Sweet Pictures #2

Everything was fine until...

2 am

Japan Time

BLDG 3333

Room 402

I couldn’t sleep. A lot of things ran through my mind. There was this feeling that I could not shake off.  There are thoughts that ran through my mind that I could not erase.

I asked if you are ok. You responded in a flirtatious way.  Henceforth, you have lost full awareness. Alas, you are not the only one. As I approached you, my mind ran debating if I should. So I took the opportunity to hold your hand and asked if my lips can engage yours. And softly you said, “Yes”.

 My lips made its way to yours. My hands wrapped around your fingers. Your hold became more tighter as we become one. I savored every moment of it. It felt like it was eternal. It was so great, that I held back and looked at you in the eye. There was sadness in your eyes. As if they were saying “save me”. I let go of your hold and wrapped my arms around you. My lips returned to yours. I took the chance to make this last forever.

The moment was sweet. It is so sweet; I thought this is too good to be true.

But I didn’t let this feeling get the best of me.  I released my hold and stepped away from you. As I exclaimed “you’re drunk. Just rest and you’ll be fine”, you fell back to my throne.

The moment was done. I rested on my couch as I gave way to your need of a place to lay rest. Sacrifices have to be done for those who you love. Apparently, I was in love. But the feeling was interrupted by a simple text message. I glanced where the sound emanated from.

It was her phone.

I looked and my heart fell.

(Text Message: I love you. I wish I could see you)

The name was not recalled. But the feelings were shattered.

How can this be?

Sweet Pictures #1

Gracie's drunk adventure

I had to sit there. I couldn't see clear since my head was spinning.

"Are you okay?" he asked.

"Ssssure."

His face was serious. I think he was thinking really hard. It's the perfect time. I thought.  Or was it really?

I stared at him like no other girl would. I would smile whenever we caught each others eyes. The giggly person in me usually came out when I was drunk.  Alcohol blocks your senses and self-control so it was normal. I didn't feel like I was in trouble, oh no. At least, I didn't care what happened to me during that time. I wanted something so bad to happen, which is the reason why I didn't leave.  All of a sudden, he asked:

"Gracie... Can I kiss you?"

"Yes." I smiled.

He came up to me close and he touched my lips. Slowly, I made my way through his mouth. The butterflies I felt in my stomach was unexpected. He pulled back, but it felt too soon. I think he knew it too which is why he kissed me again. It was the most passionate kiss I have ever had. He tasted like red velvet cake, and I smelled his clothes. Burberry. I thought it was. His skin felt smooth when he touched my hand. His body rigid, when I put my hand on his chest.

"Gracie?"

"Yes?"

"You should go sleep,"

Laying on his bed, I deliberately turned my back against him. I closed my eyes and he was still awake. I think he watched over me while I slept the whole night. 

Alcohol, Ocean, And shenanigans.

It was 4pm in Japan.

Text message : "C u @ QD Brcks" - Jay>Gracie

I burned my time by entertaining myself with loud music and a couple of light alcoholic drinks. Suddenly, I received a text message. The thought about where to go and what places to see slightly put me under pressure. Alas, time was on my side, not for long though.

Text message : "I'm here. :)" - Gracie>Jay

I jumped up fast enough I knocked over my drink. I cleaned up my mess and my room as fast as the housekeeping from Marriot. After all the shenanigans, I bolted out of my room and headed out to the lobby.

There she was. I felt like a little kid staring at the biggest lollipop in a candy store. I composed myself as I approached her. I greeted her with a big hug and met up with the friends.

It was a blast. Proper introductions to the friends were rendered. Jokes were tossed around the group. We teased each other with names and such. All was fun.

We got to the train station. The tolls were filled with Japanese passengers. As we waited in line, our conversations and jokes continued. The sense of boredom stuck each and everyone of us. So, the ridiculous person that I am, I proceeded on making fun of people in the crowd. The crowd cheered on. Making fun of people can be somewhat amusing when utilized properly. Laughter and joy did not leave the group until we boarded the train and arrived at the beach. Everyone got excited and the level of fun elevated. As the group proceeded to the beach, Grace and I fell back from the group and walked slow.  Too bad these are the conversations I have a hard time recalling.  Although, this is what I remember:

Gracie - "Gusto ko uminom!!! (I wanna drink!!!)

Jay - "Walang tindahan na malapit dito na meron alak. (There's no store here nearby with alcohol.)

A light bulb flickered then lit on top on my head. I gathered everyone and asked if they all wanted to drink. All rejoiced in favor as we proceeded back to the barracks. The plan was to start a small party in the room since I stashed liquor in my man-cave. Drinks were passed. The music blared and the room thumped from the bass of my speakers. While I passed the drinks, I could not help but notice that they congregated to one spot of my room. As the night passed by and as the alcohol depleted, everyone started to depart one by one. I asked the remaining people in the group to help clean our ruckus.  Happily, they agreed. Finally, the room resumed to its original position.

Everyone left after that. Wait, not everyone.

I see her on my seat, staring at me.

My heart pounded. My skin had goosebumps from my head to toe. I was nervous. And all I thought was:


"Oh no."

Gracie's walk from Church

I sang my last note, as the pianist kept playing. I skimmed through the audience in search of people that I knew.

Wait. Isn't that him...?

The song had finished, and I had to walk back to my seat. The mass continued.

I concentrated very hard in praying that day. It was fairly difficult, knowing that there were people you knew in the Church staring at you. An hour has passed, the mass was over.

I opened my umbrella as I walked through the steps leading to the commissary. The sun shown brightly and drizzled at the same time. It gave me peace of mind that the day ahead of me would be spent eating and walking around Japan.  As I pondered my thoughts to myself, someone had tapped me by the shoulder.

"Hi."

"Hello."

Alas, it was him.

"Name's Jay. We work together at the hospital... Just wanted to say that you did a nice job singing in Church today."

"Why thank you," I said. "I just got here from "C" school.  I saw you at work the other day... Do you go to Church often?" I stuttered.

"Every Sunday," He held my umbrella for me.

"Thanks," I smirked.

"Do you want to chill with some friends tonight? We're planning to go to the beach."

"Sure," I said.

"Let me get your number and I'll let you know what time we'll meet up."

The commissary was right beside the barracks. By this time, we had already reached the building and stood outside as he took out his phone. Back then, the iphone 3GS was the most technologically advanced kind.  He saved my number and we both bid our goodbyes.  I guess he didn't know how to react when he asked to shake my hand.  People call me insensitive, so I didn't think much of it.

Maybe he wants to be friends.

I knew that I really liked him, so I sought out a plan.  Part of the girl code is to see if a boy likes you.  It wasn't hard to do. I knew what I had to do. I just had to plan it out and see if it worked. 

Jay's Entry #2

Another memory passed through my mind and made me smile, for this I remember very well.

It was a Sunday, another religious day for a person like me. For others, it's just another day to chill. As I contemplated about my life before I walked inside the church, I asked myself:

Bakit kaya ako malungkot? [Why am I sad?]

Suddenly, I saw couples left and right, walking around sweet, adorable and happy. For once, I figured the answer to my question. I was single and lonely. 

Nakakainggit!!! [I'm jealous!!!]

I didn't mind too much about that. It did not matter to me, but you can't help but think about a small thing such as that. So I proceeded to enter the House of God. I dipped my fingers on the Holy water basin, simulated the Sign of the Cross, genuflected to show respect to God and sat on one of the pews in the middle of the Church. As I listened to the first reading, I saw a girl in a white shirt; long, sleek, shiny hair; pretty lips that anyone could ever imagine. I wondered who is she. Not for long my question got answered. It was her. 

Gracie.

As I was in a spell of shock and awe, she walked up to the podium and sang the responsorial psalm. This is the part where I fell in love with her voice. Her singing was like the Angels humming from the heavens. 

I was in love. 

To ever wonder the coincidence and the chances of seeing an event like this, is nearly impossible to believe. 

What am I feeling at this point? I felt like a boy in Church wishing for something that can make him happy eternally.

Gracie's Entry #2

Ang cute niya.

I thought to myself.  I definitely took work very seriously, but you can't help but notice the men you work with.  Being in the military and all, everyone looked the same. Don't get me wrong, I love a man in uniform. No matter how much is covered up with those cami uniforms, you can still tell who was cute and had a sexy body right underneath. Oh did he have a sexy body underneath.

He's talking to my co-worker. Dang. Maybe he'll ask to hang out tonight.

I turned around and walked through the patient rooms. There were still plenty of patients, considering I worked with Family Practice.  It wasn't the most relaxed place, but definitely not the most hectic either.  I made my way through my boss' office to ask her if I could get a cup of coffee since patients haven't arrived yet.  She agreed, knowing that I was only temporary.

I passed the toilets, right at the pharmacy, into the quarterdeck and by the elevators.  I gleamed towards the  most delightful thing I see every time I came to work. Ah. Seattle's best.  Besides Starbucks, Seattle's best was my all time favorite.

One raspberry mocha kiss please.

I said to the barista. She smiled and took my money as I stood to the side and watch her make my morning drink.  You see, the reason why I love this drink is because they put a small bar of chocolate at the side. Oh my goodness do I love my chocolate. I mean, who doesn't?  I felt my heart stop the moment I took a sip.  I find it humorous as it happens every single time.  By the end of the hallway I saw him walking again holding a bunch of papers on his hand looking worried. I bit my lip and turned away. He smiled. I saw it, at the corner of my eye.

Journal Entry # 1

How did this beautiful and wonderful woman met a guy like me?

Well, let me tell you the story from my point of view.

        Wintertime. Weather was chilly. Cold morning breeze flew through Japan's atmosphere. It was just the end of my shift from the ER. In amidst of my excitement due to the fact that my shift was over, someone told me to stay a bit late for the morning rush. Dissapointment and anger flowed through my veins as I worked for more hours.

         A few moments passed and I was tasked to fetch the Pediatrician Doctor. Frustration grew at that point. Just imagine, staying up all night for the shift, in addition to that, working for the ward, and being bossed like crazy. Yes, I was ready to explode. Unfortunately, I had to keep myself reserved to follow orders. Passing along the front desk of a clinic, I stopped. And there she was.

         I could not help myself but to stop and say hello. But I was loss in words to introduce myself. Henceforth, I found another way. I said hello to one of my friends to create attention. Gave him the courtesy to shake hands and converse. After a few exchange of words, I caught her attention. 

         Every word I tried to process in my mind,

        all I could come up was a simple "Hi there".

              And there it was, the first initial contact: a mere handshake. A smile reaching from the left ear to the right ear. Exchange of names. And a tenacious line "... How are you? ..." 

              After all of that,  I bid adieu and returned to my duties. 

             And that was the beginning. Stupid as it sounds, but that's how we started.

- Jay.      

Another Prologue.

Hey! Im Jay.

I am also a stranger in these parts, but here's a quick info about me.

Nothing much to say but I am a simple person equipped with a very complex mind. Although seen as an ordinary individual, let not the physical appearance confuse you. Been in the Service long enough to know that life that you live is valued by the minutes you spend with your love ones, your dreams, and your passions. Until I met her.

Gracie Millais-Scott.

The woman who I surrendered my heart and given her the title "My Wife".

Same as what she said "I've lived a long life in this world", but mine had a different outcome. Memories have been stored and made as a reference to not mess up when occasions arise. Until our pathways crossed. All of that changed in a heartbeat.  Because of her, I have not been this happy in my life. Really nothing much to say for my part. But for this I know:

She's my bestfriend.
She's my better half.
She's my worst enemy.
She's my happiness.
She's my life.
And most of all,

She is the one who I love the most.

How did I meet her? Well, let me tell you.

Prologue

Hi! I'm Gracie.

I know I'm a stranger to you, so I'm going to tell you more about myself.

I am petite with long black hair, chinky brown eyes, and youthful facial features. Ah, but don't let the asian in me fool you. I've lived a long life in this world, a memorable one in fact. Most of which I can remember. But there's only one thing that strips out of my mind everyday I wake up.

Him.

Yes, I am talking about him.

Jay Westbrook. 

The man I call my husband. We weren't married, but we ran away and swore to each other that we wouldn't look back.

If something happened to you, I probably wouldn't find another woman.  I would probably die old and alone.

This is what he always told me.
Every single day, I forget little things about him: his face, the smell of his cologne, and even the way he smiled. It always makes me sad when I forget and try to remember, which is why I am writing this blog. It's sad to gradually forget about someone, so I'm going to start from the very beginning. The very first time we met.