Between Then and Now

CHAPTER THIRTY-SEVEN

Ryan

I t’s only been three days since Bon left, and I have another five days remaining for volunteer work. But I can’t stay here much longer. I can’t stay in the room I shared with her—the room where I fell in love with her. Who am I kidding? I probably fell for her on the streets of Magnolia Heights and I didn’t even realize. Every corner of this place is a minefield of memories, each detonating with every glance.

I stand in the doorway, taking in the room one last time before I leave. The memories flood back, almost overwhelming me. I look at her bed, and I can almost see her there, hunched over her laptop during her sleepless nights, editing her film with an intensity that both fascinated and worried me. The glow from her screen used to cast strange, dancing shadows on the walls, and sometimes I’d join her, offering snacks or just silent company. I’d distract her, joke around, and do all the things I don’t usually do with anyone who isn’t her.

I recall the nights she watched movies alone, and the nights we watched together. That horror film—her choice, not mine—where she hid behind her vibrant cartoon pajamas but still managed to keep her eyes on the screen. That was the night we kissed for the first time. At the time we were merely practicing, pretending. But if I’m being honest, there was already something rooted there. We were both just in denial.

Her bed is empty now, but it’s filled with echoes of her laughter, her groans of frustration when editing didn’t go well, and her soft, sleepy murmurs.

I turn my gaze to my bed, and my heart aches even more. The memories of three nights ago rush in with such force that it nearly knocks the breath out of me. That night was the best night of my life. And Bon was–is–the best person in the world. And I’m gonna go to her.

With a sigh, I walk out of the room and out of the inn. I make my way through the bustling streets, but there's one more stop I need to make before I head to the airport.

The Blank Book Archives has always held a special place in our hearts, and I remember the exact book Bon wrote in. It's the closest thing I have to hearing her voice right now.

As I step into the quiet sanctuary of the archives, the smell of old books fills the air, calming my racing thoughts. I make my way to the back, where the shelves are lined with countless volumes of blank books, each one holding the secrets of countless visitors. I find the one I'm looking for and carefully pull it off the shelf.

I flip through the pages, my fingers trembling slightly. Finally, I see her handwriting, elegant and familiar, and I hold in my breath as I read her words:

I don’t know if I’ll ever get the chance to tell you this, but our practice date gave me butterflies and made me question everything about our friendship. Our first kiss sent my feelings into a rabbit hole and I haven’t gone up since. When I almost drowned and your face was the first thing I saw, it took everything in me to keep myself from kissing you just so you’d stay close and never leave. I think I love you, Miller. Sucks I can’t be as lovable.

Yours even before you know it,

Bonbon

Her words hit me like a tidal wave. It's one thing to fall for your friend; it's another to realize they’ve been falling for you all along. I reread the note, feeling the depth of her emotions, the vulnerability she so rarely showed. It’s both exhilarating and heartbreaking to know how deeply she cares, how much she’s struggled with her feelings.

I speed to the airport to catch my flight. As I gaze out the window at the clouds below, I replay her words in my mind. She thinks she can’t be as lovable, but she’s wrong. She’s the most lovable person I know, and I’m determined to show her that every day from now on.

Where the hell is everyone? I arrive at Magnolia Heights, and it feels like an abandoned village, save for Manong Jose and his barbecue stall. There are a few others in the stall but overall, the village seems deserted.

I call my brother but he’s not answering, so I figure I’d go to Lily’s. There’s no one there except for Manang Linda. When she sees me, she waves her hand, and I enter the store.

“You’re also back so soon!” she says as she pulls me into a motherly hug.

“Yeah, is Bon here? Where is everyone?”

“Bonita is at an awards event. She got a prestigious award for her documentary,” she says. I smile at the thought of Bon’s dreams finally coming true. “And you? Why are you back early?” She eyes me with suspicion.

I sigh. “You’re right, Manang Linda,” I say as I sit on one of the benches outside. “Bon is bright and full of surprises.”

“Ah, you’ve fallen for our Bonbon?” She sits beside me and places a hand on my knee. I nod.

“I knew it.” She looks pleased with herself. “Everyone said I was delusional for thinking it was even a possibility. But I knew it.”

“How did you know?” I ask .

“Well, young man, I’ve lived here for years. Long before any of you were here. And I know all of you from the top of your head to the tip of your toes,” she says. “And you, Ryan, are not someone who likes noise or anything that disrupts your carefully constructed peace. When the kids hang out here, you sit a few feet away, in that chair, determined to keep your space to yourself.” She points to the armchair at the far side of the store. She’s right. If I don’t get that seat, I just leave. “You don’t share your food; you don’t even look up from your book or whatever it is you’re tinkering with,” she says.

“But,” she continues, bringing her glasses down so she can look me in the eye, “every time Bonita shows up, you light up. You scoot over to make room for her. You let her sit on your armrest. You’re the first to ask about her stories, and you put your book aside to listen to her. You get her favorite cookie before it runs out.” She smiles at me warmly. “The list goes on. And that’s how I knew that this trip will finally make you realize that.”

Wow. I never realized all that. Could she be right? Has it been that long since I unknowingly liked Bon?

I chuckle softly, feeling a mix of relief and anxiety. “She’s amazing, and I only came home early so I can let her know that I’m not going anywhere.”

She squeezes my knee gently. “Good. Now, why don’t you go out and get her? She’ll be back soon. The event finished an hour ago.”

I thank Manang Linda and quietly leave the store. I walk around the village, trying to calm my racing mind. I don’t even know what to tell Bon. All I know is that I have to see her. I have to let her know that I love her. I have to do everything I can to convince her to take a chance on us .

I go to the Corner Bistro, which is already closed. Then I proceed to the treehouse they usually hang out in. It’s empty, save for some birds. A few minutes of searching goes by, and I finally go to her house. And there, in the dark of the night, I see it.

Bon’s car pulls up in front of their house. It’s almost impossible to believe that once in my life I thought about avoiding her.

I remember that day at the Corner Bistro when I first saw her with her new haircut. Even when I was trying to avoid her, she pulled me in with her infectious energy and undeniable presence. She’s always had that effect on me—like a magnet drawing me closer, even when my mind resisted.

She pauses by her car, looking up at the sky as if seeking answers from the stars. Her hair, slightly tousled by the evening breeze, catches the light, giving her an ethereal glow. She's wearing a bright pink gown, and her short hair is curled at the edges. She’s so beautiful.

She walks toward their house, and just as she reaches for the door, I take a deep breath, feeling my heart pound in my chest. This is it—the moment I’ve been waiting for.

“Hey, Bonbon.”