Monasterio Series #4: A Romance Blossomed In Sirao

Kabanata 28

Siya rin ang nagbuhat papasok ng mga appliances. We didn't ask for anyone's help even though most of the people here were looking at us. Hindi na ako nagtataka dahil halos tabi-tabi ang mga bahay rito. Nagkalat rin ang mga lalaking nagiinuman kahit pa tirik ang araw.

I know why Dashiel didn't want me to live here. It doesn't look safe. Malayong-malayo sa lugar na mayroon kami sa Argao.

"Matatapos na rin naman ako. I'll just set this up so we can watch later. What do you want for dinner? Magluluto ako."

Natawa ako. "Lahat na lang ba ay ikaw ang gagawa?"

"As much as possible, yes."

"Hindi puwede. Magtutulungan tayo dito na parang—"

"Mag-asawa?"

"Bukang bibig mo na iyang pag-aasawa, Dashiel." humalakhak ako.

He let go of the wire he's holding and stood up. Nilingon niya ako, may nakakalokong ngisi na sa labi. He suddenly grabbed my waist and pulled me close to him. The beads of sweat are crawling down the side of his forehead, making him look even more attractive. Maging ang pisngi niya ay mamula-mula na rin dahil sa pawis.

Idinampi-dampi ko ang tuwalya sa mukha niya. He watched me through his menacing eyes. It's been almost a year of being in a relationship with him and yet, I still get intimidated with the way he stares at me. Para akong laging natutunaw.

"Gustong-gusto na kitang pakasalan, pero maghihintay ako kagaya ng gusto mo." bulong niya sa seryosong boses, wala na ang ngisi sa mga labi.

He caressed my cheek with his thumb. Ngumiti ako sa kanya, ramdam ang kaseryosohan sa bawat salita niya.

"Kaunti na lang at makakamit ko na ang pangarap ko, Dashiel. Kapag naiayos ko na sila nanay, puwede na tayong magpakasal."

"Once we're already married, your parents are going to become my parents, too. Responsibilidad ko na rin sa kanila at hindi mo kailangan solohin."

"Naiintindihan ko. Pero... sigurado ka na ba talaga sa akin?"

Naningkit ang mga mata niya. "Mga ilang beses mong itatanong sa akin 'yan?"

"Hanggang sa makuntento ako. Masiyadong masarap sa pandinig." humagikhik ako.

He chuckled and pinched my cheek.

"I don't want any other woman, Adrestia. You are my truth and my lie. My present and my future. My home. For the first time in my life, this is the only moment that I get so damn excited in marrying someone."

Tears couldn't help but to fill my eyes. I pursed my lips as my hold on his arms tightened a little bit. He licked his lower lip as he eyed me intently.

"Satisfied with my answer now, baby?" he asked.

Sunod-sunod ang naging pagtango ko, tuluyan nang pumatak ang butil ng luha sa kaliwa kong mata at natawa. Dashiel wiped it away.

"Sobra-sobra, Dashiel."

His lips twisted into a half smile. Kinabig niya ako at muling niyakap. In his embrace the world stopped still on its axis. There was no time, no wind, no rain.

"I don't ever want to lose this feeling, I don't want to spend a moment apart. 'Cause you bring out the best in me, like no one else can do. That's why I'm by your side... and that's why I love you. "Dashiel suddenly sang those lyrics with his deep and raspy voice.

This was the love everyone's praying for. I inwardly thanked God and hugged Dashiel all the tighter. A love like this was to be cherished for life. Dashiel Adam Monasterio... he's also my home.