Chapter VII A Weekend and a Five-Minute Getaway

An uneventful week passed.

For John Lloyd, it meant there was no talk of tortoise. For Sarah, it was John Lloyd just sitting quietly beside her, while they watched old movies oh her DVR.

All was peaceful.

Well, except those times that they bickered about food and having too much of it. When Johnlloyd insisted that he would order their food, Sarah was shocked to find more than ten dishes on their table. She accused him of wasting his money. He accused her of not being grateful.

Her father and their help were with them during that lunch so they could not fight out in the open, but once they left for an errand, she made sure that John Lloyd eat all the food.

John Lloyd was all too happy to oblige. Finishing the food meant two things. He’d get so full and die of gluttony, or if he didn’t die, he could stay in Sarah’s place well into the evening. He liked the latter very very much.

Sarah smiled to herself when she remembered that day. When her father came home that night, he sat with them and ate the remaining chicken. There was no food left so John Lloyd had no more excuse to stay.

Yet, Sarah knew if John Lloyd asked her father if he could stay longer, her dad would not say no. She noticed that both her parents, especially her dad had been extra lenient to her since they found out about her heart condition.

So, she was only slightly surprised when John Lloyd told her of his plans for the weekend.

“Start packing.” He clapped, telling her to hurry.

“Why? Where AM I going?”

“WE ARE. We’re going to Beijing.” He flashed her a wide grin.

“Why? And why do I need to pack?”

He circled her, before he answered her. They were in the kitchen.

“Because, we’ll spend the weekend in Beijing.” A wink.

“What?! Dad—“

“Tito already said yes. You wouldn’t think I’d take you there without asking for his permission first, would you?” He gave a naughty smile.

“Or wouldn’t you? What? Did you think I ---- tsk. Tsk. Sarah! I never thought you could be that---“ John Lloyd started teasing her.

Sarah didn’t let him finish. She knew her face was on fire, so she turned the faucet and splashed him with water before she ran toward her bedroom.

“Unfair! I’ll get you one of these days.” John Lloyd said to her retreating back. He gave a hearty laugh.

Life was perfect during that five-minute exchange.



It took them only 30 minutes to reach the Guangzhou airport. Five minutes in the airport when they had their first weekend fight. One of the many they would have in the next two days they spent in Beijing.

The flight attendant flirted with John Lloyd, and he flirted back. As claimed by Sarah.

When he noticed that she became quiet, he knew something was wrong. When he questioned her, she said everything was okay but turned away from him.

When the male flight attendant passed by, Sarah asked for a bottled water. Her smile was a bit longer than necessary. At least for John Lloyd.

They were quiet during the remaining time of the flight. Few minutes before touchdown, John Lloyd held Sarah’s hand.

And they fought again when they could not get a taxi.

“Why can’t they understand what I’m saying?” John Lloyd was getting frustrated, as the third taxi drove off because the driver could not understand what he said in English.

Sarah was just laughing beside him. The more he got irritated, the louder her laugh became.

After 30 minutes, she was still giggling and John Lloyd was more annoyed, they finally got a taxi. Sarah couldn’t stop her giggles from time to time.

John Lloyd got his revenge when they reached their destination.

Hotel. He booked them in one room, he told her.

“ No, get another room.” She stomped her foot like a kid.

“No available room.” He said with a straight face.

“If you don’t believe me, try asking the receptionist.”

“I plan to do that.”

“Ok, i’ll go to my room now. I’ll see you later.”

“What?! You’ll leave me here?”

“You don’t want to share the room with me, so get your room.” John Lloyd made a step to where the elevator was.

“Had I known--- I shouldn’t have come. You!” Sarah hissed at him.

John Lloyd knew he reached her limit, so dangled the two electronic cards for her to see.

“Gotcha! Ha ha”

Sarah reached for the card and pinched him at his side.

John Lloyd smiled. He was in a happy place. His world was perfect in those five minutes.



Sarah stuck out her tongue at him before she closed her own room. His was just next to hers.

John Lloyd opened his door, placed his overnight bag on his bed, and knocked at the adjoining room before opening it.

“Hello” John Lloyd smiled at Sarah’s surprised look.

She took a second look at the door that he just opened, before she closed her mouth.

“You didn’t think I’d allow you to stay alone in a room in a foreign country? There’s no way I would do that.” He sat on her bed.

“I’m a little bit worried about my safety though.” He teased her.

She threw a pillow at him, full at his face.

Sarah’s heart leapt. It was perfect happiness, those five minutes.






-------
Enjoy the moment, every moment, when you love.

6.2 Mitral Valve Prolapse and Facebook

John lloyd planked down on his bed.

He had been with several women, but Sarah proved to be the toughest and the craziest. Women! So hard to figure out.

Each time he declared his feelings, she would talk about the weirdest things. It was icedrop then. Now, it’s tortoise! How the heck could he understand what she was trying to say when all she did was talk in riddles?

Crazy woman.

Stubborn.

Tortoise.

Crazy.

He fumed a few more. He pushed from his bed and opened his laptop.

When arguing didn’t work with Sarah, he found another way to voice out his point. Facebook.

He had no interest in facebook, but he discovered that Sarah now frequented it and would often post how her day went by and how she felt. So, he asked her to make him an account. She was the only friend he had in his facebook. He didn’t see any point of adding others.

He started typing. One finger, one key at a time.

Facebook status:

Miggy Montenegro

I invited someone for dinner, but got refused. I just wanted a good dinner, what’s wrong with that? :/

Like - - 5 minutes ago

Refreshed.

Princess Asher

I explained my side to someone, was told I was crazy.

Like- - 4 mintes ago via Mobile

Look at this woman. John Lloyd complained to himself.

Miggy Montenegro

When someone declare themselves to be a character in Batibot, when you’re actually asking how they feel towards you, would that be reasonable? Brain problem, bebeko? Tsk. Tsk.

Like - - 7 minutes ago

Refreshed.

Ticktock.

Refreshed.

Ticktock.

Refreshed.

Princess Asher

It’s Mitral Valve Prolapse. Heart.

Like- - 2 minutes ago via Mobile

John Lloyd left his laptop on his bed and ran straight to Sarah’s place.

She opened the door for him.

He hugged her. She didn’t struggle to get out of it. He hugged her more tightly.

“Let’s not fight today, please.” He said to her ears.

“Okay. I’m sorry.” She said in a small voice.

They stayed that way. Just hugging.

“You really didn’t get my point.”

“Hmmm?”

“About me being a tortoise.”

“Should I?” John lloyd looked at her inquiringly.

“If you ask me again the same question, that would still be my answer. That I’m a tortoise.”

“I feel like I missed a class where they discussed the Batibot era.” John Lloyd tried to make light of the situation. All the while he was thinking he was missing something really important here. In a way he understood Sarah, and the way she dealt with things.

Tortoise.

“Let’s not talk about tortoise tonight. I’m hungry.” He felt his stomach grumbled and made a sound.

“I know.” Sarah laughed.

“Let’s eat.”

“Let’s have pizza.”

“Pizza, it is!” John lloyd readily agreed and dialed the number of the Pizza delivery.

***

Princess Asher

Ok, just when my heart was craving for pizza, the pizza delivery boy came. J

Like- - 3 minutes ago

Refreshed.

Miggy Montenegro

Just when I was needing a good fight, a door opened cuz somebody needed a hug and pizza. Goodnight bebeko. J

Like - - 2 minutes ago

-------------

I figured, before the really big fight, there must be a kiss & make-up first. lol

And btw, my youngest sister has Mitral Valve Prolapse and she's better now. :)

Chapter VI : Hearts in hoodies and Tortoises

6.1

“What do you want?”

“I want you to go back to the Philippines.”

“Not in the menu. What else?” John Lloyd grinned from across her.

He had been bugging Sarah what she wanted to eat for dinner since nine o’clock that morning. Now it was right after lunch. He had lunch with them. Not an unusual scene for more than three weeks now, eversince John Lloyd decided to occupy the apartment in the same floor where Sarah and her father were staying.

“I don’t want anything. Oh, I don’t want you here.” Sarah insisted. Again, her daily dialogue to John Lloyd.

“My choice, not yours. So, you want to go out? Let’s go to Macau! Let’s have dinner there.” He winked at her.

They once tried it. From Guangzhou, they crossed the border to go to Macau. They realized that Filipinos easily recognized them so they had to travel incognito, which made the trip all the more interesting.

John Lloyd particularly enjoyed the fact that he had to practically hug Sarah all through out the trip under their hoodies. The only times that they got separated were when they were seated at their table in one of the restaurants in Venetian hotel, and when each had to go to the comfort room.

That was their first time to go out on their own. And there had been no second time yet. Today, John Lloyd just burst it out that he wanted to dine out.

“Come on, Bebeko. We’ve been boring ourselves in this apartment for like forever now. Let’s go out again.”

“Don’t call me Bebeko.” Sarah parroted herself. Part of their everyday argument was that John Lloyd just put it to his heart that they had a relationship, and she was his bebeko.

“Of course you are.” Another good looking grin.

“Of course, I AM NOT. And no, I don’t want to go out and have dinner with you. I’m perfectly fine where I am. Not bored here. Since you’re bored, go home already.” Sarah kept her arms around her.

John Lloyd reached out and tickled her knees.

“Stop it. I’m serious here. Go back to the philippines.”

“don’t want.”

“You do. You have to.”

John lloyd didn’t argue back as he usually did. After a moment, he asked in a serious tone.

“Why?”

“Why what? Why, you have to go back home?”

“Why do you keep on pushing me away?”

“I’m not. Your work is there. Your family too.”

“I’ve already explained to you that I’m on a two month vacation, so no problem with work. My family is ok with this. So, what is the problem, really?”

Sarah had no argument ready. How could she explain how she really felt? How could she tell him her fears? That she was afraid to commit herself to him, especially now, she realized. She was not that confident of his feelings for her. What if it was just pity? Kindness being camouflaged in love? That he himself was also not sure, or aware of. He bid goodbye to her already. And he just sought her once he knew her situation. What if he regretted his decision? What if he just realized one day that he didn’t love her after all?

Just the thought of it brought a slight pierce of pain to her heart, that she winced.

“Are you okay?” John Lloyd was immediately at his feet. He held her hands. Worry etched at his face.

“I’m okay.” Sarah took a deep breath.

“Do you want to go to the hospital?”

“OA ha. I said I’m okay.” Sarah stood up, and walked towards the closed verandah. She needed the space away from John Lloyd so she could think straight.

Stop messing with my head. She almost said it aloud.

“I’m okay Idan. You heard what the doctor said. All I need is rest.”

One reason also why she was in China was a family friend recommended a good doctor there. As it turned out, he was really good. He explained to them her case. He said that through proper rest and right medicines, her misaligned valve could be cured, and she would be fit again in no time. No need for any operation. She could even go back to work. But, of course she had to change her old workstyle.

Her last scan showed improvements. She herself observed that she rarely had palpitations. Most times, she would even forget that she had a heart condition.

Today was not one of those times, though. Sarah could feel that her heart was in a race as she listened to John lloyd.

“ I want to be with you. What’s the problem with that? Why do I have to get hurt, just because I want to be near you?”

“I’m not trying to hurt you. I’m not pushing you away. I’m not---” She stopped what she was saying.

“Then, what are you doing? You never say why. You never explain. We just go around in circles.” John Lloyd looked at her intensely.

Sarah looked at him.

“Because I’m a tortoise. And I’m guessing I also need a tortoise in my life.” Sarah burst out.

Blank face from John lloyd.

“What?” Confused look this time.

“That’s my explanation. I’m a tortoise.”

“What kind of explanation is that?!”

“See! You don’t even know what I’m talking about.”

“What the?! Did you hear what you just said Sarah? I ask you why you’re pushing me away, and your answer is that you’re a tortoise.” John Lloyd looked annoyed now.

“Well, that’s all I’m gonna say.”

“Are you crazy?”

“No, I’m a tortoise.” Sarah insisted. Now, she could look straight at his eyes.

John Lloyd just looked back at her. Feeling helpless. After awhile, he stood up and went out of the apartment. Sarah guessed he would go to his own place.

Sarah gulped a big heap of air once he was gone.

She was finally able to explain her fears without revealing too much. It was his turn to figure it out. Even she couldn’t believe that she came up with that crazy explanation. That she was a tortoise.

Toirtoise could live more than a million years.

She heard that line in her favorite Japanese TV drama. She watched it a few times here in China. She loaned her DVD to John Lloyd.

“Tortoise lives the longest. And needs love that stays the longest. Not the kind that is fleeting.” The female character said. Sarah had never forgotten.

She was a tortoise. She needed a love that could promise forever.

And it seemed that John Lloyd had not watched the DVD yet.

--------

Sorry guys, but she really is a tortoise. haha

Write your comments please, so I'd know how you think of my stories. Thank you.

5. 2 Kisses and Butterflies.

If the world could be defined by just one word, it would have to be “kiss”. The thought shamelessly ran through Sarah’s mind.

There was a tingling sensation somewhere inside her. She was sure a live butterfly was flapping its wings, she just could not place exactly where. She felt warmth all over but she vaguely remembered turning on the airconditioning that morning.

She started to feel like she was floating. Tentatively, she moved her hands. He tighten his hold of her. A small sigh escaped her. John Lloyd deepened the kiss.

She really was floating now. The thought passed through her mind as she felt her chest heave high, needing oxygen. She tried to move closer, seeking her source of breath. Of Life. John Lloyd tighten his hold.

The bulb switched on. In her head.

Sarah stepped back. She pushed John Lloyd.

“Wait. Let me hold you for a few more seconds.” He whispered in her ears.

“ If I let you go i’m afraid I might break into pieces.”

He was breathing heavily. Or was it her own breath that she was hearing? She felt feverish. She put her hands in front of her. John lloyd tried to catch them but Sarah’s knees wobbled. She almost fell down.

Without another word, John Lloyd picked her up in his arms and deposited her on the couch.

They just remained that way for God knew how long. It could be hours or just a minute. With Sarah lying on the couch, and John Lloyd seated beside her, holding her hand. Neither of them unwilling to break the silence.

Is this how couples are after they make love? They just hold hands, and be quiet and happy? Sarah thought. The picture John lloyd and she made sure looked like her dogs after a satisfying meal. They lay on the floor and slept. Sarah started to smile to herself.

“Why?”

“Huh?”

“Why are you smiling? What’s going on in that little head of yours?” John Lloyd smiled at her.

“Oh. I’m thinking of dogs.” Her smile widened. It reached her eyes. Then she burst out laughing.

“What?”

Sarah had no chance to explain. She started to feel the now familiar pains in her chest. She tried to calm herself by taking deep breaths. Sarah saw the panic in John lloyd’s face.

“What’s wrong? Where do you hurt?” The panic was in his voice too.

Sarah closed her eyes. Brain freeze. Brain freeze. He’s here. John lloyd is here. Brain freeze.

“I’m okay. I just need to rest.” She said in between gulps of breath.

She did not forget to take her medicine that morning. There were times that she would get tired and experience palpitations. Her doctor said, she merely had to relax and try to breathe evenly. She would be okay in a few minutes.

She just felt bad that John lloyd had to see her shameful display of weakness. She felt sad that she had to hear that fear in his voice as he tried to comfort her.

Her strength left her. She suddenly felt so exhausted. Her breathing was becoming even, but another form of pain started. A different kind.

The door opened. Her dad came.

Sarah felt the sting of tears in her eyes. She excused herself and went to her bedroom, where she stayed the whole afternoon.

***

There was a fine drizzle outside. The wind was colder than usual. The dusk in Guangzhou had settled in.

John lloyd was alone in the midst of a rushing crowd. He kept walking. He needed it.

Sarah’s father chose to tell him the truth.

Sarah was sick. It was a heart condition. The initial findings of the doctors showed that there was a problem in one of the heart valves. Though it was not dangerous, but Sarah would still need to rest. If she would not stop, then it could be fatal.

John lloyd’s heart skipped a beat when he heard that. And it had not beat its normal since then. He went outside and had not stopped walking.

A church’s bell made its way to his ears. He looked up and saw the small church in front of him.

He could not remember the last time that he actually prayed. His eyes sought the cross on top of it.

“Please.” John lloyd whispered. He groped but couldn't find the words.

“God, please.” He begged.

He felt hot tears run through his face, but he did not bother. He just stood there for a long time.

***

“He hasn’t come back.” Her father volunteered as Sarah came out of her room.

Her eyes automatically zeroed in at John Lloyd’s bag now seated at one of the kitchen chairs. Before her father could say another word, they both heard the doorbell. Her father answered the door. Sarah stayed rooted on her spot.

“Where did you go? You’re dripping wet.” Sarah’s dad scolded John Lloyd.

“I wanted to experience rain here in China.” John Lloyd smiled sheepishly.

“Have you had your dinner? Can I use your CR first?” He hurriedly went on.

Sarah’s father pointed to the door near the kitchen. John Lloyd passed by Sarah and smiled at her.

“Hi pretty.”

He opened the door and looked at them .

“I’m occupying the next apartment, but I haven’t had time to go to the grocery yet. I hope it’s okay if I have dinner here tonight. I haven’t eaten anything since last night. ”

His face broke into a smile. He winked at Sarah and closed the door.

A giant butterfly flapped its giant wings in Sarah’s stomach. It sure was a live one, and really large. She thought.

--------

I wanted to change the title to "Kisses and Butterflies, without Tongues" ... hahaha

ps. please post your comments/ suggestions.. thanks!

Chapter V: Brain Freeze and Ice Drop

5.1.

A month had passed.

Topic of Sarah and why she suddenly quit was still a random part of everyday conversation. The whole country was altogether shocked and bewildered. She was at the top of her career. There were different speculations. Some said she was pregnant. But with whom? She was not seeing anybody. So, people doubted and the pregnant issue started to die down. Her parents and management kept mum about Sarah’s reason and whereabouts. Only a letter was read that Sarah asked for an indefinite leave for health reason, but no specifics were mentioned.

John Lloyd wondered but he did not ask. He made his decision. He already said goodbye. He chose not to be part of her life anymore. He was not--would not be affected. His heart was dead.

“Have you heard from Sarah?” Luis asked him.

He shook his head and made himself busy with his cellphone.

“I heard she’s in China.”, continued Luis.

“And sick.” Randolph said behind them.

Luis and John Lloyd looked at him. Their show ended and others had already left. Apparently, Randolph opted to hang around a bit.

“What do you mean?” John Lloyd couldn’t stop himself from asking.

“That’s as far as I can tell you. I made a promise.” Randolph shrugged his shoulders and left.

John Lloyd was frozen at his seat for a full minute before he suddenly grabbed his bag and ran outside, leaving Luis who could only call after him.

***

It was not his first time in China, but John Lloyd was feeling lost even before the plane landed in Guangzhou.

When he heard that she was sick, he felt numbed and cold. Then, he went through all kinds of emotions. Anger and pain were the loudest. He did not think. He could not process. He only knew he had to see Sarah. So he drove to her house and begged her brother for her address.

He only had a bag with him. An address in hand and a heart full of fears.

The airport’s taxi brought him to Sarah’s apartment. He paid the driver. The Chinese driver said something in broken English but John Lloyd was out of the taxi, and not paying anymore attention. He ran towards the hall and looked for the elevator.

His felt his heart lodged somewhere in his throat.

“Come on!” John Lloyd said impatiently.

He pushed the button again, willing the elevator to come faster.

The elevator was empty. He rushed inside. It was the longest 15-second-elevator ride in his life.

***

Sarah was alone. She stood beside the window of her apartment looking out at the other buildings outside. Her decision to go to Guangzhou was sudden, but she never regretted it. Only few peple recognized her here.

It was not easy leaving everything behind but it was necessary. It was what her heart needed.

Her work was breaking her. Her heart was not strong enough.

She stiffened. A familiar onslaught of emotion made her dizzy.

Never a day would pass by that she would not go back and hear John Lloyd’s last words to her. Each time she remembered, she was reminded she still had her heart, beating but dying.

She slowly sat down, and willed herself to think of happy thoughts. Doctor’s advice. Some days she could almost do it. Most days, she just froze her mind.

Sarah closed her eyes and thought of an icedrop.

“Brain freeze.” She kept repeating the words to herself.

The doorbell rang.

Sarah wanted to ignore it but it was so persistent. Lazily she went to the door and looked at the door monitor at her left. She was not sure how her heart survived it, but there he was. John Lloyd was just outside her door.

She closed her eyes. All those brain freeze exercises finally made her crazy, she thought. She was now having hallucinations. She would have to think of a different exercise, she planned.

She opened her eyes again. John Lloyd was still there.

Her world stopped.

Another ring brought Sarah back to her senses. With trembling hands, she turned the doorknob and opened the door. She was not ready for the anger that met her.

“What the hell is your problem?!” John Lloyd shouted.

“I’m not ---“ Sarah didn’t know what to say.

“And why can’t you live in the first floor? Why does it have to be in the 7th?!”

John Lloyd barged in, put his bag down on the floor and faced her. He was ready for a fight. She was not.

“Well, come in.” Sarah attempted a smile.

“What is wrong with you Sarah? What were you thinking?!” His tone was not amused. Sparks of anger shooting out of his eyes.

“Icedrop.”

“What?” John Lloyd suddenly looked bewildered.

“Icedrop. I was thinking of icedrop before you came.” Sarah explained.

Nothing made sense to her. Why was he here? Didn’t he say goodbye already? Why the anger? She felt lost. The only thing that made sense was the thought of icedrop.

“I was thinking of going out to buy icedrop. I’ve been dreaming of it since last week.” She rambled on.

“I just don’t know where to buy. There’s a ministore downstairs, they probably have it. Do you think it would taste the same?” She couldn’t stop talking. She was afraid to stop.

John Lloyd looked at her. And with no warning, he took quick steps and closed the short distance between them.

He pulled her towards him.

“Let’s go down---“

“Shut up.” He said, kissed her full in the mouth, effectively stopping her from uttering another word.

It was not their first kiss. But it was their first real kiss.

Sarah’s world went spinning.

----------

Happy dreaming in the world of icedrop and kisses.
In my head, I can see the scene after the kiss, but i'll let you imagine first. *wink*

Chapter IV: Yes, Heart pains and Goodbyes

4.1.

Until The Last Goodbye.

It was raining that morning. The day was cast with darkness. John Lloyd felt a painful tug at his heart, somehow warning him that starting that morning, nothing was going to go right. Not that day. Not in his future.

Finally. It’s over. He was not going to hope or think of her anymore. John Lloyd made that decision. He chose to forget that one time he believed in true love. He chose to erase Sarah in his life. In his future. He was going to move on. He was not going to think about real dreams nor attempt to hope for them. Period. End. Finito.

It had been a week since his last call to Sarah.

The calls had been regular for months. Mostly, it was an innocent hi and hello, and how are you. He tried not to expect anything. Not even after his break-up with his former girlfriend. It was Sarah’s choice. There were times when he would attempt to introduce the topic of dating, she would laugh it off and change the topic. One time, she even abruptly ended the call, with the excuse that she had to go to bed early that night. After that, John lloyd stopped trying. He just enjoyed whatever it was they had. Until, a week ago.

He saw her talking to another actor. They were in the dressing room of ASAP, talking seriously. When they saw him, they suddenly stopped. The other actor left. John lloyd did not say anything. Sarah nervously smiled at him.

Since then, he did not make any calls.

He decided as he pressed the keys, the call he would make now would be his last.

“Hello.” It was a hesitant voice at the other line. Sarah’s.

John Lloyd closed his eyes for a few seconds before he said what had been a script in his head. He had to make it right.

“I have something to tell you. I don’t wanna say it through just a phone call. But I know, you won’t agree to meet, so—“.

Sarah interrupted him. “It’s okay. Let’s meet.”

John Lloyd was silent for a few seconds. He couldn’t make out what Sarah said. He was not ready for that. Finally, he said ok. They set the time and place.

***

He opened the door for her. He offered a few options where they could talk but Sarah said his car would be better. He parked at the farthest corner of the ABS-CBN car park.

The car was filled with a pregnant silence. Neither of them was brave enough to break it. John Lloyd was just looked outside, seeing nothing in particular. He could hear Sarah took several deep breaths beside him. He looked at her. She started to say something but stopped. Another deep breath. Long silence again.

“You want me to start?” John lloyd asked. His mind now ready, almost. His resolve, wobbling but remained intact.

Sarah took a quick glance at him then nodded. Her hands at her lap, holding her cellphone.

“Thank you Sarah, but I don’t think we can be friends anymore.” John Lloyd said. His voice with a note of finality.

Those were the last words he said while he was alive. He felt he breathed his last. His world stopped.

John Lloyd remembered only vaguely what followed. Sarah said something incoherent. Cleared her throat and said “Thank you.” Next thing John Lloyd knew, she was out of the car and walking towards her van.

A week later, he heard she did not renew her contract in ABS-CBN.

The week after that, Luis told him Sarah decided to quit showbizness for no clear reason.

***

4.2.

Shattered hope

Her heart was weak. Her doctor advised that she take full rest. Or it could be fatal.

Sarah had been experiencing pains in her chest. The most recent happened during her commercial shoot with Randolph. She was secretly rushed to the nearest hospital. Randolph was with her. He heard what the doctor said. She asked that he keep it to themselves.

It was a month ago.

Earlier that day, he kept convincing her to tell her parents or at least tell John Lloyd. Randolph was aware of the special friendship that she shared with the actor. He told her it would be much better to share her burden. She was not ready yet. She was afraid that once she told someone else, it would be real. That was when John Lloyd found them arguing. Randolph did not push the issue and just left.

A week later, John Lloyd called Sarah to talk.

Sarah decided she was ready now. She was still fearful, but John Lloyd would be there for her. Even as just a friend.

She had been ready to say “Yes” to him, at least to dating him. But after his last invite, he did not say anything about it ever again.

She couldn’t blame him. When he said “Let’s date.” , she panicked and hung up. She waited for him to bring it up again in one of their nightly calls. He never did. Then, John Lloyd just stopped calling, until that rainy morning.

With her heart in her mouth, Sarah said yes. She would meet and talk to him.

The wholeday passed by in a blur. Her insides, churning with nervousness. When she went inside John Lloyd’s car, her knees woobled and almost gave her away.

She could hear her heart. She looked at John Lloyd, and wondered if it was too loud that he could hear it also. He was quiet. She became more nervous, her hands felt clammy at her lap.

Sarah knew what she wanted to say.

That she was sorry. And she was thankful that he waited for him. She was ready to tell him that the doctor told her that her heart was weak. She was afraid. But she also wanted to say that her heart had been ready for him a long time ago. If the invititation still stood, she would say yes. And if he thought it was not unfair that he continue to love her, her answer was yes also.

She started to speak but her voice faltered.

“You want me to start?” John Lloyd spoke into the silence.

Sarah braced herself for what was to come and nodded.

“Thank you Sarah, but I don’t think we can be friends anymore.”

She was assaulted with the most painful blow she had ever experienced.

Sarah died that day. Her heart beat its last.




--------
at 2o'clock in the morning, i heard Sarah's yes and John Lloyd's goodbye.

Kasalanan ng K-movie yan hehe.

Chapter III: 3.1. Ringtones and Forgiveness

There was only silence for one whole forever year.

Their last talk was painful. But the silence that followed it, that was death for her.

She learned to go through life with only quick deep breaths as she tried to ride the pain. Every day. Every minute. Every second.

That night, when she was taking her longest deep breath, he broke the silence.

There was that tone again. At first, she thought she was humming it in her head. She sometimes found herself doing that, just before her quick relief of deep breath. But this time, the ringing was incessant.

With her heart in her mouth, she pressed the key.

“Hello”

Does her voice sound hesitant? Afraid? Does it sound just normal? Sarah thought. I’m hurting. Why just now? Why call me again? Her heart was also participating in the conversation.

Silence at the other end.

She waited. A few more seconds.

“Hello.” Her hand gripping the phone.

Another second. Her heart outside her chest now. She opened her mouth again, not sure of what she wanted to do.

Click.

Line was dead.

She felt her heart squeezed. She thought she was past another death. Apprarently, she was not. She could feel a big fist squeezing her heart, the pain was like another death.

She took a quick deep breath.

***

One week.

One month.

Each day, she survived the pain by the quick deep breaths that she took.

Sarah had not seen John Lloyd since the last ASAP production number they had. She had not talked to him. He was silent. And it was hurting her.

The pain was always coupled with frustration. She knew if she had chosen him, she wouldn’t be hurting this way. When she decided she was not ready for him yet, Sarah knew the consequence of that. She even expected it in a way. That he could fall for someone else. But there was that hope. Her heart hoped that John Lloyd could wait until she was ready.

He could not. He did not wait. He fell for another girl, who was pretty, and talented, and who was ready to be in a relationship that he was offering.

That was painful.

Yet, Sarah continued to hope. Her faith in what they had never wavered. Oh, sometimes she would succeed in convincing herself that everything had changed and it was time to let go and move on. For a few days. Or a few hours. Then, her heart would give a painful squeeze reminding herself of what she missed, of what she wished for. And Sarah would utter a prayer. Her faith still in love.

So she continued to wait.

And that was frustrating.

It rang again. The tone seemed shrilly this time, as if very eager to break the silence.

Sarah was in her room. She looked at the phone. Her heart jumping outside her chest once again.

She let it ring for a few more seconds before picking it up. This time she did not breathe at all.

“Hello” Sarah heard her voice. Steady, but louder than what she prefered it to be.

“Hello Sarah, it’s Idan--It's John Lloyd” A voice from the other end said.

Silence.

John Lloyd had finally said hello. He was talking to her again. But Sarah didn’t know what to say. She was not breathing yet. Should she take a deep breath first? She felt her heart gave a tiny squeeze.

“Sarah?” John Lloyd asked from the other end.

“I know. It’s your number." Sarah answered.

"It’s our ringtone.” She murmured.

One long big gulp of breath, not quick ones. She closed her eyes.

“How are you?” She quickly said.

Sarah felt John Lloyd’s smile even before he answered. “Thank you.”

“Yeah.” Lame, but how does she answer that? She bopped herself. Sarah understood its meaning. That was for still remembering and acknowledging the tone. Should she just pretend otherwise?

“I have so many things that I’d like to tell you that i don’t know where to start. I’ve made a script in my head so I could be coherent when i talk to you, but words are failing me now." John Lloyd confessed, words trying to get past one another.

“Now, I just want to say thank you. Thank you for still talking to me. Thank you for ---Oh God, I missed you!” He told her.

Sarah looked down where her heart was supposed to be. Checking if it was still there or if it had run somewhere already, because that was how her heart was feeling right now. Her heart was running. She had to take quick deep breaths again, for her heart’s sake.

“Sarah, I missed you. And i’m still also using our ringtone”

He didn’t say it, but Sarah heard it nevertheless. She heard him say “I’m sorry for hurting you.”

“I shouldn’t be telling you that but..”

Sarah made a decision. She cut him off. “Let’s not talk about that now, maybe tomorrow or next week. But not now. Tell me about your new movie.”

Sarah smiled and lay down on her bed. Ready for a long night talk.

:)

---------------------
Thank you ate A for that article Buntong Hininga.. :)

Chapter II: 2.5. A piece of John Lloyd's heart

John lloyd took his time in walking. There was only a lonely house which was waiting for him that night.

Compared to other days, he felt he missed her the most today. He saw her again in ASAP.

He thought once he saw Sarah, he would be okay. He tried to convince himself. Just one look. He would be okay. But that was a lie. He missed her more.

He took a bottle of wine and a glass from a cabinet. He needed something to relax his nerves. He paused before the pictures on the piano, then took the stairs to go up to his room.

John Lloyd did not bother with the lights. There was the light coming from outside, pouring in through his bedroom window. That was enough for him.

He sat down on his bed, about to pour wine to his glass, when he saw it. It was a piece of paper. Even without looking, he knew what was written there.

“ There’s always sunshine after the rain. “

He kept all the notes that Laida gave to Miggy. That one was his favorite.

John lloyd put the bottle and his glass at his bedside table and took the note. He had read it more than a hundred times already, but he really didn’t get tired of reading it. It still never failed to bring a smile to his lips.

Minutes had passed but John lloyd stayed that way, not moving. Just looking at the note. Smiling.

He reached for his cellphone, and pressed a key to dial. His heart beating fast.

“Hello” a voice answered. John Lloyd smiled.

---------
Darn! Why do i find it easy to write about Lloydie?! :)

Chapter II: 2.4. His Mother’s Heart

She was just standing there. Staring at the pictures. Smiling at some of them. This was where she found herself right after she changed her clothes.

Mommy Aida and her husband, Daddy Chito went to watch ASAP live that Sunday. Her sister came with them. It was not their first time to see the show, but for Mommy Aida this Sunday was different.

She didn’t know if she would be happy or be sad to see her. The TV plug said that the princess was back. Sarah was back, and Mommy Aida had a chance to see her.

As a mother, she was not unaware of the changes her son had since he worked with Sarah in a movie.

She noticed that John Lloyd became happier. He smiled a lot. He would just literaly light up whenever he would talk about her. When he would say her name. Sarah.

Mommy Aida liked her. She liked her not for her son, at first. She was her favorite. She had a fondness for the girl. But when John Lloyd and Sarah did their first movie, it was inevitable that Mommy Aida fell in love with her.

Sarah was the girl any mother would hope for her son to marry. There were times that she almost directly told John Lloyd. But she knew her place. After all, it was still his son’s choice. So, all she could do was watch in the background and hope.; and keep little souvenirs. Just like the one she was holding.

She stared at the keychain in her hand. It was a souvernir from a movie that John Lloyd did a year ago. The fans gave it to them when they watched during the premier night. It was really not a concious effort on her part to keep it, but she put it in the box in their room. That was where it stayed , up until she opened that box earlier that evening when they got home.

The keychain had a picture of John lloyd and Sarah.

She sadly smiled to herself. She sighed.

She missed seeing them together.

It had been a year already, and Mommy Aida knew her son well enough to see that he was still struggling. John lloyd might be in a relationship, yet she knew her son. She knew his heart. Even if he didn’t talk about it.

Despite the fact that she never really asked, Mommy Aida knew that John Lloyd, her Idan loved a girl whose name was Sarah but he chose to be with someone else. A mystery even to Mommy Aida.

It was heartbreaking to see them all together that afternoon when they had their production number in ASAP.

Sarah, John Lloyd, and the girl he was with.

Mommy Aida watched how John Lloyd’s eyes followed her. She could see how much he wanted to go to Sarah but couldn’t. She could see the pain in his eyes, and the longing to talk to her. She could do nothing but just watch.

It was her son’s life. It was his decision.

Her husband elbowed her. Mommy Aida didn’t notice that she was starting to tear up. She looked at the floor, afraid she would embarass herself by really crying. She tried to compose herself. When she looked up, and there was Sarah coming toward them.

She was smiling.

This was not the first time they met. They had talked in several ocassions. And each time Mommy Aida saw her, a thought would pass her mind.

This is the girl I want as my daughter-in-law. The girl I want for my son.

Sarah said hi. Mommy Aida just hugged her tight. She missed her. She adored her.

It was a brief moment, but she was happy to see that Sarah had remained the sweet girl that she knew. She started to hope again that there was still the future for John lloyd and Sarah.

That hope brought her to where she was now.

She looked around. The place was tidy enough. She looked at the pictures at the piano. She again looked at the keychain at her hand. She was about to go when she heard the sound of a car.

John lloyd was home.

She hurried to open the door.

A surprise look registered at John Lloyd’s face. He wondered what his mother was doing in his house at that time of the night.

“Yes, mommy?” John Lloyd asked as he alighted from his car. He drove himself home. It was already late in the evening and he had come from a quick dinner with some of his old buddies, after ASAP.

“I was actually waiting for you. Have you had your dinner already?” His mother asked.

It had been almost two years since he started living on his own. Though his parents’ house was just across to where his house was, still it felt different. He had been used to times like this, when his parents would wait up for him. His mother especially. But that was also the reason why he decided to move out. With his kind of work, schedules were very erratic. He didn’t want his parents to worry. Also, he knew he needed the privacy. His parents could be the most intuitive individuals on earth. Though they would not ask him directly, there were those looks that they would often threw at him.

“I’m okay.” He replied. “Is everything ok? Are you okay? Why wait up?” Worried tone in his voice.

“Nothing, i just thought I’d wait for you.” Mommy Aida smiled.

“It’s late already. Aren’t you tired yet?”

“I was about to go when you got here.” She explained as she went inside the house again, with John Lloyd following her. She went straight to the refrigerator and poured a glass of water for him.

John Lloyd was now seated in the couch in the sala, looking exhausted. His eyes closed. Mommy Aida let a few seconds pass before she approached him with the glass of water. He looked up. John lloyd saw the glass. He also saw a question in his mother’s eyes.

“Why are you here really?” He asked.

Mommy Aida let him drink first before she said anything.

“You’re tired. You should get some rest. I’m going now.” She said as she walked toward the door.

“Wait, mom. I’ll walk you home.” John Lloyd stood and got his keys.

Mommy Aida smiled at him. They walked in silence. They reached the gate of his house. She looked at her son and said,

“You can always tell me if you miss her."

He continued walking.

"Son, please follow your heart”

John Lloyd looked at her mother. He had no reply to give.

He also didn’t think his Mom was expecting any answer. He looked at the skies. There were few stars that night. He sought the brightest, the one which was always there.

Others called it the North star. John lloyd called it by a different name.

He called that star Sarah.

He walked his mother home in silence.

-------------------
aaaahhhh!! I used flashbacks, i had to. I had a hard time writing about her. I guess i'll have to be a mother first before i could write how a mother really feels... Thank you for reading anyway. :)

Chapter II: 2.3. John Lloyd's home

“So how was it?” Daddy Chito asked John Lloyd.

”How was what?” he innocently asked in return. He just knew his dad was asking about the rehearsal.

“You want me to spell it out for you?” His dad managed a smile.

“How was it seeing Sarah again?”

John Lloyd put down on the table the glass of water he was holding and looked at his dad.

“I’m your dad, you’re my son. I know your heart. I can see it.” Daddy Chito continued.

“Dad, it’s too early to be having this conversation. Mom’s not even up yet. And why are you here?” John Lloyd tried to avoid his father’s question. His father seldom visited him in his house.

“I wanted to talk to you. To see if you’re alright.” His dad explained.

“And don’t change the topic. How is she?”

John lloyd took a deep breath and drank again from his glass. Daddy Chito looked at him and waited.

“She’s good. She looks great." He said after awhile.

"How did you know? What gave me away?”

His dad sadly smiled at him. “I’ve always known that you love her. You can’t stop smiling when you talk about her. You built this house and the first thing that you brought in was your picture together.”

They both glanced at the photo frame of him and Sarah that John Lloyd placed on top of the piano. That had been there since he started living in his new house. That was August, the year before last. There were other photos there too. There was one with his family. A couple of shots from his photoshoots and his old movies. But that picture of him and Sarah was really special. It was from a scene from the music video they did for the movie themesong.

That day started cranky for him. He almost had no sleep at all because he had a taping the night before. They almost got into a traffic accident because of an irresponsible driver. So by the time, John Lloyd made it to the studio he was not in the mood already.

Sarah was there. She smiled at him as she said “Good morning.”

They changed their clothes and started the shoot. Sarah looked really pretty in red.They were standing together, dancing. John Lloyd was still feeling cranky though, when Sarah whispered.

“You okay? Smile for me please. Uy, smile na yan.”

He looked at her and felt his smile start from his heart all the way to his eyes and lips.

That was something that never happened to him before. It was a new but beautiful experience. And he had a picture of that moment to remind him of that special day.

The picture brought him back to the present. His dad was asking about Sarah.

“What shall I do dad? I still love her. I’ve always loved her.” He looked at the ceiling when he said that.

He couldn’t really look at him. He felt embarrassed admitting it to his dad, when they both knew he was still in a relationship.

Daddy Chito put his hand at his son’s shoulder and squeezed it a little. He did not say anything for a full minute. When he talked again, it was a whisper.

“Idan, you’re my son. I believe you know the right thing to do.” Then he made his way to the door.

“Does mom know?” John lloyd asked his father’s back.

His dad turned around and looked at the pictures again, before he answered him.

“I saw her once just staring at that picture. Smiling.”

He opened the door, and went out.

“Hey dad!” John lloyd called. “Thank you.”

Daddy Chito poked his head out the door.

“You’re welcome son. And oh, we’ll be watching ASAP later. Sarah will be there right?” A wink, and he was gone.

John lloyd was left standing there. He looked again at their picture. He thought he kept his secret well, he was clearly mistaken. His parents knew it. He wondered if they also knew his other secret. He glanced at one of the closed doors and smiled.

It was Sunday morning. His favorite day of the week.

Chapter II : 2.2. Before the Promise of Love in Time

He was excited eversince he learned of the production number they were going to do. One week, and all he could do was smile. He would see her again, talk to her.

“Look at Idan. Is our son starting to get crazy?” John lloyd heard his father ask his mom.

He realized he must have looked like an idiot smiling while he just stood in front of their kitchen’s refrigerator. He even forgot what it was that he was getting.

“What is it son? Spill it out.” Mommy Aida teased him.

John Lloyd opened the two door refrigerator and got a bottle of soda.

“Don’t mind me, I’ve just remembered something.” He was still smiling.

These days, he was finding it hard not to. He would see her again. That was a contant thought.

“What are your plans tomorrow?” John Lloyd asked his parents. His mother had just celebrated her birthday two days ago, and he was thinking they must have planned another celebration, after all it was the weekend.

“Your mom hasn’t made up her mind yet. But we’re kind of thinking watching ASAP tomorrow.”

“In the studio, you mean?”

“Yes, it’s been awhile since we last watched the show live.” His father looked at John Lloyd directly in the eye. The look was searching.

John Lloyd avoided his father’s eyes, “Ok I’ll ask Kuya Pip to give you passes.” Drank the soda in his hand.

He didn’t notice the exchange looks his parents shared.

***

John Lloyd purposely came to the venue five minutes late. He was excited to see her, yes; but he knew it was wrong.

He was in a relationship. He was with someone else. For him to feel this way toward Sarah was not fair to his girl of the present. And it would only hurt Sarah. He had to remember that.

He squared his shoulders and took a deep breath. He opened the door, and his eyes zeroed in on where she was, laughing with their friends.

“Oh God, I miss her!” He almost said aloud while he stood rooted where he was, just looking at her.

When he felt her eyes on him, he panicked. His heart did a somersault. It was just a quick look and her eyes were gone. His heart did a back flip.

There was that pain that he easily recognized for it had been his constant companion since he made a decision to stay away from her.

He noticed Billy motioning to him. His feet just carried him to where they were talking, to where she was. He could hear his own heartbeat.

“I have to go through this and come out alive, please.” He silently prayed.

Their friends were all smiling at him. Somebody said something, but he didn’t hear it. I have to say something. John lloyd thought.

“Hi guys! What’s up? Did you miss me?” He heard his voice croaked. He saw Vhong winked at him, that gave him courage to continue. “I miss you guys!”

He looked at Sarah. And he thought, I miss you.

She was gone for a month for her series of concert in Europe. Before that, there was very little chance to actually see her. Much less to talk to her. Now, she’s here again. She looked beautiful. Radiant. Almost glowing. She smelled nice.

“Wow ha, as if you’ve been gone long." John lloyd heard Iya said. He didn’t realize that he was just staring at Sarah the whole time. He felt a little embarrassed.

As conversations among friends would usually go, there was no awkward silence after that. He was glad his friends were there. Their friends. He never really explained it to them except to Luis, but they chose to honor his silence about the matter.

Their choreographer approached them and asked them to warm up. Luis came a few minutes later, as he came from his Myx taping. There started another bouts of laughter when they teased Luis about really coming from a date with Jennelyn. John Lloyd would steal a look at Sarah from time to time as she laughed at their jokes. He would come up with so many funny stuff, just so he could hear her laugh.

It was heaven to see her smile.

The routines for the production number were hilarious. They exchanged ideas. They were among friends, so John Lloyd felt comfortable.

Sarah must be feeling that way also. She would tease him from time to time. She laughed when Billy teased them when John Lloyd forgot a step and held Sarah’s hand, instead of pushing her away.

This must how heaven feels like in replay mode. John lloyd said to himself. To be with her, and see her smile at him and at their friends. He could feel his heart give a happy beat, only to feel another one when he saw her looking at him. Happiness. He wanted to bottle this moment and take it home with him.

It was a three hour rehearsal, but John Lloyd felt it was so short. He was enjoying the time spent with Sarah, even just through the excuse of doing a production number.

Then it was time to go.

She was the first one to leave. He wanted to go after her, but couldn’t.

It was not time yet. He promised not to get her confused, at least for now. He promised her parents. That was the only thing which was stopping him from actually following her and telling her how much he missed her.

That, and the fact that he chose to be with somebody else.

It was a wrong kind of relationship, he knew that. Luis even told him that he was only hurting himself. Not that he didn’t like Sheena. She was cool. And John Lloyd really thought that he could forget Sarah because of her.

It was late when he realized that some things never go away just because you will them to. He was already in a relationship with a girl he liked, but he couldn’t love nor promise forever.

And he already hurt Sarah.

“Uy, habol tingin.” Billy teased him. John Lloyd just smiled. Nikki and Iya raised their eyebrows.

“Really guys, I cannot understand your thinking sometimes.” Complained Anne. “Why do you choose to do the things that you do when clearly you feel otherwise?”

“O debate na ito.” Vhong said loudly, who gave a silent pat at John Loyd’s back.

Luis was just looking at John Lloyd. He looked at him. They understood each other. He would need a friend to talk to tonight, if he wanted to remain sane and not go to Sarah’s house and declare how much he loved her.

Not tonight. Not yet.

He made a promise.

For now he had that Sunday to look forward to, when he would see Sarah again.

He felt his heart came to life with that thought.

--------------------
It's been a looooong time since i last invaded John Lloyd's thoughts. I missed writing about him. :)

Their love story continues...

Chapter II

2.1.

After a Dream of Forever Love

She never really got over it.

Yes, her life continued. There were so many projects after that movie. Concerts abroad and a whole year Philippine tour. Commercial shoots. There were a lot of things that got her busy, even a short attempt in dating. But always, there was that nagging voice shadowing her and telling her it was far from over. At least for her.

Sarah got up from bed that early morning feeling like there was a big drum roll of a concert happening in her own heart.

Today was going to be specially difficult for her.

She was afraid of the thought that she would see him again. See him with another girl. The girl he chose to be with, instead of her.

How long had it been?

A year now, since she made a decision to not follow her heart.

Her heart knew she loved John Lloyd. There was no chance to take the thought nor the feeling back. Sarah admitted to herself that she had fallen in love with the guy who had been her charming leading man, even before the fear of falling for him could warn her of possible pain.

It was the day he gave her that pair of slippers. She looked at them, and she saw his heart.

But she was young.

She was afraid.

As much as she wanted to take the risk, she was not confident enough of her worth.

Sarah tried. She did try. She let him know in her own little ways that John Lloyd mattered to her. That his gestures of loving her and taking care of her were never unimportant nor unnoticed. But he never said anything. He didn’t say a word.

He just loved her and made her feel really special.

It was a torture to her patience and to her heart. She wanted to him to tell her what was happening between them.

She wanted him to ask her.

In her heart of hearts, Sarah wanted John Lloyd to tell her he loved her.

She couldn’t ask. No confidence to do that. After all, she thought “So what if he loves me? Can I love him back? Am I worthy enough? Am I ready to be his girl?”.

Things happened so fast.

It was a like she was thrown in a whirlwind. She just wanted to know how John Lloyd felt, that she tried dating another guy and see how he would react.

It was just one date.

A date that changed everything.

John Lloyd stopped calling. For a long time he would call even just to say “Good morning”. That stopped.

She wanted to ask why. Sarah wanted to ask if the idea of her dating was not okay with him. But she didn’t have enough courage to do that.

He probably didn’t love her. That she just imagined it.

Few weeks later, she learned he was dating a girl from the same show they were part of.

Her heart died its first death the day she saw them together.

That happened many times, that she learned how to act tough. There was no way she would allow him to know that he hurt her. However, her heart would experience slow death each time she would see him. See them together.

Today was one of those days.

They would be performing in one production number. The would have the rehearsal today. She had to calm her nerves and prepare her heart for the onslaught of emotions she was sure would come.

She readied herself. Her last emotional thought was “He doesn’t love me. He never did. And he’s no longer important to me.”

“Sarah, we missed you!” said Iya, one of her friends in the show.

“It feels like you’ve been away for like a year instead of just a month!”

“yeah, that’s how i feel also. I’m happy to be back.” Sarah kissed Iya on the cheek. They were at the rehearsal studio now. She could see some had arrived early.

“Oy, Sarah. Where’re our pasalubongs?” That’s Anne, smiling towards her. Behind her was Vhong. They had just entered the room.

They excitedly talked about her trip in Europe. Anne shared her experiences also, while Vhong teased her about being always on a trip and leaving him to host Showtime. When Nikki and Billy came in, the topic went from commitment to friendship to commitment in love as they all greeted the couple who was celebrating their three years together.

They were having a good laugh when Sarah’s eye caught John Lloyd who had just quietly entered the door.

Their eyes met.

But out of long habit of avoiding him, her eyes looked elsewhere.

“Here’s Lloydie. Wow, I’m excited to do this prod!” Billy signaled John Lloyd to join them.

“Hi guys! What’s up? Did you miss me?” John Lloyd smilingly asked his friends. He looked at them, but his eyes settled on Sarah’s as he said:

“I miss you guys!”

There was a few seconds of pregnant silence. No one said anything. Everybody just smiled. Until Iya chose to crack it.

“Wow ha, as if you’ve been gone long. “ She said, laughing at John Lloyd’s greeting. “We just saw each other the other day, funny Lloydie.”

Then, they started another topic and a few more rounds of laughter before their choreographer asked them to get ready.

Sarah felt relieved. He was alone. Her heart survived.

They had the rehearsal. She would always be grateful to their friends for being there, when things would have probably been awkward if it was just the two of them.

When it was time to go, she hurried. Her heart beating fast. It’s over.

She had to remind herself that. Tomorrow would be another day. At least today, her heart survived. Her pride made it.

She chanced a last look. Her eyes automatically sought John Lloyd’s. He was intently looking at her.

His eyes were telling her something.

Her heart skipped a beat.

Sarah wanted to go back and stay, but resisted. She waved goodbye to everyone, and left.

-----------------

John Lloyd's part... Before the Promise of Love in Time

Thank you Baldiks ..and thank you Sarah and John Lloyd for allowing me to shadow you and share in your love for each other. :)