Chapter Twenty-six
Ever since I was young, I've always wanted to be a musician. But because of my situation, I've never had the chance and privilege to pursue my passion. Every day feels like a survival: how or where to get food to eat and how to earn money.
My heart still aches every time I think about my siblings—they were both too young, and I—I was such an irresponsible sister. I was the reason why they died. I kept blaming myself every day. I couldn't even sleep at night thinking; my conscience was haunting me like a ghost in the dark. I often see my siblings' faces in my dreams—they were chasing butterflies in a grassy field.
If only I were a better sister, perhaps they wouldn't have to go through such difficulties, but even my own needs are quite difficult to meet. Here I am right now, sitting at the polished oak table, reading a book I bought yesterday from the old bookstore. The lamp sent cozy and fluttering lights to the pages. I never had the privilege to learn. I know that there are a lot of things in this world that are yet to be discovered.
I heard Harry's footsteps approaching. He laid his hands on my shoulders and kissed my cheeks. It still gives me butterflies in the stomach every time he does this. I couldn't hide the blushing of my face. We were supposed to be married now, but because of what happened, we had to start from rock bottom again, but despite the difficulties of life, I'm glad that I'm not alone, for Harry will always be there with me.
"It's 10 o'clock already. You should get some rest, Georgia," he reminded her. "It's not good for your brain to stay awake in the middle of the night."
I like the way he said my name. I could feel the adoration in his voice. "Just a little more," I replied, turning the pages. I continued reading.
I've fallen in love with the main character of this novel. It was a boy who developed feelings towards an older man. I've never heard of it before. It was an eye-opener for me. Love wasn't just for men and women but for different genders and even plants and animals.
"Okay." Harry sat on the chair opposite to me. He used his hand to support his chin and watched me with so much adoration in his ocean blue eyes. "You're so beautiful," he said.
"Hush. I'm reading," I whispered, though I couldn't help blushing every time he'd compliment me. Nobody had ever seen me the way he does before.
My father often sees me as a useless, empty-headed girl. He'd beat me up and abuse me, but still, despite everything he did to me, he was my father. I wouldn't be here; I wouldn't have met Harry and fallen in love with him if I didn't have a father. I couldn't really hate him that much. He was just another human being. He wasn't perfect and made a lot, a real lot, of mistakes. He must be very lonely in the jail right now. I've been planning to pay him a visit, but I've always been busy these days.
Finally, I finished reading the first long chapter. I closed the book and stood up. "We should get some rest," I said.
Harry stood up and wrapped his arms around me. "You really like to make me wait." He kissed my nape.
I could feel his heavy breaths on my skin. "You have to be patient with me," I reminded him.
"I know. I understand. We can't have a baby yet until we have our own house," he said. "That's why we're working hard."
Harry never forced me to make love with him, as he knew that I wasn't ready. I love him more for being so patient and understanding.
"I can wait a thousand years for you," he'd say.
"Thank you." I put the book on the shelves.
Harry and I went to bed.
The next day, I woke up to the sounds of the alarm clock above my head. Harry wasn't beside me anymore, so I stood up and went to the kitchen. The tantalizing aroma of freshly brewed coffee and freshly baked apple pie drifted to my nostrils.
"Good morning, babe," Harry greeted. He was wearing an apron and a smile as sweet as caramel. He looked so charming, and here I am; I felt like an ice cream put under the scalding sunlight. I melted right away. I almost fainted.
"Good morning," I replied. I continued to the sink and washed my face with soap. The bubbles floated in the water. I turned the faucet off and dried my face with the towel before going to the table.
It wasn't rare for Harry to wake up early and make breakfast. He does it almost every day, and when he can't, he tells me ahead at night. He didn't really have to do this. He just loves the idea of serving me like a princess, and he's my prince charming.
"What?" I asked as I noticed him smiling at me. It made me feel anxious.
"Nothing," he replied. "You're so beautiful. I can't stop admiring you."
I've lost count of how many times he said that phrase every day. Sometimes I got tired of saying thank you and just smiled every time he'd compliment me. I wonder if he'd still love me if I were no longer young and beautiful.
I sipped my brown coffee and bit the apple pie. Harry and I share our coffee every morning. Having him around makes the mundane magical, and time itself seems to dissipate in the background as if we were the only ones around. We often lost track of time in conversations.
Harry glanced at his worn-out watch, the last possession he hadn't sold when he was broke, and said, "Oh my, it's 7:30 already. We have to hurry up, or Uncle Simeon will get mad." He stood up and approached me. "Let's take a shower together."
"No!" I screamed as Harry suddenly carried me and walked toward the bathroom. "Put me down! Put me down! I'll fall." Though I've already fallen... Fallen in love with him.
"Relax, Georgia. Trust my biceps. I'll never let you go again," he said in a calm voice.
I took a deep breath to calm my nerves. He turned the knob and pushed the door open. We entered the bathroom and took a shower together.