CHAPTER 38
TIMOTHY is inside his office, doing blueprints. He was busy with the papers when his phone rang. Sinagot niya ang tawag nang hindi tinitignan ang caller. Masyado siyang busy para pagtuunan ng pansin ang cellphone.
“Hubby!”
Napatigil si Timothy sa ginagawa at napatingin sa caller. Damn, it's his sweetheart. Agad niyang itinigil ang ginagawa at pinagtuunan ng pansin ang dalaga.
“Hey, sweetheart. How are you?” He asked. Fashie and her friends had a vacation in Siargao, it's a girl outing so he didn't come. Ginawa nalang niya ang mga gawain niya sa opisina sa nagdaang dalawang araw.
“I'm fine, angdami naming ginawang activities!” Tumawa ito sa kabilang linya. Hearing her this happy makes him smile. “Baka maggagabi na kaming makauwi.”
“That's good to know, enjoy your last day there. I'm gonna fetch you up at the airport.” Fashie and her friends rode a private plane owned by his friend, Grego Ashton Guerrero, who owned the airport. Hindi rin naman siya papayag na hindi private plane ang sasakyan nito. A lot can happen.
“Really? Thank you, muah! There's my kiss.” Timothy can't help to chuckle by hearing her cute voice. Damn, he's whipped.
“You're so cute. Anyway, have you eaten lunch?”
“Hoy! Tama na ang bebetime! Let's eat!” Rinig niyang sigaw ng isang pamilyar na boses. That must be one of Fashie's friends.
“Wala ka lang bebe eh!” Fashie shouted back. “Hey, i think i should end this call na, kakain palang kami. I love you.”
He shook his head, amuse at Fashie's counterback. “Sure, sure. Eat well, sweetheart. I love you more.” And the call ended.
Ngingiti-ngiti tuloy si Timothy habang gumagawa ng paper works. Nagmumukha na siyang tanga but Fashie's voice is lingering inside his head, he couldn't throw it away, never will.
“Sir, mukha ka ng nasisiraan ng bait.”
Kumunot ang noo niya at nag-angat ng tingin sa nagsalita, his secretary, Jason.
“What??” He hissed. Did really Jason call him crazy?
“Ang lapad ng ngiti niyo.” Anito.
He rolled his eyes, “whatever. What are you doing here?” Jason don't stay in his office, Timothy wants privacy kaya binigyan niya ito ng sariling opisina.
“A woman wants to see you.”
He's sure as hell it's not Fashie, who would it be?
“Who?”
“Rena Sarmiento.”
Umangat ang kilay niya, “who's that?”
“Bakit ako tinatanong niyo eh hindi ko naman babae 'yon.” Jason whispered but Timothy heard it.
Sinamaan niya ito ng tingin. “I have no other woman, Jason. I only have my wife. I don't know that woman.”
“Kinasal ka na, Sir? You have no wedding ring on your finger.” Tinuro nito ang kamay niya.
Agad na uminit ang ulo ni Timothy, “do you want me to decrease your salary? We're married in our mind so shut up. H'wag mong papapasukin ang babaeng 'yon, kahit na sinong babae. Understand?”
Sumipol ito, “okay.” Jason turned his back at Timothy, “congrats sa imagination wedding niyo, sir!”
“Aba't—” Jason run away.
Napahilot siya sa sentido, naasar kay Jason. Fuck it. He gritted his teeth and grab his coat. Pupunta siya sa Jewelry store ng kaibigan.
NAKARATING sila Fashie sa GAG Airport Manila gabi na. Buti nalang at may sundo silang magkakaibigan.
They bid their good byes to each other. Hinalikan ni Fashie ang labi ng dalawang bati na tulog na tulog sa stroller.
It was a nice vacation, they get to have fun together again despite of their busy schedules.
Nakita niya si Timothy na nakasandal sa kotse nito. Mukhang nag-overtime ito sa work dahil naka-suit pa ito. He was looking at his watch as if checking the time. Napakagat siya sa labi, damn, hot.
Mabilis siyang naglakad palapit dito. Timothy notice her, a wide smile appeared from his lips. There's his breathtaking smile. Nakakalaglag puso.
Timothy kissed her lips and hug him tight. Hindi sila pwedeng magtagal ng gano'n ang posisyon kaya naman ay kaagad siyang bumitaw. He put her luggages at the back compartment of his car then open a door for her.
Iba ang daan na kanilang tinatahak, yes, tapos na ang pinagawa niyang bahay at nakapaglipat na rin siya within one week. Hindi siya sa BS Village nagpatayo pero ang subdivision na pinagpatayuan niya ay malawak din at secured.
Seeing her house makes her proud. Sarili niyang pera ang pinagpatayo niya ro'n at pagod ang naging puhunan niya. It is just a two storey modern house. May kalakihan dahil 'yon ang gusto ni Fashie, she wants enough space to do her wants. Malawak din ang lawn at may swimming pool sa likod.
They are cuddling in the living room, watching Neflix. Alas otso palang ng gabi at tapos na silang kumain kaya napagdesiyonan nalang nilang manuod pampaantok.
“How's the vacation?” Tanong ng binata sa kaniya.
“It was full of fun. Lalo na at kasama namin si Elishia at Matteo, those kids are so cutee. Nakakagigil.” Her expression is obvious that she really adore the twins.
“They are Evion's kids?”
She nodded, “yeah. They're twins.”
Napaigtad siya nang dumapo ang palad nito sa tiyan niya. “Wala pa bang laman 'to?”
Fashie gulped, “h-hindi ko alam. Wala naman akong nararamdaman na kakaiba pero i haven't had my period and medyo tumaba yata ako.”
He smirked, “you're pregnant.”
“Pero wala naman akong cravings and other symptoms na buntis nga ako.” Aniya, hindi niya talaga maramdaman na buntis siya.
“Do you want to go to an obgyne?” He suggested.
“Let's wait for two months? Para sigurado ang lalabas sa test at walang false hope. Ang alam ko kasi kapag early nagpa-test ay hindi sigurado.”
Tumango ito, “okay, but you should start taking care of yourself more. Watch the foods and drinks you will take. Don't tire yourself and have enough rest. However, i will be on your side, always.”
Napangiti siya sa sinabi nito, hindi pa sila sigurado kung buntis nga ba talaga siya pero kung sakali man, alam niyang hindi siya labis na mahihirapan.
“Pregnancy isn't easy though.” Isinandal niya ang ulo sa dibdib nito.
He started brushing her long hair, “i know. That's why i'll always be at your back. I will take care of you and our babies.”
She chuckles, “babies talaga?”
“Yes, babies. I want twins, kung papalarin ay triplets sana. But hopefully, quadraplets.” He looks so serious!
Pinalo niya ang dibdib ng binata, “quadraplets ka riyan. Ginawa mo naman akong inahin eh.” Nakasimangot niyang aniya.
Humalakhak ito, “para makarami agad.”
Mas lalo siyang ngumuso. Twins lang ang balak nila ah, bakit naging quadraplets?
Months had passed, their relationship is getting stronger and deeper day by day. Halos live-in na silang dalawa sa bahay niya. She haven't seen his house, kaya naman nang mabanggit niya iyon ay napagdesiyonan nilang bisitahin ang bahay raw nito sa BS Village.
Today is Timothy's father's birthday. Susunduin nila si Tita Morry sa bahay nito at saka sila sabay-sabay na pupunta sa sementeryo.
“Have you tell Tita about us?” The last time she saw his mom was when his father died. Pero minsan ay nag-uusap sila telepono, Tita Morry asked for her number. Wala pang alam noon ang ginang tungkol sa relasyon nila ni Timothy.
He glance at her, “i haven't. I want to tell it to her with you.”
“I wonder what would be her reaction.” Siya man ay kinakabahan. Tita Morry is very kind and easy to talk to, pero kaibigan siya ng binata na nakilala nito, not his girlfriend— wait... They're not boyfriend and girlfriend pala.
“It would be priceless,” he chuckled. “I've never introduce a woman to her.”
Her heart thumped, “talaga?” Mangha niyang tanong.
The speed of the car decelerate. Taas kilay na binalingan siya ng binata.
“Do you really think i did? I'm whipped, tripped and a simp of you.” He even shakes his head, hindi makapaniwala na naisip niyang baka may pinakilala na ito sa pamilya nito.
Ngumuso si Fashie, “tinanong ko lang naman kung talaga, malay ko ba.”
“I didn't. Wala akong gustong ipakilala sa kanila kung'di ikaw lang.”
Kinilig naman siya kaagad sa sinabi nito. “Hmp,” lumingkis siya sa braso nito. Ginulo ng binata ang buhok niya at marahang hinalikan sa nuo.
“So, let's tell them later?”
“Ang alin?”
“That we're in a relationship.”
Pigil ang ngiti na kinagat ni Fashie ang pang-ibabang labi. “Are we? If i know we're not boyfriend and girlfriend relationship.” Pang-aasar niya. Muntik na siyang mapatili nang biglang huminto ang kotse. “Timothy!” She glared at him.
“I thought we're boyfriend and girlfriend now?” Hindi makapaniwalang anito. Kunot na kunot ang nuo at masama ang tabas ng mukha.
“Are we?” Her face is innocent.
He massage his temple, “fuck. Why did i even forget to ask?” He whispered but Fashie heard him. He took a deep breath, “when i gave you the ring, i thought it was enough for you to claim us as in a relationship. I'm sorry, sweetheart.” He give her a peck. “I'm gonna ask now. Can you be my girlfriend, again?”
Ngingiti-ngiti siya, hindi sumagot, inaasar ang binata.
Seryoso itong muling nagsalita nang hindi siya nagsalita. “No, you're my girlfriend now. Either you say Yes or No.”
Bahagya niyang pinalo ang braso nito, “napaka ano mo talaga.”
He chuckles then claimed her lips for a passionate kiss. “They said silence means yes.” Binuksan nitong muli ang sasakyan at nagsimula nang mag-drive ulit.
After half an hour, they arrived at Degustare's residence. Natagpuan nila ang Mommy nito na nakaupo sa couch at nanunuod. Siguro ay naglilibang habang hinihintay sila.
“Mommy, we're here.” he called Tita Morry. Agad naman lumingon sa kanila ang magandang ginang. Her eyes were twinkling when she saw them.
“Oh, God. I didn't know you're coming, honey!” Sinalubong siya nito ng mahigpit na yakap.
Fashie hug the woman back. “It's good to see you again, Tita.” Aniya.
Tumawa ito, “i really didn't expect you to come, ija.”
Nginitian niya ang ginang. Tita Morry is really fond to her.
“Mommy, i'm here. Your son is here, hello.” Timothy grunted beside her, his voice is half sarcasm.
Tinaasan ito ng kilay ni Tita Morry, “you didn't tell me Fashie is coming with us.”
Inakbayan siya ni Timothy, “of course, my girlfriend is coming with us, Mommy.”
Nanlalaki ang matang nagpapalit-palit ang tingin nito sa kanilang dalawa.
“Oh, gosh, girlfriend?” Tita Morry hug her again. “Welcome to the family, ija. Salamat naman kahit ganito ang anak ko ay pinatulan mo.”
Napahalakhak si Fashie dahil do'n. Timothy's mom ie bullying him again. Tuwing magka-usap sila ay walang mintis nitong nagsasabi sa kaniya ng kung ano-anong ginawa ng binata noong bata pa ito. Some of them are really embarassing kaya hindi na niya binabanggit kay Timothy, baka magpakain na ito sa lupa 'pag nagkataon.
“Mommy! Anong ganito ako? Don't you know that women kneel in front of me just to give them my attention?” He sounds so boastful.
Her brows met and her cold eyes darted to Timothy who seems to just realize what he have said.
“I-I mean, before. But my eyes is only for you, sweetheart. I don't care about them.” Biglang sabi nito saka humalik sa pisngi niya.
She rolled her eyes and glared at him one more time.
On the way to the cemetery, sa backseat sila ni Tita Morry sumakay. Nagreklamo pa nga si Timothy na dapat daw ay sa passenger seat siya pero nanahimik na nang piningot ni Tita Morry ang tainga ng binata.
They shared stories and chikas. Tinanong din nito kung kailan naging sila ni Timothy, kung anong ginawa nito para mapasagot siya and etc. Of course, she said the truth and told her the summarize story of their relationship.
Tita Morry even cried when she learned what happened to her in Australia. Her every sleepless night and cries of being away from Timothy. Naawa ito sa kaniya pero kay Timothy ay pinagalitan pa ito dahil daw anong karapatan ng binata na magalit sa kaniya. Gayong alam daw nitong angbata-bata ko pa pero gi-ni-rlfriend na.
“Fashie wants it too, Mommy. My sweetheart have already a crush on me that time.” His rebuttal.
Dapat pala hindi nalang niya sinabi rito na naging crush niya na ito simula nang una niya itong makitang naglalakad palabas sa building.
After a moment of ride, the car stopped infront of the cemetery. Timothy is holding a basket and a blanket. While she and Tita Morry is holding a bouquet of flower. Malinis at maaliwalas ang semeteryo, with big trees and green bermuda grass, it was such a better place for those who passed away.
Inilatag ni Timothy ang picnic blanket upang makaupo na sila. Inilapag ni Fashie ang bulaklak sa puntod ng Daddy ni Timothy.
Nagdasal muna sila para kay Tito Tim.
I will take care of your son, Tito. I promise you that. Rest in paradise, may you have your peace there.
Tahimik niyang aniya. She glance at Timothy, his eyes were close, feeling the moment to be with his father's graveyard again.
Hinawakan niya ang kamay nito dahilan upang magmulat ito ng mata at bumaling ang magaganda nitong mata sa kaniya.
She smiled at him and lay her head to his shoulder. Ang braso nito ay pumalibot sa baywang niya at hinalikan ang kaniyang noo.
Gano'n ang posisyon nila nang may marinig silang click ng camera.
Fashie and Timothy looked at his Mom, may malapad itong ngiti sa labi habang nakatitig sa kanila.
“I suddenly remembered, ganiyan na ganiyan kami ng Daddy mo noon.”
Timothy held his mother's hand, “Daddy is in a peaceful place now, Mom.”
“I know, i'm happy for your Dad.”
May mga ilan ang nandoon upang bisitahin ang mga mahal nila sa buhay na pumanaw na. They ask a stranger to take a photo of them.
Masaya siya na makitang masaya su Timothy at ang Mommy nito, bakas man ang kaunting kalungkutan, sigurado siyang 'yon ay dahil namimiss lang ng mag-ina si Tito Tim.
They eated lunch together beside the graveyard of Tito Tim. They shared laughs as they give their jokes and funny stories.
“I'm just gonna get something in the car. I'll be right back.” Humalik ito sa kaniya bago tumayo at umalis.
Tita Morry shakes her head, “look at him now, dati sa'kin nagpapaalam ngayon ay sa'yo na.” She followed that with a genuine chuckle.
Fashie chuckled, “ang-sweet 'no, Tita?”
Hinintay niya si Timothy na bumalik. Medyo mukhang natagalan yata ito sa kung ano man ang kukunin sa kotse.
Iniligpit nalang niya ang pinagkainan nila para makahiga sila ni Tita Morry. Malilim sa pwesto nila at mahangin kaya presko sa pakiramdam.
Sa 'di kalayuan ay nakita niya si Timothy na naglalakad pabalik. He's holding two bouquet of flowers, may kalakihan ang isa.
Kumabog ng mabilis ang kaniyang puso. He's walking with all his might, wearing his beautiful smile and radiant face. How can she stop herself from falling so deep in love with Timothy? Like as if she also want to stop herself.
Napaupo siya at hinintay itong makarating sa kanila. Malaki ang ngiting ibinigay nito ang bouquet sa kaniya at kay Tita Morry na napaupo na rin.
Tita Morry kissed Timothy's cheek. “Thank you, son. What's this for?” Tanong ng ginang sa anak.
“Thank you,” Fashie gave him a smack kiss. “I ask the same question, what's this for?”
Misteryoso itong ngumiti sa kaniya. Hinawakan nito ang kamay niya at inalalayan siya ng binata na tumayo.
He's holding her hands, squeezing it. Her long hair were being blown by the wind, hinahangin din ang suot niyang long white dress.
“God gave us a second chance to continue our love to each other. He gave us another chance to fix our broken relationship. And as a man who is simp of you, i don't wanna waste this second chance He gave me.” His hand touch her cheeks, “i don't wanna wake up in the morning without you by my side. I don't wanna end my day without seeing you. I want to be always on your side, fight with you, face the world with you. I don't wanna let you go, i'm gonna kill the someone who will get you away from me.” His last sentence seems like carrying a mystery. “When i called my friend two months ago for the I ring, i knew to myself i'm done to be single, i'm done to be a well sough after bachelour, i'm done in playing women. All i want now is you, grow old with you together with our kids. So,” Timothy then slowly kneeled down.
Napasinghap siya at napatakip ng bibig. “Oh, God, n-no. T-Timothy, s-stand up.” Her eyes were teary, her hands are trying to pulled him up to stand up. Nanginginig ang kamay niya niya at labi, she's about to cry.
“Fashie Marquez Guerrero, my only one sweetheart, will you marry me?” He opened a red velvet box and showed her the ring.
“Oh, God...” The ring is massive! The ring is a round shape flower halo mosanaitte. Diamonds were tucked around the circle of the ring.
“Answer me, please, i'm nervous here.” Pansin niya ang kamay nitong nanginginig. When she hold his hand, it was cold.
Sunod-sunod na tumango si Fashie, “yes... Yes! Yes! Yes! I'm gonna marry you, Timothy. Yes.” She's sobbing and her tears didn't stop from falling, especially when Timothy finally inserted the ring to her finger.
Timothy hug her tight and pour kisses over her face. “Thank you so much, sweetheart.” Umiiyak si Fashie na niyakap ang binata pabalik.
God, she still couldn't believe it. They're engaged. He's her fiancé now. Sa sobrang pagkabigla sa nangyari ay nakalimutan niyang may kasama pala sila.
Tita Morry claps her hands. “Congratulations!” Niyakap siya nito pati na rin si Timothy.
“Thank you, Tita.” Pagpapasalamat niya sa ginang.
“It should be Mommy now.” Anito, may ngiti ang mga labi.
Tumango si Fashie, “Mommy...” Ngayon lang ulit siya may tinawag na Mommy. She suddenly remembered her Mom but she immediately erase it on her mind.
Pinunasan ni Tumothy ang mga luha niya gamit ang hinlalaki nito. Pagkatapos ay marahan siya hinalikan sa mga labi.
“I love you.” He whispered againsn't her lips.
She looked at his expensive eyes, it was staring at her with full of love. “I love you more, hubby.”
That made him smirk, “I love you so much, wifey.”
Natawa siya sa cute na endearment na 'yon. His aura is strong and serious, so hearing him call her by a cute endearment sounds funny.
Natigilan sila nang may marinig ulit silang click ng camera.
“For memories,” ani ginang saka pinagpatuloy ang pagkuha ng mga litrato gamit ang DSLR nito.
Fashie and Timothy just chuckle and wrapped their arms around each other. This felt like home. Comfy, warm and peaceful.
PRETTYINDARK|PID
For visual purposes only. (Photos are not mine. Cttro: pinterest)
THE I RING (ENGAGEMENT RING)