Chapter 39: Proposal
"Girls night out!" sabay sabay naming sigaw at tumalon sa pagbagsak ng musika.
Dumiretso kami sa night club pagkatapos naming maghapunan. We can't leave Heart in the couch if we want to dance in the dance floor kaya kumuha kami ng upuan na malapit lang doon.
"Ugh!" si Heart.
Nilapitan ko siya. She looked pissed at something. Huminto rin sila sa pagsasayaw at umupo.
"You all good?" nag aalala kong tanong.
Umayos siya ng upo at nilagay ang kanyang kamay sa likod niya. Though she is pregnant, she is still sophisticated. Still the glamorous supermodel that she is.
"Ayos ka lang, Heart?"
"Do you feel the baby coming out already?!" Stella exclaimed.
"I saw someone coming, but not the baby." aniya.
Kaming tatlo ay napatingin sa kanyang line of vision. A familiar public figure with her friends is drawing nearer to our area. Humalakhak si Divine at Stella. Ako lang ata ang walang alam sa isyu dito.
"Ingrita!" iritadong asik ni Heart.
Tumingin ako kina Stella.
"You know how famous our husbands are." aniya.
"Oh." sabi ko nang napagtanto ang ibig nilang sabihin.
"Alam na niyang may asawa na si Leese. Ang impakta palaging nagpapapansin. Hello? Pinakasalan na ako ni Azacarias at binuntis pa."
Tumawa ako sa iritado niyang sinabi. She gets irritated very fast and she's so insensitive too. Yeah, pregnancy changes people.
Madramang nag-flip hair ang babaeng tinutukoy niya kaya mas lalong nagtawanan kami. Umirap lamang si Heart at napainom ng juice niya.
"Oh well. The Queen chills." maattitude niyang akto.
"Wow! That's the spirit!"
"Kaya pala todo habol si Leese sa'yo,"
I chuckled and Heart just winked before chuckling along with us. Ang sarap nilang kasama. 'Yung tipong kahit ang paligid ay magulo, good vibes lang ang banda namin.
"Malamang. Magagalit ako sa mga babae at nagseselos tuwing nagpapansin kay Azzy pero hindi na ako nainsecure sa sarili. Alam mo 'yon. He exist in my life and he gave me the security I never felt from my family." seryosong sabi ni Heart.
"Yeah, we all can relate to that. Given that they are well-known and hot bachelors. You know, I stopped asking myself na, 'Will I good enough for him?' or 'Am I fit to be by his side?'. Kasi 'di ba. I came from a struggling family. I have a long list of insecurities." tawa ni Divine sa huling pahayag bago nagpatuloy. "My father cheated and all that stuff. But then, Alarchic kissed those all away and made me feel worthy of everything,"
Napangiti ako sa mga kwento. We all have those inhibitions. Nakakataba ng puso ang marinig ang ganitong usapan.
"Being in love is just the most beautiful thing in the universe. Love does really conquers all." nakangiting sabi ni Stella. "Achaitius and I have been into a mountainous and rocky journey, we survived all of that."
"You lost your memories. I heard." mahina kong sabi.
She nodded and smiled widely. "Yeah. It was... It was like a movie. And the reason why we, all four us, loves a Figueroa is because they never give up. Years may pass but they will stay true to you and waits."
"My heart is missing him," Divine murmured.
"Same." sang-ayon ni Heart.
Parehong natawa kami ni Stella. Ako naman ang binalingan nila ngayon.
"Uh, me?" natatawa kong sabi. "Wala na akong ma-share, e. Nasabi n'yo na lahat."
Tinawanan lang nila iyon. Muling sumeryoso ako.
"Well, I realized something in loving a Figueroa. If we want to wear the crown, we must bear its weight." banayad kong sinabi.
"Agree." si Divine.
Pumalakpak si Heart at nag-thumbs pa.
"I like that principle. So powerful and a message from the Queen herself." nakangising sabi niya.
Humalakhak ako. At medyo nabulunan pa si Divine nang may natanaw. Bumaling din ako roon. Four men is stroding towards us with a firm expression.
Bahagyang gulat ako nang nakita si Fidai roon. Pinapansin pa nga sila ng mga taong nadaraanan ngunit hindi nagpapapigil kahit inalok. Diretso ang lakad nila sa amin.
Humagikhik si Heart halatang excited kaya natawa kami. Stella and Divine moved to the other couch as their men got closer. Tinaasan ko ng kilay si Fidai nang lumapit sa akin. He grinned and seated beside me. Agad namang pumulupot ang kanyang kamay sa aking baywang hanggang sa aking may tiyan.
"Why are you all here?" tanong ko.
Pinatakan niya ng halik ang aking pisngi at sumandal sa aking balikat. Humagikhik pa rin si Heart habang hinahaplos ni Leese ang baby bump nila.
Lahat biglang nabusy sa pagdating ng mga lalaki. Si Stella lang ang mukhang hindi masaya na nandito ang asawa niya.
"Oo nga, bakit kayo nandito?" aniya.
Cassius did not reply and shut this eyes while hugging his wife. Nahagilap naman ng aking tingin sila Divine at Howl. Nagtatawanan ang dalawa tila may sariling mundo. Bumaling ako kay Fidai at kinirot ang kanyang hita.
"Where's the twins?" kunot noo kong tanong.
He lazily tilted his head at me. "Nasa condo natin kasama ang pinsan nila."
Namilog ang aking mata. "Sinong nagbabantay?!"
"Kaden and Tita Carolina."
Uminahon ako sa narinig ngunit naniningkit ang mata ko. Akala ko ba susunduin niya ako pero bakit nandito siya? Sila? This is supposed to be a girls' night.
"Pero bakit kayong lahat nandito?" pag uulit ni Stella.
"I asked the same. Hindi sumagot si Fidai."
"Oh, yeah. Why are you here? I did not text you that we're done here." kunot noong tanong ni Divine sa asawa niya.
"We're at Fidai's place. Sabi ni Leese puntahan niya si Heart. Lahat kami sumang-ayon na sumama." sagot ni Howl.
"Overprotective 'tong si Leese." tawa ni Cassius.
Tinampal siya ng asawa sa braso. "Makapagsalita ka mukhang hindi ka rin sumama rito."
"Siya ang nag-suggest na sumama silang tatlo, Stella. Sapakin mo 'yan." nakangising sabi ni Leese.
"Ay talaga? Humanda ka sa akin pag-uwi."
"I love sweet punishment, baby."
"Oh, that's my song! Let's go!" aya ni Divine.
Hindi ako makagalaw dahil sa yakap ni Fidai. Siya lang ang nakatayo sa aming apat ngunit hinila naman siya ni Howl pabagsak sa tabi nito.
I chuckled. "They shouldn't be here."
Napawi ang sigla niya. "Sa susunod. Walang magdadala ng cellphone kung lalabas tayo. Hindi naman natin ma-e-enjoy, e."
"I have men to find you." walang prenong agap ni Howl.
I wholeheartedly laughed too. Wala talagang kawala.
Pero hindi naman nasira ang gabi namin. We are able to have fun and have our light drinks with them looking after us.
When Heart started yawning, nagpasya na kaming umuwi. I had a good sleep in the afternoon naman pero inaantok ako agad nang pumasok sa sasakyan. Umuwi na rin siya Mommy pagdating namin dahil pagod na rin ang kambal.
I am laying on Fidai's chest. My face is touching the side of his face. My whole weight is really on him while Austin is on my back, sleeping peacefully too. Hindi ako pwedeng gumawa ng anong galaw dahil baka mahuhulog si Austin kahit nakasuporta ang kamay ni Fidai roon. And on the other side, Tina is on Fidai's left arm, sleeping. I grunted softly and kissed my man's jaw before dozing to sleep again.
Nasa posisyon kami na ganito dahil kanina nang dumating kami. Nasa higaan ang dalawa. He went out to get the smoothie of the two. Nang bumalik siya, gusto niya nasa dibdib niya ako. Nakaidlip na kami and then Austin suddenly climbed unto my back and Tina found herself to his father's arm.
"Darling,"
Dumilat ako nang narinig ang tawag niya.
"Hmm? Nangangalay ka na? Hold Austin first, I'll get off."
"No, no, it's okay. Tinatawag lang kita. I thought you're asleep." he whispered softly.
Inabot ko ang kanyang pisngi at hinaplos ng marahan. I found another thing he loves me doing and that's caressing his jaw.
"Kakagising ko lang din. I can't move," banayad kong tugon.
"Nabibigatan ka na kay Austin?"
"Hindi naman. Ikaw baka nangangalay ka na talaga. Mabigat kami ni Austin."
He grunted softly and closed his eyes again before shaking his head. Hindi ako dapat maging malikot dahil mahuhulog ko si Austin. My baby boy is sleeping peacefully so I dare not disturb it.
Kinabukasan, nagpunta kami sa sinabing shop. Kilala ni Heart ang may-ari at famous designer din ito from New York. We left the kids in our condo as we are shopping for a dress to wear this Friday.
"Bagay sa'yo ang red, Aiofe." si Heart.
"She should wear that one."
Hinawakan ko ang pulang dress na iyon. "Isn't this a bit too much?"
Off shoulder ito na mermaid dress. It has a low back and it has a red veil flowing on the back too. Kumikinang agad dahil sa nga naka-embroidered na beads at mamahaling disenyo. This is extremely new and never been worn by anyone.
"No. It is perfect for you." si Heart.
Sinukat ko iyon. It fits so well with me and my chest is not that exposed naman.
"Told you." si Heart. "I'll take this green,"
Kumunot ang aking noo. Only my dress is a bit extra in terms of the design. And the price too made me pout. Pero iyon ang kinuha ko para sa akin. Gusto ko rin naman ang disenyo. We didn't pay for any of it kasi siguro dahil kaibigan ni Heart ang may-ari.
Nag-aya ako ng tanghalian sa kanila. But we did not stay that long because Stella had an urgent call from their company.
Pagdating ko sa bahay, hindi ko sila mahanap sa living room o sa kwarto. Nadatnan ko sila sa opisina, laughing and playing in the playhouse. Si Kaden ang nagbabantay sa kanila.
Today is Tito and Tita Kristen's flight to California. Si Mommy lang ang nakapaghatid sa kanila sa airport. I wanted to cancel my meet up with the ladies but Tita Kristen doesn't want me to.
"You guys are having so much fun..." bungad ko.
"Mama! Come play with us." si Tina.
"Ayaw nilang matulog, Ate." si Kaden na nakasuot ng sobrang liit na vest.
I laughed at him. Tinapunan niya ako ng masamang tingin.
"You look hilarious."
"Blame Tina. She screams if I take this off."
Humalakhak ako. "Thanks for looking after them, Kad. Hindi ka pa late sa lessons mo?"
"It starts by 2. I'll get going now, Ate." aniya nang tumayo. "Tina, Austin, Tito is leaving now."
"Bye, Tito..." wala sa sarili nilang tugon
"Austin, Tina." mababa kong tawag sa atensyon nila.
They raised their heads and put down their toys.
"Bye, Tito. Take care!" malamyos nilang sinabi.
Hindi ko siya maalis sa playhouse kaya tumagal ang paglalaro nila nang mga isang oras bago dinalaw ng antok. I tucked them to bed and I layed in between them.
Inabot ko ang aking cellphone.
Augustine:
What are you doing? Still having fun with the girls?
Me:
I'm already at home. Laying in bed with the twins.
Augustine:
That's awesome. I want a cuddle too.
I laughed softly.
Ako:
You have fun with your meetings. Bye. We're sleeping now.
Augustine:
I love all three of you.
Nakatulog ako sa hapon na iyon. Maaga namang bumalik si Fidai and he said he'd prepare dinner for us.
The twins enjoyed the chicken curry their father made. Naparami ang kinain nila kaya hindi na ako gagawa ng smoothie.
"Papa," lumapit si Tina sa ama at sinuotan niya ito ng headband na may tainga.
I took pictures of them kanina pa. Fidai's hands are so full. Tinatawag siya ni Tina para makipaglaro at tatawagin naman siya ni Austin para maglaro ng shooting. His study room here is no longer the formal office of a CEO but it turns into a kids playground.
He pouted at me. I zoomed the camera and took several shots.
"You look cute." tawa ko.
Bumaling agad si Tina sa akin. I pressed myself into a thin line.
"I mean, Papa's adorable with the headband."
She giggled. "You should wear this too, Mama."
Oh. Who brought her these cat ears headbands? Sinuotan niya ako no'n at humagikhik.
"You're the same." turo niya sa amin ni Fidai.
I gave her a pouty look before I seated beside their father. Inabot ko ang dalawa pang headbands.
"Come here. All four of us, we'll take a picture."
"Uhuh. I'm cute."
"Come here, bud. May pakulo ang Mama mo." si Fidai kay Austin.
I grinned and made them wear the headbands and. took my phone out. Iniwan ni Kaden ang tripod niya kaya iyon ang ginamit ko upang maipatayo ang aking cellphone.
Austin is seating on my lap, nakasquat kami. Si Tina naman nasa ama niya. I timed the camera and we pose.
"Smile, Austin.."
Siya lang ang busangot ang mukha. Ngumiti naman agad siya. Pagkatapos agad silang nagtakbuhan, pabalik sa playhouse si Tina at sa shooting naman si Austin.
"Have you found a dress?" bulong ni Fidai at umupo sa aking likuran.
"Yep. It's in our room."
"Hmm..."
Halos atakehin ako sa puso nang hindi ko nakita ang kambal sa paggising ko sa umaga. Fidai told me they are already in the Figueroa Mansion kaya kumalma ako. Pero medya natakot pa rin ako. I am okay with the twins staying with his family but I want to see them first before they go.
But then I got clouded with the preparation for the party tonight. Pinadala ni Heart dit.o sa unit ang isang glam team. Alas tres pa lang, hinanda na nila ako. I am nervous. Like super.
Though I've met them pero iba pa rin kung isang party ang dadaluhan kahit kami lang marahil ang lokasyon nito ay sa mansion nila.
I looked good... okay. Oh my God. My heart is palpitating fast.
Dinampian ng halik ni Fidai ang likod ng aking palad. He gave me a reassuring smile.
"You're gonna be okay." aniya.
Ang guwapo niya sa tux niya. He is wearing all black with a red bow tie. Nag-send kanina ng picture si Stella sa kambal, pareho ang outfit nila ni Fidai. Gusto ko nang dumating para makita ang mga anak. I haven't seen them for the whole day.
Umawang ang aking labi habang nakatingin sa Figueroa Mansion. It is bigger than in pictures. Mataas na daan ang tinatahak namin kanina bago dumating dito. I am amazed by the architecture of the mansion.
"Welcome, darling..." he softly whispered.
I pursed my lips and still in awe of the place. Pumasok na kami sa loob, tinulungan niya ako na hawakan ang veil ng aking gown.
Exterior and interior designs, it is crafted very detailed. Magandang ang kabuuan ng mansion. Wala ako nakikita na kahit alikabok. Fidai told me about the rooms, how many are there, and the whole mansion while we are walking inside their spacious mansion.
Lumabas kami sa bulwagan patungo ng riverside nila. Umawang muli ang aking labi. We are in the wide boardwalk and there's a long table and two circle of couches in different places. Nasa may railing, nasa dulo, ang isang couch at naroon ang mga pinsan niya. The place is designed with white cloth hovering above, a warm lights and golden chandelier in the center and golden kitchen wares on the table. The railings are filled with flowers and vines with electric candles.
Sila Tita naman ay nasa mahabang lamesa. My eyes drifted to the other couch on the grassy lawn. The twins are there hindi ko naman agad nalapitan dahil sinalubong na kami ng pamilya niya.
The wind blew and I can hear the sound of the waters in the river. Sa may bulwagan, malapit sa aking kinatatayuan, may nakadesign doon na elevated platform. It has a hollow heart designed with flowers and leaves just like the surroundings. It's very feminine. Na-fit in ang kulay ng damit ko.
"We'll tour you around. Dito na kayo magpapalipas ng gabi. Fidai's room upstairs has a great view. I'm sure you'll enjoy it." kindat ni Tita Symfle sa akin.
"And you know what she means, hija." tawa ni Tita Herminia.
My face flushed by what they said.
"I'll be back," bulong ni Fidai sa akin na hindi ko natugunan dahil abala ako sa kausap.
"Red suits you best." komento ni Divine.
"Someone has future in designing." makahulugang puna ni Heart.
"Hija, you look fabulous." si Doñia Kachia.
Nakibeso rin ako sa kanya. "Thank you, Madame."
"A is coming home but he can't make it tonight. You'll meet him tomorrow. He's thrilled to meet. you," nagagalak niyang sinabi.
"Oh, the food is here."
Natawa kaming lahat sa singgit ni Heart. She really loves food now. Sasabay na sana ako sa kanila patungo sa lamesa nang pinigilan ako ni Stella. She smiled at me and guided me towards the elevated platform.
"Huh?" nagtataka kong sambit.
The twins are not in their couch anymore. Napalinga ako. Fidai is not here too. Nakaramdam ako ng konting kaba.
"Oh, they are just around. Don't worry." she smiled.
May photographer na palaging kumukuha ng litrato.
"Jake! Take her pictures."
"Of course, Madame."
Wala akong nagawa kundi ngumiti sa camera. Biglang tumunog ang sound system. A familiar song sounded. Kumurap ako at baba na sana ngunit pinigilan ako ni Stella.
"Just stay..." nakangiti niyang sinabi at humakbang palikod.
I saw all of them standing. All of the Figueroa's except Don A is here. Kumalabog ang aking puso nang nagsimula ang awitin ng FM Static, Tonight. My pulses are kicking. I have the hunch to where this is heading but I don't want to assume.
My mouth parted when I saw three figures coming outside. Our two beautiful twins are wearing the same shirt with a print, 'Mama, will you marry Papa?'. Luha ay kusang namumuo sa gilid ng aking mga mata. Fidai is wearing a white polo shirt with a print in bold letters, 'SAY YES, DARLING'. All three of them are holding a bouquet but Fidai has the bigger one.
Suminghap ako at napahawak sa bibig. His family is around us and they are holding one stem of a red rose. They are cheering at us with their smiles. Oh my God! Mommy and Kaden are here!
"What's... going on?" I mumbled and I am slowly tearing.
Lumapit ang mag-ama ko sa akin. I am standing in the elevated platform with the foral background shaped into a hollow heart and it is covered with flowers and wines. It is all his plan! The dress, this party! I bit my lower lip because I am really crying.
"Hi, Mama..." nakangiting sabi ng kambal.
Tumulo ang aking luha. They gave me a cute small bouquet, it has four soft colored flowers in each. Humalik pa sila sa aking pisngi bago bumalik sa kanilang ama.
"Hello, gorgeous..." Fidai grinned.
Mababa akong humalakhak kahit naiiyak. "Augustine,.."
The song is so soft and has a big impact to me, to him, to our relationship.
"Tonight I'm falling and I can't get up. I need your lovings arms to come and pick me up." he said the lyrics, gently. "So, darling..."
Humugot siya ng malalim na hininga bago unti unting lumuhod. My lips parted again as I gasped and my heart is throbbing hard and fast. Hindi ko maipaliwanag ang nararamdaman. Basta ay natutuwa ako kaya naiiyak.
On one knee, he opened a red box. I can see all the emotions on his face and I saw the blurring tears inside his eyes.
"Please, marry me, darling. I'm not doing this just because we have our twins. I want to marry you because I love you and I want you for the rest of my life. All of you including our kids." he said firmly. "So, I want to ask you..."
My eyes are blurring. All my thoughts and everything inside me including my vague doubts, everything got aligned. 'Yung tipong siguradong sigurado na ako sa lahat. At the moment, I feel like I have the means to move a mountain.
"Do you want to build this family by marrying me?" he asked.
Nanginginig ang aking bibig dahil naiiyak muli ako sa tuwa. I just love him. I love this family I have with him. I love them so much. Nangangatog ang aking binti at hindi nakapagsalita ng diretso.
"I-Is that even a question?" naging bulong ko iyon.
My vision is blurring more but I can see clear how Fidai on one knee, offering a ring in a red box and beside is our son holding another big bouquet of chrysanthemum and roses while our daughter is standing cheekily on her father's side.
"Answer me, darling. You have two options." Fidai gently said. "Be mine or I'll be yours."
Suminghot si Tina. "Mama..."
"Please marry Papa, Mama." halos pagmamakaawa ni Austin.
Agaran akong tumango at nagpunas ng sariling luha. "Of course, babies. I will marry your father because I love him so much."
"Yes!" they both yelled and giggled.
Ngumisi si Fidai saka tumayo upang mailagay sa aking daliri ang malaking perlas na pinapalibutan ng maliliit na diamante. I hugged him so tight and he did the same too.
"I'm so in love with you, darling. I hope you won't forget that." he whispered wholeheartedly.
Ngumiti ako ng malapad at pinatakan siya ng halik sa leeg.
"I love you too, Augustine." malambing kong sinabi.
"We love you too, Papa, Mama." the twins said in unison as they hugged our thighs with their little arms.
I wholeheartedly chuckled and crouched down to hug them too. They are so adorable and I'm very happy to be their mother. Hinalikan ako ni Fidai sa gilid ng aking mata.
"Woo! Congratulations!"
"Welcome to the family, Aoife!"
"This is exciting!"
"Congratulations!"
Suminghap ako at nagpunas ng luha ngunit panay pa rin ang paglabas ng panibagong masayang luha. I chuckled wholeheartedly.
"Cover your eyes, twins." marahan na sinabi ng ama nila.
Austin covered his eyes and covered his sister's eyes too. I immediately closed my eyes when Fidai sealed my lips with a soft and loving kiss.
Tumagal iyon ng ilang minuto dahil umabot ng dalawang mahahabang halik. Nang bumitaw kami, pinatakan pa niya ako ng mababaw na halik at agad naman ngumisi si Tina. Our mischievous little girl.
"Papa, can I kiss you too?" she innocently smiled.
I chuckled while Austin groaned. He's just like his father. Palagi na niyang sinusunod kung ano ang ginagawa ng ama.
"No. Papa's lips is only for Mama." agap niya.
"Why? I want to kiss Papa! I kissed Mama's lips naman marami times."
Parehong natawa kami ni Fidai at pati na rin ang pamilya naming nasa paligid. Kinuha ko naman si Tina at tumayo na habang si Fidai naman ang nagbuhat kay Austin. Tina pouted adorably and I kissed her cheek with a sound.
"Oh, I can't bare to turn down my baby girl." malumanay na sabi ni Fidai.
Kumislap naman agad ang mata ni Tina kaya nilapit ko na siya sa kanyang ama. Fidai grinned at Austin when our son is glaring at his own father.
"Papa, no. Mama will get jealous. She won't marry you anymore." malamig na sinabi ni Austin. "Tina, stop being hard. Papa is for Mama alone."
Kahit kailan talaga ang dalawang ito. I cupped Austin's small adorable face and placed a quick kiss on his lips. My boy immediately hid himself in his father's neck. Madramang suminghap naman si Tina. And she giggled after.
Fidai groaned and chuckled. He really have that softness.
I smirked. "Finally found your weakspot, huh?"
He kissed the side of my head.
"Papa! Papa! Kiss!" hagikhik niya Tina.
Fidai gave her the quick kiss on her lips and she immediately hugged him. Ang dalawa na ngayon ang sumiksik sa kanyang leeg at natawa ako dahil nasasakal na siya.
"Baby, loosen your grips please. Papa can't breathe," halakhak niya.
The smile cannot go away from my lips. I took our shy boy into my arms and he hid again on my chest. Pinasandal ako ni Fidai sa kanyang dibdib at binaba ko ang aking kamay na may singsing sa kanyang hita.
"I love you, darling. Thank you for choosing to be with me." malambing niyang bulong.
Ngumisi ako ng matamis sa kanya. "I love you too, baby darling."
"On hold muna ang sweet moments ninyo, Aoife. Picture tayo!" sigaw ni Heart.
I smiled at them before I turn to my mother. She is crying and her walk towards us is very slow. Napangiti ako. Kaden kissed my cheek.
"Congratulations, Ate." nakangiti niyang sinabi at kinuha si Austin sa akin.
"Way to go, Queen." kindat ni Divine sa akin.
Humalakhak ako. "We're all Queens."
Niyakap nila ako ng mahigpit.
"God! This is amazing. Finally,"
"Thank you..." buong puso kong pasasalamat sa kanila.
They grinned widely. Nilapitan ako ni Tita Symfle, kasabay niya si Mommy. They are like besties now.
"I'm so happy, anak..." lumuluha niyang sinabi. "And I am so sorry... for everything."
"Ow, Mom..." I whimpered and hugged her tightly.
I felt her crying more. Humalakhak ako at sinubukang patahanin din ang sarili.
"Engage pa lang ako. Not married."
Sinamaan niya ako ng tingin habang nagpupunas ng luha. "Ikakasal ka rin naman."
"Welcome to the family, hija." nakangiting sabi ni Tita.
Ngumiti ako at niyakap siya pabalik. "Thank you, Tita."
"It should be Mama by now." she grinned.
I chuckled and slowly nodded.
"Picture raw muna." si Tito Leonardo. "Welcome to the family, hija."
He smiled at me and hugged me as well. Bahagyang natawa ako sa reaksyon ni Tita.
"Akala ko picture muna." aniya.
Tumawa si Tito sa asawa at pumosisyon na. Fidai found me and placed his left hand on my waist. Hinahanap ko si Kaden.
"Akin na si Austin,"
"The babies should be in the front para makita ang t-shirt nila." sabi noong photographer.
Binaba ni Fidai si Tina at tinabi ko ang dalawa sa aking harapan. Ngumiti ako sa malapad sa camera at pinakita ko ang singsing.
"Nice shot. Let's have the family." ani ng photographer.
Kaming apat muna ang kinunan ng litrato at pagkatapos kasama ang aming pamilya, sila Mommy, Kaden, Tito Leonardo and Tita Symfle. After that, me with the girls. Tumagal iyon dahil kahit anong pose ay ginawa namin.
We had a full dinner with awesome people and it's just so calm and warm being around them all. It's like the night will never end.
"Bridal shower is waiting!"
"Yeah! And that's strictly for us girls. Hindi natin isasama ang mga lalaki."
I chuckled softly. "I'll arrange that."
"Oh no," apila ni Heart. "We will help you plan."
"Mas malaking desisyon ang wedding ninyo ni Fidai. You should prepare for that and leave the bridal shower to us." si Divine.
"I am thinking of a venue already." hagikhik ni Stella.
My heart is so warm an overflowing with love. Bumaling ako sa direksyon nila Mommy. They are on the table with the Figueroas and on the couch area a bit away from river, the twins with their cousins were playing.
Naglalakbay ang aking tingin sa direksyon ng kalalakihan. They are laughing at something in their conversation. Fidai's eyes caught mine. He lifted his glass and took a sip while his eyes is still locked on me. Ngumiti ako ng malapad sa kanya. He grinned too and gave me a teasing eyes. Humalakhak ako ng mahina.
"Let's go over them," hinila ako ni Divine patungo sa couch ng mga lalaki.
Umayos ng upo si Fidai tila naghahanda sa aking paglapit. I winked at him and he chuckled before shooking his head. I laughed lightly and welcomed his arms to make me sit on his side--lap. Bumagsak ako sa kanyang kandungan.
"Fidai's gonna throw a grand wedding, Aiofe, para hindi ka makawala sa kanya." halakhak ni Stella.
Ngumuso ako ng bahagya. "Ayos naman sa akin kahit simple lang."
"I want a big wedding, darling..." masuyong sabi ni Fidai.
Tinawanan siya ng pinsan niya.
"Iimbitahan niya lahat ng media, Aiofe. Wag ka ng magulat," banggit ni Howl.
"Tapos magagalit kapag maraming lalaki ang pupuri sa kagandahan mo." dagdag ni Cassius.
"Pati sa reception, hindi ka halos bibitawan." si Leese.
"Ginagawa rin kasi nila iyan, Aiofe. Kaya alam na alam." singgit ni Heart.
Niyakap siya lalo ng asawa at hinalikan sa pisngi. "Cuz you deserve the best."
Kumindat si Heart sa akin kaya humalakhak ako. Nilingon ko bahagya si Fidai nang huminga siya sa aking leeg.
"Hmm?"
"Start listing everything you want for our wedding. We'll make your dreams come true." malambing niyang sinabi.
I grinned. "I want it done in the church and the reception will be in a beach. Is that possible?"
"Of course. We'll have it the way you want it."
"It's not just my wedding. It's our wedding so you should suggest too." nakanguso kong bulong.
"Hmm... Everyone should know and as long as you say, "I do.". That's all I want." he whispered lovingly.
My heart beats like crazy. Humalakhak pa siya sa aking tainga kaya ngumuso ako. This is really happening. It's like all the puzzle pieces of my life has been arranged, sorted out into its right order.
Lumapit ako sa mga bata pagkatapos kong sumabay sa tuwaan ng mga nakakatanda. Tina made me sit with her and she began to touch the ring on my finger.
"Mama is marrying Papa!" tili niya.
I puckered my lips and she kissed me.
"Yehey! I'm marrying Papa." I grinned. "Are you happy?"
Tumango agad siya. Nilapitan kami ni Austin at umupo rin. He took my hand and frowned a bit while looking at the ring.
"You don't like it, Austin?" marahan kong tanong.
Umiling siya ng mahina. Cassian and Maximo went to us as well. Tiningnan nila ang aking singsing. They are a group of cute and handsome kids.
"What's wrong, baby?" tanong ko kay Austin.
Bigla lamang siyang tumayo at tumakbo patungo sa aking likod. Akala ko ano na ngunit yumakap lamang siya sa aking leeg galing doon.
"Tita, you getting married?" inosenteng tanong ni Cassian.
Tumango ako at ngumiti. "I am."
He smiled widely and looked at Austin. "We'll meet more friends,"
"Yeah..." si Austin.
Nahagilap ng aking tingin si Tita Symfle. She seated on a single chair and smiled at me. Hinawakan ko si Austin.
"You play first, baby. I'll be right back,"
Binitawan niya niya ako kaya tumayo ako upang lapitan si Tita. I seated on the other single couch beside her. Kinuha niya ang aking kamay at hinaplos ang likod ng aking palad habang nakatingin sa singsing.
"Ang ganda," puri niya.
Tumango ako habang nakatingin din sa singsing. It's very beautiful and crafted uniquely.
Umangat ang tingin niya sa akin. She had that motherly warm smile.
"Figueroas fell in love only once and they stay committed. Bright as the sun, my son is in love with you, hija. " nakangiting sinabi ni Tita. "I never thought he'll be whipped like this."
Humalakhak ako. "Then I might be a good witch, Tita."
She laughed. "I won't say a witch. But you are his destiny, rather. And please it's Mama, hija."
"I.. I didn't expect this po. Honestly. I know that Fidai wants us to be married but I thought it's gonna stretch for a month or more before he proposes. And I was in the verge of deciding if I should propose to him first." medyo natatawa kong pag-amin.
Gulantang ang mukha ni Tita. Tumango ako at natawa lalo. Yes. It's true. At first, iniisip ko lang iyon at the back of my head but then it came into my mind again when we wear choosing a dress yesterday. I thought of giving him a marriage proposal if I had the chance.
"It's quite weird." halakhak ko. "But I want to be a part of him. Not just a mother of the twins but for the rest of his life."
"And you are."
I smiled widely. "I am..."
She grinned at me and opened her arms. "Come here, let me give you a hug."
I pushed myself to her and she hugged me.
"Family hug 'to, 'di ba?" natatawang singgit ni Stella.
Parehong natawa kami ni Tita nang sumali sila sa yakapan.
"Mama!" the kids called.
"Oh!"
Natawa kami nang sumali ang mga bata.
More better days are coming in our way. I learned so much and grown big time. Raising the twins by myself gave me so much courage to face people. I am stronger now. Only Fidai makes my knees weakened. Oh my Augustine.
Lahat ng nangyari ay may kahulugan. One problem will create a chaos. One problem will turn big over time. But because someone is patient, letting me have the time to grow, I became the better version of myself. And I think that it is essential in a relationship. It is important to give time in other for someone who needs growth, they grow and find themselves.
I cheekily smiled at him. He smirked and I can read the words he mouthed.
"My Mrs. Figueroa..."
Humalakhak ako lalo. At kumindat ako sa kanya bilang tugon.