On August 8, 2009, William Nicholson Noval and Roma Ian Librando will vow to love and cherish each other for better or for worse. This day will be the start of their happily ever after. Having witnessed firsthand how their love blossomed over the years, I am still in awe of the amazing journey this couple had gone through and how they have overcome the many obstacles that life throws their way.
Although they first met as thirteen year olds, sitting next to each other in the guidance counsellor’s office on the first day of high school, it wasn’t until our sophomore year that their story began. Roma and William became seatmates when Mr. Villa, our then Social Studies teacher decided to rearrange the seating plan for our classes with him. No one definitely thought that it will lead to something special. At that time, William had a girlfriend and Roma had the biggest crush on a boy from another year level.
Despite the bickerings and petty fights, they got to know each other and in time, became best friends. William eventually broke up with his girlfriend and Roma’s former crush took a backseat to her new one, “Garfield”. As months passed by, lots of things changed. They were often seen in each others’ company, whether it’s lunch in Central Bank’s canteen, malling in Ayala, watching movies or just hanging out in the Rizal square after class.
By junior year, William openly admitted to liking Roma. On the other hand, Roma had typical parents who didn’t want their daughter to have a boyfriend until she has earned a degree. She then asked him to wait for five years which he said he was willing to do.
But by senior year, it was clear to everyone that, even though they haven’t admitted to going steady, they had a mutual understanding. After all, action speaks louder than words. Even so, things only became really official a few days before graduation.
However, it was a short lived affair. A few days after college started, Roma felt guilty about going against her parents’ wishes and decided to end their relationship. William was so crushed that he avoided Roma in our weekly visits to our high school alma mater.
Of course, this rift didn’t last long. Just before Roma’s birthday, they were talking again and everything was smooth-sailing from then until another test to their love came. William and his family migrated to the USA while Roma remained in Cebu to finish her degree. For five years, they incessantly communicated through phone calls, texts and YM. There were times when they were ready to call it quits. But their love for each other remained.
At long last, on October 2007, William came home to Cebu and formally asked Roma to marry him. And after fourteen years in this rollercoaster of life, their love is stronger than ever. They met as friends and it evolved into a love that so many people rarely find today. It’s such a wonderful thing when two people who were made for each other manage to fall in love.
Roma and William you serve as an inspiration to everyone, because you have shown that dreams really do come true. May you have a wonderful life together and may your happy ending never end.