[You only have 6 weeks left, how are you feeling?] Laura softly asked from the other line, I can sense the worry in her voice. 

I let out a sigh as I caress my fully grown stomach, "Scared, of course, I'm really scared." I said and I heard Laura hum from the other line.

[Are you stressed? About everything that happened? Are you thinking about stressful things?] she asked, worried.

I slowly shake my head, rocking the chair that lolo gave me. "Just a little, but not much anymore."

Who wouldn't be stressed? Just last month, things went downhill on our friend group. Gwen got kidnapped for two weeks, I'm glad that her father found her but I think 2 weeks is too much. Things wouldn't take that long if tito Julio just involve the media and seek for other's help.

But he didn't, he chose to keep his name clean and don't want any issue that may cause him to loose on the upcoming election.

[Things are getting better naman na. We have contact with Ali na ulit! Gwen also recovered that quick! Things are going back to normal na. You don't have to worry about them anymore.] she excitedly said which made me giggle and nod.

"I know, I saw Ali messaging sa group chat na. I was even so happy when her and Gwen had a short conversation, it was so random but that it's so them." I said and Laura giggle,

[True, a conversation about napkin is so weird and random but it is so Ali and Gwen like.] she said, but of all falling into more giggles.

Starting the misunderstanding and miscommunication we had, Laura is the one who's always checking up on us. Most of the times I feel like a burden to her cause I know that she's busy at her work because I would always hear her name at the news. But she always make me feel loved, important and not a bother at all.

She have also checked on me and my baby, she checks on me if I already ate or took my vitamins. She was at Canada once, but we failed to see each other, but she sure didn't forget about me cause a mailman came up at our yard with two humongous boxes full of baby clothes, toys and bottles. Laura went crazy with the baby shopping, or it's her assistant who probably bought all those.

At night, I usually can no longer help myself but to eat a snack. And it is weird but I always have cereals and yogurts as snacks by the midnight and it is so good. I also enjoy watching the night sky through the kitchen window.

"Wala na," I pouted when the box of my favorite cereal is already empty.

"Guess it's rice crispies for tonight." I said, reaching for the box of cereals on the top cabinet.

I didn't had any problem reaching for it and happily pour some inside my bowl when suddenly my phone rang. A chuckle escaped my lips before picking it up, without looking who the caller is.

"Hey Laura, it's your 3rd call today, madaling araw na diyan." I said, pressing my phone between my ear and shoulder as I pour milk in my bowl.

[Ahm... it's Ali actually.] I froze when I heard her voice.

A shaky breath escaped my lips before I put the bottle of yogurt down and held my phone with my right hand.

"Hey... hi Ali, how are you?" I softly ask, suddenly feeling all emotional.

[I think I should be the one asking you that. How are you? And the little girl?] she softly asked and it immediately brought smile to my lips.

"We're fine, we're doing good, Ali. You? Kumusta ka?" I said, biting my finger nails. I slowly walk towards the dining chair waiting for her response.

[I'm doing fine, Lory, you do not have to worry about me. You should focus on yourself and your baby.] she said and I nod,

"I am, don't worry, I'm doing my best." I said and I heard her hum.

[That's great, and... I also want to say sorry-]

"Ali, I know you don't mean it." I cut her off, few drops of tears started streaming down my cheeks that I immediately wiped away.

[Kahit na, starting that night, I've been so guilty and feeling bad, but I can't bring myself to contact you because I know you're mad at me.] she said and I shake my head, my throat starting to feel dry.

"No, Ali no... hindi ako galit sa 'yo. If you think na nagalit ako sa 'yo dahil sa sinabi mo, you're wrong. I could never get mad at you." I softly said, comforting her.

Para akong kinurot sa puso nang marinig ang mahihina niyang pag-iyak sa kabilang linya.

[I doubted you, Lory, lahat ng sinasabi ko sa 'yo noon, lahat ng bagay na kinakatakutan mo na mangyari, sinabi ko lahat sa 'yo kahit alam ko na masasaktan ka. I'm really sorry, I'm so sorry.] Nang mas lumakas ang pag-iyak niya sa kabilang linya ay hindi na tumigil s apag-agos ang aking mga luha.

"Ali... ssshh~, hindi ako galit, please, stop crying na. You were going through things Ali, you lost your parents, both of them. Naiintindihan kita na may pinag-dadaanan ka that's why you said all of those." I wipe the tears on my cheeks as I gasp for air.

[Pero I should have controlled my emotions, it's so wrong, Lory. I know you went through things after that.] she said and I slowly nod.

"I did, but you were going through a lot than me. Ali... I'm your bestfriend, I know you. I understand you like no one else. Hindi ako galit, so please let go of the heavy feeling inside you and stop feeling guilty. I forgive you, sweetheart." I softly said, hoping that it would lessen the heavy feeling in her.

Even though I already said that I forgive her and I had no heavy feelings towards her, she just kept on saying sorry for the next 20 minutes until she finally stopped crying and I was finally able to eat my soggy rice crispy.

[So... ahm... when's your due?] she asked and I look down on my big stomach, giving it soft rubs.

[June 1, magkaka-birth month kayo nila Laura.] I said that made the both of us giggle.

[Any names? Ideas?] she asked and I slowly shake my head.

"The only thing in my head now is that I want her initials to be the same as mine and Inin's." I replied and she hummed.

[Well... what's his name nga?] she asked,

"Rustin Landin, R and L." I replied and she hummed, I heard some keyboard clicking noises from the other line and I suppose she's looking through the internet.

[Just a sec, I'll look through the web.] she said and I nod while enjoying my snack.

A minute already pass and she's still typing on her computer when an idea suddenly popped in my mind.

"I want the name Liam." I said out of nowhere.

I put the spoon in the bowl and tilt my head while looking at the window.

[Liam? Pwede naman... don't you think it's a bit... boy-ish name?] she asked and I pouted.

"Ali, walang tite 'yong pangalan, kaya paano mo nasabi na panlalaki?" Pagsusungit ko at napahagalpak siya ng tawa.

[Sabagay, okay so it's Liam and... what initial do you want next?] she asked and I look up at the ceiling.

"A na siguro, Liam is from his Landin." I said and she hummed.

[May Louise ka rin, ha.] she said and I shrugged, "Basta, sa Landin 'yon galing." I said before taking a spoonful of my food and I even heard her giggle.

[Ay, Amari! Hoy! Pang-mayaman!! ] she exclaimed from the other line, I put my spoon down and wipe the side of my lips to think about the name.

"And the nickname is baby Lia!!" We both let out a squeal after I said that like we're bunch of teenage girls.

[Tama! Liam Amari... Valdez?] she unsurely said and I bit my lower lip.

"Yes, that would be her surname for now." I said and she hummed.

We continue talking for few more minutes until she realized the time and suggested me to sleep already, since I already finished my snack, I bid goodbye to her and went to bed.

Having Ali calling me almost every day just like Laura is really funny to me. Minsan nga ay nagkakasabay pa sila tumawag. Kapag hindi ako sumasagot sa phone call ni Laura dahil kausap ko si Ali ay sa Messenger naman ito tatawag, minsan naman ay baliktad. May kakulitan din silang dalawa.

Naglalaban sa pagiging best tita ng anak ko. Maski si Ali ay nagpadala na rin ng mga gift para kay Lia lalo na at papalapit na nang papalapit ang panganganak ko.

Halos araw-araw ko rin na tinitingnan kung kumpleto ba ang baby bag ko na dadalhin nalang sa oras na manganganak ako para hindi na hassle.

Ang crib na binili ko noon ay naka-assemble na rin at araw-araw ko nililinis, ang mga baby clothes na ipinadala ni Laura at Ali ay laba na rin at araw-araw ko rin sinisigurado na malinis. Nag-iipon na rin ako ng gatas, diapers at baby essentials, si Lola ay bumili na rin ng baby bath tub ni Lia, ang buong kwarto ko ay puno na ng gamit ng anak ko.

Three weeks before my due date, a huge box arrived from the mail. Hindi na ako nagulat sa dami ng laman nito nang malaman na galing ito kay dad. Isa pa ito na isang beses sa isang linggo kung tumawag at mangamusta. Gustuhin man daw niya na bumisita pero busy siya sa trabaho.

"Dad, ang dami naman nito, lalo na 'yong mga gatas." I said while looking through 18 boxes of baby milk and 24 packs of baby diapers with 48 pieces inside each pack.

[You will need all of that, Lory. Trust me, magastos ang isang baby, gatas, poo, tulog at iyak lang ang gagawin niya.] Dad said and it made me giggle, nahirapan ako na maglakad papunta ng kama ko dahil nakakalat ang mga bagay-bagay sa sahig.

"I know dad, you honestly don't have to do all this. I'll look for a work after I give birth, I'll be an independent mother, dad." I said before slowly sitting down on the bed.

[Kahit na, Lory, it's my grandkid, your mom already cut all your cards, pa-sikreto ko na nga lang ipinabili ang lahat ng 'yan.] he said and a faint smile appeared on my lips.

"She's still mad, isn't she?" I asked, playing with the hem of my dress.

[I honestly... don't think so. She was at your room the other day, I don't know what she did inside but I hope she's missing you.] he said and I let out a puff of air.

"Yeah... I hope she have already realized things." I said and dad hummed.

[Anyways... I should go na, I also have a surprise for you in a week.] he said and my brows furrowed.

"Dad, baka papunta mo si Inin dito." I said with a warning tone.

Dad chuckled, [Siya pa rin talaga ang laman ng isip mo, naku, kamukha ng apo ko ang tatay niya. Pero mali, hindi siya, makikita mo nalang.] he said and I giggled before bidding goodbye and ending the call.

More weeks passed, lolo and lola couldn't stop worrying about me. Even my friends are, sa bawat linggo na lumilipas ay pakiramdam ko ay isa sa kanila ang magpapakita sa labas ng pinto namin. Kinakabahan ako na baka sama-sama silang dumating dito lalo na si Laura, mahirap na sobrang yaman nito ay magagawa niyang lumipad dito sakay ng isang private jet.

Ibinili rin ako ni lolo ng isa pa na cabinet na lagayan ng mga damit ng anak ko, ang dating kwarto ko ay sobrang luwag na halos kumalog ako sa loob ay puno na ngayon ng mga storage box at cabinet. Araw-araw ko na tinititigan ang mga damit ng anak ko. Nagpa-practice na rin ako na mag-lagay ng diaper at at kumarga ng bata. Hindi ko alam kung paano ko ipapaliwanag ang sobrang pagkasabik ko na makita na ang anak ko, kamukha nga kaya ito ni Inin? Sana manlang ay may mamana siya sa akin.

"Tobi okay nga lang ako, you don't have to fly here, last month ka lang nagsimula ng trabaho, mag le-leave ka agad?!" I scolded Tobi, two weeks away from my due, even our neighbors is worried and excited, lahat ng tao na nakapaligid sa amin ng anak ko ay atat na sa panganganak ko.

[One dot Lory, lilipad ako diyan.] he said and it made me roll my eyes, "No, baka makahalata sila Inin. Naging friends pa man din kayong lima! Akala mo, ha! Pinagpalit mo na kami! One of the girls ka dati, tapos ngayon bestfriends na kayo nila Sam at Sean! Isama mo pa si Inin at Mauro, wala na, hindi mo na kami mahal!" Pag-iinarte ko at napahagalpak ito ng tawa.

[Siyempre hindi ko naman sasabihin sa tatay ni baby Lia. Gusto ko lang talaga na may makasama ka sa panganganak mo.] he softly said and it honestly feel so genuine and good that it made me smile.

"Tobi, I'll be fine, don't worry." I said and he hummed,

[Andiyan na ba si ano... si-]

"Sino?! May pupunta ba rito?!" I panicked, napatayo ako ng bangko at naglakad papunta ng pinto.

Napahagalpak ng tawa si Tobi sa kabilang linya. [Punyeta ang daldal ko, hindi mo pa pala alam.] he said and my lips parted.

"So may pupunta nga?! Gosh! Sinasabi ko na nga ba!"

Ilang minuto kaming nagkagulo ni Tobi, inaaway ko pa ito dahil ayaw niyang sabihin kung sino ang dadating. Pero sinigurado naman nito na hindi ito si Inin. So sino? Si Jax ba? Shit, si Gwen yata! Malabo naman si Laura... nasa Mexico ang isang 'yon.

"May dumadating..." I mumbled when I saw a taxi arrived outside the house.

[Ayan na siya.] Tobi teased and my lips parted, trying to see who just came out of the taxi.

My jaw dropped when I finally saw the face. "Fucker!!" sigaw ko rito at napahagalpak ng tawa si Tobi sa kabilang linya. Agad ko naman ibinaba ang tawag at naglakad papunta sa taxi.

"Samuel!"

Nagmartsa ako papalapit sa kaniya, nagagawa pa niyang tumawa habang naglalabas ng maleta mula sa trunk ng taxi.

"Anong ginagawa mo rito!? Bakit ka andito, ha!?" Pabiro ko itong hinahampas sa braso habang siya ay patuloy ang paghagikhik.

"Sakit, ha." ani nito bago binayaran ang taxi.

Napa-pameywang ako sa tabi niyang habang hinihintay siya na maayos ang mga dala.

Bumuntong hininga ito bago saka ako nilingon, "So... hindi mo ba ako iimbitahan na pumasok?" Napa-irap ako bago naglakad pabalik ng bahay. Si lola at lolo ay agad binati si Sam, ipinaghanda pa siya ng kape at cookies ni lola.

"Why are you here? Did his father sent you?" Lola asked while we're having snack by the dining table.

Sam place his cup down and nod, "Actually, it's not just tito Thiago who sent me, it's also her friends." he replied and my brows furrowed.

"My friends sent you?" I confusedly ask and Sam slowly nod while taking a bite out of the cookies.

"Tobias did, same goes with Gwen and Ali." he replied and a mischievous smile appeared on my lips.

"So... Ali pala, huh?" I teased and lola gasped.

"Is Ali your girlfriend?" Lola asked, I burst out laughing while Sam's eyes grew wide.

"No lola, she's not po, she's Lory's bestfriend and we just happen to know each other." Sam explained, I gave him a teasing smile and even pinch his legs under the table.

After our little snack, he brought his luggage and things up inside my room. Wala kasing ibang kwarto sa bahay bukod sa kwarto nila lolo at lola at sa kwarto ko. Hindi ko pa rin alam kung saan siya matutulog.

"These are amazing... I don't know why but seeing all these are so satisfying to my eyes." Sam said as he slowly take steps around my room, looking around the toys, the cabinets, the designs. We installed pink wallpapers last month to cover the brown paint to make it look more baby friendly.

"Diba? Halos oras-oras akong pumupunta rito, nakaka-ilang labas at balik na rin ako ng mga gamit ng anak ko." I said before slowly sitting down on my bed, supporting my big belly.

Pinanood ko si Sam na igala ang paningin sa loob, ang mga cabinet ay binuksan na nito, ang mga kahon at maski ang mga sabon, diapers at wipes ni Lia ay tiningnan na rin niya.

Maya-maya lang ay naglakad ito papunta sa gawi ko at naupo sa tabi ko.

"You're gonna be a great mom, the best mom I would know rather." he softly said and it actually made me feel overwhelmed.

"How many weeks you still have?" he asked,

"2 weeks," I shortly replied before caressing my tummy.

He hummed, "May name na raw, diba? Sabi ni Ali." he said and once again, I gave him a teasing smile.

He flicked my leg, "We're friends, Louise. Of course we are messaging each other, talking about you. Kahit si Laura, si Gwen, kilala ko na ang mga kaibigan mo, Louise." he defended that made me chuckle.

"Sayang naman, friends lang pala kayo ni Ali. Akala ko naman naging kayo." I pouted and he rolled his eyes before crossing his arms.

"Paano? Eh may nakabakod." he replied that made me giggle.

Silence took over us for a minute while I'm swimming my feet in the air, "So... how is he?" I asked and he chuckled.

"He passed the board exams, he's working at the Elazars, he's finally an Engineer just like what you wanted him to be." he said and I felt the tears build up in my eyes.

I felt my throat tightened. "I'm glad he finally reached his dreams." I said, wiping the tear that escaped.

He hummed, I felt his hand on my back and caress it. "Uuwi kana ba?" Agad ko itong hinampas sa hita kaya napahagikhik ito.

"He's just starting a new chapter in his life. I want him to enjoy everything, treat himself and tito Ray with his first salary as an Engineer. Buy his dream car, buy expensive shoe, clothes and watch. Buy all the things he wanted to have and he deserve. Gusto ko na unahin muna niya ang sarili niya." I replied and Sam hummed once again.

"It will take years if that's the case." he said and I smiled while wiping the tears on my cheeks.

"I'm willing to wait, I want the best for him." I replied, Sam removed his hand from my back and faced me.

"What if siya ang hindi na makapag-hintay sa 'yo?" he asked and I took a deep breath.

"Is he dating anyone?" I asked and he shrugged.

"Last time I remember is that he was so damn focused on his studies and reviews, and after his graduation and when he passed the board, he focused on his application and when he got the job... that's all where he put his attention and time to." he replied and I slowly nod.

"Sabihin mo agad sa akin kapag may kinikita na siyang iba." I said and he chuckled.

"Bakit? Uuwi kayo ng bata?" he asked with a teasing smile.

I rolled my eyes, "Siraulo."

We spend the rest of the morning fixing his things, hinanapan kasi namin ito ng pagsisingitan sa kwarto. Binigyan na rin siya ni lola ng banig dahil sa kwarto ko ito matutulog, sa sahig nga lang.

At first I thought Sam would end up like me, pabigat, inside the house. But it is so surprising that he would help lola cook, help lolo fix the grass cutter and even clean the loan by himself, the kids in our neighborhood are so confused to see a new guy inside our house, they think he's the father of my baby.

"Why is he not the father?" The little 4 years old boy ask while tilting his head.

A smile crept on my lips before looking at Sam's direction who's playing with the little girls, he was cutting grasses awhile ago but he's now playing with the kids.

I look back at the little boy in front of me, "Because he's not the man I love to have a baby with." I replied, his brows furrowed before looking at Sam then at me.

"But... he said he will be the one with you when you give birth? How can't you love him?" he asked and I giggled before holding him by his hand and carefully pulling him down the picnic mat I set up this morning.

"I love him, as a friend, platonic love. But romantically..." I slowly shake my head and his lips parted.

"Then who do you love?" he whispered like it's some kind of a secret.

I giggled and booped his nose, "The man I love and the father of my baby is an Engineer in the Phillippines, he's uncle Sam's friend actually." I replied, Urick, the little boy grab a piece of cake I baked and took a bite out of it.

"What's his name? What is he like?" he curiously asked,

Just by thinking of his name, it brought butterflied inside me.

"His name is... Engr. Rustin Landin Sadillo, he's a very funny guy, he's good at cooking and he's very smart specially in numbers. He have curly hair and tanned skin, he's so cute and has cute dimples on both side of his lips." I described the love of my life.

Urick hummed while munching on his cookies, "You must love him so much." he said, I bit my lower lip, slowly nodding.

"So much, very very much."

"Lakad ka nang lakad!" Sam shouted in frustration when he see me going down the stairs holding a bowl of mixed nuts.

My brows furrowed, "Why? What's wrong with walking?" I asked while munching on my food and taking the few more steps.

He ruffled his hair in frustration before walking towards me to help me with the stairs.

"You're 3 days away from your due for pete's sake! Kinakabahan na ako sa 'yo." he exclaimed which made me giggle.

Simula naman nang sumapit ang huling isang linggo ng pagbubuntis ko ay lagi nang hagas sa akin si Sam, ganon din si Lola kaya ipinababa na nito ang on-the-go bag ko para anuman daw na oras ay handa na kaming umalis. Si Sam ay nakarenta na rin ng sasakyan para maitatakbo agad ako sa ospital. Si lolo ay araw-araw naglilinis ng bahay, ang mga kantuhan ay binabalutan nito ng foam o bubble wrap. Lahat sila ay nag-aalala sa akin, habang ako... ito, maga lang ang paa.

"Calm down, okay pa ako." I said as Sam help me sit down on the couch.

Simula kahapon ay hindi na umaalis si Sam sa tabi ko. Kung noong mga nakaraang araw ay naglilinis ito sa labas tuwing umaga, ngayon ay hindi na ako nito iniiwan sa kwarto sa umaga at sabay kaming bumababa para kumain.

"Who knows if you go into labor today? Any moment, any day manganganak kana." he said as if he's scolding me which made me giggle.

The next day, around 4pm, I craved ice cream, wala naman ice cream sa freezer kaya inaya ko ang mga bata sa kabit-bahay na pumunta sa malapit na convenient store.

"Are you excited aunt Lory?" Little Trixie asked, I'm holding a kid on both and left hand, Little Trixie on my left and Urick on my right, both of them holding another kid at their side, 4 kids with me in total, we're even swaying our hands.

When we arrived inside the convenient store, we immediately went to the freezer and grab ourselves some ice cream and immediately brought it to the counter.

"Good afternoon, how is the little girl inside?" Greg, who's the owner of the convenient store asked.

I smiled at him and hand him the cash, "She's doing good, no contractions at all. Should I be worried? My due is tomorrow." I said and Greg chuckled.

"I honestly don't know anything about pregnancy, but one thing for sure is that you'll be a great mother." he said with a smile, handing me my change.

"You know... you remind me of someone." he said and my brows furrowed.

He chuckled, "My ex when I was 21, I got her pregnant when she was 20 but I never get to see my baby, it was a girl too." he said and my lips parted.

"Aww, Greg, I wish I could give you a hug but I can't. I'm sure your daughter is doing good." I said and he giggled before nodding.

"I hope she is, she's the same age as you." he said and I gasped.

"Oh my! I hope I can meet her in the future." I said and he chuckled.

We bid goodbye to Greg and walk back to our house. While walking, my phone inside my little bag ring, I immediately pull it out and answer Ali's call.

[Ikaw buntis! Due date mo na bukas pero nagawa mo pa na maglakad papuntang convenience store! Sinasabi ko sa 'yo, kapag ikaw ay inabutan nang panganganak sa daan!] Ali scolded once I answered the call that made me burst out laughing.

"Nag-crave lang ako ng ice cream! Kalma naman!" I said before taking a bite of my ice cream sandwich.

[Ewan ko sa 'yo, naku-naku, kapag ikaw...] she let out a frustrated scoff which made me giggle.

I froze and stopped walking when I felt something wet.

"Someone's ice cream is dripping." Trixie said while looking down on the ground.

My eyes widened when I felt the water dripping, I looked down on my legs, "Ali... manganganak na ako."