The Promise

My phone rang. An unknown number danced on my screen. I checked it out and hesitated. I answered the call and said hello. 

The voice from the other line asked, "San ka?". 

I paused. My heart stopped beating. I trembled. I started to perspire. 

"I'm at the hotel.", I finally replied. 

"Meet you at the lobby."

"Okay, see you."

I started to panic. I dropped everything that I was doing. I rushed to the washroom to check myself. I looked at the mirror. I smiled. I smiled again. But my eyes were starting to well up. I took one deep breath and walked to the main door. 

"This is it Tristan...", I told myself.

I took quick even steps to the lifts. In a few more minutes, I will be meeting you, finally. The door opened. I stepped in the elevator. I pressed "G". The lift moved. 

"14, 12, 11, 10, 9..."

My heart was beating fast. I checked myself in the mirror. 

"8, 7, 6, 5, 4..."

One more smile. I had to be perfect when I see you.

"3, 2...."

I can almost feel my heart pop.

"Ground floor..."

One deep breath.

"This is it Tristan. This is the promise.", I told myself. 

I found myself at my hotel lobby. I looked around and there you were holding a bouquet of flowers. I smiled. You walked towards my direction. I started walking to meet you. 

"Hi Tristan...", you said as you extended your hand.

"Hi.", I said as I felt tears run down my cheeks.

"I have long waited for this day...", I continued.

You smiled. You looked at me. Hugged me tight and whispered something to my ear.

"Don't cry... I'm here... to fulfill a promise... "

"... and make another one..."

"... I promise to stay..."

I could hear myself weep. 

"This is it Tristan...", I whispered.

I looked at you. You were the same person I loved then. 

Just when I was about to kiss you,

The phone rang.

"Good morning Mr. Tristan Tan, this is your wake up call.", it was the receptionist.

I thanked the caller and hung up. 

"Ambisyosa ka kasing bakla ka... ", I mumbled as I laughed.

I found myself laughing all the way to the washroom. I took a poop and washed up. 

And I felt much better.