Chapter 40: Lifesaver

Kyle Jiro Ford's Point of View

"Sabi ni Alya, may isang article pang visible sa site ng network na 'yon," I calmly informed Alejandro while trying to hold back my anger.

He's busy practicing billiards and I am simply watching him from the long wooden chair with my arms resting sideways, supporting my weight.

I waited for him to respond, yet there was nothing. Apparently, he's not listening to me. He's too serious with the cue sports, looking bothered with his poker face.

"Alejandro," I called him out, yet his mind seems to be in a different place. In a louder but more gentle voice, "Alejandro. Kausap kita." Finally, I got his attention. He gazed in my direction with a puzzled look on his face.

I slowly shook my head with his inattentiveness.

I bet, he feels uneasy with the thought of the annual family dinner later tonight. It is held every six in the evening of December 25; meanwhile, the 24th day is reserved for only immediate families.

Poor Alejandro.

I repeated, "Sabi ni Alya, may isang article pang visible sa site ng network na 'yon."

"Ah," he whispered as he nodded his head.

Binitawan niya ang cue stick at saka sinandal ang kaliwang kamay sa gilid ng table. Ipinameywang naman niya ang kanan niyang kamay.

From a confused look, he showed me his usual big smile looking proud of something. "Malinis na, boss! Puro sina Angeline at ex niya na lang."

His words immediately made me grin with satisfaction.

That's good news, then. That bitch needs to learn her lessons. Worse luck, she met me. She should have been careful in choosing her enemies.

No one can hurt the love of my life. I will protect babi at any cost.

"Anong gagawin mo sa natitira mong stocks d'on?" I curiously asked him that made the corner of his lips rise a bit. It seems like he has a brilliant idea inside his head that brought more curiosity to me.

I tilted my head while waiting for his answer.

"May maganda akong plano..." nakangisi niyang sagot. "Pero secret!"

Nawala ang emosyon sa mukha ko pagkarinig ng sagot niya. No wonder why Karl labeled him as 'walang kwentang kausap'. Tawang-tawa pa nga siya sa sarili niyang sinabi, halos maluha pa.

Lihim na napangiti na lang ako dahil sa nakita. It's way better to see him back to his normal self.

I got up and walked towards the fridge situated in the corner of the room.

In between of his laughs, he tried to scare me, "Masyado ka namang seryoso, boss. Ikaw rin, baka pumangit ka niyan at iwan ka ni Mayumi..."

I automatically froze where I was walking by. My forehead creased and I got totally bothered because of his words.

Pangit? Ako?

Iiwan ni babi? Ako?

I turned around to shoot him daggers through my eyes. Lalo lang siyang natawa kaya tinalikuran ko na lang siya.

Masyado ko na siyang napapasaya. Ang blessed naman niya.

"Kuhaan mo rin ako ah!" he laughingly requested that made me frown. I firmly refused, "Ayaw ko nga. Diktador ka."

Tumigil ako sa tapat ng fridge at saka kumuha ng buko shake. Kahit mapang-asar si Alejandro, kumuha pa rin ako ng para sa kaniya.

Sinara ko na ang fridge at akmang lalakad na sana nang mapatingin ako sa garden sa may kanan ko.

The wind is strongly blowing on my skin— cold and sharp. Pasok na pasok ang hangin sa kwarto dahil hinayaan naming nakabukas ang sliding door.

I didn't do anything about it. Naglakad na ko pabalik sa upuan ko.

I found Alejandro sitting casually on the chair. Nakatungkod pa ang kanan niyang paa sa upuan.

Inabot ko muna ang isang bote ng buko shake sa kaniya bago ako umupo sa tabi niya.

"Salamat, paborito kong pinsan," pang-uuto niya pa sa 'kin, but he succeeded in making me smile.

"Natanggal na ba si Gel?" tanong ko.

Hindi siya agad sumagot. Pagtingin ko, tinutungga na pala niya ang shake niya. He looks like an old drunkard man from that position. Add up the fact that his beard is growing again.

Mahina akong natawa dahil sa hitsura niya. Hindi naman na niya 'yon pinansin.

Nang maubos ang shake, tinabi niya ang hawak sa gilid bago ako lingunin. Seryoso niyang sagot, "Malapit na. Sabi ng mga boss, kakasuhan siya ng entertainment niyo. Tapos na raw silang magpa-consult sa mga abogado, gumagawa na raw ng complaint."

I nodded my head with a small smile on my face— pleased and delighted to hear that.

Binaba niya sa sahig ang kanan niyang paa bago patagilid na humarap sa 'kin. 'Yong kaliwang paa naman niya ang inangat niya sa upuan.

"Aalis nga raw dapat kagabi ng bansa habang Noche Buena," he told me with a smirk on his face. Napakunot-noo naman ako. "Buti na lang at nakatunog si Zero. Nalaman niya mula r'on sa bago niyang ka-fling."

The nerves of Gel to do that. I won't stop crossing the bridge as long as she's not sent behind the bars.

My jaw tightened a bit because of that thought. But I tried to calm down myself and shrug the anger.

"Zero? Si Zione?" pagkukumpirma ko na lang kay Alejandro.

Tumango-tango naman siya bilang sagot. "Oo, 'yong tropa ko. Zione Robbertson Baltazar. 'Yong mahilig magpasarap." His voice lowered when he mentioned the last thing, giving me a hint of what he actually meant.

I intently looked at him.

I am concerned that Alejandro might adapt that behavior for they have been friends for a long time. But knowing him? He's one of a kind.

Pag-iiba ko ng usapan, "'Yong pamilya ng father ni babi?"

I saw him chuckle upon hearing my endearment with babi, yet I didn't pay attention to his reaction. I love calling her that way and they can't do anything about it.

"Nanginig sa takot pagpunta namin ng mga magulang mo sa mansion-mansionan nila," natatawa niyang kwento.

A smile has automatically plastered on my face. "They accompanied you?"

"Oo, boss!" ngiting-ngiti niyang sagot. "Para ngang nagkar'on ng titigan contest doon eh. Pero utal-utal naman sila nang magsalita na si Tita Keahnna!" Lalo siyang natawa sa huling nabanggit.

It's pleasing to know that mommy wants babi safe and away from those people too. Kaya mahal na mahal ko 'yon eh! "I should thank them later for doing everything to protect my happiness..."

Binuksan ko na ang buko shake ko at saka uminom. Natigilan lang ako nang mag-pout sa harap ko si Alejandro.

Naibaba ko sa upuan ang hawak at saka siya kunot-noo na tinignan.

"Sa 'kin? Walang 'thank you'?" pagmamaktol niya. "Dinaig mo pa nga ang Diyos sa dami ng utos mo! Pero sinusunod ko pa rin naman lahat ah? Tapos walang 'thank you'?"

Pabiro niya pa kong pinanlakihan ng mga mata. Natawa na lang ako. "Don't play the victim." Tinaas-baba ko ang mga kilay ko. "I made a bid for the lot you cried for last month."

Natameme siya sa sinabi ko. Mukhang natauhan din sa nirereklamo niya. Napangisi na lang ako.

It was five in the evening when CA, Karl, and Trick arrived at home. They immediately joined Alejandro and me in the living room.

Pare-pareho na kaming nakabihis ng kulay green na damit as part of the family's annual celebration. Pero dahil si Alejandro ang nag-decide, we all are wearing V-neck shirts and black trousers. Sabi niya, 'ang pamilya na pare-pareho ng damit, nagkakasundo'.

I bet, it's not true.

"Kuya!" tuwang-tuwa na tawag ni Trick kay Alejandro. Paborito niya 'yan. Nauuto kasi siya ni Alejandro sa mga kwento niya.

Trick occupied the space between Alejandro and me. Then, Karl and CA are sitting across us.

Kunot-noo akong napatingin sa hawak ni Karl na malaking eco bag, double the size of the normal one. "What's inside?" I curiously asked in a low tone of voice to not trigger his grumpy side.

He handed it over to me without saying anything. His face is in the usual don't-talk-to-me mode.

Marahang kinuha ko na lang ang bitbit niya at saka tinignan ang loob. Sumalubong sa 'kin ang napakaraming gulay. Iba't ibang klase pa nga.

My forehead automatically creased and my lips unknowingly smiled.

"Are we shifting to a vegetarian lifestyle?" tanong ko, pinipigilang huwag matawa. But it seemed like a cue for them to burst into laughter except for Karl who's now glaring at Trick.

"Sinabihan kitang huwag mong ipagkakalat ah!" kunot-noo niyang sigaw, nanlilisik pa ang mga mata.

His voice was too loud that it made mom and dad sneak from the kitchen.

"What's happening?" nag-aalalang tanong ni mommy.

I bit my lower lip to refrain myself from laughing. Tumayo ako at saka pumunta sa tapat ng kusina.

"Vegetable supplies from Karl. Perhaps a surprise Christmas gift for us," I smilingly told her as I handed her the eco bag.

Kumunot ang noo niya at saka sinilip mula sa likod ko si Karl.

"Salamat sa Pamasko, Karl," naguguluhang sambit ni mommy na lalong nagpatawa sa mga pinsan ko.

"Weird," mommy whispered to me that made daddy chuckle.

"Yes," I second the motion, low enough that it was only the three of us who can hear me.

Bumalik na sila sa loob ng kusina para mag-ayos ng mga pagkain kasama ang mga kasambahay. Pasunod-sunod lang si Natasha kay mommy na mamaya, paaakyatin na rin sa kwarto ko dahil sa allergies ni Karl.

I turned around to go back to my seat only to find out that Karl already occupied it. Sakal-sakal na niya sa leeg si Trick gamit 'yong kanan niyang braso. Pareho silang nakaupo pero nakasandal ang likod ni Trick sa dibdib niya.

I got worried about Trick who is getting pale more than his normal skin color. Kahit tumatawa siya habang hinahampas sa braso si Karl, mukhang seryoso talaga sa pagiging galit ang pinsan namin.

"Release your arm," I rebuked. But he's too hard-headed to listen to me. In a more intense tone, "Karl, I said, release your arm."

Doon niya lang tinulak palayo si Trick kaya sumubsob ang huli sa hita ni Alejandro. Ginulo-gulo niya ang buhok ni Trick na panay ang ubo habang hawak ang leeg.

"Ikaw kasi, pinagkalat mo pa sa 'min na nag-patrol sa mga palengke si Karl para maghanap ng mga goma," natatawang pinagsabihan siya ni Alejandro.

I occupied the seat beside them with my curious eyes. "Why didn't he buy online?" tanong ko kay Trick na napatigil bigla.

Natatakot siyang tumingin kay Karl bago umupo nang maayos.

"Mga walang kwenta," the latter muttered. Rage was seen in his eyes. "Pagkatapos niyong ubusin lahat ng lasagna? Sakitan sana kayo ng tiyan!" He then walked out and go directly to the billiards room.

Awtomatikong natawa ang mga pinsan ko pagkaalis niya. Pero nagtataka pa rin ako sa mga nangyayari. Napapangiti na lang ako sa sobrang inis ni Karl; hanggang ngayon, pikunin. Hindi na nasanay sa mga pinsan namin.

I looked at CA to at least get a decent answer. And without saying anything, he laughingly told me, "River was in need of rubber bands earlier today for her small food business— she's selling lasagna, so she was wrapping the container with a rubber band."

"Ah," tumatango-tangong sambit ko at saka natawa.

Napalingon ako kay Alejandro nang humahalakhak niyang sabihin, "To the rescue kaagad si Karl eh. Ikutin ba naman ang mga palengke sa napakaagang oras!"

"He could have bought rubber bands instead..." I commented that made them laugh more.

"Tanga eh," kumento ni Alejandro. "Tanga kay River..."

Napatigil ako bigla sa pagtawa. Para akong natamaan sa sinabi niya. Pero baliw nga lang kay babi. Baliw na baliw.

In less than an hour, everyone is already at the long table in the dining area. It can occupy 16 persons which was purposely designed for this occasion.

Daddy, mommy, me, Alejandro, Trick, CA, and Karl are all on the right side.

While from the other side are Tita Imogen and Tito Conor (Alejandro's parents), Tito Art and Tita Anastasia (CA's parents), Tita Hiraya and Tito Liam (Karl's parents), and Tito Kane and Tita Olyvia (Trick's parents) respectively.

We were silently talking to each other while food is being served at the table, but not until Tita Imogen loudly greeted us a, "Nollaig shona!" She's all smiles with her long red hair tucked behind her ears.

Everyone was a little shocked but not surprised at all. To not embarrass her, we filled the table with, "Merry Christmas!"

As much as we want to refrain from talking in Irish or in English at the table, Tita Imogen kept speaking in her local language which sadly cannot be understood by Tita Hiraya.

I worriedly gazed at the latter. Gladly, Tita Anastasia was talking to her while carefully holding her arm. When she looked back at me, I immediately gave her a sweet smile that she returned to me.

While Tita Imogen is the only Irish mother at the table, Tita Hiraya is the only full Filipino-blooded who apparently came from a family of farmers. Then, the rest of my aunts, including mommy, are half American and half Filipino.

As we are taught while growing up, money is no big deal in the Ford family. And we know that there's nothing wrong with Tita Hiraya's family background. We never made her feel bad about it except for Tita Imogen who hates her to the core.

She calls her gold-digger and witch. Worse, she accuses her of using a love potion on Tito Liam.

"Ay, si Hiraya, magaling din 'yang magluto ng mga almusal!" papuri ni mommy sa kaniya para hindi siya ma-left out sa usapan.

Napangiti naman si tita dahil sa narinig. Her face literally lightened up.

"Paborito ko nga 'yong champorado niyan eh! Gawan mo naman kami next time," pangungumbinse pa ni mommy.

"Sure, mars! Ikaw pa ba?" natatawang pagpayag ni Tita Hiraya.

"Pahingi rin ako!" Tita Anastasia joined the conversation. Though her American accent is dominant, she appeared approachable with her usually lively aura.

"Can I have more than what you will give them?" Tita Olyvia pleaded with her puppy eyes that made us laugh, of course, except for Tita Imogen who rolled her eyes heavenwards.

"Nako, mukhang mauubusan ako ng budget nito, daddy," pagbibiro ni Tita Hiraya sabay tingin sa asawa.

Nagtawanan tuloy ulit ang lahat. But Tita Imogen is a real killjoy. She spoke again in Irish that left Tita Hiraya in dark.

"Ang aga-aga naman ni mamaí," Alejandro sharply whispered beside me. He looked pissed and disappointed towards his mother. Yet, he cannot say a thing about it.

Knowing her mother?

Napailing-iling na lang ako.

Tapos nang ihain ang mga pagkain sa mesa kaya nagkaniya-kaniya na kaming sandok. Sina tito at daddy, sinandukan ang mga asawa nila. Si Trick, sunod-sunuran kina Alejandro at Karl.

Napapangiti na lang ako. He is only comforting them because he knows, this dinner could turn worst for Alejandro and Karl.

Unfortunately, I was right. The only time Tita Imogen spoke in English was when she arrogantly gave the five of us her 'piece-of-advice'. "Boys, stay away from women who don't belong to wealthy families. They will only do nothing but reap the fruits of your hard work."

"Imogen!" saway sa kaniya ni Tito Conor.

Napatingin ako agad kay mommy sa tabi ko. We exchanged knowing glances and through it, we understood what I needed to do.

I cleared my throat to get their attention, "Gabh mo leithscéal." Nang nakatutok na ang mga mata nila sa 'kin, sinubukan ko pa ring ngumiti bilang respeto. "I need to work on something, can we excuse ourselves?" pertaining to my cousins and me.

Tumango naman sila. At bago pa magkainitan, tumayo na kaming magpipinsan para pumunta sa billiards room.

"Nakakainis naman si mamaí! Susubo pa lang ako ng Monte Cristo eh," reklamo ni Alejandro pagkarating namin sa kwarto.

The rest of us took a sit as we synchronously breathed a sigh of relief.

Kinuha ko na lang ang cellphone sa bulsa ko. Kanina ko pa gustong makausap si babi, hindi ko lang magawa dahil sinabihan niya kong pamilya muna.

But she's my family too...

If I can only celebrate this day with her, I'd do it. Aside from that would be better, I also miss her to the core.

The last time we saw each other was two weeks ago before we both became busy.

In the past few weeks, I had to fix some issues to make sure that no one will dare to hurt her and I had to attend several TV appearances, including our network's 2022 Christmas Ball.

Hindi ko naman siya napuntahan kahapon dahil umuwi sila nina tita at Jiro sa Laguna. Sa isang araw pa ang balik nila at huwag ko raw susubukang hanapin siya.

She values family and family time a lot, and I respect her.

My beautiful babi

How was your day? : )

I miss you

I badly want to hug you rn

And tlyk, I'm with my cousins, the dinner was a mess

"Your mom sucks," Karl muttered.

Napaangat ang tingin ko sa kaniya, nasa tabi ko lang siya.

His jaw is tightly clenched and so are his palms. He is shooting daggers at Alejandro who is sitting at the pool table.

"Alam ko," walang emosyong sagot ng isa. "Ang tagal ko ng gustong umalis sa bahay. Bigyan niyo nga ko ng mapapangasawa," seryoso niyang pagbibiro na alam naming gusto niyang totohanin.

Trick walked towards Alejandro to hug him around his waist. Si CA naman, tinapik-tapik sa balikat si Karl.

"Want to sleep overnight here?" The once-in-a-year statement that they can hear from me. Exactly on the same day of every year of the same reason.

"Pwede bang araw-araw?" hirit pa ni Alejandro na nagpatawa na sa 'min.

"Can I invite Alya?" paghingi ng permiso ni CA kaya lahat kami ay napunta sa kaniya ang atensyon.

Napakunot-noo siya, halatang alam na ang ibig sabihin ng mga titig namin. Reklamo niya, "We're best of friends, for goodness' sake!"

Napuno ng tawanan at asaran ang kwarto dahil sa pagmamaktol niya.

Three days later, one of the most awaited moments in my life has finally come.

Makikita ko na si babi. Makakasama ko na si babi. Mayayakap ko na si babi!

I've been waiting for this day since I've been longing for her in the past weeks. Though I wasn't overworked compared to usual, I feel drained and incomplete without seeing her in real-time.

The phone calls and video calls weren't enough for me. I want her beside me, laughing and telling me stories.

Ngiting-ngiti kong tinignan ang tatlong basket na nasa mesa para siyasatin kung nandito na ba lahat. Nakatoka kasi ako sa mga pagkain namin ni babi para sa picnic namin sa Tagaytay.

This is the first time, and hopefully, not the last that we will be doing this. And for this special day, I borrowed Trick's instax camera which babi likes so much.

I smiled with that thought.

I only want the best for her. Nothing else.

I want it to be memorable for her, so whenever she feels sad, she can reminisce every second we have spent together. And in an instant, happiness will run through her veins.

"Huwag mong kalilimutang buksan ang pinto para kay Mayumi," paalala ni mommy mula sa pinto nitong dining area.

Natatawang tumango naman ako nang tignan ko siya.

"Treat her right. Always dapat 'yan, Kyle!" mariin niyang utos na tinanguan ko rin.

Why on earth would I forget about that?

"Tell her how much you love her. Huwag mong palilipasin ang araw na feeling niya, hindi mo siya mahal," she lectured me.

"Yes, 'my," I smilingly answered before grabbing the baskets and walking towards her.

"Be respectful towards her mom and be kind to her fur baby. Are we clear, Kyle?" she seriously asked.

I stopped in front of her to lean towards her for a cheek kiss.

Mapang-asar akong ngumisi nang harapin ko siya, "And drive safely." It is the top of her list of reminders to me whenever I go to babi's place which she apparently failed to remember today.

Natawa tuloy siya. She jokingly slapped me on my arm.

"I love you, 'my. I'll be home tonight," I guaranteed her before winking at her.

"Condom, Kyle!" natatawa niya pang sigaw habang naglalakad na ko palabas.

I shook my head in disbelief. "We're not doing 'it', 'my! We're not official yet."

Tawa lang siya nang tawa sa kakulitan niya.

As much as I miss the love of my life, my beautiful babi, I made sure that I wasn't driving above the speed limit. It was eight in the morning when I arrived in front of their house.

Awtomatiko akong napangiti. Excitement is rushing through my veins that I almost forgot to make three horns out of my car.

I love you.

Pagkapatay ng makina, kinuha ko muna ang isang basket para kina tita at Jiro bago ako madaling-madali na lumabas ng kotse. Halos masubsob tuloy ako pagkababa.

I cautiously looked around and it's good that no one was looking at me!

Too excited, huh? Head over heels, Kyle Jiro?

Yes, love at first sight to be specific.

Natatawang napailing na lang ako sa sarili.

Pagkasara ng pinto, pumunta na ko sa loob. Hindi naman nakasara ang gate kaya diretso lang ang lakad ko.

I knocked on the door which is right in time when babi opened it.

Upon seeing her, a smile started to grow on my face and I'm not overacting when I said that my eyes became tearful.

Miss na miss ko siya.

Happiness is gushing over my body. The drained self of mine has been switched off as I feel alive in front of her, especially when she gave me her sweetest smile.

"Babi..." tawag ko sa kaniya bago ibinaba sa gilid sa loob ang bitbit. Nagmamadali akong humakbang palapit sa kaniya para yakapin siya. "Finally, I'm home..."

When she wrapped her arms around my waist, my smile became wider. It feels more than great.

Being in her embrace is the best place in this world. If only we can stay like this all day. How I wish!

"Ang bango mo talaga, babi," bulong niya at saka ko naramdaman ang pagsinghot niya sa may dibdib ko.

I slightly pulled away from her to look at her beautiful face. Using my right hand, I carefully cupped her cheek.

Pagseseryoso ko, "Kailangan pa ba nating pumunta sa Tagaytay?"

Kumunot ang noo niya at bahagya rin siyang sumimangot. She looks displeased with what she heard that made me laugh on my head.

"Parang hindi na kasi kailangan. Sa 'yo pa lang, babi, busog na ang mga mata ko sa napakaganda mong hitsura..." nakangisi kong bulong na nagpapula sa mga pisngi niya.

Ibinaon niyang muli ang mukha niya sa dibdib ko na nagpatawa sa 'kin.

"Bwisit ah! Akala ko ayaw mo na eh," reklamo niya habang natatawa na rin.

I tightened the hug but not too tight to hurt her, just to make her feel how much I missed all of her.

"Why would I break my own promise to you, babi?" I asked her.

Inangat ko ang kamay ko para haplusin ang buhok niya. Her long and wavy hair is now gone; it was cut below her shoulders.

Napangiti ako lalo. Bagay na bagay sa kaniya.

"I love your makeup and your new hairstyle," I praised her that made her look up to me.

Her eyes are sparkling in joy, she seemed to not expect what she heard. "Talaga, babi? Hindi ba pangit ang gupit ko kasi parang naging buhaghag 'yong buhok ko? Itali ko kaya?"

Kita ko ang paglungkot ng mga mata niya. Pati tuloy ako, nakaramdam ng lungkot.

"You look great on it, babi," I assured her while giving her the best possible smile that I can make. "And I love our matching sweaters," I pointed out.

"Alis na! Umalis na kayo't baka ma-traffic pa kayo, aber," pagtataboy sa 'min ni tita. Natatawa kaming napatingin sa kaniya.

Though I love to stay longer in our position, babi and I were forced to pull away from each other before I greeted her mom, "Good morning, tita! Uuwi rin po kami mamayang gabi."

Natawa siya sa sinabi ko. "Sige na, future son-in-law, alis na kayo. Kahit huwag mo na 'yang isauli rito! Sakit lang 'yan sa ulo, aber."

"'Ma naman," nakasimangot na reklamo ni babi.

If I can only live with her in one roof now, I'll willingly do so. That'll be a dream come true— to wake up by her side while cuddling with each other.

Napangisi ako.

When I was done placing the basket on their table, we immediately bid our goodbyes to tita and Jiro.

I noticed that he's gaining weight and he's getting bigger than his usual size. Pwede na siguro siyang ikapon next month kasabay ni Natasha!

"Dahan-dahan," paalala ko kay babi nang papasok na siya sa kotse. Inangat ko ang kamay ko sa bandang taas para hindi siya mauntog.

Nang makaupo na siya, marahan kong sinara ang pinto bago umikot sa driver's seat. Ngiting-ngiti at excited sa gala namin.

As expected, the morning drive was smooth though it was a little long. Napuno ng tawanan ang biyahe habang nagku-kwentuhan kaming dalawa.

I will also randomly sing her a song that makes her smile from ear to ear. Maya't maya ko pa siyang sinisilip para sulyapan lang ang matamis niyang ngiti.

I feel stress-free with her beside me. I will definitely do everything to protect that smile throughout my life even if it'll cost me a lot. I don't care.

Before 11 in the morning, we already arrived at Mahogany Beef Market & Bulalohan. Masarap dito at siguradong magugustuhan niya. Pero bago kami bumaba, natigilan ako nang hawakan niya ko sa braso.

"Wala kang salamin? Cap? Mask?" nag-aalala niyang tanong.

Umiling naman ako bilang sagot.

"Baka pagkaguluhan ka!" Dumiin ang hawak niya sa 'kin, tinututulan ang gusto kong mangyari. "Peak season ngayon, babi..."

"Fine, fine." To calm her down and make her feel at ease, I followed what she wants. Naghanap kami sa storage ng kotse ko ng mask. I wore one and so she did. "Para matchy-matchy tayo!" she beamed at me.

P'ano ko makikita ang ngiti niya niyan mamaya? Lihim akong napasimangot.

Pagbaba, bumili muna kami ng cap para sigurado raw na hindi ako makikilala. Then, we went directly to our destination.

I understand that she doesn't want attention but I hope, she doesn't feel like I'm hiding her from the world... because if she'd ask me, I badly want to introduce her to the public as the woman of my dreams.

Pagkatapos naming kumain, umalis din kami sa Mahogany Beef Market & Bulalohan. She was thrilled to go around with her hands clasped on her chest.

That's priceless. The happiness in my heart is overflowing.

Sunod naming pinuntahan ang Museo Orlina. We took a few photos together using the instax camera.

Hinay-hinay lang daw para hindi agad maubos ang film. Little did she know, I bought a lot for this day.

Aside from the first spot, we also visited different tourist attractions which she said are on her bucket list: Sky Ranch Tagaytay, Picnic Grove, and People's Park in the Sky.

Pero madaya siya. Tinapon niya rin sa huli ang mask niya. "Hindi na ko makahinga, babi eh. Gusto mo ba kong mamatay dahil sa mask?" tanong niya sa naglalambing na tono na ikinatawa ko.

"I didn't push you to wear it," I laughingly countered.

We then continued going around. We spent one to two hours per spot to make sure that she will be able to see them all.

When she looked at me while we are walking by the park, I saw how her eyes sparkled and how her lips smiled from ear to ear while she was pointing at somewhere she told me that she saw for the first time.

Sobrang ganda ng babi ko. Kailan ko ba 'to mapapakasalan at maaanakan?

I grin with that thought.

Tinaas ko ang camera para kunan siya ng litrato.

At five in the afternoon, I am already driving headed to a well-known hotel in Calamba Road that offers a generous view of Taal Volcano. The best place to be at where we can watch the sunset while having a picnic.

Ang sarap makita nang pagpasok namin sa kwarto namin, nag-uumapaw ang saya ni babi.

"Grabe naman, sobrang ganda rito, babi!" she exclaimed while looking around.

Nangingiti ko siyang dinala sa labas, 'yong extension ng kwarto. Bitbit ko ang mga pang-picnic namin.

We were welcomed by a clean and large space to occupy with a breathtaking cliff that gives us a rich view of the city.

Sementado ng kulay puti ang inaapakan namin at may taas na hanggang beywang ang glass sa paligid. Of course, to prevent people from jumping off.

"Grabe, ang sarap langhapin ng hangin!" she whispered with her hands in the air, sounding satisfied. "Pero mas masarap pa ring langhapin ang amoy mo, babi," she smilingly told me when she glanced at me.

My lips automatically formed a wide smile.

Ang galing magpakilig ng babi ko. She is the only one who can do this to me.

I started setting up the mantle on the floor while she was busy glancing at the view.

Nang puntahan niya ko, panay sabi niya kung gaano siya kasaya. She also told me, "Buti na lang, naka-sweater at pants tayo dahil kung hindi, giginawin talaga ko!"

Natatawa ako nang maalala kong pinagpilitan niya noon na hindi siya lamigin para lang hindi ako mag-alala. Pero hindi ko na 'yon sinabi dahil baka mahiya pa siya. Instead, I smilingly told her, "And the world would think we're a couple... because of the couple sweaters."

Nakita kong namula ang mga pisngi niya na nagpalad sa ngiti ko.

Nang matapos naman kami sa pag-aayos, umupo na kami sa mantle at saka sabay na kumain. It was right in time for the sunset.

Umusog ako sa tabi niya at saka ko ipinulupot ang braso ko sa beywang niya.

"Have you decided about mommy's offer?" I asked pertaining to the Media Noche invitation of my mother.

Napatigil siya sa pag-nguya at saka ako nilingon. I saw how she was a little shock as her eyes widened. She couldn't say anything.

Nag-alala akong baka mapilitan lang siya.

"If I am to decide, I won't pressure you... but mommy, she's eager to meet you again and your family," I calmly told her in the sweetest possible way I can.

"Go ako, 'no!" mabilis niyang sagot at saka ngumiti matapos lunukin ang kinakain.

Though I was happy to hear her answer, worry is still all over me.

"You sure you're comfortable—" Hindi ko na natuloy ang sasabihin nang yakapin niya ako sa beywang ko. She laid her head on my chest that made me smile.

"Kinakabahan ako, babi, pero gustong-gusto ko, okidoks?" she assured me. Natawa pa siya nang idugtong, "At baka palayasin ako ni mama kapag hindi kami natuloy!"

"Then, we'll expect a Madamba-Ford dinner soon," I beamed at her.

The next few hours have been clothed with darkness and cold winds. Magkatabi kami habang magkayakap at nagku-kwentuhan.

Inangat ko ang kaliwa kong kamay na hawak ang cellphone ko para ipakita sa kaniya ang kuha kong litrato kanina. It was a blurry shot of the films we collected today.

I was a little hesitant when I asked her, "Can I post this photo on Instagram, babi?" But nervousness inside me has automatically been put off when she smilingly approved, "Go, blurry naman eh..."

So I had the courage to ask her, "And can I also tell them I'm reserved?"

Dahan-dahan niyang inangat ang tingin niya sa 'kin. She was all smiles, looking pleased with what she heard. "Go, babi! Basta, huwag mo lang akong papangalanan ah? Para ikaw lang ang guguluhin ng press."

Pareho kaming natawa sa sagot niya. And I am not sure how many minutes I was smiling from ear to ear because of her approval.

Mapagkakalat ko na sa mundo na nililigawan ko na ang pangarap ko!

The next few minutes were filled with silence but not awkward for the both of us. She's still hugging me from my waist while my right arm is placed around her shoulders.

"Babi..." I called her and as a response, she gave me a 'hmm' sound.

Hinaplos ko ang braso niyang nakayakap sa 'kin at saka tinignan ang mukha niyang nakatitig sa madilim na kalangitan. Tanging nagbibigay liwanag lang ay ang ilaw mula sa kwarto namin, mga kulisap, ilang bituin, at ang buwan.

I whispered to her ear, "In times when silence is your best comfort, I hope that instead of crouching down, you look up to the moon. Remind yourself of the way it reflects light from another source to shine the brightest amidst the darkness and of how some needs to undergo phases in order to be full again..."

When she looked up to me, I gave her a smile that shows her how much I adore her and how much I love everything about her.

I tucked the few strands of her hair behind her ears before cupping her cheek.

I continued, "I simply wish that in every moment of your life, you remember that... you are and always will be the most beautiful moon for me— far from the beauty of a sunset, babi."