I was right about the dinner being an eventful one. My sister kept blabbing and most of what they're saying have double meanings!

"Thanks for inviting my sister for a weekend getaway. I'm sure that she really enjoyed your short trip," Gemini thanked with a smile. I'm sure her words were genuine but her eyes were also glinting with mischief.

"Sabi ko sa'yo eh. Wala kang dapat ipagkaalala," pagsali ni Gretchen sa usapan. "Sigurado akong sarap na sarap ang kapatid natin... I mean, that's not surprising since my best friend came from a family of chefs."

Gretchen then smiled at the both of us and just like Gemini, behind her calm and respectable visage is where she hides her monkey business!

"What did you guys eat there ba? Did you have seafood?" Si Gemini ulit. Sigurado akong may katarantaduhan na namang idadagdag si Gretchen.

"Matakaw kasi si Galaxy. Siya 'yong tipong na kakainin ka ng buhay kapag gutom," dagdag pa niya.

Gusto ko na lang biglang lumaho dahil sa kahihiyan. Buti na lang talaga at mukhang wala namang malisya ang isipan ni Martell. I think he's too flattered with my sisters' flowery words that he failed to hear their nonsenses. Para kasing feel na feel niya na gusto siya ng mga kapatid para sa akin.

Sa sobrang kadaldalan ng mga kapatid at ang konsentrasyon ay nasa panunukso, napaso si Gemini sa lutuan at si Gretchen naman ay natapunan ng sauce.

Dahil sa nangyari, tumigil na ang dalawa sa katutukso. Nasa gitna kami ng pagkain nang biglang tumunog ang cellphone ni Gretchen na agad niya namang pinasa kay Martell. Kumunot ang noo ni Martell pero agad itong napalitan ng inis.

"Don't answer it," aniya kay Gretchen na nagkibit-balikat lang at pinatay nga ang tawag bago ipinagpatuloy ang pagkain.

Pagkatapos ng hapunan, umalis na rin naman si Martell dahil mag-aaral pa raw. Kami naman ng mga kapatid ay naglaro ng "who's most likely to" at pumayag naman sila na i-film namin para maipost ko sa Youtube dahil matagal-tagal na rin akong hindi nakapag-upload.

The following days and weeks went by smoothly and there wasn't a day that my sisters didn't bug me about my birthday. Anila na dapat daw mag-plano kami lalo na't first time ito na magkasama kaming tatlo sa pag-celebrate. May punto naman ang mga kapatid kaya hinayaan ko na silang pagplanuhan ang birthday ko.

Tama nga si Martell at naging busy kaming dalawa. Pabalik-balik siya sa Europe at naging busy din sa pag-aaral. Ako naman, binabantayan si Gemini dahil malapit na siyang manganak at inaasikaso ang mga requirements para sa paaralan.

This month na kaming babalik sa Pilipinas dahil hanggang December lang naman ang exchange program. And speaking of going back to the Philippines, I haven't told Martell about this yet.

I don't want us to break up but I also know that it wouldn't be practical and realistic if I ask him to continue our relationship. I'd rather end things well with him even though it hurts than force a long distance relationship and things might end up worse.

Just the thought of leaving the States feels like my heart is getting crumpled. I got attached with the people here and even though we only knew each other for months, they were able to secure a place in my heart.

I'd miss Sasha and Olivia and our chikka sessions in the school garden and our dinner with Mabel. Even though I haven't seen Margarita, Milena, Orion, Gabriello and Martini for a while now, I'm sure that I'm also gonna miss them.

But if there's someone whom I'm gonna miss the most— it's obviously Martell. Kahit ilang buwan lang kaming magkakilala, sobrang dami ko namang natutunan at naranasan dahil sa kaniya.

Mami-miss ko ang mga usapan namin at iyong mga tukso niya pati na rin ang paggulo niya ng buhok ko. Mami-miss ko rin ang pagtawag niya sa akin ng "Axyne". Iyong mga panahon na magkasama kami at kung saan-saan pumupunta ay mami-miss ko rin. Iyong pagpunta namin sa museum, ang mga hindi planadong pagkikita namin sa ospital at pati na rin ang mga oras na nasa gym kami at kumakain ako ng yogurt habang siya naman ay nagbabasa.

Iyong noong hindi pa kami ganoon ka-close at ni-snob niya ako at pati na rin ang kahihiyang ginawa ko noong una naming pagkikita sa ospital na akala ko ay hahalikan niya ako dahil lumapit siya sa akin pero 'yon pala ay may kukunin siya sa vending machine.

Pati na rin iyong pagsubo niya sa akin noong nasa spa kami habang parang mga chismoso't chismosa ang kaniyang mga pinsan na nag-eespiya sa amin at noong nag-drive thru kami at hinayaan niya akong kumain sa kaniyang sasakyan at sinubuan ko rin siya.

Just thinking about leaving the States saddens me. But even so, a part of me is happy and grateful. Ayaw ko mang umalis, alam ko namang may hangganan ang lahat at may dapat akong balikan.

Meeting people and getting apart with those people is part of life. If I'll be honest, I don't want to leave but I also want to see my friends again. I will miss the people whom I gotten close with but that doesn't change the fact that I miss London, Sugar, Vanilla and Caramel as well.

My short stay here in the States is the most liberating and exuberant four months of my life. I got to meet really cool and talented people. I got to attend different convivial parties. I got the chance to visit beautiful places and spend my time with amazing people.

And most importantly, I got to meet an exceptional man— a heaven-sent and the most beautiful art I've ever seen. The one who made my definition of fairytale different; the one who made the ordinary and simple seem so special and unforgettable.

Forrest Martell Oliveira is the highlight of the few yet remarkable months I spent away from my home.

Though it will definitely break my heart once we separate ways, I know that I'd be grateful that I got the chance to meet him and to actually be with him.

I would be grateful because even though I'd be heartbroken, I still have memories to cling onto and reminisce when my heart would ache for him.

And even though it's a shame that we only got to be with each other for a short time, I am still and will always be grateful and happy because even in the short span of time, I can say that I had the best time here. I can say that I was able to appreciate my life even more because of my short stay here.

I'm too young and it's still too early to even think about how my romantic life will look like in the future but if I do end up with someone, I hope that it would be Martell.

But whatever happens, I'm sure that I'd never forget him. Aside from the fact that he's my first boyfriend, he showed me all the qualities I never thought a man can possess— from the times I didn't have to explain myself because he gets my humor to the time when he understood how a mere teddy bear means so much to me and to the time when he showed me an astounding amount of understanding.

Hanggang ngayon, hindi pa rin ako makapaniwala na ni kahit isang salita, wala siyang sinabi noong nadumihan ko ang kaniyang sasakyan at hindi man lang sumama ang loob.

When I told my sisters about it, they had the same reaction as well. We all know how hard it is to remove a stain from the bedsheets alone. How much more from a car seat?

"Martell values his possessions a lot especially the ones that were gifted to him and one of those gifts is his car," Gretchen spoke. "But, if there's something that I'm awed about him is that he values the people he cares about more, and his ability to be understanding and rational."

"He's a keeper, Galaxy," Gemini said with a smile. "He didn't get mad at you for having a period and for being unaware of it when he could've come up with a reason to blame or at least make you feel bad."

"I must say, you have a great taste," Gretchen added with a nod and a proud look on her face.

"Are you crying?"

Tumingala ako sa bagong-ligong Martell. Nakakunot ang kaniyang noo at mukhang nag-alala na madatnan akong ganito.

Binisita ko siya sa kaniyang condo para mabigay ang sweater na ginawa ko at saka para sabihan siya na patapos na ang exchange program at malapit na akong bumalik sa Pilipinas.

Naupo siya sa tabi ko at agad na ipinalibot ang mga braso sa aking baywang. Nasa leeg ko na naman ang kaniyang mukha at isa na ito sa mga nahihilig niyang gawin maliban sa paggulo ng aking buhok.

Bihis na bihis siya dahil may meeting daw na pupuntahan. Hindi naman ako magtatagal dito dahil ibibigay ko lang naman ang sweater pero sana makapag-usap kami kahit sandali.

"Martell," I called. I tried my best to steady my voice because I don't want him to know how nervous I am. Ayaw ko mang pag-usapan ito pero alam kong kinakailangan 'to dahil dadating talaga ang araw na babalik ako ng Pilipinas.

"Hmm?" Aniya kaya bumaling ako sa kaniya sabay hinga ng malalim. Ngunit bago pa ako makapagsalita, biglang tumunog ang kaniyang phone.

His face hardened before he let out a sigh and ended the phone call. He then explained to me that he really needs to leave.

Ayaw kong mag-dalawang isip siya sa pag-alis kaya kahit gusto ko mang pakiusapan siya na manatili muna, tumango na lang ako at saka ngumiti.

He placed a soft kiss on my forehead and went to the door. Mukhang nagmamadali nga talaga siya at ako na lang daw ang mag-lock nitong condo niya at hindi na ako hinintay kahit paalis na rin naman ako.

I was heading towards the elevator when a familiar woman went out from it. Naglakad siya palabas at biglang tumigil sa harapan ko kaya napatigil din ako sa paglalakad.

I gave Martell's mom a small smile. I tried to be calm and composed but deep down, I feel intimidated with everything about her.

From the way she elegantly carries herself with her chin up high and proper posture, the way she holds her handbag to the way she looks like me as if I'm some dukha blocking her way.

I am not easily intimidated especially that I'm always the one who's being thought as intimidating. But everything in her seems so regal and it screams authority and sophistication. The fact that she is also Martell's mother didn't help.

Kung hindi siya siguro ina ng boyfriend ko, may posibilidad na hind ako mai-intimidate sa kaniya. Pero dahil nga ina siya ni Martell, kinakabahan tuloy ako.

I'm not a total people-pleaser but this one right here is Martell's mom! Of course I want to be in her good side. Ayaw ko ng kontrabidang mother-in-law, noh!

"You must be Martell's girlfriend, hmm?" She asked, surprising me. Hindi ko alam na kilala niya ako.

The side of her lips curved, it seems to me that she found my reaction amusing. "I always hear him talk to Margarita and Martini about you as if you're some high and mighty supreme being."

Medyo natawa pa siya sa kaniyang sarili pero bigla ring bumalik sa pagkaseryoso ulit. Nagulat pa ako at hindi agad nakapagsalita nang inaya niya akong pumunta sa isang cafe.

Iyon nga ang ginawa namin. Hindi ko alam kung paano kumilos sa harap niya. Hindi pa nakatulong na nai-intimidate talaga ako sa kaniya.

Hindi nagtagal ang pag-uusap namin pero iyon ang laman ng isipan ko buong araw.

"Hoy!" Biglang sigaw ni Gretchen sabay pitik ng noo ko. "Nasa outer space ka na naman, Galaxy."

Inirapan ko siya at kinuha na ang bag at nagpaalam. Pagkatapos ng usapan namin kanina ng ina ni Martell, nakipagkita kaagad ako sa mga kapatid. Gusto kong magkuwento pero parang ayaw ko rin.

Tinanguan ko na lang ang dalawa at saka nagpaalam na dahil parang ayaw naman nilang kasama ako at napipilitan lang. Mukhang may importante pang mga lakad pero ayaw ring hindian ako.

Dito lang din daw muna mananatili si Gemini sa kay Gretchen at mabuti iyon kasi makakapag-isip ako.

Tulala akong buong araw at maaga pang natulog. Ayaw kong mag-isip dahil nakakapagod din minsan.

Nagising akong punong-puno ang inbox sa lahat ng social media accounts. Ang daming pakulo ng mga followers ko kahit gustohin ko mang ngumiti at magpakasaya, binabagabag pa rin ako ng pag-uusap namin ng ina ni Martell.

Sa sobrang pag-iisip ko ng iyon, nakalimutan kong birthday ko pala ngayon. Yesterday was supposed to be the day I can commemorate my first year as an "adult" yet I didn't get to spend it memorably. I could've spent yesterday reminiscing my early teenage years but all I did was sulk, and indulged in self pity and overthinking.

Parang nawalan ako ng ganang ipagpatuloy ang araw at biglang nakaramdam ng pagod kahit kagigising ko lang naman.

Pagkatapos maligo, tamad akong umupo sa sofa habang nag-iisip ng pwedeng makain. Bigla ko ring natandaan iyong sinabi ng mga kapatid na maghahanda raw sila para sa birthday ko pero wala naman silang nabanggit sa akin.

Hindi ko mapigilang manlumo dahil sa naiisip. Hindi pa nakatulong nang matandaan ko na naman iyong pag-uusap namin ng ina ni Martell.

Natigil lang ang pag-iisip ko nang biglang tumunog ang doorbell. I looked through the eyehole and saw Martell waiting outside with a bouquet of flowers and a bunch of paper bags.

Tumakbo ako papuntang kwarto at nagsuot ng shades. Hindi niya pwedeng makita ang namumugto kong mga mata dahil siguradong mag-aalala siya at magtatanong. Ayaw kong sabihin sa kaniya ang tungkol kahapon at ayaw ko ring magsinungaling.

"Happy birthday, Axyne," he greeted and was about to hug me but out of instinct, I stepped back.

I don't know why I did such but maybe its because of the flowers? They smell bad and I'm not really a fan of those except if they're from Martell.

"What is it Axyne? Are you okay? Are we okay?" Sunod-sunod niyang tanong at napalitan na ng pag-aalala ang kaninang masaya niyang mukha.

"I want my son happy but you're making it hard for him," panimula ng ina ni Martell. "I'm not blaming you for anything but since you're in the picture, my son now has another thing to consider and though he's silent about it, I can see his struggles."

Martell's mom's words left me speechless. Hindi ito ang inasahan kong pag-uusap.

"You know Irene, right? She's in the hospital once again. If I'm not mistaken, she found out that you and my son are together so she tried to hurt herself again," she continued, eyeing me warily. "Don't get me wrong, I don't like her too. She's manipulative and everything that I don't like my son to be associated with."

Well, at least we have something in common.

"If you're not my son's girlfriend, he would've done what he usually does— rushing to her side against his will. But now, he just became nonchalant about her and her condition's getting worse. It's unfair that Martell has to adjust for her and what's worse is that he'll get the blame for not being by her side when it's not even his fault!" Aniya sa nasi-stress na tono.

Hindi ako nagsalita at patuloy lang na nakinig. Paminsan-minsan, tumitigil din siya at nagbubuntong-hininga.

"As much as I want to do something to get Irene out of the picture, I can't do it because my son's career might be affected. People would get suspicious and it might backfire to my son."

"So you want me to leave because it would at least be easier for Martell? So whatever it is that he has to decide about, he doesn't need to consider me and what I might feel? So that Irene won't hurt herself again and Martell wouldn't have to force himself to be by her side? So you wouldn't have to do anything that might backfire and ruin Martell?" I finally said.

Hindi ko alam kung saan ako nakakuha ng lakas dahil kahit iniisip ko pa lang kanina ang gusto niyang mangyari, parang pinipiga na ang puso ko. Alam ko namang kailangan din naming maghiwalay dahil paalis na ako pero may parte pa rin sa akin na umaasa.

"You want me to leave him?" I asked even though it's really obvious what her intention is. "And you'd appreciate it even more if the reason I'd be using won't be this."

Mahina siyang tumango. Sandali kong nakitaan ng pagsisisi at pagkaawa ang kaniyang mga mata pero napalitan din ito ng kalamigan at kung hindi lang sana parang sinusuntok ako sa dibdib, nagsitayuan na siguro ang mga balahibo ko dahil sa kaniyang tingin.

"Kung itutulak ko siya palayo, mas mapapadali ba talaga ang sitwasyon niya? Makakatulong ba talaga sa kaniya ang gusto mong mangyari?" Tanong ko ulit.

Ayaw ko mang gawin pero wala naman akong pwedeng magawa kundi umalis dahil kahit hindi pa ito nangyari, aalis at aalis pa rin naman ako. Pero at least, kahit aalis ako, alam kong mababawasan ang mga pinoproblema ni Martell. Kung ikabubuti niya naman, walang problema sa akin dahil iyon din naman ang gusto ko para sa kaniya.

"Axyne?" Martell called again. Seeing him this worried made my heart ache.

"I, uh... am doing a promotional shoot for a brand... for eyewear," I lied, then adding a fake chuckle.

"Can I help? I can take your photos," he suggested with a hopeful look.

I shook my head and looked to the side. Kahit hindi niya naman nakikita ang mga mata ko, hindi ko pa rin siya kayang tingnan.

I'm sorry, Martell.

He eyed me warily, looking doubtful but still nodded. He handed me the bouquet of flowers and the paper bags, then hugging me before placing a soft kiss on my forehead.

He looked at me one last time before walking away while heaving a deep sigh.

Tumungo ako sa sofa at binuksan ang mga paper bags na binigay niya. Marami iyon pero ang isang DVD ang nakakuha ng atensyon ko.

I played it on the TV and my eyes didn't leave it until it was finished. Kahit tapos na ang napanood, tulala pa rin ako. Huli ko na ring napansin ang mga luhang kanina pa palang tumutulo.

Martell just gave me a DVD with a video in it. It's like a montage of stolen pics and clips that I didn't know he took. Most of it were taken during our trips and lunches together. What's more heartwarming is that though there is background music, he also added a voice over that sounds like a love letter being read.

I rushed to the door when the doorbell rang, thinking it was Martell. But to my disappointment, it was a delivery. Tinanggap ko iyon at bumalik ulit sa sofa para mabuksan ang package.

It was a box full of different flavored yogurts and it's from Martell. There was also a small card in it with a handwritten message.

I don't know what you're going through but I really hope you're okay. I understand if you don't want me to know but please do know that I'm here.

Happy birthday, my Axyne.

Bigla na naman akong naluha dahil sa nabasa. I feel guilty for pushing him away and it just dawned on me that I didn't have to be so harsh and cold on him.

I'm gonna leave but I want to be in good terms with him. Hindi ko siya kailangang itulak palayo dahil madadaan naman ito sa mabuting usapan. Hindi naman ako magtatagal dito kaya susulitin ko na lang ang mga araw na magkasama kami.

Gusto kong bumalik ng Pilipinas na nagkakamabutihan pa rin kami ni Martell. Ayaw kong umalis na masakit ang puso at may dinadala dahil natitiyak kong hindi ako mapapayapa.

I took my phone and apologized to Martell. I told him that I just woke up on the wrong side of the bed and it seems to me that he understood it.

"Martell," I called.

We were both lounging at the couch while eating popcorn and binge watching some Disney movies. Ito na ang tamang panahon na mag-usap kami dahil baka pagsisisihan ko pa kapag mas pinatagal ko pa ito.

Bumaling siya sa akin at itinagilid ang ulo, hinihintay ang susunod kong sasabihin.

"I'm an exchange student, remember? I... uh... am gonna be leaving for the Philippines and..." I trailed off, not knowing what to say next. It didn't help that another set of tears were attempting to escape from my eyes. Hindi ko na kayang ipagpatuloy ang sinasabi pero sana naman naintindihan niya.

"I know..." aniya sabay tango.

Mas lumapit siya sa akin at ipinalibot ang mga braso sa akin. He made me sit on his lap and hugged me even tighter, then kissing my forehead while wiping the corner of my eyes.

He gave me a reassuring smile. "I did not forget about that, Axyne," he said. "We don't have to talk about this right now, though..."

Tumango ako at nginitian siya. "Thank you," I whispered before hugging him back.

Though we haven't talked about such matter yet, I felt lighthearted. The fact that he's aware of my departure made me feel better because... well, he's still here. It means that he knew from the start that I'll be leaving.

Kinalas ko ang pagkakayakap sa kaniya at hinalikan siya. Agad naman niyang tinugunan ang mga halik ko at hindi ko napigilang mapadaing.

It was supposed to be a quick, thank-you kind of kiss but Martell had other plans. He took me thrice on the couch and damn! This day is turning out to be better than I thought it would be. Kung hindi lang siguro nag-ring ang cellphone niya, malamang ilang beses pa siguro iyon naulit.

Habang may kausap siya sa phone, ako naman ay dumiretso na sa banyo at saka naligo. Sinabayan niya pa talaga ako kaya mas tumagal ang pagligo ko!

Napailing na lang ako at nagbihis na. Tutal aalis na rin naman ako, susulitin ko talaga ang mga natitirang araw ko dito sa States.

Martell told me that we'll be going somewhere and as much as I want to know where we're going, I stopped myself from asking, heightening my excitement.

I wore the dark blue, satin midi dress and the pair of gold Valentino stilettos Martell gave me. Ilan lang ang mga sinuot ko ngayon sa mga niregalo niya.

Lumabas ako ng kwarto at nakitang nakabihis na rin si Martell at katulad ko, naka-dark blue rin siya.

Nakatalikod siya sa akin at yayakapin ko sana siya pero bigla siyang humarap. Bumukas ang kaniyang bibig at akmang may sasabihin pero agad niya naman itong sinara at napalunok na lang.

"Tulala ka sa kagandahan ko, ano?" Biro ko.

He nodded without hesitance and neared me, his arms then making their way to my waist.

"You look glowing and enthralling, Axyne," he complimented with a smile. Nanatili ang kaniyang mga mata sa akin at kahit feel na feel ko naman ang mga papuri niya, bigla akong tinablan ng hiya.

Napangiti na lang ako at inaya na siyang umalis. Nakatulog ako sa sasakyan at ginising niya lang ako nang makarating na kami sa destinasyon namin.

Nasa may garden restaurant kami ngayon pero imbes na dumaan sa palagi naming dinadaanan, may nilikuan kami ni Martell. Hindi pa ako nakapunta sa side na ito at hindi ko inakalang ganito pala kalawak ang garden na 'to. Ilang hektarya rin siguro ito dahil maliban sa kinaroroonan namin ngayon, iyong sa kabila ay napakalawak din.

"Surprise!" Napaigtad ako at napakapit sa braso ni Martell nang may biglang pumutok na confeeti kasabay ng pagsigaw ng mga taong biglang nagsulputan mula sa kung saan.

Napatingin ako sa kay Martell dahil sa gulat at nakitang may dala na siyang cake. Biglang tumunog ang birthday song sa speakers at kinantahan nila ako.

Maluha-luha akong napatingin sa mga naririto. Nasa pinakaunahan ang dalawang kapatid na may malalaking ngiti sa kanilang labi habang kumakanta. Sa tabi nila ay sina Margarita, Sasha, Olivia at Mabel. Sa likuran naman nila ay sina Martini, Orion, Gabriello, Milena, Chloe at Oceanne.

After all the singing and greetings, my sisters made me change into a chiffon dress. It's periwinkle in color and reached my ankles. The long dress looks like something I would wear running down the stairs of a castle while Taylor Swift's Love Story is playing on the background.

The whole ambience and decoration of the garden gave off a fairytale-like ambience. I'm no princess but I felt like one especially when they made me wear a crown! I can't believe that I'm actually enjoying this kind of aesthetic when I'm clearly too old for this.

Nakisakay din ang mga bisita at lahat ng suot nila ay tumugma rin sa theme. Pati si Martell na katerno ko kanina ay nagbihis din at mukhang sinadya talaga na magkapareho ang kulay ng suot namin.

My sisters prepared a program and I can't believe that there are actually games! Kaninang umaga ay nanlulumo ako dahil akala ko nakalimutan nila ang kaarawan ko pero may pasorpresa pala sila!

Pagkatapos ng games ay saka kami kumain at pagkatapos niyon ay ang gift-giving. Kahit nga wala na silang regalong ibigay sa akin ay masaya na ako. It's their presence and their effort to actually celebrate my birthday with me that matter the most.

If I'm not mistaken, it seems to me that all of them are trying to compete with the gifts. Wala naman iyong problema sa akin dahil ako naman ang tatanggap ng mga regalong iyon at mas mabuti pa nga kung makikipagkumpetensiyahan sila kasi mas dadami ang matatanggap ko!

"Here's a lifetime pass to my gym and feel free to maximize all the amenities," si Gabriello sabay bigay sa akin ng parang credit card na may logo ng gym. "Foods from the snack bar are free for you as well."

Biglang lumiwanag ang mga mata ko nang marinig ang salitang 'free'. Napakamahal ng membership sa gym ni Gabriello pati na rin ang mga pagkain. Sayang nga lang at aalis na ako.

"Free VIP room and club passes to any of our hotels," ani naman ni Orion sabay bigay ng parang credit card katulad ng ibinigay ni Gabriello.

"I thought you'd give her a yacht, Orion!" Sigaw ni Martell sa pinsan na agad namang itinaas ang gitnang daliri na ikinatawa naming lahat.

"Para lang daw iyon sa future girlfriend niya," sagot naman ni Martini kaya biglang naging sentro ng tukso si Orion.

Sumunod naman si Martini na binigyan ako ng ilang bote ng inumin at free pass sa mga restaurants niya. Si Chloe naman ay binigyan din ako ng free pass sa mga spa nila ng kapatid habang si Milena naman ay binigyan ako ng napakaraming paper bags na sa tingin ko ay naglalaman ng kung ano-anong mga damit, sapatos at alahas. Aniya pa raw na kaya marami dahil may iilan din daw na pinadala ang kaniyang mga kapatid para sa akin.

Mabel, Olivia and Sasha gave me a customized Leica camera with pop-arts prints of Disney princesses while Marga and Oceanne gave me a Hermes shoulder bag that's hand-painted with some Disney princesses' faces.

Hindi ako makapaniwala sa mga natanggap lalo na't alam kong napakamahal ng mga ito ngunit bigla ko ring natandaan na hindi pala mga basta-basta lang ang mga bisita ko.

"Are you enjoying?" Ani Martell na may maliit na ngiti.

Mabilis akong tumango at saka siya niyakap. Kaya pala naging busy siya nitong mga nakaraang araw ay dahil ito ang inaasikaso niya kasama ang dalawang kapatid.

"What's your plan for tomorrow?" Aniya ulit.

Sandali akong nag-isip-isip at natandaan na sasamahan ko pala si Gemini bukas sa kaniyang checkup. Malapit na siyang manganak pero parang wala lang sa kaniya iyon.

Tumango si Martell at mas hinigpitan ang pagkakayakap sa akin. "I'd be really busy in the following weeks but if you need anything just text or call me, okay? You can also come by to my place anytime."

I nodded with a smile. I was about to ask when we'll talk about it but looks like he read my mind.

"Maybe we can meet tomorrow after your sister's checkup," he suggested. "Is that okay with you?"

Mabilis akong tumango bago ulit siya niyakap. This man right here is the best gift I've ever received and I'm really glad that I was sent here for the exchange program.

If it wasn't for it, I would've missed the chance in meeting these wonderful people here with me today. I went here to study but I got more.

I made new friends, I got myself a boyfriend, and what's even more amazing is that I met my long lost sister! One of the sole reason why I worked really hard to be part of the exchange program is because I wanted to get away from my family not knowing that I'll be coming here and be part of another family.

"Are you sure you don't want to have an appointment?" Tanong ulit ng kapatid.

Katulad ng naplanuhan, sinamahan ko siya sa kaniyang checkup. Nagsuka ako kagabi at kaninang umaga at napapraning na ang kapatid. Aniya raw baka may allergy din ako sa seafoods katulad nila ni Gretchen. Iyon kasi ang kinain ko kahapon sa party.

Umiling ulit ako bago siya tinulungang tumayo dahil tinawag na kami ng sekretarya ng doktor.

Nakinig lang ako sa mga sinasabi ng doktor dahil sigurado naman akong isa ako sa mga sasama sa kapatid at mag-aalaga sa kaniya. Nang patapos na kami, kinuntyaba pa ni Gemini ang kaniyang doktor na mukhang ka-close niya na, na kumbinsihin akong magpa-checkup na rin.

"Morning sickness are normal," anang doktor sabay tingin sa tiyan ko at saka ako nginitian. "The both of you look really glowing—"

"Huh?" Ani Gemini sa gulat na tono. "But... but... my sister's not pregnant..." she trailed off, then looking at me. Pinaghalong pagkagulat at kalituan ang kaniyang mukha.

Ako mismo nagulat din sa narinig at gusto ko mang kontrahin ang sinabi ng doktor, parang nawalan ako ng lakas para magsalita.

Nagsibalikan sa isipan ko ang nangyari sa amin ni Martell. Tumaas-baba ang dibdib ko, biglang kinabahan sa posibilidad na baka... hindi! Malabong mangyari iyon...

I shook my head and sat on the nearest seat. I felt my energy slowly being drained and I don't know what to feel. Hindi ko ito inasahan kaya blanko ako ngayon.

Hindi ko alam kung anong nangyari pero nakumbinsi ako ng dalawa na magpa-checkup nga. Buong oras na naghihintay kami ng resulta ng mga tests ay kinakabahan ako. Natatakot ako sa posibilidad na iyon dahil hindi ko alam kung anong dapat gawin kung mag-positive ang resulta.

My sister's hand found its way to mine's. She didn't say anything and only squeezed my hand gently. Her eyes went to my belly and I unconsciously looked at it as well. Kanina ko pa pinipigilan ang sarili na mapatingin sa tiyan dahil natatakot ako sa pwedeng makita.

Sabay kaming napatayo nang bumalik ang doktor na mula pa yata sa laboratory. My sister insisted that I should take both blood and urine tests just to be sure.

The doctor glanced at the paper she was holding before bringing her eyes to Gemini. "Looks like your child is gonna have a baby cousin."

My sister and I gasped. If she wasn't holding my hand, I probably would've fainted already.

"Congratulations, Gazella." The doctor turned to me with a smile. "You are four weeks pregnant."