"I'll talk to your parents. We need to inform them about our relationship," Karl said, his brown eyes fixed on Rose pretty face. They were sitting under the shade of the Tamanu tree, on the shoreline.
"I don't think it's a good idea, babe," she said, with a hint of sadness in her voice, as she held his hand tightly.
"Why not?" he asked. "Communicating with them would be the best way to address the situation between us. It's only fair that they know," he continued.
"But, Karl-"
"No more 'buts,' okay? I want to let them know that my intentions are pure, that my love for you is real, and that I'm committed to waiting until you finish your studies," he said, tenderly kissing her forehead.
"I know how much you love me, and I understand why you want to involve my parents, but-" She paused, trying to find the right words.
"Do you love me, Rose?" he asked softly.
"Of course, I love you. You know it. You're my first and my last. But before we continue, can you please listen to what I have to say?" she requested.
"Okay. Alright, I'll listen and let you speak."
"I appreciate your desire to prove your love to my parents," she paused, taking a breath. "However, I don't believe it's the right time to share our relationship with them. There are circumstances that make this inappropriate at the moment." She looked down, pondering on the best way to articulate her thoughts.
"I'm listening, babe," he assured her, gently holding her face as tears glistened in her eyes.
"My mother recently discovered that my father has another family in the U.S. Their marriage was fake, and my mother unknowingly became his mistress," she revealed, struggling to contain her emotions. She wanted to appear strong in his presence, and Karl held her tightly, offering comfort and support.
"I always thought we had a happy and perfect family. I never imagined..." Rose's voice trailed off as tears streamed down her face.
"Shh... It's not your fault, okay? I'm here for you. Cry on my shoulder as long as you need to. Release the pain in your heart. I'll always be by your side," he reassured her, reminding her of his unwavering love.
"I've seen my mother's pain, even though she doesn't talk about it. She feels like a homewrecker and a mistress, burdened with guilt," Rose added, her voice laced with sorrow.
"Look at me," Karl said, gently lifting her face to meet his gaze. Rose looked into her boyfriend's eyes.
"I may not have material wealth or a promising future to offer you. I can't give what I don't have. I'm an ordinary man, doing ordinary things to support my family, to ensure there's food on our table. But there's one thing I can promise you: to love you in an extraordinary way. I'll be loyal and faithful, without needing to make empty promises that are often meant to be broken. I'll never hurt you or even consider it. I'll love you, even if it costs me my life," he declared, drawing closer to her. He placed a gentle kiss on her lips. Rose responded, giving in to the passion they shared. She savored his taste and scent, feeling the warmth spreading through her body. Her hands explored his well-defined muscles, caressing his face, while emitting soft moans. Karl kissed her neck, making his way down to her breasts. Overwhelmed with pleasure, Rose gasped and moaned as he attempted to remove her clothing. However, she stopped him, firmly gripping his hand.
"Don't!" Her voice was loud and piercing. Karl was taken aback and swiftly withdrew his hand.
"I... I'm sorry," Karl stammered, rising and kneeling in front of her. He clasped his hands together, feeling the weight of his guilt. "I didn't mean for things to escalate like that. I got carried away. I'm truly sorry, Rose," he apologized.
"No need to apologize. It's not your burden to bear. I, too, got caught up in the moment," she forgave him. "I'm not ready for this, Karl. I'm not ready to lose my virginity yet. I hope you understand. It's something we need to refrain from, at least for now," she explained, her apology laced with genuine remorse. She looked at Karl, noticing his serious and unwavering gaze.
"My parents already disapprove of our relationship, and we shouldn't provide them with further reasons to reject it or to discourage us from pursuing it," she added. Attempting to bring back a sense of comfort, Karl managed a smile and nodded in agreement.
"I truly am sorry. I should have exercised self-control. I should--"
"Shh... It's okay," Rose interrupted, placing two fingers on his lips. She smiled gently and proceeded to tidy her appearance, starting with her hair and then readjusting her pants. Karl, too, composed himself, putting on his white shirt and fastening his belt.
"I'm curious, how did your parents give you permission to come here?" he asked, his curiosity getting the better of him.
"They didn't know. I just left a note on the table, informing them that I was going out to explore the area and would be back before lunch."
"Why did you do that? You should have informed your parents. What about Julius?" he asked, his face filled with worry.
"Julius was still sleeping when I left. I just really wanted to see you," she replied.
"I understand your desire to see me, but you should have told them and asked for permission."
"They wouldn't have allowed me if I asked for their permission. Besides, I'll return before lunch," she said.
"At least you made an effort."
"I don't want to talk to them yet, especially my dad," she said, her lower lip quivering as tears streamed down her reddened cheeks.
"But why?" he asked, placing his arm around her shoulders.
"I can't. He betrayed us, and it's too painful."
"But he still loves your family, right?" he said. Rose nodded but remained silent. "Don't hate your father. He loves you, especially your mom and your brother," Karl added.
"I don't know. The pain is still there," Rose said, pointing to her chest. "Every time I think about what he told Mom, that we're not his legal family, and the pain on my mom's face, I hate him even more," she added.
"No, babe. Don't think that way, okay? You're intelligent, and you know that harboring anger won't bring any good to your family. Don't let your anger destroy your relationship with your father. It won't lead to anything positive, and you'll end up with nothing. It's hard not having a guiding father figure. You know what I mean," Karl explained. He stood up and noticed a group of people approaching. Rose's expression shifted to joy as she saw her friends and former classmates. They tidied themselves up and went to greet them, with Karl standing beside Rose as she warmly hugged her friends.
"Where's Agnes?" she asked, scanning the group. Then she spotted Agnes approaching, wearing dark sunglasses.
"Glad to see you, Agnes," Rose said, embracing her. "How are you?" Rose asked.
"I'm okay. How about you?" Agnes replied, offering a faint smile.
"Is something wrong?" Rose inquired again, sensing Agnes' silence.
"I'm just not feeling well," she answered.
"Okay. I'm glad to see you," Rose said, giving her another comforting hug.
"Hello, Hello, Hello! And Mabuhay!" Vanessa exclaimed, playfully strutting towards them.
"Hey Vah! How are you? You're looking gorgeous today," Rose said with an affectionate hug.
"Only now?" Vanessa replied with sarcasm, raising an eyebrow. Rose laughed, holding her hands. "I know what you're thinking. My diet hasn't been effective. I can't resist food; I simply love eating. But as you always say, being sexy is all about attitude, not just appearance. Am I right, friend?" Vanessa said, placing her hands on her waist.
"Absolutely. You never fail to make me smile, friend," Rose said, laughing.
"Oh, you're teasing me. You know how beautiful I am, and now you're comparing me to a clown?" Vanessa said, widening her eyes in mock surprise.
"Vah, let's be serious now. How's Jimmy?" Rose shifted the conversation, their tone turning more serious.
"Well, as I said, being as beautiful as I am, he can't wait to see me on Sunday for our 10th anniversary," Vanessa said, giggling.
"What about Agnes?" Rose asked, glancing at their friend who seemed preoccupied, texting on her cellphone under the Pandanus tree.
"Well, I don't know who she's dating," Vanessa observed Agnes and shook her head. "She's been acting strange lately, staying quiet," she added.
"Really? What's bothering her? Maybe we can help," Rose said, displaying concern.
"Well, as usual, it's HP," Vanessa laughed.
"HP?" Rose said puzzled.
"HP, Heart Problem," Vanessa exclaimed with a smile on her face.
"Oh, that's sad to hear. Poor Agnes..." Rose said sympathetically.
Chantelle approached them, carrying her backpack.
"Hey Rose! Come join us. We're going on a boat ride to that beautiful island," she said, pointing to a small island about a kilometer away from the shore. "They call it Potipot Island, and they say it's like the 'Little Boracay' of Zambales," she added.