Song: Cigarette Break- Gavin James

Museum

Hindi ako mapakali buong byahe patungo ng Canada. I keep on reading what's in my flashcard. I made sure I wrote everything that I'm going to say here.

Benjamin who's currently doing something on his laptop turns to me. He probably finds my nervousness disturbing. He closed his laptop at tsaka iniharap ang sarili sa akin.

"Relax. You'll do a great job." He said to ease all the nervousness that I've been feeling inside.

I still have a week to practice for this. Pero kung ngayon palang kinakabahan na ako, ano pa kaya sa mismong conference?

Tumango ako at dumungaw muli sa may bintana. I keep on mumbling some of the things that I'm going to say. I heard Benjamin chuckled beside me.

"You still have a week to prepare. Don't get so tensed."

"I'm sorry. I just can't help it."

Tumawa siyang muli at tsaka tiningnan nalang rin ang mga bagay na nakasulat sa flashcard ko. I tried getting it away from him but he just won't let me. Patuloy niyang binabasa ang lahat ng nakalagay doon.

"You won't need these." He said and gently pulled the remaining flashcards away from my table. "But you'll need your heart."

Kumunot ang noo ko. nagugulohan ko siyang tiningnan. Tumawa naman siyang muli at tsaka ako nilingon. He arranged his table so he can fully turn to me

"Speak... about what's in your heart. Not on these things. You'll only get distracted or confused. It's good to see the passion in the speaker's eyes while they talk about something they love. And I want to see that from you."

A small smile curved on his lips after he said that. Tinitigan niya ako ng magi habang kinunotan ko naman siya ng noo.

"Are you pressuring me?" hindi ko naiwasang itanong.

Benjamin laughed again. "No. But I want you to do better in your talk."

"You're pressuring me!" reklamo ko. He smirked at me.

"Come on. Practice again and I'll listen. Have you read everything that I put in your presentation?"

I nod my head. Namangha nga ako sa lahat ng inilagay niya sa presentation ko, e. Hindi ko akalain na manggagaling ang lahat ng iyon sakanya. Hindi ko na rin alam kung anong oras siya natulog ng mga oras na iyon. I woke up and he's still asleep.

"Okay, then. Come on, I'll listen to you."

"No!" agap ko. He looks at me questioningly.

"Why not?"

"I'll only get nervous if you're listening."

He smirked again at me because of my reason. "No, you won't."

I pouted and playfully rolled my eyes at him.

"Here," he said and offered his hand to me. "Hold my hand. It might help you stop from being nervous."

Bumuka ang bibig ko at tsaka tiningnan ang kamay niyang naghihintay na hawakan ko. Ngumuso akong muli.

"But you'll still listen!"

"No, I'll sleep. I'm tired from working all night."

"Then just sleep and don't listen."

Umiling siya at tsaka naman namamangha akong nginisian. He bit his lip to stop him from smiling.

"Fine. But the offer still stands." Sabi niya bago niya ipinikit ang kanyang mga mata.

He looks dashingly handsome even when his eyes are closed. I waved my hand in front of his face to make sure that he's really sleeping. Nang makumpirma kong tulog na talaga siya ay kinuha ko ang kamay niya.

Maybe this wll really help...

I grab and hold his big but soft hands. Namula naman ang pisngi ko matapos kong hawakan ang kamay niya. After that, I continued on practicing for my talk.

Mamaya maya pa ay naramdaman kong mas humigpit ang pagkakahawak niya sa kamay ko. I tried letting go but he's not letting me. Napangisi ako.

Akala ko naman tulog na talaga...

Lumingon ako sakanaya at tsaka tiningnan kung gising ba siya. I smirked even more when I saw that his eyes are still closed. The only difference is... there's a ghost smile on his lips. Umiling ako at tsaka bahagyang tumawa.

Hinayaan ko nalang na magkahawak ang kamay namin sa isa't isa. Nagpatuloy ako sa pagpapractice.

The members of the foundation fetched us at the airport. Pagkalapag na pagkalapag palang namin ay ipinaalam na nila sa akin ang magiging schedule ko para sa buong linggo. Basically, I will be occupied for the whole week.

I was worried about Benjamin, though. He might get bored. Nagpumulit pa kasi siyang sumama sa akin, e. 'Yan tuloy at wala siyang gagawin buong linggo.

"My baby is occupied for the whole week huh?" he whispered in my ear. Naupo siya sa tabi ko sa loob ng van.

"Will you be fine on your own?" I asked.

He smiled a little at me. "Of course. I'll work that's why I'll also be a little occupied."

Tumango ako. That's nice to hear... at least he won't get bored.

After they dropped us off to our hotel, Benjamin immediately received a call regarding his work. He kept himself busy while I arrange our things to its designated places. Tumawag na rin naman siya sa lobby upang magpahatid ng pagkain sa aming dalawa.

One night when I came home late from the meeting with the foundation, I found Benjamin already waiting for me at the bed. The ghost smile on his lips made me blush. Binaba ko ang bag na dala sa sofa at tsaka nagtungo sakanya.

He moved a little to give space for me. Umupo ako sa tabi niya at agad na ipinulupot ang braso sa kanyang tiyan. I felt him smile because of that.

"I'm so tired..." I mumbled.

I felt him brush my hair gently. Pumikit ako at mas ibinaon ang mukha sa kanyang tiyan.

"What do you want?" he asked. Hindi ako sumagot. "Hmm?"

"I don't know..."

"Have you eaten already?" tumango ako bilang sagot. He continued on brushing my hair. "What did you do today to make you feel this tired?"

Inayos ko ang pwesto ko upang makapagkwento nang mas maayos sakanya. I removed my shoes so it won't mess up the bed. Umusog naman si Benjamin upang mas bigyan ako ng pwesto.

"Well," I said as I start my story for the day. "We went to a lot of places today. Nagpunta kami doon sa paggaganapan ng conference."

Tiningnan niya ako na para bang hinihintay niya akong ipagpatuloy ko ang kwento ko. Ayoko sanang habaan dahil iniisip ko na baka mabored lang siya. But it seems that he's willing to listen that's why I continued.

"And the place was big! Meaning, there will be a lot of people at the conference. And all of them will be listening to me." I bit my lip nervously. "What if I stutter?"

"You won't." he said reassuringly.

"What if I start shaking? Paano kung mamental block ako? Paano kung-"

"You won't. Okay? I'll be there to motivate you so you won't get nervous." Nilingon ko siya at nginisian.

E, baka nga siya pa maging rason para mas kabahan ako lalo.

Nagpatuloy ako sa pagkukwento hanggang sa hindi ko na namalayan pa na nakatulog na pala ako. It was such a tiring day and sleeping beside Benjamin was all I needed to take all those tiredness away.

I woke up the next morning to see him already gone in bed. Inangat ko ang sarili at inilibot ang tingin sa paligid.

Tiningnan ko ang oras at nakitang alas syete palang ng umaga. He's up early! Surprising!

"Housekeeping!" Someone shouted.

I was surprised at first. Kakagising ko palang, may housekeeping na agad? Ang aga naman ata? And I look like a mess! Nakakahiyang humarap sa ibang tao na ganito ang itsura!

Babangon na sana ako ng tuluyan nang makita ko si Benjamin na pumasok nang may hawak na tray. He smiled at me at tsaka dahan-dahang dinala ang tray patungo sa akin. I scoff.

A breakfast in bed, really? Ilang beses niya pa ba ako bibiglain sa lahat ng mga ginagawa niya?

I smiled at him. Lumapit siya sa akin at tsaka ipinatong bed table sa harap ko.

"A surprise... for my beautiful wife." he said. He kissed the top of my head at tsaka naupo na sa tabi ko. "Good morning."

"I thought it's really the housekeeper."

Natawa siya sa sinabi ko. Umayos siya ng pagkakaupo hanggang sa isinandal na rin niya ang sarili sa kama. He moved closer to me, making sure that there's no distance between us.

Pinasadahan ko ng tingin ang nakalagay sa bed table. There are different fruits served in the tray. There's pancakes, eggs, and bacon. And there's even a coffee!

Napangiti ako at tsaka siya nilingon.

"Looks delicious! But don't do this all the time." I said. His forehead creased.

"Why?"

"I'll get spoiled! Or worse... get used to it."

Benjamin chuckled because of that. He grab a piece of grape and he inserted it in my mouth.

"I want you to get used to it," he kissed me on the cheek. "I'm spoiling my baby from now on."

Sinamaan ko siya ng tingin at pabirong inirapan.

"And also," he continued. "This is to compensate the time we lost. I should've done this a long time ago."

Tinaasan ko siya ng kilay at sa huli sinangayunan na rin ang sinabi niya.

"But it's hard to get used to, you know?"

"What?"

"You, caring about me so much."

Tinitigan niya ako at walang sinabi. He shrugged his shoulders at tsaka ipinatong ang pisngi sa balikat ko.

"Well, you have to learn how to get use to it. I'm not going to stop doing this."

I scoff. I grab the fork and knife. Sinubukan kong hiwain ang pancake. I know he probably ordered this but the thought that he even asked for a bed table is astonishing. He even made an effort to set up this table up for me!

How thoughtful, my Benjamin.

"Happy wife, happy life." He added. Humalakhak ako nang dahil sa sinabi niyang iyon.

"Oh, please. Don't use that quote on me."

Natawa na rin si Benjamin nang dahil doon. We started eating the breakfast that he served us peacefully. I sliced the bacon and grabbed it using the fork. After that, I inserted it on Benjamin's mouth.

He's not really a big fan of oily foods. But because I asked him to eat it, he did. For me.

"Where are you heading today?" he asked.

Tinapos ko ang pag-nguya ng pagkain bago kinuha ang cellphone sa gilid ng kama.

"Hmm... we're going to the venue again. Probably to try and test what will happen tomorrow."

Benjamin nods his head. I still feel anxious about the conference tomorrow. Hindi ko alam kung magagawa ko ba ng maayos ang lahat ng prinactice ko o hindi. Since it's my first time doing this kind of thing, I can't help but overthink.

"So, we'll still be apart today." Aniya.

I shrugged my shoulders like I can't do anything about it.

"Yeah, obviously." I said. "But maybe... lunch? Are you busy?"

"A little. But I can surely make time for it."

I smiled at him. Hinawakan ko ang pisngi niya at pabiro itong kinurot.

"Oh, how sweet of you."

Benjamin scoffs and shrugged his shoulders. "Happy wife, happy life."

I glared at him jokingly because of using that quote again. We continued eating after that.

Nang matapos ay hinayaan ko nang si Benjamin ang magligpit at mag-ayos ng pinagkainan namin. Well, he requested that. Hindi na ako nagpumilit dahil kailangan ko na ring maghanda para sa pag-alis ko mamaya.

Our call time is at nine o'clock. But I like to get up early, so I can prepare myself longer.

Habang nag-aayos naman sa harap ng salamin ay bigla akong niyakap ni Benjamin patalikod. I jumped a little in surprise. I chuckled a little when he tightened the hug.

"As much as I want to stop you from going out again, I can't. I know you're here for a reason and I just want to tell you that I'm happy that you're doing what you love. I'm so proud of you."

I smiled because of that. Tiningnan ko ang sarili namin sa salamin. I took time to appreciate what I see in front of the mirror. Nakabaon ang mukha ni Benjamin sa leeg ko, na para bang ayaw na akong pakawalan.

"Thank you for letting me do whatever I want," I turn to him. He looks at me with so much passion and adoration. "I'm so lucky to have you."

Benjamin can't help but smile. Hindi na rin niya napigilan ang sarili na patakan ako ng isang malambing na halik sa labi. May kung ano siyang kinuha sa kanyang bulsa at mamaya maya pa ay nakita ko ang isang pearl necklace.

My mouth parted. Hindi na ako nagkaroon pa ng oras na tanungin siya kung anong meron at bakit niya ako binibigyan ng ganito dahil pinaharap niya akong muli sa salamin para makita ko ang itsura nito habang isinusuot ito ni Benjamin sa akin.

When he finished, he lowered his head to whisper something in my ear.

"A pearl grows into an object of beauty and simplicity. Just like you, Kelsey, you are such a beautiful and simple woman. You have something beautiful inside of you. You're one in a million and I'm even luckier to have you."

Napangiti ulit ako nang dahil doon. If we only knew that we already loved each other before our wedding day, I couldn't imagine what I'll feel if he said his vows to me with all his heart. Siguro iiyak nalang ako kasi hindi ko ata kakayanin ang nararamdaman kung ganoon.

Benjamin grabbed my coat and he helped me wear it. Tinawagan naman ako ng isa sa mga organizers ng conference at sinabi ko sakanya na pababa na ako.

Hinatid ako ni Benjamin hanggang lobby. Nang makita ko kung nasaan nakapwesto ang mga makakasama ko ay hinarap ko siyang muli.

"Text me when you're done." He reminded me. I nod my head.

"Okay," I smiled a little. "I'll see you again later."

Binitawan ko ang kamay niya. I tiptoed a little so I can press a kiss on his lips. When I broke our kiss, Benjamin licked his lips, as if he was tasting my lips again for the second time. Tumawa ako ng bahagya.

"Bye." I said sweetly.

Kumaway naman si Benjamin sa akin habang hinayaan akong magtungo na sa mga kasama ko. He didn't leave the lobby until our van goes on its way.

We did the usual when we reached the venue. Inorient rin kami ng organizers sa mangyayari bukas. As planned, I had lunch with Benjamin. Pagkatapos noon ay hinatid niya ako pabalik sa venue. Nanatili naman siya ng sandali doon para panoorin ang ginagawa ko.

Nang dumating ang araw para sa conference ay doon na ako ulit nakaramdam ng sobrang kaba. Benjamin must've noticed my anxious state inside the car that's why he held my hand.

"Don't get so nervous. You're going to be fine."

Nagpakawala ako ng malalim na hininga. Sana nga...

Agad akong nanlula nang makita ko kung gaano karaming tao ang nasa venue nang pumasok kami. Muntikan pa akong bumalik palabas, umaasang makakapag-back out pa, pero pinigilan ako ni Benjamin. He chuckled when he saw how scared I was.

"I told you, you're going to be fine. You're great, Kelsey. Always remember that."

Hinawakan niya ang kamay ko at iginiya ako patungo sa harap. We were greeted by some members of the foundation. Benjamin greeted them confidently.

Pinasadahan ko ng tingin ang buong paligid. Kung hindi mga bata ang nandito, mga prominenteng tao naman. Ang hirap mapahiya sa harap nila! I need to calm myself down!

Nang lumapit sa akin ang isa sa mga organizers ay doon na ako nakaramdam ng labis na kaba. She's asking me to go backstage now!

"Oh, shit." I whispered under my breath. Tumango ako sakanya at nginitian siya. "Okay, I'll be there."

Agad akong nagpaalam kay Benjamin. He motivated me for the last time before I head backstage. Halos ang mga makakasama ko sa talk ay hindi ko nakikitaan ng kung ano mang kaba. Ako lang ata ang kinakabahan sakanila!

I sat on one of the chairs. Tiningnan ko ang hawak na flashcards. Nag-dasal ako na sana maging maayos ang lahat mamaya.

When it's already my turn, I took a deep breath. You're going to be fine, Kels. Your parents are probably guiding you from above. They must've been so proud of you.

I nod my head. I'm doing this for my parents. I'm doing this for the children. And I'm doing this for him.

Nang lumabas ako mula sa backstage ay agad na nagsipalakpakan ang mga tao. I tried my best to smile despite how anxious I feel.

Inayos ko ang mga gagamitin ko para sa talk na ito. Benjamin helped me finalize and practice last night. He was really a great help, though. Halatang bisaha na siya sa mga ganito. He must been invited to conferences a lot of times.

I just hope that this talk will turn out so well. I exerted so much effort on this one! And I practiced so damn hard! Halos mabaliw na ako kakaisip dito!

Sana talaga... maging maayos 'to.

I turned to face the crowd again. The venue is almost packed! I already expected a lot of people but not this many! Halos lahat sila ay naghihintay nang magsimula ako. Muntikan tuloy akong kabahan ulit. I pressed my lips into a thin line and I breathed hard.

You can do this, Kelsey. Everything will turn out fine.

Bago naman ako tuluyang magsimula ay hinanap ko ang mga mata ni Benjamin. Hindi naman naging mahirap ang paghahanap ko sakanya. He's sitting with one of the founders of the foundation. He's already smiling at me like a proud husband.

He raised his right hand to wave at me. He's smiling so wide like a typical stage husband. I can't help but return the smile.

Now I know how it feels to have a supportive husband. It's amazing!

Tiningnan ko ang flashcards na hawak. Fuck it! I don't need this. Benjamin told me to speak what's in my heart. I'm going to do that.

I smiled at the crowd confidently. Until I started my talk.

"Let me start by taking you out on a journey. Imagine, in the middle of going to your destination, you faced the biggest obstacle in your life. There are no smooth roads! But rather, you are welcomed with a road that any car lovers would never want to go to. Especially when you have a sports car!" the audience laughed at that.

"Imagine spending a big amount of money for that car and you will pass through that road? Who would do that? But let us also remember that this road can also represent our life. No matter how rich you are, no matter how poor, you are always faced with obstacles. It's part of life!

"Life isn't always smooth and beautiful. Life is actually like roller coaster ride. There will always be hardships, problems, obstacles and so on. It's a never ending process. But it is only up to us how we're going to handle it. Because at the end of the day, we only have ourselves. Who's going to be there for you when no one else is? You."

Nilingon ko si Benjamin. Nakita kong nakangiti parin siya ngayon. It's obvious that he's listening to whatever I say. He looks really proud. Napangiti rin ako nang dahil doon.

"Before I even became an Architect, I also faced a lot of hardships. I experienced failures, rejections, everything! I also experience all the hardships that students nowadays experience. But that didn't stop me from achieving my dreams. I continued no matter how hard life is when I was still a student. I didn't let all those failures and rejections get through me because I know, I am stronger than that.

"I know my worth and I know that I'm doing my best as a student. Even if I already became an Architect, I still face a lot of problems... Problems will always be there. But we have to be strong through it all. These problems are only a test that God gives us to probably challenge us on how far we can go.

"When we're riding a roller coaster ride we have to be brave and fearless, right? That's also what we have to do when we're faced with the biggest obstacle in our life," I breathed hard before I continued. "I lost both of my parents this year because of a car accident. It was really a hard time for me. I got depressed; I didn't eat properly for weeks. I distanced myself from people. I even distanced myself from my husband."

"It was tough and devastating. I thought I'll never learn how to live with life again. I thought I'll forever be broken and lost. I thought I'll never find light again. But I was wrong. That time, God made me realize how strong I was. He even sent someone to be there for me through it all. He's really amazing, isn't He?"

I smiled a little at the audience. It's surprising that I didn't break down in tears as I talk about my parents death! This is something to be proud of to be honest.

"I realized that having someone really helps. Having someone to talk to helps. So if ever you know someone that needs help, please be there for them. Making them feel that they're not alone is already a big help."

I continued my talk confidently. Thank God no one sleep on me. Everyone was listening carefully and seems so hooked to everything I'm saying. That's probably enough to take all these anxiety away.

"Life may be hard sometimes but we still have to go through it. We may stumble and fall, but we have to get back up. We are given one chance, one great chance to live our life. So, don't waste it. You are stronger than your problems. You are fearless than your problems..." I smiled and sigh. "You are worth it. Life is worth it... Thank you so much."

Everyone immediately clapped their hands when I finished my talk. Some even gave me a standing ovation which made me feel so overwhelmed.

I went down the stage at tsaka nagtungo papunta sa pwesto ni Benjamin. He immediately stood up to welcome me. I rushed to him and when I finally reached him, I pressed my lips into him. Wala na akong pakialam pa sa mga taong pinapanood kami ngayon.

All I care about is the gratitude that I feel towards him. Benjamin looks surprised with my sudden action, but in the end he smirked at me.

"Thank you." I whispered. His forehead creased a little.

"For what?" he asks.

"For just simply being here."

He smiled slowly after that. He pulled me closer to him at tsaka ako niyakap ng mahigpit. He kissed me on my temple.

I smiled and closed my eyes. I tried to feel his warmth against my skin. I feel at peace whenever I'm inside his arms. If I only knew that this is the only way to get those demons out of my head, sana pala ay matagal ko na 'tong ginawa.

Benjamin is enough for me. I don't need anyone else. I just need him.

We had dinner with some of the founders and board members of the foundation. They can't stop on telling me how grateful they are because I accepted their invitation.

Ako nga ang dapat magpasalamat sakanila. Because of this, I was able to share my thoughts. I was able to tell everyone everything I've been through. Life isn't always glits and glamour.

"You must be so lucky," Mr. Smith, one of the founders, turned to Benjamin. "Your wife is pretty, smart and successful."

Umayos ng pagkakaupo si Benjamin at tsaka nagagalak na nginitian si Mr. Smith. Ngumiti rin ako sakanya. Later on, Benjamin turned to me. He grabs my hand all of a sudden to kiss it.

"I am really lucky." He said without tearing his eyes away from me. I smiled at him.

Nagpaalam lang ang iba naming kasama nang makaramdam na sila ng pagod. Ang iba ay kinailangan nang bumalik sa hotel room nila dahil mayroon pa silang aasikasuhin. Naiwan nalang kaming dalawa ni Benjamin.

I raised my wine glass at Benjamin. He bit his lip and smiled. Pinagtama namin ang aming mga wine glass.

"You did really well today. Congratulations!"

I chuckled. "I wouldn't do well today if it wasn't for you. Thank you for motivating me."

"Of course," he smiled at me teasingly. "Happy wife, happy life."

Pabiro akong umirap sakanya. Parehas kaming tumawa.

"Oh, please!" reklamo ko.

Buong akala ko, pagkatapos ng conference ay uuwi na kami kinabukasan. Benjamin requested to extend for one more day dahil may pupuntahan daw kami. He asked me to get ready early in the morning. Sinunod ko nalang dahil wala akong ideya sa plano niya.

Sinundo kami ng isang limousine sa tapat ng hotel. I find that weird though. May event na naman ba kaming pupuntahan?

"What's happening? Anong meron, Benjamin?" tanong ko.

Instead of answering my question, he only pushed me a little as if he's already asking me to enter the car.

Kinunotan ko siya ng noo nang makapasok na rin siya ng sasakyan.

"Seriously, Benjamin? What's happening?"

He only smirked at me. "It's a surprise. Just be still."

Hindi parin nawawala ang pagkakakunot ng noo ko nang dahil doon. I really have no idea what's happening.

Benjamin served me a glass of wine on our way to wherever we're going today. Tinanggap ko naman iyon kahit ba gulong gulo parin ako sa nangyayari.

"We're nearing, Sir." The driver told Benjamin.

Agad namang napaayos sa kanyang pagkakaupo si Benjamin. May kung ano siyang kinuha sa kanyang bulsa at tsaka ipiniring iyon sa akin. Bago niya naman magawa iyon ay pinigilan ko siya.

"Hey, wait. What are you doing?"

He chuckled because of my reaction. "Just trust me, okay?"

Nagdalawang isip pa ako nung una pero inisip ko na wala naman sigurong masamang gagawin 'tong si Benjamin sa akin.

Iginiya niya ako palabas ng sasakyan. Hanggang sa pagpasok sa kung nasaan man kami ngayon, hindi niya parin inaalis ang pagkakapiring sa akin.

"Seriously, Benjamin? Where are you taking me?" hindi ko mapakaling tinanong.

"Just wait and relax, Kels. Malapit na."
I can definitely hear humor in his voice. And wow! He's enjoying this habang ako walang kaide-ideya kung anong nangyayari.

"If you're only going to scare the hell out of me then-"

"What makes you think that I'll do that?" he asked and chuckled lightly.

"You're a prankster! It is only right for me to think that!"

Sa halip na sumagot pa sa sinabi ko ay inalis nalang niya bigla ang nakapiring sa mga mata ko.

"We're here, Kelsey. You can open your eyes now."

Unti-unti ko namang iminulat ang mga mata ko. The room is filled with strong lights and I took time to adjust my eyes to it.

Unang tumambad sa akin ang mukha ni Benjamin na nakangisi. Tinaasan niya ako ng kilay. My forehead creased. Seriously? Ano ba kasing meron?

Niliitan ko siya ng mata na para bang nanghihinala. Mamaya may manggulat nalang sa akin dito, e.

"Look around." He commanded.

Wala akong nagawa kung hindi ang sundin ang sinabi niya at inilibot na nga ang mga mata ko sa buong paligid. My mouth immediately parted in awe when I realized where we are.

I can't believe I'm inside the Bill Reid Gallery of Northwest Coast Art. I've been dying to visit this! Hindi ko maiwasang mapangiti nang makita ko ang mga nakaexhibit ngayon dito.

"This is so beautiful..." I whispered while I keep on roaming my eyes around the whole place.

"It is." Ani Benjamin. Napalingon naman ako sakanya at nakitang nakatingin na siya sa akin. "Happy Birthday, my love."

My mouth parted. Medyo nagulat ako doon. It's my birthday?! Shit. What day is it?

Hindi ko na napansin pa na nalalapit na pala ang birthday ko dahil sa sobrang abala. Buti nalang at ipinaalala ni Benjamin kung hindi makakalimutan ko nang tumanda na pala ako ng isang taon!

I pressed my lips into a thin line at tsaka napaiwas ng tingin.

"I didn't know it was my birthday," I whispered.

"You were too busy to notice it. But luckily, I remembered it." Tiningnan ko siyang muli. He winked at me and I playfully rolled my eyes at him.

"So..." I started.

Agad naman napakunot ang noo ko nang marealize ko na kami lang ang tao dito. It's weird. Museums are supposed to be full of people.

"Bakit walang tao?" tanong ko.

Ngumisi si Benjamin. He inserted both of his hands inside his pocket. He shrugged his shoulders boyishly.

"I rented the whole place."

My jaw dropped and my eyes immediately widened. Is he insane?

"You what?!"

"Rented the whole place." He said like it was no big deal.

"How did you- Oh my god! How much did you pay?!"

"Don't worry about it. It's not a big deal." He moves closer to me to probably stop me from freaking out.

"Wasn't a big deal?! This must've cost you so much money! Benjamin, you shouldn't have done this. We can still go here even if there are a lot of people."

"But you won't be able to admire the place if there are people around. Ayaw mo ba nito? You can admire everything without people blocking your view?"

"Hindi naman sa ganon. But the money-"

"Don't worry about it," he said slowly. He sounds like he's reassuring me. "I wasn't even bothered by the money I spent for this. I was only bothered if my wife, would like this or not."

Napalunok ako. He sounds really serious. My heart started to pound like crazy. Ngumiti siya sa akin.

"So, what now? Are you going to roam me around and explain these things to me? Or we'll just go back to our hotel and pack?"

I glared at him. He sounds like he's teasing me this time. Inirapan ko siya.

"I have to pay you back for this." I said like my decision is already final.

"You don't have to. Seeing you happy is already an enough payback for me."
I stare into his eyes when he said that. I see so much sincerity and adoration. I can't help but smile.

"You keep on surprising me huh? Are you trying to make me fall more in love with you?" tinaasan niya ako ng kilay. Mapangasar siyang ngumisi sa akin. "Or... you're just really spoiling me?"

Tumawa siya at tsaka mas idiniin ang katawan sa akin. He rests his hand on the small of my back.

"All of it." he whispered on my ear. Tumawa ako at kinagat ang pang-ibabang labi.

"Come on and let me roam my husband around." I said teasingly. Benjamin chuckled again.

I grabbed his hand and I started roaming him around just like he requested a while ago.