Chapter 15
“’CARE TO share your thoughts with me?” Ingram whispered as we watched the raindrops through the glass door of our room which was connected to the balcony.
Ingram was standing beside the door as he carried me from behind. I requested it and he obliged willingly. I wanted to feel him and touch him at all times. I wanted to be assured that finally, I’m no longer alone. Finally, I have someone to be with. Finally, I have someone I could call my own.
To avoid our neighbors’ suspicions about Ingram’s unique lifestyle, I agreed to live with him in his mansion in Tanay, Rizal. Today was my first day in his place. He helped me unpacked my things in the master bedroom before he toured me around the mansion.
There were eight rooms in the mansion. I finally met the family he once talked about. It was his mentor Erasmus and Kiara, a former Seeker. I still feel flabbergasted until now. There were many things I needed to process. The world kept growing more and more for me every time I’d hear something new about the Vampire life Ingram led.
Even if Erasmus and Kiara were staying with us in the mansion, I didn’t mind. Because I could feel that they were nice people, too. Besides, Ingram’s place was so big that it would be hard for us to see each other. The master bedroom was on the third floor, while Kiara and Erasmus’ rooms were both on the ground floor. It was a good thing there was an elevator there.
Erasmus was playful while Kiara was reserved and quiet. Through them, I found out that the curse couldn’t be stopped or avoided even if Ingram ended up turning me into a Vampire. That’s why when the two saw me with Ingram, the happiness and worry on their faces cannot be denied. Still, they were very supportive.
Erasmus also caught my attention. He and Ingram were both tall, muscular, and good-looking. The first time I heard his name from Ingram, I had an odd feeling since I once heard that name from Ellen. And when I asked him if he knew a novelist named Ellen, he brightly smiled.
According to Erasmus, he already confessed his real identity to Ellen. The latter accepted him which made them a couple now. I was surprised but I have no qualms about it. It seems like Ellen and I have a lot of stories to share once we meet again. We just couldn’t do it for the meantime because just like me, she seemed to be busy in discovering this new world we just entered.
“Brianna?”
“I’ve been asking myself. What should we do now that our time is limited?” I whispered and held him tightly. “How am I supposed to start with this whole thing knowing that any moment, we could die? Three nights ago, when we became steady, I promised myself I’d never think about these things anymore. But after talking to Erasmus and Kiara, I finally felt the weight of our decision to be together. I was wondering if our remaining time is enough to live the kind of life that we both dream to have.” Ingram’s whole body tensed. Still, I continued. “How limited is our time? How would we die? When?”
“Are you having doubts now?” he asked in a low voice. “Do you regret that you came here with me? Do you regret that you chose me over a normal life with someone else? With someone who could give you things I couldn’t?”
“You gave me happiness, Ingram. And no other man could give me that except you. While watching the rain, I realized something. There isn’t really anything that I’d miss in my life now that I’m with you,” I replied and lovingly kissed Ingram on the cheek. “After my father’s death, the search for someone to love me again began. For the past years, I prayed for someone to love me as me. I prayed to have a home. I prayed for someone who could give shelter to my wandering heart. And then came you. You gave my heart a shelter when you loved me. You were the answer to my prayers, Ingram. I also realized just now that a human life was just like the rain. It’ll come and then it’ll disappear.
“It’s fleeting. That’s why my life was just like a rain shower. It doesn’t last. If my days are numbered, then I’d choose to love every day. I’d choose to celebrate life every day. And no, I don’t regret that I chose you. And I’m not going to regret ever, Ingram. Because we are not supposed to regret the things that made us happy.”
Ingram reached for my hands and gently squeezed them. “Every time you feel afraid, just remember that whatever happens, you won’t be alone. I’ll never leave you. You will never die alone, Brianna. I wouldn’t wait for three hundred years again for your return,” he said while shaking his head. “I’ve waited for so long and I wanted to rest, too. I don’t want to wait anymore. If you’d die, I’ll join you. I want to join your peace. We will travel into the unknown together, Brianna. But while we’re still alive, let’s make each moment worthwhile. Let’s begin with the things you want to do. What are they?”
“Hmm… let’s see. I want to visit Mama tomorrow. I want to try fixing things with her.” I sighed. “I want to talk to her, see her, and be there for her while I still can. Do you want to come with me? Let’s leave at lunch time. Don’t worry, that will be the last time we’d go out during the day,” I added quickly. “I want to introduce you to her, too. I didn’t have the chance to tell her about you back at the wedding.”
“That would be an honor, darling,” Ingram happily said. “I’d do everything that you ask me to. I only have one request.”
“What is it?”
“You said that every day, you’d celebrate life. Can we start that now? Let’s enjoy the moment now. Let’s celebrate now. Can we do that?”
“Yes,” I answered while trying to fight back the tears. To my surprise, Ingram opened the glass door and walked towards the balcony while still carrying me on his back. “What are you doing?”
“Enjoying the moment. Enjoying the rain.” In just a few seconds, we got drenched, but he didn’t mind. When he reached the end of the balcony, he suddenly hopped towards the garden.
My eyes widened out of amazement. I was still dizzy when he put me down near the huge, golden fountain which was at the center of the garden. Both of us were barefooted that’s why we could feel the Bermuda grass on our feet. We’re also in our nightclothes. Ingram was wearing white pajama and sando while I’m wearing his white shirt.
When I opened his closet to put my clothes in, I fondly wore one of his shirts. I will always remember the passion in his eyes upon seeing me with his shirt. That look in his eyes led us both to our bed. He made love to me again and again with that shirt on. I love it every time he makes me feel needed, wanted, and cherished.
We were about to go down the kitchen when it rained. That was the first time it rained when we’re together and we just somehow ended up watching it. And now, while we’re standing in the middle of the rain, I feel like we’ve both become little children who were still innocent about the ways of the world. Ingram took my hand and placed it on his right shoulder as he held the other. His arm encircled around my waist.
“You’re crazy!” I said while giggling when Ingram suddenly danced, but I went along. The wind and the raindrops became our music. I didn’t know it’d be possible to feel this… freed.
The night actually seemed scary especially with the rain. But the sense of threat beneath the night and the heavy rain even gave a tinge of thrill to our souls. I don’t think I’ve ever been this happy.
Ingram laughed and spun me around. And when he lifted me, I screamed out of surprise. But when I recovered, I found myself laughing. I looked up the sky, spread my arms, and welcomed the darkness like I did with the rain.
“I love you, Brianna Perez!” Ingram yelled which echoed around the garden.
“These noisy brats! May the wind blow you away!” Erasmus yelled back. When we turned towards his balcony, we caught him looking at us. He was shaking his head while smiling as if he was only indulging us.
I was still giggling when I faced Ingram. “I love you, too, Ingram Wilson,” I said before I caressed his cheeks and kissed him with all the love in my heart. I felt him smile between our kisses.
Ah, this is love. Why did I ever hesitate before? This is the meaning of life...It’s living while you have the chance.