Fiesta

Everything was going accordingly. Maaring nagsimula ang relasyon namin ni Chaz sa hindi kaayaayang paraan, pero hindi pa naman huli ang lahat para.. itama ito. We are in a vacation because this is what he wants us to do. To take a break, and because he's considering our situation. Indeed, everyone is subject to change. That even the most ruthless and cold hearted person I know, has managed to adopt the call of change for the betterment.

“You woke up early for this. Ikaw ba ang gumawa ng cake?”

Hindi na ako nakatulog matapos ang kantang iyon. While lolo, lola and Andres went home. Si Andres ay matutulog daw ulit habang sila lolo maghahanda para sa pyesta. We’re both in the kitchen, me sitting on the high stool and him leaning in the counter top beside me.

I took a slice of the cake and chewed it in my mouth. “Andres bought this from the shop. Not to brag, huh. Pero mas masarap ang gawa ko kaysa rito.”

His eyes narrowed at the food in my plate. Nakadalawang slice pa lang naman ako, and I plan to stop after the second one.

"Oh, yeah?"

“I know how to bake. Mommy and Lola taught me enough. One of these days, i-pagbabake kita.”

"I’ll wait for that day to come then." He said, pursing his lips.

Nagkibitbalikat ako’t tinuon ang atensyon sa kinakain.

“There’s a mass later at eight. Gusto mong magsimba?” Chaz asked after a while.

I chewed the food in my mouth while thinking. Chaz was just staring at me, patiently waiting for my response. Going to the church with him is a cool. Although, this is not the first time since we’re attending masses way back, doing that here in his hometown is fueling my excitement.

“Puwede naman. It’s the island fiesta and your birthday, after all.”

Iyon nga ang ginawa namin. Nang magliwanag na at oras para magsimba, wala kaming inaksayang oras. I wore a black Ribbon Puff Sleeve Midi Dress, and paired it with my flats. Hindi pa naman halata ang tiyan ko at kung mayroon man ay para lang akong busog. Habang si Chaz ay nakasuot ng kulay abong polo shirt at pantalon ba bumabakat sa hubog ng kaniyang binti.

I pursed my lips as I stared at his hair that is now a bit longer. Humalukipkip ako habang bahagyang nakasandal sa dresser. I watched him move in the room, putting his watch, brushing his hair then applied perfume.

Naramdaman siguro niyang pinagmamasdan ko siya sanhi ng paglingon sa gawi ko. Linapitan ko siya habang hindi ako nilulubayan ng tingin.

“Ipayos natin ‘tong buhok mo. May barber shop naman siguro rito, ‘no?”

He licked his lips, narrowing his eyes on my body. “Mayroon. But they can’t entertain us today. Barbers will be occupied with the feast, maybe tomorrow?” pinasadahan ni Chaz ang buhok sa mabilis na paraan.

Napasimangot ako. “I think it’s better if you’ll wear a cap. Your not so good haircut is noticeable. Bakit ba kasi hindi mo pinaayos noon pa? Humaba na tuloy, pansin na ang hindi pagkakapantay-pantay.”

Ginagap ni Chaz ang baywang ko bago humarap sa salamin. He tilted his head, eyeing it in the mirror. Ang akala ko’y pabubuluanan niya ang sinabi ko lalo pa’t nagsalubong ang kilay niya habang pinagmamasdan ang sarili sa salamin, ngunit iba ang lumabas sa bibig niya.

I felt his palm on my stomach, as he gazed at my body on the full length mirror in front of us.

“The dress suits you. Ang ganda mo lalo.” He complemented out of blue.

My cheeks heated instantly. Hindi ko naitago ang pagkabigla dahil agad namilog ang mga mata ko. He crouched down a bit until our face were labeled, just a few inches apart. Natabunan ng mukha niya ang salamin at sa ganoong posisyon niya sinuri ang mukha ko. From my eyes, to my nose, to my cheeks, and down to my lips.

He licked his lips once again and amusement crossed his eyes. Para pa akong namalikmata dahil agad iyong nawala at bumalik sa seryosong ekspresyon.

“Sa simbahan lang naman ang punta natin, pero bakit.. may ganiyan?” he asked and pouted his lips, as if trying to emphasize what he meant. "You're wearing your contact lense, again."

That simple remarks made my heart hurt. So he’s been observant to me all this time huh? Na sa simpleng paglalagay ko ng lipstick na may ibang kulay sa normal kong inilalagay na palamuti sa labi ko, at kahit iyong contact lense na akala ko hindi mahahalata dahil malapit lang naman iyon sa natural na kulay ng mga mata ko. I have a pair of almond eyes. And I didn't thought he's that attentive to know I put something on it.

"Maganda naman, ah? Ikaw lang naman ang nagsasabing hindi bagay, kahit ang toto—"

"Maganda, yes. Pero wala paring tatalo sa natural na ganda ng isang tao. It's fine though, you still looked great. Always my Aphrodite.." he smiled.

I swallowed hard. Idinaan ko sa tawa ang nararamdaman. It’s not as if this is the first time he’ll saw me with this set-up.

"T-Thank you,"

He nodded and his eyes drifted to my lips. Ngumuso siya.

"Is it waterproof?"

“Yes.” I nodded.

“Kiss proof?”

“Uh.. the label say’s it—"

Chaz cut me off by holding my chin. He lifted my head and leaned closer. “Only we’ll know if we test it, right?” namamaos ang boses na tanong niya.

My lips separated. I can feel how my pulse changed into a rapid beating. Hinawakan ko ang pulso niyang nakahawak sa baba ko, samantalang nanatili ang kanang kamay niya sa aking baywang, nakapirmi.

“I’m using a trusted brand of cosmetics and uh.. consistent with using their product for years. Siguradong tama ang nabasa ko.” 

Bumalik sa mga mata ko ang tingin niya, pero parang may pwersang humahatak sa kaniya at muling bumaba sa labi ko mata niya.

"Let’s see if the labels are indeed correct."

Hindi na ako nagulat sa sunod niyang ginawa. Our lips met and right then and there, I felt the electrifying feeling engulfed my senses. It is always his kisses that made me go insane. His touch that burned my soul. Everything about him...

Because Chaz is irresistible, nagtagal pa kami sa bahay ng ilang minuto. Kaya nang tuluyang marating ang simbahan ay puno na, tipong ang ilan ay nanatili na lamang sa labas.

There were tents to protect the mass of people from the sun with monoblock chairs. People flocked in it just outside the church, ang ilan ay piniling sumilong sa tindahan na nasa gilid. May nasa ilalim ng malaking puno at ang ilan ay sa harap mismo ng simabahan nakatayo. Unfortunately, sa dami ng mga tao ay hindi nagkasya ang mga upuan. Most were already standing.

Namataan namin sila Lolo, kasama ang isa pang matanda na hindi ko kilala.

“Kuya dito kayo! May upuan kaming hinanda para sa inyo!” Andres shouted seeing us.

Their heads flew to us because of the shout. Nakarinig pa ako ng bulungan na batid kong galing sa babaeang
nadaanan namin.

"Uy, may pogi.” Rinig kong tinuran ng isa sa kanila.

"Huh? Saan?"

“Ay wala ka sis, dumaan na sa atin! Kung saan-saan kasi umaabot ‘yang mata mo, nakaligtaan mo tuloy anng tunay na gwapo!”

I twisted my lips hearing it. Parang walang narinig ang kasama ko. O, tamang sabihin na narinig nga pero pinagsawalang bahala lang.

Chaz was holding my hand as he strides to where his grandparents are. Nasa bandang hulihan sila nakaupo. Well, practically they are the last in the row. Nauna siyang naglalakad sa akin at parang wala lang sa kaniya ang narinig.

Nang marating namin ang banda nila ay binigay sa amin ni Andres ang upuang hinanda para sa amin.

“Ito ba ay apo mo kay Salvacion, Francisca?” the other lady asked.

Sa tabi ako ni lolo nakaupo habang si Chaz ay nasa kanan ko.

“Siya nga, Gregoria. Iyang kasama niya ay si Sofia, misis ng apo ko.” si Lolo Francisca sabay ngiti sa amin. I smiled in return.

"Aba't may asawa na pala. Ang bilis nga naman ng panahon. Kailan ba uuwi ang mga anak mo? Ilang taon na mag mula ng makompleto kayo, ah. Malimit lang din kung dalawin kayo ng apo sa ibang anak, mabuti nga at naisipan nitong pumarito.”

Bumaling ako kay Chaz habang patuloy na nag-uusap ang matatanda. Seryoso siyang nakatingin sa harap pero ng maramdamang nakatingina ako’y lumingon din siya.

"You need something?"

Kinuha niya ang kamay ko saka iyon linagay sa hita niya. He entwined our fingers before shifting on his seat, giving his full attention to me.

“No.” I shook my head.

“Naiinitan ka ba? The church is packed. But if we came here earlier, we could’ve manage to get a seat inside.”

I rolled my eyes. "That's because you're a flirt. Kung hindi mo ako hinalikan 'di sana maaga tayong nakarating."

He chuckled. "Alright. Alright. Kasalan ko, I know." He yields. "That's why tell me what will make you feel better. Water, juice? Perhaps lemonade?"

Umirap ako. "Wala sa nabanggit."

"Sorry, I am not one of the choices. Nagsisimba pa tayo, mamaya pwed—"

Natigilan siya nang dumapo ang palad ko sa kaniyang braso. "Seriously, Chaz? Umayos ka nga! Nasa simbahan tayo, wala sa lugar 'yang kamanyakan mo!"

Humalakhak siya, sayang-saya. I snorted and crossed my arms over my chest. Tumigil siya nang dumapo sa aking noo ang tingin niya. Maya-maya ay may dinukot si Chaz sa bulsa ng pantalon. It was a handkerchief.

Using his plain blue handkerchief, he wiped off the sweats forming in my forehead. Nakadungaw lang ako sa kaniya habang ginagawa iyon. Pagkatapos ay muli niya iyong binalik sa bulsa.

"I’ll go buy us some fan, will you be okay here?”

Pareho naming nilingon ang ilang tindahan na nasa malapit lang. May nagbebenta rin ng dirty ice cream at cotton candy. Toys of different types, fans, balloons and all that.

Nahagip ng mga mata ko ang grupo na kababaihang nakatangin sa banda naming, o tamang sabihin kay Chaz. I wrinkled my forehead. Panay bulungan sila at kahit hindi hagip ng tainga ko ang pinag-uusapan nila’y batid ko ng tungkol kay Chaz ‘yon.

“The mass will last an hour—“

“Hindi! Hindi na. Dito ka na lang, huwag ka nang aalis.” Pagputol ko sa sinasabi niya.

If he’ll go there, I’m sure those girls will approach and tried to talk with him. Although, Chaz is somewhat snob, this is his hometown. Hindi niya mapipigilang makipag-usap pa rin sa kanila kahit pa hindi siya interesado. I don’t want it. ‘Di bale nang mainitan.

“Sure? The store is near, oh.” He pointed the one selling cotton candy.

I shook my head, determined for him not to leave. He stared at me for a minute before sighing. Bumaling siya sa harap kung nasaan nakaupo si Andres at dalawang kaibigan niya.

“Andres bumili ka nga muna ng pamaypay.” Utos niya.

Agad na tumalima si Andres, tumayo saka naglahad ng kamay na tila nanghihingi ng pera. While Chaz looked for his wallet and get the five-hundred-peso bill.

“Ilan kuya?”

“Make it three. Isa lang ang amin, give the rest to lola.” Tumango si Andres.

“Keep the change ba, kuya?” tanong nito, nakangisi.

“Okay.” magdidiwang na sana si Andres ng may idagdag si Chaz. “Be sure not leave the house this evening.”

“Kuya naman!”

It’s amazing to think that despite Chaz growing up in the city, he can still blend and go along with the people in the island. He’s a completely different person when in the city and here. Doon ay halos hindi niya pansinin ang ibang tao, susungitan at tipong daanan na parang hindi nakita.

Nang bumalik si Andres dala ang pamaypay, si Chaz mismo ang nagpaypay sa akin. Just in time that the mass started. Minsan akong napapatingin kay Chaz sa tuwing itataas nito ang pamaypay at ikukumpas sa hangin.

He looked stern and well, handsome. Kahit pamaypay naman ang dala niya, hindi iyon nakabawas sa tindig at pustura. Sometimes, I’d try to get the fan but he would just shook his head. Hindi hahayaang makuha ang gusto.

Minutes passed and a group of people went to our tent for shelter. Pinili nilang tumayo sa gilid ng tent, sakto lang para sumilong. Nakatutok ang mata ko sa harapan at seryosong nakikinig sa Padre ng biglang tumayo si Chaz. I craned my neck and was about to asked what’s wrong when he approached the woman probably in her late forties.

“You can have my seat, Ma’am.” He said, pertaining to the chair he’s currently holding in one hand. Gulat ang rumehistro sa mukha ng babae. She looked around and back to Chaz.

“Nako, dili na. Sanay akong tumayo, hijo.”

"Kunina niyo na po. Mangangalay po kayo kung mananatili kayong nakatayo.”

Sila lolo ay napatingin na rin sa kanila, maging ang ibang naninimba. There was a evident proud of reaction in Lola’s face seeing his grandson. Kahit ako ay iyon ang mararamdaman sa nasasikan.

He’s not just a good face. For the past weeks, I’ve seen different version of him and I lived adoring every piece of it. Hindi ko inaakalang may mas ihuhulog pa pala ako sa ginawa niya ngayon. It might be as simple as giving a food to the street kids, but it touches the button of my heart. Ibang usapan kung kasali si Chaz Theo.

Kalaunan, tinanggap nga ng ginang ang upuan at si Chaz ay piniling tumayo sa aking likuran. Sa loob ng halos isa’t kalahating oras, siya ang nagmistulang electric fan ko. May pagkakataong pinipigilan ko siya dahil hindi naman mainit at saka naaawa akong siya ang mapagod at mangalay ang kamay. Pagkatapos ng simba ay nagsindi muna kami ng kandila.

“May handa sa bahay, punta muna kayo roon bago kayo mamasyal. Si Gregoria ay inimbatahan tayo, ang sabi ko’y titignan ko.” simula ni Lola habang kasalukuyan kaming naglalakad pauwi.

Chaz was holding the umbrella for us since the sun was too hot.

“Ako lola, bibista ako sa mga kaibigan ko. Manghihingi lang ng shanghai!” bibong saad ni Andres.

“O’o ba apo, damihan mo lang at nang may mauwi ka sa bahay.” Gatong pa ni lola.

“Yown! Kaya lab na lab kita, lola eh. You’re my peyborit!”

Tumawa si lola bago niya kami nilingon.

“Saan ba ang plano niyo ngayon apo? Paniguradong maraming iimbeta sa’yo lalo pa iyong dati mong kaibigan.”

“Kung ano lang po ang gusto ni Grace, lola. Siya ang magdesisyon kung ano ba ang gagawin namin ngayon.”

“Oh siya, sige. Basta’t huwag niyong kalilimutan ang pag-iingat. Iyong asawa mo, Theo. Bantayan mong maigi, buntis pa naman.”

I can’t help but to chuckle with her remarks. Kaya naman habang nasa daan, nag-iisip na ako ng magandang gawin. Today is his birthday. I don’t really have a concrete plan how to celebrate this special day aside from the manyanita.

Maligo sa dagat?

Sounds good but we were swimming almost everyday for the past days. Reason why my skin color got tanned. Kahit hindi ako morena, nagmistula na akong iisa dahil sa laging pagbababad sa tubig dagat sa ilalim ng sinag ng araw.

Having tan skin is not a problem. Kung tutuusin nagagandandahan nga ako sa kulay ng balat ko ngayon. But then I know, once we return to the city, this morena phase will soon disappear.

“Teyo, tara! Pasok muna kayo, kain-kain!” sigaw ni Aling Berna sa labas ng kaniyan tindihan.

It was like she purposely waited for our arrival. Malayo pa lang kami ay malawak na siyang nakangiti at nang ilang dipa na lang ang layo roon na siya tuluyang sumigaw.

“Sa amin rin, Teyo! May letchon kami.” Said by the lady with her infamous fan. 

“Kumakain ka ba ng inihaw na isda? Mayroon kami, pagkatapos mo sa kanila bumista ka sa bahay.” Segunda ng hindi ko kilala. Basta katabi niya ang bahay nila Aling Tonia, iyong may dalang pamaypay.

“Sssh, ako ang nauna! Mamaya na kayo. Halika muna rito, Teyo.” Humawak sa braso ni Chaz si Aling Berna, kaya walang ibang nagawa si Chaz kung ‘di ang sumunod. Habang ako’y nangingiti na lang sa nangyayari.

No doubt. The people love him as much as they love his parents.

“Maligayang kaarawan pala, Teyo. Imong mama tumawag na ba para batiin ka? Kumusta sila?”

“Hindi ko pa po sila nakakausap. But surely, they won't let this day end without greeting me.”

Their house is typical abode in the province. Sa bukana pagkapasok ay may isang pahaba at dalawang single seater sofa. Kaharap ay isang maliit na tv. The floor was made of cement, na sa pula no’n ay pakiramdam ko may nilagay sila. Sa gilid ng sofa ay ang hagdan na may limang baitan. There are two doors which I assumed are their rooms. In the middle was the illustration of Jesus Crist. May rosaryohan at isang kandila.

“Ay sinabi mo pa! Mahal na mahal ka ni Salva at Rodolfo.”

“I loved them too.” He answered, smiling.

Wala pang ibang bisita sa loob ng bahay nila. Si Conchita ay nasa hapag at inaayos ang pagkakasalansan ng mga pagkain. Kita siya mula sa kinatatayuan naming sapagkat isang cabinet na kinalalagyan ng tv at ilang mga gamit lang ang nagsisilbing dibisyon sa dalawang parte ng bahay. Iniwan muna kami ni Aling Berna para tulungan ang anak.

“How are you feeling?” lumapit siya sa akin saka hinaplos ang pisngi ko.

“Bukod sa nagugutom na naman ang anak mo, wala na.” I said, earning a chuckle from him. “They’re so fond of you, Chaz Theo. Pinag-aagawan ka nga nila sa labas, akala mo naman artista sabi pa nga ni Conchita.”

“Wife, if you have this look, pag-aagawan ka talaga. But don’t worry, sa’yo na ako. Wala kang kaagaw.”

"Sa cakes at ice cream lang ako makikipag-agawan. Bakit masarap ka ba?”

He then licked his lips before hovering to whisper.

“You moaning my name is enough validation that I am. Nakalimutan mo na ba? O, gusto mong ipaalala ko ulit sa’yo kung.. gaano ako kasarap?” 

I exaggeratedly gasped before looking at him sharply. He raised a brow, lips curling as if really amused.

“Did I moan? That was my normal voice, Chaz Theo. You just misheard it.” I uttered with flat tone.

He chuckled huskily.

“I don’t think so. Your normal voice is hot, yes. However, there's a big different of your normal voice and the one under pleasure. When I think about it, boner is what I've got."

Namilog ang mga mata ko. It was good thing that we’re alone in their living room, and our voices were low to the point that only the two of us can hear our argument.

"Sa bawat araw na lumilipas, pabastos nang pabastos 'yang bibig mo, Chaz Theo!" I hissed. Minatahan ko siya.

He burst out laughing. Kahit anong pagpigil ko na mangiti ay hindi natuloy habang pinagmamasdan siyang tumatawa. Malaking pasasalamat ko na lang ng bumalik si Aling Berna.

“Pasensya na pinaghintay ko pa kayo, sinigurado ko lang na maayos ang hapag. Sinadya kong hindi pa magpapasok ng ibang bisita dahil kayo dapat ang mauna.” Aling Berna said, nakasunod sa kaniya si Conchita.

“You could’ve let them in, we won’t mind.” ako ang sumagot.

Nakakahiyang hindi pa pala sila nag-imbeta dahil kami muna. Ayos lang naman kung may ibang tao.

“Hindi, hija. Minsan lang ang pagkakataong pumaparito kayo. Dapat sulit ang mga handang ihaharap sa inyo. Iyong walang bawas, o tira-tira!"

The rest of the day, we were occupied with them. Pagkatapos sa bahay nila Aling Berna ay doon naman sa kanila Criseng. Nakakahiyang humindi lalo pa't inaabangan talaga nila ang presensya namin.

Some men invited Chaz for a drink, iyon lang yata ang imbetasyong hinindian ni Chaz sa araw na iyon.
Kulang ang salitang masaya para ilarawan ang kaganapan sa buong Isla. Visitors, kids, teenager and everyone was having fun celebrating the fiesta, honoring their Saint. It was embedded in their faces every time I see them at the lively and prosperous streets of Isla Cali.

Nang sumapit ang gabi ay napagdesisyunan naming sa tabing dagat na lang magpalipas. Masarap sa pakiramdam ang malamig na simoy ng hangin. Isama pa ang tunog ng alon na kahit marami ang kumakanta sa paligid, pumapaibabaw pa rin ang tunog ng mga alon.

His friends and family greeted him through phone calls or text messages. Ngayon ay iyong tawag na lang nila Mommy ang hinihintay niya.

“You didn’t tell me before that today is your birthday. Kung hindi pa tayo pumunta rito, hindi ko pa malalaman.” I said, looking at the moonless sky.

“Now you know. When’s yours?”

Sumimangot ako. Blessing in disguise pala ang pagpunta namin kung ganoon.

“Malayo pa, sa December.” Sagot ko.

“What day of December?” pang-uusisa pa niya.

“Twenty seven,” I answered instantly.

“Uh-huh. I’ll take note of that.”

I leaned my head onto his shoulder. We were both sitting in the sun lounger, I am between his thighs while his hands were resting in my stomach. Just when I’m about to ask him another question, his phone rang.

“Mom's calling.” He informed me.

I hummed in response. Chaz answered it in the with his left hand.

“Rodolfo hindi pa ba sumasagot ang anak mo? Akin na, gusto ko silang makausap.” Narinig kong sabi ni Mommy sa kabilang linya.

Chaz chuckled reached my ears.

“He’s already in the line, hon. Say whatever you want to say. You’ll rest after,” si daddy iyon.

Few seconds silence stretched before we heard Mom’s angelic voice again.

“Hijo,” was the first thing she uttered.

Tiningala ko si Chaz at nakitang sa harap nakatutok ang mga mata niya.

“Mom,” his voice got strained, or was it just my hearing?

There was a long paused before Mommy spoke again.

"This is your first birthday that we’re not together. How are you? I heard from Remmy you’re in Samar. Did you meet with your lolo and lola? Are they still strong? Sure, she cooked your fav—“

“Honey will you calm down? Hindi nila maiintindihan ang sinasabi mo.” Si daddy ‘yon.

“I am calm, Rodolfo. I was just excited, sorry.” Mahinang humagikhik si Mommy.

Napangiti ako. Nagkatinginan kami ni Chaz at bakas ang saya sa kaniyang mukha.

“Tinanong ko ang doctor ko kung pwede bang sa Pilipinas ko na lang ipagpatuloy ang paggagamo. You know what son? She agreed! That’s why don’t be surprised if you’ll see us in your doorstep one of these months. Babawi na lang kami pag kabalik namin, hijo.”

Hinayaan ko silang mag-usap na mag-ina. Even when I was just eating here and then, my body felt tired that the next moment.. I find myself dozing off. The following days was normal. We spend it by either, swimming or doing any sea activities as long as it won't harm our baby. Sa loob ng halos isang buwan, marami na akong natutunan. I know how to cooked different dishes, pero ang pinakagusto ko ay ang puso ng saging.

“Tungkol pa rin ba ‘yan sa aksidente?” tanong ko kay Chaz nang matapos ang tawag.

Someone called him as we’re about to sleep. I heard him addressed the caller as chief, however, I wasn’t able to overheard the context of the call as he went to the balcony. Na parang sinasadyang ayaw iparinig sa akin.

Isang malalim na buntonhininga ang pinakawalan niya bago tumango.

“Chief Salvador caught the culprit, yesterday. He’s under their custody. I just told them to make him reveal who was behind it.”

This man! Ang tigas din ng ulo niya, e. Hanggang ngayon, kahit nasa malayong lugar na kami ay iyon pa rin ang iniisip niya. 

“I’m still coordinating with them for any updates, which is just right since I want them to pay for the damage they have caused you. Hindi ako titigil hangga’t hindi napaparusahan ang taong may gawa no’n sa’yo. Just wait, wife. We’ll put them behind bars.” 

I sighed heavily. "Siguraduhin mong hindi ka mapapahamak. Ayaw kong maging byuda ganito kaaga. Gusto ko pang magkaanak ng kambal." I murmured.

They said time flies to fast when you’re happy. Hindi mo raw mapapansin ang mabilis na paglipas ng panahon lalo pa kung may pinagkakaabalahan ka. Tama nga naman. Kasama si Chaz, nagparoon parito kami sa Isla. We engaged into activities, only those that is good for pregnant woman. We bought souvenirs and t-shirt as well. Those handcrafted designs of necklace and bracelet were very unique. Tig-isa kami palagi at sa t-shirt naman ay parehong may imprentang Cali.

Truth to be told, time flies like a blink of an eye. Parang kailan lang, kadarating pa lang naming sa Isla. At kung gaano kabilis ang pag punta namin, ay ganoon din kabilis na linisan naming ang lugar.

Hindi pa naman sana kami aalis, ngunit kailangan. Uuwi ang mga magulang ni Chaz at gusto kong sunduin namin sila. Also, Chaz was receiving calls frequently. Nagagawa rin naman niya ang trabaho pero alam kong iba pa rin kung personal niya itong pamamahaalaan.

Reason why I found myself back in our mansion again. The trip to Isla Cali was unforgettable, hinding-hindi ko makakalimutang minsan sa buhay ko, naranasan kong mamumuhay sa islang payapa.

“Take care, Chaz. Send my regards to Mom and Dad.” I said.

Gusto kong sumama sa kaniya, pero sa kasamaang palad ay masakit ang pakiramdam ko. Mabuti nga at hindi na ako nasusuka. I had a morning sickness and it was draining. Iniisip ko pa lang na ganito rin ang mangyayari sa mga susunod na araw ay
pinanghihinaan na ako ng loob. Sana naman hindi na..

“I can stay here. Si tatay na lang ang papasunduin ko sa kanila.” He uttered his litany again.

Kanina pa siya nagpupumilit na hindi pumunta at manatili na lang dito. Ako lang itong nag-uudyok na sumundo sa mga magulang niya. Mommy will surely be pleased seeing him.

“Hindi na nga, Chaz. Maayos na ang pakiramdam ko, see.” I smiled as I turn around.

He doesn’t look convinced. His brows were furrowed, staring at me like trying to read my hidden thoughts.

Tumawa ako bago siya pinagtulakan palabas ng kwarto. Sumimangot siya.

“Wife, dito na lang ako. I can’t leave you alone—“

“I am not alone, okay? Manang is here. Kaya punta ka na, baka kanina pa sila naghihintay.”

“Grace,” he pleaded. Trying to woe me with sweet voice.

I shook my head firmly. “No. Chaz, alis na! Ayos lang ako rito. Walang babaril o sasaksak sa akin, ano ka ba!”

Needless to say, I managed to convinced him to leave and fetch his parents. Sa sumunod na araw ay inasikaso ni Chaz ang hospital na gagamot kay Mommy. True to her words, Doctor Galves was with her. Sa St. Paul’s Hospital nila napiling ipagpatuloy ang paggagamot, na pagmamay-ari rin pala ng pamilya ni Doctor Galves.

The following days was a struggle for me. Nangyari na ang sinasabi nila Mommy at ate, but I endured all of it. Kung kapalit naman ng hirap ay ang biyaya, kaya ko. Kakayanin ko.

“Chaz, someone’s calling you!” sigaw ko. He’s in the shower while I am laying in the bed, watching cartoons at the same time, eating chips.

Hindi sumagot si Chaz at agad ding natapos ang tawag. Ang akala ko’y titigil na ang kung sino mang tumatawag sa kaniya pero umulit iyon. I sighed as I rose to get his phone. The caller was unknown, I was thinking it might be the officer again.

Tumayo ako saka lumapit sa pinto ng banyo. I knocked twice just enough to get his attention. Tumigil ang pag-agos ng shower, ibig sabihin ay nakikinig na siya.

“May tumatawag sa’yo, Chaz kanina pa. Matagal ka pa riyan?”

“You can take the call, I’m not yet done.” Narinig kong sagot niya.

Napatango ako. Tinignan ang telepono bago ito sinagot. With the phone on my ear, I walked back to the bed and sat.

“Hi, good evening. Sino po sila?” I promptly asked.

Binalingan ko ang pinanood habang hinihintay ang sagot sa kabilang linya. Kumunot ang noo ko nang walang marinig.

“Hello?” I said again.

No one answered until I heard the beeping sound, indicating that the line was cut off. I sighed and didn’t mind it. Whoever it is might called the wrong number.

Tinutok ko na lang ang panood. I was too focused that I didn’t notice, Chaz was already beside me.

“Who was it?”

I only give him a sideglance and eyed the movie I was watching.

“Hindi ko alam. Hindi naman nagsalita.” Kibit balikat kong tinuran.

Days passed again. We.. were happy. Contented and free. But there are certain time if the day where I will sit and reminisce our shared moments in the island. The urge to go back and all.

“Tomorrow will be my first check up with my doctor. You’ll come with me, right?” tanong ko kay Chaz.

He was leaning in the headrest of the bed, facing his laptop, wearing his rimmed glasses and with nothing but only his  boxer. Tinigil ko ang pagsusuklay saka gumapang patungo sa kaniya.

“I’m nervous. You should be with me.” I said.

Nagsumiksik ako sa kaniya. Kusang pumulupot ang kaliwang kamay niya sa katawan ko, pumahinga sa kaniyang dibdib ang aking ulo.
Nakita ko ang kasalukuyang pinagkakaabalahan niya at hindi na ako nang-usisa pa. Trabaho ‘yon, tungkol sa kompanya nila.

“Of course I will. What time tomorrow?” isang kamay na lang ang ginagamit niya sa pagmamanipula sa laptop dahil ang isa ay nakalingkis sa katawan ko.

“Ten? Ang sabi naman ni Dra. kahit anong oras daw ako pumunta bukas.”

“Alright, ten it is.” he said before kissing the top of my head.

I beamed. I faced his naked chest before biting the skin on it. He groaned but chuckled afterwards.

“Aw, the vampire mood of my gorgeous pregnant wife is on again. Careful, nangangagat din ako kapag napupuruhan."

"Sige nga! Paano 'yong kagat, hubby?" I teased.

Pasaring niya akong binalingan, seryoso sanhi para matawa ako.

Pagkatapos ng pag-uusap namin, hindi ko namalayang nakatulog na pala ako. When I woke up the next day, Chaz was no longer at sight. Nag-ayos muna ako ng sarili para sa lakad mamaya. Tinali ko lang ang buhok gamit ang clip bago bumaba.

“Good morning, Manang. Nakita niyo po ba si, Chaz?” tanong ko sa ginang nang makasalubong siya sa pasilyo.

Dala niya ang mga bagong labang damit namin ni Chaz at palagay ko papunta siya kwarto.

“Umalis kanina, hija. Nagmamadali nga ‘yon, binilin lang na siguraduhing makakain ka ng umagahan. Kain ka na. May pagkain na sa hapag.”

Confusion dwelled into me. He left? Saan naman kaya?

“Uh, kanina pa po?”

"Nasa kalahating oras na, hija."

I creased my eyebrows. Naging pilit ang ginawa kong pagtango sa kaniya.

“Sige po, salamat.”

She smiled. “Kumain ka na sa baba. May gatas na ring nakatimpla, nasa ref.”

I was processing what she said while striding downstairs. Umalis si Chaz. I don’t know, I didn’t know. This is very unusual of him to leave the house without informing me. What could possibly happen? May emergency kaya?

I set aside the running thought, and eat my breakfast. Pagkatapos ay bumalik ako sa kwarto at doon siya tinawagan. The time is 9:11, I’ll wait for his return.

Nakatayo sa harap ng bintana, sinubukan kong tawagan ang numero niya pero nakailang subok na ako, wala pa ring sumasagot. Hindi ako tumigil hangga’t hindi siya sumasagot. Tinext ko na rin siya para ipaalala ang appointment namin sa doctor ngayon.

I walked back and fort in the room while anticipating for his appearance. Nagsimula akong kabahan. Dinadaga ang dibdib ko sa hindi maipaliwanag na dahilan. I began feeling anxious especially when the heads of the clock strikes ten and still.. no Chaz appeared in the mansion.

“Manang nariyan po ba si Manong Bernardo? May lakad po ba siya ngayon?” tanong ko sa ginang. Pinapalitan niya ang cover ng sofa sa living room. Tinigil niya ang ginagawa saka ako hinarap.

“Sa pagkakaalam ko ay wala. Bakit may pupuntahan ka ba? Sandali at tatawagin ko, nasa labas yata si Bernardo naglilinis ng kotse.”

“Ako na po ang tatawag sa kaniya, Manang. Ipagpatuloy niyo na lang po ang inyong ginagawa.” Pagpigil ko sa kaniya.

“Oh siya, sige. Pero maiba ako, lalabas ka ngayon? Alam ba ng asawa mo?” she asked before I could leave to find her husband. 

Natigilan ako. I can feel the bitterness ripped in every fiber of my being. Alam niya. He knows very well, kami nga dapat ang magkasama ngayon pero hindi ko alam kung saang lupalop siya naroon.

“I have a check up with my doctor today, Manang.” Nasabi ko na lang.

“Kung gano’n ay mas dapat kasama mo siyang haharap sa iyong doctor. Sinubukan mo na bang tawagan? Baka may importanteng lakad lang at mahuhuli nang ilang oras.”

Bumuntonghininga ako. Kahit anong oras naman ang sinabi ng doctor ko, pero mas mabuti kung ngayong umaga para walang trabahong maantala kung sakali.

“Anong oras ba ang check up mo sa doctor, hija?”

“Ten po,” I answered shortly.

Kinuha niya ang cellphone sa bulsa ng puting uniporme, may tinignan siya roon bago muling magsalita.

“Maaga pa naman, hija. Hindi mo ba siya magagawang hintayin? Ito ang unang beses na pagkonsulta mo sa doctor, ayaw mo bang kasama siya?”

I pressed my lips together. She has a point, but I can’t contact him. Nagsabi siyang sasama sa akin kagabi, umaasa ako roon. Maybe, he has errands to do and like what Manang said, he will be late so I have to wait?

“Sige po. Pakitawagan na lang po ako sa kwarto kapag dumating na siya.”

Ngumiti si Manang Remmy kasabay nang kaniyang pagtango. I returned to our room and waited for him.

Where could he possibly be?

Hinayaan kong lumipas ang segundong nakaupo sa kama at naghihintay sa kaniya. I stopped sending him a messages and the repetitive calls. Sumamasama lang ang loob ko sa tuwing walang sumasagot sa kabilang linya. I waited because like Manang Remmy, I want him to be with me in this occasion. This is our first check up with our child. I want to witnessed how he will feel seeing the sonogram of our baby, or hearing the hearbeat. Cringe may it sound, but yeah. I want to see his reaction.

Patingin-tingin ako sa pinto, umaasang makita siya. When finally, Manang knocked and informed me he was already at the living room, I almost run. Kung hindi pa ako sinaway ni Manag at pinaalalang buntis ako, roon lang ako nagdahan-dahan.

Namataan ko si Chaz nasa pang-isahang sofa, nakayuko. My brows knitted together in confusion. Especially when he lifted his head and I saw how bloodshot his eyes are.

“Saan ka galing?” iyon ang unang lumbas sa bibig ko pagkalapit sa kaniya. "I said last night that we can go any time of the day, but we have set our schedule. Napagkasunduan nating alas-dyes tayo aalis diba? Anong nangyari? Kanina pa kita hinihintay."

I was trying to be compose and as far as possible won’t lash out. He has his reason, all I have to do is listen to it.

He stood up and went near me. “I-I’m sorry. May inasikaso lang ako. We can go now.” Aniya. He swallowed hard and avoided my gaze.

Kumunot ang noo ko habang pinagmamasdan siya. He run his fingers on his hair, as if frustrated. Tumalikod siya sa akin, nasa baywang ang dalawang kamay.

"Ganoon ka importante na nakalimutan mong may lakad tayo ngayon? I kept on calling and sending you messages but none of them were answered!"

"Nawala lang sa isip ko. But it's settled now. I'm sorry you waited."

Huminga ako ng malalim. Patience, Sofia. Patience.

"Care to tell me?"

Mabagal ang ginawa niyang pag-iling.

“Not really important. Come on, let’s go.” Sinabi niya iyon na nakatalikod pa rin sa akin.

"May problem ka ba, Chaz? Ano—“

“Umalis na lang tayo. We’ll be more late with your appointment if we stay here.” he cuts me off.

"Ano ba kas—“

Muli, hindi niya hinayaang matapos ko ang sasabihin.

“I said what I said, Grace. Stop with your irrelevant questions. Let’s just leave.”

My lips parted when he started walking his way to the door, leaving me speechless.