Chapter 35

Laurenz Pov

"Congratulations, Laurenz!"

Pairap akong humarap doon sa pinanggalingan ng boses. Nahanap kaagad ng mga mata ko ang may-ari n'on. My eyes rolled again when my sight landed on the owner of the voice who shouted just now.

As I turned to face Minerva, my eyes were drawn to the sight before me. I couldn't help but shake my head as I took in the abundance of delicious treats she was holding. Her right hand was weighed down by the heaping stack of pizza boxes. And in her left hand, a rainbow of brightly colored soda cans gleamed in the light, promising a refreshing burst of sweetness with each sip.

I took a laborious walk, shaking my head. Of all the friends I've made while living here in Italy, Minerva Escario is the first person, among my friends from back in San Concepcion and here in Italy, who never fails to congratulate me on every small or big win I achieve. She is always on my side."

She called the whole team, saying "Everyone, pizza and drinks!" My team, especially. Not to brag, but yeah, my team!"

There was an air of jubilation as everyone rejoiced and expressed their gratitude towards Minverva for the free foods she brought. Kilala na nila si Minerva since siya ang pinakaunang tao na nagsuot sa creation namin. Na siya eing dahilan kung bakit nakilala ang LaurenZ.

Pagkatapos ilapag ni Minerva ang mga dalang pizza at drinks sa round table ay himila niya ako ng konti bago niyakap ng mahigpit. I reciprocated her hug with an equal measure of strength and intensity, holding her tightly in my arms.

"Congratulations again, Laurenz!" she whispered into my ear. Every fiber within me rejoiced, no matter how many times I heard those words parang bago siya sa akin.

Her arms coiled around me with even more intensity, as if she were clinging to me for dear life.

"Thank you so much, Minerva!" my late reply.

She slightly pulls our bodies away from each other and looked down at me. Yeah, through the years, si Minerva pa rin talaga ang mas matangkad kaysa sa akin. Ang bagay na hindi nagbago.

"I'm so proud of you!" she said cheerfully.

My heart warms and flutters with joy. I can't express how grateful and glad I am for my very first fashion show, which was small but successful. Everything went according to plan, from beginning to end. The show was excellent! I may be overreacting, but it feels amazing to see all our hard work pay off. I feel blessed to have such a great team and colleagues who have supported me throughout this journey. Despite the sleepless nights, sweat, and tears, and exhaustion, the first LaurenZ fashion show was a success! Almost all of our dresses sold out in just a minute! Take note! Hindi pa bigatin ang mga kinuha anaming models d'yan.

But of course all of these! All of my achievements won't be possible without the people at my disposal. Kuya Harden and Kuya Walter, tita Freda, si Rielle, si Minerva at syempre ang nag-iisang angel ng buhay ko, ang tanging tao na kayang pawiin ang lahat ng pagod at pangamba ko sa yakap niya lang, my baby Tyreese. And even... Rustin. Sila ang mga taong nasa tabi ko habang pinaplano ko pa ang lahat ng ito. Sila ang mga saksi kung ano ang mga ginawa ko makamit ko ang ang bagay na ito.

I am grateful to them for their undying and unwavering support. Without them, I wouldn't have made it this far. Wala ako rito ngayon. Walang LaurenZ. Of course, aside sa team and staff ko. Hindi ko rin makakalimutan ang mga taong nagsabuhay sa mga likha ko at ang mga taong taas-noong sinusuot ang gawin ko—namin ng team ko. Soon itong fashion design team ko magiging fashion design house or firm din ito.

"LaurenZ is making waves in the entire marketplace! The internet is buzzing about LaurenZ and its designer!" Minerva exclaimed, waggling her eyebrows. "I bet even fashion giants like Chanel, Gucci, Dior, and Hermes are taking notice!"

"Tse! Ang OA ha, daretso kaagad d'yan sa mabibigat at malalaking clothing brands na 'yan. Tsk! Hindi pa tayo nakakaabot sa kalingkingan ng mga brands na iyan." suway ko naman dito.

Minerva nonchalantly shrugged her shoulders, indicating her lack of concern or interest on my remarked.

"Oh, well. Hindi naman 'yan impossible. Saka, hello? Hindi ka pa matagal sa industry na 'to but you already pulled Gryniewicz. Bago ka palang pero gusto nang kunin ng mga Gryniewicz to be their designer!" she blunted!

My mouth hung open in complete astonishment, as if it had been suspended on a hinge and frozen in time, unable to form words or even close shut.

"Gryniewicz!?" I screeches.

Her playful expression and perfectly shaped eyebrows made me laugh and smile as she teasingly wiggled them. I know that in the fashion world kilala na talaga si Minerva. She designs clothes and a model too kaya sa industriyang pinasok ko. Alam kong mas may experienced at mas may malaking koneksyon na siya. At saka isa pa, kung hindi dahil kay Minerva hindi siguro makikilala ng ibang celebrities itong clothing line ko, like what I said earlier.

One time, Minerva was nagging me to design clothes for her. Sabi niya may dadaluhan lang siyang semi-formal gathering at wala na raw siyang damit na maisuot at wala raw siyang maisip na isusuot. Of course, as her friend hindi ako naniniwala roon. It's impossible na wala siyang damit na maisuot. Pero napilit niya pa rin akong gumawa ng damit para sa kanya. Then it turned out na ang sinasabi niyang semi-formal gathering ay isa palang auction show. Kaya naman maraming kilalang tao ang dumalo roon. At nakita ang damit na denisign ko.

"Hmm, I am friends with someone in their family, and I received a message asking if you could do haute couture para sa birthday ng anak nila."

"R-really?"

"Ahuh!"

"Oh my god!" I squealed!

"But unfortunately! Iyong gagawan mo ng dress ay nasa Singapore siya ngayon. Do you think okay lang kahit ipasa lang sayo ang size..."

"No!" I meddled. "I wanna meet them personally as well. Kaya if gusto talaga nila na ako ang magdesign ng dress for their daughter's birthday party. "I will make time to fly to Singapore."

I cannot let this opportunity slip from my hands. That family is a big player in the corporate world, and I am certain that many prominent figures will attend their daughter's birthday celebration. This means that numerous people will have the chance to see my creation.

"Good!" Pinitik niya ang daliri sa ere. "Ibibigay ko na ang number ng LaurenZ sa kanila para kayo na ang mag-usap."

Inaya ako ng ibang mga kasama ko na kumain kaya naman hinila ko si Minerva para kumain na rin sa mga dinala niyang foods.

"Next time ma'am Minerva coffee truck na ang dalhin mo rito. Lalo na kapag all-nightier kami." biro ng isang kasamahan ko. I'd rather call them my friends and colleagues than my employees. Kasi pantay-pantay lang kami rito. At isa pa mga Filipino ang kinuha kong mga kasama ko. I do believe kasi na kapag kalahi mo ang kasama mo sa work mo, mas magiging magaan at madali ang lahat ng trabaho. Lalo na sa communication.

"Sabihin n'yo lang sa akin kapag pinag-overtime kayo nitong amo ninyo. Isusumbong ko pa ito sa asawa niya." daldal ni Minerva.

Before I could even control my reflexes, my hand had already made contact with Minerva's shoulder.

Babangayan na sana ulit ako ni Minerva nang may isang tao na dumating, ang taong naging sandalan ko, protektor, at ang supporter ko. Amidst the uncertainty and skepticism of others, his unwavering loyalty and faith in me is a beacon of hope and encouragement, propelling me forward towards success. His steadfast support is one of the foundation upon which I rely to accomplish my goals, and without it, my endeavors would falter and fail.

"Kail!"

I turned around and saw Rustin walking with one hand slipped inside the pocket of his grey slacks. His white long sleeves were folded up to his elbows, and his glasses hung on his pointy nose, making him look as handsome as ever.

"Rustin!"

I closed our distance and wound my arms around his torso.

Naramdaman ko ang labi niya sa ulo ko.

"Congratulations! I'm so proud of you... my husband."

An intense flush of heat rapidly spread throughout my face, causing my cheeks to redden.

"Off from work?"

"Yeah,"

"How's your meeting?"

"Dunno."

"Huh?" Napahiwalay ako sa kanya.

"I watched your fashion show during the meeting."

"You really did that?"

"Yeah. I've been a fan of your creations ever since, Kail. Watching them being worn by models just makes me so proud of you. You finally did it. You finally reached one of your dreams," he said earnestly. He spoke directly into my eyes. It was as if he wasn't just saying the words for me to hear, but rather speaking to my soul. His words sent my heart swelling, and it felt like his gaze was piercing through my very being.

Narinig ko na naman ang mga katagang iyon. Maraming beses ko na iyong naririnig mula sa pamilya ko kaso iba talaga ang dating kapag siya ang nagsasabi noon.

When I decided to study before akala ko madali lang ang lahat. Akala ko porket hilig ko siyang gawin ay magiging madali na. Akala ko kapag may talent ka na sa isang bagay everything will just follow. But no. Many things will try to hinder you from reaching your full potential. Many obstacles came in my way as I walked the path of my dreams.

Dumating pa nga sa punto na tinatanong ko ang sarili ko kung tama pa ba ang ginagawa ko. Tama ba na itong kurso na 'to ang kinuha ko. Dumating sa punto na halos maubusan na ako ng motivation and inspiration to continue my studies, but Rustin came.

It's really hard kasi noong nasa university na ako, sa French Ministry University, ang daming magagaling. Ang daming matatalino. Para akong isang tuta na naligaw sa kampo ng mga tigre. Because as a fashion design student, there are a lot of things that you need to learn which is hindi ko nalaman. Kasi aside sa fashion and sewing you need to learn pattern making which is basic lang ang alam ko, 3D fashion design, brand management, illustrations, product development, and many more.I feel so small and outwitted to the point that I no longer believe in myself. I don't have faith in my own creations.

I feel so burden na sa pamilya ko. Pakiramdam ko that time naging sobrang dependent ko na sa kanila. Actually, hindi naman iyon masama sa kanila ni kuya at tita Freda kaso lang ayaw ko naman ng ganoon. That's why I too have had moments where I've silently cried myself to sleep at night.

At hindi pa nagtatapos ang problema ko d'yan kasi noong bago pa ako sa university at walang kilala. I was bullied for being an asian. Hindi ko alam na sa panahong ito ay may ganoon pa rin pala. It took me a while before I find my bearings. And it was all thanks to this man standing before me.

Rustin has been a good mate of mine since then. Nang makilala ko siya pakiramdam ko naging magaan na ang lahat sa akin. His support, praise, and presence - with or without his physical body beside me - remain constant. When everything feels uncertain, there's a man who remains constant for me. I am at ease because of him. When I'm at my wit's end, Rustin stays calm, understanding, and ready to lend a hand to me.

"Thank you so much, Rustin. Thank you for coming into my life." I admitted emotionally.

With his gentle touch, he cradled my face between his large palms, as if shielding me from the world. As his thumb tenderly wiped away my tears, I felt a sense of safety and comfort envelop me.

As always when his around me.

"Thank you too, Kail. Thank you so much. I love you."

I smiled. "I love you, Rustin. You know that."

"How's everything? May maitutulong ba ako?" tanong niya at tumingin sa likod ko, kung saan ginanap kanina ang fashion show.

Inilingan ko siya.

"Hindi na. By tomorrow ihahatid na namin iyong mga dress sa mga buyers." Hinila ko ang kamay niya tungo sa table. "Halika, umupo ka muna. Saka may dinalang mga pizza si Minerva kanina. Kumain ka na rin." sabi ko kay Rustin. Communication wasn't a problem between me and Rustin dahil nakakaintindi at nakakapagsalita naman siya ng Filipino language, well, except siguro kapag masyado nang malalim. Rustin has been so proud na may dugo siyang Pinoy—he is proud and its a pride for him that he is one-fourth Filipino from his mother side! Maybee kaya rin siguro mabilis kaming nag-click sa isa't-isa.

"It's a good thing I didn't buy any food because Minerva already bought a lot." puna niya nang makita ang mesa. I plan na ipadala iyon sa iba pang staff dahil sobrang dami nga.

"Anyway, Rustin if iyong sinabi ni Minerva sa akin kanina na client ay tutuloy na ako ang kukuning designer. Baka aalis ako rito dahil nasa Singapore ang client." saad ko kay Rouge nang makaupo kami.

"Okay, want me to accompany you?"

I pouted.

"Hindi na naman kailangan pero naalala ko na gusto mong pumunta sa Singapore, right? Baka... ngayon na ang time na pumunta tayo? Of course, with our children, Tyreese and Rhett."

Tumigil siya sa pagnguya.

"That's a good idea. I'll let my secretary know ahead para ma-clear ang schedule ko if ever."

"Sige!"

Pinapaalis ko muna ang lahat ng mga kasama ko bago ako umaalis sa studio na inakupa namin ngayon, ganito rin naman ako kahit pa sa studio namin. Doon kasi ako nasanay.

Hinatid ako ni Rustin sa mansyon ni tita Freda kung saan ako at ang anak ko na si Tyreese minsan tumutuloy at si Rhett na rin. Oo minsan dahil umuuwi naman talaga ako sa bahay namin ni Rustin.

"Ayaw mo ba talagang tumuloy? Tyreese and Rhett will look for you." wika ko kay Rustin nang tumigil siya sa harap ng entrance ng mansyon.

"It's okay. Your brothers might be there, but I don't want a fight on your big day. Besides, the children are more fond of you than me. Bukas uuwi na naman kayo."

Nginitian ko nalang siya.

"Hmm. Thank you for understanding them, Rustin. Don't worry, eventually they will accept that I'm already married." 
 
Tumawa siya. "Yeah, and I really understand them. Because even if I have a brother or sister, I'll also do the same."

Tumango ako.

"Sige na. Be careful, please!"

"I will. Goodnight."

"Call me when you're already home. Let's facetime para makita ka ng mga bata." Huling bilin ko sa kanya.

Bumaba ako ng kotse at saka hinjintay siyang makaalis bago pumasok sa mansyon.

"Mama!"

"Miiii!"

Ang boses ng mga anak ko. Oh, my angels! Nakita ko silang dalawa sa sala kasama ang kanilang dalawang tito. Si Tyreese ay nakakandong kay kuya Walter habang si Rhett naman ay nasa kandungan ni kuya Harden na nilalaro ang nasa kamay nitong laruan.

Tyreese is already four years old just month ago tapos si Rhett naman ay two years old palang. Kaya naman hindi pa masyadong nakakapagsalita ito ng straight at nabubulol pa. Samantalang si Tyreese ay magaling na namang magsalita. He can speak Tagalog, English, and some Italian words. Maybe it is because of the people around him. Madali rin kasi siyang nakaka-adopt sa kanyang environment.

Agad kong tinungo ang mga anak ko. Una kong binigyan ng halik si Rhett at nakipagbeso  na rin ako kay kuya Harden. Sunod naman ay si Tyreese ang binigyan ko ng halik. At akmang magbibeso na rin ako kay kuya Walter nang takpan nito ang mukha ko gamit ang malaki niyang kamay.

"Kuya!" inis kong untag dito.

Kuya Walter raised his eyebrows.

""You reek of Rustin's smell. I don't like it." Ang maarteng untag ni Kuya Walter. 
 
Laglag ang panga ko roon. 
 
"Kuya..." I said in a warning tone. Both of them were bitter that I finally have a man other than them in my life now. That is why they're so bitter! 

"But congratulations, Laurenz!" he remarks.

Sinundan naman iyon ni Kuya Harden.

"Congratulations, Laurenz. By the way, mommy is in the kitchen. She is preparing a lil celebration for you."

We had a little conversation before I went to the kitchen. Karga ko si Rhett at si Tyreese naman ay hawak ko ang kamay. Nagtatanong si Tyreese tungkol kay Rustin. Bakit daw hindi ito tumuloy. Tsk! Ang init kasi ng mga dugo nila ni kuya kay Rustin. Nakakainis! Bukas uuwi na talaga kami sa bahay namin.

Naabutan ko si Tita na siyang naglalagay ng mga pagkain sa mesa. Nang makita ako ni tita Freda ay agad niyang inabanduna ang ginagawa para malapitan ako.

She gave me a tight hug.

"Congrats, Laurenz! We're so proud of you!" Tita said, letting go of me. Naipit namin si Rhett!

Ang konting pag-uusap namin ni tita ay naputol nang marinig ko si Tyreese na sumigaw.

"Wow! Lots of veggies!" Bumitaw sa pagkakahawak ko si Tyreese saka tumakbo sa mesa.

"Asikasuhin mo muna ang mga bata, Laurenz. We'll talk later."

Agad kong nilapitan ang anak ko. Nilagay ko sa upuan niya si Rhett saka ko binuhat si Tyreese para makaupo sa silya. Hindi pa niya abot ang matayog na silya.

My baby Tyreese kissed my lips.

"Thanks, mama!"

Tyreese loves to kiss me. Whenever he had a chance ay talagang nanghahalik siya sa akin. Tingin ko ito ang love language niya.

"I really want to grow big, mama."

Umupo ako sa gitna nilang dalawa ni Rhett.

"And why is that?"

"So that you won't need to carry me, mama. I'm kind of heavy, so I might be heavy for you to carry."
 
Nakurot ko ang pisngi ng anak ko. Why is he so cute and smart?
 
"You are not that heavy, my boy. Remember that your mama is so strong!" I flex my arms, showing him my not-so-big muscles.  
 
"You're still small for me, mama. Uncle Harden and Uncle Walter are the real big boys and strong, mama."

Nagulo ko ang buhok nito. Ang daming alam. Lahat ng katwiran ko ay may sagot siya!

Sabay kaming kumain. Thankfully, naka isang slice lang ako ng pizza kanina sa studio. Masaya kaming kumain at sila tita Freda at ang mga kapatid ko naman ay panay ang tanong sa akin tungkol sa business ko. It's my business but I know that without them at my disposal, alam kong hindi ko maabot itong mga nakamit ko ngayon. They're my pillars.

"When you have time, Laurenz. I hope you can cater my amigas. Pinupuno nila ang inbox ko tungkol sayo. Gusto ka nilang ma-meet at gusto nilang magpagawa ng damit sayo." saad ni tita Freda.

Tumango ako.

"Sa pagbalik ko po galing sa Singapore, tita. Sila ang aasikasuhin ko."

Sa totoo lang hindi ko talaga inaakala na magiging ganito ang impact ng simpleng fashion show namin. Siguro malaking bagay na pinalabas iyon sa TV worldwide kasi marami ang nakakita. At ideya iyon ni Rustin.

Six days had passed and finally were now boarding for Singapore. From Malpensa Airport to Singapore, maybe it would take us twelve hours or so bago kami makarating doon. Well, it's just an estimate.

Kasama namin ni Rustin ngayon si Tyreese at Rhett. Rhett was napping on
Rustin's lap. Si Tyreese naman ay nasa may bintana. Hindi na naman ito ang unang sakay ni Tyreese ng airplane. Sanay na sa byahe si Tyreese dahil lagi itong dinala nila kuya Harden sa kanilang mga lakad. Tyreese grow up fond of his two handsome uncles.

"Are you okay?" bulong ni Rustin sa akin mayamaya.

Binalingan ko siya.

"Yes, ikaw? Gusto mo ako muna ang humawak aky Rhett?"

He hook his head.

"Sleep. I will look for Tyreese."

I smiled and nodded my head at him before rested my head on hia shoulder. Sunod ko namang naramdaman ang paghalik niya sa ulo ko.

We safely landed on Singapore. Hindi lang trabaho ang pinunta ko rito dahil may plano rin kaming magstay rito ni Rouge, mga 3 to 4 days lang naman. Matagal na rin kasi simula noong huli naming vacation. Iyong kaming apat.

After ng ilang oras naming pagpapahinga sa aming hotel pumunta kami sa Robinson Road dahil doon ko kikitain ang kliyente ko. Sinama ko na sa lakad ko ang mga bata at si Rustin dahil may balak din kasi kaming bumisita sa Merlion Park sa may One Fullerton, na malapit lang sa Central Business District (CBD).

At habang aliw na aliw ang mga bata sa park, humiwalay ako sa kanila dahil may binili lang ako para sa mga bata. Pagkabalik ko kung saan ko iniwan si Rustin kasama ang mga bata ay wala na sila roon. Kaya naman hinanap ko sila. Kinuha ko ang telepono ko nang sa paghahanap ko sa kanila ni Rustin ay napalapit ako r'on sa Merlion. After, taking some photos ay kumuha ako ng video. Kaso sabay yatang tumigil sa pagtibok ang puso ko at ang paghinga ko nang may makunan akong isang tao.

Kusang humigpit ang kamay kong nakahawak sa cellphone. Unti-unti ay binaba ko ang telepono dahil akala ko namamalikmata lang ako pero nang maibaba ko na nang tuluyan ang telepono ko. Nakumpirma ko na... si Theo nga. Si Theo ang nakunan ko ng video.

After how many years, ngayon ko lang ulit nakita si Theo. Theodore Granville III is standing meters away from me in flesh. He mirrored my surprised expression.

"L-laurenz?" came his throaty remark.

***
Thank you for reading, Engels!😍❤️

꧁A | E꧂

- i might be revising some parts dito pero not now. anyway, kagaya ng lagi kong iniiwan sa bottom part ng chapters sa mga story ko. pls, po pasensya na sa mga maling infos na nailagay ko if ever. if mas may alam kayo sa akin, pls, do correct me.

-oo nga rin pala. if may tanong kayo mga beh, i-comment niyo lang dito. tnxx😘 goodnight/morning/noon.