Long Distance Love Read Free Page A

my countrymen’s sake.”
    Cecilia looked at him, fascinated with how much love he has for his country. 
    Harry didn’t take away his gaze from her face when he continued. “And being a soldier also means I get to learn how to fight, defend myself and protect people who are important to me, like you.”
    This time, Cecilia’s face reddened and she was tempted to fan it from the heat that crept up her cheeks. She was not sure if she understood him correctly. Her heart started to race and she nibbled on her lower lip, not knowing how to respond.
    Harry slid closer and took her hand in his. She tried to pull away but he held on to it lightly, giving her leeway if she really didn’t want to.
    “Cecilia,” he called but she did not face him, opting to look ahead as if the vines hanging on the trees were interesting. He forced his smile down, finding her timidness adorable.
    Feeling brave at the lack of rejection, he brought a finger to her chin and guided her to face him, looking straight into her eyes. She was alarmed but she did not pull away, which the soldier took in as a good sign.
    Everything seemed to stand still and Harry tried to find permission in the lady’s eyes. He closed the gap between them, inching his way slowly, and landed a peck on her soft lips. He wanted to make it last but he stopped himself.
    “Are you all right?” he brushed his thumb on the back of her hand and she nodded, then brought her hands to cover her cheeks. The soldier fought down a grin, once again captivated with the way the apples of her cheeks turned rosy. He tucked a strand of hair behind her ear and planted a soft kiss on her cheek, earning a gasp in return. Cecilia smiled coyly.
    ***
    Panicking, Cecilia ran only to be held back by the tall man.
    “Cecilia, wait,” Harry pulled her close but Cecilia struggled, shrugging off his grip on her arm and stalked away.
    She took the small alleys and made random turns in the market and tried to lose him but he was persistent. His height gave him the advantage to spot her wherever she was. It wasn’t her imagination or her mind playing tricks on her. Harry was really there, breathing and definitely alive.
    She turned left and dashed to the streets and jogged her way off to the school. It was almost time for Kokoy’s dismissal and she has to fetch him. She hoped she went through enough alleys to lose him.
    Craning her neck backward, she was partly relieved and disappointed to find no one behind.
    ***
    Their trysts grew more frequent that Cecilia’s mother began to notice.
    “Where are you off to? It’s late.”
    Racking her mind for any excuses, Cecilia blurted out the first one that she thought of. “I left something at Clara’s house. I’ll get it fast and will be back immediately,” her toes curled and her stomach churned at the lie. It took a few seconds before her mother gave her the affirmative that she can go.
    She nearly sprinted when she reached the corner of their street, nerves on edge. She just directly lied to her mother, something she never had the guts to do before.
    Ignoring the guilt, she went to the farm and was not able to catch her breath yet before Harry’s arms were wrapped tightly around her. His hands felt warm and his sturdy chest gave her comfort and a sense of security. Cecilia created a small distance between them when she remembered that she didn’t have much time.
    “I can’t stay long. I told mother I’ll be back soon,” she fiddled with her hands. She was still enveloped within his arms and the temptation to stay longer was strong. She never thought spending time with Harry would evolve to something she desired and looked forward to the most.
    She heard a sigh and then a chaste kiss to her forehead. “When can I see you again, then?” His eyes were forlorn. Cecilia traced his face with her fingers. The bags under his eyes have grown darker in the past weeks.
    “I’m not sure,” her finger stopped at his cupid’s bow, tracing the curve