Christmas Eve. 11:10 pm
The party was good. Jairyne started to feel bored because some of her friends are already drunk and they are starting to throw up one by one. “I knew I should’ve brought a pail.” Jairyne said, not caring if anyone realized that she put acid in her statement.
She stalked lazily towards the door hoping that she’d have fun watching the stars. She touched the doorknob and hesitated for a moment. The feeling of leaving her friends behind in that kind of ambiance made her stomach twitch. Then a man walked in front of her and started vomiting. Jairyne skipped away, cursing. “To hell with it.” she muttered to herself. She opened the door, disgusted with the surroundings, and slammed it behind her.
Cool air touched her cheek and she heard the calming sound of the waves of the sea towards the shore. “Much better.” she muttered to herself. Jairyne went on walking without even thinking where she was going. She was just thinking why on earth did she agree to come to the party. A sudden wave of disgust came rushing like a blow to the stomach. “Oh right. I was supposed to be looking for my ideal guy.” she said. She wasn’t even sure if she said that in a serious tone. She sounded sarcastic.
The sky was filled with stars. A perfect view. Then she shifted her eyes from the sky to the shore. Someone’s sitting beside the shore.
Kenneth is beside the shore. Star gazing. “Looks like I’m the only one here who doesn’t have a partner.” he muttered to himself. Feeling totally alone and hungry, he stood up, turned around and saw Jairyne. Shocked that someone was eavesdropping, he mumbled something that sounded like “holla”.
“No big deal. Really. And just for the record, You’re not the only one here who doesn’t have a partner.” said Jairyne. She grinned at him.
“You’re a ninja in your past life.” said Kenneth in a venomous tone.
“What?”
“I didn’t notice that you’re near. You should teach me how to do that in case I need to sneak out my room at night.”
“Very funny. In case you haven’t noticed, we’re surrounded by sand. How am I supposed to be making creaking noises in sand? Twerp.”
“Yeah.. I guess you’re right. I’m a twerp.” Kenneth suddenly sound defeated.
“Oh. You know I was just kidding! Why the sad face? Stop that Ken. It’s…” Jairyne searched for a not-so-offending-word and failed. “err.. You know… It doesn’t fit you.” she said in a very shy tone.
Kenneth grinned and looked at her. “I know… I know…”
Jairyne, feeling bad for Ken, rested her palms to his shoulders. “Look Ken. I know it’s hard to move on… Why don’t you try to find some distractions? An activity that’ll divert your mind from Hazel.” she suggested. She was about to say something else but she paused because of the sudden jolt that Kenneth made.
There was silence. A long and awkward silence. He was now looking at her with expectant eyes. She, on the other hand, captured by his eyes, turned away and moved away a few steps.
“This friend of mine… He’s beautiful. Why on Earth did I not notice that before?” Jairyne thought to herself.
“Jai. Do you have plans for this year? You know…” said Kenneth then hesitated and looked for the right word. Then failed.
“No. I don’t have plans of looking for a guy. If that’s what you’re trying to say.” she lied. “But I do have plans of waiting for someone.” she added. Only this time, it’s not a lie.
“Uhmm. I have something in mind.” said Kenneth. Jairyne thought he literally saw sparks in his eyes.
“What is it? You want us to have a relationship? Is that what you want?” said Jairyne. She hoped that she sounded sarcastic but she heard the hope in her tone.
“Yes. But are you in for a year? It’s almost 12. You have 20 seconds to decide.” said Kenneth with a very happy tone.
Jairyne was shocked. She didn’t know what to say. She was just joking. Or was she?
“10 seconds.”
“Wait..”
“3… 2… 1…”
“Alright! Alright! I’m in.” said Jairyne. She sounded defeated but she felt excitement in the air.
Ken made a crooked smile. “There. From now on. You’re my girlfriend.”
“Okay.” Jairyne tried to sound calm. She failed because she giggled.
They were silent for a few seconds. Ken broke the silence by holding her hand.
“Babe.” Ken’s smile widened. “Merry Christmas.”
Jairyne didn’t remove her hand. She just smiled.
“Merry Christmas…” then silence… “…Babe.” said Jairyne and smiled.
The night ended… or started, nicely for the two of them. They started asking questions at each other while the stars looked at them. It was a beautiful view. They were happy.
They’re relationship started to grow and the news that they are officially together spread like fire.
January
For their first monthsary, Ken took Jairyne to his home and he introduced her to his parents. Kenneth’s parents were so glad.
“Thank you for bringing happiness to my son.” said Kenneth’s mom. This made Jairyne’s heart jump.
February
Jairyne returned the favor. She told Kenneth to go to their home. She introduced him to her dad.
Kenneth knew that her mother died after giving birth to Jairyne.
“Take good care of my daughter… or I’ll peel your skin.” said Jairyne’s dad. He was smiling when he said this to Ken so he just gave him a nod and smiled.
March
Kenneth brought Jairyne to a movie house for their third monthsary. Their first kiss happened at the movie house. They were watching a horror movie.
April
Kenneth joined a basketball competition. Jairyne promised him a kiss if their team wins. They won.
May
Kenneth and Jairyne ran across Hazel in Boracay. Kenneth proudly told Hazel that he’s already found the girl that he’ll love forever. He introduced Jairyne to Hazel and they both gave each other smiles.
“May you stay together forever. You look nice together.” Hazel said. No bitterness in her tone.
June
Ken’s birthday. Jairyne organized a surprise party for him. He was so happy that he hugged her tight and kissed her on the lips in front of all the guests. Everyone yelled and cheered.
July
On their 7th monthsary, Kenneth took Jairyne to a park and surprised her. He asked 7 children to give her 7 bouquets of roses which he bought for Jairyne. Kenneth made a scene by kneeling in front Jairyne and everyone in the park was looking at them with smiles in their faces.
August
Kenneth and Jairyne had their first challenge as a couple. A girl was following Kenneth everywhere. Jairyne felt super irritated. When they got the chance to see each other face-to-face, Jairyne gave the girl an uppercut. The girl fainted and woke up in a hospital.
“She’s skinny. You shouldn’t have done that. You know that I love you so much.” said Kenneth feeling half sorry for the girl. He can’t help but admit that the scene looked funny.
“I haven’t showed her my roundhouse kick. She’s lucky I only gave her an uppercut.” said Jairyne. She let acid in her tone. Kenneth laughed.
September
Jairyne’s birthday. Kenneth took her to a 5 star restaurant. They ate and had fun listening to the music of the violinists. They both love music.
Kenneth gave Jairyne a necklace as a present. “Keep it close to your heart. So you’ll know how much I love you.” said Kenneth while putting the necklace in her neck. Jairyne felt something. She wants everything to be true. She suddenly wanted to end the contract. She wanted him… to be hers forever. Unfortunately, she didn’t say it.
October
They’re monthsary is at the same date with the birthday of Kenneth’s mom. They celebrated at Kenneth’s home. Kenneth’s mom introduced Jairyne as her future daughter-in-law to her guests. Kenneth gave Jairyne a crooked smile. It was her favorite smile. The smile that makes her heart beat fast. The smile that makes her happy.
November
They went to the cemetery where Jairyne’s mother is burried. She talked to her mother. Literally, At the earth where the tomb of her mother stood. Kenneth was looking at her. He joined her. He introduced himself and Jairyne looked at him in surprise. She was so happy.
December
Christmas Eve. 10:10 pm. They were at a park. Kenneth told Jairyne to wait for him because he will be going to the shop nearby to buy food for them.
“Okay. Take care. I’ll wait.” she hesitated for a moment then said “I love you.”
“I will. I love you too.” said Kenneth while grinning. He kissed her on the forehead and left.
After an hour of waiting, she felt worried for her boyfriend. It was late and he hasn’t come back yet. He’s supposed to be there a couple of minutes ago.
She decided to look for him.
While walking at a certain curve, she found a couple of people encircling something. She thought it was something. It was someone. Not just someone. It was Kenneth. Dripped in the pool of his own blood. He was hit by a car. The driver didn’t run.
“What’s wrong with you people?! Take him to the hospital! Please! Help me!” said Jairyne. She was so scared. She felt panic.
11:50 pm. Jairyne was sitting in a bench near the room where Kenneth was rushed into. She was so nervous. Coldness filled her whole body. She can’t think straight.
“I love him. I love him. Please! Don’t die!” she mumbled to herself. She was praying. One thing she doesn’t usually do.
The doctor suddenly came out. “We found this in his pocket.” he handed her a piece of paper. “I think you should come inside. We did everything we can.” said the doctor. He sounded defeated.
Jairyne entered the room and sat beside Kenneth. She was crying.
She opened and read the paper.
————————————————————————————————————————
Hi Babe,
Happy Anniversary and Merry Christmas Babe!
Babe. I had so much fun with you. I’ve never felt this way before. I was so happy! I don’t want this to end.
Babe. Can I ask you one more favor? Can we extend our contract? To… Let’s say… FOREVER? Please say yes Babe… I LOVE YOU SO MUCH.
-Kenneth
————————————————————————————————————————
Jairyne burst out into tears. “I LOVE YOU TOO KENNETH! PLEASE DON’T LEAVE ME! YES! MY ANSWER IS YES! PLEASE DON’T LEAVE ME. I WANT TO BE WITH YOU FOREVER! PLEASE WAKE UP!”
The clock struck 12. Kenneth’s heart stopped beating. It was A YEAR OF LOVE.
