Today, Alyssa planned something for Den. She wanted to surprise her kasi she's been telling her for a week na meron daw silang conference na gaganapin and siya yung parang pinaka-head or leader kaya halos isang linggo na rin siyang busy. Its either she goes home super late or she goes to work super early naman. Pero siyempre, since Alyssa Valdez has a factory of surprises in her mind, she thought of something to atleast ease the stress that Den is feeling.
"Eto, Ly. Feeling ko, Den will like this." Rex pointed at the cake na nakita niya. They're here at the mall to get stuff for the surprise.
"Ayaw nun ng chocolate eh. Eto na lang, caramel." Ly said. "Kuya, isa po nung caramel cake tas pakilagyan po ng dedication tas pakisampal sa mukha ni Kief." She said and laughed. Natawa rin pati yung lalaki sa shop.
"Walangya ka talaga!" Kief said pero natatawa rin siya.
"Hahaha. De, kuya. Yan na lang po." Ly said.
"Pasulat na lang po dito kung anong ilalagay." Sabi nung lalaki tas inabutan siya ng ballpen at papel.
"Ano ilalagay ko?" Ly asked the four guys who're checking cakes na akala mo bibili rin. "Hoy! Anong ilalagay ko?"
"Hi, Den! Good luck sa conference! Sampalin mo lahat ng kasama niyo para masaya!" Deej said which made them laugh.
"Wag pangit yun. Lagay mo, hi Den! Sana masaya ka sa ginagawa mo. Kung hindi, bahala ka, ginusto mo yan, diba?" Sabi naman ni Rex.
"Hindi hindi. Sabihin mo, hello Den! Mahal 'tong cake bayaran mo na lang ako pag nakasweldo ka na." Kief said.
Alyssa mentally facepalmed herself. Buti na lang sila lang tao dito.
"Ikaw?" She faced Ysay.
"Lagay mo. Alyssa - 650. Ysay, Kief, Rex and Deej - moral support." Ysay said and they all laughed.
"Walangya, sisingilin talaga eh!" Deej said.
"Ayos kasi, naghihintay si kuya oh!" Ly said.
"Di, ma'am. Okay lang po." Nakangiting sabi nung lalaki.
"Ikaw na kasi bahala. Nagtanong ka pa samin. As if, may makukuha kang maayos na sagot. Hahaha." Kiefer said.
Alyssa shook her head and nagsulat na, "Yan na lang po, kuya. Thank you." She smiled.
"San tayo after nito?" Ysay asked.
"Ibibili si Den ng bagong lab coat tsaka stethoscope." Rex answered.
"Baliw." Ly said.
"Tanga, hindi. Ibibili si Den ng mic for the conference." Kief said.
"Hindi. Anong mic? Lapel na agad!" Hirit naman ni Deej.
Napahilamos si Alyssa sa mukha niya, "Ugh, Lord! Why am I even friends with these guys?" She said.
"'Cause no one does it better than us!" Rex said and nag-apir silang apat. Alyssa just shook her head.
After some time, lumabas na yung lalaki with the cake. Pinakita niya kay Alyssa yun bago ilagay sa box. After nila bumili ng cake, dumaan naman sila sa optical shop kasi pinapakuha ni Den kay Alyssa yung salamin niya. Sandali lang sila dun tas nagpunta naman sa jewelry shop.
"Hayop ah! May paganito? Ano bang surprise yan? Baka naman magpo-propose ka na?" Ysay said.
"Mauuna ka pa sakin?" Deej asked.
"Oo, bagal mo daw eh." Kief said.
"Wow. Hiyang-hiya sayo, no? 8 years na kayo ni Mika, plano-plano din, boi!" Rex said and binatukan ng mahina si Kiefer.
"Kalma ka lang. Hayaan mo muna si Ly." Kief said.
"Aish! Ano ba? I'm not gonna propose. I'll just get her a bracelet." Ly said.
"Bakit bracelet?" Deej asked.
"Yun na lang di ko nabibigay sa kanya eh. I gave her a necklace when she graduated from college tas ring on our 5th anniversary. Edi, bracelet naman ngayon." Ly answered.
They started looking for a good piece for Den. Siyempre, puro na naman kalokohan yung apat. Tawa lang sila ng tawa. Pati nga yung mga saleslady, natatawa na rin sa kanila. After God knows how long, they're finally done.
"Tunaw na icing nitong cake mo, boi. Bat kasi unang binili eh ang dami pa palang dadaanan." Ysay said.
"Bat galet?" Ly said and chuckled. "Titigas ulit yan sa kotse, may aircon eh."
"Talaga ba?" Natatawang sabi ni Kief.
"Oo, trust the process." Ly said.
"Luh? Ben Simmons yan?" Deej said.
"Joel Embiid!" Rex said.
"Ingay niyo. Tara na. Den's texting me na. Salamin niya daw." Ly said.
They drove to Parañaque na to go kay Den. Niccolo was waiting there dala yung gitara nila ni Alyssa. They'll sing for Den kasi.
"Wait, I'll just text her. Baka may patient eh." Ly said.
To: Dennise
Hey, Den. May tao diyan? Punta na kami. Hehe
From: Dennise
Wala naman. Sige, taas na kayo. ☺️
To: Dennise
Okiii. :)
They went up na, bringing all the stuff they got for Den. They bought food din for lunch para hindi na siya pipila sa cafeteria.
"Ano kanta, Ly?" Niccolo asked while they're in the elevator. "Tatlong bibe?"
"Gago ka rin talage eh, no?" Rex said tas nakipag-apir kay Niccolo.
"Jusko. Nadagdagan pa ng isa." Ly said. Napakamot na lang siya sa ulo niya. "All I Ever Need." She smiled.
"Pucha, its liver lover girl!" Rex shouted.
"Tangina, ang ingay mo!" Deej said and binatukan si Rex.
When they reached Den's office, they stayed lang sa labas tas dun kumanta. Wala naman masyadong maiistorbo dito kasi puro doctor's office lang dito. Walang pasyenteng nagpapahinga.
🎶Don't the water grow the trees?
Don't the moon pull the tide?
Don't the stars light the sky?
Like you need to light my life
If you need me anytime
You know, I'm always right by your side
See, I've never felt this love
You're the only thing that's on my mind🎶
Den heard that and smiled while on her way to the door. Pagbukas niya natawa siya kasi may pa-steps pa yung apat sa likod habang kumakanta si Alyssa at Niccolo. She motioned them to go in kasi baka magalit yung mga asa ibang kwarto so pumasok sila habang kumakanta at sumasayaw pa rin.
🎶You don't understand how much you really mean to me
I need you in my life
You're my necessity
But believe me that you're everything
That just makes my world complete
My love is clear, the only thing that I'll ever see
You're all I ever need
Baby, you're amazing
You're my angel, come and save me
You're all I ever need
Baby, you're amazing
You're my angel, come and save me🎶
"Ay tapos na?" Rex said after Alyssa and Niccolo stopped singing.
"I only asked for my specs to be picked up from the shop. May bonus pang kanta?" Den said and smiled. "Thanks, guys!"
"Wait, there's more!" Ysay said and inabot kay Den yung cake.
"And one more!" Rex said and inabot naman kay Den yung bracelet.
"Kayo talaga nagbigay, no?" Naiiling na sabi ni Ly.
"Para may ambag kami." Ysay said and wiggled his eyebrows.
"My specs?" Den asked with a chuckle.
"Salamin daw?" Ly faced her friends.
"Wala sakin!" Sabay na sabi ni Deeja at Kief.
Alyssa looked at Niccolo, "Sayo?" She said.
"Hintay ko lang kayo sa baba!" Niccolo said in defense.
"Baka naiwan sa kotse?" Deej said.
"Shit." Ly hissed. "Sorry, Den. Kunin ko na lang. Wait."
"Mamaya na. Okay lang." Den said and smiled. "Kain muna tayo. Dami niyo na namang dala eh."
"Stressed ka kasi for a week na. Para naman kahit sandali, mawala stress at pagod mo." Ly said.
"Witwiw!" Rex said.
"Ano pala 'to?" Den asked and inalog yung box na inabot sa kanya ni Rex.
"Open it." Ly answered and smiled.
Binuksan nga ni Den yun and she smiled widely when she saw what's inside.
"Akin na. Suot ko sayo." Ly said and sinuot kay Den yung bracelet. "You like it?"
"Super." Den answered.
"Kiss! Kiss! Kiss!" They cheered sa pangunguna ni Kiefer.
"Shh. Bawal yan dito." Den said.
"San pwede?" Ly playfully asked.
"Woah! Put on the rabies, dude!" Niccolo said.
"Shut up." Ly said and bit her lower lip. "Lets just eat. C'mon, c'mon!"
Kumain na nga lang sila habang nagkukuwentuhan. Si Alyssa at Den naman, tamang landian lang sa gilid. Napapailing na lang sila sa kanila pero natutuwa rin naman sila na ganito na ulit sila ngayon. I mean, kahit sila naman noon nahirapan sa sitwasyon nila kaya sobrang saya rin nila na okay na sila. Tipong kasal na lang ang kulang. Lol. (Delulu tayms 10 🤪)
"Eat the cake na. Kainin niyo, hindi ko naman kaya ubusin lahat yan eh." Den said. She stood up and opened the box. She smiled when she saw what the cake's dedication says.
Stop stressing yourself, Dra. Lazaro. Smile and just think of me. :)
.av.
"Conceited?" Ly asked.
"Never not." Den answered. "C'mon, kain na kayo before this one turns into a conceited piece of sh--"
"Cake! Piece of cake!" Ly said.
After they ate, umalis na sila and naiwan na lang si Alyssa dito. Pupuntahan daw muna nila mga jowa nila. Si Niccolo naman nagpunta sa Makati. Boi, you know why. 😏
"Di na naman ako makaka-work nito." Den said while eyeing Ly.
"Bakit? Behave lang naman ako dito eh." Ly said. "Work ka lang diyan, dito lang ako. Or you want to check me up?" She smiled sheepishly.
"Alyssa!" Den said. "Is that what you learned in Greece?!"
"Nope. This is what I learned through time." Ly answered. She stood up and went closer to Den's table. "Check up mo naman ako, doc." She said.
"Alyssa, okay ka lang? We're in the hospital!" Den said habang inaandar yung swivel chair niya palayo kay Alyssa.
Alyssa smirked, "Oo nga. Kaya nga, magpapacheck up ako sayo eh." She said habang sinusundan si Den. "Dali na!"
"Alyssa, tigilan mo ko!" Den said.
"Penge na lang kisspirin at yakapsule!" Ly said.
"Nooo!" Den said.
Mukha silang tanga na paikot-ikot dito sa loob ng office ni Den habang nagtatawanan. Ni-lock pa ni Alyssa yung pinto nung napatapat siya dun. They stopped when she cornered Den and trapped her in her arms habang nakadikit yung upuan sa wall. She smirked again.
"Alyssa, are you serious?!" Den said.
She tried to push Alyssa away pero she's stronger so Den just closed her eyes habang papalapit ang mukha ni Alyssa sa kanya. She waited for soft lips to land on hers but she felt in on her forehead. She opened her eyes and saw Ly smiling at her, more like grinning.
"What the fuck?!" Den said and pushed Alyssa away. She successfully did it, this time. She pulled her chair back to her table and slumped on it.
"Hey, what did I do? Di ko na nga tinuloy eh." Ly said.
"Yun na nga eh!" Den said. She immediately covered her mouth when she realized what she said and she saw Ly's nang-aasar na smile. "I hate you, Alyssa! Go out!"
"Wait, bak--"
"Go the fuck out!" Den said and glared at her. Pulang-pula na siya, sa hiya at inis.
"That won't work on me anymore, Dra. Lazaro. Kung dati, takot ako sa mga sigaw mo, ngayon, takot pa rin ako pero hindi na kita iiwan dahil lang sa fears na yun. I'll stay with you no matter what." Ly said and smiled.
"You're annoying. Sana alam mo yun, Alyssa Valdez." Den said and glared at her again.
"Tsk. Tell me kasi if you really want it. Willing naman ako eh. Kaso baka pag dito tayo, ma-confine tayo mga one week--aray!" Tinampal siya ni Den sa braso. "Hahaha. Joke lang. We'll get there, Den. Pag pwede na." She wiggled her eyebrows.
"Tss." Den said.
Alyssa sat on the chair for patients infront of Den's table. She looked at Den na nagkakalkal ng drawer niya.
"Den, what are we?" Ly suddenly asked which made Den stop from what she's doing.
"H-ha? What do you mean?" Den asked without looking at her.
Ly sighed, "Tayo, ano tayo? I know the feelings we have for each other speaks for us. I mean, everyone can see it. We can see it, ourselves. But, if I ask you, ano tayo? What would be your answer?" She said.
Den sighed. Ano na nga ba sila? They've been doing things that couples do pero wala naman silang sinasabi na sila. Technically, mag-ex pa rin sila. They've gone through so much and some would say na di na nila kelangan pa ng confirmation. The fact na okay na ulit sila sa isa't-isa and they do things they used to do before is an enough testament na sila na ulit. Pero, minsan talaga, mapapatanong ka pa rin talaga eh.
"Sorry. I-I just asked lang naman." Ly said. "Kasi, parang we're too old to do things with uncertainty. We're too old to play and goof around with each other. Be out there and not know what our real status is. W-we're just too old for unlabeled love." She said and bit her lower lip.
"Then, lets put a label on it." Den said and stood up from her chair. She went infront of Alyssa and kissed her nose. "I love you, babe." She whispered. It sent shivers down Alyssa's spine.
"It feels so good to hear that again from you. I love you too, babe." Ly said and they shared a kiss. A passionate one. They only stopped when they heard furious knocks on the door.
Den immediately separated from Alyssa and fixed her slightly wrinkled clothes. She exchanged smiles with Alyssa before opening the door.
"What the hell are you doing at ang tagal mo magbukas? Why was the door locked in the first place?" Ella asked and naupo sa couch. "At ikaw? Bat ngiting-ngiti ka diyan?"
"Wala. Masaya lang. Sarap eh." Ly said. Den widened her eyes on her. "Nung lunch namin. Ikaw, kumain ka na ba, Ells?" She chuckled.
"Oo. Kanina pa." Ella answered.
"Ah. Ako din eh. Sarap nga din nung dessert ko eh. Strawberry." Ly said kaya sinipa ni Den yung paa niya. "Aray! Yung cake kasi. Diba kumain tayo ng cake? Meron pa sa ref, Ella. Kain ka."
"Shut up." Den mouthed to her girlfriend. I mean, newly-minted girlfriend. LOL.
Ella stood up and kinuha yung cake sa ref, "Try better next time. The cake's not even strawberry flavor." She said. "Tsaka, may lipstick ka pa, Ly. Wipe it naman if you don't want to get caught." She said and smirked tas naupo ulit sa couch after niya makakuha ng cake.
Si Alyssa, natatawa na lang. Si Den naman, pulang-pula na.
"Kami na, Ella." Ly said and smiled.
"Ly!" Saway ni Den sa kanya.
"Share niyo lang?" Ella said. "Akala mo talaga, Den? Kayo na lang ata hindi nakakaalam na kayo na eh. Lahat kami iniisip na kayo na talaga. Matagal na." She said and munched on the cake. "Kaya, wag ka ng umarte, besh. Pinatikim mo na nga yang strawberry lips mo eh."
"Besh, ano ba?!" Den said. Ella and Alyssa just laughed at her.
∆∆∆∆∆
Since wala ng schedule ng chek ups si Den, she just has to do rounds sa patients niya. She left Alyssa in her office kasi nakatulog na. Gawin daw ba talagang tambayan yung ospital? Lol. She kissed her forehead before leaving her on the couch. She went out and went to her patients. While walking, she saw Ethan. Dito rin siya nagtatrabaho.
"Hey, Den!" Ethan greeted her.
"Waddup, Ethan!" Bati rin ni Den sa kanya. "How's your day, so far?"
"Good. Medyo nakakapagod pero okay pa naman. Puro kasi ako rounds today eh." Ethan answered. "Ikaw? I heard may patient ka daw na hindi natatapos yung check up?" He smirked.
"Si Ella ba nagsabi sayo?" Den asked. Ethan shrugged as an answer. "Wala na. Adun, nakatulog na sa office ko."
"So, you're really back together?" He asked.
"You bet." Den answered. "Bye, my patients are waiting for me na." She said and left Ethan na napapaling na lang.
"Hello po, sir!" Den said when she went inside her first patient's room.
"Hi, doc." Sabi nung lalaki. Binati din siya nung asawa nung pasyente niya.
"Kamusta po ang pakiramdam?" Den asked as she checks on his vitals.
"I feel fine, doc. Medyo kumikirot lang po yung tahi pero okay naman." He answered. This is the guy from the operation Den did, a month ago.
"I can give you some more pain reliever for that. Pero may mga times po talaga na it will hurt lalo pag malamig. Pag ganun po, just turn off the aircon muna for him, okay po?" She said and smiled at the lady standing beside her. She nodded. "That's it for today. Okay naman po lahat ng vitals niyo. So far so good. Palakas pa po para makalabas na rin kayo soon, okay po?"
"Sige po, doc. Thank you so much po." He said.
"Thanks, doc." Sabi rin nung asawa niya.
Palabas na si Den nung may nagbukas ng pinto. Two young ladies went in hand in hand.
"Dad.." Sabi nung isa. Isasara na ni Den yung pinto when she heard the man speak.
"Why are you here? And sinama mo pa talaga yang girlfriend mo? Para ano? You won't convince me to agree with your relationship by showing up here ng magka-holding hands!" He said. "I will never like that trash relationship."
Den didn't mean to eavesdrop pero she can't help it. She heard soft sobs from the two girls. She was contemplating about getting in and trying to calm everyone in the room but what the guy said made her go inside without thinking.
"Sir, excuse me. I don't mean to intervene in your family matter but I think you're being too much." She said. Nakatingin lang sa kanya yung dalawang teenagers at yung asawa nung pasyente. "Calling your own daughter and her girlfriend trash is way too much in trying to reprimand them. You shouldn't reprimand them in the first place 'cause they aren't doing anything wrong. Being in a same-sex relationship is not and will never be wrong. Its just the same with what you and your wife have. Sorry, but if you think having a relationship with the same sex is being trash, God forgive me, but I regret saving you from that possible death you've had. I hope you learn to respect your daughter's choices. Excuse me." She said and left everyone in the room, dumbfounded.
She took a deep breath and composed herself outside of the room. Yes, she's mad because he thinks that way about being in that kind of relationship, but what triggered her was when he called his daughter trash and wished her and her girlfriend death. Anong klaseng tatay siya, diba? Thankful na lang siya na never nila na-experience ni Ly yung ganun from their family pero naaawa siya dun sa dalawang teenager.
"Breathe, Den. Breathe." She told herself.
She wasn't expecting to have an intense encounter like that today, lalo na with that guy. Sa lahat ng pinupuntahan niya sa mga rounds niya, siya yung pinakamabait at hindi iritable. Ang gaan niya lang kausap pero ganun pala siya sa anak niya. Den lost respect for him. She walked to her next patients and naging okay naman yun. Siyempre, she still has to be professional infront of them. After ng rounds niya, she went back to her office and threw her clipboard on her table which startled Alyssa.
"B-babe, what happened?" Ly asked habang nagkukusot ng mata.
"Nakakainis lang yung isang patient ko." Den answered.
"Why? Makulit?" Ly asked and kissed Den's hands.
"No. He's heartless!" Den said with her forehead creased.
"Bakit naman?" Tanong ulit ni Alyssa.
Kinuwento naman ni Den sa kanya yung nangyari. She told it to her in full detail that Alyssa also felt bad for the kids. Medyo nainis din siya dun sa patient ni Den.
"Eh what did they do after mo magsalita?" Ly asked.
"Wala. I excused myself na agad eh. I don't think I can take staying longer in a room with that homophobic!" Inis na sagot ni Den.
"Shh. Calm down. Kakasabi ko lang na wag mo i-stress yung sarili mo eh. Siguro, we have to accept na may mga ganun talagang tao. There will always be people who will judge a relationship like ours and will not be able to accept us for who we are. But, wala naman tayong magagawa. Yung mga ganung tao, kahit anong paliwanag gawin mo, they will never listen to you. Magsasayang ka lang ng effort pero in the end, wala. They'll still believe what they think is right." Ly said habang nakatayo sa likod ng upuan ni Den at minamasahe yung balikat niya. "Include na lang natin sa prayers natin na one day, matanggap niya yung anak niya at sana maging happy sila ng girlfriend niya. Don't worry, their time will come. Hindi naman pwedeng forever na lang sila magsu-suffer, diba? They'll be happy din, soon. Kaya ikaw, wag kang masyadong palaban diyan. Mamaya, magalit sayo yung pasyente mo eh."
"Ay, I don't care! As long as alam ko na asa tama ako, hindi ako matatakot sa kanya." Den said.
Ly chuckled, "Okay okay. If that's what you want. Pero, let them settle their family issues on their own. Enough na na you tried to make him understand. Let them be, okay?" She said. "Baka, ayawan ka na nung patient na yun."
"Much better, so I won't have to see him. His face makes me furious! Ugh, nakakainis talaga siya!" Den said.
"Oh, tama na. Calm down." Ly said. She draped her arms on Den's shoulder down to her neck and kissed her cheek. "Gusto mo ba ng pampakalma?" She whispered on Den's ear.
"Alyssa, I'm seriously pissed right now!" Den said.
Umayos ng tayo si Alyssa habang natatawa, "Hahaha. Joke lang. Tara, kain na lang tayo." She said at sinuot yung hoodie niya.
"Alyssa kasi!" Den said.
"Ano na namang mali sa sinabi ko?" Ly asked. "Sabi ko lang kain ta--ay, ikaw babe, ha! Pag naiinis ka ba ngayon, nagiging green minded ka?" She playfully asked. "What I mean is kain talaga tayo. Like sa baba? Sa cafeteria?"
"Aish. Ewan ko sayo!" Den said and nauna ng lumabas. Ly followed her habang natatawa at naiiling.
When they reached the cafeteria, Den ordered a lot. Gulat nga si Alyssa na ganun kadami ang binili niya pero hinayaan na lang niya.
"Stress-eating yan, ghorl?" Ly said.
"Shut up." Den said and rolled her eyes. "Kumain ka na lang diyan."
"Oki. Kalabit me if you want to talk na." Ly said and smiled tas kumain na lang ng burger at nagcellphone. "Ah, babe. Look at thi--ay, sorry." Di na niya tinuloy yung sasabihin niya kasi nakita niya na nakasimangot pa rin si Den. She just went back to scrolling at her phone. "Duuude." She said while looking at a car on Instagram.
"Tingin ako?" Den said. Ly gave her phone to her. "Mas maganda pa rin si Cammy." She said.
"Siyempre. He's forever the pinakagwapo for me." Ly said and smiled. Bigla namang tumayo si Den. "Hey, san ka pupunta?" She asked pero di siya pinansin ni Den. Sinundan niya na lang ng tingin at nakita na may kausap na siyang dalawang teenager.
"Sorry talaga dun sa kanina. I just can't help it." Den said tas naupo kasabay yung dalawang babae.
"Okay lang po yun, doc." The other girl said. "Ay, hi po, idol." She said and smiled kay Alyssa.
"Hello!" Ly said and smiled back.
"Sila yun, babe. Yung kinuwento ko sayo na anak nung patient ko." Den said. "This is Alyssa, I'm sure you know her."
"Hello po, Bianca po." Sabi nung anak nung pasyente. She looks like the more feminine one between them.
"Hi po, Ryanne po." Sabi naman nung girlfriend niya.
"I'm Alyssa, Dra. Lazaro's girlfriend." Ly said with a smile. Halata namang nagulat yung dalawa. "Di ba halata sa kanya?" They nodded. "Mukha lang yang kagalang-galang pero, may landi rin yan sa katawan." She said.
Binatukan siya ni Den, "Di na nila ako irerespeto after nito!" She said. "She's crazy. Sorry." Sabi niya dun sa dalawa.
"Okay lang po. Ang cute niyo nga po eh." Bianca said.
"Ay, alam niyo na ano itsura ng magiging anak namin." Ly said and smiled.
"Ang feeling close mo! Kung anu-ano sinasabi mo sa kanila." Den said.
"Ganun talaga. Birds of the same feather--"
"Flock together." Den said.
"No!" Sabi ni Alyssa at Ryanne.
"Eh ano?" Den asked.
"Alam mo yun, bal?" Bianca asked her girlfriend. Ryanne just shrugged while smiling.
"Birds of the same feather, make a good feather duster." Sabay-sabay na sabi ulit nung dalawa at nagfist bump sila habang tumatawa.
"Joke yon?" Bianca said.
"Nakakatawa yon?" Sabi naman ni Den.
"Oo kaya!" Ly said.
"Wala ka lang talagang sense of humor, bal. Kaya di ka natatawa." Ryanne said.
Napailing na lang si Den at Bianca sa kanila at iniwan sila sa table. Sumunod rin naman sila sa kanila hanggang makarating sila sa office ni Den.
"Bat po tayo andito?" Ryanne asked.
"Umalis ka na kung gusto mo." Bianca said.
"You go, girl!" Natatawang sabi ni Den at nag-apir sila ni Bianca.
"Nagtatanong lang eh." Ryanne whispered.
"Ganyan talaga sila. Attitude lagi." Bulong din ni Alyssa.
"I heard you, Alyssa!" Den said. Alyssa acted as if she's zipping her mouth and she and Ryanne giggled. "So, you and your dad?" She turned to Bianca. "Was he like that talaga, ever since?"
"Yeah. Ever since he knew about me and Ryanne po." Bianca answered. "Pero, he was kind and loving when I was young. Kaso ayun nga, he changed when he knew na I'm gay."
"I see." Den said. "May iba pa ba siyang ginawa sayo when he found out? Did he hurt you or something?"
"Physically, hindi naman po. Pero emotionally, I think everyday." Bianca answered.
"When did he found out ba?" Ly asked.
"More than a year ago. He heard from someone in the village po kasi na kami na tas ayun, he got mad and irritated at me na, since then." Sagot ulit ni Bianca.
"How long have you been together?" Den asked.
"One and a half years po." Ryanne answered.
"So, one and a half years ka ng hindi okay with your dad?" Bianca nodded to Den's question.
"How has it been?" Ly asked. "For you, Ryanne? I mean, I know its been tough for Bianca, pero sayo?"
"As tough as it is for her." Ryanne answered and sighed. "Its sad that I can't do anything for her whenever she's having fights with her dad. But, we've been surviving naman. One and a half years strong." She said with a smile.
"That's what I'm talking about." Ly said. "You see, di naman talaga madali yung ganitong situation natin eh. People will always have a say on us. They will always make us feel na mali tayo and mali yung pagmamahal natin. Pero, we shouldn't stop there. Tuloy lang. Who cares if they say bad things about us? As long as you two are with each other, nothing else should matter. You'll get through it. He'll accept you. Just, trust the process." She said and smiled at the younger couple. "Ilang taon na nga kayo?"
"I'm 18 po, Bianca's 19." Ryanne answered. Alyssa and Den smiled at each other. Just exactly how they are.
"Ly's right. You're both still very young and you'll still learn a lot. There will be days na its feels a lot heavier than usual. Na parang mas extra yung pain pero yun nga, as long as you're together, you can conquer everything. Challenge lang 'to. You'll survive this. Together." Den said and smiled at them as well.
"Tsaka, we're here na. If you need any help, we're ready to help you. Just tell us." Ly said.
"Okay! Shots!" Ryanne said which made Alyssa and Dennise laugh. Bianca shook her head.
∆∆∆∆∆
Alyssa brought Den home by 8pm. They dropped by a restaurant muna before going home para na din diretso pahinga na. Alyssa stays here sa bahay nila so she can easily bring Den to work. Niccolo has the unit all for himself. He already told Alyssa na he'll transfer kasi nahihiya na siya but Alyssa didn't let him. Wala din namang gagamit nung unit eh.
"Tired?" Ly asked Den. They're here sa tapat ng mga bahay nila pero hindi pa sila bumababa ng kotse.
"More like satisfied." Den answered.
"Na-satisfy ka na inaway mo patient mo?" Ly playfully asked.
"Oo. Serves him right." Den answered and they both chuckled.
"If this is what a lesson learned means, I'll be willing to learn every single day of my fucking boring life." Ly said and smiled. "I love you, Dennise." She said and kissed Den's forehead.
"I love you too." Den said and kissed Ly on the cheek. And if only they don't respect Cammy that much, it wouldn't have been just kisses.
Officially back.
~
EH. SWEET MOMENTS MUNA HAHAHA. AYOKO PA TAPUSIN EH. PAGTIYAGAAN NIYO NA MGA GANITONG UPDATE MUNA. HEHE. THANK YOU! 💙