M A X E N E

Every Disney story begins in, 'Once upon a time'.

Mine, begins with the sound of an annoying alarm clock waking me up from a good sleep. Sinong nagpalit ng alarm tone ko?

Bakit yung 'So What' ni Pink ang bumati sa umaga ko?

Lagot talaga sa akin kung sino man ang nagpalit ng alarm tone ko!

Maayos naman yung kanta kaya lang parang naka-loop yung intro.

Halatang inaasar ako.

First suspect ko talaga ay si Maxwell. Siya lang naman ang nanghiram ng phone ko kagabi.

Kunwaring maglalaro ng bagong game na ininstall ko sa phone, pero ganito ang ginawa niya sa akin.

Leche!

"Miss Maxene, gising na po." Boses ni Natasha. Oo nga pala dito ako umuuwi sa bahay, how can I even forget? Akala ko pa nasa condo ako or sa penthouse ni Travis.

Though kamakailan natulog ako sa penthouse ni Travis, pero isang gabi lang naman iyon, after that hindi pa ulit kami nagkikita.

I miss him already.

Bumangon ako at hindi tulad ng Disney princesses na maganda pa rin kahit bumabangon mula sa pagkakatulog, ako, tulo-laway pa. Kadiri.

Ganito rin ba ako noong mga panahon na kasama ko si Travis?

Bakit kasi ang sarap matulog?

Ilang araw din akong hinahatak hatak ni mommy kung saan-saan. I know nabawi siya sa akin, pero aware din ba siya na napapagod din ako?

Anyway, pwede bang palipasin ko muna ang araw na ito? Tamad na tamad talaga ako.

"Kailangan niyo pong mag-breakfast sabi ng mommy ninyo at para maaga kayong makarating sa venue ngayong araw na ito, aayusan pa daw po kayo at yung gown ninyo nasa hotel na rin po."

Venue.

Gown.

Hotel.

Teka anong araw na ba?

I checked my phone, oh my gosh, today is my birthday!

Napangiti ako. I'm sure magiging maganda ang araw na ito.

Nagpasalamat ako kay Natasha at naligo na rin kaagad. Isinuot ko yung biniling damit ni dad para sa akin at kaagad bumaba sa dining room.

Pero nalungkot ako bigla nang makita kong ako lang ang kakain sa long table namin, ako lang kasi ang hinainan ng mga maids. Nasaan ang mga tao sa bahay?

Ano, yung maids lang ba ang nasa bahay ngayon?

Kairita.

Parang kailan lang, lagi kaming magkakasamang kumain nila mom, dad, Maxwell at Trix.

"Nasaan sila?" Tanong ko kay Natasha.

"Nagcheck-in na po sila sa hotel, hindi ka na nila nagising dahil ang himbing ng tulog ninyo."

Alam kong off limits kapag natutulog ako, pero sana naman hinintay nila ako, hindi ko tuloy mapigilang hindi magtampo. Parang pinag-usapan nila na hindi ako sabayan ngayong breakfast.

I checked my phone and saw some text messages from the people at work and some good friends.

Natuwa ako dahil si Kenzo ang kauna-unahang bumati sa akin, talagang ugali na niyang maghintay ng midnight para lang batiin ako para siya ang pinaka-unang babati sa akin.

Tapos sinundan na iyon ng text messages nila Sarah, Martin, Laurenz, Stephanie, Alex, Abby at miski yung isa pa nilang kaibigan na si Kathleen na hindi ko naman close binati ako ng happy birthday.

Samantalang yung fiance slash boyfriend ko, ni hi, hello, buhay ka pa ba, walang paramdam.

Nakakatampo.

I texted him a simple good morning at inupdate ko siya sa simula ng araw ko, pero wala siyang reply. Usually nagtetext naman siya kaagad, minsan nga natawag pa siya sa akin.

Opposite day ba?

Natapos na akong kumain at lahat wala pa ring text si Travis.

Nagvibrate ang phone ko at dali-dali kong chineck kung sino ang nagtext, pero si mommy lang pala. Pinapaderecho na niya ako sa hotel, akala ko pa man din si Travis yung nagtext sa akin.

Magtatampo na talaga ako.

Did he forget that my birthday is today?

Napaka-clingy ko na ba?

Masama bang mag-expect ako na tatawagan niya ako or siya ang unang taong makikita ko ngayong araw na ito, pero talagang walang Travis simula pa lang ng umaga.

Maybe he has his reasons, kalma lang Maxene.

We're on our way to the hotel.

Kainis, na-stuck na ako sa traffic at lahat wala pa ring paramdam si Hayes!

"Kuya, daan muna tayo sa ice cream shop, gusto ko ng ice cream." Request ko sa driver ko. Hindi ko alam kung bakit naiistress ako, gusto ko ng ice cream.

Pinagbigyan naman niya ako at kumuha ako ng isang litrong ice cream sa convenience store, kinain ko iyon sa likuran ng kotse.

"Huwag mo akong isusumbong kay Mommy, ha." I pleaded as I open the container. He just gave me a nod and continued driving silently.

"Kainis ka talaga Hayes!" Hindi ko mapigilang magmaktol habang tinitingnan yung phone ko.

"Walang reply, kahit emoji wala? Ano masyado ka bang busy? Sa bagay birthday ko lang naman para hindi ka magkaroon ng oras sa akin." I can't help to sound a little sarcastic.

"Bahala talaga siya. Sige, hindi ako magpapakita sa kanya ng ilang araw," sumubo ako ng ice cream, "Gawin na lang nating ilang linggo," muli akong sumubo ng ice cream, "Ano kaya kung ilang buwan pa," I click my tongue, muli kong chineck yung phone ko expecting him to at least send me a message.

Pero wala talaga!

Hindi ko alam bakit naiyak na ako.

Inayos ko na yung naubos kong tub ng ice cream at ipinasok sa paper bag.

Maybe I'm just being emotional kasi nga birthday ko... tapos hindi man lang ako binati ng boyfriend ko.

Baka hindi na ako mahalaga sa kanya.

Nang makarating na kami sa hotel, umikot yung kotse papunta sa likuran, hindi na ako nagtanong at nang huminto na yung kotse sa parang garden ng hotel agad akong pinagbuksan ni kuya ng pintuan.

Sabi ko naman sa kanya huwag na siyang mag-chauffeur cap. Naiilang ako kapag naka-complete uniform siya, alam naman na ni kuya driver iyon.

Nakatungo siya pero pansin kong nakangiti siya.

"Nasaan sila?" I asked kuya while eyeing the place. Maganda yung garden, infairness. No wonder isa ito sa five star hotels na pinamamahalaan ni Nina Mendez.

Though the sound of her name still pisses me off.

Hindi ako sinagot ni kuya driver. Agad siyang sumakay ng kotse at umalis ng hindi nagpapaalam sa akin.

Nakakainis.

What if I get him fired, aba?

Wait, ang sama ko naman para isipin iyon.

What's with my mood? Geez.

I mean he is being rude. Mamaya ko na lang siya pagagalitan, lagot talaga sa akin iyon.

Not unless masama ang loob niya dahil sa ilang beses ko na siyang tinakasan dati?

Napabuntong hininga na lang ako, baka nga badtrip pa rin siya sa akin. Lalo na at ilang beses na rin siyang muntik mawalan ng trabaho gawa ng pagtakas-takas ko dati.

Sorry na kuya. Bigla tuloy akong nahiya.

May sumalubong sa akin na babae, mukhang nagtatrabaho din sa hotel, "Miss Maxene, this way po." Magalang niyang sambit sa akin.

Mas maliit siya sa akin, to think na naka-heels na siya. Sumunod naman ako dahil baka siya yung susundo sa akin para makapunta sa venue.

Nakita kong may swing na may flowers, ang ganda tapos ang daming bulaklak sa paligid. Nang lingunin ko yung babaeng naghatid sa akin dito, nawala naman siya kaagad.

Anong meron, minumulto ba ako?

Huwag naman sana, mahina ang puso ko sa horror. To think that it's just in the middle of the day.

Mamaya na-eengkanto na ako.

Ako lang ang mag-isa dito, dapat ba akong matakot?

To think na dapat inaayusan na ako para sa party ko mamaya, pero anong ginagawa ko dito?

Umupo ako sa swing habang iniikot ang mata ko, napansin ko na lang na may ilang bata na lumalapit sa akin at inaabutan ako ng blue roses.

This is rare, saan naman nila nakuha ito?

Am I even dreaming? Naeengkanto na ba talaga ako?

I pinched myself, hindi naman. In fact, I'm wide awake.

"Saan niyo nakuha ito?" Tanong ko pero bago pa man nila ako masagot tumakbo sila palayo sa akin. Mga abnoy na bata, anong trip ng mga ito?

I counted.

One.

Two.

Three.

Four.

Five.

Six.

Seven.

Eight.

Nine.

Ten.

Eleven.

Twelve.

Thirteen.

Fourteen.

Fifteen.

The sixteenth blue rose was given to me by the familiar kid who I met from before.

Si Antonio.

He gave me a sweet smile. Pumopogi siya ah, nakakatuwang tumaba na siya ngayon at tumangkad pa.

The seventeenth blue rose was given to me by his younger brother Miguel. Tulad ng dati, humalik siya sa akin sa pisngi at binati ako ng happy birthday.

"Nasaan na yung ibang mga bata?" Tanong ko kay Miguel pero hindi niya ako sinagot, nginitian niya lang ako.

Sila ba yung mga bata sa ampunan? What are they doing here?

Miguel takes my hand and takes me someplace else kung nasaan nakatayo ang taong kinakabadtripan ko mula pa kaninang umaga.

Pero paano ako ngayon mababadtrip kung nasa kanya yung pang-eighteenth na blue rose?

Ano namang pakulo ito? Tch!

He approached me but I maintained my poker face.

He kissed the blue rose and handed it to me.

Umiwas ako ng tingin. Bahala siya diyan!

"Tingnan mo ito," he muttered, "Pinagayan kita kumain ng ice cream kanina kahit behind na schedule tayo, sabi ko pa man din sa parents mo saglit lang kita hihiramin." He said with a smirk on his face.

"What the hell was that supposed to mean?" Kunot noo kong tanong sa kanya pero nginitian niya lang ako ng nakakaloko na para bang tinatawanan na naman niya ako sa utak niya.

Kapal ng mukha ng lalaking ito!

Pinandilatan ko siya ng mata.

"Hoy Hayes, kung ano man ang dahilan mo, hindi uubra iyan sa akin, bahala ka diyan." Tinalikuran ko siya at nag cross-arms.

Niyakap niya ako mula sa likuran at hinila papunta sa kanya.

He whispered, "I love you." His voice just melts my heart. But I will stand firm.

"Ewan sayo." Pagmamaktol ko at naglakad palayo sa kanya. Bahala siya diyan!

He sighs in defeat and turns to face me.

"Matitiis mo ba talaga ako ng ilang araw, ng ilang linggo, ng ilang buwan ng ganun na lang?" Pilyo niyang tanong sa akin.

"Teka, paano mo nalaman iyon?" I asked. How was he able to ask me that as if he's been hearing my rants earlier?

Am I imagining that he was with me the whole time?

I say nothing as I roll my eyes at him.

"Ganoon ka ba talaga kagalit sa akin?" He asks with a soft face and pouts. Paano ako magagalit nito ngayon kung ganyan niya ako tingnan?

Bwisit!

I hit him. "I still hate you." I glared at him but he smiled at me. I look away.

"Do you really think that I'll forget this day? Eh birthday mo?" Paglalambing niya.

"Eh bakit wala kang text? Wala kang paramdam simula kaninang umaga?" Tanong ko. "I texted you and I got nothing." Pagsusuplada ko.

He chuckled, "But I was with you the whole time. I was the one who drove you here." Pagkumpirma niya.

I look away containing myself.

Kailangan mag mukha akong badtrip pa sa kanya.

I know I'm being childish, but I can't help it.

He sighs, "Maaga akong pumunta sa bahay ninyo kanina para kausapin ang parents mo para mahiram ka lang sa oras na ito. Kung alam mo lang kung gaano ako nahirapan mapapayag sila, tapos pahihirapan mo rin pala ako." He reasoned. His voice is convincing me.

"Eh bakit ba kasi?" I cross my arms raising him an eyebrow, "Sorry kung nahihirapan ka na, edi sana sumuko ka na lang." I couldn't help to sound sarcastic, "Ang point hindi ka pa rin nag text sa akin."

He chuckled, shaking his head and when his eyes met mine he's looking at me adorably.

"Tapos tinatawanan mo pa ako," I glared at him, "Ano bang meron at kailangan mo ako hiramin ngayong oras na ito?"

"Do you know what blue roses mean?" He started.

"I don't know, but these are rare." I paused and realized that he's changing the subject, "Huwag mong ibahin ang usapan Hayes. Ano bang trip mo?"

He shakes his head, "Why are you so impatient, woman?" He chuckled. He's probably amused seeing my reaction right now.

I click my tongue and avoid his gaze.

Parang nahawa na siya kay Laurenz, gusto niya atang iniinis ako ng ganito. Magsama sila magkapatid!

"Nagpapansin ka lang eh!" Yamot kong sabi sa kanya.

He cups my face and makes me face him.

"Blue roses means communication, trust and commitment." He pauses holding my hand, "They said that blue roses are also mysterious, because they weren't supposed to exist, mahirap i-cross pollinate ang blue roses kaya bihira mo sila makikita na para bang milagro na lang kapag nakakita ka ganitong bulaklak sa buhay mo."

Seems like he did his homework... to impress me... again.

"Blue roses also represents hope and a fresh start," iniabot niyang muli ang bulaklak sa akin na kanina pa niya hawak-hawak.

Tinanggap ko na para na lang matapos na itong pakulo niya.

But then to my surprise I noticed that there's something gleaming hanging on the stem of the rose.

He smiles genuinely as my heart melts by looking at his dark brown eyes.

"If I could compare you to a flower, you're like a blue rose Maxene." He started.

"You're my hope, my wings, my miracle and I want to take what we have to the next level." He pauses as he removes the gleaming jewelry from the rose, "Maaaring sa iba, minamadali natin ito, nagpapadalos-dalos tayo o masyado na akong naninigurado, but let me tell you this," he locks his gaze with me.

"I've never been so sure of my life." He smiles as if anytime he could cry, "I know this is all of a sudden for you, but originally I plan to make this happen today and unlike my first attempt, this is me facing you with my everything because you love me."

I'm speechless as I look at him with awe.

"I know I was an ass the first time I proposed to you and I totally get it why you rejected me. Totoong sobra akong takot. Takot na takot akong iwan mo ako at tama ka naman dahil magulo kitang hinarap noong gabing iyon. I was just filled with fear and insecurity, that I was able to forget why I wanted to propose to you in the first place. But please let me try this again and make it right this time," he clears his throat and holds my hand.

"I love you at hindi ako magsasawang sabihin at iparamdam iyon sayo. I love your everything, I love your heart and soul; your smile and tears; yung malditang side mo at yung selfless side mo, miski yung pagiging isip bata mo at yung katakawan mo, I just love every part of you that makes you...you." he smiles while holding my hand.

"Higit sa lahat, mahal na mahal ko yung ikaw na walang gusto kundi ang mapabuti ako, wala kang ginawa kundi ang tulungan para maging maayos ako kahit pa minsan napaka kumplikado kong tao." He paused as if he is holding himself not to melt in front of me.

"You found me at the worst of the worst phase of my life. You stayed by my side and chose to understand me behind my flaws. I love how you shine in my life as I take your light in my heart. I love how you made me who I am in the present as you help me make amends with my past. In less than a year, you turned my life around, you gave me hope to forgive myself and start again. You help me to rebuild myself from the ground up to become the best version of myself."

He cried a tear and paused, shaking his head. This is the first time I see him flustered.

"Kainis, iba na pala kapag kaharap na kita habang sinasabi ko ito lahat sa iyo, matagal din akong nag-practice para dito." He wipes his tear away like an embarrassed child in front of me.

I waited patiently as I listened to whatever he had to say.

He gulps and looks into my eyes again.

"This is all of me and I got nothing else to hide from you. You just see right through me even if I don't say anything. You probably know me better than I know myself. You're the only one who knows me for me," he chuckled as he continued bashfully, "You're the reason I wanted to wake up in the morning."

That made me smile.

"You're my inspiration to keep doing better, to strive to be better than who I was yesterday. You're the best thing that has happened in my life and I will be forever in debt to you, please let me take care of you and love you with everything that I have until my last breath."

He kneels in front of me putting his right hand on his heart and his left hand holding the ring.

I feel my tears in my eyes as he ask me again, "Maxene Angela Campbell, will you please marry me."

Natawa ako dahil may 'please' na para bang ayaw na niyang ma-reject ko siya.

"Will you please make me yours and be mine forever."

Ito ang kauna-unang beses siyang dumaldal ng ganito kahaba. Halatang pinaghandaan niya talaga ito.

"Kung hindi pa rin ang sagot mo, hindi ako susuko hangga't sagutin mo ako ng oo. Makulitan ka man sa akin, I won't give up on you Maxene... until you say yes to me."

He obviously thought about this carefully and probably thought the possible scenarios in his head of how I'll react to his proposal.

Yet unlike the first time he proposed, this time he is looking at me filled with endearment, confidence, devotion and loyalty.

This is him facing me as the better version of himself.

This is him facing me with certainty.

This is him facing me as if I am his future.

This Travis... is the person I love and will keep on loving until my heart stops beating.

Yet, I think I'll tease him for a while.

I said nothing as I closed my eyes and sigh containing my overflowing emotions.

By the time I open my eyes, his eyes start to look dejected.

Malamang iniisip niyang rejected na naman siya.

Nakakainis naman, hindi ko siya matiis.

"Hays, sige na nga." I muttered as I saw him stunned from my answer. I made a face, "Dapat isuot mo na yung singsing sa akin, hindi ba?" I asked him playfully as he looks at me dumbfounded. "Hay, mamaya magbago pa ang isip ko." I teased him as I see how his eyes starts to shine.

"Does that mean-?" His face is still filled with confusion looking at me like a child.

I sighed as I roll my eyes at him, usually hindi ito ang nababasa ko sa mga libro or sa mga napapanood ko sa mga romantic films.

Paano naman kasi, mukha siyang tanga.

Wala pa man yung ibong adarna, na-istatuwa na siya diyan.

Angalang ako ang magsuot ng singsing sa sarili ko?

Then I remembered...

Every memory that he has with me, was all first to him.

Like what he said, I was the first person who saw through him. Who accepted him for who he was until who he has become.

I am his strength and weakness. His fear and his salvation. His tears and joy.

I'm maybe just the second girl whom he loved in his life, but seeing how badly he wants me to stay in the present and be his future is overwhelming that scares me.

It scares me, lalo na at naalala ko yung naging set up nila mom and dad.

I know I shouldn't compare dahil mutual ang feelings namin ni Travis sa isa't-isa.

Seeing him facing me patiently waiting for my answer made me question myself. Am I even ready to take this to the next level?

Does that even matter Maxene, just answer him properly already.

He gulps as his breathing changes and his eyes start to be teary.

"Yes." I answered him.

He cried a tear with a smile on his face.

I know I'm still scared, but what scares me the most is regretting that I'll let this moment pass.

I smiled at him wholeheartedly.

"Yes, Travis." I answered him as I helped him stand. "I will gladly take you," I smiled at him, "Please take good care of me."

He chuckled, wiping his tears and putting the ring on my finger. He kissed my hand as if he was melting in front of me.

"I love you." He says looking at me dearly.

"I love you too... Mine." I replied and caressed his face with both of my hands.

He laughs and takes me in his arms, holding me tightly.

"I love you, I love you so bad." He says next to my ear inhaling my scent.

I giggled and pushed him to meet his gaze. My hand landed on his chest as I felt his heart beating as if he ran a thousand miles.

"I love you so much Maxene." He uttered and kissed my forehead.

"I love you too Travis," I paused, "Always." I embraced him and listened to his heart that is singing for me.

"Oo nga pala," he cups my face, "Happy birthday Mine." He speaks as I hit him playfully.

I feel him kiss my temple. "Let's see your parents. Gusto ko lang talaga ibigay sa iyo ang regalo ko bago magsimula ang araw mo."

I smiled, pushing him a little to meet his gaze again, "So are you saying that this is your gift for me?"

"Ano ba sa tingin mo?" Pilyo niyang sagot sa akin, "Kung kulang pa ito, pwede naman akong bumawi mamaya." He smirked staring at me playfully.

I couldn't contain my glee and lock my hand with his.

"Tara na, para ma-update ko na rin yung Daddy mo." He says with pride.

"So Dad knows that you'll propose to me?" I asked him as we walked through the garden.

"Yeah, kaya nga inagahan ko ang pagpunta kanina sa bahay ninyo," he paused, "I asked for your father and mother's blessing. I just want to make this right. Especially now that you're at the right age."

I am speechless, he really planned for this to happen.

"Kahit na atat na atat akong mag propose sayo simula pa nung binili ko yung singsing, gusto kong ibigay ito ngayon... sa iyo." He says bashfully, "Though, napahiya ako nung una." He shakes his head in disappointment as he acts cool in front of me.

"Well, second time's a charm--"

I shut his mouth and pulled him for a kiss.

Kanina pa kasi siya nadaldal, halatang kabado siya.

I grab his neck as I let him deepen the kiss. He pulls me close to him.

This kiss reminds me of the first time we kiss at his penthouse. Kissing him is like I've been swallowed by a black hole. He still leaves me breathless. My hand landed on his chest as I felt how his heart beats in sync with mine.

All at once my memory of him starts to replay like a scene in a movie and then I just knew, I will still choose to be with him even if I have to redo this all over again.

Meeting him is a blessing in disguise.

We are two pieces of one puzzle as we complete one another.

He cuts the kiss, calming himself. He kiss my forehead, "Gusto ko mang solohin ka ngayon, but we have a schedule to follow," he says with a soothing voice as I feel his lips smiling at me, he cups my face as I meet his eyes again, "Aayusan ka pa and we are late."

"Oo nga eh." I couldn't help to agree, "How about let's just continue this later?" Pilyo kong sabi sa kanya at parang nagkasundo naman kami sa utak namin.

Yung mga batang kinunchaba niya kanina ayun naglalaro sa may mini playground at hindi naman sa kalayuan nandoon sila sister Elizabeth.

I look at Travis and asked him, "Dinala mo ba sila dito?"

"Why not, eh birthday mo, hindi ba?" He says with a smile.

"Eh alam ba ni Mom ito?" I just couldn't help to worry.

"She knows. Pumayag din naman siya. I tell her that you've been visiting the orphanage and she also invited Kenzo." He says casually.

I looked at him, "And okay lang sa iyo iyon?" I asked, kasi the last time na nagkita sila ni Kenzo halos magwala siya.

"Why not, he's your friend, hindi ba?" I see nothing but contentment in his eyes.

"I mean, you're not worried?" I asked to confirm.

"No." Matipid niyang sagot at hinawakan ang kamay ko, "I trust you."

My heart melts and I kiss his hand. I noticed that he's still wearing that bracelet I bought for him when we had that trip in Japan.

Talagang hindi ko kailanman nakitang tinanggal niya iyon kahit pa sa pagligo niya. Buti na lang matibay yung thread nun.

We approach mom and dad and tell them the news.

"So finally, after how many months, official na kayo." Mom commented with a small smile on her face.

I'm confused akala ko kasi kapag sinabi ko na sa TV na in a relationship na ako or ipinakilala ko si Travis bilang boyfriend ko, that's it.

But then iba pala ang ibig sabihin ni mom sa pagiging 'official' namin ni Travis.

Because what mom really meant was Travis proposing to me.

"Congratulations to the both of you." Pagbati ni dad kay Travis, "Pero huwag muna kayong magmadali ha, mag-enjoy muna kayo habang bata pa kayo."

Nakita ko naman kung paano napalunok si Travis sa sinabi ni dad at tumungo.

Well hindi na naman kami bata and I know what dad meant. Kaya pinapaalalahanan niya kami na huwag muna magpadalos dalos. Lalo na at hindi pa graduate si Travis sa law school. I'm sure he has plans after graduation, he might be taking the boards and I don't want to hold him back to be what he wanted to be.

Kaya nga rin as much as possible we take precautions kahit pa may nangyayari sa amin.

"Well now that you're engaged, after this party we'll discuss the prenup." Mom reminded us.

"Mom, isn't it too soon for that?" I said. Bigla naman akong na pressure sa sinabi ni mom.

"Oo nga Miranda, let them enjoy the moment na lang muna." Dad tells her.

"Ang gusto ko lang ay maayos ang future ni Maxene," Mom reminded as she looks at Travis, "You do know that, right? Lalo na at law student ka."

"Opo." Matipid na sagot ni Travis kay mom. "I understand that completely." He paused, "Wala naman pong problema sa akin."

Travis looks at me with a smile, "Wala din naman po akong masamang intensyon kay Maxene." Then he looks back at mom with a smile, "Kung ano po ang sa tingin niyong makakabuti sa kanya, susunod na lang po ako."

I'm speechless as I look at how he converse with my mom.

Nang balikan ko ng tingin si mom, she looks pleased from how Travis discusses this matters with her maturely. Yet still she's maintaining her infamous ice-queen composure.

"Lets just discuss this after this party. For now we have a party to attend to, so you both better prepare." Mom tells dad and Travis.

"Let's go Maxene." She says as she walks ahead of me I'm following her obediently.

Nang balikan ko ng tingin si Travis I see him smiling at me mouthing his favorite words.

'I love you too.' I mouthed in response.

Pagkarating namin ni mom sa kwarto, agad kong hinawakan ang kamay niya at ikinagulat naman niya iyon.

"Mom, I know minsan may mga bagay tayo na hindi natin napagkakasunduan, pero I just want you to know that I love you and I'm thankful that you're my Mom." I just know that I have to say that, specially that I understand why she's this controlling.

She just doesn't want me to end up like her.

I still respect dad and what he did in the past doesn't affect how I love him as his daughter.

Maybe I'm still sad for mom because of what happened to her. I can't even take the word rape because in the end mom and dad got married even if they weren't the ones who are arranged in the first place.

Dad admits that he just loves mom that much that he doesn't want to let her go.

At kahit pa sa harapan ko, maayos silang mag-asawa, alam ko naman na malamig pa rin naman na hindi madali kay mom patawarin si dad. Kaya hanggang ngayon nililigawan pa rin ni daddy si mommy.

Ika nga ni dad, para silang bumalik sa umpisa. Knowing mom, kapag nawala ang tiwala niya sa tao, mahihirapan siyang ibalik ang nasirang tiwala.

Kahit naman ako nasira ko ang tiwala niya dahil lang sa gusto kong makipagtanan kay Kenzo dati. Kaya pagkatapos noon, halos araw-araw kaming mag-away.

Remembering how I was without me realizing how I hurt my mom, made me feel guilty.

Mom didn't say anything from what I said but she embraced me tightly.

How she embraces me is almost identical to how she hugs me when I was just a little girl.

She pulls away and with a small smile on her face.

"I was wrong when I say those hurtful words to you and I am sorry." She held my hand. "Mahirap maging ina Maxene. Wala akong inisip kundi ang mapabuti ka." She said that made me cry a tear, "I know that at first, I was afraid of having you, but when you came along I felt nothing but love towards you." Her eyes were filled with warmth.

I was taken aback as I listened to my mom.

"I know I can be overbearing as a mother. I fear to see you grow up so fast, well, hindi lang naman sa iyo, pati sa mga kapatid mo rin naman." She paused with a smile, "Parang kailan lang kasi, mga bata pa kayo, ngayon, nagagawa mo ng maging independent at kontrahin ako minsan."

"Mom--"

"I know that I should say sorry for being involved with your previous relationship with Kenzo," she started, "Ganoon na lang kasi ang takot kong mapariwara o magkamali ka ng landas na tatahakin mo Maxene. To me you're always be my little girl."

I feel the tears in my eyes as I hear how much I mean to my mother.

"I also didn't expect that your relationship with him would turn out to be this way," she touches my face, "Kahit hindi mo pa sabihin, alam kong mutual ang feelings nyo sa isa't-isa."

I gulped, "Hindi naman po sa--"

"Alam ko naman kahit hindi mo sabihin." She cuts me.

"I can't blame you for keeping things from me, Maxene. Pero ramdam ko naman iyon," She smiled holding her heart, "Bago mo sabihin, ramdam ko na, kasi Mommy mo ako."

I couldn't hold my tears anymore.

"I love you Maxene," her eyes mirror mine as she cries a tear, "And I just want to clear things with you." she kissed my forehead, "If I'll have to redo this all over again, I will still have you. I don't regret having you in my life."

I embrace my mom as I cry on her shoulder.

"I'm so proud of you my dear daughter." She uttered next to my ear.

"I love you so much Mom." I say as I feel her embrace me tightly.