Epilogue
I awoke with small giggles and muffled whispers. Parang may humahalik sa kaliwa't kanan ng pisngi ko. Tapos ay hagikgikan at mga mahihinang bulong. I pretended to sleep more so I could hear their conversations.
"Daddy, isa pa." I heard Kye's voice.
"Yes, sir," a sarcastic, husky voice answered.
I felt a lip touched my left cheeks. It was just fast. After that, I heard the little kid's giggles from my right. Pinigilan ko ang sariling mapangiti sa nangyayari.
"Ako po! Ako po!"
Then a loud kiss from Kye.
"Is she still asleep po?"
Malutong na humalakhak si, Nazareth. I could imagine his face from laughing that loud: a sonorous, low, and stern voice. Naramdaman kong gumalaw ang kanang bahagi ng kama. Umuga ito na parang may lumapit pa. I tried my best to act normal like I was just sleeping.
I felt warm skin, touching the tip of my nose. Ramdam ko ang mababa nitong pag hinga sa aking mukha. It was hot and comforting. Pinigilan ko ang sarili na bumuga ng hangin kahit galing pa sa ilong ko. I wasn't cleaning my teeth yet! My breath might smell bad!
"I don't think so. You want me to check, baby?" Nazareth chortled, taunting. Then I felt Naz coming closer to my ear as I feel his deep breath. My feet crumpled because of the intensifying heat that his breath is giving me. Parang kaunting pigtas na lang ay tuluyan na akong bibigay dahil sa kiliti.
Bumulong siya sa tainga ko.
"You're bad with acting, love. Stop pretending. It's just making me hard this morning..."
Halos tumirik ang mata ko sa ibinulong ni Nazareth. And just on cue, I slowly opened my eyes. Umayos ng upo si Nazareth na kasalukuyang walang pang-itaas. The side of his lips twisted. He raised a brow to me.
"Good morning, mahal."
Nilunok ko ang bara sa lalamunan ko ngunit hindi ako nagsalita. I just nodded my head. I turned to Kye, who was watching us innocently. Hinalikan ko ito sa noo.
"Good morning, anak."
"Good morning, mommy!" Kye yammered.
Dahil do'n ay napangiti ako. It's just so fulfilling to hear my son, addressing me as his mother. After a whirled time of suffering from my own decision, I finally have this. And true enough, there's hope at the end of a rainbow. You just have to keep yourself intact, away from further bruises. There's a right time for everything.
"Where's my good morning?" Nazareth groaned.
His lips pursed while looking at me.
Hindi ulit ako nagsalita. Sinenyasan ko na lang siya ng thumbs up. I was afraid that he would smell my morning breath. Kay Kye ay ayos lang naman dahil bata pa siya. Hindi niya pupunahin iyon. But for Nazareth, it's better not to embarrass me.
Dahil sa ginawa ko ay mas lalong kumunot ang noo niya. His face crumpled, like the face of someone thinking so hard. Then a teasing smile painted on his lips. He chuckled and shook his head like he understood why I was like that.
Tinaas niya ang dalawang kamay.
"Okay, love. Okay." Tumayo siya, tumatawa pa rin. "We'll wait for you downstairs."
Kumuha siya ng white shirt sa closet niya bago buhatin si Kye. Bago sila mawala sa paningin ko, narinig kong tinanong ng anak namin kung bakit siya tumatawa. He pinched our son's cheeks.
"Mom's shy, baby," he answered. "Do you like to have a baby brother, son?"
His last question was loud before they disappear from my sight. Nag-init ang pisngi ko dahil doon. Halatang pinaparinig. I just shook my head and did my morning rituals. Naligo ako sa banyo niya. I used his shower gel and other bath pieces of stuff. Mabuti't may extra toothbrush doon na hindi gamit kaya ayon ang ginamit ko. Pagkalabas ko ng banyo, roon ko lang naalala na wala akong dalang pampalit.
I roamed my eyes around the room. Nothing has changed. And his walking closet seemed to wave at me kaya naman ay binuksan ko ito.
Nazareth's clothes were properly organized. Naghanap ako ng pwedeng suotin. Agad akong nag-panic nang makitang puno ng underwear at boxers ang pangalawang drawer. Dahil sa pagmamadali kong maisarado ito ay naglaglagan ang iba. I gulped. Pinulot ko ito isa-isa.
I tried to stretch one.
I giggled.
Ang boxer niya ang ginamit kong pangibaba at isang large white shirt na below the knee. I kept smelling his shirt 'cause it smells exactly like him. I could smell this heroine scent throughout the day.
Bumaba na ako at tumungo sa dining room.
Sa huling hakbang ko sa hagdan, bumungad agad sa 'kin ang dalawa. Nakaupo na sila sa dining table. Nazareth was holding a morning newspaper while Kye's just sitting quietly. Nang makita ako ay umayos ito ng upo.
"Mommy's here, daddy!"
Binaba ni Nazareth ang hawak. His lips twisted into a lopsided grin. Naglakbay ang mata sa 'kin habang nakataas ang isang kilay.
"Damn..."
"Kumain na tayo," sambit ko.
Tumayo siya. "Let's go."
I looked at him, puzzled. "Huh?"
"Sa kwarto."
Nanlaki ang mata ko. I immediately went to Kye and covered his ears.
"Nazareth!"
He chuckled. Lumapit siya at dinapuan ng halik ang noo ko. Muli kong naamoy ang kaniyang pabango. The shirt has the same scent as him. "You look good with my shirt on, love. You should wear my clothes often."
"Sige."
He pursed his lips. His keen eyes were still taunting. Mabuti na lang at nanahimik siya dahil nasa harapan niya ang anak niya. More naughty words from him, I'll really break his neck for real!
May breakfast na sa hapag. Slices of bacon, artisan bread and yeast bread, sunny-side-up eggs, hotdogs, and fried rice. Before we started eating, nag-lead si Kye ng prayer, I taught him that while growing up. So he wouldn't forget to thank Him and remember Him for everything, always.
Pagtapos ay ako ang nagsandok kay Kye ng pagkain. Nazareth's penetrating grey eyes were watching, but I chose to ignore him. Tahimik din itong naghain ng pagkain. We started eating silently.
Tumikhim si Nazareth.
"I want to change his surname."
Naubo ako sa kaniyang sinabi. I immediately grabbed the water.
"We are still—"
"Kapag kinasal na tayo, mahal," sambit niya. He took a bite on his hotdog. "Pero liligawan pa muna kita. Araw-araw. Walang mintis."
Tumango na lamang ako kahit pakiramdam ko ay namumula na ang aking mukha. Si Kye ay hindi nakikinig samin, patuloy lamang ito sa pagkain.
After eating, dumiretso ako sa maid's headquarters para magpalit ng damit, but I ended up sleeping again. Nagising ako ng tanghali na kaya naligo na ako. This time, suot ko ang sariling damit. Tawanan at hagikgikan agad ang bumungad sa 'kin sa living room paglabas ko. Nanonood ang mag-ama ng cartoons na naman na nakakatawa. Hindi ko alam kung natatawa ba talaga si Nazareth doon o sinasakyan niya lang si Kye. Nevertheless, I'm happy with how he treated our child. Iniisip niya ang mararamdaman nito.
Agad akong nilingon ni Nazareth nang mapansin. Sumimangot ito habang papalapit ako.
"Why did you change your clothes, love?" he asked.
"Nakakahiya kila Aling Lolita."
"This is my house."
Kinuha ko 'yong lifestyle magazine at nagbasa roon.
"Okay."
"My house, my rules."
"Okay."
"Kapag akin ka, akin ka lang."
"Sige."
"Love! You're not paying attention!"
Tumawa ako.
"Nakikinig ako, Nazareth!"
He pulled me to a hug. I willingly let myself covered by his arms. Hindi kami napapansin ni Kye dahil busy ito sa panonood.
"Ang bango mo, love." His nose touched my neck, and I giggled. Nakikiliti ako!
"Stop! Nakikiliti ako!" Ngunit hindi siya tumigil.
Dahil do'n ay nilingon kami ni Kye. Kumunot ang noo nito habang pinagmamasdan kaming dalawa ng papa niya.
"Daddy, what are you doing po?" he asked innocently. "Are you absorbing mommy's scent po?"
Then Kye moved forward to his father.
"Sakin din po. Ubusin niyo po."
Nazareth and I both laughed at what Kye said. Dahil do'n ay kiniliti niya ang anak at nakisali rin ako.
Waves of laughter lingered around the corner of the mansion. It was filled with love and happiness.
Nahinto lamang ang harutan nang may magsalita sa bukana ng pinto.
"Nakakaloka itong si Inang, ang layo pala ng bilihan ng asukal."
Angelita, sweating in bullets, went inside the living room. May hawak itong payong. Napahinto naman ito nang makita kaming tatlo.
"Hala! Nariyan pala kayo!" she said. "Good afternoon, ser. Ngayon lang po ako nakauwi dahil inutusan ako ni Inang kaninang umaga—"
Natigilan ito.
"Sismars narito ka na pala—" nilingon nito si Kye. "At ikaw bebe boy!"
"Hello, po ate Anghit!"
Tumirik ang mata ni Angelita.
"Oo nga pala ser, bakit pala nawala kayong dalawa kahapon?"
Nagkatinginan kaming dalawa ni Nazareth. Sinamaan ko siya nang tingin ngunit ngumisi lamang ito.
"May pinuntahan lang kami."
Angelita nodded her head ngunit ang mata ay nanliit nang dumapo ito sa 'kin. Nag-iwas ako nang tingin. Mabuti na lang nagsalita si Nazareth.
"Paki-ready na 'yong tanghalian. Pasabihan din si Manang Lolita na sasama kayo samin sa hapag, Angelita."
"Sa kama mo ser pwede sumama?"
Nanlaki ang mata ni Nazareth. Humagalpak ako ng tawa.
"Char po, ser. Suggestion lang naman." Hinampas pa nito si Nazareth na tila tropa sila. Tumawa pa ito.
Ngunit hindi tumawa si Nazareth.
"Sabi ko nga ser punta na ako sa kusina."
Sinimangutan ako ni Nazareth nang mapansin ang tawa ko.
"Bakit?"
"Bakit hindi ka nagalit?"
"Galit?" nagtatakang sambit ko.
He raised a brow to me sarcastically.
"She wants to sleep with me."
Umiling ako. "Sleep lang naman ah."
He looked at me inconceivably.
"What? She's just joking."
"Ok."
"Galit ka?"
"No."
"Galit ka ata, e," I taunted.
"No. I'm not."
"Kapag galit ka, kiss kita," sambit ko. Tumayo na ako, akmang aalis. "Eh, 'di ka pala galit—"
"I'm mad!"
Natawa ako ngunit hindi ko pinahalata.
"Akala ko ba hindi ka galit?"
Umiling siya. He changed his expression into a mad beast, brows met. Ang mata niya rin ay nanlilisik kunwari.
"See? I'm mad." Hinila niya ako paupo. "Kiss me, love."
Humalakhak ako. Hinawakan ko ang magkabilaan niyang pisngi at hinalikan siya labi. I pinched his nose and we both giggled.
Tinawag kami ni Angelita na magta-tanghalian na kaya pinatay na namin ang pinapanood ni Kye na cartoon. Nang nasa hapag na kaming lahat ay tahimik. Panay ang tingin sa 'kin ni Angelita, salitan iyon saming dalawa ni Nazareth. Mukhang may namumuo na sa isip nitong babae na 'to.
Kye led the prayer.
"Let's eat."
Tahimik lamang kaming nagsandok ng pagkain. Ako ang nagsandok sa plato ni Kye ng paborito niyang afritada na manok. Dinamihan ko ang patatas dahil paborito niya iyon. Napansin ko naman na nahihirapang abutin ni Nazareth ang isa namang ulam kaya inabot ko ito. Our hands touched. Ngumiti siya sa 'kin.
"Thank you."
I nodded my head.
Ramdam ko ang mata ng mag-ina kaya nag-focus na lamang ako sa pagkain ko at paggabay kay Kye.
Gano'n lang ang eksena sa hapag. Tahimik lang kaming kumakain
Nilingon ko si Kye na pinagigitnaan namin ni, Nazareth. Sa tapat namin ay ang mag-ina. Kye's trying to reach the water, but he couldn't.
"Mommy, water po."
Nginuso ko si Nazareth dahil mas malapit siya sa tubig.
"Daddy, water po..."
Agad namang dinaluhan ni Nazareth ang anak. Nagsalin ito sa baso.
"Here, son."
"Thank you po, daddy!"
Naz caressed Kye's head before continuing.
"Kye, drink a little lang. Mabubusog ka agad niyan."
"Yes po, mommy."
I was about to start eating again when we heard a loud thud.
Namilog ang mata ko at doon ko lamang napagtanto ang nangyari. Pagtingin ko sa pwesto nila ay bumungad sa 'kin ang nanlalaking mata ni Manang Lolita. Habang si Angelita naman...
Natumba ito mula sa kinauupuan.
Agad naming dinaluhan ang dalawa. I chuckled with their reaction. Nagsalin ako ng tubig kay Manang Lolita na kasalukuyang nakatulala pa rin.
"Okay ka lang, Angelita?"
Nilingon ako nito. Tulala siya na parang nakakita ng multo.
"A-ano..."
"Oo, Angelita. Tama ang nasa isip mo."
Umayos ito ng tayo ngunit bakas pa rin ang gulat sa mukha nito.
"I'm sorry kung ngayon lang nami—"
"Pokpokita ka! Bakit ngayon ka lang umamin!" I was surprised when she bursted out, laughing. "Matagal na naming alam, shunga kang pekpek ka!"
What?
Nagtataka akong lumingon kay Manang Lolita na nakangiti na ngayon. I don't often see her smiles, but she looked young and beautiful with that on. I felt betrayed. Sumimangot ako kay Nazareth. He shrugged his shoulders.
"Oh, no. I didn't tell them."
"Ikaw lang pwede magsabi, Nazareth!"
"I really, did not, love!"
Humagalpak si Angelita at tinuro si Manang Lolita.
"Kaibigan ni Inang si Manang Rosalinda, Hellary."
Then it hit me. Kay Manang Rosa ako lumapit para maghanap ng trabaho at siya ang nagpasok sa 'kin dito. Now it made sense.
I felt betrayed because of that.
"Pero huwag kang mag-alala. Kumakailan lang namin nalaman nang bisitahin ni Inang si Mang Wil sa hospital..."
I really felt betrayed. So Angelita and Manang Lolita already knew about us. Pinalalahanan sila ni Manang Rosa na huwag daw magtanong at hayaang kami ang magsabi. And knowing Manang Rosa, she won't tell things as important as this. Maliban na lang kung nadulas ito o ano.
It was okay for me, tho. Sa paglipas ng mga araw ay naging magaan na ang lahat sa mansion. Angelita and Manang were just treating me the same, na mas nagustuhan ko. I don't want them to change just because I'm the mother of Nazareth's child. Kaya labis ang tuwa ko na hindi nagbago ang pakikitungo nila sa akin.
And Nazareth, true enough to his words, I could see his efforts everyday in courting me again. Para akong nasa cloud nine. We often go out for some dates. Minsan kasama si Kye, minsan naman ay kami lang.
That continued for months.
At wala na akong mahihiling pang iba.
"Love, let's watch Netflix."
"Ayoko. Pinuyat mo ako kagabi." Umirap ako.
He chuckled.
Kye's have his own room already. After months of adjusting, natuto na itong humiwalay at bumukod sa amin ng kwarto. Minsan nga ay natatakot ako dahil ang bilis mag-mature ng anak ko. Pero ang pagmamahal niya sa marshmallows ay hindi nawala. Maybe those fluffy white food was made for Kye. Ayon lagi pinapabili niya kapag mag gro-groceries, eh.
"Let's watch lang. Promise."
Umiling ako. Nadala na kagabi.
"Ayan din sinabi mo sa 'kin kagabi!" I said, remembering what happened last night. It was wild and rough. I couldn't imagine myself doing that again.
He gave me a lopsided grin. His penetrating eyes traveled my body.
"Promise, Netflix, and chill lang."
Hinampas ko sa kaniya ang unan.
"Netflix and chill-dren?" Hinampas ko ulit. "Scam."
He roared deep chuckles. Natawa rin ako sa sarili.
Sa bilis ng paglipas ng panahon, hindi ko napansin na malapit na mag-isang taon matapos mabuo kaming tatlo. And I couldn't ask for more. Eto 'yon. I'm living my dream.
Si Nazareth at si Kye. Sila ang pangarap ko. 'yong pakiramdam ko buong buhay ko ay hindi ako kompleto, na may kulang sa 'kin. Sila ang bumuo no'n. Sila ang bumuo ng mga pagkukulang sa 'kin. They're the missing pieces I've been praying for. I was incomplete, and they're the one who fills the empty parts of me.
Sila ang buhay ko.
I inhaled a large amount of breath.
I was wearing an elegant cream cocktail dress with a boat neckline. Tinerno ko ito sa sa puting pumps. My hair was tied up into a bun. I also wore a little bit of make-up to enhance my features. Sa aking kaliwa ay si Kye na naka-tuxedo. Agad akong napangiti dahil ang gwapo ng anak ko sa ayos na iyon. Parehas sila ng kaniyang ama. His father was also wearing a black tux, and hair smoothly sided part to the other side. Parehas na parehas ang mag-ama ko. They were both dashing, and people's eyes couldn't even get off of them.
Pinagtitinginan kami nang pumasok kami sa restaurant.
Hinapit ni Nazareth ang bewang ko.
"They're staring at you, love. I hate it so damn much," he cursed. Ngunit napansin niya ang pananahimik ko. "You, okay?"
Tumango ako ngunit alam kong halata ang kaba sa 'kin.
"Paano kung hindi nila ako magustuhan?"
Pinanood ako ng mga mata niya. He tilted his head from the other side. Lumapat ang daliri niya sa kaniyang labi. He tapped his sensual lips as he eyed me with his keen eyes.
"Trust me, they'll love you," he assured.
Nanatili ang mata ko sa kaniya. And slowly, my fear went down. I nodded my head. Napangiti siya dahil do'n. He leaned forward and kissed my forehead to assure me that everything will be fine.
"Hello ma'am/sir, do you have any reservations?" bati samin ng front desk.
"Yes. Sarmiego."
Tahimik lamang ako nang i-guide kami ng crew sa table ng parents ni Nazareth. Kye's eyes were roaming around towards the place. The restaurant gave a cozy feeling with the renaissance theme and vibe. Paintings are all over the place. The shining, huge, and glistening chandelier was eye-catching. Everything here screamed regal.
Napatingin ako kay Nazareth nang hawakan niya ang kamay ko at pinagsiklop iyon. Ngumiti siya muli. And it gave me warmth and comfort. Buhat niya naman si Kye sa kabilang braso.
Natahimik ako nang salubungin kami ng isang ginang. Wearing a black maxi dress with a hemline reaching the cold floor, the lady looked elegant. Her necklace and diamond earing was complimenting her dress. Parang kumikislap rin ang kutis nito dahil sa kaputian. The way her straggly dark hair swayed was fairly nice. Her high cheekbones and full lips were also on point. Her eyes reminded me of my son.
"Anak," she greeted.
Agad lumapit si Nazareth at hinalikan ito sa pisngi.
"Mama."
My eyes glued to her because I can't tell her age. Parang kapatid niya lamang si Nazareth. Yes, she looked that young!
"Buti dumating na kayo. Your father's been waiting for you—" Napahinto ito. Lumingon ang ginang sa akin. "Hellary? Oh, god! You're so beautiful!"
Nawala ang mumunting kaba sa 'kin nang hapitin niya ako ng yakap. She caressed my cheeks like she has been waiting to see me all this time.
"You're more beautiful in person! Ang ganda-ganda mo, hija."
Nahihiyang ngumiti ako. "You're more beautiful po, ma'am. Akala ko nga po magkapatid kayo ni Nazareth."
She gracefully laughed.
"Oh, please. Don't call me ma'am. Call me Mama as well. Would that be okay?"
I nodded my head. Her gaze shifted to Kye. Namilog ang mata nito.
"Eto na ba ang apo ko?!"
Parehas kaming natawa ni Nazareth. Her mom was cute. She was giving a vibe of a woman that is intimidating but not very much anymore kapag kinausap na.
"Hello po! I'm Kye po!"
Agad nitong binuhat si Kye at pinaulanan ng halik. I was just smiling the whole time. Napansin ko naman na pinapanood ako ni Nazareth. He leaned forward and kissed the temple of my head.
"I told you, love."
Iginiya na kami ng Mama niya na maupo sa table. Napansin ko namang wala rito ang Papa niya. Nazareth also noticed it too.
"Ma, where's Papa?"
Mula sa pakikipagkulitan sa apo ay nilingon kami nito. "Sa comfort room. Kanina pa hindi mapakali. Kinakabahan 'yon kasi makikita niya na apo niya."
Nagtawanan kaming tatlo. And just on cue, a man went to our table. Halos mapanganga ako dahil katulad ng Mama niya ay parang hindi ito matanda. He looked exactly like Nazareth! Gray eyes, thick brows, bloody lips, ragged jawline, and a well-built body. Mas matapang ang itsura nito kumpara kay Nazareth at mukhang hindi palangiti, but you could see the similarities. Mukhang sa Papa nakuha ni Nazareth ang abong mata.
"Pa," bati ni Nazareth.
Tumayo siya kaya tumayo na rin ako. Her father just nodded. His eyes went to me kaya naman ay lumapit ako para bumeso.
"Hello po, I'm Hellary sir..."
Kinabahan ako nang hindi ito ngumiti, ngunit dinaluhan nito ang pagbeso ko.
"Call me Papa, hija," he approved. Nawala ang kaba ko nang ngumisi ito. "You're really beautiful in person. No wonder my son was tamed."
"Pa!"
Humalakhak ang Papa niya.
At katulad ng reaksyon ng Mama kanina, natigilan din ito nang makita si Kye.
"Eto na ba ang apo ko?" he asked.
Sinagot siya ng Mama ni Naz. "Hindi. Anak mo sa ibang babae."
I giggled. Nagtawanan kami sa table dahil doon.
The old couple was playing with Kye, and we were just watching them while waiting for the food. Tuwang tuwa silang dalawa sa apo dahil nagkwe-kuwento ito ng kung anu-ano. Habang pinapanood sila ay may pumasok na tanong sa utak ko.
I leaned forward to whisper to him.
"Where are your other siblings?" I asked.
"Sister's at work."
Tukoy niya sa kapatid niyang bumisita sa mansyon.
"And my other adopted siblings were now in their real families," he said. Nazareth smiled genuinely, reminiscing the siblings he had grown up with.
Nang dumating ang pagkain ay doon pa lamang muling natahimik ang table. We were silently eating when her mother broke the silence among us. Humiwa ito sa steak at sumubo.
"So... when is the wedding?"
Parang nasamid ako sa sariling laway. I immediately grabbed the water in front of me. Humalakhak si Nazareth. His father was also paying attention. Si Kye naman ay patuloy sa pagkain.
"H-hindi pa po...uhm..."
Namilog ang mata ng ginang.
"What?!" Nilingon nito ang anak samantalang sumipol ang ama. "Many years were wasted, son. What are you waiting for?"
Kumunot ang noo ni Nazareth. He glanced at me before he slowly cleans his mouth with the table cloth.
"I'm still courting her, Ma."
Hindi makapaniwalang tiningnan siya ng ina.
"What?!"
"'Yon naman pala, Amanda. Let your son court her again. At isa pa, gaya ng sabi mo, maraming taon ang nasayang. So, they're still catching up."
Natahimik ang Mama ni Nazareth ngunit nanatili sa mukha nito ang dismaya. Dinaluhan ito ng Papa niya.
"We're not getting any younger, Nazareth. Plan the wedding as soon as possibl—"
Humagalpak ng tawa ang ama ni Nazareth. Napangiti ako dahil do'n.
"Amanda, let the kids weigh everything." Kumindat ito sa amin. "And no, love, I beg your pardon."
His father flexed his biceps.
"Mukha ba 'tong matanda?"
Nagtawanan kami sa hapag dahil do'n.
Nagpatuloy kami sa pagkain. Ang akala kong nakaka-intimidate na mga magulang ay napunta sa kabaliktaran. I was comfortable the whole time. Magaan sa hapag dahil parehas mabait ang mag-asawa. Nagpatuloy ang kwentuhan namin. 'Yon nga lang ay hindi namin napansin ang oras. It was already late.
Her mother embraced me tightly.
"It was nice meeting you, hija. You're very much welcome in our family." Lumapit ito at bumulong. "But, please, say yes if he asks you—"
"Love, ano 'yan?" Natatawang awat ng asawa nito.
I smiled.
"Thank you po. It was nice meeting you rin po," I answered.
I also bid my goodbye to Nazareth's father. He was charming and bubbly as well. Hindi ko tuloy maiwasang mainggit. Ganito rin kaya si Mama at Papa kung nabubuhay pa sila?
"Visit our house, son. We want to spend time with our grandchild," sambit ng ama.
Ngumisi si Nazareth at tinapik ang likod ng ama. "We will, pa."
After we bid our goodbyes to the old couple, my heart was completely amazed and satisfied.
Months had passed like a whirlwind after. Hindi binali ni Nazareth ang sinabi niya. He was courting me every day, showing his love every day. Hindi ko nga napansin na taon na pala ang lumipas. We celebrated another Christmas and New Year together but this time with his family as well. Umuwi si Angelita at Manang Lolita sa kanilang probinsya para roon maghanda at mag-celebrate.
Sa isang taon na lumipas ay parang nakalutang pa rin ako sa ere. It was, indeed, surreal. It was too good to be true. And I'm willing to share more celebrations with my son and my Nazareth for the rest of my life.
Carrying a bouquet of white roses, tahimik na pinasadahan ko nang tingin ang paligid. Ang hangin ay bumubulong sa aking tenga. The graveyard felt peaceful; ancient trodden. Nilandas ko ang mga daliri sa kanilang lapida. The cold, sternly simple gravestone was making me hard to speak. Hindi man ito ang unang pagkakataon ngunit naroon pa rin ang kirot at pait sa puso ko.
You can't really be happy at once, huh?
"Mama, papa..." I whispered.
Nilandas ko ang daliri ko sa mga pangalan nilang nakaukit sa lapida. My parents who gave birth to me. Hindi ko napansing ang luhang sunud-sunod na dumapo. Sa tabi nito ay ang lapida ng babaeng nagpalaki sa 'kin. Ang kinilala kong ina na humubog sa pagkatao ko.
Mas lalo akong humagulgol.
"M-mommy..."
Hinati ko ang mga puting rosas at nilagay sa kaniya-kaniya nilang puntod. I silently prayed for all of them, tears flowing down from my cheeks. Inisip ko na lamang na ang mga salitang ibinulong ko sa hangin ay patungo sa kung saan man sila naparoroon. I whispered how I love them for the last time before bidding goodbye.
Pinagpag ko ang laylayan ng dress ko bago tumayo.
"Guide us from above, my parents..."
The wind suddenly blew rapidly. Like they answered me that way. Tumutulo man ang luha ay napangiti ako.
Paalis na sana ako roon ngunit sinalubong ako ng isang matanda. Mukhang narito ito madalas.
"Hija, ngayon lang kita nakita rito," anito.
I smiled. "Opo. Binisita ko po ang mga magulang ko..." Turo ko kung saan ako galing.
Nagtaka ang mukha nito. "Kaano-ano mo ang lalaki na parating binibisita ang mga puntod na iyan?"
Agad akong naguluhan. "Po?"
"Teka, ayon siya."
I hid myself from the tree. At tama nga ang matanda. Nakilala ko agad ang paparating. He was carrying a bouquet of white roses as well. My heart was suddenly touched. After a year of being with him, I noticed that he would go out every day and be back immediately afterward. Akala ko nga ay may kinikita na itong iba but I this proved wrong. Nanlambot ang tuhod ko.
He kneeled.
"Nandito na naman po ako..." he started.
He properly sit down.
"Tito, Tita, at isa pang Tita," he laughed by himself. "I told your daughter that I would court her again, but I never said I wouldn't court her parents as well."
Napakapit ako sa trunk ng puno nang marinig iyon mula kay Nazareth. My heart was racing against the odds. Naghalo-halo ang pakiramdam sa aking dibdib.
"Araw-araw ko man po itong sinasabi sa inyo pero, mahal na mahal ko po ang anak ninyo. At hindi po ako magsasawang sabihin iyon ng ilang beses dahil iyon ang nararamdaman ko," he sighed. "She's moody at times. She always makes me feel that she's strong enough for herself and doesn't need me anymore. She tends to be mad easily when I'm just teasing her. She gets to be jealous easily, which I really love, and expect a world war III if that happens."
I silently cried as I heard those words from him.
"There are a lot of reasons for me to stop loving her. But those are the reasons that are making me fall harder. So bad..."
Napatakip ako sa aking bibig to suppressed my loud cries.
"Let me marry your daughter, and I assure you that I'll take good care of her and our son for the rest of my life. As long as I'm alive, they'll feel the warmth of my love. Kahit maubos ako, kahit wala nang matira sa 'kin."
Sumipol ang hangin dahilan para humalakhak si Nazareth.
"It's a yes, I guess?" he asked.
I silently stood there, pinapakinggan lahat ng kuwento niya. Parang may humaplos sa puso ko. Inabot 'yon ng ilang oras bago siya natapos. Gusto ko siyang yakapin nang mahigpit. Gusto ko siyang paulanan ng halik. Akala ko ako na ang pinakamalas na babae sa buong mundo nang mangyari ang mga bagay na iyon sa 'kin, but he proved me wrong.
He stood up and prayed silently for the last time.
Nang tumalikod ay nagtama ang mga mata naming dalawa. Nahinto siya at umawang ang labi. But my heart sank deeper as my eyes met with his.
Ang mga mata niya.
He always looks at me every day like it's the first time he saw me.
Nothing has changed.
"Love?" he called. "What are you doing here?"
Umiling ako at ngumiti. "Sinusundo kita."
He groaned. Lumapit siya at agad akong niyakap. Pinilit kong huwag muli umiyak dahil ayokong mag-alala siya. My heart was still beating faster and I know he felt it too.
"Let's go home, love. Our son's waiting for us."
Parang pagkuha ng litrato ang paglipas ng sumunod na mga araw. Mabilis ngunit sa mga larawan ay may magagandang pangyayari. Kye's birthday came, and it was a children's party. Ang mga imbitado ay mga bata mula sa mga bahay ampunan. Everyone was there, including Manang Rosa and Mang Wil, who finally regained his healthy living. Buo rin ang pamilya ni Nazareth na nag-leave pa sa kaniya-kaniyang trabaho.
Nilapit ko si Nazareth na kasalukuyang inaayos ang mga upuan.
"Where's Kye?" I asked.
He shrugged his shoulders. "Sa living room. Binubuksan na mga regalo."
Nilibot ko ang paningin. "Where's Mama and Papa?"
"Nando'n din. Mas excited pang buksan 'yong mga regalo kaysa sa apo."
We both giggled.
"Sira."
Nilingon namin ang papalapit na si Angelita. Nakasimangot ito at parang nagpupuyos ng galit. Agad naman akong nagtaka dahil ang ganda pa naman niya sa suot na puting dress.
"Sismars, may naghahanap sa 'yo!" aniya.
"Bakit parang galit ka?"
"Ang ingay kasi nung babae! Hindi ko pinapapasok kasi hindi naman siya imbitado pero nagpupumilit!" singhal niya. "Iu-umpog ko nga sana sa gate kaya lang baka ako ang iumpog ng kasamang lalaki."
Humalakhak ako.
"Ano raw pangalan?"
"Hindi ko na tina—"
"Bi!" A loud, familiar voice shocked me.
Namilog ang mata ko nang marinig ang boses na iyon.
Papalapit ang isang babaeng muntik ko nang hindi makilala. Sa likod nito ay isang lalaking pamilyar din sa 'kin.
"Hera?!"
Her hair was short and dark. Mas tumingkad din ang features niya at mas lalong pumuti. Gone was the kikay Hera I knew before. She's now a grown-up woman.
"Oo ako 'to, bilat ka!"
Niyakap ako ng kaibigan nang sobrang higpit. Nagulat ako nang humagulgol ito ng iyak kaya nahawa rin tuloy ako. Almost after 7 years of not seeing each other, walang contact sa matagal na panahon, I know the reason behind our tears.
"King ina ka..." she said between her sob. "Pitong taon, bi. Pitong taon!"
I laughed between my tears. "I love you and I missed you so much, Hera..."
Hinampas hampas ni Hera ang dibdib ko habang yakap namin ang isa't isa. I just laughed and let her burst out her frustration that she kept for years. I meant what I said. Sobra kong na-miss ang bestfriend ko noong highschool. Tama nga ang sinabi nila. High school friends are really the best.
"Missed you too, bilat ka. Saang lupalop ka ba ng mundo nagpunta at hindi kita mahagilap?!" Tinuro niya si Nazareth. "Kung hindi ko pa nasalubong ito sa isang business trip hindi ko pa malalaman na buhay ka pa pala!"
"I love you, Hera."
"Heh! Huwag mo kong idaan diyan! Nag-aral lang ako sa ibang bansa tapos malalaman kong bumagsak na ang kumpanya niyo at hindi ka na mahagilap?!" she complained. "At paanong nabuhay 'yan si Nazareth? Hindi ba't dedo na 'yang kupal na 'yan—"
"Hera!"
Nazareth laughed.
She snorted because of that. "Bakit, huh?! Bakit?! At isa pa—"
May napansin ako at doon nagtagal ang tingin ko.
"Hera, what's that?" tukoy ko sa daliri niya.
Dahil doon ay natigilan siya sa kakasalita. Bigla siyang namula at nag-iwas nang tingin.
"Are you already married?!" untag ko.
She bit her lower lip and nodded her head.
"With whom?!"
Tumikhim ang pamilyar na lalaki sa kaniyang likod. His face looked more mature now, and he's still dashing. Just like Hera, he's now a grown-up man. His rough hand made its way to Hera's fragile hand. And there, I saw the ring as well that complimented both of them.
"I'm married with Neo, bi."
Namilog ang mata ko. Kasal na sila ni Neo? Si Neo Trillajes na crush ko noong high school?!
Pilyong ngumiti si Neo. "At may tatlo ng anak."
The revelations from my old friends shocked the hell out of me. Kinwento sa 'kin ni Hera na nagkita raw sila ni Neo sa ibang bansa when she was studying there. At first, they were just friends. She hated him for breaking my heart, but she had no choice but to befriended him 'cause she was the only person Hera knew about in that foreign country. Hindi niya inaasahan na mahuhulog siya rito na humantong sa kasalan at pagkabuo ng pamilya.
We were crying the whole time. Binigyan kami ng personal space para makapagusap at makapag-catch up.
Then I told her everything that happened to me.
Dahil do'n ay hindi na nahinto ang mata niya sa kakaiyak.
"You're so brave, Hellary. You're so brave," she cried. "You both deserve a happy ending."
Hera and Neo stayed for days. Huwag daw kaming mag-alala dahil ang mommy at daddy niya ang naga-alaga ngayon sa anak nila. When they met Kye, they were both happy about it. Parehas ng reaksyon sa mga magulang ni Nazareth. Kaya nga lang sa loob ng mga araw na 'yon ay panay ang away ni Hera at Angelita.
Hindi ko na lamang maiwasang mapailing.
"Bi, kausapin mo nga 'yong babaeng 'yan. Ang maldita!" reklamo ni Hera.
Tumirik ang mata ni Angelita at akmang ibabato ang sandok kay Hera.
"Excuse me, dayo ka lang dito bhe! 'Wag kang pumapel!"
"What?!"
"What, what! Pwet mo puro tigyawat!"
Napailing na lamang kaming lahat. Neo's slowly caressing Hera's back. Kahit ito ay napapailing na lang din sa asawa. Samantalang si Manang Lolita naman ay walang pakialam sa ginagawa ng anak. In those days, we catched up what we had lost for years. Nang magpaalam na ang dalawa ay doon na muling tumahimik ang mansyon. Nangako naman itong babalik ito para muli kaming makapag-bonding.
Kakatapos ko lang mag-shower. Nag-suot ako ng pantulog. I noticed that our room was dark and empty. Hinanap ng paningin ko si Nazareth ngunit wala ito roon.
My phone lightens up. Dumapo ang tingin ko rito. I grabbed it, and I saw a message from him.
Nazareth:
Love, labas ka.
Kaya sinunod ko ang sinabi niya. Sinuot ko ang kaniyang cardigan dahil malamig sa labas. Nakapatay na rin halos lahat ng ilang ilaw sa mansyon at tulog na ang mga tao. I went outside the mansion as just what he told me to, and then I saw him.
Nakatingala siya habang pinagmamasdan ang pang gabing langit. As I watched him watch the dark sky, the only source of light was coming from the moon, napagmasdan ko siya.
Then his image before came inside my head. The scenario have also changed. We're now in a familiar rooftop. Nasa bukana ako ng pinto at pinapanood siyang nakatingala sa buwan. Suot ang grey na hoodie, hindi ko maiwasang humanga. His features were like carved by Leonardo Da Vinci. Dark hair. Thick and deadly brows. Narrowed nose. Lips as red as blood. Skin as white as snow. Eyes as grey as a wolf. And a chiseled jawline that could cut anything.
Nilingon niya ako.
At imbis na ang mga salitang, "what are you doing here, lady?" ang lumabas sa kaniyang labi ay salungat sa una naming pagkikita.
"Love, I'm here."
Nanginginig ang tuhod ko nang lumapit ako sa kaniya noon dahil sa takot, ngunit sa pagkakataong ito ay nanginginig ang tuhod ko dahil sa umaapaw na pagmamahal. Ang mga mata niya ay sa 'kin lamang nakatuon. Mga matang hindi napagod sa 'kin.
Sa paglapit ko sa lalaking nakasuot ng grey hoodie ay biglang nagbago ang scenario. Bumalik ako sa kasalukuyan. The wind blew my hair as I came nearer.
Upang tuluyang makalapit ay hinawakan niya ang kamay ko at hinalikan iyon. He intertwined our hands, and we both looked up in the tranquil sky, glistening with stars.
The deafening silence wasn't silent at all.
Kahit nasa gano'n kaming posisyon at tahimik na pinagmamasdan ang kalangitan, hindi naging tahimik.
Dahil sa lugar kung saan kami nakatayo, sa mga damo kung saan nakalapat ang mga paa namin, ay may dalawang pusong tumitibok.
"I never had a chance to dance you in your prom, love," he broke the silence.
Hinarap niya ako. "Can I dance with the most beautiful woman who owns my heart?"
Nanginginig man ang mga palad, nilahad ko ito sa kaniya at inabot niya iyon.
As he held my hand with so much comfort, I was assured. Even without music on, just the midnight sounds and our hearts beating against each other, it felt more than what it lacks.
I closed my eyes as I embraced him tighter. He did the same.
Gano'n lamang ang ayos namin ngunit iba ang dating sa akin. We kept on swaying, dancing the rhythm of our hearts. Alam ko sa sarili ko na nasa tamang tao ako. At siya ang nakikita kong makakasama ko sa pagtanda. I never been so certain my whole life until Nazareth came.
Hinayaan namin ang sariling maaliw sa musika na kami lamang ang nakakaalam. He slowly withdrew himself as the moonbeam reflected his eyes. He showed me his crooked smile before he kissed my temple.
"Mahal na mahal kita."
I bit my lips to suppress myself from crying.
"And I'm willing to say that every second and every moment of our lives, love..." And what he did next was the thing I never expect.
He kneeled.
From his pocket, he let out a silver ring, finest and sparkling, diamond ring.
"Hellary Aia Lorenzo Angeles, will you spend your whole life with our son and me?"
Sa nakalipas na taon ay alam ko sa sarili kong hindi ako perpekto. Na may nagagawa rin akong pagkakamali sa buhay ko. Katulad ng isang normal na tao, nakagagawa ako ng mga bagay na akala ko ay tama. Sa mga pagkakamaling iyon ay may natutunan ako—at iyon ang mahalaga.
If you don't like the road you're heading to, start paving another one.
For the better.
And for the best.
I was just curious about a myth that our school had before that led me to a man who's willing to spend a lifetime with me. Hindi ko inaasahan na sa pagkakataong iyon ay maraming magbubukas na pinto. Ngunit sa pagkakataong ito, sigurado na ako.
Our love was much stronger than any waves that came along our way.
And from this day forward, wala na akong ibang mamahalin pa kung hindi siya, at siya lamang. Pati ang magiging pamilya naming dalawa.
I met a man just my age, wearing a grey hoodie jacket.
His name was Nazareth Sarmiego, and he's my comfort from this chaotic life.
WAKAS