Song: All I Want- Olivia Rodrigo

Result

Hindi na napigilan pa ni Daddy at Kuya Gio na ilahad ang pagka-bigla dahil sa sinabi ko. Habang hindi makapaniwala namang nakatingin si Ate Margaux sa akin.

Nilakihan niya agad ako ng mata nang magkatinginan kami. I sigh before I move my eyes back to my very surprised parents and brother.

"I'll ask him to meet you soon," I repeated. "So, yes. I'm seeing someone right now."

It was a breathe of fresh air when I managed to say that. I wanted to applaud myself for saying that calmly. Kabado man pero nagawa ko paring masabi sa kanila iyon ng maayos.

"I knew it! I wasn't wrong!" sabi ni Kuya Gio. Ate Margaux rolled her eyes at him.

When she looks at me again, she raised her brow.

"Akala ko ba ayaw mo munang sabihin?" Tanong niya.

Napasinghap naman si Kuya Gio at tinuro siya sa gulat niya sa nalaman.

"So, you knew!? And you've been hiding this secret away from us since when?"

"Sa tono ng boses mo akala mo naman ang laki ng naging kasalanan ko sa'yo," sagot ni Ate Margaux sabay sininghalan si Kuya Gio. "Obviously, hindi pa gano'n katagal. Hindi ko rin naman malalaman kung hindi ko sila nahuli. I've only known their relationship for a week so stop looking at me like I'm the mastermind of everything!"

Bumagsak ang balikat ko at tamad silang tiningnan.

"It's not Ate Margaux fault that she didn't tell you. It was my idea because I asked her to. Hindi rin naman kasi gano'n katagal pa ang relasyon namin kaya gusto ko na kami lang muna bago namin ipaalam sa lahat. It's not my intention to keep it a secret. May plano parin naman akong sabihin sa inyo ang tungkol doon."

"But why did you have to hide it? Hindi naman kami magagalit." alu ni Kuya Gio.

"I know... but once you knew your eyes will always be on us," I said and sneered at him. Umarte pa siyang inosente pero halata namang totoo ang sinasabi ko. "And I also want to take things slow between us. I wanted you to meet him at the right place and at the right time."

Nang dahil sa sinabi ko, naibaba naman ni Daddy ang baso ng tubig na kanina niya pa hawak. Tamad at seryoso siyang bumaling sa akin.

"Ask him to meet us now."

My mouth immediately parted in surprise. Is he serious? Ngayon talaga?

Mukha namang hindi lang ako ang nabigla. Dahil kahit si Mommy, hindi rin inasahan ang sinabi niya.

"What's w-with the rush, Dad? Kakasabi ko lang naman na-"

"This is the right place and the right time to meet whoever that man is. Nandito ang buong pamilya mo kaya mas mainam kung ngayon mo na siya papapuntahin dito."

Hindi ko na tuluyan pang napigilan ang sarili na mamilog ang mga mata. Damn! My father is really serious!

Si Kuya Gio na mukhang madami pang gustong itanong, natahimik nalang dahil hindi rin makapaniwala sa biglaang desisyon ni Dad.

"P-Pero, Dad."

"Just do it, Fel. We would like to meet that person."

Napalunok ako. Magugulat ba sila kung sasabihin kong na-meet na nila si Archer noon pa?

"But you already met him." I said shyly.

Kumunot ang noo nilang dalawa ni Mommy. Si Kuya Gio halos napatayo na sa kinauupuan dahil sa nangyayari. Si Ate Margaux 'di na alam ang gagawin kaya nanahimik nalang sa tabi.

"Don't tell me it's Lucas!" sambit ni Kuya Gio.

I made a face and shake my head. "We're just friends now."

"What do you mean, Fel?" tanong ni Mommy. "Lucas is the only person that we know you have feelings for. Don't tell me may iba pa?"

"Noon 'yon, Mom. Of course I have to move on. Hindi niya naman ako gusto kaya hindi ko na rin pinilit pa. And luckily, I found this man who... means so much to me now." I sighed.

"And what do you mean we already met him before? Si Lucas palang ang naaalala naming nakilala namin noon." Si Daddy.

I scratch my head. Wala na talagang atrasan 'to. Bahala na kung magulat sila kapag sinabi ko na 'yung taong nag-uwi sa akin nung lasing ako, siya na 'tong gusto ko ngayon.

"The person that I was taking about was the same person who brought me home when I was drunk."

Muntikan pang mabilaukan si Ate Margaux at Kuya Gio sa sinabi ko. Ate Margaux is already aware of it but of course, she still couldn't believe how destiny worked for Archer and I.

Si Daddy, tuluyan nang naestatwa at hindi na makapaniwala na nakatitig sa akin. Kung hindi pa siguro bumalik sa kasalukuyan ang pag-iisip niya, baka nanatili na siyang ganyan hanggang mamaya.

"So... yeah. Kuya Gio also already met him but I don't think he still remembers that day well."

"Ohh... try me, Fel. I can still remember how wasted you are when that stranger brought you home," napailing siya ng maalala. "This is so unbelievable. Can I just make sure that I'm not dreaming?"

Natawa si Ate Zaj sa kanya. Hinawakan niya ang balikat ng asawa na parang gulat na gulat padin hanggang ngayon.

Kung siya gulat na gulat na, paano ba kaya si Kuya Dominic kapag nalaman niya na? Baka biglang mapa-book ng flight 'yun pabalik dito sa Pilipinas!

But it's too late now, right? 'Di na siya makaka-uwi pa dahil gusto na agad-agad ma-meet ni Dad si Archer!

Bumuntong hininga si Daddy kaya lahat kami napabaling muli ng tingin sa kanya. I wanted to hide under the table when I saw how serious he is now. Bigla akong natakot para kay Archer.

"Call him and ask him to come now. I will not repeat it anymore, Felicity. Do it now."

Nangapa ako ng mga salita. Parang may gusto akong sabihin pero hindi ko lang maituloy. 'Di ko alam kung tatayo na ba ako para tawagan si Archer o mananatiling nakaupo dito at tumitig nalang sa kanila?

My father raised a brow at me. Iyon ang naging rason para mabilis akong kumilos at tumayo upang kunin na ang telepono ko.

"Damn... I'm going to call Dominic as well. He has to know this!" tuwang-tuwa pang sinabi ni Kuya Gio.

Tumayo na rin siya upang tawagan na ang isa pa naming kapatid sa malayo. I just can't imagine Kuya Dominic's face once Kuya Gio breaks the news to him.

This situation must be really funny for him as well. Kulang nalang i-document niya ang lahat ng nangyari para lang masigurado na updated din si Kuya Dominic sa magaganap ngayong araw.

He teasingly smirked at me in which I return with a glare. Nanginginig ko pang hinanap ang pangalan ni Archer bago ko siya tuluyang matawagan.

He answered my call after its third ring.

"Hey. Tapos na ang dinner niyo?"

"Are you free today?" walang pag-aatubili ko nang tinanong, binalewala na ang bungad niya.

"Hmm... yeah. Why?"

"Uhm, my Dad wants to meet you. I mean my whole family wants to meet you right now."

"Right now?" he asked calmly.

"Yes! As in right here, right now!"

Nakakabigla na sobrang kalmado niya parin kahit na may tsansang matakot siya kay Dad. Our father has a habit of scaring some suitors away. Si Kuya Jaxon nga na ang tapang na tao, tumiklop sa kanya, e.

"Okay, sure. I don't have anything else to do tonight. What should I bring though? What does your family like?"

Nagulohan na ako sa nangyari. How can he be so calm? I mean, he's meeting my family now! Sa mga relasyon pa naman, iyon ang pinaka-nakakakaba.

"Bakit may kailangan ka pang dalhin?" tanong ko.

"Just to make a good impression?"

I snorted. "No, don't bring anything. Just bring yourself. Ikaw talaga ang pakay nila, wala nang iba."

He chuckled a little. "Okay, I'll be on my way. I'll text you once I'm near."

Ngumuso ako. Oh my god! He's really coming! And I didn't even hear a glint of nervousness in his voice! Sa sobrang kalmado niya, pakiramdam ko ilang linggo na niyang pinag-handaan ito.

"Okay..." I said defeated then hanged up the call.

Humarap akong muli sa pamilya ko sa dining na abala na pakikipag-usap kay Kuya Dominic ngayon. Si Daddy ang unang nag-angat ng tingin sa akin.

"Ano raw, Felicity?"

"He's coming." I said.

Kuya Gio cheered. Tumawa pa at tinuro si Kuya Dominic sa screen.

"Did you hear that, Dom? Sabi ko sa'yo totoo, e!"

Pagkadaan ko sa gilid ni Kuya Gio, nakita ko ang itsura ni Kuya Dom sa screen. Para siyang nalugi sa negosyo niya nang dahil sa gulat. Nahagip niya siguro ako sa camera kaya agad niyang kinuha ang atensyon ko. Kuya Gio gave his phone to me.

"Fel, ano 'tong nadidinig ko na may boyfriend ka na raw? Totoo ba?" tanong niya.

"Bakit? Mukha bang hindi kapani-paniwala?"

"Wow!" That was the only thing he managed to say after I asked him that question.

Napakurap pa siya at nanatiling nakatingin sa screen na para bang naubusan na siya ng gana na mag-isip.

"Damn it! I want to go home!" sambit niya matapos ang ilang segundo. "Cancel your plan. Wait for me to come home!"

Ate Margaux groaned. "'Wag na! Dad wants to meet him now. Ikaw nalang mag-adjust!"

"No! I'm going to book a flight now. Postpone it please! Sabihin niyo, 'wag na muna siyang tumuloy. I have to be there!"

I look at him unbelievably. Kulang nalang ngumawa na siya habang kausap kami. Hindi siya mapakali at halos ang gulo-gulo na ng camera niya dahil panay ang galaw niya.

"What's the matter, Dom?" narinig kong tanong ni Serena.

"Felicity has a boyfriend and they're meeting him now without me! Can you believe that, love? They're meeting Felicity's boyfriend without me!"

Halos sabay-sabay ata kaming napairap magkakapatid nang marinig namin ang sinabi ni Kuya Dominic.

Serena tries to calm him down. I don't know why he's overreacting with this. Gano'n na ba ka-imposible para sa kanya na makahanap ako ng boyfriend ha?

And why does he need to be here? Mas daig niya pa si Daddy kung mag-react.

"Umayos ka nga, Dom. Hindi mo naman ikakamatay kung 'di ka kasama dito. Isn't a video call enough?" Si Ate Margaux.

"Yeah, right. Get yourself together, Dom. We called so you're also updated. Just be grateful that we thought about telling you." sabi naman ni Kuya Gio.

Mabilis namang itinapat ni Kuya Dom ang camera sa kanya. His eyes are wide and it almost looked annoyed.

"Wow! So, you have plans to keep it a secret from me huh?"

"I didn't say anything! Kung may nag-tago man ng sikreto dito, si Ate Margaux na 'yon."

Ate Margaux gasps at Kuya Gio's remark. Umangat ang gilid ng labi niya at mabilis naman akong tinuro.

At ayan, nasa akin na naman ang sisi.

"It's because Felicity asked me to! Don't blame me! Sinunod ko lang ang sinabi niya."

Kuya Gio shakes his head. Si Kuya Dominic naman, mukhang sumuko na at naupo nalang sa tabi ng asawa. We saw Serena carrying their baby who seems to be sleeping peacefully.

"Goodness, Dom! Your baby is there and you're so loud! Hindi ka na nahiya sa anak mo!" dismayadong sambit ni Ate Margaux.

Kuya Dominic only pouted his lips and rested on Serena's shoulder like a child who wasn't able to get what he wants.

"Dominic, we're still meeting Felicity's boyfriend without you here. This is the best time. 'Wag ka nang umuwi dahil madami pa namang pagkakataon na makilala mo 'yung lalaki." sabi ni Daddy, gumawa na ng paraan para 'di na mag-pumilit pa itong si Kuya Dom.

"Your father's right. It's better if you'll just stay there. Your wife is still recovering after giving birth, Dominic. Alangan naman iwan mo siya riyan para lang makasama ka rito?" sabi naman ni Mommy.

"Well, I just think that it's the kind of occassion where every body has to be present. I mean... Felicity has a boyfriend! Kahit ilang beses kong sabihin, hindi parin ako makapaniwala!"

Agad ko naman siyang sinamaan ng tingin. Nang makita ang naging reaksyon ko, mapang-asar siyang ngumisi sa akin.

"What did you do, Fel, huh? Akala ko pa naman may sumpa ka na at hindi ka na kailanman magkaka-boyfriend. I wonder who's that unlucky guy."

I rolled my eyes. Doon ko nakumpirma na kumalma na siya.

"Ang dami mo naman sinasabi! Nung ba nag-pauto si Serena sa'yo, may narinig ka sa akin, Kuya, ha?" ganito ko.

"Anong nag-pauto? Patay na patay na 'to sa akin kaya- Ahh!" hindi na niya nagawa pang ituloy ang sinasabi dahil piningot na ni Serena ang tainga niya.

We all laughed. Ha! He deserves it!

Umayos siya ng upo at hinarap si Serena. Kuya Dom sighed in defeat.

"Joke lang, e! Seryoso mo masyado. Osige na... ako na... ako na..." aniya sabay hawak sa dibdib na para bang inaako na niya ang sinabi kanina.

Nakailang pamumwisit na ang nagawa ni Kuya Dom hanggang sa nakatanggap ako ng text mula kay Archer.

Archer:

I'm here.

My eyes immediately widened. Natahimik agad silang lahat nang mapatayo ako mula sa aking kinauupuan. Galing pa sa telepono ang aking mga mata nang mag-angat ako ng tingin sa kanila.

"He's here now." I said.

Si Daddy agad ang unang tumayo nang marinig niya 'yon. Sumunod naman agad si Mommy sa kanya.

Si Kuya Gio, agad-agad kinuha ang kanyang telepono na para bang may ifo-forecast siyang balita. Hinigit niya palapit sa kanya si Ate Zaj para masigurong masasaksihan din ng asawa ang mangyayari.

On the other hand, Ate Margaux hooked her arm around Kuya Jaxon as they both wait for Archer's arrival.

Mabuti nalang at nasa play room na ang mga bata kaya hindi nila masasaksihan ito.

I walk towards the door so I can open it for Archer but then... my father—who seems to be waiting for this moment to come—already opened the door for Archer even if he's still in the middle of approaching our front door.

Napansin ko na bumakas agad sa mukha ni Archer nang makita ang sasalubong sa kanya. I smiled apologetically at him.

"Uh, good evening po." 'yun agad ang una siyang sinabi nang makalapit.

I bit my lip and suddenly felt nervous for him. I told him not to bring anything other than himself but he still bought a bouquet of flowers for my Mom.

"Oh! You didn't have to, hijo... but thank you! Halika pasok ka."

Bahagyang iniyuko ni Archer ang kanyang ulo bago siya pumasok sa loob ng bahay. Si Daddy na siya pa ang nag-pumilit na papuntahin si Archer dito, tahimik naman ngayon.

"Ilagay ko lang doon..." pasintabi ni Mommy upang hayaan na mag-batian si Archer at Daddy.

My heart is seriously pounding so loud now. Hindi pa nakatulong na tumabi pa si Mommy sa akin at mukhang hinihintay din ang gagawin ni Daddy.

"Good evening, Sir." Archer greeted.

I gulped and bit my lower lip hard as I wait for my father's next move. At first, I was expecting him to give him a cold shoulder. Because my father's like that! That's also the reason why he managed to scare off Ate Margaux and I's past suitors.

Ngunit sa hindi inaasahang pangyayari, ngumiti si Daddy kay Archer. My mouth parted in surprise. Kahit ata ang mga kapatid ko hindi makapaniwala sa nakita.

This scene is almost feels unfair for Kuya Jaxon who my father didn't like for my sister at the beginning of their relationship. But they're best of friends now so it's not a problem anymore.

But still!

My father? Smiling?!

Nilingon ko si Mommy na nakangiti na rin ngayon habang hawak ang bulaklak na dala ni Archer para sa kanya. Hindi makapaniwala akong tumingin sa kanya.

Naramdaman niya ata ang paninitig ko kaya napabaling siya ng tingin sa akin. She giggled.

"Your father is very fond of that guy."

This time, I could no longer control how surprised I look. Halos sumayad na ang baba ko sa sahig dahil sa gulat.

"What?"

Hindi na nasagot pa ni Mommy ang tanong ko dahil nag-salita na si Daddy.

"Good evening. Your name, hijo?"

"Uh, Archer Olivarez po. I'm sorry I wasn't able to introduce myself the last time I dropped Felicity off."

"Yes, I apologize about that, too. Hindi na tayo nakapag-usap pa ng panahon na 'yon dahil masyado na kaming naging abala kay Felicity. But it's good to know that the stranger who keeps on bringing my drunk daughter home has a name now!"

I sneered at my father. Bahagyang tumawa ang dalawa. Hinawakan naman ni Daddy ang balikat ni Archer at tinuro ang mga kapatid ko.

Hindi ba dapat ako 'yung magpapakilala kay Archer sa pamilya ko? Bakit parang...

"This is my first born Mari Gauxiena..." my father introduced my sister.

Ate Margaux smiled. "We've already met, Dad."

Tipid na ngumiti si Archer.

"Well then, meet my son-in-law. This is Jaxon. He's now the Lieutenant General of the Philippine Army."

Kuya Jaxon was the first one to offer his hand to Archer.

"Nice to meet you. Jaxon."

Archer accepted his hand. "Archer. Nice to meet you."

Nang dumaan silang dalawa sa harap ko, nagkatinginan kami ni Archer. I gave him a confused look while he only shrugged his shoulders at me. Kahit ata siya nagugulohan bat ang gaan agad ng loob ni Daddy sa kanya.

I look at my mother unbelievably again.

"How is this..." kahit ata pag-tatanong hindi ko na matuloy dahil hindi parin ako makapaniwala sa nangyayari.

Pag-katapos naman ni Ate Zaj magpakilala, si Kuya Gio naman ang nag-alok ng kamay sa kanya. He even asked Ate Zaj to hold the phone for him for a moment so that Kuya Dominic can still see what's happening.

I definitely have a crazy and yet... very supportive family.

"Gio. I believe I've seen you many times at the hospital. Were you there to visit my sister?" nakangisi niyang tanong.

"For the past few weeks I have. But I also have a sister who is currently receiving her chemotherapy treatment at your hospital so that's the reason why I'm there most of the time."

Bahagyang nabigla si Kuya Gio sa sinabi niya pero kalaunan ay tumango nalang.

"I'm sorry about that, man. Hope she's getting better now."

"Thanks. I hope so, too."

Kuya Gio smiled and pats Archer's shoulder before he introduced Kuya Dominic virtually. Kahit hindi niya pa turn kanina, naririnig ko na siyang nag-sasalita. May kung ano-ano akong naririnig sa kanya na kumento about kay Archer.

They're not really bad comments though. Halata lang na kinikilatis niyang mabuti kahit na through video call palang niya makikilala.

But he already saw Archer before so...

Archer waved at the camera.

"Hey, man! How you doin'?" bungad ni Kuya Dominic.

"I'm fine. Thanks. How about you? I'm Archer, by the way."

"Dominic."

Lumapit ako upang makita ko ang reaksyon niya. Kuya Dominic's currently squinting his eyes as he massages his chin as if he was thinking about something so deeply.

"I think I know you! Aren't you the guy who approached my sister at the restaurant? May something na ba kayo nun?"

Nakita ko naman ang pag-singit ni Serena sa frame, medyo nagpupumilit na makita rin ang nangyayari.

"Patingin ako!" narinig kong sinabi niya.

"'Wag na! Mas gwapo naman ako, e. Ako nalang tingnan mo."

Serena groaned in annoyance and ended up introducing herself to Archer.

"So, are you that guy?" pagpapatuloy ng tanong ni Kuya Dom.

Archer nods his head. "Yeah. I believe so."

"And he's also the stranger you told me about! The one you said who brought me home when I was wasted?" I butt in.

Nang marinig ni Kuya Dom ang sinabi ko, agad siyang napaahon mula sa kama dahil sa gulat. His eyes are so wide now that it almost looked like they're going to pop out of their sockets anytime by now.

Hindi rin nawala ang pag-buka ng bibig niya.

"Wait. You're that guy!?"

Archer chuckled and looked at me.

"Wow! I can't believe it! What are the odds? Kaya naman pala pamilyar ka nung nakita kita na kausap ni Fel. Damn. I should've remembered the first time I saw you!"

"It's fine. It's been a long time ago so understandable." Si Archer.

"I still can't believe it, man. This is so surprising," natatawa-tawang sinabi ni Kuya Dom. "Felicity, this is what I'm talking about when I told you about that destiny shit!"

Ngumisi ako at nag-kibit ng balikat.

"What can I say? I'm still in awe, man. I guess... welcome to the family! I can't wait to go home and have longer chats with you."

Tumawa ako at napairap. May plano agad daldalin oh!

"Me, too. I'll be looking forward to that."

Kinuha naman agad ni Daddy ang atensyon niya pagkatapos magpakilala kay Kuya Dominic.

"So... we already started our dinner but you are still welcome to join us."

Archer respectfully smiled at him. "Thank you, Sir."

Agad namang nag-aya si Daddy na bumalik na sa dining. Doon nalang din ako nag-karoon ng tsansa na makalapit kay Archer. Nakita kong sinundan agad ako ng tingin ni Kuya Gio. I glared at him so he instantly looked away and followed my parents back at the dining.

"Hi." Archer greeted and kiss the top of my head.

I pouted. "Sorry kung biglaan. Bigla kasing na-open 'yung topic tungkol sa... dating life ko kaya..."

"It's fine. Your family seems to-"

"Yeah, they like you. Agad-agad. And this is by far the most relaxed meet-the-parents scenario I've ever witnessed."

He chuckled. "I thought your father's going to scare me off once I meet him?"

"Well, obviously, I was wrong. Even I, didn't expect how he welcomed you! Sobrang seryoso niya kasi noong sinabi niya na tawagan kita at papuntahin dito. Kaya akala ko, magagalit siya. Pero hindi pala! I'm just as surprised as you!"

"It's probably my charms." He joked.

I sneered and rolled my eyes at him.

"But I'm glad that my family already likes you on the first meeting. It really made me happy." sabi ko at yumakap sa kanya.

I know they're probably looking at us right now, but I don't care anymore. Alam na naman na nila.

Archer snaked his arms around my waist as he looks down at me. Iniipit niya naman ang takas na buhok sa likod ng tainga ko.

"Me, too. I can't wait for you to meet my Mom."

That instantly made me smile. The thought that he was already thinking of introducing me to his mother—who is very dear for him—warms up my heart.

"I can't wait for that day either."

I really hope that his mother would instantly like me. She seems to be a very lovely and nice person based on Archer's stories so I hope we'll get along well.

Kung hindi pa siguro kami tinawag ni Daddy, baka nanatili na kaming dalawa ni Archer doon.

Kuya Jaxon moved so Archer will have a place to seat. Siya na ang katabi ko ngayon. Mabilis naman na nag-alok si Mommy ng pag-kain. Archer bowed his head respectfully.

"Thank you po."

I looked around our dining table. I rolled my eyes and scoffed when I noticed that everyone's watching Archer. Si Kuya Gio, tinututok parin ang front camera kay Archer para masiguro na nakikita parin ni Kuya Dom ang nangyayari.

Sa una'y aakalain mong nag-hang na si Kuya Dom sa screen. Pero kung titingnan ng mabuti, masugid lang siyang nanood.

I feel so relieved now that my family knows about our relationship already. Hindi na kailangang mag-tago. No more meeting up at the parking lot. We can now meet-up anywhere we want.

We eventually went back to eating our dinner once Archer served himself some food.

"By the way, Archer... I'm really glad that you were able to come despite our last-minute invitation. And I just want to apologize if what Felicity wanted to happen at the beginning of your relationship became a burden to you." ani Daddy.

Archer scoffs and glanced at me. "It's fine, Sir. It didn't become a burden to me. I respected what Felicity wants and I'm also not rushing her into doing things that she's not yet ready for."

"So, now that you're probably in a relationship now... has it ever crossed your mind to ask my daughter's hand in marriage?"

I gasp. Hindi makapaniwala akong napabaling kay Daddy at nilakihan siya ng mata. Ang mga kapatid ko natawa nalang sa biglaang tanong ni Dad.

"Dad!" suway ko. Nilingon ko naman si Archer agad na umiling. "No, don't answer that."

I pouted at my father. Ngumisi lang siya sa akin at hinintay na ang sagot ni Archer. Bigla akong kinabahan sa kinauupuan ko. Ito kasing si Dad, e! 'Yon ba naman agad ang tanong? E, ang bago-bago palang namin ni Archer!

Archer scoffs. I suddenly became afraid of looking at him. Ibang usapan na rin kasi 'to. I mean... kasal agad?! The hell?!

"If things work out between us, I will."

Kuya Gio snorted while Ate Zaj tries to hide her smile. Si Ate Margaux naman napahawak sa kanyang bibig at napaiwas ng tingin sa amin. Kuya Jaxon laughed a bit because of his wife's reaction. Ang dalawang naka-video call naman, ngiting-ngiti.

"Sana all!" narinig kong sinabi ni Kuya Dom.

Anong sana all siya diyan, e, kasal na siya!

My father nods his head, looking so pleased with Archer's answer.

"Sana hindi mo masamain ang tanong ko, hijo. I mean you're both off age to get married so..." he said then he glanced at me. I look at him unbelievably.

What the hell is this? Is he trying to give me off now? Ni hindi ko tuloy magawang lingunin si Archer dahil sa nagbabagang tanong ni Dad.

"I understand, Sir. I did not enter this relationship for it to be short-termed. Felicity makes me happy. And if she can make me happy for the rest of my life, then I'll be willing to spend the rest of my days with her."

I gulped. Damn it! This was the first time I'm hearing this from him. For a guy like him who doesn't do girlfriends before, it was quite surprising to know that his mind is already in our future even if we're still at the beginning of our relationship. Ni hindi pa nga namin napapag-usapan ang tungkol diyan.

Eto kasing si Daddy, e!

Dad pleasingly nods his head again. Ako naman napa-inom nalang ng tubig. I took a glance at Archer and saw him already looking at me.

Marriage conversations don't scare me at all because I like the idea of getting married. Bata palang ako, alam ko nang gusto kong maikasal sa taong tinitibok ng puso ko.

I don't just enter a relationship to fool around. Just like him, I don't want this relationship to be short-term. We enter a relationship because we want it to last until it could both lead us to church and say our vows with each other.

But then... we're still at the beginning of our relationship to be talking about things such as marriage. Nevertheless, I'm still glad to know that Archer and I are on the same page. That none of us committed to this relationship to fool around but to make this work.

I smiled at Archer. He did the same. Kinuha niya ang kamay ko at pinag-siklop ito sa ilalim ng lamesa.

For the next months, I busied myself with reviewing for the boards. Nasa iisang review center lang kami nag-enroll ng mga co-interns ko at masaya na sila ang palagi kong kasama tuwing group study.

It's good that I'm being surrounded by people with the same goal as me. We are all determined and motivated to pass the boards. We got no time to joke around because we really spend most of our time reviewing and going to Church.

Sa tuwing hindi naman sila ang kasama ko, nag-kikita kami ni Archer tuwing pag-balik niya galing trabaho.

He's been really, really supportive with me throughout this journey. Ever since I started my focused review session for boards, I always tend to stay up late at night. Minsan mga 4 AM na ako nakakatulog dahil sa kagustohan kong natatapos ang mga assigned readings ko sa araw na iyon.

Whenever I come over to his condo, he'll always prepare foods for me. Sa tuwing nakikita akong nade-drain o burnt out, palagi siyang nandiyan para pagaanin ang loob ko. Whenever I feel like, everything doesn't make sense anymore, he'll always remind me of the reason why I was doing this.

Kung hindi naman kami sa kanila nag-kikita, siya ang nag-pupunta sa bahay. Of course, he's already welcome at home. My father's really fond of him. At dahil busy ako sa pag-rereview, sila palagi ang nagkakausap sa tuwing nag-pupunta si Archer dito.

When our 2 months review period is about to end, Archer and I decided to meet at the nearby café at the airport. I can now feel the pressure of taking the licensure exam knowing that they're only days away from now. Kahit na sanay naman sa bahay nag-aaral, pakiramdam ko wala akong naaalala.

I don't know if it's because I haven't seen Archer for days or maybe it's the pressure. I really don't know.

Ako ang nauna na dumating sa aming dalawa. Nakakita naman ako ng bakanteng lamesa kaya doon agada ko pumwesto. I brought a lot of readings and my hands are almost full. I sighed heavily as I sat down.

I checked the time. Archer's flight is about to land in an hour. Gagamitin ko nalang iyong oras na pag-hihintay sa kanya sa pag-rereview. Kaso... 'di ko alam kung anong nangyari at nakatulog ako.

Nagising nalang ako nang maramdaman kong may mayamos na humahaplos ng aking buhok. Agad akong napaahon nang dahil doon sa kadahilanang akala ko kung sino na iyon, si Archer lang pala. Mukhang nagulat din siya sa biglaan kong pag-ahon kaya hindi makapaniwala siyang nakatingin sa akin.

"Kanina ka pa?" tanong ko.

Archer nods his head. "I've been calling you but you were not answering. Turns out you were here... sleeping."

Napacheck tuloy ako ng cellphone nang dahil doon. He left a total of five missed calls. He must've been worried.

"I'm sorry. 'Di ko napansin na nakatulog pala ako."

He chuckled a little. He looks over my handouts and hissed.

"These are what you've been reading for the past months?" he asked.

"Yeah."

Ngumuso siya na para bang naaawa siya sa akin. Sinamaan ko siya ng tingin at pabirong inirapan. He pulled me close to him so I could take a rest for a little while kahit na kagagaling ko lang naman sa tulog.

"Ako ang mag-hahatid sa'yo sa araw ng boards mo. I'll also be the one to fetch you after." Aniya.

Tiningala ko naman siya. "Wala ka bang flight ng mga araw na 'yon?"

"I freed my week to accompany you. Is that alright?"

"Bakit naman hindi magiging okay? I'd even like that more."

"Okay..."

Moments after, I went back to reading my handouts while Archer watches me review. Our date today must be really boring but never did I hear him complain. Siguro, kagaya ko, sapat na sa kanya na ganito muna kami.

He's not really the type of guy to demand time from me knowing that I'm pretty much occupied with my review period this past few months. We're already contented with the time we get to spend together despite our busy schedules. Kaya pag-katapos talaga ng lahat ng 'to, babawi ako sa kanya.

Gaya ng sinabi niya, siya nga ang nag-hatid sa akin sa testing center ko nang dumating ang araw ng licensure exam. Kaunti lang ang naging tulog ko dahil sinubukan kong i-master ang handouts ng mga subjects na assigned sa 1st day ng exam.

I tried to stay calm even if I already feel so nervous. I made sure that I brought all the important documents and the pencil that's been sharpened by our Dean in med school. I let out a deep sigh when Archer parked in front of the testing center.

"Good luck." He said and pressed a kiss on my lips.

I smiled at him when we parted. "Thank you. I'll see you later."

Sa mga nag-daang araw, gano'n palagi ang ginagawa namin. Nang matapos ang licensure exam week, talagang binawi ko ang araw kung saan wala akong tulog. I also purposely isolated myself from everyone as I wait for the results to come out.

Kanina pa ako lakad ng lakad dito sa loob ng kwarto ko. Hindi ako mapakali habang paulit-ulit na ni-rerefresh ang website ng PRC. Today is the scheduled day of release for PLE. Gusto sana nila Daddy na damayan ako pero sabi ko, ako na muna.

Paano pag 'di pala ako pumasa tapos nandito sila sa tabi ko at nakikihintay? I'll be really disappointed. They were already expecting me to pass so if I disappoint them, I'll build my own cave and never come out.

Ilang minutong pag-hihintay pa ang dumaan hanggang sa sunod-sunod na message ang natanggap ko mula sa mga kaibigan ko sa college, med school, at the mga ospital na pinasukan ko.

I got confused at first but then I eventually realized that the results are now out! Sa halip na unahin hanapin ang apelyido ko, inuna kong tingnan ang mga topnotchers sa board. I was really aiming to be a part of this so it was first thing I checked.

I continued scrolling down. Nakita ko na ang nag-top 1 hanggang 4. My heart is pounding like crazy as I look at the top 5 passers.

As if it was an automatic reaction, but when I saw my name as one of the 5th topnotchers, I immediately lost it. I stood up, still unable to speak as I look at the result.

5. FELICITY MARIE JANE ASISTIO DONOVAN – UNIVERSITY OF STO. TOMAS – 88.08%

I screamed and just started crying like crazy. After all the sleepless nights and countless hours of studying, everything has finally paid off.

I passed the boards! I am now a licensed doctor!