Hopelessly Devoted to You

CHAPTER 18

CHAPTER 18

"W—WALA."

I couldn't help but to worry over Safina. She wiped her tears and stood from the couch. Gano'n din si Manang Biday. Ano kaya'ng pinag-usapan nila at nag-iiyakan sila nang maabutan ko?

"Are you sure you're okay? If this is about what happened earlier, I'm sorry."

I held her hand. Ako na mismo ang nagpahid ng luha niya gamit ang daliri ko.

"Anong katotohanan ang pinag-uusapan ninyo? May kailangan ba akong malaman?" I queried and gently caressed her arm. It always so good to touch her soft skin. Parang naliligo siya ng gatas araw-araw.

She stilled and looked away. I get it. Parang may gusto siyang sabihin sa akin pero hindi pero parang may pumipigil sa kanya. I wonder what it was.

"H—hindi naman importante. Isa pa, baka hindi pa ito ang tamang oras para malaman mo," mahinang sabi niya. Medyo kinabahan ako pero kung ano'ng desisyon niya ay susuportahan.

"I will wait until you're ready, babe. Don't worry, I'm willing to listen whatever it is that's disturbing you," I assured her. Tama si Dela Vega. I should trust Safina with whatever I am deciding for. Soon, we will be one. And I cannot wait for that day to happen.

"Bagay na bagay talaga kayong dalawa. Tiyak na magiging habulin ng babae't lalaki ang mga magiging anak ninyong dalawa," Manang Biday giggled.

Napangiwi si Safina. Maybe she found it awkward. I can't help but laugh when her cheeks turned red again. Hindi napigilang nakawan siya ng halik sa harap ni Manang.

"Elliot!"

Hinampas niya ako sa dibdib. I caught her hand and kissed it.

"Don't worry, Manang Biday, pagkatapos ng kasal namin lilipat na tayong lahat sa mas malaking bahay. Para malawak ang playground ng mga anak ko," I said dreamily. Napatili si Manang sa kilig samantalang si Safina ay inikutan lang ako ng kanyang mga mata.

Napatigil nang mag-vibrate ang cellphone kaya agad ko iyong kinuha sa aking bulsa. Lumawak ang ngiti ko. Ang bilis talaga ni Dela Vega.

"Pero bago ang lahat, kailangan muna nating gawing opisyal ang lahat. Kaya aalis muna kami, Manang."

"Saan tayo pupunta?" Safina asked. I just winked at her in response.

Binilinan ko si Manang na silipin muna ang kung sinumang magdu-doorbell bago buksan ang pinto. Ayaw ko nang maulit ang nangyari kanina. I don't want to entertain any uninvited guest in my territory.

I held Safina's waist until we reached the car. Gusto kong malaman ng lahat na pagmamay-ari ko na siya. I also wanted everyone to respect her the way they respect me.

"Saan ba talaga tayo pupunta? Ang dami mong alam na pakulo."

I helped her locking the seatbelt before locking mine. I ignored her question and pinched her nose instead. My babe's getting impatient.

"You will know when we get there," I assured giving her a wide grin.

I started the engine and played the song I composed for her. She looked away and pretended that she's scrutinizing the windshield.

Yes, babe. Every word of that song is dedicated to you. I wanted you to bear that in mind.

I shook my head when everything replayed in my mind. Why do I have this feeling that this is a different me?

I still can remember how I promised myself not to ever commit to any woman again. After my broke up with Beatrice I swore not to get married. I've been contented with my lifestyle for several years. I've been happy about making money everyday and get wasted during the nights that I feel like doing so.