Like me, Caleb became the baby’s godparent, too. It was a simple but a happy occasion because we found out that Manang Rosing’s entire family was excellent cooks. They made several exotic dishes for us that Caleb and I really enjoyed.
And as for Alaric, we remained friends. He was genuinely supportive of my relationship with his brother. I still see him often since he still visits the orphanage. I heard that Alaric was planning to leave for Spain three months from now. He was just finishing all that he had to do in the hospital. But this time, the twins would not separate with any animosity between them. That was the reason why Caleb and Alaric had been really trying to patch things up while the latter was here. There were even times when the two would go out for fishing or golfing to spend some brotherly time together. Caleb and I promised to visit him in Spain and he promised to tour us there, too.
I know that in God’s perfect timing, Alaric would also find the right woman for him. He was a good guy. He did make some mistakes in the past but who doesn’t make mistakes anyway? Besides, anyone could see how desperately he was trying to make up for it until now.
And as for Caleb, for the past six months that I had been with him, I could not ask for anything anymore. He had given me so much joy and love. Every day, I felt like I was living inside a fairytale. But there was one thing missing. I really wanted to get married. I am ready for that new chapter in our lives now more than ever. I could not wait to build a family with him. But it seemed like Caleb was not thinking of settling down anytime soon. I never heard him mention a word about it.
Now, I couldn’t help but wonder if he was still traumatized by what happened between him and Erin. Was he still thinking of that? Or was it just too early to open up marriage?
I shook my head to distract myself before I answered tonight’s last caller. “Okay. Do you mind sharing your story first so I can help you? But before anything else, may I know who is on the line, please?”
“Now that we are a bit close to each other, you can call me by my real name, DJ. I am Caleb, Caleb Montero. Athough my girlfriend used to call me Jerk Montero.”
I gasped. I knew it! I was not aware that Caleb was back in the country. He was gone for five days because he had to attend to some important meetings in California. He was supposed to come back tomorrow. That was what he told me.
And here I was, sulking the entire day because I thought he had forgotten that it was my birthday today. Caleb hadn’t called me the entire day which was very unusual. I even thought I would not get to celebrate my birthday with him tonight. Ever since he left, he would make sure to call every night. We also talked yesterday but he did not mention anything about his return. And it was such a quick conversation because he said he was busy.
“So, what is your story?” I asked while trying not to laugh. Caleb was filled with surprises.
“I just came back from California almost two hours ago. And I am here on a mission.”
“Mission, huh?” It was like Déjà vu. Because those were the same words that he said when he first called me during my program.
“But before that, I want to greet you a happy birthday first, DJ Gi. I hope you are having a blast.”
“I am now. Thanks to you.” It was amazing how my mood instantly brightened by this simple call. God… I missed him. I missed his voice. I missed his embrace and kisses. I wished I could go to him right now. This was my first time ever feeling this way. This deep and crazy feeling that I had with Caleb still surprise me every day. My days even felt empty without hearing his voice or seeing him.
“You’re welcome. Now, back to my problem. Half a year ago, I came back to this country with an epic plan, I wanted to ruin someone. But karma hit me hard on the face because I fell in love along the way. Thank God for my good looks and undeniable charm, she fell in love with me, too.”
I was crying and laughing at the same time now. Then and now, it was always so easy for Caleb to bring out different emotions in me.
“For the past months, I’ve tried to be the man that she deserves. But in my desire to become worthy of her, I have forgotten about what she really wanted. I’ve forgotten about her long-time dream. I only remembered it when I started dreaming for the same thing, when I started imagining little versions of her running around me, when I started hoping that we lived under the same roof so I won’t have to say ‘goodbye’ again each night, and when I started yearning to see her face every waking day of my life.” He laughed but I could detect his anxiety on the other line. It was very unlike him. “Do you mind if I dedicate a message to her?”
“Not really.” I said, my voice almost cracked. I could almost see where this conversation would lead.
“Okay. To Gianna,” My heart pounded in anticipation. “Happy, happy birthday, love. I will only say these today because it’s your birthday so bear with me, all right? Thank you, Gianna, for making me realize how wonderful it is to keep living. Thank you for having a heart that is always ready to love me regardless of my flaws. I that know there are plenty of them."