Sleight in Love

During December, I have always owned and rocked the theme Loveless Christmas. Since day one, I've never had someone special to kiss under the mistletoe before, to celebrate the concluding holidays of the year with, to lose inhibitions with drinking eggnogs, and to kickstart another round of crazy year with. Nope, no one.

I remembered someone once told me that love life wasn't much important when you have the great company of loving family and friends, and yeah, I knew that. Of course, and duh? But heck, could they give me kids of my own? No. Not unless it's out from the department store, with its life operated by batteries, and only wore a plain onesie.

I wanted kids straight outta my coochie. You know?

I should've buckled up because a related thought suddenly came to mind.

"Auntie, hindi po ba kami masyadong mabilis ni Archer?"

"Hindi naman. Benjamin and his ex-wife clicked right a way like that—"

"Hmm, sabagay," sabi ko habang tumatango-tango at inaantok na nakatingin sa labas ng store.

"—yet look at them now divorced."

"Auntie!" Lumagitik ang ulo ko na lumingong pabalik sa kanya. Patigilin ba naman puso ko, e! Ang salbahe talaga nito.

"I only answered you, Snooki."

"Yes, but that's a wrong answer naman, Auntie, e! You're supposed to assure me and feed my ego. Ugh! I hate it here," I reacted theatrically.

Auntie lifelessly stared at me. She blinked three times, which gave away that she didn't know what to necessarily say next. So I assisted her by saying, "You can now start by saying na dahil sobrang ganda at bait ko kaya ako kinababaliwan ni Archer, at magtatagal kami nang mas matagal pa sa forever. Go."

Umiling siya at saka ako ini-snob. Nagkibit na lang ako ng balikat kasi sanay naman na ako. Pero lagi ko pa ring hinihiling sa lahat ng santo na sana bumait na siya. At sana kayanin by end of calendar year.

Habang pinapakain ko ang bff ko ng crickets ay naalala kong wala pa nga pala akong regalo sa kanya. I suddenly felt bad. But I thought, what would I give her anyway? I didn't know any good lizard stuff. Should I just cook Adobo Crickets? Tapos iyong toyo ay kay Auntie ko hihingin? Kekeke~

I ran out of time for gift shopping, actually. I was already set to go home in the Philippines two days from today. And I did miss it at home because this had been the longest that I was away, but I knew I'd miss it here, too.

If it wasn't for the little family that I had, who fostered me here, it would have been much easier to leave.

Maagang dumating si Julio sa shop dahil maaga rin namang naubos ang mga bulaklak. Bukas pa darating ang mga bulaklak galing Sunsworth, at baka hindi na ako buong araw makapagtrabaho sa shop dahil mag-eempake na ako.

Nasa storefront ako at inaayos ang pagkakatayo ng bike ko nang makita kong lumabas si Jerry mula sa tavern. Luminga siya ng tingin sa kalsada, habang ako naman ay may naka-ready nang ngiti sa labi para cute na ako pagkakita niya sa akin.

But his eyes never flew to see me. His gaze stopped somewhere where a family seemed to have a little reunion along the sidewalk. And they were really at it, with their hug-fest and path-blocking celebration.

Why were Jer's eyes looked so sullen watching the family? Yeah, well, the answer was pretty obvious.

Nilihis ni Jerry ang tingin, maybe so he wouldn't weird the people out. He looked at different directions instead, other people, but then after he recovered another it's-okay-to-look-again chance, he'd glanced at the family from time to time.

I was afraid to ask anyone, but I've always wondered for how long had Jerry lived alone like this? Did he always celebrate his birthdays seeing his daughters' faces only on screen? When was the last time he exchanged gifts with his daughters in person? Did he drink eggnogs during jammies night on Christmas Eve? Or did he always skip all celebrations, got to bed early, and attempted to sleep the loneliness away?

Oh, crap. I sighed, defeated. I might or might not regret this hasty decision I just had in mind later on.

When I got home, I cancelled my flight to the Philippines straight away. I was fully aware that Spontaneous Snooki was at it again, but it wasn't as if I didn't already know myself. I wasn't going home, but I didn't feel all bad. Maybe 70-30, if someone would ask me for a number.

I'd stay for Uncle Jerry. Alam ko kasing favorite niya rin ako. Sus! Ayaw niya lang sabihin 'yon. Kasi 'pag inamin na niya, e 'di cherry na siya. Eh ayaw nga niyang maging sweet, kaya heto, ako na lang ang nag-adjust. I loved him as a grumpy Uncle of my own, and I hope he liked me for me, too.

The next day when I saw Jerry, he was revving a pick-up truck in front of his tavern. Bago pa siya makaalis ay tinakbo ko ang kabilang banda ng street at kinalampag ang katawan ng sasakyan niya. That's the low-budget sound for my grand entrance, I had to make do. Jerry grunted, of course. It was his essential ritual during our greetings.

"Howdy, partner!" bati ko sa kanya as I casually invited myself inside the vehicle. "Where do you think you're going without me, eh?"

"Thought you're going home, kid? Get the hell outta here," he said. Well, of course, he didn't mean that! He's really funny.

"There's no exclamation point in your tone, so it's clear you want me here. Also. . . I'm staying! I'm here during the holidays! That's good news, right?" I beamed.

Alam ko namang itatanggi niya, kaya noong ibinuka niya ang bibig niya ay inunahan ko na siya. "Ep ep ep! Hide your tongue, old man! It's okay. I know you're ecstatic. You don't have to say it out loud. I already know it in my heart, Jer."

Jerry sighed just after the engine died. Nagtaka ako pero hindi ko tinanong kung bakit niya pinatay ang makina imbes na paandarin.

"So, where are we going?" I asked again, both my brows were arched, and my lips slightly puckered.

"I need to buy Christmas Tree for the tavern."

Nagising lalo ang diwa ko dahil doon. It's nice he still had a teeny-tiny bit of holiday spirit in his soul. A manifestation that he wasn't all dead on the inside.

"And Archer's coming with me. Now, go back to your Aunt," he said in a soft-spoken voice.

I forced a smile as I noticed his tired eyes. Truthfully, hindi ko sigurado kung pagod nga ba iyon, o lungkot. O pareho?

Madalas kong ginugulo ang buhay niya, pero ito ang unang beses na narinig ko ang boses niya sa ganitong tono. Bukod pa roon ay napansin ko na bahagyang umitim ang ilalim ng mata niya. He wasn't getting sleep, that's for sure.

"Oh!" I tried to react in a way that I would usually—whimsically and dramatically. With my throat constricted like this, I had to go with my usual attempt to fool around, or else I'd make a river out my eyes!

"Do you want us to get it for you? You should rest, you know." I shrugged and faked that everything still felt casual.

"I can manage, kid. Now go back to—"

"Christmas Eve, at Auntie's rooftop, bring presents, and wear pajamas," I continuously said, cutting him off. Sumandal ako sa upuan, pumikit, at saka humalukipkip. "No questions asked! Attendance is mandatory."

"You're really one hell of an annoying kid." I heard his tut-tut of disbelief and defeat. "Alright, alright!"

Nagmulat ako at nginisian siya. Now that's the Jerry I knew! Always cranky, and remotely a cherry.

Minutes later, I saw Archer crossed the street from Daily Bloom. Nasa magkabilang bulsa ng winter coat ang dalawa niyang kamay. Bahagyang nakakunot ang noo niya nang matanaw niya ako na nakaupo sa front seat ng truck kaya sa likod siya pumasok.

"Uncle," bati niya kay Jerry, at tumango naman ito at binuhay na ang makina ng sasakyan. Mula sa likuran ko ay inabot niya ang balikat ko. "Hey, Snooks."

"Hey, 'sup," sagot ko naman sa cool tone. Kunwari ay hindi ako kinikilig na nasa balikat ko ang kamay niya at halos idungaw na niya ang buong katawan para lang masilayan ang mukha ko. Iba talaga ako, alam ko.

"I thought you're packing all day? Tomorrow's still your flight?"

Nagpigil ako ng ngiti, pero 'di ko nakayanan. May nakatakas tuloy na maliit na pilyong ngiti.

"Snooki..." May pagbabanta na sa tono niya, pero malambing pa rin.

Kiss muna. Charing!

"The kid's staying, Archer. Tell her to go away," Jerry deadpanned, ruining my chance to drop the bomb announcement myself. Humupa ang ngiti ko, e.

"Ayun. Sinabi na niya."

Nangisi si Jerry at umiling. Si Archer naman ay bahagyang nangiti at itinungo ang noo sa balikat ko. Nang medyo nakiliti ako ay napahalakhak siya. Tinapik niya ang balikat ko at umayos na siya ng upo sa likod.

I already broke it to him that while he had this tempting persuasion of being mine for the whole month, I still had to go home. But, yeah, not until I cancelled everything last night in the blessed name of spontaneity. So help me, Saint Antonette.

"Uncle, do you want me to drive instead?" tanong ni Archer kahit umaandar na kami.

"Nah. I got this. I had doppio before leaving."

"You sure?" Mukhang hindi pa sigurado si Archer kung hahayaan na niyang si Jerry ang magmaneho. Siguro kasi nahalata rin niya ang pagod sa mata ni Uncle. See, it was that obvious.

"Saan ba tayo pupunta?" isiningit kong tanong ko kay Archer. Siya na ang tinanong ko kasi ang snob ni Jerry forevs. "Kung malayo talaga, then I think you should drive."

"New Jersey... again." May maliit na ngiting sumilay sa labi niya na parang may pilyong naalala.

"Woy, grabe ka talaga." Mahina ko rin siyang sinuway. Pigilan naman sana ang mga ganyang thoughts kasi nandito si Jerry, o!

"Sinagot lang kita, Snooki. Doon naman talaga tayo pupunta." Humalakhak pa siya.

Kanina pa nag-iinit ang pisngi ko at wala akong magawa. Pakiramdam ko sasabog na ako kasi wala akong mapagtaguan. Dinaan ko na lang tuloy sa irap.

Hindi naman nagpatinag si Jerry sa amin ni Archer. Siya na talaga ang nagmaneho. Habang nasa byahe kami ay patingin-tingin lang siya sa rearview mirror tuwing kinakausap ang pamangkin.

Dahil lagi ko ngang pinagmamasdan si Archer tuwing kita siya ng mata ko, pansin ko na noon pa na malapit talaga siya sa auntie at mga uncle niya. Minsan tuloy napapaisip ako kung magiging malapit din siya kina Lolo Gustin at Lola Safiya. Because I'd want that.

Not longer than two hours, we reached the tree farm in NJ. It was my survival instinct to look for the address of the places in signages at times when I was in an unfamiliar place. And today, we were in a town called Cranbury.

"I need to talk to an old friend. Will you two be alright?" tanong ni Jerry pagkahinto ng sasakyan sa parking area ng farm.

"Hey, if he's a co-owner of this farm, ask for a discount!" I suggested, grinning. "Tell him you're buying two, or—" I stopped midway to look at the back. "Ikaw, Arch? Will you get your own tree ba?"

"Meron na ako. I have a small artificial Christmas Tree on my office table," mapaglaro niyang sabi habang nangingiti-ngiti.

Kinagat ko ang pisngi ko mula sa loob at saka umirap. Hindi naman 'yon joke, pero kasi iba ang dala ng ngiti niya! Lalo na't hindi naman siya ganyan dati kaya talagang, ay, nakadadagundong ng dibdib!

"Ilang babae ang ginaganyanan mo ng ngiti, ha?" I seethed in jest, showing him my perfect set of teeth.

Ngumisi siya at sinabing, "Miss Snooki Henilza, ilan ka ba?"

Jerry hemmed loudly, probably for us to notice and to call up his existence into the picture.

"So... I'll let you two kids talk," singit ni Jerry. He awkwardly tapped the stirring wheel while we were in blushing silence. "Right! I'm gonna deal with my own business. Follow suit, if you will."

Lumabas si Jerry sa sasakyan at agad na bumati sa matandang lalaki mula sa 'di kalayuang sasakyan.

Nabalik lang ang atensyon ko sa loob ng sasakyan nang ibalik ni Archer ang babà niya sa balikat ko. My nose wrinkled when I felt his ticklish breath on my neck. Hngg~

Kinilabutan ako. Ang very good talaga nito. Talagang hinintay munang ma-solo ako bago gumanito. Like... perfect!

The tip of his nose dabbed onto the skin of my cheek. I liked it right there, but I wanted something else. I tilted my head closer and closer until his lips touched my cheek. I snickered, and he smiled against the blush of my skin.

"Snooki, can we..." He paused to look away and chuckle.

"Hmm, yes?" I urged him, kahit pa mas lumala ang kabog ng dibdib ko.

"Can we share, uhm..." Lumayo siya at sumandal sa upuan sa likod. Sinundan ko naman siya ng tingin. Nakataas ang pareho kong kilay habang naghihintay.

"Hmm?" alalay ko na naman. Excited, e.

"Sorry." Mahina siya natawa at umiling-iling. Namumula na naman ang tainga niya. "But... uhm. Can we share a tree instead?"

"Huh?" I was legit confused. "Wala ka bang dalang pera? Pauutangin kita. No interest, I promise. Ako lang ang may interest sa 'yo. Hindi charot."

"No, no. I meant—" Tumigil siya at nakangiti niyang kinagat ang labi niya. "I'll pay for our tree. If you won't mind me sharing... with you."

"Huh?" Hindi na mabibilang ang kunot sa noo ko sa pagtataka. Biglaan nalang nanlaki ang mata ko nang mapagtanto. Wait! "Oh. Ohhh!"

Napalunok na naman ako. I bashfully fanned myself using my hand. My eyelids fluttered crazily like the astounding beat of my heart.

"Okay lang. Sus! No big deal. Sure!"

It is a big deal to me! Like how big of a deal when a couple adopts a pet and treats it like their own kid. I just can't believe we're having a tree for our first daughter or son. I'm excited!

"Thanks." He laughed. Then, it was radio silence for a second. It was my turn to say something. At naalala ko na may balak nga pala ako kaya hindi na muna ako uuwi sa Manila.

"Arch, uhm... I kinda thought of something to do on the night of the 24th. Libre ka ba no'n?"

"You know this already. Sir Archer is whose all-month?"

I ballooned my cheeks like a pufferfish because of hesitation, and after it deflated, I mumbled, "kay Snooki?"

"That's right." He smirked with drowsy eyes. Lumabas siya ng truck at saka ako pinagbuksan ng pinto.

When I jumped out the truck, I was welcomed by a vast land of forest clothed with seemingly millions of Christmas Trees. It was green everywhere, and the only pop of colors was of the skies and the sun. I walked, the breeze smelt pine and nuzzled my skin differently from that in Manhattan.

Each time I was distant from any city, I felt calm. I oftentimes did not mind the noise, but sometimes it could get a bit overwhelming thinking about how it frightened our privilege to the future that we had always been uncertain of. Somewhere with absolute nature, that noise faded, possibly because of how the nature ticked the time considerably slower in rural, ergo granting me ample time to ponder and catch up with my own thoughts—more importantly, to feel my heart if it still beats.

Hindi ko na alam. Nandito lang naman ako para bumili ng puno, pero may internal monologue pa ako on the side. Kekeke. I should write a book later. I could wing it as New York Times bestselling author.

Balik sa puno, unang beses ko ito na makapunta sa tree farm, lalo pa't Christmas Trees ang nakatanim dito. At sobrang dami talaga. Mula sa kinatatayuan ko, nilulula ako ng kalawakan ng lugar, at tanaw na tanaw ko ang mga nagkalat na puno na uuwi sa iba't ibang bahay o imumuwestra sa mga establisyimento.

I remembered back then, we had one giant real tree that us cousins used to decorate as kids. Paramihan kasi kami noon ng maisasabit na Christmas stockings, at halos ma-etsapwera na ang mga ornament. Siyempre, mas maraming medyas, mas maraming pera na paglalagyan si Lolo Gustin. Ang laging pinakamayaman sa lahat ay si Elon. Ewan ko ba ro'n. Bata pa lang akala mo'y malaki na ang pangangailangan. Pinapakain naman siya sa bahay.

Bumalik ako sa sarili nang may humarang kay Archer sa gitna ng paglalakad namin patungo sana sa pagpipilian ng mga puno. I put on a little tense, unsure of how to appropriately react. Pero hindi tumingin 'yong babae akin kaya sinundan ko ang mata niya paangat kay Archer.

"Marsden, hey... I know this might not be a good time to talk, but I really need your help."

"Sorry, but I'm already off work." Archer briefly looked at me with concern. "Send me an email, I'll go through it in the evening. Would that be fine?"

"I think it's best to talk about it in person. Besides, I'm sure your friend won't mind." She gave a small smile but cocked an eyebrow.

Who's this woman? She's tall, blonde, and wow—demanding. She didn't deserve any of my adjectives. Therefore, all that she could get was that she's just some person.

No, but really, she was taller than me, and she almost reached Archer's height. Her slender body poses in an all-Gucci exterior that asserted she could land a modeling project without even trying.

"Grazie, please..." nahihirapang tawag ni Archer.

What?! I knew it because something felt funny in the gut, but I kinda dismissed the inkling thought because why not. But... wait, that's really her?

"If you won't be able to help, it's fine. But you know I won't lie on your performance during deliberation, Marsden."

Iniwas ko ang mukha ko dahil 'di ko napigilan ang kunot ng noo ko. Anong performance ang sinasabi niya, e 'di ba, officially off work na si Archer? Auntie Tonette might be right, that she's really... something.

I pursed my lips, swung my body back and forth, while my eyes frolic like the restless non-jealous woman that I truly was. I'd bless this chapter of my life with the title, 'That Time When the Ex Meets the Forever.' Spoiler alert: Miss Forever won. Not... that... I'd taken this as a competition.

"Arch, alis muna ako," bulong ko. "Hahanapin ko lang si Jerry."

"Alright. Hanapin natin. Sasamahan na kita." Hinuli niya ang pulso ko at saka tumingin kay Grazie. "I'll look forward to your email, then."

Hahakbang na sana kami pero bahagyang hinarangan na naman ni Grazie ang lalakaran ni Archer. He sighed defeatedly. It's established, he knew he had to face the final boss.

"Kausapin mo na, baka super important, e. Baka 'di yan makakatulog mamaya, e 'di kasalanan mo pa." He slightly chuckled. "Una na muna ako." Tinapik ko ang braso niya. I gave him a tight-lipped smile for an ickle of assurance.

"Alright. Hahanapin kita pagkatapos." Tumango ako at saka sumibat.

Grazie looked lost kasi nag-Tagalog kami. Bahala siya, e siya na nga lang ang umaabala sa lakad namin. If she wanted to do business, do it when and where it's apt.

Pagkatalikod na pagkatalikod ko ay ngumiwi kaagad ako. Was I in a telenovela, or what? Ngayon pa lang hinihiling ko na agad na sana may guwapong lumapit sa akin habang nag-uusap si Marsden at si girl tapos hindi makakapag-focus si Marsden sa conversation dahil patingin-tingin siya sa gawi ko.

Eh kaso siya lang naman ang guwapo rito! I already scanned the area. No one made the cut. Man, it hurt so deep.

I guess normally, ito na iyong oras na mai-insecure ako dahil kausap ni Archer iyong maganda niyang ex na araw-araw pa niyang kasama sa trabaho. Pero wala naman akong matinding nararamdaman, kasi alam kong maganda rin naman ako, 'no! Sobra pa nga, puwede akong mamigay.

At kahit anong mangyari, hindi ko talaga ibababa ang sarili kong bangko. Aba, kahit tulog, buhat ko pa rin 'yan!

Gumala na lang ako sa lugar para pumili ng puno. Habang nagmamasid, pinapakinggan ko 'yong ibang pumipili. Ngayon ko lang nalaman na may iba't ibang klaseng puno pala na ginagawang Christmas Tree. Akala ko ay iisa lang.

I learned today that the Norway Spruce Tree was the original Christmas Tree. I stood in front of one to assess. I didn't know the exact height of it, but it definitely was taller than me. Hmm. I feel like with branches like the ones it had, it'd be too bushy and flashy for my apartment.

"That wouldn't fit in your apartment."

Tumingin ako sa gilid ko. Dumating si Jerry at iyong matandang lalaking kanina niyang binati, na kung tatantsahin ay kasing-edad lang nina Uncle.

"I think so, too," I answered him about the tree. "What should I get, then?"

"I'll show you where the White Firs are. See if you'd like that instead," sabi noong kaibigan ni Jerry na naka-flannel. A farm uniform aside from overalls.

Habang naglalakad kami ay pinakilala ako ni Jerry doon sa kaibigan niya. Mahilig pala 'tong sina Auntie at Uncle sa mga may-ari ng farm. Talk about the standards they had for a friend.

My friends should catch up, like, own a castle or something!

"Hi! I'm Snooki, Jerry's favorite person in New York," anunsyo ko na.

"No, she's not."

"Yes, I am."

"No."

"Yes!"

"Fine," walang-buhay niyang sagot at umiling na lang. A grin ascended my lips. Because he's better like this than a sad ol' boy in a tavern from across the street.

When we reached the row where the White Firs were, I picked one that's about five-foot tall, so it wasn't too grand for my apartment.

"I'll call in reinforcements to cut down the tree for you." Mr. Farmer smiled before leaving.

"Where's Archer?" asked Jerry.

"Ah, 'yon ba?" Humalakhak ako nang napakalakas at napakahaba hanggang sa magtaka si Jerry. "Oh. He's with his ex."

"Who? Grazie?"

"Yeah. Was there anyone else?" I rolled my eyes. Napahawak sa batok si Jerry, probably fazed by the sudden shift in my mood.

"I never should've recommended this place to that girl," I heard him murmur to himself.

It was finally my chance to tut-tut at him. Nagulat pa siya na narinig ko 'yong sinabi niya. Siya pala ang salarin. "Minus Snooki points ka sa 'kin, Uncle. By a lot!"

He shook his head. "I'm gonna go find Archer."

Ngumuso ako at umirap. At pagkairap ko ay nahagip ng mata ko si Archer sa kaliwa ko, eh sa kanan lumakad si Jerry.

"Teka, Jer! Arch is here!"

"Yeah?" he asked without looking back. "Well, I want out. Later." And he did continue to walk the other way. Ang sungit talaga. Hanapan kita ng jowa d'yan, e!

"Hey. You picked out our tree yet?"

"Yeah. They're gonna tear it down na. How about you? You done with work, Marsden?" I tried to at least say it playfully and without a smear of mockery.

"Done na." Humalakhak siya at saka naglambing na naman nang magsalita malapit sa tainga ko. "Was I not quick with it po ba, hmm?"

"Tagal mo." I folded my arms on my chest because my heart decided it felt like falling. "What have you done that she let go of you, huh? Mukhang ayaw ka nang pakawalan kanina, e."

"I said that my wife needed me back. It's an easy win." He grinned. His eyes were amused. And I just wanted to be something else! Please, turn me into a tree!

"We're not yet married!" I fumed, pero keme lang. Tumatawa niyang hinawi ang hinahangin kong buhok para makita ang mata ko.

"In my mind, I am already married to... someone." He even made the small pause to tease!

"Huh? Hmm. Kanino naman?" udyok ko. Moment ko na 'to, e.

Say my name. I'm ready to hear it. Henilza, Snooki.

"To my boo."

My cheeks felt hot and my mouth sprang slightly open. Why the heck did he remember that?!

"To my boss mapagmahal twenty-eight," pagpapatuloy niya. Lumaki lang lalo ang ngisi niya nang hindi ko maitikom ang bibig mula sa pagkagulat.

Because here I was actually thinking that whatever I say wasn't worth paying attention to. It warmed me that he really listened even when majority that comes out my mouth was gibberish. I had to shut my eyes and face the skies up to try and block a peeking smile.

"It's bente-otso. But okay, I can work with that."

Humalakhak na naman siya. Pagkamulat ko ay tiningala ko siya ng tingin. The sun stayed afloat ten o'clock behind his head, silhouetting the contours of his side profile—his eyelashes, nose, and lips that generate me new synapses.

He made a slight movement when his finger caressed my jawline. For a moment right there, the sun rays helped his heartfelt eyes to glitter as he stared at me. And eventually, he told me the words, "This will be the first of the best winters I'll ever have. Because now, I have you."

The winter misted his every word, but it was only through it that I secured the warmth I never knew I needed.

"Uhm, same," awkward kong sagot. Konti na lang talaga babagsak na ang katawan ko sa dibdib niya!

Humalakhak siya. Ipinatong niya ang kanyang noo sa noo ko at pinaglaruan ang ilong ko gamit ang tungki ng ilong niya. "Thank you for reciprocating, Miss Henilza."

I wrinkled my nose. Napahawak pa ako sa dibdib niya. Muntik na akong ma-out of balance, e! Pinapahina ba naman niya ang tuhod ko.

"You are welcome, Mister Marsden?" nag-aalangan kong sagot. So much for trying to match the honorific he used, mine only turned out dumb!

Napapikit tuloy siya at nakatingalang tumawa. Pinulupot niya ang braso sa baywang ko at hinapit iyon para mas mapalapit ako sa kanya. He was smiling from ear to ear while I glared at him.

Tuwang-tuwa talaga 'to sa 'kin, ano? Tingin ko tuloy, pakakasalan na ako nito next year.