Note: Please be reminded that all of the things that you're going to read here are just parts of my malikot na imagination. If you are uncomfortable with this type of story, please don't read.
Everything that you may read here, MUST STAY HERE. Thank you.
Layag mga kabacclaan!
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Days before Leni and Risa's flight to Switzerland, Leni decided to go back in Naga and visited his late husband's tomb.
"Bok. Hi. Kumusta ka diyan? Sorry, ngayon nalang ulit nakabisita ha at hindi ko pa kasama ang mga bata. Miss ka na namin, lalo na ng mga bata. Sana proud ka saaming apat, sa mga naabot namin dito kahit wala ka. Yung mga bata, they keep on doing their best not to give me any problems. Masyado rin nilang ginagalingan sa mga ginagawa nila kahit na minsan halata namang nahihirapan na sila. Sana proud ka rin saakin how I am raising them. I know nakikita mo ring I am doing my best to be a mom and a dad for them."
Leni held her wedding ring.
"Naaalala mo ba bok si Risa? Yung nakwento ko sa'yo? Hanggang ngayon nandito pa rin siya. Hindi niya ako iniwan sa kabila ng mga nangyare saaming dalawa. Hanggang ngayon tinutulungan niya pa rin ako sa mga bata at sa lahat ng bagay. Hindi ko akalain na pwede pa rin pala talaga ang pagmamahal sa pangalawang pagkakataon noh, bok? Risa is a very selfless woman when it comes to our kids and me. I am so lucky that she came, that you allowed her to come. Sa pangalawang pagkakataon, sumaya ako ulit bok. Sa pangalawang pagkakataon, naramdaman ko ulit mahalin araw-araw at nagkaro'n din ako ng pangalawang pagkakataon ibuhos ang pagmamahal na kaya kong ibigay."
Leni took a deep breath.
"Nandito ako bok para ipagpaalam sa'yo. Gusto kong pakasalan si Risa. Hindi ko na kaya na hanggang dito lang kami sa kung anong meron kami sa ngayon. At hindi ko hahayaan na lumipas ang mga natitirang taon ng buhay ko na hindi siya ganap na akin, bok. Papayagan mo naman ako hindi ba? Alam kong kung sa ikasasaya ko, taos puso mo akong hahayaan. H'wag kang mag-alala. Risa is a very good woman. She does nothing but to love me and our kids like her own. She's so protective and brave. She could do anything for us. I can't lose her anymore, bok. Binigay siya saakin kahit hindi ko naman hiniling, at hindi ko yon sasayangin. H'wag ka rin mag-alala
Hindi ko aalisin etong singsing at kwintas. At alam kong hindi din gugustuhin ni Risa na alisin ko sila. Mananatili ka pa rin sa isip at sa puso ko, Jess. Hanggang sa muli nating pagkikita-kita ha? Patuloy mo lang kaming gabayan at protektahan. Mahal kita."
Going back to Manila, Leni asked her kids to free their time in the evening. She also planned to tell them her plan.
"Ma, on call na si Jill." Aika said.
"Magpapodcast ba tayo?" Tricia jokingly said.
"Hello my family. Ano meron?" Jill greeted.
"Saglit lang Jill, ha. Nasa kusina pa si mama." Aika.
The tres marias waited for their mom. After some time, Leni went out from the kitchen with a cup of tea.
"Ano pag-uusapan natin, ma?" Tricia asked.
Leni sat on the sofa and sipped some tea.
"Ma, pinapakaba mo kami. May problema ba? May sakit ka ba?" Aika asked as Leni was making them wait.
"Hoy sira! Wala akong sakit. Teka lang kasi. Baka sakaling makuha ko dito sa tea kung paano sabihin sainyo."
"NagpaNaga kayo kanina, e. Pumunta ka kay papa? Siya unang kinausap mo tungkol dito noh?" Tricia.
Leni gulped.
"Mukhang alam ko na kung ano 'to guys. Iiyak na ba ako?" Tricia continued.
Aika and Jill were both confused and trying to read the situation.
"Ma, sabihin mo na kasi. Pinapakaba mo kami lalo." Jill.
"Alam ko kasing magtatampo kayo sa'kin pero sana maintindihan niyo si mama."
"Pipilitin naming intindihin, ma. As long as hindi mo yan ikasasama, hindi kami magtatampo." Aika.
"Alam niyo namang pupunta kami ng Switzerland ni mama niyo Risa diba? Kasi dun namin icecelebrate anniversary namin."
Aika and Tricia looked at each other, trying to read each others thoughts.
"Ako na pipili ng singsing!" Jillian interrupted.
"Ha?" the three exclaimed in chorus.
"Ha? Wait. Akala ko yayayain na ni mama si mama Risa magpakasal. Ay hindi ba?" Jill.
Leni kept quiet.
"So, oo nga ma?" Tricia.
Leni just sipped some tea again.
"Uy ma!" Aika.
Leni slowly nodded.
"Oh my God!" the tres marias exclaimed.
Tricia immediately cried.
"Tricia, anak.."
Leni held Tricia's hand.
"Ang saya ko para sainyo ni mama Risa. Teka lang. Hindi ba ako dapat umiyak?" she said while wiping her tears.
Aika and Jill laughed.
"Kahit kelan talaga Tricia ang emotional mo." Aika.
"Teka, hindi kayo galit kay mama?" Leni asked.
"Ma, bakit naman kami magagalit? Nakita at naramdaman naman namin pagmamahal niyo sa isa't-isa ni mama Risa. At nakikita naming pareho kayong masaya sa isa't-isa. Deserve niyo pong mas sumaya pa, mama." Aika.
"Andito lang kami lagi ma para sumuporta. Basta ha. Ako pipili ng singsing!" Jill.
"Alam ko ding papayag si papa kasi wala namang hinangad si papa para saatin kundi ang maging masaya. Mahal na mahal ka namin mama. Hindi kami kelanman magiging hadlang sa anumang ikasasaya mo." Tricia.
Leni became teary-eyed. Aika and Tricia hugged and gave her forehead kisses.
"Salamat mga anak. Maraming maraming salamat."
"Leni.. No...."
"H-ha? What? No? Risa.."
"Oh god, Leni. No way!"
Risa's face was so red and she frantically fanning herself with her two hands.
Leni was too confused.
Is she saying "No?" please, God.
"Leni, oh my God!"
Risa shakingly opened her bag and took out something from it.
"Leni.. I..."
Leni's eyes automatically widen when she saw what's on Risa's hand.
"I was about to do the same thing Leni...."
Risa kneeled down, too and opened the box on her hand.
Because of shock, Leni couldn't move. Her mouth was just literally open.
Risa took a deep breath before starting to talk.
"Sa loob ng limang taon Leni, hindi mo ako binigo. Pinakita at pinaramdam mo sa'kin araw-araw kung gaano mo ako kamahal. Naging sandigan kita lalo na sa mga araw na halos hindi ko na kayang tumayo sa mga sarili kong paa. Pinanindigan mo ang sinabi mong sasaluhin mo ako parati. Naging pasensyosa ka sa kabila ng mga kakulangan at kamalian ko...."
Leni's tears kept on flowing.
"I really really appreciate you, Leni. Kahit galit kana, pinipili mo pa rin maging kalmado, hindi mo lang ako masaktan kahit sa mga salita mo. Hindi mo alam kung gaano ko ipinagpapasalamat araw-araw na saakin ka nahulog, na ako ang minamahal mo. I am very lucky to have you in my life, Leni. And I can't lose you anymore. I want you to be legally mine bago ka pa makuha ng iba. Sa tanong mo kanina, yes! Yes na yes, Leni! Pakakasal ako sa'yo! Now, marry me too, Leni. At hindi ako aako ng hinding sagot. Akin ka."
Leni was still not responding. She's still on shock. Her tears just kept on flowing.
Risa leaned and claimed Leni's lips. It was a full of love kiss.
Risa cut the kiss and held Leni's face.
"Pangga, ano? Wala ka pa bang balak isuot saakin yang singsing?"
"Oh." the only word Leni uttered.
She then shakingly held Risa's hand and put the ring on.
Risa chuckled seeing Leni's shaking hand.
"Akin na din kamay mo, Pangga."
Leni then lifted her hand and Risa put the ring on.
Leni just kept on staring Risa. Her face couldn't be drawn because of the shock she was feeling.
Risa lifted Leni to stand and she hugged her tightly.
"We're engaged, Pangga! I am so happy! I love you. I love you so much, Leni!"
Leni lifted her hand, looking at the ring Risa gave.
"Is.. Is this real, Risa? Did.. Did you just propose and asked me to marry you?"
Risa broke the hug, held Leni's shoulders and happily nodded.
"Yes, Pangga."
"You.. You want to marry me?"
Risa chuckled.
"Yes, Pangga. Are you okay lang ba?"
"Am I dreaming?"
"No. This is real, Leni. We are getting married!"
Leni covered her mouth and more tears came out from her eyes.
"Oh my god!" Leni exclaimed.
Risa then hugged again Leni and this time, Leni hugged her back, tightly.
"Oh my god! Thank you, love. Oh my god! We're getting married!"
"Yes, Pangga. We are.."
"I love you, Ris. I love you. I love you!"
Weeks before their flight, Risa also planned to talk with her kids to tell her plan.
"Your mama Leni and I are going to celebrate our anniversary. I am planning to buy tickets for Switzerland and celebrate it there with her. Is it a good idea ba mga anak?"
"Wow, ma! Switzerland? That's more than a good idea!" Issa said.
"But, bakit ang layo naman ata mama?" Ianna asked.
"I have one more plan kasi mga anak. Kinakabahan ako pero I think it's the perfect time."
Risa browsed her phone and showed a picture to her kids.
All her kids covered their mouth seeing the picture.
"Do you think it will fit your mama Leni's hand?" Risa asked.
Sinta screeched.
"Are you going to propose to mama Leni?!!" Sinta asked.
Risa smiled widely and slowly nodded.
Issa and Ianna were both speechless but their eyes were full of happiness for their mom.
"That's a good choice, ma. Mama Leni will definitely love it. It's simple but there's something on it that you can't take your eyes off." Kiko.
"Just like your mama Leni, right?" Risa.
"Exactly like mama Leni for your eyes, ma. Omg! I am excited!" Sinta.
"Kayong dalawa? Ano na?" Risa asked Issa and Ianna.
Both of the girls just hugged their mom and Issa started to cry.
"I am so happy for you mom. And I am very proud of you. Nilaban mo talaga hanggang dulo." Ianna.
"Leni is really worth fighting for, anak."
"I love you, ma. Diko na alam sasabihon ko. Iyak nalang ako, ma." Issa.
Risa chuckled.
"Alam ko namang andyan lang kayo lagi to support me kaya hindi ako natakot at nagdalawang isip na sabihin sainyo ang mga plano ko. Maraming salamat mga anak, ha. Wala pa man namamagitan saamin ni Leni, nakasuporta na kayo."
Risa opened her arm to invite Sinta and Kiko for a hug.
On bed, Leni and Risa were lying while both staring on their hands.
"Ris, is this really real?"
"I have the same question, Pangga."
Leni faced Risa.
"Let's get married soon, please."
Risa smiled.
"Masyado ka namang excited maikasal saakin, Maria Leonor."
"Seryoso ako. Let's get married two months from now. Before you file for your candidacy."
Risa sat up.
"My candidacy? Wala kapa talagang plan to run for any position?"
"Wala pa and let's not talk about that yet. Please. Marry me two months from now."
"Wait. Hindi sa ayaw ko, ha. Pero why so sudden. Bakit hindi nalang after election?"
"Ang tagal pa, Ris. Can't wait that long anymore. Please? Let's get married soon."
Risa laid on bed and hugged Leni.
"Can't wait for too long as well, Pangga. Okay. Let's get married two months from now....."
Since the Philippines has no same sex marriage yet, the two decided to have their marriage in Bora Bora. Aside from their kids, they invited some of their closest friends who know about their relationship.
"Sigurado ka na ba talaga sa desisyon mo, Leni? May oras pa para iligtas ang sarili mo." Grace jokingly said.
"Ah talaga ba, Grace? H'wag kang kakain bukas ha!" Risa answered.
They are all now in the resort where their wedding will happen the next day.
"Hindi ba bawal magkita ang couples the night before their wedding? E bakit kayo dikit na dikit naman ata masyado." Loren.
"Eto kasi si Risa ayaw na humiwalay. Hindi na ata makahintay hanggang bukas, e."
"Ang kapal-kapal mo naman po Maria Leonor. Sino kaya yung nagpumilit na ikasal kami agad?"
"E alam ko namang gusto mo rin."
Later on, Tricia and Issa came to get their mothers.
"Mga mama, tama na siguro yan. Time to separate na po." Tricia said.
"Ha? Kelangan ba talaga mga anak?" Risa asked.
Issa nodded.
"Isang tulog lang naman mga mama. Tara na po." Issa.
Issa pulled her mom while Tricia pulled hers. They walked separate ways.
"See you tomorrow, Pangga! Bukas misis na kita!" Risa shouted.
Leni smiled and just shook her head.
"Hindi ko alam kung dapat ba ako kiligin o madiri sa mga kaibigan natin, Loren." Grace said.
"Alam mo, maghanap ka na kasi ng iyo para makarelate ka naman."
"Ha? Iinom ko nalang. Kampay!"
The next day, everyone was busy preparing for everything. While Leni and Risa were both restless thinking about each other getting married in just a few.
Around 8am, the make up artists already started to put make up on the two brides and to their kids.
Aika held her mom's hands.
"Eto na yon, ma. Eto na yung pinakahihintay mong araw. Sa loob ng dalawang oras, asawa mo na si mama Risa at official na namin siyang mama."
Leni bit her lower lip because of excitement.
"Hindi na ako makapaghintay, anak."
On the other room, Risa was very elevated as well to see her future wife, Leni.
"Ma, okay ka lang?" Issa asked.
"I am more than okay, 'nak. Konting oras nalang, asawa ko na si Leni."
Issa hugged her mom.
"I love seeing you like this, ma. I love how mama Leni makes you the happiest."
After two hours, everybody heard the most awaited wedding sounds.
Leni and Risa's kids settled themselves on their seats, except for Aika and Issa who were accompanying their moms.
"How do I look, Issa?" Risa asked.
"You look perfect, ma."
On the other side...
"Nanginginig na ang mga tuhod ko, Aiks. Baka mamaya kapag nakita ko na si Risa, matumba na lang ako."
Aika chuckled.
"Relax ma. You got this."
Then Issa and Aika walked with their moms to the center. The two immediately saw each other and their most beautiful smiles automatically flashed.
As they met at the center, they immediately held each other's hands.
"Wow. You are you so beautiful, Risa."
"Ikaw rin, Leni. Napakaganda mo."
The people clapped and cheered for them as they both started to walk down the aisle, holding hands.
"Ang ganda, Pangga. Totoo na ba talaga 'to? Naglalakad na ako kasama ka."
"Totoo na 'to, Risa. Magiging asawa na kita sa loob ng ilang minuto."
As they reached the platform, both were breathing heavily as they felt their hearts were about to explode.
The marriage officiant started the wedding rites and eventually, the two started to give their vows.
"Alalang-alala ko pa noong una tayong nagkita. Kinumtsaba ko pa noon si Loren na yayain ka kumain sa labas kasi hiyang-hiya akong ako mismo magyayaya sa'yo. Ang lakas-lakas pa nung loob kong hingin ang number mo. Hanggang sa naging magkaibigan na nga tayo at laging nagkikita. Eto ah. May sasabihin ako sainyong hinding-hindi ko talaga makakalimutan. Eto kasi si Risa, magkaibigan palang kami, dalawang beses niya akong hinalikan."
The people laughed and teased Risa.
"Hey! Ampanget panget mo talaga kabonding. Bakit sinasabi mo yan?" Risa.
"Gusto ko malaman nila na ganon ka sa'kin kabaliw." and Leni chuckled.
"Ang kapal mo naman, Leni."
"But, I liked them so quits lang kami."
And people became louder after what Leni said.
"Pero eto seryoso na. My Ana Theresia. Oh my God! I can't wait to finally call you asawa ko. I am beyond happy that this day finally came. Maybe a lot of you are wondering bakit agad-agad kami nagpakasal e kakaengage lang namin 2 months ago. Si Risa po ay nagbabalak tumakbo ulit bilang senador kaya gusto ko, bago pa man siya lumibot sa kung saan dito sa Pilipinas, e gusto kong akin na talaga siya. Mahirap na, baka maagaw pa ng iba, e. Hindi na 'to basta-basta pambabakod. Ang akin ay akin."
"Yiiiiie. Possessive ka pala VP, ha." Grace shouted and people laughed.
"Dahil sa pagmamahal na meron ka para sa'kin Risa, natuto ako ng maraming bagay. Mas natuto akong magpahalaga. Mas natuto akong maging pasensyosa. Mas natuto ako kung ano ba talaga ang ibig sabihin ng pag-ibig. Thank you kasi ako ang napili mong mahalin. Thank you dahil binigyan mo ako ng pangalawang pagkakataon maging masaya ulit. At thank you dahil binigyan mo rin ako ng pangalawang pagkakataong magmahal ulit. Your safety and happiness became my priority and would always be my priority. I promise I'll continue to shower you with my love. I promise I'll continue being your shield to whatever may come on your way that can cause you pain. I promise I'll continue doing things for you, my love, even those things I haven't done ever in my life. I can't wait to spend the rest of my life with you. I can't wait to wake up everyday next to you. Your love made and still making me the happiest. You are one of the best things that ever happened to me. You complete me. Pinapanindigan at patuloy kitang papanindigan Risa, from now until my last breath......"
Leni wiped Risa tears when she saw her crying when she finished her vow.
"Don't cry.." Leni mouthed.
Risa took a deep breath controlling her tears as she started her vow.
"My Maria Leonor, my epitome of happiness, thank you. Simula noon, hinawakan mo talaga ang mga kamay ko at alam kong hahawakan mo pa rin sila hanggang sa dulo. Thank you for the comfort, love and trust you gave. Every time we had a misunderstanding, you never let me sleep with a heavy heart, kahit madalas kasalanan ko naman talaga.."
Both of them chuckled.
"That's how patient you are. You really know how to handle me, even on my worst days. Thank you for not giving up. Thank you for fighting for your love even we both know a lot of things are at risk. Paulit-ulit kong sinasabi at hinding-hindi ako magsasawang sabihin na napakaswerte ko sa'yo Leni. Hindi lang dahil grabe ka magmahal kundi marami rin akong natutunan sa'yo. I promise not to get tired cooking for you everyday. I promise not to get tired massaging your head when you're having your worst migrains. I promise not to get tired holding your hands when things are getting rocky. I promise not to stop showering you with my love. But I can't promise to stop being a praning and iyakin ha."
Leni laughed, same with the guests..
"Words are really not enough to express how grateful I am to have you. I can't wait to spend the rest of my life with you too, Leni. I am very excited for our future and for what it holds for us. Excited na excited na akong magtaguan tayo ng pustiso o kaya magbungguan ng wheelchairs."
Leni and the guests laughed again.
"Salamat at pinanindigan mo ako, my Leni, my VP, my Pangga and now my wife. You complete me, too. Happiness is all I feel with you. I promise, patuloy din kitang papanindigan from now until my last breath...."
Leni and Risa got too emotional and their tears just kept on flowing.
"Now, as everyone witnesses, I now announce you wife and wife. You may now kiss each other. Congratulations." the marriage officiant announced.
Leni and Risa claimed each others lips as their kids and guests cheered for them.
They broke their kiss and rested on their foreheads.
"Asawa na kita, Risa."
"Mag-asawa na tayo sa wakas, Leni."
The happiness of the two couldn't be hidden as their smiles and eyes tell them all.
Their kids and guests continued cheering for them. Everyone was happy for the new chapter they opened.
While the reception was happening, Leni and Risa decided to walk by the seashore, holding hands, feeling each other's presence as a newly wed. They don't feel any emotions except happiness and contentment.
They sat as the sun started to set. Risa laid her head on Leni's shoulder as she held her hand tighter.
"Sunsets may have a negative message for most. But for us, let this be the end of our girlfriend phase, and a new beginning as a married couple. I am more than excited to make more memories with you, asawa ko." Leni.
"To more memories with you, asawa ko." Risa.......
---- E N D ----
"Love is what makes the ride worthwhile."
- Franklin P. Jones
"The heart that's meant to love you will fight for you when you want to give up, pick you up when you're feeling down and will give their smile when it's hard for you to find yours. They will never get strength from seeing you weak, power from seeing you hurt, or joy from seeing you cry.
The heart that's meant to love you wants to see the best of you, not the hurt you."
- Trent Shelton
"True love asks no questions, makes no reservations, but put itself unconditionally into the hands of the loved one."
- Paula Marshall
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Thank you mga accla for sharing your time reading Behind the Curtains, ha. It was a great roller coaster ride with all of you. I really really appreciate you all. Labs na labs 💖
See you around 🌈💗💜