Thank you for being with me. Know that I'll forever appreciate you with my heart. ♡

============================

Tobias Zachary Ramiscal

I'm nervous. But I can't figure out the reason why.

I don't think this speaks for excitement, though. But I can also recognize the fact that this is the first time I ever felt this way.

"They are almost here," Dad informed me from behind my door. Nakasilip siya ro'n para siguro hindi ako maistorbo.

Napatigil ako sa pagbabasa ngunit pinanatili ko ang mga mata ko sa librong binabasa ko. I also didn't reply to him. I just gave him a light nod to let him know that I heard him.

He sighed, but I still didn't react.

Hindi ko nga alam kung anong nararamdaman ko sa nangyayari. Paano pa ako makakasabay sa kanila?

"You're not going downstairs with me?" he asked.

I just shook my head and flipped the page of the book I haven't even read at all.

"Alright, then. Enjoy your time, son."

The door closes and I immediately let go of a sigh. Sinarado ko ang librong kanina ko pa tinititigan at iniwan iyon sa kama. I've been wanting to finish it before this day ends but I couldn't find my focus. Ang ending, nakatitig lang ako ro'n magmula pa nang simulan ko kanina.

I went to my room's window and opened the curtains until only the sheer ones remained. I just hope that despite its thin fabric, I won't be seen hiding behind it from the outside.

Mahirap na.

Dad said they are almost here. And I couldn't understand why I'm feeling even more nervous than before. Na mas lalo pang dumoble nang makita ko na ang kotse ni Mom na papasok ng gate.

Mabilis akong tumalikod at nagtungo sa bedside table ko. Kinuha ang binoculars na nakatago sa pinakaunang drawer. I've been using it for stargazing quite a lot lately. And never have I ever thought that I'd be using it for this.

I exited my room and went close to the staircase. From where I'm at, I am able to see the living room from a far distance. I sat close to the wall, hiding myself from everyone.

Nang makita kong bumukas ang pinto ay agad kong tinutok sa mga maya ko ang binoculars para makita sila. It's not that I have poor eyesight. I just wanted to see the girl behind my mom's non-stop praises.

But as soon as I laid my eyes on her, my world stopped spinning because she's different from the one I imagined her to be.

She has dwarfism.

I found myself standing up when that girl walked towards the center of the living room with sparkling eyes. But the more that she walks, the harder it gets for me to see her. It became hard for me to follow her around with my eyes because of the huge plant beside. Until I found myself tiptoeing to peep better at her.

She's wearing a yellow dress with small flower prints and her hair was all tied up in a ponytail. Which gave me freedom to stare at the innocence written on her face. Fascination is drawn on it while her eyes were wandering busily on the whole interior of Casa Ramiscal.

She looks astonished.

"D-Dito po ako titira?" mangha, 'di makapaniwala, at utal niyang tanong.

"Yes, dear," Mom agreed, smiling widely. "You'll be staying here with us from now on."

Napahinto ako. Umingay rin ang isang matinis at nakabibinging ingay sa pandinig ko. Subalit... mas nangibabaw ang ingay nang tibok ng puso ko.

Dahil sa naging timbre ng boses niya.

My jaw fell. I clutched a handful of my shirt just above my rapidly beating heart. What is happening to me?

This is how the female leads in the novels I read describe their hearts whenever their love interest is near.

There's no way in hell that I am feeling this.

But I was proved wrong.

Because the longer that I stare at her, the louder the beating of my heart gets.

Lalo na nang hindi na niya mapigilan pa ang mapaluha dahil sa hindi ko maipaliwanag na galak.

"Ano nga ulit ang pangalan, Seth?"

Napahinto ako sa paglalakad papasok ng kusina nang marinig ko ang boses ni Rhett na kausap ang kambal niya.

I immediately hid behind the wall to listen in to their conversation.

"Kismet Torianna," sagot ni Seth.

Kismet Torianna...

So, that's her name.

Ilang araw na rin ang lumipas subalit hindi pa rin nagtatagpo ang landas namin. Truth is, I was purposely avoiding her by all mean. And I plan on doing so until I finally figure out the reason why my heart's reacting weirdly for her.

But days... weeks... and months have passed and I'm still clueless of everything.

"Tobias, my son, sasabay si Kianna sa 'yo. Just drop her off at school. It's nearby yours," Mom instructed me.

Mabilis ko lang siyang sinulyapan at tumango ng isang beses. Things have started settling only after months of her stay here. Mom enrolled her in a different school I am currently attending, which I am utterly thankful for.

Nakakahiya. Baka malaman niya pang repeater ako.

"Be friends with her, alright? Hindi pa kita nakikitang kausap siya," Mom pointed out.

"Wala naman kasi akong sasabihin," tipid kong sabi.

"Get to know her, then. She's a great kid," Mom praised.

I don't get it. What's so great about that person for mom to say nothing but good things about her. A part of me wants to discover more of her but I also feel afraid of doing so. Hindi ko kasi alam kung paano pa magre-react ang puso ko sa kaniya.

I've been feeling foreign feelings since meeting her. At kahit ako, nahihirapan na rin ipaliwanag ang nararamdaman ko.

"Good morning po," bati niya sa akin nang makalabas ako ng bahay.

She was waiting patiently outside of my car. Nakayuko pa siya at iwas ang tingin sa akin. Just like how she looks, her voice sounds more like a soft whisper. Parang hangin lang na hindi mo halos marinig. She sounded fragile and scared. It also made me feel that she's keeping her distance.

Hindi ako bumati pabalik. I just simply made a sound to let her know that I recognized her presence and greetings. And God knows how much I regret it. Because I probably scared her away.

I groaned inwardly when I saw her stagger as she stepped back. Of course, she'd get scared. Ito pa lang ang unang pagkikita namin pero ang sungit ko na. What can I do? I am not comfortable with other people. I even had to retake another year in high school just because I kept on making excuses not to attend my classes.

It's just not a comfortable place and I am not learning anything at all. Palagi akong ilang at out of focus sa mga nangyayari sa paligid ko.

"P-Pwedeng... ano..."

Nagbaba ako nang tingin sa kaniya. I can clearly hear discomfort and hesitation in her voice. Nakatingala na siya sa akin ngayon. Pero dahil sa sinag nang araw ay naningkit ang bilugan niyang mga mata na pilit niyang tinatakpan gamit ang maliit niyang kamay.

I snached that opportunity to stare at her face clearly for the first time. She a small but pointy nose and heart shape lips. May kaputian siya kaya kita rin ang pamumula ng pisngi niya.

Ito pa lang ang unang beses na tumitig ako sa mukha ng isang babae kaya hindi ko alam kung normal bang bumibilis ang tibok ng puso ko.

"Yes?" I asked in the gentlest tone I could squeeze out of myself.

I barely even know how to interact with other people. Much more to someone who looks like a vulnerable princess like her. Kaya hindi ko rin alam kung anong klaseng mga salita ba ang dapag kong gamitin sa kaniya. O kung paano kikilos sa harapan niya.

"Mataas kasi ang sasakyan mo." Yumuko siya, nagtatago na naman sa mahaba at itim niyang buhok, at hindi na itinuloy pa ang mga salita niya.

Come on, Tobias! Don't be such a dumbass!

I mentally smack the back of my head realizing what she meant. Fortuner ang sasakyan ko kaya may kataasan. At mahihirapan siyang makasakay.

I should've known!

Without saying anything, I opened the backseat of my car and put my bag inside. Kinuha ko na rin ang kaniya na naiiling niya pang ibinigay. Mula rin doon ay kinuha ko ang polo kong hindi ko pa nagagamit.

I stood in front of her. "What's your name again?" I asked as if I had no idea what her name was.

Heck, I even had it memorized the first time I heard it from Seth! Pr-in-actice ko pa nga kung paano iyon sambitin sa isip ko. I was even able to come up with my self-made nickname for her!

But I wasn't able to say it even once.

I've been stuck in my room for months already since she arrived. Sinadiya kong magtago dahil hindi ko naman alam kung paano siya pakikitunguhan.

Now, here I am. Making a fool out of myself pretending that I don't know her name.

Sige lang, Tobias, galingan mo pa.

"Kismet Torianna po," magalang niyang sagot.

Lumuhod ako sa harapan niya at pinaikot sa baywang niya ang polo kong puti. It's my spare uniform. "You're wearing a skirt," I answered her unvoiced question. Nanlalaki na kasi ang mga mata niya sa gulat sa ginawa ko.

A small smile formed on my lips as contentment filled me when I finished wrapping her waist with my polo.

"Kismet Torianna," I repeated.

"Kianna po ang tawag sa akin ni Don Emmanuel at Donya Margarita, Señorito," saad niya.

Natigilan ako. Tama ba ang narinig ko? Did she really call me that? Señorito?

Nagsalubong ang kilay ko at kumuyom ng bahagya ang mga kamay ko. Binalot din ako nang iritasyon. Sanay naman akong tinatawag na gano'n pero bakit asiwang-asiwa ako ngayon?

It didn't just sound distant but it also felt like drawing the line between her and I. A part of me didn't like it. And I fucking couldn't know why!

"Tori," I uttered, then gave her a soft tap on top of her head.

"Po?" Nag-angat siya nang tingin sa akin. Nangungusap ang kaniyang mga mata, naghahanap ng linaw sa aking sinabi.

"That's your nickname, Tori."

And before I could even think straight, I carried her in bridal style and sat her on the passenger seat. Bakas ang gulat sa mga mata niya nang tingnan ko siya.

That's when I looked at her in her eyes... for the first time.

That's when I was able to have a glimpse of the world.

Her eyes... It tells a story that I haven't even encountered amongst all the books I have read so far.

They are different.

"Papasok ka?" gulat na tanong ni Dad, nang-aasar.

Umismid lang ako at hindi nagsalita. Baka mas lalo lang humaba ang pang-aasar niya sa akin kung sasakyan ko pa ang trip niya.

Naging routine na namin ni Tori sa araw-araw ang gano'n. I'll drop her off at her school on my way to mine. Kaya nagkaroon ako ng rason para pumasok. Then I graduated high school, dahil sa kaniya. But I ended up not pursuing my studies again.

But I gained a little comfort in being comfortable with her.

"Sa'n ka?"

Bahagyang nanlali ang mga mata ko. Binalot din nang pagkataranta ang dibdib ko.

"Pupunta ako kay Señorito. Magpapaturo ako," sagot ni Tori kay Rhett.

Nagmamadali akong umalis sa pader na pinagtataguan ko nang makita siyang paakyat na ng hagdan. She was holding a bunch of her papers and her favorite pusheen cat pencil case.

Muntik pa akong matumba sa taranta nang pumasok sa kwarto ko. Kinuha ko ang kaninang binabasa kong libro naupo sa sofa sa may paanan ng kama ko.

I waited for her to knock on the door but almost a minute had passed but there was only silence on the other side. Sigurado naman akong ako ang sadiya niya. At sigurado rin akong hindi dapat abutin ng ganito katagal ang pagkatok niya.

I almost sigh in relief when I finally heard her knock on my door after two minutes.

"Señorito?" alangan ang boses na tawag niya.

"Come in," I replied.

Tinutok ko ang mga mata ko sa libro at nag-angat lang nang tingin nang marinig kong bumukas na ang pinto.

"P'wede po ba akong magpatulong? Hindi ko po kasi maintindihan ang binabasa ko," nahihiyang aniya.

"Of course," I agreed, almost fucking immediately.

Ako ba talaga 'to?

Fuck! I think I'm doomed.

It's not like I like her. I'm probably just interested. But definitely not in a romantic way. Siguro unti-unti lang akong nasasanay sa presensya niya at mas nagiging komportable na kasama siya.

Iyon lang.

Pero bakit... habang tumatagal parang nagiging iba na?

"Samahan mo si Kianna," utos ni Mom isang araw habang tahimik akong nagbabasa ng libro.

"Saan?" Sinarado ko ang hawak ko at tumayo na mula sa kanina pang pagkakahiga sa kama.

"Her 18th birthday is coming up soon. I booked a studio for her. Take her there," Mom instructed.

Hindi na ako sumagot at tumayo na agad. I immediately picked a new set of clothes from my walk-in closet together with a new towel. Naligo na ako kanina, pero pakiramdam ko ang baho ko pa rin kahit na hindi naman ako lumalabas ng kwarto.

"Stop right there." Mom pulled the hem of my collar to stop me from walking.

"Bakit?" Nagtataka ko siyang tiningnan.

Pinasadahan niya ako nang tingin mula ulo hanggang paa. Nagtagal ang paningin niya sa hawak kong damit at towel.

"Himala. Hindi ka man lang aalma?" Pinagtaasan niya ako ng isang kilay. Nag-iwas ako nang tingin sa kaniya. "You like Tori, don't you?"

"Ma," ang tanging salita na namutawi sa mga labi ko. I felt like a helpless kid, caught red handed doing something that I shouldn't.

To my surprise, my giggled. "It's okay son. Bagay nga kayo, eh."

Nalaglag ang panga ko. Mom has always been into my love interest. Na wala naman. But I never heard her spitting out such words. Parang gustong-gusto niya pa?

I took the quickest bath that I haven't had in a long time. But unlike the short amount of time I've spent bathing, it took me a lot of time choosing what clothes to wear to top on my plain white shirt.

I first chose a navy blue long sleeve polo but immediately took it off. I looked stiff with that color. Sunod kong sinubukan ang isang kulay light green na polo na may vertical stripes na design. Pero sa pangalawang pagkakataon, hinubad ko rin iyon. I tried on multiple choices until a bunch of clothes had already piled up on my bed.

In the end, I settled on a light pink short sleeve polo, plain white shirt, and a white cargo pants.

"Señorito!" Nakangiting kumaway siya sa akin nang pababa na ako ng hagdan.

Ngunit isang hakbang bago ako tuluyang makababa ay napahinto ako at natuod nang makita ang maaliwalas niyang ngiti. She looks happy and carefree unlike how reserved she looks on the first day that I met her. She lookes... renewed.

I gulped hard and forced myself to move. But it wasn't as easy as I thought it would be. Parang nakasemento na ang paa ko sa lupa na kailangan ko lang pwersahin para gumalaw.

She waited for me patiently despite my very slow steps to reach her. Hindi ko nga alam kung ang bawat hakbang ko ba ang mabagal o sadiyang bumagal lang ang paligid habang magkahinang ang aming mga mata. She, too, didn't let go of our stares.

She even looks radiant in my eyes as if a spotlight was pointed at her. Her long black hair dances with the wind that was coming inside through the open door and window.

She looks so beautiful.

Like a fully bloomed butterfly with vibrant colors.

She's not even wearing much makeup, she kept it minimal. The same way she kept her attire simple like the woman that she is with a white sando top and jeans.

"Señorito?" she calls once again.

Mabilis akong kumurap upang gisingin ang sarili ko. Nag-iwas ako nang tingin sa kaniya at pilit na ibinalik sa normal ang takbo ng utak ko.

"Tara," tipid kong yaya sa kaniya.

Ngunit gano'n kabilis ko ring gustong sapakin ang sarili ko dahil nahagip ng aking mga mata ang paghaba ng kaniyang nguso. Malamang, nag-o-overthink na naman siya dahil sa nakuhang reaksyon mula sa akin.

Naramdaman kong humabol siya sa akin kasabay nang paghawak niya sa damit ko upang pigilan ako sa paglalakad.

"Kung hindi ka komportable na samahan ako, kay Kuya Rhett na lang ako magpapasama," saad niya habang nakayuko pa.

Nakaramdam ako nang pagka-alarma. Agad akong lumuhod sa harapan niya at sinilip ang kaniyang mukha. I could clearly see the disappointment in her eyes which rattled me more.

I raised my hand and was about to touch her on her cheeks but I had to immediately stop myself from doing so. Sa huli, ibinaba at itinago ko na lang muli ang kamay ko sa aking likuran. At tanging ang sambitin ang pangalan niya ang aking nagawa upang kuhanin ang kaniyang atensyon.

"Tori," I called her.

"Po?" Sinalubong niya ang mga mata ko.

I almost jerked away when I saw her glistening eyes. She looks like she's about to cry. I sighed deeply. Ayusin mo kasi!

"I'll go with you, alright?" I said, almost whispering those words so as not to make her overthink my words and actions more.

Minsan pa akong nagbuntonghininga. Inilahad ko sa harapan niya ang kamay ko. "Tara?" alok ko. I tried to make my voice sound the sweetest I have never sounded before.

Para sa kaniya.

Dumaan ang pag-aalangan sa mga mata niya ngunit ilang sandali lang ay tinanggap din ang kamay ko.

Agad kong naramdaman ang lamig no'n. Maging ang pagpapawis ay agad ko ring naramdaman. Hindi ko tuloy magawang kilalanin kung kamay pa ba niya iyon o akin na.

In my mind, I was recollecting my most favorite scene from my favorite movie adaptation of my favorite book, The Curious Case of Benjamin Button. One where Benjamin took didn't get discouraged by falling down when he took his first step at seven years old. He has a condition where he ages in reverse, from being born looking like an old man to taking his final breath as an infant.

I was trying to distract myself in order not to think of our hands. But no matter how hard I tried to fill my mind with scenes from that adaptation, I'm still being pulled back to the reality that I am holding a woman's hand for the first time.

"Señorito, picture tayo!" masayang yaya niya sa akin nang matapos siya sa pagkuha ng sarili niyang litrato. "Halika!"

She was motioning me with her hands to come closer to her. I wasn't surprised anymore to see myself walking towards her for us to take pictures together.

Kinakabahan man dahil sa lapit ko sa knaiya, tumayo ako sa likod niya at ngumiti ng bahagya. I also placed my hand on her shoulders while she sits tall on the high square chair.

This is the first time I've stood this close to her. Kaya hindi na ako nagulat pa sa maligalig na tibok ng puso ko.

"Remembrance lang natin for today," nakangiting saad niya.

"Anong gusto mong post? I'm not good at this so please be understanding," I confessed shyly.

Napahagikhik naman siya sa sinabi ko. "Same lang naman tayo, Señorito. But it's fun. Lalo na at wala namang ibang tao dito kundi tayo lang." Mahina siyang natawa kaya napatawa na lang din ako.

Siguro dala na lang din ng magaang paligid.

Siguro dala ng kaniya-kaniya naming emosyon.

Siguro dahil ito talaga ang gusto kong gawin magmula pa kanina.

Natagpuan ko na lang ang sarili kong yumakap sa kaniya mula sa likuran. Tori absentmindedly clicked the shutter that made me smile inwardly. At that point, I didn't hold back anymore. I listened to the little whisper of my heart and followed what it's been wanting for a while. I huged her tight. And the photos of us turned into one that I would stare at for long hours.

Because with her, I would often find myself doing something unfamiliar. Like holding her hand. Looking at her eyes. Creating my nickname for her.

And to see a young lady that I grew up with in a romantic perspective.

I should've known. I should've realized earlier what those signals mean. The rapid beating, the loud and erratic heartbeats. Maybe I would've had the chance to spare my heart from pain.

Because I was too late.

Way too late.

Cause she's already in love with someone else. What's worse is... she's having a child with him.

But what's worst than worse is... her dumbass boyfriend is having an affair without having any knowledge of their unborn child.

Humakbang ako palapit sa kaniya. Tinakpan ko ang tainga niya nang sa gayon ay hindi niya na marinig ang kababuyan ng mga taong nananakit sa kaniya.

"Hindi mo kailangang makinig," mahina kong sabi.

"S-Señorito..."

Nasugatan ang puso ko nang marinig ang basag niyang boses. It was obvious that she's been holding back her tears.

"Huwag mong intindihin ang mga sinabi niya," mahinang saad ko.

Dahan-dahan siyang humarap sa akin kaya nagawa kong makita ang pagpipigil niyang umiyak. That instant I wanted to go after that scumbag and punch him hard in the face. I wanted to beat him up to pulp. But I know, Tori wouldn't want a scene. And she wouldn't want her boyfriend to be hurt.

But that doesn't mean that it pained me less. Dahil masakit pala. Nakakadurog pala makita na nasasaktan ang babaeng unti-unting kong natutuhang mahalin dahil sa isang lalaking lolokohin lang din pala siya.

"Hindi mo siya kailangan," dugtong ko. Ngunit hindi na siya nakasagot pa.

Agad kong naintindihan ang katahimikan niya. She's pregnant with that douche's baby. Malamang uunahin niya ang anak niya kaysa sa sarili niya.

But would it matter? Of course not! Kahit pa mambabae siya ng sampu at sabay-sabay, wala akong pakialam. Maalis lang siya sa buhay ni Tori.

She doesn't deserve a love that is unfaithful and full of lies.

"If you're thinking of your child, there's nothing to worry about. Hindi kita pababayaan," pangako ko.

Nandito naman ako. Kahit pa ako ang tumayong tatay sa anak niya, walang problema. I just want her to be at peace. And far from that... That piece of shit.

"Hindi ko naiintindihan, Señorito," mahina niyang pag-amin sa naiiyak na tono.

Unti-unti akong lumuhod sa harap niya gamit ang isang tuhod upang pagpantayin ang mga mata naming dalawa. Mataman ko siyang pinakatitigan. Pinalaya ko na rin ang kaniyang tainga para ikulong ang kamay niya sa mahigpit kong pagkakahawak.

"I'll walk with you through this. Hindi ka mag-iisa. Sasamahan kita," I promised her.

I don't know how I did it. But I still did.

For Tori.

Because I witnessed how hard it was for her. I saw the fear in her eyes. And I saw the pain she tries so hard to hide.

Her pregnancy was probably the turning point of our lives. Especially mine. As I witnessed her vulnerability, it made me eager to protect her even more.

Lalo na noong tumuntong sa ikalimang buwan ang dinadala niya. It became hard for her to move. Especially with her condition. Even walking was a struggle for her. And it made me even angier to witness her in this kind of state while the boy who got her pregnant roams around freely tasting every dishes he craves.

Kaya pinangako ko sa sarili ko, na kahit hindi ako ang ama ng anak niya, gagawin ko ang lahat para sa kanila.

"Señorito?" Mahina siyang kumatok sa pinto ng kwarto ko.

I looked at the clock on my bedside table, it's 11:36 in the evening already. Almost midnight. Agad akong tumayo at nagtungo roon.

Napagbuksan ko ng pinto ang nakapantulog na si Tori. She's wearing a terno yellow PJs. "What is it? May problema ba?"

I was surprised to hear the gentleness of my own voice. It sounded totally different to how I talk before. It was full of care. It was filled with worry for her. And it was filled with... love.

Because the moment I allowed myself to recognize what all those signals been meaning to tell me all along, I changed myself.

For her.

Tori looked at me, her eyes were filled with unshed tears. Mas lalo tuloy akong nataranta. Fuck!

"Hey, what's the problem? Tell me," I urged her soothingly.

Pinantayan ko ang tangkad niya sa pamamagitan nang bahagyang pagyuko. Frustration started to build up inside me as I look at her intently. She looks like she's about to cry. And it kills me each seconds that pass by.

"Gusto ko ng burger," sa wakas ay sabi niya.

Para akong nabunutan ng tinik. The same time that her answer put a smile on my face. Bago ko pa mapigilan ang sarili ko, magaang nahaplos ko na ang kaniyang buhok.

"But you don't eat burger, 'di ba?" paalala ko.

"I don't. Pero hinahanap siya ng tiyan ko ngayon," sagot niya sabay yuko at nguso.

"Papa-deliver tayo, okay?" kalma ko sa kaniya.

Umiling siya. "Gusto ko dine in sa Army Navy."

Mas lalo akong napangiti. "Alright, then. Hintayin mo ako."

Pumasok akong muli sa kwarto. Iniwan kong bukas ang pintuan. Kumuha ako ng dalawang navy blue na cardigan at bumalik na rin agad sa kaniya. I put one over her shoulder and wore one myself. Pagkatapos ay bumaba na rin kami.

Inalalayan ko siya sa kaniyang paglalakad. Maging sa pagbaba ng hagdan ay nakaantabay ang mga kamay ko sa harap at likuran niya.

Like a practiced routine, I carried her in bridal style and placed her carefully on the passenger's seat. Ako na rin ang nagsuot ng seat belt niya sa kaniya.

"Pasensya na po, Señorito. Wala po kasi akong ibang mapuntahan. Umalis po kasi sila Kuya Seth kaninang umaga," nakayukong aniya.

"There's no need for apologies. Anytime. Sabihan mo lang ako kung may kailangan ka." Mabilis ko siyang sinulyapan. At nakuntento nang makitang magaan na ang pakiramdam niya.

I drove carefully until we reached our destination. Pinaupo ko na lang siya sa isa sa mga lamesa sa tabi ng pinto at ako na ang nag-order para sa aming dalawa. I settled on two double burgers, steak burrito, and a hot choco for her and a coke for me.

"Here you go, princess."

I bit the inside of my cheeks at that slip of the tongue. Kalma, Tobias. H'wag kang madala.

"Thank you, Señorito!" magiliw niyang sabi.

Nakahinga ako ng maluwag dahil doon. But that relief was mixed with a grain of regret. Because a part of me wishes for her to hear my words.

But that would be selfish of me.

Kaya ko namang makuntento sa pagtatago. Kaya ko namang makuntento sa kung anong mayroon kami ngayon.

Hindi ko lang alam kung hanggang kailan.

Dahil gustong-gusto ko nang ipagsigawan kung gaano ko siya kamahal.

Na akala ko ay magiging madali sa pagpasok ng mga sumunod na buwan. Ngunit mali pala ako. Dahil habang lumalalim ang nararamdaman ko para sa kaniya, ay siya namang kaduwagang bumabalot sa puso ko.

Lalo na dahil mas naging komplikato ang sitwasyon.

"Kinakabahan ka?" tanong ko isang araw nang paalis kami.

I was tying her shoelace for her. Hirap na kasi siyang gawin iyon.

We're on our way to her check up appointment. And today, too, we'll finally know the gender of her baby. I'm positive, though, na babae ang magiging anak niya. She looks beautiful each day. She blooms like the most beautiful flower on earth.

And I can't help but to fall repeatedly in love with her.

"Ewan ko rin," kinakabahang sagot niya.

I tapped her shoelace that I finished tying. "I'm always here, okay? It'll be alright."

Malalim siyang nagbuntonghininga. "Paano kung—"

"Shh..." I placed my forefinger on top of her lips, silencing her worries. "We've been praying a lot for a miracle, right? Siguro naman pakikinggan Niya tayo."

Pinilit niya ngumiti ngunit agad kong nakilala ang pagpapanggap na kaakibat no'n. Tumango siya sa akin at hindi na nagsalita pa. And that instant, I immediately knew that unlike me... she's already losing faith for a different ending for her pregnancy.

With nervous hearts, we went to her OB-GYNE with hopes for better results this time.

However... things have already been written in the stars.

I held her hand as we both fell silent inside of my car. Tori was having a bad breakdown. And the only thing I can do is to bruise my heart while listening to her cries.

Hindi ko alam ang gagawin. Wala rin akong maisip na p'wedeng sabihin. Kahit na gustuhin kong pagaainin ang loob niya, alam kong walang gaganang paraan dahil natatakot akong mas masugatan siya.

Not knowing what to do... I pulled her into a hug.

"Ang unfair naman, Señorito. Bakit sa akin pa?" malungkot niyang sabi sa pagitan nang paghikbi.

Hindi ako nagsalita, nakinig lang ako sa kaniya.

"G-Ganito na nga ako... pati ba naman anak ko may deperensya rin?" Malakas siyang bumikbi, hindi na nagawa pang pigilan. "Hindi ko naman siya papabayaan, eh. Kaya ko naman siyang alagaan."

Mas hinigpitan ko lang ang pagkakayakap ko sa kaniya. Lalo na nang maramdaman ko ang unti-unting pagkabasa ng damit ko dahil sa kaniyang mga luha.

It pains me to hear her cry, but it breaks my heart even more knowing that I can't do anything to heal her heart.

I can only listen to her pain. To break my heart together with her so she won't have to get through this alone.

"Wala na ba akong karapatan na maging ina dahil ganito ako, duwende kung tawagin ng ibang tao?" Luhaang nag-angat siya nang tingin sa akin.

"H'wag mong sabihin 'yan," subok kong pagkalma sa kaniya.

"Totoo naman, eh. Malas kasi ako. Kaya pati sa anak ko nagdadala pa rin ako ng malas," sisi niya sa sarili niya. "Sa rami ng p'wedeng magkaroon ng pesteng sakit na 'yan, bakit anak ko pa?! Bakit sa kaniya pa?!"

Nasugatan ang puso ko sa mga salita niya. Dahil kahit ako ay tinatanong rin ang Diyos kung bakit sa kaniya pa? Bakit sila pa?

Miracle was diagnosed with anencephaly. Most parts of her brain, sculp, and skull didn't develop. Kung ipapanganak man siya, hindi rin siya magtatagal sa mundo. Ang mas masakit pa ro'n, walang gamot. Walang solusyon.

"I don't even want to give birth anymore kung babawiin lang din naman siya agad sa akin." Isang maingay na iyak ang umalpas sa kaniya.

Humugot ako ng malalim na hininga, humahanap ng mga tamang salita para sabihin sa kaniya. Pero mahabang segundo na ang lumipas pero gano'n pa rin, wala pa ring pumapasok na tamang mga salita sa isip ko.

Kaya sa huli, isang mahigpit na yakap na lang ang naibigay ko sa kaniya. Pagdamay na alam kong mas kailangan niya.

It became a battle of faith not just for her but also for everyone in our home. Kumapit kami sa paniniwalang magkakaroon ng himala at magbabago ang tadhana.

Pero gano'n yata talaga.

Malupit ang tadhana sa kaniya.

Kiara Miracle Diamsay

November 18 - November 20

But just when I thought that it was the worst part that could happen in her life... things have come to worst.

"I w-want to l-live, Don Emmanuel. I w-want to s-survive..."

I breathed hard but it didn't even give me a bit of ease. Para pa ring pinipilipit ang puso ko.

"I pictured it in my head, Don Emmanuel. My body... drowning breathlessly. I imagined how liberating it would feel... to finally stop breathing."

Napahilamos ako sa sarili kong mukha at napayuko. Sinabunutan ko rin ang sarili ko, umaasang magigising ako sa bangungot na 'to.

Why does it always have to be her? Why Tori? Wala naman siyang ginagawang masama? Didn't she suffered enough already?

"I want it to stop... but I don't know how, Don Emmanuel. I'm trying not to think about what happened but everytime I close my eyes, all that I could see is how he looked at me with those devilish eyes."

Pagod na isinandal ko ang katawan ko sa pader at nanlulumong napamura sa isip ko. I've been sitting on the floor outside of Dad's study where Tori and him are having a conversation. Kanina pa ako nakikinig. Mula umpisa hanggang sa dulo ay napakinggan ko ang usapan nila. At sa bawat salitang naririnig ko ay parang dinudurog ang puso ko.

I heard her cry harder. And it pained me so much more knowing that she's been suffering alone.

Ang daming nangyari. Sobrang ingay ng paligid. This has been the worst that had happened in my life. All because of that fucking retarded piece of shit Claude.

And I swear to God, I'll make him pay. Come hell or high water, I'll make sure to put that trash behind bars.

Mapagbayad ko lang ang putanginang 'yon.

"I'll do everything for you, Tori," I promised.

That night, she cried in my arms.

The sight of her wet cheeks chokes me. And it kills me knowing that I wasn't able to protect her at all. At ako pa ang may kasalanan dahil pinilit ko siyang sumama sa event na 'yon.

God knows how much I regretted that. Kung hindi ko na sana siya pinilit, hindi sana siya masasaktan ng ganito. Kung pumayag lang sana ako sa hindi niya pagsama, masaya pa rin sana kami ngayon.

It was my fault.

That's why when I heard that she's leaving, I pretended that I didn't know anything. Kahit iyong kalayaan lang na iyon ay maibigay ko sa kaniya.

Kahit iyon lang magawa ko para sa kaniya.

"Sir." Seth knocked on my table.

I blinked multiple times to pull myself out of my reverie. Kung mayroon lang sana akong buong araw para alalahanin lang si Tori, ginawa ko na. But I don't. I still have a lot of things to do. Especially, running Ramiscal's on my own.

Years had passed since she left me. And it has been excruciating since. Sa bawat bakanteng segundo na mayroon ako ay siya lang ang tanging laman ng isip ko.

I could vividly remember how my ears tickled at the sound of her name the first time I heard it. I could also remember how her voice sounded as soft as a cotton candy when she first spoke at our home. I could also clearly picture myself standing behind the wall, hiding from her sight, while watching her every timid move. I could still remember how her laughter sounded like the most beautiful melody sang right in my ears. She sounded so free.

And now that she's gone... it's killing me.

Ramiscal ang naging solusyon sa pangungulila ko sa kaniya. I had to divert my attention for me not to follow where she's at. Mulat sapul alam ko kung nasaan siya. But I chose not to make any move. Just not yet. I'm waiting for the right moment.

"Warrant of arrest has been served," Rhett informed me.

Mariin akong napapikit. Kasabay no'n ay guminhawa rin ang aking dibdib.

"Malakas ang kaso laban sa kaniya ayon kay Attorney Serrano," dugtong niya pa. "And Emma's doing a lot better now. At desidido siyang ituloy ang kaso," dagdag niya pa.

Doon ako tuluyang nakahinga ng maluwag. Nagmulat din ako ng mga mata. "Good. Check on her from time to time. At kung may kailangan sila, sabihan mo lang agad ako."

"Copy, Sir." Mula sa likod na bulsa ng pantalon niya ay kinuha niya ang isang nakatuping papel. "Pinapabigay niya pala. Maraming salamat daw sa tulong na ibinigay mo sa kaniya at sa pamilya niya."

Iniwan niya sa ibabaw ng lamesa ko ang papel. I stared at it for a while before reading it. All the while, may tipid na ngiti lang sa mga labi ko.

She was thanking me not just for the financial aid I gave her family to help her with her case, but also for the courage to fight for herself.

Funny how I was able to cross paths with her through Tits Cynthia. Pinagbintangan kasi kaming binayaran daw si Emma para magkaroon kami ng rason para tuluyang kasuhan ang anak niya.

What a sick reasoning she has.

Bakit ako gagamit ng tao na sadiyang sasalo ng kademonyohan ng anak niya para lang makuha ko ang gusto ko?

Apparently, her son is a repeat offender who doesn't learn anything at all. Mukhang gumagamit pa ng ipinagbabawal na gamot kaya hindi na alam ang ginagawa. When I found out that he also did to Emma what he did to my Torianna, I offered financial help. Attorney Serrano lawyered for her. Server sa isang bar si Emma kaya nakadaupang palad ang halang na bituka ng hayop na iyon.

Mabuti na lang talaga malakas ang ebidensiyang na-secure namin laban sa kaniya. At mabuti na lang ay tadtad ng CCTV ang buong bar.

"Sasabihin mo po ba kay Tori, Sir? About Sir Claude?" Umiling ako. "Why not? It might encourage her to come back immediately."

Umuling ulit ako. May kuntentong ngiti sa mga labi na humarap ako sa kaniya. "Gusto mo ng trip to Florida?"

Nagsalubong ang kilay niya, malamang ay naguguluhan sa sagot kong malayo sa tanong niya. "Sir?"

I smiled meaningfully at him. "Everything's starting to settle now, Seth." Malalim akong huminga, dinadama ang kapayapaan sa puso ko. "It's about time, don't you think?"

Nanatiling salubong ang kilay niya sa kalituhan sa mga pinagsasabi ko. Hindi na siya sumgot. Nawiwirduhang nakatingin na lang siya sa akin.

"She's having her lengthening devices removed in a week. That's why I'm inviting us there, in Florida."

Nakita kong nanlaki ang mga mata niya. "Shit! Seryoso ba, Sir? As in tatanggalin na?"

Nakangiting tumango ako. "Hmm. That's why I'm giving you a trip to Florida, with Rhett and I. Hindi ko na siya hihintayin na umuwi. Iuuwi ko na siya," pagtatama ko sa mga salita niya kanina.

"Oh, shit! Rhett! I need to report to Rhett!" parang baliw na saad niya pagkatapos ay nagmamadali nang lumabas.

I chuckled. Mas excited pa yata sila sa akin.

I've been very much aware of what's happening about her. Everything. I've been kept up to date. Kahit kay Eisa. Alam ko lahat.

On cue, my phone rang for a video call. It was my, hmm, should I say informant?

"Dada Senrito!" Eisa greeted gleefully.

Awtomatikong umukit ang ngiti sa mga labi ko. "My boy! How was your day?" I asked in a higher tone, trying to match his energy kahit pagod na ako.

I've been working non-stop since yesterday. Tulog lang ang pahinga ko. I needed to finish everything on my plate. Para hindi ako matambakan ng trabaho.

"He's been a good boy to his Mommy," Haven answered on my son's behalf.

"Excited to meet you, Dada!" Eisa said. Nilapit niya ang mukha niya sa camera. "Love you!"

My heart smiled the same way that my lips did. And all those long minutes of conversations, contentment was all that I could feel.

Who would've thought? That a by chance encounter I had with Haven back in Vigan would string to this kind of friendship?

He reached out to me one day from months ago. But instead of him who greeted me, it was the familiar face of my childhood that I saw.

My son, Elysian Salvatore.

Nakakatawa nga, eh. Dahil kung anong iwas ang gawin ko sa kanila, ay mas inilalapit pa sila sa akin ng tadhana.

Haven is to blame.

Sinabi niya kasi kay Eisa na kilala daw niya ako at nangakong makikipag-video call sa akin. Hanggang sa, naubusan na lang siya ng palusot sa anak ko at tinwagan na ako.

"I'll see you in three days, my boy," I said through the phone.

His face lit up and he beamed at me. "See you, Dada Senrito!"

Our conversation continued for a few more minutes before we bid goodbyes with smiles on our faces.

Minsan, nakokonsensya ako. I don't know why. But somehow, it feels illegal to be talking with my son without the knowledge of Torianna. But also, it feels like our own little secret. And through those months with conversations, it helped us build our own relationship and has broken up the walls between us.

My most awaited day came. I finally got to share with my son our first warm embrace.

Hindi ko magawang ipaliwanag. It's the first time I ever felt this way. It's like slowly patching up the broken pieces of my soul.

"Are you really my Dada?" His small forefinger poked my cheeks repeatedly as if testing if I am real.

Hinuli ko ang kamay niya at hinalikan ang likod no'n. "Of course, son. I'm your Dada," I assured him. I pulled him into a tight hug and it made him giggle as if someone's tickling him at his weak spot. "Let's wait for Mommy, alright? Then we'll go home."

"With Dada?" With hopeful eyes, he looked at me.

"Yes, with Dada. we'll be together now. With Lolo," I promised him.

"Really? Promise?" I nodded my head to him which made his eyes glistened with unshed tears. Mahigpit na niyakap niya ako sa leeg. "I love you, Dada."

"I love you more, Elysian," I replied with all the sincerity that I could give.

I tucked him in between my arms and embraced him tight. Agad na binalot ng kakuntentuhan ang puso ko. I feel like everything's going back to its rightful places... finally.

Isa na lang ang kulang.

In my life, I have always been content with being alone. It didn't feel lonely at all. It was peaceful. I was certain that what I was feeling during those alone days was happiness with a book to keep my days occupied.

It didn't cross my mind that I could be happier.

That there was more emotion than just mere contentment and happiness that my days were giving me

Because she, Tori, brought more colors to my life. She opened up a world full of emotions I never knew I would feel before. She made me realize that my heart could beat at an abnormal speed with just a simple smile on her face.

She made me feel nervous with her presence.

She made me feel anxious during those days that I thought I might've offended her every time she hides her face.

She made me feel blushed out of embarrassment.

She conflicted my heart when I slowly started realizing that what I feel for her was different.

She also made me feel fear... Fear of losing her if I ever confessed my love for her.

She also made me experience pain when she got into a relationship. Dumating pa pa nga sa puntong hiniling ko na ako na lang... sana.

But above all that, I love that she made me feel love.

She made me feel what it was like to be in love and to be loved in return. Binura niya ang lahat ng takot at agam-agam ko. Binuhay niya ang puso ko.

It may have taken so many years to reach this point in our lives, I wouldn't trade it for anything else for as long as it's her I'm ending up with.

Because she is home.

"Señorito," malambing niyang tawag sa pangalan ko.

Her angelic voice woke me up from my reverie. And I immediately smiled when I laid my eyes on her beauty.

I sucked my breath, amazed by her magnificence. Hanggang ngayon, hindi pa rin nakakasawang pagmasdan ang kagandahan niya. At hanggang ngayon, hindi pa rin ako makapaniwalang nasa akin na siya.

"You're so beautiful, mi amor," I praised honestly. I can even feel my own heart beating faster the longer I stare at her face.

"Ano ba kasing okasyon at kailangan pa ng ganito?" pagtataka niya.

Itinago ko ang ngiti ko. "Mukha ka nang ikakasal sa akin," biro ko.

"I just got back, Señorito. H'wag mo naman akong binibigla," nakangusong aniya.

Mahina akong natawa. I pinched her nose and pulled her closer to me. I snaked my arms around her tiny waist. Inilapit ko rin ang bibig ko sa tainga niya. "Mukha naman kasi tayong ikakasal talaga." Humaba lang ang nguso niya lalo sa akin.

I wasn't lying though. Her white dress and my white polo made it seem so. Idagdag pa ang disenyo ng damit niyang makita. It was embroidered with small and sparkly butterflies.

She looks like a goddess.

"You know what, Tobias?" she trailed off.

"Hmm?" I looked at her.

Her smile grew wider. "It feels good to look at you in the eyes this close."

Nahawa ako sa ngiti niya. At bago ko pa mapigilan ang sarili ko ay mabilis ko na siyang hinalikan. Ngunit nang humiwalay ay agad din akong nag-iwas nang tingin.

The corner of my eye's heating up. Simpleng mga salita lang ang ginamit niya ngunit sapat na para iparating ang buong kuwento ng buhay niya.

And it warms my heart to finally hear acceptance in her voice. But that wasn't all. Maririnig mo rin ang kumpiyansa at tapang sa boses siya.

She sounded proud.

God... I so love this woman.

"I should wear heels more often," she concluded.

She was wearing a pair of 4 inch platform heels in silver that are decorated with glitters all over its surface.

I smiled and gently shook my head "If that would make you feel comfortable and confident, do so. Kahit naman anong suotin mo ia-adjust ko pa rin naman ang sarili ko sa 'yo." I gave her one more kiss on top of her head. "Shall we go inside?"

"Ano ba kasing mayro'n?" pagtataka niya.

I just smiled and led her inside of the newly renovated building of Ramiscal's. "You're in good hands, my love." I smiled and kissed her cheeks.

Kinakain man ng sariling kaba, hindi ko hinayaang maapektuhan ako. I calmed my nervousness with her presence. Kahit ang panginginig ng kamay ko ay ramdam na ramdam ko rin.

"Ready?" I asked.

Imbes na sagutin ako sa berbal na paraan ay tumango lang siya sa akin. Parang mas ako pa tuloy ang kinakabahan sa aming dalawa. Na mas lalo pang dumoble nang bumukas na ang glass door.

People immediately cheered and showered us with applause the moment we set foot inside. She gasped at the same time that my heart started beating insanely fast.

Para na akong malalagutan ng hininga sa bilis nang tibok no'n.

We were greeted by the bright LED lights on the big letters in the center of the lobby, KT. Under those letters were the name of Tori spelled out using silver glittery materials.

Kismet Torianna

My soon to be Ramiscal.

Sa baba no'n ay may mahabang glass showcase na laman ang collection na binuo ko para sa kaniya. It was placed above a glass platform covered with red velvet fabric and decorated with warm lights.

It was made to stand out.

Just like her.

"Mabuhay ang bagong kasal!" pabirong hiyaw ni Seth. People laughed at his joke.

"Manahimik ka. Panira ka ng moment," saway ni Rhett sa kaniya.

Napailing na lang ako. Kahit kailan talaga.

Dad approached us with a warm smile. "Thank you for coming back to us, Tori." He hugged the still stunned Tori on my side. "I'm proud of the courageous woman you became."

"Don emmanuel..."

"How about we drop the titles, Kianna? How about you start practicing calling me Dad or Papa?" Dad grinned at her.

Nabawasan ng kaunti ang kaba ko dahil sa suhestiyon niyang iyon. I finally smiled. But I can still feel my lips trembling a bit.

This is what love does to me. It's making me feel the rawness of my own emotions.

Lalo na kung para sa kaniya.

Dad patted her head and finally let her go. Doon siya humarap ng tuluyan sa akin. "Bakit may ganito pa?" Puno ng luha ang mga mata na tiningnan niya ako.

I just smiled at her and guided on the center. Ramiscal's employees, our house helpers from Casa including Aunt Lydia, the twins, and Dad who was carrying Eisa.

Every important person in our lives was present today. Because I want them to witness this day.

"This has been long overdue," I started calmly.

"Tobias naman." Mariin siyang pumikit kasabay nang pagptulo ng kaniyang mga luha.

I guided her to look at the showcase. KT Collection consists of 20 pieces of jewelry; rings, necklaces, bracelets, and anklets. I designed five charms and each has a complete set. It can be bought in boxed sets or per piece.

But one special design remains only for one person. My Tori.

"I promised myself that I will make this happen no matter what. For you."

"So, KT stands for my name?" manghang aniya.

Proud na ngumiti ako. "I tried to be creative about it, but there's no better words than your name. Because this collection tells your story."

Pinaharap ko siya sa akin. Maingat kong kinuha ang pahabang velvet box na kulay puti na kanina pa nakatago sa likod na bulsa ng pantalon ko.

"I've been preparing for this day," simula ko. Nakangiting pinagmasdan ko ang mukha niya. "I was confident you'll come back."

"Paano kung hindi pala?" tanong niya pagkatapos ay dumilat na. I was greeted by her eyes, still filled with tears.

Seeing her crying made me want to strangle myself to death knowing that I am the one who made her shed tears today. But the love I am seeing in her eyes comforted me knowing that she's crying in happiness this time.

Imbes na panghinaan ng loob dahil sa kaniyang naging tanong, ngumisi lang ako sa kaniya. "Eh, 'di iuuwi kita." I chuckled. And the people surrounding us laughed and cheered, too. "Sigurado naman akong tayo talaga ang para sa isa't isa."

Itinapat ko sa haapan niya ang box na hawak ko. I slowly opened it and showed her the anklet I designed for her. It's a two layer gold dainty anklet with various small charms on the first layer that represents stories about her. The bottom one was filled with small gold balloon flower charms.

To symbolize our endless love.

"Oh, my God..."

Nakita kong nanubig pang lalo ang mga mata niya habang nakatingin doon.

"I know you have a lot of stories to tell the world. And I wish to share them with you. So, here's KT Collection to be your voice." Kinuha ko ang anklet mula sa loob. "And here's a special one just for you." I touched the first charm amongst the five on the top layer. It was a small five petals flower. "You were wearing a floral dress when you first became our family. I remember dearly how your innocent eyes wandered around the living room."

Hindi ko man alam noon kung ano ang pahiwatig ng mga nararamdaman ko, malinaw sa isip ko na unti-unting nabago ang buhay ko dahil sa kaniya.

I found myself doing things I never thought I would do. I found myself curious about her, wanting to know more behind each of Mom's praises about her.

I touched the second one, a butterfly. "I have seen your beauty from all angles but that day... on the photoshoot for your 18th birthday, your beauty didn't just radiated on your aura but it also showed on your confidence, too. Hindi ko maipaliwanag. That day, you were confident with how you carried yourself. Like a beautiful butterfly that is free from the harshness of the world."

"Señorito..."

She sniffed while trying to stop herself from crying. Inabutan naman siya ng tissue ni Rhett.

"This one represents your courage to take on your surgery. It also speaks for your courage to heal yourself from everything that caused you pain."

It was an hourglass designed similarly to the six axis lengthening device inserted on her shin area; it was placed behind the body of the hourglass. It also has two pillars on the side that look similar to the ones attached on her thighs.

Bahagyang nagsalubong ang noo ko nang maramdaman kong humapdi ang sulok ng mga mata ko.

I am speaking my heart out. I am speaking those words I kept to myself for the first time in years of silence.

"A mother and child." Dinama ko ang malamig na pang-apat na charm na naka-attach sa anklet. It's an outline design of a mother carrying a baby. Hence, called mother and child. "This talks about your braveness in your motherhood journey not just for our son, Eisa—"

"That's me!"

Napatingin ako sa kaniya. He was proudly raising his hand while his other one was placed on his chest.

Uningay ang lobby sa tawanan ng mga tao sa agaw-atensyong pagsigaw ni Eisa.

I smiled at him. "Our Eisa. And for your first born, Miracle."

Napahinto ako nang hinawakan niya ang kamay ko. She looked at me and with quivering lips she corrected me, "Our Miracle." She gave me a genuine smile at the same time that her tears streamed from her cheeks. "You were with me on that journey. You helped me with my cravings. Drove me to places I wanted to visit. Dined with me late at night to satisfy my cravings. Helped me with my paglilihi. Massaged my back when it was killing me. And... you grieved with me. She's not just mine, but yours too. Ours, Tobias. Our Miracle."

Natunaw ang puso ko dahil doon. It swelled up with so much happiness with the kind of acknowledgement she gave me. Idagdag pa ang sinsero at magandang ngiti sa kaniyang mga labi.

Pumintig ng malakas at mabilis ang puso ko dahil doon. At bago ko pa tuluyang mapagtanto, napuno na ng luha ang mga mata ko.

I'm not the type to easily cry, but her simple words comforted me a lot. Hindi ko ni minsan hiniling na bigyan niya ng importansya ang mga bagay na iyon dahil kagustuhan kong pagsilbihan siya. But here she is... recognizing my efforts and appreciating what I have done for her.

I feel not just comforted but acknowledged.

Hinuli ko ang kamay niya at hinawakan iyon nang mahigpit kasabay nang aking pagpikit. I tried hard to stop myself from crying. But when Tori gently reached for my cheeks to wipe my tears, that's when I realized that I was already crying.

"A shield topped with a sword," pagpapaguloy ko. I slowly opened my eyes again. In tears, I continued, "Tori, you conquered. This is to brag to the whole world that you were able to conquer." I gently cupped the side of her right cheek, feeling the same warmth of tears as the ones on my cheeks. "And for that, I want to tell you that I'm proud of you."

Marahan kong sinapo ang mukha niya at marahan siyang pinatingala sa akin. I gave her a light kiss on her forehead.

Hindi ko na siya binigyan ng tiyansang makasagot pa. While she remains speechless, I knelt in front of her. Maingat kong kinuha ang kanan niyang paa niya at isinuot doon ang anklet.

Ngunit imbes na tumayo na, kinuha ko ang isa pang box na nasa kabilang bulsa ng pantalon ko. It was a square and red one this time.

People automatically cheered and shouted in celebration when I opened the box for Tori. But amidst their cheers, my eyes remained fixed on my home.

"You asked me what my first two designs were," I reminded her. "This is my answer. My second one, an engagement ring for you." Kinuha ko ang singsing mula sa loob ng box. "I'll show you my first design on our wedding day."

"Y-Your first design... was a w-wedding ring?" she asked in disbelief.

"Our wedding rings," I corrected.

"Anak ko 'yan!" pagyayabang ni Dad na tinawanan ng mga tao doon. "Hindi pa nililigawan may singsing na agad!" dagdag niya pa.

"Because I'm confident that it's you whom I will marry," I said. Kinuha ko ang singsing mula sa box. Pagkatapos ay kinuha ko ang kaliwang kamay niya. "Let's make not just my Mom's wish come true. But mine, too." I took a heavy sigh and filled my heart with braveness. "Marry me, Tori. Please, take my surname. Marry me," I asked, almost pleading her.

Sa likod ng kalmante kong anyo ay ang 'di masukat na kabang bumabalot sa puso ko. This wasn't the first time that I asked her about this. But I can still feel the same nervousness all over again.

Tears streamed from her eyes even more. She cupped both my cheeks and nodded her head. "It's a dream of mine, too. Yes, Tobias. I'll marry you."

Lumawak ang ngiti sa mga labi naming dalawa. And before I could even stood up to give her a kiss, Tori lowered her body to capture my lips.

Everyone teased us but the voice of Dad was louder than anyone. "May bata!" pabiro niyang sigaw.

I smiled agaisnt the lips of Tori before I finally stood up. Binalingan ko si Eisa na nakatakip ang mga mata gamit ang kamay ni Dad.

"Come here, son," I called him.

Agad naman siyang bumaba sa bisig ni Dad at tumakbo palapit sa amin. I carried him. And together, we embraced the most beautiful woman in our lives.

She's the first woman I fell in love with.

The one I'm going to marry and spend the rest of my life with.

And she's gonna be the last woman I'll fall in love with endlessly together with our son.

She's the one who showed me what true happiness meant.

In their embrace I have finally found home.

I can finally sleep at night without worrying about tomorrow.

And my heart is finally at peace.

With her.

With our family.

Wakas