Long Distance Love Read Free

not to let her excitement show. Her rendezvous with the male do not last for more than an hour each time but it was enough to keep a smile on her face for days.
    Harry never made her uncomfortable and was always patient. Whenever they talk, he listened intently to her words and sometimes figured out what she meant through her gestures. It was comical at times. Since her vocabulary was limited, she had to resort to describing things with actions rather than words but it only made them closer. Their conversations warmed her heart. It was the first time that someone showed an interest in what she wanted to say.
    Harry always had a smile on his lips as if it was his default expression. Even on days when he seemed tired, he never failed to show up in their meetings and always joked around with her. She thought that soldiers like Harry were always serious, uptight, and cold but she was proven wrong.
     
    It wasn’t long before Cecilia gradually loosened up to him and felt at ease in discussing random things. Just as how it didn’t take much self-convincing when she discovered what her reactions meant. Her bashful smiles, the blushes she sported whenever he complimented her, the almost reflex reaction to tuck the strands of her hair behind her ears and the telltale thumping in her chest. It didn’t come off as a surprise. One day, she just woke up lighthearted with a diffident grin on her face, thinking of the said man and looking forward to their meeting.
    It seemed natural and she didn’t struggle against the thought. She had heard of stories of lads who have shown disrespect to ladies but Harry never showed any signs that he would do anything of the sort. He always asked if she was okay with things and crossed out the options of past times they could do that she was uncomfortable with, which Cecilia was grateful for. It made him all the more of the man she had always dreamed of.
    They spent time roaming places, most of which Cecilia herself had never seen. She never had someone to explore the place with her but Harry was an adventurer at heart, always discovering new places no one really paid mind to.
    They usually sneaked some time whenever Cecilia sold the rice cakes in the afternoon. Harry would buy a bulk of the delicacies which he apparently gave to his colleagues to help her finish early. She was often late when she arrived and was always rushing to go back home but the male never complained and often offered to walk her back home which she adamantly refused. It was difficult to resist, thinking of the longer time they could be together, but she did not want to take the risk of being discovered because it would mean that she will never see the soldier again.
    It was a hot afternoon but the wind was calming. She looked far ahead and listened to his deep voice as he rambled on about his day. Their meetings are typically similar to this, with Harry doing the talking and droned on about his daily life and sometimes telling her about his life before he came to their province. Cecilia just listened and sometimes asked him questions. Life outside the Philippines fascinated her and Harry’s tales never ceased to amaze her.
    “Are you not lonely? Being away from home?” she asked one day, leaning on her arms as she sat on the grass. They were at a small clearing by the end of the river where she usually did her laundry. The place was hidden by vines and bushes and was often overlooked by people who passed by. Harry found it one day accidentally.
    “A bit,” he admitted. “But it’s okay. I’m happy here,” he stared at her and his eyes were twinkling with mischief causing Cecilia to blush.
    “Are you not scared? Isn’t it dangerous?” She ignored the laden words and gestured at the bruises on his arms, which he waved off nonchalantly.
    “These are normal when we train. Nothing dangerous,” he chuckled. “I’m scared, but this was part of what I’ve signed up for. It’s my duty to be brave and do everything for