This is a really nice day.

After class...

I'm finally done with my class. I'm on my way to the parking lot to meet David.

What is this lingering feeling in me, really? I really want to know.

A few minutes later... I saw David waiting by his car.

Did I make him wait? Hope he understands since my class just ended.

"Hi. Sorry, I'm late. Did I make you wait"?

"Oh no, it's okay. I just got out of class a few minutes ago. We should get going". He said

"Okay".

He opened the door for me and waited for me to go in. I haven't ridden in anyone's car yet. I am feeling so much comfortable around him.

As he was driving, I was just staring out the window looking out the window then it started to rain.

Seeing raindrops makes me reminisce about my childhood when I used to play in the rain with my cousins and how I spent time with my parents at home. I miss those times very much.

"Are you okay? Is something wrong"? He asked

I was so lost in my thoughts that he ended up thinking that way. So I looked at him and smiled at him.

"Oh, it's nothing. The rain just reminds me of my childhood. Does it remind you of that too"?

"It does. I used to play in the rain with my sister when we were younger. Whenever I felt sad or wanted to fall asleep, the rain was always my go-to sound". He said

I didn't know that he likes the rain as much as I do. Another similarity that we both have. Hope we could bond with the rain sometime soon.

After 15 minutes, we arrived at a popular Italian restaurant near the campus.

He helped me get out of his car and the smell from outside the restaurant is very enticing.

"I've heard a lot about this place before and I've been wanting to come here. Have you known about this place for a long time already"?

"I've been here 3 times so far. The food here never fails to amaze me all the time. It's something I won't hate no matter how many times I eat it. I feel you would think the same way too so I thought that you would like it here knowing that you love Italian food like me". He said

"I do have a lot of expectations for this place because of the posts, videos, and reviews I see online. I can't wait to taste the food here".

We found our seats and he did the ordering since he knew this place better than I do.

While waiting, I was watching my past band performance videos on my phone. It's been three years since I last performed on stage in front of thousands of people. It has also been three years since I last saw my bandmates. How time flew by so fast.

While watching, I started feeling teary-eyed as I watched one video after another. Music has a very big part in my life and I have never imagined not being able to do it. It's been two years since I last watched these videos and I couldn't help but miss them as much as I miss performing on stage.

"You surely miss performing, do you? I can see it in your face". He said

He was watching with me?! It isn't a bad thing and I appreciate the fact that he gave me space to cherish the moment by myself.

"You were watching? I really do miss these moments too. It's been three years already. Watching these videos reminded me of the happiness I've had throughout those years of performing. Seeing many people happy and having fun makes me feel very happy".

"It surely does. I enjoyed every single performance you had because it gave me so much happiness and gave me inspiration whenever I couldn't write anything". He said

I didn't know that my music actually helps him a lot. I am happy to see people who actually find comfort and inspiration from my music.

"Thank you. I appreciate that. There are not many people who tell me that find my music comforting. I also feel comforted by my own music".

"Always. Since high school, I have been wanting to hear music from you again. I always wanted to listen to your music". He said

"Well, I have been writing a few songs here and there when I am feeling happy or sad or angry. But I want to keep it to myself for a while since I want to enjoy it for myself".

"Sure. I'm just saying that I appreciate your music". He said

"Thank you so much".

A few hours later, we finished having our lunch.

"Ummm.. Sophia, if you don't mind, can we go to the mall, even for a few hours only? Just want to spend a bit more time with you". He said

Is he asking me out again? Does he want to spend more time with me? What is this feeling in me again?

"Ummm... Sure, I guess. Hope our parents won't mind that we're spending the entire day together".

"I've already informed them. Remember when I asked for your parents' phone numbers the last time I went to your place. They told me that they would allow the both of us to spend time since he trusts the both of us. My parents think the same too". He said

I feel quite scared about my feelings after all this. Our parents are good with this set-up of ours and I couldn't be more than happy to see them supporting our relationship as friends and maybe shortly, something could develop from it.

On the way to the mall, we continued chatting with each other.

"Did your parents ever bring you to the events they usually attend"?

"They did do that a lot. I really enjoyed seeing so many people appreciate the works of my parents and getting to know the people with who my parents usually interact every day. It helped me develop my communication skills and I've been benefiting from it". He said

"That's interesting. My parents did the same actually. They really wanted me to be more exposed to other people and communicate with them. It did help me get over my stage fright and become more confident. It really helps a lot just like yours".

"Our parents really influenced us a lot in terms of life lessons and experiences that can actually help us become the people we are today". He said

"That's true. I am very thankful for everything they are doing for me".

We really do connect a lot when it comes to our parents. Since our parents are friends as well, we never felt uncomfortable with each other at all. We really enjoy keeping each other company like how our parents welcomed each other as well.

"To be honest, I am really thankful that your parents are very supportive of our friendship. I guess their friendship made it comfortable for us as friends".

"Same with me. No wonder we feel this comfortable even in a short amount of time. I guess there's something with children being friends with each other since their parents are friends with each other too. But, I'm very grateful for everything we are getting so far". He said

"That's true. Our friendship is very different from my friends since it feels like we've become more like siblings than friends. Don't you think"?

"It surely does, actually. I couldn't help but see you as my second sister somehow. We relate to each other so much as siblings would". He said

"I find it as a good thing since I am an only child and I have someone I can depend on".

"That's very nice to hear. Since my sister is working, I couldn't spend as much time with her as when we were younger. It feels like I've found another sibling in you". He said

Our conversation was so awesome and worth remembering. I really find him more like a sister than a friend. I feel safe with him because he protects me like I assume he would do with his sister.

At the mall, we decided to grab something to drink and eat at the cafe where we first met. David seems to be really attached to this place a lot.

"You seem to like this place a lot".

"Well, I do. It reminds me of the firsts I had here. The first time I came here with my sister, the first time I met you outside of campus, and the first time I brought a friend here". He said

No wonder this place is very special for him. I'm lucky to visit this place again for the second time with David.

"That's nice. I also do the same with the places that are very special to me".

After a while, he came back with the food and drinks he ordered.

As he sat down, he suddenly asked me a surprising question.

"Have you been in love before"? He asked

Why did he ask that all of a sudden? I wonder how I should answer this question. I guess he's curious that's why he asked that.

"Well, umm..., I don't think I've been in love yet. I have admired someone greatly but I've never thought of it as love. I'm still trying to figure out what "love" means for me".

This is true because I'm scared of being in a relationship. After all, I'm scared of getting hurt. The only love I've been continuously feeling is from my family, relatives, and friends.

"I understand. I don't mean to be rude but I'm just curious, have you ever thought of having "relationships"? Like romantic ones"? He asked

I really appreciate the respectful gentleman that he is. I actually don't mind him asking such questions since he always makes me feel that everything I say is safe with him. We've shared a lot about each other and he is the type who would keep things between the both of us.

"About that. To be honest, I have always had an ideal kind of relationship like that in the movies but seeing how much Karina suffered from her past relationship made me realize it isn't always the situation. Seeing how many struggles she had made me scared of getting into one because I don't want to suffer like her. I just want a relationship where everything would work no matter what and lessen the hardships and struggles that come with it".

I noticed how attentive he was to what I was saying. It feels like he really understands what I'm trying to say. He really makes me feel special in every way. He has really outdone himself for me a lot today. It seems like he's trying to express something to me.

"I understand. Being in a relationship always has ups and downs. Just like you, I used to have the same idea of an "ideal" relationship but seeing my friends and my sister go through it, I couldn't help but tell myself that those hardships are normal in relationships since it could actually help them grow stronger and fonder. Thanks for letting me know that". He said

"I really appreciate this conversation we're having. There are so many things I couldn't share with my friends and my family. But, I appreciate how you are always willing to listen to whatever I say. Thank you so much, really".

"It's nothing. Because of you, I'm starting to realize and learn a lot of things. I really cherish our friendship so much". He said

"So do I".

After the deep conversation we had, we decided to head to the bookstore. At the bookstore, we went our separate ways since we had different interests.

David has given me so many things already today. There should be something I could give him as a way of showing gratitude for today.

I went to the literary area and saw a newly released book by Lang Leav, my favorite author and poet. I've been a big fan of her works that I hope that David could appreciate somehow.

After choosing it, I went through a few more books and chose the ones I would like to read myself.

An hour later, I met with David outside the bookstore.

"That's a lot".

"Nah. Some were requests from my sister. You have a lot too". He said

"This isn't much. I'm not the type who reads a lot except if I'm very interested in the topic".

"Oh okay. Anyways, wanna have dinner"? He asked

I should take this as a treat for him. I should take this as an opportunity to thank him for today.

"Sure. But let me treat you this time. You've given a lot for me today. Please, let me".

"If you say so. I'm fine with anything you want". He said

So I brought him to the restaurant that my parents and I visited often when I was younger.

We got to the restaurant and ordered the food already.

While waiting, I thought that I should give David the present I prepared for him.

"By the way, I have something for you".

I gave him a paper bag with the book in it. I was watching him as he opened it.

"OMG! I love her books. Thank you so much for this. She gives me a lot of inspiration about what I write". He said

I'm glad that he appreciates it as much as I do.

"I'm glad you loved it. I admire her as much as you do. The way she writes these are so amazing and relatable".

I could help but feel happy seeing how happy he is with the book I bought for him.

"This for you, by the way". He said handing me a white box with a blue ribbon.

I opened the box and saw two journals with some pens. I took out one of the journals out and David held my hand.

"Sophia, this one has everything I admired about you. All my feelings from the past years were all in this notebook. I wrote in this notebook when I wanted to tell you something but did not have the guts to do so. This is something that kept me inspired and going throughout high school until now. This is for you, Sophia. I've put all my heart into every page of it. Hope you would like it". He said

He wants to give me the journal he kept for years. It's all about me. I really appreciate this very special gift of his. I will treasure this forever.

"Thank you for this. I really appreciate things like this".

"I am happy that you do. But really, I wanted to give you that because there's something I've been wanting to tell you". He said

What is it? I could feel butterflies in my stomach again. Is this what I think it is?

"Just like what I said, that journal has all my feelings for you. But, I want to tell you this in person. Sophia, I know this could sound cringey but I LIKE YOU, SOPHIA RIVERA. I've waited my whole life just to tell you this and I even asked your parents if I could do this. Luckily they agreed so here I am, confessing to you. Thank you for that first awkward meeting we had two months ago, I am so happy to finally be able to express my sincere feelings to you. You don't have to answer it now. I just wanted you to know". He said holding my hand.

I felt emotional with every word he said. So this was the something he wanted to privately talk to my parents about. My parents really liked David for me. They saw how he made me achieve things I never thought I would and could.

I feel speechless at this moment. Should I tell him that I have feelings for him too?

"Ummm... Thank you for that, David. I am very thankful to have heard such words from you. I waited for the right time to tell you this too. Just like anybody else, I was a fan of your creative writing back in high school. Your works made me feel comforted and actually led me to read more and actually delve into that myself. I always hoped for the time when I could finally get to know you and tell you how thankful I am for those works. I LIKE YOU TOO, DAVID SANCHEZ. My parents knows about this already as they have always asked me about you and us. So, I guess this is that time".

Tears continued to fall from my eyes and he pulled me into a tight hug.

"Thank you, Sophia. That means the world to me". He said softly

"Same with me".

He wiped my tears and then we talked and laughed about random things. We actually forgot the emotional moment we had just awhile ago. Getting to know his heart that sincerely brought our friendship to a much deeper level.

After dinner, he decided to take me to a walk before heading home.

"Thank you for today, David. I really enjoyed the entire time we spent together. Thank you for making me happy even if my parents are away".

"It's nothing, Sophia. I promised your parents that when the day comes that I finally decide to tell you my sincere feelings, I will always make you happy and feel special". He said

I couldn't believe he actually talked my parents into allowing all this. I couldn't thank them enough. I should call them to tell them about it.

"Do you mind if we call my parents? You know, to inform them of this special day"?

"Sure. I would like to tell them that too. They would surely be happy for you to have someone else who would take good care of you. I couldn't be more than grateful for the once-in-a-lifetime chance they gave me". He said

So I took out my phone and video-called my parents. Not-so-long after, they answered the call.

"Sophia, sweetie. How are you"? Mom asked

"I'm doing great. David's here too".

"It's nice to see you too, auntie. How are you and uncle there"? He asked

"We're good. Are you spending time together again"? Mom asked

"We are. Is uncle there"? He asked

"He is. Let me call him". Mom said

(Mom calls Dad then Dad joins the call too).

"Sophia. David. It's been awhile". Dad said

"It really has. How are you doing there"?

"Doing great. A lot of new business deals sealed. How about you two"? Dad asked

"David has something to tell the both of you".

"What is it"? Dad asked

"Auntie. Uncle. Remember the time I told you about confessing to Sophia". He said

"Yes, we do. What about it"? Mom asked

"Today is the day I confessed to her". He said

"Really?! That's nice to hear". Mom said

"It really is. Thank you auntie and uncle for the opportunity". He said

"Of course. I know that Sophia is in good hands with you". Dad said

"So, are you two a "thing" now"? Mom asked

"Well, that's for Sophia to decide on". He said

"Sophia, this is it. What do you say? We support your decision no matter what". Dad said

This feels so pressuring. There's a side of me that says that I am ready to be his girlfriend but another side of me is still scared of committing. What should I do? Sophia, there isn't anything wrong in trying, you won't know what could happen. Like he said, being in a relationship is a roller coaster ride, there are ups and downs. Just go with the flow and see where it takes you.

"Can I talk to my parents for a bit, alone"?

"Sure, go ahead. I'll go get us some ice cream". He said

After he left, I continued the video call with my parents.

"Mom. Dad. I don't know what to say".

"Sophia, I know that you are nervous and that's okay. This is your first relationship and always remember that it could not be the perfect one but maybe it would be the one that would last forever. Just like your dad and I, we had doubts at first but here we are, stronger than we ever were. Trust yourself and let love take its move on you. Why wait longer, right? David has been pursuing you for months now, he already proved himself worthy. But, it's your decision. We are just giving you advice so you can decide to do something you won't regret". Mom said

"Your mom is right. Follow your heart. We can't dictate everything for you. You are old enough to decide for yourself, Sophia". Dad said

"Thank you so much, Dad & Mom".

After a while, David comes back holding two cups of ice cream.

"Sophia, will you be my girlfriend"? He asks

"Yes. David. Yes. I will be your girlfriend".

"Thank you so much. You won't regret this". He said

"Mom. Dad. Thank you so much for everything".

"Anything for the both of you". Mom said

After the call, David hugged me very tight and thanked me for the opportunity I gave him.

"Sophia, thank you for this wonderful day. You made me the happiest boy in the world. You won't regret this, I promise you". He said

"Thank you too, for trusting me. You know how scared I am of being in a relationship but you have surely proven my parents and I enough to let you be part of my life. It's time for me to let others in my life".

"I love you, Sophia". He said

"I love you too".

Now that it's official. I need to tell Karina about this very special day.

"I should call Karina. She will surely want to know all of this".

"She already knows. She actually helped me plan all of this. She helped me a lot with planning for this special day. Since she knows you very well, I asked her everything I needed to know about you". He said

No wonder she didn't show up today. She told me she's going out with her Mom today, so it was a secret all along. Thanks to her, I am celebrating the best day of my life.

"She really succeeds in all her plans. But, I guess we should call her to tell her it's a mission success (laughs)".

I immediately called Karina and she answered the moment it rang.

"Sophia! David"! She shouted

"So, you had plans with your Mom huh. You were planning all this".

"Well, well, well. See, you know what I meant by going out with my Mom. I was planning for today". She said

"Guess what"? He asked

"Are you two "together"? She asked

"WE ARE. Thanks Karina". He said

"No problem, David". She said

"Karina, thanks for making me feel happy today. I wasn't able to meet you these past few days but you planned something special for me. Thank you".

"Anything for you, bestie". She said

"Thanks so much. See you on Monday"? He asked

"Sure. See you two on Monday. I'll treat you both to lunch". She said

"Okay. We'll tell you everything on Monday".

"Bye". She said

"Bye".

After the call, I couldn't handle the happiness that I am feeling today. I never expect that I would actually feel happy about something other than my family.

After an hour, it's getting really late and I still have to go back to the campus to get my car.

"David, I need to get my car in the campus. We should get going".

"It's okay. I'll take you home first then I'll go get it". He said

"We should get it. I don't want you to stay outside especially now that it's late already".

"Okay then". He said

So we got back to the car, then we immediately drove back to the campus. Luckily, there are still students and staff in the campus so its still open.

We went in the parking lot then looked for my car. As soon as we saw it, David helped me off his car.

"Thank you".

I am very happy for everything that happened today. I can't believe that I am finally experiencing my first relationship.

So David decided to accompany me home. He followed behind me to make sure I'm safe at home.

Few minutes later, we arrived home. As I got out from my car, David followed and followed me.

"Thank you for today, David. For everything, there is so much things that happened today that I will never forget. Thank you for letting me into your life. I can't thank you enough for everything that happened today".

"Anything for you, Sophia, my love. See you tomorrow then"? He asked

"Tomorrow?!