Artistry of Love (Abstract Series #3)

Chapter 35

Childbirth was never going to be easy. It would be challenging no matter how many times you had already become pregnant. Lalo na ako na unang beses pa lang. But the people surrounding me helped me feel that I wasn't alone on my journey, especially Trip, who seemed paranoid at all times.

Noong nalaman niyang buntis ako, gusto nga sana niyang patigilin ako sa pagtatrabaho. Of course, I declined. I have just begun working, and I just can not stop immediately. So we decided I'd take maternity leave during my six-month pregnancy. Pumayag naman ako dahil kahit gusto kong magtrabaho, mahalaga sa akin ang kapakanan ng baby namin.

"Ilang buwan ka na ngang buntis?" tanong ni Gem habang natutuwang nakatingin sa tiyan ko.

I smiled excitedly. "Four months."

"Naku! Hindi naman sa tinatakot kita pero baka mahirapan ka. My numerous friends who are new mothers constantly come to me and complain about how difficult it is because I was the only single person in our group."

"Gem! Baka mastress pa si Ely d'yan sa pinagsasabi mo!" singit naman ni Dash.

Umiling ako. "No, it's actually okay. I'm very terrified, but I know that my husband and family won't ever leave me."

"Mabuti naman! Kaya nga saludo ako sa mga single mommy, e! Alam niyo ang dapat sa mga lalaking hindi kayang manindigan tuwing nakakabuntis ay putulan ng—" She ceased speaking when our supervisor entered the room. Sabay na lang kaming natawa ni Dash.

Walang special sa araw na 'to. Although it is my birthday, I haven't felt particularly motivated to celebrate it since my father passed away. Sino bang anak ang gusto magsaya sa birthday niya kung 'yon din ang exact na date kung kailan namatay ang mahal niya sa buhay?

Umaambon pa nang makalabas ako ng building. Trip texted me to let me know that he couldn't come get me tonight due to something I don't know. Alam niya kaya na birthday ko?

I mean, I always begged my friends and family not to celebrate my birthday while I was in elementary and high school. Pero ngayong tanggap ko na ang mga nangyari sa past, nakakamiss din pala ang pakiramdam na magkaroon ng birthday celebration.

Just now, he sent someone to get me. Hindi raw kasi siya mapakali kung magco-commute ako. Madilim sa bahay nang makarating ako. Mukhang hindi pa nakakauwi si Trip mula sa kung nasaan man ang lakad niya ngayon.

"Happy birthday, self." I was muttering to myself. Natawa ako. That sentence truly strikes me as being extremely odd. When was the last time I received a greeting? Ang tagal na.

Trip, emerging from the shadows, nearly caused my soul to depart from my body. He was carrying a small cake that had a candle nestled in the center of it. Madilim sa loob ng bahay namin kaya tanging galing sa kandila na dala niya ang liwanag.

"Happy birthday, Ely! Happy birthday, Ely!" he began singing.

I smiled while fighting back tears as I gazed up. I didn't plan on celebrating my birthday today the same way I had in the past, but now that I see Trip like this, I'm overjoyed. Nang matapos siya ay lumapit siya sa akin.

"Have a wish," excited niyang sabi.

Ngumiti ako. "Wala naman na akong ibang mahihiling ngayong magkasama na tayo."

His cheeks gave off a lot of blush. "Sige na! Wag mo akong pakiligin!"

I sarcastically rolled my eyes. "All right." Pumikit ako at nag-isip ng pwedeng ihiling.

I hope Trip and my baby are safe at all times.

Hinipan ko ang kandila kaya dumilim ulit. Trip switched on the flashlight. I laughed aloud.