Affirm

One of the standard phrases to use, whenever possible, which should be used in radiotelephony communications, Affirm equates to "Yes."
Contrary to popular belief, "affirm" is a non-standard, but widely used, abbreviation for "affirmative".
Also, "affirm" is pronounced as "AY-firm".

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Preceded by: FLIGHT PLAN Flight 46 - Acknowledge

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SUMMARY:
Nikolai's family, despite being a little suspicious, genuinely and wholeheartedly accepted Yumi. Little did she know that even her own side of the family do so, too, concerning Nikolai; especially when they let him knew of the past. Now, he much more wanted to protect her at all cost.

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Nikolai's POV

It is not surprising to find out na mas atat sila Papa, Mama and si Yana na makausap si Phoe. I mean, today's even a Wednesday, and expected ko ay si Yana lamang ang nasa bahay dahil maaga pa kaming nakarating sa bahay namin sa Makati. Given that she was granted a week-long leave ng Rosey for the family event, and she was only expected to catch up with the activities to be sent online. However, for some reasons, nasa bahay na rin sila Papa at Mama, na mukha namang clinear up ang afternoon schedule nila para lamang magawang masalubong si Phoe.

Hindi na naman ito ang first time nila magkita-kita and magkausap-usap. After all, ever since noong nalaman nila na I am way much closer to her than sa iba kong mga ka-batch, them hinting right away na I treat her as more than a batch mate or even a friend, mga naging wingman ko kaagad para alamin almost everything about her. I even thought back then na pina-private investigator pa ni Papa si Phoe and her family para malaman basically almost everything about her.

But this is, by chance, their first time to actually meet her as my girlfriend. Despite me sharing to my family about my past relationships, I hadn't even introduced any to them to meet one another personally. Para sa akin, I want to only introduce one lady to them; the very woman I am sure and serious about to take as my wife in the foreseeable future. And now, it is the right time and the right person.

And also, this is their meeting na separately hindi namin kasama ang mga ka-batch namin. After all, maging during dinner ay parang anak ang turing nila sa kanya. Offer ng pagkain, kumusta sa kanya and sa family, and basically everything that they do to entertain a guest.

Nabanggit din nila na first time ko raw magpakilala and magdala ng girlfriend sa bahay. Since madalas lang din ng mga nabisita sa bahay ay either mga ka-varsity ko or 'di kaya mga ka-tropa ko talaga.

And even with all those talks of assurance to make her feel at home, halata na nahihiya at kinakabahan pa rin si Phoe. Kahit halatang-halata naman, since the start or even way beyond this date, that they like her.

I remember telling her that they do like her right after no'ng dinner in celebration of my first solo.

Hindi ko na siya nakausap right after namin talaga dumating ng bahay. I mean, hindi pa alam ni Phoe kung kanino makikinig o makikipag-usap talaga. That right even after dinner ay pinagbawalan pa akong istorbohin si Phoe para raw makapagpahinga siya ng maayos. Wala naman akong magawa if bantay-sarado kami, that I relent in the end and just decide to finally give her a call pagkatapos ko mag-shower.

Hindi ko naman ine-expect that she'll be answering the video call with the lights off and already on bed. Not to mention that it feels like I've caught her at such a moment that she's about to fall asleep.

I can't help laughing. "Did I wake you?"

She shakes her head, pushing herself up from the bed as she sits up. The only light inside the room comes from the lamp on the bedside table, casting her figure in a soft glow and shadows. "No," she answers. "Hindi nga rin ako kaagad makatulog, eh. Pero nakakahiya na baka hindi ako magising ng maaga bukas, kaya pinipilit ko na makatulog din."

"Hindi mo naman kailangan magising ng maaga bukas, ha," sabi ko bago naupo sa harapan ng study table and inayos ang setup ng phone ko para hindi ko kailanganin hawakan pa. "Dinner pa naman ang birthday party ni Papa. And I heard, according sa pag-uusap kanina, that after lunch pa darating 'yong mga hair and make-up stylist. So, there's actually nothing to worry about it."

"Apparently, hindi ka fully nakikinig din kanina sa pag-uusap para hindi mo malaman na yinaya ako nila Tita and Yana na mag-shopping tomorrow morning. Of course, nakakahiyang tumanggi, kahit ayaw ko. Wala ako masyadong dalang pera. Ang mayroon lamang ako ay siyang allowance ko para sa stay sa Subic. Not to mention that, do your family even buy rather cheaper goods than the luxury ones?" she explains. "Still, mahalaga pa rin ang company, I guess. Sasamahan ko lamang sila."

I smile, almost laughing at that.

Halatang girls' hang-out kaya hindi ako nasabihan na may plano sila Mama at Yana na ganoon. To add, halata rin na yinaya nila si Phoe mag-shopping for the sake of spoiling her. I guess kailangan kong kausapin sila about that. I, after all, hate to pressure her over matters such as this. After all, I know that she has her insecurities; especially since it is very well seen na ang layo ng agwat between our families when it comes to wealth and social status—my family being part of the elite rich class, and hers with the humble upper middle class. Though wala namang humahadlang, the words of others and rumors of the people who do not know how genuine our relationship is, are the very ones that make me be wary and cautious of. I'll hate having her feel inferior when she is worth it of so much more.

I take the cup of tea that I have asked to be delivered earlier bago ako mag-shower, taking a quick sip before turning back to her. "Anong gagawin mo if lahat ng pina-try nila sa iyo na sukatin and all is bilhin nila para sa iyo? Matatanggihan mo ba?"

She shakes her head right away. "Hindi... Hindi ko magagawang tanggapin 'yong mga iyon, 'no! Nakakahiya!"

Apparently, kahit iyon ang sinabi niya, ay halata na hindi niya nagawang matanggihan. For the following day, noong umuwi sila a few hours after lunch and just in time para dumating 'yong mga stylists na hinire ni Mama ay halatang hindi rin siya nakatanggi. Hindi ko naman siya nagawa masyadong kausapin, since naghahabol rin sila sa oras para maasikaso kaagad ng mga stylists; leading me to end up with settling my curiosity until the time na magawa ko siyang makausap.

However, I didn't jump right away to such a conversation noong nahalata ko na talagang kinakabahan siya. Hindi na nga namin kasabay sila Papa, Mama and Yana patungo sa pinaka-venue kung saan ipagdiriwang ang birthday ni Papa, pero kahit anong sabi ko para pakalmahin siya, halatang hindi ko magagawa hangga't hindi niya tuluyang nararamdaman na wala siya dapat ikabahala.

First of all, restricted ang media or whatever forms of paparazzi. After all, we're even using a different entrance para lang hindi mahagip ng mga posible na nag-aabang. Not to mention that the only ones invited, except for the family, had been long-time friends and business partners nila. In short, ang mga taong nandoon lamang na magiging malapit sa edad namin will be my own cousins. And kahit birthday party siya, it will still appear very much like some business function.

"Bakit ka kinakabahan?" I ask her in almost a whisper, smiling as I feel how her hand remains restless sa may braso ko. Mga ilang minuto pa lamang kaming dumating sa pinaka-venue and kaagad na kinuyog kami ng mga pinsan ko. In short, sila ang mga nakakausap pa lamang niya and wala naman ni isa sa kanila ang sinamaan siya ng tingin. Hinatak ko lamang siya palayo sa kanila upang batiin ang mga tito at tita ko, and maging si Lolo at Lola bago pa dumating sila Papa. "Noong debut nga ng pinsan mo, mukha ba akong kinakabahan?"

She gulps in hard. "First of all, I'm basically way inferior than the rest of the people here." She shyly looks around, finding that there had been a few who cast their attention at us but will instantly turn away. Kahit ba madaming nakakita sa amin ngayon, no one from them will even dare risk their relation with my family's company. "And I'm sure that all of them knows na ikaw 'yong tagapagmana, so they're surely vying their daughters to be introduced to you. Not just some random girl like me na nakilala mo lamang in your interest with flying."

Bahagya akong umiling. "First of all, my parents and even Yana already accepted you. Ayaw man nila or hindi, wala silang magagawa about it. But then, they like you so much; so that's a case settled. Next, hindi ko isasakripisyo ang happiness ko for such trivial matters such as business relations. And..." I hold on to her hand, and all the while looking at her intently, I kiss the back of her hand, smiling upon seeing how she slightly blushes. "You're not just some random girl, Phoe. I've searched and waited. Then, I found you."

She shyly averts her gaze, making me chuckle upon seeing her cheeks reddening much more. I'll be honest to say that she does stand out—hair and make-up perfectly done to showcase much more of her natural beauty than to depend on such powders and products, and an absolute match to her black evening gown had been the diamond parure that my mother surely had gifted to her. It is her beauty that makes her demand attention; not because of her background and right to be my partner for tonight.

"Anyway, I'd like you to meet my grandparents and my aunts and uncles," I say, suddenly feeling her stilled on the spot again. I chuckle lightly. "Nothing to worry. But please do bear with them. Mas mga ma-intriga and ma-chika sila compared kala Papa at Mama. But, I assure you that they're easy to deal with and that they do welcome you."

"Mas lalo akong kinakabahan," bulong niya.

"Don't be. I'm here next to you. Also..." I clear my throat. "To be honest, naintriga na nila ako last time during the holidays. I'll be sure to say na mas mang-iintriga sila bakit mo ginusto mag-piloto and also paano ako nangligaw, and paano ako as a boyfriend."

"Ang hirap naman sagutin nomng paano ka nangligaw. And paano ka as a boyfriend."

"Hmm? Bakit naman?"

"First of all, mukhang ako 'yong nangligaw."

I can't help laughing at that and then she pouts. I assure her, "They'll surely think na masyado akong torpe."

Tinaasan niya ako ng kilay. "Hindi ba?"

Tumango na lamang ako. "Okay. Baka nga torpe ako. But then... bakit mahirap din sagutin 'yong tanong na paano ako as a boyfriend?"

She smiles. "Well, those are the moments that I want only us to treasure about. With just the two of us knowing about it."

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"Totoo nga talaga siguro 'yong sinasabi ng marami na mas lalong spinospoiled ang mga apo kaysa sa mga anak," Papa remarks with a light chuckle and claps me by the shoulder once before sitting on the bar stool next to me.

Muntikan ko na talaga mabitawan 'yong hawak-hawak ko na old fashioned glass, since hindi ko ine-expect na pwera sa akin ay may mananatili pang gising sa bahay. After all, ine-expect ko si Phoe, pero mukhang napagod sa buong araw na shopping and then party.

Kumuha siya ng isa pang old fashioned glass para sa kanya and I didn't hesitate to fill his glass as well. He raises an eyebrow, recognizing the bottle. "Delamain?"

I smirk. "Delamain Pale and Dry XO."

"Your favorite cognac," he remarks before taking the glass. "It is much proof that you're truly happy today."

"Pa, I'll be honest to say that masyado na talaga akong spoiled nila Lolo at Lola," sabi ko at tinitigang maigi ang sarili kong baso. I trail a finger around the rim. "Alam mo kung anong sinabi nila pagkatapos ko ipakilala si Phoe sa kanila? Maging 'yong mga reactions nila tito at tita?"

"Hmm. Surprise me."

"They're glad that I am happy."

Papa looks back at me and with a scoff, he turns away and takes a sip from his own glass. "Spoiled nga talaga." He lowers his glass afterwards and adds, "Back then, kung hindi ko pa sila binalaan na magtatanan kami ng Mama mo, hindi sila papayag."

Ipinaling ko ang tingin ko sa kanya at tinaasan siya ng kilay. "Iba ang kwentong alam ko mula kala tita."

Bahagya rin siyang tumingin sa akin, mirroring my actions. "Hmm?"

"Or rather, hindi lang daw tanan ang sinabi mo back then, Pa," I add.

He looks away from me and takes another sip. "For one, I'll be saying that it had been one of my lowest points, kaya nasabi ko 'yon. I know you'll understand it by now; kahit parang ang foolish na sabihin iyon sa kanila. I love your mother so much since the start, and I continue falling in love with her until now. To think na magiging against ang sarili kong pamilya about us being together, of me being happy... ang hirap i-handle ng ganoon. Of course, there's only one way to avoid a scandal but to accept and proceed with the marriage. They know me well; alam nila na gagawin ko ang lahat. After all, a man in love will be doing anything and everything."

I turn away and look on ahead. "Yeah. Masyado niyo nga rin talaga tinotoo ni Mama."

At that, he clears his throat.

I chuckle, shaking my head as I lift the glass close to my lips. "Ang landi niyo rin talaga."

"Kaya mas importante sa akin ang kaligayahan niyo ni Yana," he says a minute later, placing a hand on my shoulder. He gulps in hard. "Ganoon rin sana kay Dmitri."

Napatigil ako saglit at naalala na maging kahit gaano ka-toxic ang naging relasyon ni Kuya sa ex-girlfriend niya, and in the end be the very cause of his death, hindi man lang siya pinigilan nila Papa. Maging sila lolo, na halatang against sa relationship no'ng dalawa, ay hinayaan lamang siya. Pero alam ko na ilang beses nilang pinagsabihan si Kuya, pero hindi pa rin niya sila sinunod.

I tap his hand na nasa may balikat ko and assure him, "Pa. Desisyon din ni Kuya ang maging masaya. At para sa inyo ni Mama, alam kong pakiramdam niyo na para kayong nagkulang sa kanya. Pero hindi. Alam kong lagi niyo siyang pinagsasabihan, dahil hindi lang naman siya ang kinakausap niyo tungkol sa mga bagay na iyon. Sinasabihan niyo rin kami ni Yana. So, kahit sabihan ko kayo na 'wag mag-alala sa amin, especially now, with me..." I smile. "I'd very much want to assure you that I am happy, and it is very much different ng kay Kuya."

He slides his hand away and then swivels his seat to face me. Leaning an arm against the bar table while holding his own glass, he regards me after fixing his glasses. "Miss Bonifacio... It is actually the first time you've introduced someone as your girlfriend, Kolya. And kagaya nga ng sinabi mo sa akin, kahit gaano mo kami i-assure ng Mama mo, I can't help wondering why. Why her?"

"Pa, kung paano ka magtanong is parang si Phoe pa ang anak mo compared sa akin."

"Your past girlfriends, sabi mo kaya hindi mo pinapakilala sa amin is because you are unsure. That despite being in a relationship with them, sinasabi mo na hindi mo nakikita ang sarili mo with a future with them yet. And just a few months later, mababalitaan namin na hiniwalayan ka. How long did those relationships last? Eight? Nine months? And now, it's just a month between you and Miss Bonifacio. That's why I am curious of it this time."

I sigh before pouring myself another glass. Taking a sip and then pursing my lips for a second, I answer, "She's different. Hindi ko alam kung bakit noong welcoming pa lamang, I am very attracted to her already."

He scoffs.

"Pa, 'wag mo naman ako tawanan."

"Hindi kita tinatawanan. Ngayong kwinekwento mo na talaga sa akin than just random shrugs kung bakit madalas mo nababanggit ang pangalan niya sa amin during the first months ng flight training niyo... I can't help but assume that it had been love at first sight. And not just simply love at first sight. Head over heels pa."

I smile. "That's why I can say that she's different. Masyadong advanced thinking siguro but I can see my future—our future together—and that's what makes me happy; and now that we're together, I can't help but to protect that love. Not to mention..." Pinigilan ko kaagad ang sarili ko at napalunok ako. Napansin kong kumunot ang noo ni Papa kaagad, halatang naghihintay sa susunod kong sasabihin, pero inubos ko lamang inumin ang kani-kanina ko lamang na sinalin na brandy sa baso ko.

Habang sinasalinan ko pa ulit ang sarili ko, he finally let his curiosity win over and asks, "Not to mention na ano?"

I hesitate for a moment before I finally share to him lahat ng nangyari for the past few days na kasama ko si Phoe and ang family niya. I honestly tell him kung paano and gaano ka-warm ang pakikitungo nila sa akin; how they make me feel na kahit sa dami ng tanong nila about me, hindi ko naramdaman na parang ini-interrogate nila ako; and how, kahit alam nila ang pagiging isang Verano ko, ay hindi nila ako itinuring na naiiba sa kanila. That, surprisingly, they don't fawn over me just because of my name. That they've judged me as a man in love, hoping to gain their trust when it comes to her.

I also admit to him na dapat ay tinanong ko muna siya kung paano mangligaw ng parents ng taong mahal ko, pero biniro ko siya na mabuti na lamang talaga at hindi dahil alam kong pinagbubugbog na ako ng papa at kuya ni Phoe, if ever sinununod ko ang payo niya. Tinawanan niya lamang ako noong sinabi ko sa kanya lahat ng pinagawa sa akin, na mukha raw na naninilbihan na raw ako. But then, I go straight to the discussion that kahit na sigurado na ako na handa akong ma-meet 'yong family ni Phoe, and aware sa part na medyo strikto ang papa at kuya niya, hindi ko inexpect na hindi lang dahil babae siya kaya sila ganoon. May mas malalim pang rason kung bakit.

"She... She doesn't deserve that." I shake my head. It hurts me the first time hearing it, but then, it had been covered right away by her father and brother's assurance to me in fear na makita ni Phoe na pinaiiyak nila ako. And yet, telling it to my father right now... hindi ko mapigilan na hindi maiyak. "In the beginning, I am very sure of courting her with an intention to truly love her more for the rest of my life. To make her the happiest and most loved woman in the world. That's why... noong narinig ko 'yon, hindi ko alam kung gaano kasakit 'yon para sa kanila na makitang ganoon siya o malaman na ganoon ang nangyari sa kanya. Hindi..." I bite my lower lip, feeling my hands closing into tight fists and my own vision blurring up. "Hindi ko alam na behind that beautiful smile... how scarred she was. She... She deserves so much more than that."

Papa asks me, trailing the conversation carefully, "Wala silang ginawang... legal matter?"

I shake my head another time. "Iyon 'yong masakit, Pa. Ramdam ko 'yong sakit at galit na nararamdaman nila, until now. Pinigilan daw sila ni Phoe. Wala naman daw mangyayari, kaya ayos lang daw. Pero..."

"You should be grateful," he tells me.

Napatigil ako kaagad and hindi makapaniwalang tumingin sa kanya.

"Hindi dahil doon, 'nak," he adds bago niya itabi ang baso niya sa bar table. "But to the part that you've met her and she decided to trust you. She is, truly, a strong woman."

"Pa..."

He smiles softly and then claps me by my shoulder for another time. "Ever since the start, I and your mother worry that, even though there is nothing wrong about it, you loved so wholly that one day it might hurt you. But then, it appears na nakalimutan namin na anak ka namin. Na kahit ganoon ka mag-mahal, you are strong and persistent."

Bahagya akong natawa, quite an irony for the tears that had fallen from the corner of my eyes earlier on.

He reaches out for me, brushing then those tears with his thumb. "Just remember to take it easy," he adds. "You already know the story behind, and pinagkatiwalaan ka na ng family niya for them to share such a secret."

I nod. "I know that, Pa."

"Then, you know what to do. Alam ko naman na magiging responsable kayong dalawa. Kahit na alam ko na excited ang mga lolo at lola mo about you introducing someone to them... You know how they've been towards your cousins din. Gustong-gusto na magkaroon ng apo sa tuhod. And even si Ana." Smiling sheepishly, he sighs. "But then, again, don't rush on things. 'Wag magpadala sa pressure; kahit na mukhang gustong-gusto na ng mama mo magkaroon ng apo. Though I'll be honest to say that I am hoping. In the future."

I scoff. "Pa, mag-aaral pa ako, and we've decided to settle on with our careers first. And also, kasal muna. Pagkatapos no'n, trust me. We'll get on with that right away."

He points a finger at me, clicking his tongue. "And don't be so overconfident with it, Kolya." He grins. "Or dahil inudyukan mo na kaagad si Miss Bonifacio para mag-practice? Gusto mo bang ako mismo ang magpabugbog sa iyo?"

"Pa!"

I'll be lying to say na hindi sumagi sa isipan ko ang tungkol doon. I mean, I love Phoe so deep and with all I am; and I want, need and crave her just as much. Pero hindi ko alam na magiging ganito ka-awkward sa part ko na pag-usapan ang tungkol sa bagay na ito. I could swear that I immediately flush at the notion.

"Wala..." I clear my throat. "Wala... pa. There is no rush for that, and we'll get there when she's ready. After what I just learned... Kahit na kapag sinabi niyang ayaw niya, at maghintay ako sa kasal, I do not mind. It will just mean that I need to work harder by then para hindi pa mas lalong matagal ang paghihintay niyo."

"Kaya nga sinasabi ko sa iyo na 'wag magmadali. It will come and flow naturally." He takes his glass off the table, raising it between us as he asks for a cheers. "So protect that love, Kolya."

"I will, Pa. Thank you for trusting me. For trusting us."

"Congratulations, 'nak." He clicks his glass with that of mine. "Make her happy, just as how much she makes you happy."

"She deserves it," I say with a smile before taking a sip.

"You both deserve to be," he remarks.

The two of us share a look first, smiling at one another before chuckling lightly and dare to finish the bottle of brandy before calling it a night.

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Continue with: FLIGHT PLAN Flight 47 - Round-Robin Flight