Dreaming with You
"Is that how you look at it Lisa? Is that all you are? All things fall under duties, duties, duties?" Rick lashed out.
He only opened and closed the door but never really went out. Lisa on the other hand was stunned to find out he was still there. All along she thought Rick already went his way. Despite that, she managed to gather her composure and started to speak.
"Why Rick? What else do you want to make out of it?" Lisa argued, slowly getting up from the couch to face Rick.
"I went here looking for some answers- answers to the current issues I'm having with my mind – with my heart. Well, I think I already know the answer. Oh, stupid me!" Rick lamented.
"What are you trying to say?" asked Lisa, calming her tone.
"All this time, I thought I was discovering new things about you. The way you cared, the way you handled our friendship, the way you held Max's and Miriya's child – I thought I was seeing a new you, someone beyond that military uniform. But tonight, I think all of those were just a masquerade." Rick answered.
"How dare you say that Rick!" Lisa raised her voice.
"I was being me all this time. It was the real me and now you are accusing me of pretense?" Lisa continued to argue.
"Don't blame me Lisa, it's written all over you. The way you look at things – even now, the way you look at me." Rick answered calmly.
"Get out Rick!" Lisa tried to summon Rick out of her quarters. Rick's words were hurtful.
Rick didn't listen to her but instead took quick steps towards her and held her by her arms.
"I need to know Lisa, I need to know!" Rick uttered with the sense of urgency in it.
"Need to know what Rick?" Lisa quizzically asked back.
"Don't you get it Lisa? I'm madly in love with you. And I need to know if you love me too. But you're pushing me away!" Rick answered.
"R-Rick? What did you say? Is this real? Lisa uttered, drifting and unable to believe what she just heard.
"Do you love me too Lisa? I said I love you! Why are you pushing me away? Rick asked again.
Lisa though she was just dreaming after all she was hearing. It melted all the anger in her heart a few seconds earlier. Without any warning, Rick planted a gentle kiss on her lips. It started slowly then increasingly became passionate. She felt the love that Rick declared merely by that kiss. It brought her back to reality.
"Do you love me Lisa? I need to know. Coz' if you don't, I guess I just have to take your word and go back to my quarters." Rick asked as if begging.
Lisa didn't answer Rick's question. Instead she let her tears flow freely down her face. She stoop, letting her locks cover her face as her tears flowed. Rick became distressed at what was happening.
"Are you toying with me Rick?" Lisa asked in the midst of her crying.
Rick was caught by that question. He thought he came too strong.
"L-Lisa? I'm sorry? I didn't mean to be rough on you tonight? I don't want you to think that I am taking advantage of the situation. I'm not playing with you or your emotions. I'm telling the truth. But I understand if it's difficult for you to believe… I-I think I'll just go…" Rick calmly replied.
"No… please… don't leave. Stay with me. Hold me! I need to make sure this is real!" Lisa replied.
Rick did as she pleased. Rick hugged Lisa tightly, and let her cry on his chest. He just kept quiet there, stroking Lisa's brown hair.
"Are you okay Lisa?" Rick finally spoke.
Lisa lifted her face and looked at Rick. She managed to bring up her right hand and caressed Rick's unruly black hair.
"I'm fine Rick, but I still cannot believe… " Lisa smiled.
Rick wiped the traces of tears on Lisa's cheek and gently planted a kiss on her forehead.
"I love you Lisa! It's the truth… and I don't even have a clue on how to make you believe but I will, even if it takes a lifetime." He whispered.
"You know what Rick? I have been waiting for almost an eternity to hear that. I tried to find ways of letting you know but I guess I'm also not good with it." Lisa spoke as she continued caressing his hair.
"Knowing you still had something for Minmay, and knowing I was way out of her league, I thought of not taking my chances." She continued.
Rick let those words sink deep in his heart. This was the Lisa that mystified him. Another facet of her life was laid bare before him. The woman who can command a fleet has insecurities as well. He took note of that and made sure to fill in that void or that weakness.
"I guess I was like that too. The moment my heart spoke that it was you, I started acting funny when I'm with you - made my heartbeat race. You really have found a way of handling me well Lisa." Rick reacted.
"So, where do we go from here?" Lisa shyly asked.
"I don't know, but I know with you, I can dream of a better tomorrow – and I'll fight for that if I have to." Rick swore.
"I love you Rick, I always have and I always will!"
"I love you Lisa, and I will forever!"
Late at night when all the world is sleeping
I'd stay up and think of you
And I still can't believe that you came up to me
And said, "I love you; I love you too"
Now I'm dreaming with you tonight
Till tomorrow, and for all of my life
And there's nowhere in the world I'd rather be
Than here in my room,
Dreaming with you endlessly...