To everyone who has been here since YTOIW hanggang sa AA tapos nadagdag pa yung KJ OS and ngayon, for my last story—YSNM. Thank you, thank you!♡ Walang kaso kung active reader or silent reader ka, I owe you guys gratitude. I apprecuate it A LOT. Tenchu for supporting my stories kahit na feeling ko hindi siya worth it basahin.
I might not be as good as the other authors but atleast I tried my best to give you the best story I could hehe.
So let's end it here. Thank you so much! Lahamz ko kayue ♡
Please remember that endings are also new beginnings.
•••
•••
"Happy birthday, happy birthday, happy birthday to you!" They all sang a birthday song as they've welcomed Dianne.
"omg! Daddy, I hate you!! sabi ko naman sayo okay na sakin yung simple celebration eh!!" Dianne mocked as she saw how her surprise birthday was. It was a mixture of Elegance and Simplicity.
"A special celebration for a special girl like you. I love you anak." Elio uttered as he enveloped Dianne in his arms.
Greetings everywhere.
OCEANA's
I am shaking because of too much nervousness on my system. I heard them sing the birthday song and that was my cue to stand up and bring the cake near her.
I peaked through the curtains where I was hiding.
"Okay, before we finally start this celebration. Let us just wait for few moments para makapagprepare ang ating debutante."
"Hey, okay ka lang?" I was startled when someone spoke from behind—Elio.
"O-ofcourse, y-yes I am."
"Hindi ka talaga magaling magsinungaling." He jokingly said as he held my hands. Shet naman Elio wag ka muna malandi di pa tayo okay.
I distanced myself. Baka rumupok ako bigla.
"Huwag ka nang kabahan. Excited yon, tinanong nga ako kanina kyng dumalaw ba daw sakanya yung Mommy niya..." I don't know how to react with it basta ang alam ko lang masaya yung puso ko, hinanap ako ng anak ko—anak namin.
"R-really?"
Elio nod his head and put his arms around my shoulder. "Syempre hahanapin ka non, tagal niya kayang naghintay na makilala ka."
"Mister yung kamay mo medyo mabigat, medyo nag-eenjoy ha!" We both chuckled with it then silence came. Nakatitig lang kami sa isa't isa.
I smiled at him, opened my arms like a mother waiting for my child to run to me and embrace me.
All I got was Elio's confused face na para bang hindi makuha kung ano ang gusto kong iparating.
"Ang slow slow mo talaga kahit kailan." I said and rolled my eyes. Instead, I slowly walk near him "Bagal mo pa rin talaga..." I said the moment I reach near him. Wrapping my arms around his neck making our noses touch each other's.
"Hindi na...pero siniguro ko muna kung tama ba yung intindi ko kasi baka mamaya ma—" I gave him a swift peck on his lips "Dami pang sinasabi" I jokingly said before giving him another peck on the lips before I turned my back on him.
"Bye, lover. Kailangan na tayo sa labas. Kanina pa nagtatawag yung emcee sa stage." But before I even grab the cake he fastly grab me by my waist and gave me the sweetest kiss—oh how I missed that.
"Mister, mamaya na. Birthday ng anak mo, ikalma ang dapat ikalma." I stopped him when I felt that he wanted more. I heard him groaned—bitin!
We both decided to walk together while I am still holding the cake and him carrying the bouquet of flowers.
He held my waist para siguro maalalayan ako sa paglalakad.
"Love, I love you!" I sincerely as the curtains opened. I saw how he smiled from ear to ear.
"And once again let us sing a happy birthday for our dear Dianne Faye!" It was the emcee.
The human I am aiming to see. Wearing her floral dress, her long wavy hair, her fair skin, her oh so perfect face—Our Dianne Faye.
DIANNE's
I was too occupied by everything that is happening. A simple yet memorable one. Sa dami ng importanteng tao na nandito ngayon, may kanina pa hinahanap yung mga mata ko pero ni anino nila ay hindi ko makita. Wait. Si Dad I'm sure he is here pero yung isang tao na gusto ko sanang nandito din—hindi na lang ako aasa.
Hindi pa gaano nabalik yung linaw ng mata ko but I can see enough huwag lang yung masyadong malayo.
"Oh ayan na pala yung cake!" I heard the emcee announced in glee. My world suddenly went slow as I turned to the direction where the emcee is pointing out.
She walks gracefully, carefully carrying the three layer cake. I assumed it ain't heavy or I'm just assuming. I am starstrucked. Araw araw ko naman sila nakikita pero iba ngayon, it feels like the first time.
They are getting near and my tears are also about to run endlessly.
"Happy birthday anak!" It was Dad, handling me an aesthetically arranged flowers. He gave me a hug and a kiss on my forehead. "Thank you Daddy." I sweetly uttered. "Kanina ka pa niya gustong lapitan..." Dad jokingly whispered before he let go of our hug. I knew he was talking about Miss O—Mom rather.
I am shaking.
I genuinely smiled at her as she walks near me, the nearer she gets the more shaky I got.
I used to think
I had the answers to everything
But now I know
That life doesn't always
Go my way, yeah
Feels like I'm caught in the middle
That's when I realize
Please tell me that I am not dreaming, please tell me that all of this are true.
I'm not a girl
Not yet a woman
All I need is time
A moment that is mine
While I'm in between
I'm not a girl
"U-uhm...H-hi, Happy birthday, Dianne—" Hindi ko na siya pinatapos pa sa sinasabi niya. I eventually threw myself in her, sobbing. I don't care kung masira pa yung make up ko, all I care is that andito yung nanay ko.
"M-mommy..." I managed to call her eventhough my voice was a bit in awe because of crying rivers.
She was also crying—we are crying.
"What an emotional reunion we are able to witness here!" Thanks to our emcee. That que made me and Mom stop from crying and savour the moment.
"Mommy...Thank you" Did I mention that we ain't crying anymore but I'm still clinging to her like a koala.
Kanina pa walang imik si Mommy. I am worried baka napipilitan lang siya na nandito siya, baka hindi pa siya ready, baka nandito lang siya because of guilt, baka nandito lang siya dahil sa nalaman niya pero hindi niya pa rin maalala...
"Mom—I mean Miss O? Okay lang po ba k-kayo?" I asked her as I let go of her arms. I tried to keep my voice in glee kahit na yung totoo ay sobra na akong nag ooverthink sa pagiging walang imik niya.
"Anak, hey." She said as she hold my chin and make me face her. "P-Please call me M-Mom instead. I like Miss O but I love it more when you call me Mom." She is smiling with tears in her eyes as she plead me.
That made my heart skipped. She wants me. She loves me. I can feel it.
"I love you Mommy!!" I shouted that made the people near us chuckled.
"Sige na, go make a wish and blow the candles."
I closed my eyes. What could I wish for? Natupad na po lahat ng hiling ko. Mom is here...Ang mahihiling ko na lang siguro talaga ay hindi na para sa akin kundi para sa mga magulang ko. I wish na sana ngayon na nagkatagpo na muli sila sana wala nang wakas, enough na siguro yung almost two decades na nawalay sila sa isa't isa. They both deserve to be happy, They both deserve each other.
Upon uttering it silently, I opened my eyes and blew the candles.
The most memorable birthday ever.
•••
••
3 YEARS AFTER
"Babe, bilisan mo na diyan! Nagtext na sakin si Ninong Santy, malapit na daw sila!" Shouted by Dianne settled downstairs, busy on making everything perfect.
"Calm down babe, okay? Maayos na po lahat. Yung desserts na lang pero pineprepare na nila Ate sa kusina. Okay? calm down masyado kang natataranta." It was Kristoff rather the 'babe' the lady is referring to.
(Oh diba hindi si Ryan and endgame ni Dianne :<)
"Excited lang talaga ako, ang tagal kong hinintay to."
"Ang tagal nating hinintay lahat!" It was Iris who came in carrying a huge gift.
"Tita! Akala ko po hindi ka na aabot eh" The young lady jokingly said while giving Iris a beso on the cheeks.
They made sure that everything was placed perfectly, the banner, the foods, the gifts, and everything else. They made sure that this welcome party will be perfect for their little angel—Elias Dreyson.
Yes, the miracle baby.
"Oh they are here! They are here!!" It was Harper excitedly shouting while peeking through the window.
They all settled themselves.
While on the other side....
On their way home, it was Kuya Ramon who is driving. Seated on the passenger's was Santy. Elio, Oceana, and Elias are at the back. Elias was carried by her mom while Elio was busy taking videos.
"So, this is Elias' first car ride! Yey!" Elio happily uttered while the camera was focused on Elias who is busy sleeping.
"Lover puro ka na video!" It was Oceana
"Syempre para naman paglaki ni Elias, may babalik balikan siyang mga baby videos ang photos niya!"
Oceana and Elio was busy throwing banters and jokes to each other while Santy on the other hand was busy communicating with Dianne.
"Teh, kanina ka pa diyan sa cellphone mo! Bagong fafa yan noh?!" It was Oceana, Si Santy naman ngayon ang trip nila.
"Bakla tigilan mo ko! Wiz na ko time sa mga fafables—"
"Kahit si Tom Holland pa ang ihain sayo?!"
"Kahit siya pa!" He was firm to what he said pero agad naman na nakaisip ng kalokohan si Santy. "Pero kung si Elio ang ihahain, why not—" A flying slippers was Oceana's answer to Santy's joke.
"Sige ituloy mo teh! Baka kahit kapapanganak ko pa lang baka maitulak kita palabas ng sasakyan kahit nasa gitna pa tayo ng EDSA!"
They kept themselves entertained while they are passing through the traffic.
"Andito na tayo!" shouted by Santy. He did it on purpose, para na rin marinig ng mga nasa loob mg bahay na nandito na sila.
"Bakla alam namin diba, baka bahay namin to diba?" It was Oceana. Ganiyan lang talaga sila magbangayan.
Nauna nang bumaba ng sasakyan si Santy.
"Lover...Can you please carry Elias?" Oceana asked Elio in a soft tone.
Hesitant at first because he was already carrying Elias' things.
"Ay Sir, ako na po magdadala ng mga iyan sa loob!" Mang Ramon was fast to approach him. "Sige po, salamat po!"
Elio take and carried Elias carefully. He was soft by his son's small interaction with him. As soon as he carried Elias in his arms the baby snuggled more onto him that made him soft and any minute now he is going to tear up.
"Lover bakit ka naiyak??" Oceana's voiced echoed in worry. But then he just answered "Masaya lang ako lovey, sobrang saya ko. It feels like the first time."
Oceana held Elio's chin to make him face her. Wiped the tears on his face and caressed Elio's cheek.
"Lover, kahit naman siguro sino maninibago kapag almost twenty one years ang gap ng panganay at bunso nila." She jokingly uttered that made them chuckled.
"Misis patunay lang na matinik pa rin ako! Akalain mo yun nakahabol pa bago magsara ng tuluyan ang bataan!" That earned a slap from her.
"Baliw ka talaga! Tara na sa loob."
Elio knew about the suprise welcome party but little did they know that Elio also has a surprise.
"WELCOME HOME ELIAS!!"
Oceana was surprised with what welcomed them.
"OMG!! Hala! Baby look oh!" She talked to Elias as if the baby could understand the thing she is talking about.
"He is smiling oh! Looks like our little baby here loved the surprise you guys thrown for him!" It was Elio who by that time was the one carrying Elias.
"mama, mama, mama he is so cute!! I want to have a sibling like him, please mama??" It was Harper, having tantrums that he also wanted a baby brother. Iris on the other side was dumbfounded by Harper's request.
"Oh Harper, your mama cannot do it by her own." It was Santy who explained it to Harper.
"But can Mama and Tito—" Iris was fast to cover her son's mouth before he could spill everything. But too late because Oceana and Santy are now giving her meaningful looks.
"Mukhang masusundan na agad ang Baby Elias natin." It was Elio na nakisali na rin sa pang-aasar kay Iris.
They jovially welcomed baby Elias. Kaliwa't kanan ang pagsalubong, Agawan kung sino ang magbubuhat. They were in the middle of enjoying the simple feast when they heard the doorbell rung.
"Ako na po, baka sila Thad na po iyan. They've texted kanina na malapit na daw po sila." Dianne said before standing up to open the door.
"BAKLAAA!!" Matinis na sigaw ni Thad ang sumalubong kay Dianne nang buksan niya ang pinto.
"Gurl bibig mo naman diba?? Makasigaw bahay mo? bahay mo?!" Basag nanaman siya kay Andeng.
"Tara na sa loob, sabay sabay na tayo kumain." Akmang papasok na sana si Dianne sa loob nang pigilan siya ni Thad.
"Ay gurl, waitsung na natin si anez, nagpapark lang siya." Dianne knew already who he is referring to—Ryan.
As if on cue. A good looking man came into the scenario.
"Hi!" Ryan flashed a smile as he greeted Dianne.
Dianne gave Ryan a beso.
Nagkaroon man sila ng past, maayos naman sila na nagtapos. He confessed his feelings for her, they mutually liked each other pero minsan talaga hanggang doon lang. Yung tipong maayos kayo pero isang araw magigising na lang talaga kayo na 'ay bakit ganon parang mas okay na ganito na lang kami, na magkaibigan na lang kami.' No hard feelings, dahil nagtapos sila na maayos. Walang hinanakit, walang samaan ng loob.
Maybe in this world we'll meet our someone who will always be our constant no matter what.
Dianne is Ryan's and Ryan is Dianne's.
"Tara na loob, kanina pa kayo iniintay ni Elias. Forever late daw talaga kayong tatlo."
"Congratulations po Miss O and Sir Elio!" It was Ryan who first spoke.
"Naaay! Congrats, ang pogi naman ng baby boy namin na iyan!"
"Baby look oh! This is Ate Andeng and Kuya Thad, and the over there is Kuya Ryan they are my students before and they are Ate's bestfriends."
They continued enjoying their feast. Kwentuhan, Kamustahan, at tawanan. Hindi nila maiwasan na hindi balikan ang nakaraan.
"Sige na Mom, ako na po bahala kay Elias." It was Dianne assuring her mom na okay lang na sakanya muna si Elias.
Dianne together with Andeng walk their way to the nursery room where Elias was sleeping.
Oceana was at their sala, silently sitting. She cannot stop herself from reminiscing what happened before. Their past really made a huge impact on where they are right now.
"Hey, lalim ng iniisip ah." It was Elio. She tapped the vacant seat near her and asked him to sit there.
She leaned on Elio's chest. "Wala...Iniisip ko lang na—"
"Iniisip mo yung mga nangyari noon?" That made her look up.
"Hay mind reader ka ba ha?!" she chuckled with it.
"Thankful lang ako sa mga nangyari na iyon, kasi tignan mo naman kung nasaan tayo ngayon. Who could have thought na after all the incidents—the accidents, the amnesia...na sa dulo tayo—Ikaw, ako, Si Dianne...and our new baby—na tayo at tayo pa rin pala hanggang sa huli." They are both getting emotional, ganoon siguro talaga kapag tumatanda na.
"Ako, lovey. Ako. Noon pa man, I always looked forward to this day. Yung ikaw at mga anak natin ang sasalubong sa akin sa tuwing uuwi ako ng bahay. I always dreamt of it at ngayon nga nangyayari na— We are living that dream." Elio said as he wiped some tears that are about to fall down.
They are mummed for a few minutes. Just them snuggled to each other behind the glass door where they can visibly see a perfect view of their friends and colleagues sharing unending laughters.
WHAT HAPPENED IN BETWEEN YEARS...
OCEANA's
Iris. After leaving the university. She became a hands on single mother to Harper. Yes, she is a single mother but don't get it wrong. She once had a partner in life, Harper's father but faith wasn't on them.
Now, Iris had her own coffee shop, Full time mother and part time manager. Part time because she had a co-owner slash business partner, Hindi na nga lang ata sa business magpartner but we respect Iris. We don't want to confront her, magsasabi naman iyon.
"Mama!! Tito calling!!" It was Harper calling Iris' attention because someone is calling on her phone.
Santy was fast to grab the phone from Harper's hand even before Iris reach it.
"Same old Iris and Santy." It was Elio speaking right now, nakatingin din pala siya kay Iris at Santy na nagbabangayan. Napailing na lang ako.
Elio was using my phone when it rang.
"Si Rosa...Friends pala kayo?"
"Oo binaback stab ka namin." With what I said he pressed the end button.
"Oh bakit mo pinatay?!" But he only rolled his eyeballs as his answer.
"Napaka OA mo!! Ninang kaya yan ni Elias, malamang mangangamusta lang yan! Tawagan mo ulit!" He is the boss pero si Oceana ang pinakaboss sa lahat ng boss!
Speaking of Rosa. She is now happily living in states with her family. The twins and Dom. Never in my wildest dreams I ever imagined that Rosa and I will be friends. Honestly, I am very thankful to her. Siya ang naging nanay ng anak namin noong mga panahon na wala kami ni Elio.
"Lovey, Akyat lang ako saglit. Epal kasi to si Rosa oh, gusto daw makita si Elias!"
"Bwiset ka talaga Elio! Oceana sure ka na ba talaga diyan? Pwede ka pa magback out, hahanapan na lang kita dito!" Narinig ko naman ang sinasabi ni Rosa mula sa video call. Napatawa na lang ako, grabe din kasi magbangayan si Elio at Rosa.
"Iwan ka sana si Dom!"
"Nyenyenye! Bigay mo na nga lang kay Dianne yung phone para makita ko na si Elias!" She said kaya nagtungo na din si Elio sa nursery room.
Then a person came into my mind.
Sana si Eva naging katulad na lang din ni Rosa. Malayong malayo sila ng ugali. Eva was Rosa's half sister. No one knew about it at wala din balak na ipagsabi ni Rosa sa iba dahil nga nahihiya siya sa mga ginagawa ng kapatid niya. After all the things Eva did to us—yes to us. Una, kay Dianne. Dianne came to a point before na ayaw na niyang pumasok kasi Eva was creeping her out. Then to me and Elio, after Dianne's Senior Higschool Graduation, she kept on pestering us then later on we've found out that she is head over heels to Elio. We also found out that she had a past record on a mental facility, she was released because she was already fine, the cause of her being inside the facility was because she cannot accept the death of her husband. She came to a point na nangaagaw siya ng asawa ng iba kasi sa isip niya iyon ang asawa niya. Hanggang sa umabot sa punto na kinailangan na siyang ipasok ulit sa mental.
"Love, lalim nanaman ng iniisip mo...Sige ka, baka isipin ko niyan—iniisip mo na sundan na agad natin si Elias." Elio said while wiggling his eyebrows.
"Ah ganon, eh kung ikaw kaya ang nagbubuntis diba? Why not?" I said and pinch him on his side.
"Aww aray, sabi ko nga eh. Wala kang iniisip, masay ka lang talaga!" He surrendered and hug me.
Si Santy naman, ito naging tita-to na ng lahat. It was his decision na huwag nang pumasok sa relasyon. Hindi namin alam kung bakit pero hinayaan namin siya sa gusto niya as long as masaya siya, doon kami—susuporta sakaniya.
Together we can take it to the end of the line
Your love is like a shadow on me all of the time (all of the time)
I don't know what to do, I'm always in the dark
We're living in a powder keg and giving off sparks
I really need you tonight
Forever's gonna start tonight
Forever's gonna start tonight
Then we heard Santy, already singing. Ni hindi namin napansin na naiset up na pala nila yung karaoke.
"Huy dun sa magjowa diyan na may ari ng bahay na to, beke nemen gusto niyo na din lumabas dito noh? beke nemen gusto niyo rin makijoin?" It was Santy calling our attention. Yes, sad to say. We are libing together, we have children but we are not married yet.
It hit me, hindi na ako magsisinungaling but we are getting old, we are already in our 40's. Hindi naman kaso sa akin kung hindi kami kasal as long as kaming dalawa ang magkasama okay na ako doon pero hindi ko din maikakaila na—Oo, lahat naman ng babae pangarap na maiharap sa harap ng altar.
"Love, hey."
"Ha? A-ah Oo tara doon!" I said and smiled na parang walang gumagambala sa isip ko.
ELIO's
When Santy called us, I knew something made her feel off. Noong sinabi ni Santy na 'mag-jowa' biglang nagbago ang timpla ng mukha niya. Worried, sad, basta alam ko nabagabag siya. Pero huli na 'to, after this day, wala na siyang ibang iisipin. Wala nang babagabag pa sa isip niya.
"Ha? A-ah Oo tara doon!"
I assisted her while walking towards the direction of our friends. No one knew about my plan, only me.
"Aba aba mukhang si Ninong Santy na naman ang may-ari ng mic!!" A laughing Dianne and Andeng barged in the scenario.
"Oh sinong kasama ni Elias?" Oh the Mother nataranta na agad, hindi niya alam mas matataranta siya mamaya—matatarantang sumagot ng oo sa tanong ko.
"Mom kalma, kasama po nila Ate Cath."
"Teh, ikalma mo! Nasa bahay lang tayo di mawawala junakis mo!!" Si Iris naman ngayon. Pipigilan ko na bago pa sumabog ang bulkang Oceana.
"Nako kayo talaga, si misis nanaman bunoy niyo. Ganon talaga pag nanay, ayaw mo na mawawalay sayo ang anak mo same goes with us na mga tatay." I explained rather I sided with Oceana baka kasi mamaya toyoin, Hindi pa sumagot ng yes sa tanong ko.
"Ay nako nako! Tara na kantahan na lang tayo!!"
"Elio kanta ka naman!!"
"Oo nga Dad, dedicate naman a song for Mom!!"
Looks like nakikiayon ang lahat sa akin ngayon. I stood up and went near the karaoke. Search for a song close to oue heart.
Old but Gold.
Nagulat ako nung lumapit sa akin si Santy at bumulong. "Dapat mapasagot mo ng oo ha!" I gave him a confused look. "How did you knew about it?!"
"Oh sige nga, nasaan muna yung singsing?" He asked. Confident enough, I reach for my pocket para kuhain ang singsing pero wala then I tried to search on the other pocket pero wala pa din...
"Di ba wala? Kasi nasakin." He carefully gave it to me. "Nahulog kanina sa kotse. Nakita ko kanina nung binalikan ko yung mga naiwang gamit. Shunga shunga magtago!" Then he tapped my shoulder. "Goodluck, I know she will say yes! Alagaan mo ha!" Then he went back to his seat.
So, everyone knew except her.
I already chose the song, input the numbers.
"Sabi nga ng anak namin, Sing a song for her mom. So lovey, this song is dedicated for you." I said and winked at her.
Panalangin ko sa habang-buhay
Makapiling ka, makasama ka
'Yan ang panalangin ko
At hindi papayag ang pusong ito
Mawala ka sa 'king piling
Mahal ko, iyong dinggin
Being with her since day one. Aso't pusa kung tawagin nila. Struggles and Challenges and mga naging malaking dagok sa relasyon namin. Pinaghiwalay kami ng tadhana at hindi biro ang tagal ng panahon na nawalay kami sa isa't isa. Bibihira ang taong kayang manatili sa mga pangako na wala nang kasiguraduhan. Pero heto kami ngayon, mas pinagtibay ng panahon.
Wala nang iba pang mas mahalaga
Sa tamis na dulot ng pag-ibig nating dal'wa
At sana naman, makikinig ka
Kapag aking sasabihing minamahal kita
"Love, nakita mo ba yung isang polo ko? Yung wednesday uniform ko?"
"Lover nandoon iyon sa loob ng cabinet mo, nakahanger. Di ba sabi ko sayo na ang nandito lang sa walk-in closet ay mga pangbahay na damit..."
"Sorry sorry, nakalimutan ko hehe"
We became silent for a moment, she is just staring at me.
"Why?"
"Wala, naisip ko lang na—matanda na nga tayo..." She said and walked towards my direction. Enveloped her arms around my neck, gave me a swift peck before making fun of me "...tignan mo andami mo nang white hairs." Then she bursted out of laughter.
Panalangin ko sa habang-buhay
Makapiling ka, makasama ka
'Yan ang panalangin ko
I am walking towards her direction as I was singing the nextyrics of the song. Holding her hand and bringing her to the center.
At hindi papayag ang pusong ito
Mawala ka sa 'king piling
Mahal ko, iyong dinggin
Wala nang iba pang mas mahalaga
Sa tamis na dulot ng pag-ibig nating dal'wa
We are swaying as I sang the song, not minding our friends and family who are watching us. Then I gave the microphone to Santy and he got what I wanted to say.
Santy is the one who is singing now.
"At sana naman, makikinig ka
Kapag aking sasabihing minamahal kita" pag sabay ko sa pagkanta ni Santy, magakalapit lamang kami ni Oceana kaya alam ko na siya lang ang nakakarinig ng pag sabay ko sa musika.
"Aba may pagsabay ka pa sa kanta ha! Feel na feel ha!" Ang sweet diba hindi man lang pinuna yung maganda kong boses.
Panalangin ko sa habang-buhay
Makapiling ka, makasama ka, 'Yan ang panalangin ko.
"Lovey alam mo ba na iyon ang pangarap ko?" I asked her.
"Ang alin? ang makapiling ako? makasama ako?" I nod as my answer. Tinanong ko siya ng tanong pero sinagot din ako ng tanong.
At hindi papayag ang pusong ito
Mawala ka sa 'king piling
Mahal ko, iyong dinggin
We are savouring the moment. Her head at the crook of my neck. My hands hugging her, making her closer to mine. Sweet—perfect
Pero
Hindi ako makatiming. The song is near the end at kanina pa ako tinitignan ni Santy ng masama, si Iris naman kept on mouthing me na "Lumuhod ka na." I was too occupied, hindi ako makatiming.
"Yes lover, yes!" Nagulat ako sa binulong sa akin ni Oceana kadahilanan para medyo maglayo kami.
"A-ano yon?"
"Sabi ko, Yes. I will marry you!"
We are all dumb founded on what she said. Alam niya na pala pero paano? Akala ko ba ay hindi sinabi nila Santy at Iris.
"Mommy! Ang panget mo kabonding, sabi ko hintayin mo lumuhod at magtanong ih!!" It was Dianne.
"Alam mo na din??" I asked my daughter, how come?! parang ako tuloy yung nasurprise.
"Sorry Dad! Sinabi ni Ninong sakin then I accidentally spilled it to Mom" She said while doing the peace on her hand.
I playfully sighed. Bistado.
I still kneeled kahit na nauna na yung sagot sa tanong.
Panalangin ko sa habang-buhay
Makapiling ka, makasama ka
'Yan ang panalangin ko
"Lovey, kahit alam ko na yung sagot. I still want to ask you. Oceana Fay Gabarda, will you marry me?" Ganito pala yung feeling kapag tamang tao yung pinaghahandugan mo ng pagmamahal. Ang gaan sa puso, ang sarap magmahal.
"Lover, sorry kung nauna yung sagot. Hindi mo kasi ginalingan magtago tapos mga chismosa pa yung unang nakaalam hehe...Pero lover, yes..Yes I will marry you!" She said and gave me a peck on my lips. Sinuot ko ang singsing sa kanya.
"Oh tayo ka na muna diyan, alam mo naman na patanda tayo hindi pabata...Yung tuhod mo, Mister!" That statement of hers made everyone laughed.
"Oh kelan na ang kasal?" It was Santy and Iris. Sabay pa talaga silang nagtanong.
"Ayoko nang sabihin sainyo, baka ichismis niyo pa sa buong mundo!"
Then the place was filled with laughters at kaliwa't kanang di matapos tapos na congratulations.
"Mommy, Daddy!! You knew I am the happiest now, right?" A big crying baby approached us—It was Dianne.
"Aww ang baby damulag namin, iyakin pa din!" I said as we hugged her.
"Ih Daddy!!" We just chuckled on how she had reacted. We knew na sa lahat ng tao na nandito ngayon, Dianne is the happiest.
"Wish ko kaya 'to nung eighteenth birthday ko, three years delayed na siya ha! Mas nauna pa yung second wish ko bago 'to."
"Huh? you had two wishes?" Oceana asked our daughter.
"Actually mommy, half pa lang po nung second wish ko ang naggrant pero okay na din po iyon." We did not answer kasi naguguluhan kami sa sinsabi niya. "Okay, stop with those faces! My first wish was for you guys, na sana hanggang wakas kayo na and now it happened then...my second wish was gusto ko nang kambal na kapatid pero okay na din po ako kay Elias atleast now I do have a brother to spoil."
Napailing na lang kami. We never knew she wished for it. But we are touched with it, Dianne will always be our pasaway yet softie daughter—always.
"You guys will always be my "Yes Sir, No Miss." Yes Sir, because I will never forget my promise to you Daddy. Remember the first time I knew about my past and my real mom, you always tell me to wait till she had her memories back and I will always playfully answered you with a 'Yes Sir' and 'No Miss' because that was my first answer when you asked me if I am mad at you...It might be a small thing but it always have a special meaning for me, My teachers slash parents. I love you both!" Dianne is really a sweet young lady—our bigbaby.
THE END.
•••
••
A not so typical love story.
When we were younger, we are introduced that happily ever after is the generic way to view love. We enclasped that. But no, kasi minsan bago mo makamit ang happily ever after na ninanais mo kailangan mo munang pagdaanan ang paghamon sa iyo ng tadhana at kung isa ka sa maswerte na pinagtibay ng paniniwala ng pagmamahalan then congratulations! Your happily ever after is right there waiting for you, maghihintay ka lang talaga sa tamang panahon.
Katulad na lamang ni Oceana at Elio. Naniwala sila sa pagmamahalan nilang dalawa.
Hindi kailanman magiging hadlang ang oras o haba ng panahon na nawalay kayo sa isa't isa dahil kung kayo, kayo talaga.
May all of us be patient when it comes to love—loving and being loved. We all have our own timeline. ♡
•••
•••
Yes Sir, No Miss
Date started : August 25, 2021
Date finished : September 25, 2021.
-Gabbie Salazar, out.