“LOVE LETTERS: THE BEGINNING OF A NEW CHAPTER”

Lena's heart pounded loudly, but she tried her best to ignore it and stay calm.

"Hey," said the man beside her, now seated in front of the steering wheel. He took her hand, raised it to his lips, and kissed it. "Everything will be okay," he reassured her with a smile.

A simple smile broke across Lena's lips. She then squeezed Calum's hand, which hadn't let go of hers.

"Maybe I should just become your neighbor," Calum said with a soft laugh as he started his newly bought SUV.

Lena turned to him, surprised by his statement. "Are you serious?" she asked.

Calum glanced at her briefly before responding with a smile, "Do I look like I'm joking?" and winked at her.

Lena's heart warmed at his gesture. She was happy Calum had come into her life, even though there was no official title to whatever it was between them.

"Do you think they'll forgive me?" Lena asked.

"I know Sam. We've been friends for a long time, so I know everything will be okay," Calum replied.

Lena sighed again at his words. She didn't know if the world was really that small or if it was just coincidence that their paths had crossed. She had only recently learned the truth.

"Thank you, Calum, for coming into my life," she said.

Calum turned to her again and kissed her hand once more. "Thank you for coming into mine," he said.

*****

"What time did they say they'd be here?" Marius asked as he helped me prepare the food for lunch.

"They said they'd be here before lunch. He's bringing his girlfriend," I replied, unable to hide my excitement.

"I thought Calum was gay? Why are you saying he has a girlfriend now?" Marius asked, puzzled.

"It's true. I don't know either. He just told me he's bringing his girlfriend to meet us. Honestly, I just want my friend to be happy with his future family. So I'm thrilled to hear what he said," I explained, my voice filled with happiness.

We both stayed busy for a while. Manang Sela was in the living room with MJ, while Donovan was at school.

Before noon, I finished cooking two dishes, Caldereta and Menudo, with freshly picked mangoes for dessert. We had just set the table when we heard the doorbell ring. Marius and I went to the gate together to greet our guests. To our surprise, we saw who Calum's girlfriend was.

At the gate stood Calum, tall, dark-skinned, and athletic. Beside him was a familiar, beautiful face that immediately surprised both Marius and me.

"Calum? Lena? What does this mean?" Marius asked as he opened the gate wider to let them in.

I was just as shocked. It made it hard for me to speak. It had been over a month since Calum told me he was going to Davao. And now, here he was with a girlfriend. And of all people, it was Lena!

"The table is ready. Come inside," I finally managed to say.

The atmosphere was tense. No one spoke, and only the sound of utensils filled the dining room. But I didn't like such an atmosphere during meals, so I decided to break the silence.

"So, Lena is the reason you wanted to get a condo?" I started, smiling at Calum.

Calum looked up and met my gaze. "Actually, yes," he replied, glancing at Lena, who blushed.

"How did you two meet?" Marius asked.

Lena and Calum exchanged meaningful looks. "We met at a bar," Lena answered.

"We were planning to visit Aunt Lourdes," Lena continued. "So I thought we’d stop by here. If I hadn't met Calum, he wouldn't have known what I wanted to do," she added, causing the tension to rise again.

"It's better to discuss that later. After we eat," I said, smiling at Lena.

As we ate, I quietly observed myself. Was I okay? Could I forgive if needed, knowing that was one reason Lena was here?

Marius was still silent. I knew this was hard for him. It wasn't easy to face Lena, who had caused all the chaos in our lives. But for a fresh start, I knew forgiveness was best for all of us. And I felt I needed to teach my boyfriend that.

*****

The four of us were now seated in the living room, facing each other in silence. I knew Lena was nervous; she was still holding Calum’s hand. But despite everything, I couldn’t help but feel giddy for my friend.

"Would you like some coffee?" I asked, breaking the silence.

Calum shook his head, followed by Lena. Then I turned to Marius, who was still sitting quietly. "How about you, Marius? Would you like some coffee?" I asked him.

"Not right now, sweetheart," he replied, patting the empty seat beside him. So I sat down next to him.

"Marius," Lena began, her voice filled with worry and pleading. "I want to apologize for everything that happened. I know I made mistakes and hurt you. I hope you can forgive me."

"It wasn’t just hurt. You ruined my life, Lena," Marius responded coldly, glancing at her.

Lena let out a heavy sigh. "I know. I shouldn’t have done it. I caused a lot of damage to your life and Sam’s. That’s why I’m here, to ask for forgiveness for everything," Lena said, her voice low and sincere.

Even though I wasn’t directly involved in their conversation, as it was really between the two of them, I could still feel the sincerity not just in Lena’s words but also in her aura and the emotions on her face.

"Honestly, I had no idea Calum knew you both. But I believe this was God’s plan to bring me closer to you, to show me my mistakes that I was too blind to see," Lena continued.

"If none of this had happened, I would’ve been there when my child was born," Marius responded instead.

"I know, and I’m sorry," Lena replied briefly, bowing her head.

The silence hung heavy once again, providing me with an opportunity to speak up.

"Marius, I think it's about time for you and Lena to be okay again," I said, squeezing my boyfriend's hand.

I saw a mixture of confusion and surprise in Marius's eyes. "Are you serious? Do you think it's easy for me to do that? Do you know how much I lost? How much we lost?" he replied to me.

"Yeah," I sighed before continuing. "But if you look at it, I also have shortcomings. I didn't listen to you, and I believed more in the pain I felt rather than paying attention and opening my heart and mind to your explanations. So for me, it's not fair to blame Lena for everything. Because the truth is, we all have our share of mistakes and shortcomings in everything that happened," I explained.

"I agree with you, Sam. Honestly, I saw everything she went through because I was with her during those times. But the decisions Sam made during those times, it's more accurate to say she chose them. Although it became easier to blame Lena for everything because she was the one who revealed the truth," Calum added.

"Sam, you know I've known Marius for a long time. If there's anyone who truly knows him, it's me. That's why I can say he loves you very much. With all the women who were attracted to him and all the experiences he's been through, you're the woman who came into his life where he's willing to do anything just to win you back," Lena told me.

I knew Marius had said that to me before. But I didn't know why her words touched my heart differently this time. Maybe because they came from the person who once shattered my life.

"I'm happy to hear all of that from you, Lena. And as Calum's true best friend, I'm also glad to hear from him that he's the reason you found it in your heart to want to make things right. For me, it's all in the past. Deep inside, I forgave you a long time ago. I was angry at you, but on the bright side, I'm grateful that I found out the truth. And I think Marius is struggling to admit that to me. About Lana," I said, maintaining a sweet smile on my lips.

"Thank you, Sam. Thank you so much," Lena replied.

"So, does that mean you and Marius have been together since childhood?" Calum asked Lena.

"Yes, we've been friends since childhood. I don't have siblings, so he's the brother I've always considered," Marius answered, a hint of a smile on his face.

"Before we met, Calum," Lena added. "And that's why I wanted to apologize to Marius."

"In many instances, I've been the one defending her. Because she's sensitive," Marius chuckled softly.

At that moment of Marius reflecting back, I felt my heart skip a beat. I tried to search within myself if I felt any jealousy at his statement. I breathed a sigh of relief when I found none.

"Lena can be stubborn sometimes, Calum. That's something I want you to know. But from what I've known about her before everything went wrong, before I even met Sam," Marius said, glancing at me. "She's the kindest person I've ever known," he continued, his friend's eyes welling with tears.

"To be honest, Lena has already told me everything, Marius and Sam. That's why we thought to stop by here since she wants to visit her aunt. She's planning to bring her Aunt Lourdes to Manila," Calum explained.

"Really? Would she agree to that?" Marius asked.

"She doesn't have a choice. Celso won't let me rest. And I don't like the way I feel. I want Tiya to be safe and that can only happen if I can bring her to Manila," Lena said, shifting her gaze between Marius and me.

"Why, what's that guy doing?" Marius asked, furrowing his brows.

Calum took the lead in explaining everything to answer Marius' question, his voice steady and reassuring as he recounted the events that led them all to this moment. Lena sat beside him, her eyes occasionally glancing at Marius, who listened intently, his expressions shifting from curiosity to understanding.

As the conversation unfolded, I noticed the tension gradually easing in the room. Marius began to smile and chuckle softly at Calum's anecdotes, a sign that the weight he had been carrying was finally beginning to lift. Lena, visibly moved by Marius' forgiveness, struggled to hold back tears, her emotions laid bare after so long.

"Lena, I've wanted to hear that from you for a long time," Marius spoke, his voice carrying a mix of vulnerability and relief. "I've also wanted to move on from everything that happened."

His words hung in the air, punctuated by a moment of profound silence. The room seemed to hold its breath, waiting for Lena's response. She looked at Marius with a mixture of regret and hope, her hand trembling slightly as she reached out to him.

"You've been my long-time friend and ally," Marius continued, his tone softening with empathy. "So when both you and Sam almost simultaneously disappeared from my life, I struggled immensely. What hurt me the most back then was that you were the reason for my pain."

Lena's tears flowed freely now, her voice choked with emotion as she struggled to find the right words. Marius listened attentively, his gaze unwavering as he waited for her to speak.

"But through it all, you also taught me to be brave enough to admit everything to Sam early on," Marius acknowledged, his voice tinged with gratitude. "It would have been harder if she had found out from someone else. And seeing you now," he added, casting a glance at Calum, "it seems I have a good reason to look forward to because if not for everything that happened, you might not have met Calum.

"Marius," Lena whispered, her voice barely audible over the emotions that engulfed her.

"I forgive you, Lena," Marius said gently, his words carrying the weight of years of hurt and healing. "Perhaps our friendship won't be the same as before because Sam is now in my life, aware of all my secrets and experiences. But I have to admit that I want my best friend and my sister back in my life."

His declaration hung in the air, a testament to the power of forgiveness and the resilience of their bond. Lena nodded slowly, unable to speak but conveying her gratitude through her tear-filled eyes.

Lena's face lit up with joy at what she heard. In that moment, it seemed like all the heavy air inside the room had dissipated completely. I witnessed Marius and Lena exchange smiles, and Calum, like me, basked in the happiness of watching the reconciliation between two old friends who were now embarking on a new chapter of their relationship.

Within moments, the entire house was filled with lively conversation and laughter. This was all thanks to reminiscing about memories and discussing our plans for the future. Now, I no longer worried about Calum. I knew he had found someone to be with. Because I believed that the conclusion of my story with Marius marked the beginning of his own. Lena, the woman I believed was destined by heaven to be with my lifelong friend, was now by his side.

*****

Several weeks after Marius and Lena had found their way back to each other, we returned to Manila. With Lana now overseeing MJ alongside my brother Andrew and Manang Sela at the mansion, Marius and I embarked on our journey to Baguio.

As I stood by the gate, I couldn't help but feel overwhelmed by a flood of memories. Ahead, nestled among towering pine trees, stood a serene white-rested house, its picturesque facade casting a peaceful aura in the crisp mountain air. Nearby, within walking distance, Scott’s Café—a place that held a special significance in my heart—served as a silent witness to the evolution of my bond with Marius.

"Shall we?" Marius's voice gently broke through my reverie, his touch warm on my elbow.

Lost momentarily in nostalgia, I barely registered his initial touch. "Are you okay?" he asked with a hint of amusement in his voice.

I managed a soft chuckle. "Yeah, just lost in memories," I replied, moving forward with him.

Inside the house, a sense of order prevailed. The caretaker's weekly visits ensured everything remained pristine and organized.

"I think we should grab some groceries," I suggested, setting my bag down on the sofa. My attention then drifted to a collection of letters piled neatly on the center table.

"What are these?" I asked, picking up one of the envelopes with curiosity.

For a moment, Marius watched me quietly. When I finally settled down, he joined me on the sofa without uttering a word, his presence comforting yet tinged with anticipation. It wasn't long before I realized the significance of his silence.

"Did these come from you?" I inquired, my voice trembling as I fought to contain the emotions welling up inside me.

Glancing at the date in the upper left corner of the letter, I felt a rush of memories flood back. Over a year had passed since Marius had penned those words.

"You know, Sam," he began softly, his eyes meeting mine with a mixture of vulnerability and resolve, "when you were gone and I didn't know where to find you, those letters were the only way I felt I could truly express how I felt.

"I never realized how much I loved you. I was hoping that somehow you would come back here and read my letters at the right time," Marius expressed emotionally, his voice trembling with sincerity as he gently wiped away my tears, his own eyes glistening with unshed emotions.

"Oh, Marius," I sobbed softly, my heart overflowing with both regret and relief. I buried my face in his broad chest, seeking solace in his comforting embrace. "I'm sorry," I managed to whisper, the weight of my words heavy with years of longing and regret.

Marius held me tighter, his arms around me providing a sense of security and warmth that I had missed for so long. He didn't speak, but his touch spoke volumes, conveying his forgiveness and his unwavering love. Each caress on my back felt like a reassurance that despite everything, we were finally at peace, ready to embark on a new chapter together.

"I'll continue reading these later. But you know, I never imagined you could write like this," I said, slowly examining the inscription on the back of the envelopes, each adorned with a delicate and familiar design that spoke of Marius's thoughtful nature. "Two cups of hot coffee," I remarked, recalling the significance of Scott’s Café in our journey together.

"That's what brought us so close together, isn't it? Scott’s Café?" Marius remarked with a tender smile, his eyes locked with mine in a silent acknowledgment of the bond that had grown stronger through our shared moments.

I nodded, feeling a surge of gratitude and love for this man who had patiently waited for me, understanding and forgiving me in ways I never thought possible. As Marius leaned down to kiss me, I melted into the warmth of his lips, reciprocating with a passion fueled by years of longing and newfound hope.

"Where would you like to have lunch?" I asked softly when our lips finally parted, savoring the lingering taste of his kiss and the promise it held for our future.

Marius shook his head playfully before planting a quick, affectionate kiss on my forehead.

And I could do nothing else but surrender. Marius's words held deep meaning, and I knew exactly what he meant. I couldn't find any reason to refuse him, especially knowing how much we both missed this house.

"I love you so much, Sam," he whispered as he began to undress me.

I sighed inwardly, letting go of any inhibitions as he removed each piece of clothing from my body. "I love you too, so much, Marius," I replied before eagerly meeting his lips with mine once again.

In moments, the entire house was filled with passionate moans and the exchange of fervent breaths. This time, it was our world. There was no reason to hide how much we always yearned for each other.

Marius and I shared a passionate love on that very moment. But no matter how wild it all got, I knew love was the only reason. So, I had nothing to worry about. Marius loves me, and that's what my beautiful engagement ring signifies on my finger now.

This perfectly handsome man loves me, and I love him just as much. I love him dearly, for life, forever, and for eternity.