144 Peace Before the Storm

On the way to the hospital, John made sure to shut off their communication gadgets, for privacy sake. As they arrived, John and Diane stayed within the comfort of the car, far from scrutinizing public eyes. Diane's sobbing subsided but her eyes were sore from crying. She lay silent for a time.

"Diane," John said as he held her hand.

"Huh?" She glanced at him.

"Do you want to go to your mother's room or not?"

"I can't meet my mother like this." She leaned on the soft pillow behind her and closed her eyes, resting her body on the inclined seat.

"Where do you want to go?" He stared at her and observed her breathing and the color of her skin. He smiled after knowing she was fine. He also copied her posture and tilted his head to rest against the chair.

"I want to go home and rest. But John?" She said without looking at him.

"Yes?" He said with a slight glance at her.

"Your brother already heard what Gallante and Mr. Peralta said. Are they going to arrest them now?"

"My brother can't arrest anyone. They can gather information and evidence and send it to the NBI. The NBI will handle the rest."

"Was the information we gathered tonight will be enough for the NBI to arrest them?"

"I'm not sure. By the way, do you know anything about what that Peralta mentioned about your father keeping a list of the druglord's partners?" He watched closely her reaction.

"I have no idea at all. If I have, I would have given it to the authorities after my father died. But I'm thinking of searching for it."

"Where did he possibly hide it?" asked John. She opened her eyes, in deep thought.

"Papa is not the secretive type. He had no hiding places or safe. His books, ledger, notebooks are all on his table, ready for us to read anytime."

"So what are your plans now?"

"I'll go over his things again, hoping I'll find it. John?" She positioned her head sideways to face him.

John's eyebrows rose.

"I want to follow that guy. Can you go with me? See, I'm asking you first as promised," she said in a serious manner.

"Diane, let my brother do that for you. It's easier for them and they are trained for that." He pulled his chair up and sat up straight facing her.

"I can't sleep thinking that guy had something to do with Papa's death. I can't rest. I want them to be in jail." Her face grew dim.

"Don't be impulsive."

"I've been waiting for four years. Do you still call that impulsive?" Her voice went louder.

However, John answered her calmly. "Please, leave it to my brother. Why the need to do it yourself?"

Looking at her, John trusted she was fairly angry. He stretched out to her hand and squeezed it. Her fist loosened when she felt the warmness of his hand on hers.

She brought John's hand on her cheek and let it warm her face. "Sorry."

"I can take it. As long as for my lady," he said as he smiled. Her anger instantly subdued as he listened to him.

Diane took a close look on his face. "Are you always this sweet?"

John chuckled inside. "Hmm, maybe." His face was casual but his eyes dazzled with laughter and she saw it.

"You really love teasing me," Diane said as she pulled the small pillow behind her and smacked it at him.

John laughed out loud, accepting the blow on his face. For him, her face was an open book. She dared not hide her emotions and inviting him to tease her. Diane put down the pillow and laughed with him as well.

"Are you feeling well now?" John said as his laughter died down.

"I think so." Her lips still curved up and her dimples emerged.

He outstretched his hand to caress the dimples using his fingers.

"I'm happy to hear that. I feel sad if you're sad. If possible I'll make you smile always." He said with love in his eyes. His words touched her.

"Why are you so good to me?" She said softly as she pulled his hand and clasped it.

"I'm always and will always be good to the woman I love."

Then she recalled what he said the first time she rejected him.

"Is it true that you like me since college?"

"Uhum." He nodded. "In fact, you're my first love."

"Really? Was there a second?"

John looked away, avoiding the questions. But Diane pinched his hand and made him glanced back at her. "Do you really want to know?"

"Yeah. I exactly want to know all the girls you love before." Her eyes gleamed and smiles widened, eager to listen.

"That's the title of a song. Do you want me to sing?" He said it with enthusiasm, wanting to brush off her curiosity.

"I'm waiting." She knew what he was doing.

"Don't laugh," he said.

"Okay, I won't laugh."

John held the stirring wheel and leaned his body on it. "I won't tell you because I know you'll laugh."

"Come on. Tell me." She pushed and pulled him, his head swayed with her movement.

"You're making me dizzy."

"Say it."

"Beauty," he said while she was busy pushing him.

"Who?" She heard it but unsure, her face bent to watch him intently.

"I already said it." He smiled.

"Say it again." She swayed him again.

"I won't."

"It's really Beauty?"

He looked at her and nodded.

Diane exploded in laughter. She slapped the dashboard more than once while laughing.

"See, you laughed."

"Hahaha, sorry, but I couldn't believe you lost against Clarence." Her laughter was louder.

"I didn't lose. It just so happened she met Clarence first." He felt being mocked.

"You lost." Her finger pointing at him, still laughing.

"But I think you should be happy or else I won't be here with you right now."

Her laughter abated.

"Okay, I'm thankful for Clarence for winning Beauty," she said in sincerity.

He pulled her hand to his lips and kissed it. "I love you."

Her face became solemn. "I wish I can say the same words to you today … but I really hope I'll be able to say it to you someday."

"I'll wait. I already said it before I'll wait and I won't let you go."

Diane's hands cupped John's face and pulled it to her. She kissed him lightly to his lips. "Thank you."

"Can I have more?" John whispered, his voice husky and his hands moved around her.

"Don't make it long," Diane said. When John was about to protest, "my eyes are swelling from crying. I need to go home to put some ice on it."

"You incited me." John pulled her close and kissed her hard giving her no time to object.

Minutes after, John drove her to her house, not knowing the danger lay in wait for her at home.