This is a work of FICTION. All characters are used in FICTITIOUS manner.
---
Irene's POV
"Bumangon ka na diyan Greg, nasa baba ang parents mo. Magdamit ka bilisan mo." I slightly kicked my sleeping husband as I put a shirt on, his shirt.
"What?" inaantok siyang tumingin sa'kin at tumitig.
What the hell? Bingi ba 'to? Ang klaro ng sinabi ko. I know he's already awake kanina pa.
"Get up and put your clothes on because your parents are downstairs. Ano, kailangan pang ienglish?" I hissed.
He protruded his lips as he slowly rise up from bed. "When I come out, be sure na nakabihis ka na ha" I told him as I make my way to the bathroom.
As I entered the bathroom, my eyes are locked on the toothpaste. Agad akong lumabas hawak ito. "Gregorio! How many times do I have to tell you na don't push the toothpaste in the middle? Ano ba!"
He looked at me in shock, kakatapos lang isuot ang shirt niya. He then walked towards me, "Hey," he held my hand. "Aga-aga ang init-init ng ulo mo" masuyo niyang pinatakan ng halik ang iba't ibang parte ng mukha ko.
"I don't care how early it is right now. Why did you--" I stopped talking when he met my lips and giving me a tender and passionate kiss.
"I love you" he whispered just few inches away from my lips. He then bowed down and faced my stomach, "Good morning baby, why is mommy so grumpy again hmm?"
I sighed. "Bwisit ka." He really know too damn well how to handle my mood swings. Nakakainis na nakakakilig.
"Go na. I'll wait for you here, sabay na tayong bumaba." he chuckled.
Just like what he said, sabay kaming bumaba kanina.
"Good morning Greggy, good morning Irene!" It was Mama Emma who greeted us first as soon as they saw us coming down the stairs. She went towards us and gave us a hug, "And good morning to my apo" paghaplos niya sa tiyan ko.
"Good morning Ma, what brings you here early in the morning?"
"Oh, your mom wanted to see you two. I mean three" his dad chuckled.
"Hey! Anong me? You insisted kaya!" sagot naman ng asawa.
"Whatever. Anyways, we cooked you breakfast. Hinahanda na ni Nanay Lucille. Let's just wait for Gwyneth, she bought something outside lang" Papa added.
I started to call them Mama and Papa ever since Greggy and I got married. I already call my own parents Mommy and Daddy and I decided to not call the same with Greg's parents and gladly, they understand where I'm coming from.
"You let Gwyneth go outside alone?" eksaheradang tanong pa ni Greg.
"She used my car. Don't worry too much, saglit lang naman siya" sagot ng ama.
"What? You let her drive too? Mommy? Pumayag ka?" he glanced at his mother.
"Don't over react nga Gregorio. It's not as if your sister is still a minor 'no! She can handle herself, we trust her. Ang OA mo" Mama uttered.
Agree. Ang OA niya.
"Ate Irene!" maya-maya pa ay umalingawngaw ang matinis na boses. Oh, good, she's here na.
She came to hug me and just like what her mom did, she caressed my tummy.
We had our breakfast afterwards and they left after it. They didn't stayed for long since they have things to do pa. They just dropped by kanina to visit us.
---
"What is that smell?!" I grunted when I entered our room, early in the morning. I saw Greggy in front of the mirror, getting ready for work.
He looked at me, confused. "My perfume, perhaps?"
"Ang baho!" reklamo ko pa.
"B-but you're the one w-who gave me this, love..."
"It smells awful nga Gregorio! It makes me want to throw up! Huwag kang lalapit" I glared at him when he was about to walk towards me.
"A-alright, I'm s-sorry. I'll c-change it now, love" natatarantang sabi niya at pumasok sa closet.
I grabbed another spray and smelled it first, making sure it'll smell nice before spraying it around the room. I even sprayed it in the aircon.
I saw him peeking his head out of the door, "Love" he softly called. "What perfume should I use then?" tanong niya sa mababang boses.
"I don't know. Huwag ka na lang kayang magpabango" I said without throwing him a glance.
"Pero love..." I know he pouted. He sighed and just went inside the bathroom again, gumigilid pa siya, para ata hindi ko siya maamoy.
I was standing in front of my bookshelves, picking something to read when he went out, just finished his bath, again.
"Can I come near to my wife now?" aniya.
He didn't wait my reply and just made his way to me, gripping my waist gently and pulling me closer to him. "So? What smell should I wear, hmm?" he said in a deep voice.
"L-love, male-late ka na" God! Why am I stuttering!
"I don't care"
He inhaled my neck and planted kisses there. "G-greg, sandali l-lang" I can't help but to moan.
His lips was about to go lower when we heard a knock. "Irene? Nak?" it was Nanay Lucille!
I immediately pushed him gently and went to the door to open it.
"Halika na 'Nak nang mahilot iyang nananakit na likod mo" she told me.
Oh right! May gagawin nga pala kami. The only reason that I came here sa room namin was to find a good book to read, inaway ko pa si Greg kanina dahil nakakasuka yung amoy niya... pero nauwi naman sa ano... landian.
"A-ah, sige 'Nay. Susunod na lang ako, may kukunin lang" I said, and was about to close the door when her eyesight was locked to the man inside the room, topless, wearing a maong short and his towel on both of his shoulders.
"Akala ko pumasok ka na? Nagpaalam kang may babalikan lang kanina, hanggang ngayon nandito ka pa rin pala? Anong oras na ha?" she said.
Ayan tuloy.
"Tsaka naligo ka ulit?" dagdag pa ni Nanay.
"Oo 'Nay. Ayaw ng asawa ko sa amoy ko kanina eh" he smirked.
"Siya sige" papalit-palit niya kaming tiningnnan. "Uuna na ako sa baba, may tatrabahuin pa ata kayo" aniya at ngumiti ng nakakaloko.
"'Nay naman!" reklamo ko pa pero tumawa lang siya. "Hindi, sasabay na ako sa baba!"
I heard my husband laughed but I just looked back and glared at him. Nauna na talagang bumaba si Nanay Lucille kaya binalingan ko na ang asawa ko, "You better get dress for work na Mister, lagi ka na lang late!"
He just stared at me, with a smile on his face and suddenly spoke. "Aside from being beautiful," he paused and in a blink, he's already in front of me. "What do you do for living?" pagbanat niya. He tucked a strand of my hair behind my ear.
"D-doon ka nga!" pag-iinarte ko.
Ganyan dapat Irene, hindi pwedeng mabilis bumigay.
I was astouned when his lips suddenly met mine. I didn't move, pinaninidigan ko talaga ang pag-iinarte ko. But honestly, I'm loving it.
I jokingly rolled my eyes at him when he pulled away.
"What? You don't want the kiss?" he asked. "Edi ibalik mo" he smirked and pouted his lips, waiting for mine to meet his.
Hindi ko namalayan ang sarili kong tumitingkayad na at hinahalikan siya. Hindi daw mabilis bumigay pero binalik yung halik.
"Sarap!" he exclaimed when I pulled away.
I chuckled. "Go na, make bihis na!" pagtataboy ko sa kanya. Buti na lang he obliged na.
I went to search for a book to read na and when I finally did, sakto namang tapos na siyang magbihis.
"I used your perfume love" he told me.
I nodded. Better kaysa sa pabango niya kanina na bigay ko raw.
Yeah, I gave that to him, pero ayoko sa amoy ng pabango na yun ngayong buntis ako.
"Bababa na ako, hubby." I informed him.
"I'll come with you. Let's go" he said.
He bid goodbye and I watched his car leave.
---
Greggy demanded that he wants to see me while he's at work so I video called him kanina.
"Kahit don't say anything na lang, I just want to see you while I'm working" he even said.
He was being silent, like literally, wala akong marinig na ingay ng keyboard or papel man lang. So I glanced up on my phone only to see him gazing at me.
"What?" I asked.
"You're so cute"
Oh, another serye of 'Gregorio being whipped over his wife' again.
"I'm not even doing anything" I said.
"You don't need to." There's this spark in his eyes as he talks to me. Like everytime he sees me, I see love and adoration in his eyes.
I smiled picking up my laptop and brought it inch away from my face.
He then covered his face with his palm. "Wife, don't get too close"
I can see his ears turning red.
"Calm down hubby, we're just on call" I chuckled as I put the laptop down.
"Still," he peeked through his fingers. "I can't take it"
"Hey, akala ko ba you wanted to see me? Bakit ka nagtatakip ng mukha diyan?" I asked.
I was laughing real hard that made him turn really red. "Stop it na, love, please?" he pleaded. He can't even look in the camera kasi I was making fun of him.
"Alright, alright" hinihingal kong sabi.
He cleared his throat when he recovered.
"Babye na, I need to go to the bathroom, naiihi na naman ako" I said.
"Sama mo na ako" he uttered.
"No!"
"Then don't turn off this call, I'll wait for you" he said.
Hinayaan ko na ang gusto niya at dumiretso na sa banyo. The call lasts until he came home to me.
---
"Hubby" I tapped my husband's arm while he was busy with his video game. It's weekend and he got nothing to do.
And so am I.
He looked at me, "Yes, my love?"
I slowly lift up my pouch and revealed what's inside. My make-up and skincare products.
"Noooo" he prolonged his answer and melted down to his seat.
"Come on, please" I sweetly asked. "It's fun"
"For you, yes, but for me? Nah-ah" umiling siya.
I pouted and sighed. I was about to stand up and go back to bed when he sat up and looked at me again.
"Fine. But not too much al--"
I squealed and excitedly kissed him in the cheek.
He watched me as I happily prepare everything I am going to use on his face.
In the quietest voice, I heard him mutter, "I love you..."
I smiled deep within me and just continue preparing my things, as if I didn't hear it.
Dahil kinikilig ako.
I cleared my throat before giving my full attention to him. I did my skincare routine to him first, give him a face mask and applied different creams. Then I started applying make-up to his face.
"Oh, you're so ganda naman" I uttered when I was done and felt satisfies with his make-up.
"I am?" he asked and looked at the mirror. "Oh, I really am" pumilintik pa ang kamay niya. Jusko!
---
I woke up in the middle of the night, hungry. "Love?" I tapped my husband's cheek and he immediately sits up.
"Yes love?" he asked in a raspy voice.
"We're hungry" I answered with a pout that made him smile.
"What do you want to eat?"
I smiled. "Mc Donalds" I said with a cheeky smile.
"Mc Donalds it is" he gets up and didn't even bother to change, naka pajama lang siya. He grabbed his phone, his wallet and his keys.
"You want to come?" he asked when he caught me watching him.
I immeditely nodded before rushing to wear my slippers. I am also in my PJ's.
Siya na ang nagdrive dahil ayaw niya raw istorbohin pa ang mga driver.
Once we arrived, he goes through the drive thru and ordered everything on the menu, just because I can't decide.
We moved to the next window and payed, after a few minutes of waiting, the foods are finally done.
Sa sobrang dami ay sa main door na lang nila ibinigay. Because it'll cause a delay sa ibang customer kung sa window pa ibinigay.
"Geez, so dami" I whispered as I watch some crews putting the foods inside the car, in the backseat.
"You don't have to force yourself to eat all of that ha" he reminded me and I nodded.
When it was all loaded inside, Greggy handed me some fries, making me smile. "Thank you love!" I said, placing a kiss on his cheek.
"What my baby wants, my baby gets" he uttered.
"This baby?" I asked, holding my tummy.
He nodded. "This baby" he held my tummy too. I was about to roll my eyes when he added his words, "And this baby" he cupped my face and kissed my lips.
That made me smile. "I love you"
"I love you more" he replied and drove back home na.
---
"Buntis!" Leo yelled once he entered our house.
"Ano ba, early in the morning you're shouting" natatawang puna ko sa kanya.
"Good morning Miss Irene" Dana, Mitch and Faith greeted me.
"Hi, it's nice to see you guys again. Come on in" I said and lead the way to the living room.
"Ang asawa mo, nasaan?" Leo asked.
Ganon? Akala ko naman ako ng unang kakamustahin.
"He's getting ready for work. Nasa kwarto" I answered and he nodded. "Kayong apat lang?"
"Oh, susunod daw si Conrad, sinundo pa yung jowa kasi gusto raw sumama" my eyes glistened when I heard that Lindsay is coming. "Tsaka may isa pa silang susunduin" Leo added.
My brows arched. "Sino?"
"You'll find out later on" he only responded and smiled.
"Sino nga Leonardo?"
Pinagtaasan ako ng kilay ni bakla. "Putok na putok ang make-up ko tapos tatawagin mo akong Leonardo, aber?" he said that made me chuckled. "Surprise nga!" he added.
"Hoy, bawal akong magulat sinasabi ko sa'yo ha!"
He was about to answer when we heard car horns outside.
"Ayan na sila" he squealed.
Inabangan ko ang pagpasok nila Isay at Conrad pero isang pamilyar na bulto ang bumungad sa pintuan ng bahay.
"Oh my god! Alex are you for real?!" agad akong napatayo sa kinauupuan ko at lumapit sa may pintuan.
My good friend, Alex Cortez is standing in front of me, holding a bouquet of flowers.
"Do I look like a statue to you, Mrs. Araneta?" he asked and chuckled. "And my gosh, your tummy is getting bigger na but still, look at your figure!"
"Hala, you're here nga! Kailan ka pa umuwi?" I asked.
"A week ago. I'm sorry I didn't had a chance to attend your exquisite wedding. I was organizing a play at that time, ako pa naman ang director" he genuinely said.
"It's alright. Greg and I totally understand"
"Oh, when will I meet your husband nga pala? I heard he's good looking. Bukambibig nitong si Leo sa'kin." he pointed at Leo who's comfortably seated at the couch.
"He's coming down any minute now. He's off to work kasi" I said. "Have a seat nga, you have to make a lot of kwento to me ha" I pulled him to the couch.
"Irene!" I turned around and saw Lindsay together with Conrad.
"Ah! I missed you two!" I ran to hug them both na ikinagalit pa ni Conrad.
"Huwag ka ngang tumakbo! Naalog yung bata" he glared at me. "Iniistorbo mo ang peaceful slumber ng inaanak ko"
Ay wow. "Who told you you're going to be my baby's ninong?" pinagtaasan ko siya ng kilay.
"Assuming kasi. Nagvolunteer ba naman" Isay even laughed.
"FYI, galante akong ninong. Baka nga regaluhan ko ng house and lot ang anak mo kahit kulang na lang patayin ako ng ama niyan dahil sa selos" he said.
Isay and I chuckled. "Ang dami mong dada. Tara na nga" she pulled us both to the living room.
Minutes later, all our focus were diverted to the man who's descending from the stairs.
"Ay ayan na si pogi" Leo said.
"Uh, good morning" he greeted them.
Pogi nga.
They all greeted him back before he looked at me. "By the way love, before you leave, I'd like you to meet Alex" I introduced him to my friend. "He just got home last week. He's the one I've been telling you about. Yung sinasabi kong close friend ko na director" I said.
He looked at me and I know clearly what that meant. "He's no harm" I added.
For Greggy and I, 'He's no harm' means 'he's gay'. He gets jealous easily so I have to assure him.
"Pleasure to meet you" he finally extended his arm for Alex.
"The pleasure is mine Mr. Araneta" Alex shook their hands.
He chuckled. "Just Greggy. You're too formal"
"I am Leo but I prefer you calling me Lea" someone interfered. "I know you are pleasured to meet me too but the pleasure is mine as well, Mr. Araneta"
"Nice try holding my hands huh" he laughed.
"Ayan, haharot pa kasi" Alex told Leo.
While the two argue, Greggy looped his arm around my waist and kissed my cheek. "Bye love, I'll see you later." He then leveled his head on my stomach "Bye my baby"
"Sa cheek lang? Nahiya pa kayo eh sinlaki na ng buwan ang tiyan nito in the next few months!" Leo said that made us both chuckled.
I placed my palm onto his chest and reached for his cheek too. "Bye Daddy, please take care, ha"
"I will" he smiled and kissed the back of my hand before he also bid goodbye to my friends then he left.
I caught Alex staring so I raised a brow, "What?"
"Blooming ka ng sobra-sobra." he answered.
"Lagi ba namang nadidiligan. Mas fresh pa nga yan kaysa sa mga halaman sa garden ng nanay ko" Leo uttered.
Pinanlakihan ko siya ng mata, "Watch your words nga!"
"What's wrong with what I said? Bakit, hindi ka ba nadidiligan ng pagmamahal?" he smirked. "Sinlaki na ng pakwan 'yang tiyan mo, makaarte naman 'to!"
I can never get away whenever my friends tease me about things like that.
"Stop it nga" I rolled my eyes.
"Baka mamaya niyan masundan agad yang panganay niyo ha" panggagatong pa ni Conrad.
"Isay oh" pagsusumbong ko sa girlfriend niya but Lindsay just laughed! "Kapag ikaw sinumbong ko sa asawa ko ha!" I glared at him.
"Sabi ko nga mags-shut up na ako" he acted like he closed a zipper on his mouth.
They stayed for the whole day and I am so glad they did because their presence kept me away from boredom. It was nice making kwento with them, I had so much fun
---
I am making a gingerbread house with my husband. We agreed to make it a competition, on whose side is going to look the best.
"I am so winning this" I giggled and put my whole focus on designing the door on my side.
He chuckled. "Whatever makes you sleep at night wife"
Halfway through, he comes over to my side to eye up the competition.
"Palaban naman masiyado ang misis ko" he said.
I smirked and playfully hit his arm. "Doon ka nga! You might smash down my gingerbread house"
"Oh, I already admit defeat love" he pointed at his creation and it was... a disaster. That made the both of us chuckle.
He looked down at me then down to my lips. "You got icing on you lips" he laughed, pointing at me.
I licked the side of my lips. "Is it gone?" I asked.
Umiling siya. "Let me just..." he held my face and leaned in.
He licked my lips then kissing it as he held my waist, deepening the kiss.
He pulled away, only slightly, leaving a small gap between the two of us. "There, it's gone" he smirked.
So clever.
---
"Love? Are you on your way home na?" I speaked to my husband over the phone.
"Yes love, why? Something wrong?"
"No naman. But can you buy me pizza?"
"Sure, what kind of pizza love?"
"Uh, a pizza margherita, caprese, hawaiian and pepperoni"
"You're gonna eat them all?" takang tanong niya.
"Of course. You can have some naman if you want to"
"Alright. But are you sure mauubos mo ang apat na pizza?"
"Yes nga love" Ang kulit naman. "Sige na, I'll hung up na so you can go buy na. Take care my Greggy, I'll see you later. Love you" paglalambing ko bago ko tinapos ang tawag.
Afterwards, he sent me a text.
Husband❤:
I'll buy your pizzas but promise me you'll eat a proper meal in dinner.
5:13 p.m
Irene:
Yeah, yeah, whatever. Basta don't forget, okay?
5:13 p.m
Husband❤:
Mamaya na kita pagagalitan. I love you.
5:14 p.m
I closed my phone and went downstairs na to wait for him.
---
After dinner, I sat down on the sofa and looked at my husband, busy watching tv.
"I want pizza"
"You had a lot na kanina. That's enough already" he said without throwing any glance at me.
"But I did what you want me to do. Kumain ako ng dinner" I said and pouted. "I want pizza!"
Right before dinner kasi, he hid all the box of pizza because he commanded me to eat a meal first and so I did kahit na yung pizza lang ang gusto ko.
A lot daw eh two to three slices pa lang naman ang nabawas sa kada box.
"Why don't you just eat spinach na lang love. It's more healthy. Or do you want vegetable salad?" he offered.
"I don't want that. Why don't you eat it instead?" I said and left him there. I went to our room and slammed the door as loud as I can.
"Ginagawa naman akong kambing eh! Ano, puro dahon na lang kakainin ko?" humaba pa lalo ang nguso ko habang inaayos ang kama.
I layed down on bed and fell asleep so quickly.
I woke up when I felt someone kissing my neck. I opened my eyes and saw my husband.
I winced. "Get out--"
"I have pizza, love" he cut me off.
"Really?"
He showed it to me, "Yes maam, pinainit ko na rin"
My mood immediately changed. I giggled and kissed him. "Thank you hubby!"
He sighed but gave me a smile. "I really hate spoiling you too much"
"I'm carrying your child, Gregorio" I said while biting a slice of pizza on my hand.
He chuckled. "I know love, I know. Whatever makes my babies happy" he kissed my tummy before kissing my forehead.
"Happy wife is a happy life" he added.
---
Morning came and I swear, I wanted to curse Gregorio right now.
"Sorry na love. Forgive me na please."
"Bahala ka sa buhay mo" I uttered and left him there.
He ate the last slice of pizza knowing so damn well that the last piece is always mine.
I ignored him all day long and even slept in the guest room.
I went to the kitchen when I felt hungry. I was enduring my hunger kanina pa but I didn't want to go out dahil alam ko na nasa labas si Greggy. Hindi siya pumasok sa opisina at maghapon akong kinakatok. I instructed the maids not to give him the spare key of the room and glad they obeyed me.
When I got there, I smell something delicious. All I thought si Nanay Lucille ang nagluluto but lo and behold, it was my husband.
When he noticed me, he turned around and gave me a small smile expecting me to smile back but I just walk past him to the fridge.
I got myself a glass of water and drank it. While I was washing the glass in the sink, I felt arms snaking around my waist, pulling me to a hug.
Inhaling his familiar scent, I heard him muttered, "I am very sorry love, I didn't mean to upset you"
Still feeling quite bitter, I removed his hands on me making him sigh.
"I'll buy as many pizza as you want love. Just please don't ignore me" he begged.
I turned around to look at him. "Fine, but don't eat the last slice again... or I'll give you hell."
Nagliwanag ang mukha niya at lumapit sa akin. He pulled me into a hug, smiling widely. "Bati na tayo ha" he planted kisses all over my face.
There I lost it. I chuckled as he continued it. "Greg! Tama na!" tili ko nang makiliti ako.
Natatawang pumasok si Nanay Lucille sa kusina. "Para talaga kayong aso't pusa. Iyang niluluto mo Greggy masusunog na, jusko kayong dalawa. Hala, doon na kayo at ako na ang magpapatuloy niyang lulutuin" pagtataboy niya sa amin.
Greggy just chuckled and pulled me to the garden outside.
---
"Good morning, if it isn't my favorite couple" Doc Lavelle greeted us. "How are you feeling Momma?"
"We're great" I held my stomach.
At this very moment, we're here for a check up once again.
"Oh, before I forgot and before we start" Lavelle chuckled. "Your friends," he pointed at Greggy. "And your sister and sister-in-law" she then pointed at me. "Came here weeks ago and asked not to tell you your baby's gender"
"Why not? Don't tell me sila Thiago?" Greg furrowed his brows.
"Wait, let me just check the log book" she said and stood up. "Ah yes, Santiago Khale Morris, Felix Valeriano, Beatrice Alondra Alvarez, Xylyx Zabini Harris and Zackarie Valdez. They came last Tuesday." she read it loud. "Tas the following days, nagpunta sila Imee and Liza"
"Bakit naman ipagdadamot ang gender?" I protruded my lips.
"Well, I don't know if I should be the one to tell you this but... they said they are preparing a gender reveal party for you"
Oh, wow.
"Really?"
"Yeah. They told me not to tell you, but I can't help it. Naeexcite ako para sa inyo" she squealed.
After a few minutes, we proceeded to our check up.
She checked my weight and my blood pressure and measured my belly to check my baby's growth.
"Welcome to your second trimester" she smiled. "I will still continue to check you and your baby's health as well as to monitor the fetal's heartbeat"
"Second trimester is the most physically enjoyable for most women. It is also the turning point for the mother and the baby. This stage is also called the honeymoon phase of pregnancy, after the morning sickness in the first trimester and brfore the discomfort of the third trimester."
"By this time bihira na lang o wala nang morning sickness unfortunately, tiredness and breast tenderness ease up. But don't worry, your husband is here to help you out naman everytime" she explained. "Tama, Gregorio?"
"Very tama"
"Your fetus has now developed all its organs and its system and will now begin to grow in length and weight. For the next few weeks, you'll be able to feel your baby's movements, like for example, kicking. Magiging malikot ang anak ninyo" she chuckled. "You two, momma and baby will continue to grow."
"The weight of your fetus will multiply more than seven times over the next few months, as the fetus becomes a baby that can survive outside the uterus. By the end of your second trimester, your fetus will be about thirteen to sixteen inches long and weigh about two to three pounds
"The umbilical cord continues to thicken as it carries nourishment to the fetus. However, harmful substances also pass through it to the fetus that is why care should be taken to avoid alcohol, tobacco and other known hazards" she explained.
"Does your sex drive increase or decrease?" she then ask.
"Increase" agad na sagot ni Greggy. "Proven and tested"
I chuckled.
"That's normal. She's pregnant and her hormones are raging. There is an increase in estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, human placental lactogen, and most importantly the libido. Just like puberty, when hormones are acting wild, the desire and the ability to keep it in check goes wild too." Doc Lavelle explained to him.
"I understand. I like that side of her tho" I saw him smirked kaya kinurot ko ang hita niya, that made him yell in pain and the doctor just laughed.
"By the way, her craving will intensify during her second trimester kaya maghanda-handa ka na" she said.
"Doc, you don't know how weird her cravings are" pagdradrama niya. "There was this one time, she asked me to look for a kamias tree in the middle of the night. She wants to eat a freshly picked one so pinavideo pa niya yung paghahanap namin. She didn't sleep until the kamias was in her hands" iiling-iling na kwento ni Greggy.
"Get ready. The worse is yet to come" I uttered. He just sighed in response, accepting his fate.
"There are changes that may happen during your second trimester. Your belly skin may itch as it grows, and your sides may be painful as the uterus stretch for more space for your baby. Your lower stomach may ache as well, as ligaments stretch to support the uterus"
"The need to urinate often may decrease as the uterus grows out of the pelvic cavity, relieving pressure on the bladder. Skin pigmentation may change on the face and abdomen due to the pregnancy hormones. And of course, hindi mawawala ang backaches lalo't lumalaki ang bata sa tiyan mo."
"Your gums become spongier and may bleed easily due to the increase of hormones that affect the mucous membranes in the mouth. Another one, your nose may become congested and you may experience nosebleed because of increasing hormones and blood flow that affects the mucous membranes and blood vessels in the nose. You see, hormones will make a lot of changes in your body and will bring you different feels talaga. But don't worry, you'll not experience nosebleeds and such, I hope so." mahabang litanya niya.
Greggy and I are just actively listening to her.
"One more thing to warn you Greggy, almost everything may trigger her crying spells. Irene's body is changing rapidly, which can also increase anxiety level. Keep an eye on her always." She said and then looked at me, "As per you Mommy, I know you are moody but try to don't feel blue, alright? According to research, your baby feels what you feel, with the same intensity. They can feel your emotion, as if it was their own."
She said a lot of things pa until, "Alright, Mommy and Daddy, I think that's all I have to say. Shall we proceed to the best part of today's check up?"
Hell yeah! Greggy and I have been waiting for this moment to come.
"Lay down and lift your shirt please" Doc Lavelle said as she went to prepare the materials needed. Greggy assisted me and held my hand.
She put a gel on the thing she'll use and put it on my stomach. "Let's take a look," she said. "I put a little pressure, just let me know if you get uncomfortable, okay?" she added.
"Let's see where your baby's lying right now." iniikot niya ang transducer sa tiyan ko. "Its head is right down, right above your bladder area, and the spine is over towards your left hand side. And baby's bottom is right at the very top here" aniya habang patuloy pa rin ang pag-ikot sa tiyan ko habang tinuturo ang monitor.
I looked at Greggy who's also looking at the monitor with a big smile on his face.
"And here," idiniin ni Doc kaunti ang tansducer sa gitnang bahagi ng tiyan ko, "You can see and hear your baby's heart beating nice and strong"
There and then, I shed a tear. "Anak ko..." I whispered as I watch the monitor and as I hear my baby's heartbeat for the first time.
"Let me measure the heartbeat" she said and pressed something on the controls. She smiled, "It is about 149 beats per minute, which is a normal heartbeat"
"That is the most amazing sound I've ever heard" I said, smile stayed on my lips.
"Take a look at this, I'm sure you're going to love to see it. Here, we can see baby's beautiful profile."
What we saw was a close up of my baby. I couldn't be happier with this.
"And it looks like he or she has his or her hand right underneath the chin. Cute nose and lips" she added.
"Wow, my baby" dinig kong manghang ani Greggy sa tabi ko.
Him getting amazed by the ultrasound of our child is one of the best view ever.
After the ultrasound, we are ready to go but Doc Lavelle stopped us. "Wait, I'll just go get something" pumasok siya sa office niya. "Here, take this" she handed us a paper bag when she want out.
"What's this?"
"Open it" she smiled.
I was so happy when I saw what's inside the box. "Velle, you don't have to" I said.
"Consider it as my gift for you two." She answered.
It was a Pocket Fetal Doppler. We were about to buy this sana so we can still hear baby's heartbeat even at home.
"Thank you" I was getting teary-eyed.
"Oh, hormones" Greggy said.
"Where do you want to go?" he asked as soon as we entered the car.
"We're not going home yet?" I asked.
"Do you want to go home na ba? I want to take you on a date sana" he replied.
Oh. "Really? Why?"
"Because you are doing great taking care of yourself and our baby inside you. Baby is healthy, mommy is happy, and that makes me happy too" he said. "So? Are you up for our date or let's just go home na lang?"
I smiled. "Date love, let's go on a date"
---
At night, I woke up in the middle of the night again.
I silently went out of the bed but someone grabbed my hand.
"What's wrong love?" Greggy looked at me with a sleepy face.
"Nothing, I'm just hungry."
"Okay love. Lay back down" he said, sitting up and rubbed his eyes.
"What are you--"
"I'm going to make you some food" he smiled.
"I can do it love. Go back to bed na, you have work na naman tomorrow"
"It's okay love" he started to lay me back down and stroked my hair. "Let me take care of my family" he said softly. "What do you want to eat?"
"I want cake and ice cream" I said.
I thought papagalitan na naman niya ako dahil sweets na naman but...
"Alright, wait for me here" he kissed my forehead before he went downstairs.
'Let me take care of my family' that phrase came back to me again. It made me plaster a smile on my face and made my cheeks burn.
Damn, we've been together for how many years, married for how many months and our baby is on the way but... a simple phrase from him still gives me butterflies in my stomach.
---
"Love I'm bored" bungad ko kay Greggy sa telepono. He's at work and I am at home doing absolutely nothing. Binebedrest ako at nakakabagot na. "Can I come over?"
"Of course my wife can come here. Wait for me, susunduin kita"
"No need. Magpapa-drive na lang ako. Bye, love you" I didn't gave him the chance to speak and just ended the call.
I was wearing a knee length dress that fits perfectly on me kaya kitang-kita ang lumalaki kong tiyan. I grabbed only my phone and head out. I callef one of our drivers and went to the company na.
"Good afternoon Mrs. Araneta" the guard greeted, I just smiled at him.
I was also greeted by everyone na nakasalubong ko.
On the way to his office, I heard someone getting yelled at the hallway near the conference roon so I made my way there.
"What the hell?!" a woman's voice. It's the flirt Veronica again.
"Sorry po maam, sorry po" another woman's voice, but it was different, she's like crying or something.
"How dumb can you be? Do you know how much my bag's worth is? My god!" the woman yelled again. "You're so fat that you'll bump to everything you'll pass. Get out of my sight you dumb pig!"
"Hey!" I exclaimed. The poor girl is already on her knees, getting yelled at and being insulted. "That's enough!"
"I am not talking to you" she just glanced at me and glared back at the girl in front of her.
As if I want to talk to her ha.
I walked towards them and helped the girl to stand up. Base on her uniform, she's a company's cleaner. "Tahan na, bumalik ka na muna sa quarter ninyo para makapag-palit." I told her kasi ibinuhos sa kanya ang tubig na ginamit sa mop. I talked to her in straight Filipino para hindi maintindihan ng bruha sa harap namin.
"Why are you always nosing into other people's business?" iritang tanong niya sa'kin.
"That is your business? Insulting other people?" I scoffed.
"I was just stating facts" she said. "She's fat and dumb. She got my bag dirty and wet!"
Stating facts mo mukha mo.
Siya nga itong stupid eh. Nagagalit over a small bag. Dumaan-daan kasi dito, nakalagay na ngang basa ang sahig at mino-mop.
"Let me tell you what? Her weight is a temporary caloric imbalance but your stupidity is a permanent genetic malfunction" I told her. "I am just stating facts as well" ani ko.
"How dare you!" she was about to attack me pero napatigil siya sa isang boses.
"Ms. Morgan!"
Oh, my knight in shining armour is here.
He held my back, "Never lay a hand on my wife" matigas niyang sabi. "Why are you even here again? My company isn't a mall that you can visit anytime. Leave now, you're disturbing everyone here"
"But Greggy--"
"I don't want to hear it. Leave in this instance" he said.
That Veronica just glared at me. "What are you looking at!" sikmat niya.
Ako? "I'm looking at a piece of shit," I smirked.
"Shut up!" she exclaimed.
"I will when you get out from my sight" pang-iinis ko pa lalo.
"Argh! I can't stand you!" nagmartsa siyang umalis.
"Then sit down!" sigaw ko para marinig niya. I laughed in victory as I recall the look on her face.
"You're not funny" I heard Greggy said.
"I never said I was" pinagtaasan ko siya ng kilay. "Ano, do you feel bad about her? Then go, habulin mo, hindi pa nakakalayo yun"
"That's not what I mean love. Hindi ka na lang sana nakipagsagutan. It might cause you stress" he sighed.
Hindi ako nakaimik, he's right.
"Are you okay? Hindi ka ba sinaktan? Tell me" he inspected my whole body.
"I'm fine. Let's go, nagutom ako dahil sa babaeng iyon" I said at nagpauna nang maglakad.
He told me na dumiretso raw sa kanya iyong cleaner kanina para sabihin ang nangyayari. It's a good thing nasa taas lang ng floor na ito si Greggy kanina kaya nakapunta siya kaagad.
"What do you want to eat?" I heard him asked as soon as we entered his office.
I ignored him and went straight to his swivel chair. As soon as I felt comfortable, I closed my eyes.
"Love are you going to sleep here? You should've stayed at home" he speaked again.
I responded him silence, pure silence.
"Love."
"Love."
"Wife."
He keeps on calling me.
"Lov--"
"Hush" I cut him off. "Marshmallow with mustard and catsup, please"
"W-what?"
I opened my eyes and looked at him. "I want marshmallow with mustard and catsup, hubby"
He gave me a disgusted look. "That's..."
"Ako naman ang kakain, hindi ikaw" I get what he meant with that look.
"Are you sure love?" may pagaalinlangan ang boses niya.
"Hmm-mm" I gave him a cheeky smile.
He had no choice but to get me those. After a few minutes, he came back. "Wait for Josh, pinabili ko ng marshmallow"
"And mustard and catsup?"
He sighed, "And mustard and catsup. Hindi ba sasakit ang tiyan mo dahil doon love? I'm worried"
"That's what baby wants eh" nagkibit ako ng balikat.
Few minutes later, Josh came with plastic bags on his hands. "Anything else, Sir?" he asked Greggy.
He shook his head. "I'll call you later na lang"
Tumango si Josh, he looked at me and gave me a smile before going out.
I joyfully opened the marshmallow and started eating it with either the mustard or the catsup.
Greggy weirdly watched me as I enjoy eating. "It's masarap love, try it" I told him.
He didn't bulge and just watched me so I picked one and put mustard on it, "Open your mouth"
"Hmm" umiling siya then he covered his mouth.
"I said open your mouth" I seriously said and so he did. "Now close" I added when I successfully put the marshmallow inside his mouth but he won't close it.
Pikit-mata niyang nginuya ito. "No, no, I can't do this" he hurriedly ran to the bathroom and heard him throwing up.
"Oh well, more for me, I guess"
---
"Samahan mo ako sa baba love"
"Where are you going?" nag-angat siya ng tingin sa'kin.
"I want to visit them sa engineering office" it's been a while so why not pay them a visit.
Tumayo ako mula sa couch sa tabi ni Greggy. He pulled a single couch beside his swivel chair kasi for me to sit. He wants me near but he wants me to be comfortable kaya ayun.
"Alright. Let me finish this first" he said so I sat back down.
Later on, "Let's go love?" he uttered as he close his folders.
"Bring those" turo ko sa mga pagkain na pinabili niya kaninang nagpabili ako ng marshmallow, custard at catsup pero iyon lang g kinain ko, untouched na yung mga iba.
"Yes maam" he said and gathered the plastic bags together in his hand then assisted my back using his other hand. His big hands.
"Uy si boss!" Zackarie was the first one who saw us as we stepped inside the office. He then looked at me "Uy, ang boss ni boss"
"OMG, buntis!" I heard Polaris squealed, she's with Caelum and I smell something fishy between them.
Oh and yeah, they still don't know pa na I'm pregnant, ngayon lang nila ulit ako nakita.
"Miss Irene!" It was Luke.
I glanced at Greggy, sumama ang mukha niya sa narinig. He doesn't want people calling me Miss Irene, kesyo misis naman na raw ako, but he can't do anything about it naman.
Isa-isa silang lumapit. "We brought you some snacks." I smiled and looked back at Greggy again, "Love, give it na to them" I told him.
"Ahay, love daw, grabe nga yon" kinikilig na aniya Qwncy at hinampas pa si Prynzess.
"Wow, is this even real? I mean yeah I know you're pregnant, but ngayon na lang ulit kita nakita sa personal." ani Zack at akmang hahawakan ang tiyan ko nang tinampal ni Greggy ang kamay niya.
"Kalma Boss, may ganyan din ako noon, pumutok na nga lang ngayon," he added that made me chuckle. He's referring to Xylyx who gave birth to twins couple of months ago. Their babies are so adorable, a boy and a girl.
"Kaya pala blooming na blooming ka nang makita kita sa mall Miss. Last month ata yun" Portia told me.
"Lagi naman siyang blooming" her sister, Polaris said.
"Ay naku, stop na nga with your pambobolas" I giggled. "I missed it here, big time" ani ko at pinuntahan ang dati kong puwesto.
While they were eating, "Miss" Caelun offered some food.
"Ah no, it's okay. I'm done na kanina" I said. Then I remembered my marshmallows in Greg's office. "You forgot to bring my marshmallow and my mustard" I leaned and whispered to him.
"There are real foods in front of you wife" he whispered back saka sumubo sa kinakain niyang fried donut daw.
And what, he thinks that my marshmallow and mustard isn't a food? I raised my brow at him, "Go get it" pinanlisikan ko pa siya ng mata.
"No, enough with your weird food, try this" akmang isusubo niya sa'kin ang kinakain niya.
Aba matapang ka ha. "Lalayasan ka namin ng anak mo, hindi m--"
"Eto na, I'll call Josh na" pagputol niya sa sinasabi ko.
That's what I thought.
"Yes, the marshmallow on my table. Pakipunta dito" he talked to his phone.
"And the mustard" paalala ko. Kahit huwag ya yung catsup.
I was grinning from ear to ear when my marshmallow and mustard came. At first, everyone looked at me weirdly. Inalok ko sila, baka kasi gusto nila, buti na lang hindi dahil this is all mine.
"Ilang buwan na po kayo Miss?" Marrion asked.
"Three months" I smiled.
"Her birthday is coming na rin, you should come" Zack said.
Ay wow, siya na nag-invite.
Agad namang nagreact sila, asking where and when. Greggy even gave Zack death glare.
"We haven't planned it yet but we'll surely update you, yeah all of you should be there" I said.
We stayed there for few more hours and left din agad dahil baka nakakaistorbo kami sa work nila.
---
I looked at the weighing scale with a frown on my face when suddenly, the door opened and my husband came.
"What's wrong love?" he asked.
"Tumataba na ba ako?" malungkot ko siyang tiningnan.
"Ikaw lang ang mahal ko, wala akong ibang babae" he replied.
Tinaasan ko siya ng kilay, "Nadulas ka ba? Anong klaseng sagot yan?"
He went closer to me. "Kasi you asked me kung tumaba ka, if I tell you na 'no', sasabihin mong nagsisinungaling ako at bolero, tapos pipilitin mo akong aminin sayo na tumaba ka, if I tell you naman na 'oo tumaba ka', you'll get mad, tapos sasabihin mo na I've changed, then I'll say na you're thinking nonsense, tapos sabihin mo na I don't love you anymore, tapos you'll cry, tapos sasabihan kita na mahal kita, tapos yayakapin kita, tapos you'll just push me away and don't want me to hold you, tapos mauuwi ito lahat sa sasabihin mong 'siguro may iba ka nang babae' kaya dumeresto na ako sa dulo. Wala akong ibang babae" mabilis niyang sabi.
That made me laugh but eventually made me cry. Darn this mood swing!
"Hey, why are you crying. I swear, you're the only one mahal ko. Ikaw noon, ikaw ngayon, at mananatiling ikaw kahit anong mangyari" he said sincerely.
I know naman pero I just want to cry dahil sa timbang ko. I mean I get it na I'll gain weight kasi I am carrying our first child pero what if ipagpalit niya talaga ako.
"Stop crying na" he cupped my face. "Sige I'll make sira sa weighing scale, pinapaiyak niya ang pinakamamahal ko" he then wiped my tears away.
I chuckled between my sobs, "Why would you do that?"
"Because a piece of metal shouldn't determine how you should feel about yourself wife, you understand, hmm?" he said pulling me to a warm hug and caressed my head, comforting me.
I fell asleep in his arms that night.
Damn, I be stressing this man out and he still treats me like a queen.
---
"Don't talk to me nga!" I exhaled while we are in the car, just the two of us, my husband and I.
We are supposed to go see a shop near the bay pero hindi na namin naabutan dahil babagal-bagal magdrive ang kasama ko. It's already past five!
He insisted to drive dahil wala ang mga drivers namin, today is their day off kasi.
"I'm sorry na nga love, please forgive me na" he uttered.
I ignored him and he just sighed.
Gas was running low so he stopped in a gas station to do a quick refill.
After that, he parked the car to the side. Agad akong bumaba at pumasok sa store. I saw him followed.
I could see him busy looking at the chocolates and candies.
I rolled my eyes at him kahit hindi niya ako nakikita at lumabas na. I got in to the car anf didn't bother to wait for him.
I was gazing outside the window still feeling a little moody when suddenly I felt a gentle poke on my cheek.
"Love..."
I gave him a side eye glance and saw that he was holding a chocolate bar. My favorite kapag dumadaan kami sa gas station kapag may biyahe kami.
"I'm sorry na. Come on, take it, I know you want it" he teased.
"No, it's disgusting" I looked away from him.
I heard him sigh and began unwrapping it himself. "Suit yourself. Mine na lang kung ganoon"
I immediately turned around and snatched it from his hand. I can't ignore this chocolate bar anymore! "No!"
I can hear hin laughed while I enjoy my chocolate bar.
"Bati na tayo ha" he said.
"Bakit?" I replied.
"Kasi --"
"Bakit ang kapal ng mukha mo" putol ko sa sasabihin niya at tuloy ko sa sinasabi ko.
Bumusangot siya at nanahimik na. I guess he's getting annoyed na so I stopped na. "Fine we're bati na"
"Wow, parang napipilitan pa" he scoffed.
Bahala siya diyan, I told him na nga na we're bati na.
Later on, he's still driving dahil ayoko pang umuwi.I felt guilty pa rin so hindi ko tinigilan hanggang sa pinapansin na niya ako. I knew he can't resist me.
When suddenly, "Love I want BJ” I said.
Gulat siyang napatingin sa'kin. “What? N-now”
Did I say something wrong?
“Yeah”
Kinakabahan siyang sumagot, “But love I’m driving, delikado pag--”
“Ayun oh, nalampasan mo na!” I pointed my finger at a buko juice vendor. Pinagsasabi nitong delikado?
“Ibili mo ko, gusto ko yun. Here oh” I gave him my empty big tumbler. “Their baso is very small, kulang yon”
"Oh, buko juice?" there was a relief on his voice.
"May iba pa bang BJ?" I said and he just chuckled and parked the car near the Manong nagbubuko juice's cart.
He didn't bother to leave the car at ibinaba na lang ang window. Kinuha niya ang tumbler ko at ibinigay sa nagtitinda at sinabing damihan ng buko fruit"
“Ah sir wala ba kayong barya kahit one hundred lang? Fifty lang po lahat Sir eh” nagkakamot ng ulong tanong ni Kuyang nagbubuko juice.
“No na, just keep the change” he said.
"Naku Sir malaki pa po yung sukli niyo, sandali lang po, hahanap po ako ng pakikibaryahan sa--"
"It's okay, hayaan mo na"
"Sigurado kayo Sir?" he asked and Greg just nodded. "Maraming Salamat Sir" he even bowed his head tsaka sumilip sa bintana, "Maam, maraming salamat po. God bless po"
I was enjoying my BJ so I just smiled na lang in return then nagpaalam na si Greggy.
“Seriously? One thousand pesos for a buko juice?” I reacted nang makalayo kami. Hindi naman sa ayokong nagpa keep the change siya sa Buko Juice vendor kaya lang, I would even do the same thing, gusto ko lang matawa.
“Eh yun lang ang cash na dala ko, alangan namang mag card ako doon” he chuckled and so do I.
I reached for his wallet and opened it. Kaya pala. Puro blue bills ang nasa wallet niya. Wala man lang violet or kahit yellow man lang.
"Pa-BJ nga rin ako love" he said na parang natatawa.
I don't understand this moron, kanina pa natatawa sa BJ, hindi naman clown 'to. Siguro sira na ata ulo.
---
"Can I go play na wife?" sumilip si Greggy sa pinto ng kitchen.
Tumango ako. It's good that he has something to make him entertain, basta huwag lang niyang sobrahan.
I was enjoying my pretzel and ice cream in the kitchen when I decided to go see him. Miss ko na naman siya agad.
I opened the door and saw him busy playing. I went to him and stood beside him.
"Why love?" he asked without looking at me.
I didn't say a word and just raised both of his hands, busy with the controller. I slid myself in between his arms and sat on his lap.
I reached for my phone to keep me busy. Pasulyap-sulyap kong tinitingnan ang tv screen. He's playing soccer. Bahagya kong hinawakan ang tiyan ko.
If you're a he, you'll probably going to be a soccer player. Baka nga turuan ka pa ng ama mo ng polo.
I turned off my phone as it got boring. I looked in front of me and watched my Greggy play a game.
My eyes fell on his hands on the controller.
He's moving and tapping the buttons of the controller so fast. It made my imaginations go... wild.
I started to remember what kind of things those hands could do... to me. That thought made me gulp as I feel my body burning.
"Damn, wife, you want me that bad?" I heard his teasing laugh.
"H-huh?" I acted confused.
"Calm down, I can feel you throbbing on my thigh lovr" matunog siyang ngumisi.
Oh shit! I only have thin clothes on me, darn!
"Sorry..." I tried to move para sana hindi niya ako maramdaman.
But hell, he stopped me, "You're making someone mad" he held me down as he put away the controller.
He placed his hand on my chin and turned my face towards him. He then looked at me straight in the eye. I can see adoration in his eyes.
Until he suddenly leaned in for a kiss. He lifted me up and made me face him, wholely. Paharap na ako ngayong nakaupo sa kandungan niya, and I can already feel his bulge.
"But your game--" He cut my words when he claimed my lips again.
His lips travelled down to my neck. He was about to remove his shirt when we heard a knock.
"Sir Greggy? Nandito po ba kayo? May bisita po kayo sa baba Sir" one of our maids said.
I chuckled and kissed his lips one more time before standing up. "Maybe next time love" I winked and went to the bathroom to freshen up.
Nakita ko pa ang gigil niyang pagtayo kanina palabas ng kwarto, halatang nabitin, galit na galit.
I took off my clothes and went in the bathtub. Ililigo ko na lang ang init ng katawan ko.
Hindi na ako nagtagal at umahon din agad. I looked myself in the mirror and my eyes darted on my neck. There I saw Greg's love bite.
I didn't bother to cover it up na since hindi naman masiyadong kita, mahahalata lang kapag iyon lang ang titingnan sa'kin.
When I was done, I went downstairs to see Greg's visitors. Agad ko namang nalaman kung sino nang marinig ko ang tawanan nila Thiago.
"Irene ipapaalam lang sana namin si Mister" Thiago said as soon as I entered the living room.
"You're going out?" I asked.
"Sana. Pero we decided to hang out na lang dito sa house niyo, if it's okay with you. We know naman hindi sasama si Greggy kapag wala ka pero mas lalong hindi siya papayag na tumapak ka sa bar ngayong buntis ka" Xylyx added.
I looked at my husband. "You can go with them naman" I told him.
He scrunched his nose. "Ayokong umalis"
"Then have your bonding na lang here sa bahay. Are you going to drink?" I asked.
"Oo, inuman session"
Sana all.
"Sige. I'll go ask the maids to prepare near the pool para doon na kayo mamaya, para maaliwalas" I said.
Okay na rin na dito sila para hindi problema si Gregorio kung sakali mang malasing siya.
"Where's the kambal pala?" I asked Xylyx.
"They're at home. Dad voluntered to look after them muna" she replied.
---
"For the first time dads! For Zackarie and Gregorio!" Beatrice raised her glass and everyone clicked their glass with hers.
Itinaas ko na rin yung baso ko. I'm here with them pero dahil bawal sa'kin ang mag-inom ng alak, Greggy gave me milk.
"Can I have a sip?" bulong ko sa asawa ko.
They are having the three wise men for pete's sake! Jack Daniels, Johnnie Walker, and Jim Beam!
"Love..." may pagbabanta ang boses niya.
"Kaunti lang naman" I pouted my lips.
Seconds later, he sighed. "Fine. You really know I can't resist you 'no?" saad niya at hinawakan ang baso niya at inilebel sa bunganga ko. "Just a bit, okay?"
Tumango ako at masayang uminom. Bahagya ko namang hinawakan ang tiyan ko. Anak kalma lang ha, promise isang lunok lang. I just missed the taste of liquor.
"I want more" I joked but I received a glare from him.
"You're so kulit naman!" he uttered but I just giggled.
Naging maingay ang grupo at napagdesisyunan nilang umuwi bago mag alas dose ng gabi. They were so drunk kaya pinatawagan na lang namin ang mga drivers nila.
Ako lang pala ang tumawag dahil lasing din si Greggy.
"Umayos ka or I'll leave you here Gregorio Maria ha. You know I can't carry or assist you to our room" Nakapameywang kong sabi sa asawa ko.
"No, I-I'm not d-drunk!" itinaas pa niya ang kamay niya. Not drunk mo mukha mo, sumisinok na nga!
"Umayos ka na and help yourself up. I will not help you sumunod ka na lang pero kung gusto mo mag sleepover dito, go lang" I said and left him na there.
Iinom-inom kasi, hindi naman pala kaya.
"A-asawa ko, sandali l-lang!" I heard him shouted pero tuloy-tulot lang ako sa pag-akyat sa hagdan.
Bahala ka na talaga diyan Araneta.
---
Days passed and he became busy with work. The company is working on a new project kasi so he has a lot on his plate right now. But nevertheless, he still makes sure na I am well taken care of. Maya't maya siyang tatawag sa'kin para siguraduhin na ayos lang ako at ang anak namin.
I was laying on our bed waiting for him to come home. He said magoovertime raw pero pagtingin ko sa phone ko kaninang five thirty, pauwi na raw siya at thirty minutes lang daw ang overtime niya.
When finally, the door of our room opened and my husband came in, looking so exhausted, pero pogi pa rin naman.
"How's your day my love?" I asked but he just looked at me with a frown on his face. "You're tired?" he nodded.
I opened my arms and agad naman niyang binitawan ang mga gamit niya tsaka tinanggal ang sapatos at agad yumakap sa'kin.
I just caressed his hair and hummed a tune until he fell asleep, I think. Pagsilip ko sa mukha niya ay nakapikit na siya.
Tinawagan ko na lang si Nanay Lucille para hindi na ako tatayo at magising siya at nagpaluto ng paborito ni Greg para ganahan siyang kumain paggising niya.
"You asleep, hubby? Wakey-wakey na" I asked in a small voice.
"Hmm?" his response, but still, his eyes are closed.
"Go freshen up muna. Natuyuan ka na ng pawis" saad ko at hinawakan ang likod niyang basa ng pawis kanina.
"I want to stay here, so warm" he said and mas sumiksik pa siya sa leeg ko.
"Stop nga, nangingiliti ka naman eh!" natatawa kong sabi dahil sa paghinga niya.
Ipinilig niya ang ulo niya sa kabila and now, he's facing my tummy. "Hi baby" masuyo niyang hinaplos ito.
"Go take a bath na raw, you stinks" I chuckled.
"Fine, I'll go na" natatawa siyang tumayo at nagtungo na sa banyo.
I took that opportunity to go see the kitchen.
"Hindi pa tapos 'Nak. Gutom na ba?" Nanay Lucille said.
"Sige lang 'Nay, naliligo pa lang naman." I answered. "What can I help?" I asked kasi may hinihiwa pa siyang mga gulay.
"Wala. Doon ka na lang muna sa kwarto niyo. Ipapatawag ko na lang kayo kapag luto na" she chuckled.
Kapag kasi ako ang naghihiwa ng gulay ay kinakain ko kahit hilaw pa kaya as much as possible, hindi nila ako pinaghihiwa.
When I went back to our room, Greggy is back on the bed. Tatanungin ko sana kung basa ang buhok pero nakita ko ang hair dryer ko sa vanity table na nakasaksak, that answered my question na.
I crawled on the bed and instead of laying down beside him, I went on top of him. "Am I heavy?" I asked when he opened his eyes and wrapped his arms around me.
"No, light as a cotton" he said.
I know naman na he's making bola pero hinayaan ko na lang. That's what I want to hear eh.
Time passed and finally, a maid came to tell us na nahanda na ang lamesa. Ayaw pa sanang tumayo ni Greggy pero nang sabihin kong paborito niya ang ulam ay agad naman siyang tumayo.
We took a quick walk around the village after we ate. When we got home, that's when Manang Imee called.
"How's my pamangkin?" bungad niya nang sagutin ko ang tawag.
"Wow ha" I responded that made her laugh.
"Kidding aside. How's my ading?" she asked again when she recovered.
"Baby and I are fine. Tho my legs are aching everytime" I jokingly rolled my eyes kahit hindi niya nakikita.
"Ooh, leg cramps." she said.
Ay oo nga pala, "So you know na ang gender ng anak ko?"
"Doc Lavelle told you? Oh my god, I feel betrayed" she acted hurt. "Pero no, binigay agad namin sa organizer ang result. Even Greggy's friends don't know it yet, kami lang ang kumuha tsaka nagplano pero wala ni isa sa amin ang nakaka-alam ng gender ng bata para masurprise rin kami. They're playing bets and I want to join" she giggled.
"Alam ba yan ni Mommy? I'll make sumbong na pinagsusugalan niyo ang anak ko ha!"
"Hey! Hindi naman pera ang iaano!" she exclaimed.
Ano ano ka diyan ha.
"Anyways, why did you call me ba?"
"Ang sungit naman ni buntis. Well, remember the last time na we hired a babysitter for the boys? It didn't turn out good kasi hirap magpa-alaga ang mga anak ko sa mga hindi nila kilala. Pinauwi muna namin kasi ang mga maids dahil nagkakasakit sila dito, nagkakahawaan kaya ayun, they went home, so ending, walang magbabantay sa dalawa. As much as Tommy and I wants to bring them sa Saturday, hindi naman pwede kas--"
"Stop beating around the bush. I'll look after them muna" I cut her off.
"Really? Okay lang ba?"
"Ano ka ba, Manang, of course I would love to. Babysitting my nephews always serves as my real life experience bago ako manganak" I chuckled. "And Saturday naman right? Greggy will be here sa house on that day, he'll help me look after them"
"Thank you so much Irene! I owe you. Don't worry, pagkapanganak na pagkapanganak mo, ako ang mag-aalaga sa anak mo"
I just laughed. Ang dami niyang chika after that. The call lasted for a few hours!
---
I accidentally deleted a file in Greggy's laptop and here he is, kanina pa ako pinapagalitan.
"I'm sorry na nga eh!" I shouted back.
"And now you're mad?" he laughed sarcastically. "You're the one who's in fault and you have the nerve to get angry? Wow!"
"I told you na nga na I didn't mean to! Mukha bang ginusto kong burahin 'yon ha?" I answered, still irritated.
"Irene naman! Pinagpuyatan ko 'yon ng ilang gabi tas nawala lang ng ilang segundo?" he exhaled. "Okay, hindi mo intensiyon na burahin 'yon, pero bakit ba kasi pinakialaman mo pa rin yung computer kahit hindi mo naman pala kabisado?!"
Hindi ko siya sinagot at iniwan na lang siya roon sa mini office niya dito sa bahay. Napupuno na ako, at alam ko na kanina pa siya napupuno. Baka sa iba lang mapunta ang away na 'yon.
He has this new computer set kasi he got for work stuffs. It's new, bagong labas lang kaya hindi pa ako marunong masiyado gamitin, kahit nga siya eh. I didn't listened to him and pinakialaman ko kaninang umaga. I didn't expect naman na sobrang complicated ng software, files na pala yung nadedelete ko kanina. I can't even restore it sa recycle bin niya.
I stayed in the other room, ang ginagawang kwarto ng magiging anak namin. I'll stay here for a while dahil alam kong ako ang mali, and I am so guilty! So I need to help him get that file back.
I fished my phone out from my pocket and dialed his assistant's number.
"Good afternoon, Miss. Bakit po?" he asked as soon as he picked up the phone.
"Uhh, Josh, by any chance, do you have a copy of Greg's file for this month?" Ang alam ko kasi, every file ay may copy si Josh just in case na mawala kay Greggy ang mga ito.
"Yes Miss, except for the recent ones."
Shit, I'm doomed!
Naiiyak na ako dito. But no! I need to fix this.
"Do you know how to restore a deleted file?"
"Opo, sa Recycle Bin lang po" he answered.
"Ayaw eh. I tried it na kanina" I said in a small voice.
"Ay hala sa bagong computer po ba ni Sir? Naku Miss, hindi rin po akong marunong magbalik ng deleted file doon eh"
What should I do now?!
"Pero may kilala po akong computer engineer Miss, baka sakaling alam niya."
I felt a relief with what he said kaya agad kong ibinaba ang tawag nang sinabi niyang cocontact'n niya ito.
"Miss, he's free raw po ngayon. He's on his way to pick me up then we'll be there na po." That's what he said when he called ten minutes ago.
It's a good thing Greggy's not here. Nanay Lucille said baka raw lumabas para magpalamig ng ulo.
"Miss Irene, okay na po" I heard Josh.
Agad akong napatayo at pumasok sa kwarto. I was staying in the other room with Nanay Lucille. She's been trying to calm me down kanina pa dahil naiistress na ako sa file na 'yon. I swear to God, I will hate myself too kapag hindi naibalik 'yon. That file is very important to Greggy and to the future of his company.
Napahinga ako ng maluwag nang makita na naibalik na 'yong file. "Thank you, thank you so much" I told Lyndon, the computer engineer who solved my problem.
Nakailang thank you pa ako nang may marinig akong boses sa pintuan ng mini office ni Greg.
"What's going on here?" his cold voice sent chills down to my spine.
"Ah, mauuna na po kami Miss Irene" paalam ni Josh tsaka hinila si Lyndon. Nagpasalamat pa ako minsan bago sila naglakad palabas. "Sige po Sir, bye po" aniya tsaka binilisang naglakad hila-hila ang kasama nang madaanan ang pinto.
"N-narestore na yung f-file" kinakabahan ko siyang tiningnan.
He went to his computer and checked it. I know that he felt relief when he really saw it... I just know with his relieving sigh.
After that, he turned it off and left again.
God, ano pa bang kailangan kong gawin para pansinin ako ng asawa ko!
I searched the whole house pero hindi ko siya makita. I gave up looking for him and went back to the nursery room. Laking gulat ko na lang nang makita ko siya doon. He was fixing the crib.
"Greg" I called him but no response, ni hindi siya tumigil sa ginagawa at tumingin man lang sa'kin.
I understood where he's coming from. I made a mistake and this is the consequence.
Naupo na lang ako sa couch at pinanood siya. I gave him space... pero konti lang dahil hindi ako aalis hangga't di niya ako pinapansin.
After a while, I looked at him and he was done putting up the crib. Tumayo siya at pumasok sa banyo para maghugas. When he went out, naghanap na naman siya ng pwede niyang gawin.
"Greg" I tried my luck this time.
Still, no response.
"Greggy" I went beside him.
"Galit ako Irene" he uttered.
I know pero kung sa tingin mo susukuan kita, pwes nagkakamali ka. I will make kulit until you forgive me.
"Greg"
"Galit ako." Pagmamatigas niya.
"Greggy"
"Stop it Irene"
"Gregorio"
"Tigilan mo muna 'ko Irene, please lang"
"Love naman"
"Forgive me na love" I leaned closer to him.
He didn't budge. So I did what I had to do. This is my last chance, kung hindi pa bibigay, ewan ko na lang.
I placed my hand on his chest and traced it down to his abdomen with my index finger. My hands fell on his crotch and I even heard him gulped. That made me smirked.
"Hubby?" I sweetly said and looked at his face.
"Y-yes wife?"
I told you, you can't stay mad.
In a blink, I kissed his lips and sat on his lap. "Bati na tayo?" I whispered on his ears when I pulled away from the kiss.
"Damn it! Just one kiss and everything's alright" he said.
"Correction, one kiss and one touch" I winked and get off from his lap but he pulled me back.
"Stay" he uttered.
Me being a good wife, I stayed on his lap. I sighed and closed my eyes.
Greggy has been the perfect man for me ever since the day he loved me. And I am lucky to be his wife.
---
Greggy's POV
Pregnancy totally wreaks havoc on Irene's hormones. Some days she'll feel fantastic, some days, she'll bite my head off as soon as I open my mouth, and some days, she'll break down and cry for no reasons at all. Kaya lagi akong nagbabaon ng mahabang pasensiya at hindi dapat ako maubusan.
I don't burden her with any unneeded pressure. I know that pregnancy is physically and emotionally demanding so as much as I can, I reduce her stress. I also always encourage and reassure her.
She became more of a sleepy head throughout her pregnancy. But I always make sure her sleep is comfortable for her and for the baby. I don't let her sleep on her back because her stomach might be heavy and will just give her back pains.
I got her a full body pillow that makes her side sleeping more comfortable.
Her breakdowns usually happens at midnight. Doc Lavelle said na it's normal especially she's a first time mom, maya't maya siyang nagwoworry at nagooverthink.
She wonders if the baby is doing okay from time to time kaya hindi nawawala ang Fetal Doppler sa tabi ng kama. She also wonders what labor will be like, kung normal delivery ba siya or c-section, and whether she'll do good as a mom.
Despite all her worries, I always let her vent and cry whenever she feels to... even if it's in the middle of the night.
---
I stared at my wife, peacefully sleeping beside me. Thank God tumigil na siya sa kakaiyak. She's so emotional, even the smallest thing, iniiyakan niya.
Just like earlier. Namatay yung isang halaman niya sa garden. I already told her na ibibili ko na lang siya ng bago pero patuloy pa rin siya sa pag-iyak hanggang sa nakatulog siya kaharap ng paso kaya binuhat ko na lang siya dito sa kwarto.
I sighed before I went to the bathroom and had a quick bath at agad nagbihis pagkatapos tsaka nahiga sa tabi ng asawa ko.
I just got home from work kaninang madatnan ko siyang umiiyak sa garden kaya hindi agad ako nakapagbihis. Ipagluluto ko pa sana siya but my body is so tired. Everyday in work is so exhausting.
Napabaling ako sa tabi ko. "I'm always tired... but never of you. Hinding-hindi ako mapapagod sa'yo, mahal ko" I whispered and wiped a small tear in her eye.
I stood up when I heard her stomach crumbled. She's hungry na kaya bumaba na ako sa kusina.
"What's for dinner Nanay?" I asked. She's currently wiping some plates.
"Gaya ng request ni Irene, may beef tapa riyan tsaka ginawan ko na rin siya ng veggie salad para naman may gulay ang mag-ina mo." She answered. "Tumahan na ba ang asawa mo?"
Tumango ako. "Natutulog na 'Nay pero tumutunog na ang tiyan niya kanina kaya bumaba na ako para maipaghanda ko siya ng pagkain."
Nilapag niya ang pinggang pinupunasan tsaka lumapit sa'kin. "Huwag kang magbabago ha. Intindihin mo lagi ang asawa mo. Kapag nag-away kayo, alalahanin mo ang rason kung bakit mo siya pinakasalan: kasi mahal mo." she said sincerely. "Kapag talaga nalaman kong may iba ka, ako ang unang magtatakwil sa'yo" pagbiro pa niyang dagdag.
"'Nay, napakaganda ng asawa ko, bakit ako mambababae" I chuckled and hugged her. She has been my second mother since I was a kid and having her in this house, guiding me and my very own family warms my heart.
"Sige na, gisingin mo na si Irene at ako na ang maghahain sa mesa" she said when she pulled away.
I smiled before going back to our room. We had our dinner when she woke up.
---
Saturday came, maagang inihatid nila Imee ang mga bata. Irene told me about this few days ago already so I wasn't surprised when they got here.
Hindi pa gising ang asawa ko nang dumating sila kaya ako na lang muna ang nag-asikaso sa kanila.
Sandro isn't here because he's with his grandparents in his mother's side.
"Good morning Tita!" Borgy greeted as soon as Irene came down from the stairs.
"Good morning! You're so early naman" she giggled and bowed down to give them both a head kiss.
"Late ka lang Tita" I chuckled with Mike's reply. Napatawa na lang din si Irene.
The two boys was the most gentlemen I have ever seen. They cared for my wife for the whole day. Kapag nakikipaglaro sila kay Irene, they make sure na she'll not get too tired. Inaalalayan pa kapag uupo o kada tatayo at kahit pa sa paglakad.
Natatawa na lang ako dahil wala siyang choice kundi sumunod sa dalawang pamangkin niya.
Their parents came to pick them up pero gabi na kaya sabi ni Irene ay dito na sila magpalipas ng gabi na hindi naman tinanggihan ng kapatid niya. They even sleep beside each other, ang ending, sa nursery ako natulog habang si Tommy at ang mga bata ay sa isang guest room.
---
I am currently in the kitchen, making a seafood tofu soup that Irene made me cook. Ang problema nga lang, hindi ko raw lalagyan ng asin o kahit na anong pampalasa.
"Are you really sure, love?" I asked habang hinahalo ito.
"Hmm-mm" she nodded. She's busy eating a banana. And if you think it's a normal one, you're wrong. Kasi she's dipping the banana in a fish sauce. Kanina pa ako naweweirduhan diyan. Seriously? Saging and bagoong go together?
After a few minutes, "Done na love. Can you get me a bowl so I can transfer it na there?" I said and gladly she obliged, dala-dala pa rin ang saging na isinawsaw niya sa bagoong.
"Here" she said and handed me a bowl.
"Thanks love" I smiled.
Naupo na siya sa island counter at hinihintay ito.
My eyes widened when he offered the soup back to me. "That's for you silly" she said.
"F-for me? No, it's okay. Busog pa ako" ani ko pero tumunog ang tiyan ko dahil hindi ko talaga kinakaya ang kanina pang saging sa bagoong, ginawa niya talagang sauce!
"Your stomach crumbled. Gutom ka na kaya go, dig in. Be proud of yourself, luto mo 'yan" she smiled.
"Pero love, hindi mo pinalagyan ng pampalasa" I said.
"Because I don't want you to get sick. Masama pag maraming seasonings" she replied. "Go na. Do you want me to make subo to you?"
Hindi na niya hinintay ang sagot ko at kinuha na niya ang kutsara at isusubo na sa akin.
I don't want you to get sick daw eh mas magkakasakit ata ako rito!
Tinanggap ko ang sinusubo niya. I don't want her to feel bad kaya I acted like I like it.
Para akong humihihop ng mainit na tubig!
She was so happy while I finish the bowl of soup and that's all I wanted to see.
Happy wife, happy life.
Nang umalis siya sa kusina, agad akong nagtungo kay Nanay Lucille. "'Nay please fix the soup I made, gawin mong edible 'Nay, thank you" I said and went to Irene na.
---
"I'm not your firts love 'no?" Irene suddenly asked while we are having our daily morning walk.
I looked at her, confused. I don't like where this is going.
"Bakit kasi ang aga mong ipinanganak" she pouted.
Aww, she's so cute.
"Siguro ang dami mong naging girlfriend noon college" dagdag pa niya.
"Wife, I am not even your first love" bawi ko.
"Well, you came pangalawa. My first wasn't really serious because I was bata pa that time and my parents are so strict when it comes to me, dagdag mo pa mga kapatid ko. That jerk just fooled me. But then you came," she smiled while playing with my hands. "Because second love made me realize that my first wasn't actually love"
I will be honest. I had a lot of flings before but just like hers, it wasn't really serious. You know, typical college life.
My relationship with Irene is the first one I took seriously.
"You may not be my first but I swear you'll be the last, my love." I assured her. "Don't be sad na. Do you want ice cream?" I asked when I saw a dirty ice cream vendor nearby. Matagal na niyang sinasabing gusto niya 'to kaya agad siyang tumango kaninang tinanong ko.
---
I was talking to Dad on the phone when Irene came to me, asking me to carry her. So while I was listening to my father, I did what she said and carried her while she placed her legs around my waist, para na tuloy siyang bata na buhat-buhat ko.
I thought she's getting emotional again but she's just sleepy pala. Malalim na ang tulog niya nang matapos ang tawag kaya inilipat ko na siya sa kama. I stayed beside her and just scrolled through my phone.
Soon as I got thirsty, I placed a pillow beside her, para hindi niya maramdaman na umalus ako.
Quietly, I left the room and went downstairs to the kitchen. Suddenly, I felt a warm hand around my chest. It was Irene.
"Did I wake you up, love?" I asked.
I felt her shook her head. "I just can't sleep without you" her voice was so sleepy. It sounded like she's going to fall asleep right here.
I took her hand and gently pulled her upstairs again. She fell on the bed and waited for me to lay down.
I kiss her good night and she dozed off immediately.
I still scrolled on my phone. I'm getting sleepy na rin until I came cross to an article so I read it.
They said na if you're extra sleepy when you're around your partner, it means that you're chemically bonded. Your body releasees hormones like serotonin and dopamine when you're together, which makes you more sleepy.
And that's the sweetest thing I have ever read!
---
I am at home, in my mini office, working. It's late na but I don't want naman na mag-overtime sa opisina kaya inuwi ko na lang ang trabaho.
I want to be near my wife lalo kapag gabi. She might need something.
While I was writing an email, my Irene walked into the office and came up behind me.
"Still working?" she asked as she place her hand on my shoulders.
"Hmm-mm" I nodded.
She gently shut my laptop to get my full attention. "You work so hard love. Take a break"
All this hardworks are for you, my love. And of course our child.
I am planning to have an export company named after her.
IMEXCO. Sounds so good huh.
She began massaging my shoulder, relieving pains in there, causing it to crack a sound pa.
A smile drew on my face. Ah, that felt so good.
"Thanks love"
She lowered her head and planted a kiss on my cheek. "I can do so much more than that, love" he whispered right on my ear.
I gulped and I know she heard it that made her smirk.
When I was ready to give in, she laughed and pulled away, leaving me there, hanging.
Napatawa na lang din ako sa ginawa niya. Naughty wife.
I stood up and went to the balcony and stared the night sky.
I can see Irene's sparkly eyes through the shining stars.
I thank the heavens above for giving Irene to my life. She's all I need.
The way I am in love with her is no joke. She makes me unbelievably happy and I couldn't ask for anything better.
I stayed there for a while and decided to go sleep na afterwards. Pagdating kobsa kwarto ay nakatulog na si Irene. She even slept with her phone open, nagpapatugtog ng lullaby.
That's her routine every night, para daw may lullaby ang baby namin.
I placed her phone on the night stand and covered her with the blanket. I also fixed her full body pilliw then I kissed her head. Hinaplos ko pa ang tiyan niya bago ako nahiga sa tabi niya.
I stared at her face. She's sleeping so peacefully. Napaka amo ng mukha, akala mo naman hindi parang tigre kung magalit.
"I will always be here for you. No matter how bad your day is, no matter how hot your temper is and no matter how down you are, I'll stay by your side. I will be your punching bag kapag gusto mong sumabog sa galit, don't worry, sasaluhin ko lahat ng sama ng loob mo. I will be your handkerchief when you want to cry. If you feel everything feels so heavy, nandito lang ako, dadamayan kita. I will help you cast all the worries away and I will listen to all of your rants and celebrate all your success and even the smallest progress that happens to you. Lahat-lahat mahal ko, gagawin ko para sa'yo." I whispered.
"Thank you for making me happy everytime. You mean a lot to me. Ikaw ang dahilan ng bawat paggising ko sa umaga. Please know that I am proud of you my baby mama" I chuckled. "Ikaw at ikaw lang, pangako mahal ko"
I cupped her cheek and kissed her nose then her lips. "Mahal na mahal kita."
********************************************************************************