Epilogue

I concluded the 'Player of the Game' interview with a casual yet energetic statement, "Thank you, Mark! Sigurado naman talagang naiiyak ngayon sa saya ang fans niyo. Congratulations to Magnolia Hotshots for taking the last seat in the best-of-seven finals series!"

The cameraman who's standing in the pathway signaled us for a wrap, so I quickly turned off my mic and lapel. I mouthed 'thank you' at him that he acknowledged by smiling at me.

Fans are now walking down from their seats and many already made their exit. Others were flocking around the court of this dome, cheering, "Finals, finals, finals!"

In front of us are a couple of Hotshots fans waving and smiling at us... most likely at the man beside me.

I shifted my gaze to him who's already glancing at me. Kusa akong napangiti nang magkatitigan kami. Mark doesn't mind the fact that this edge of the court is getting filled with more delighted people.

Duh! Siyempre naman, sanay na siya riyan eh. Baka nga ako lang din 'yong na-goosebumps sa 'ming dalawa dahil sa dramatic win nila tonight!

Mark is really kind and humble, so I'm glad that he was the first one I had a live one-on-one interview on my first coverage in PBA.

"Congrats," bahagyang nakangiti niyang sambit na medyo ikina-shy ko.

Oo! Nasa vocabulary ko pa rin naman ang ma-shy. I didn't expect him to congratulate me and it feels great— knowing that someone recognized my presence.

Pero mas natuwa ako nang puriin niya ko with sincerity, "Magaling ka. Galingan mo pa."

I was out of words because of the bliss that runs through my veins. Hindi ko na siya napasalamatan nang umalis na siya sa harap ko.

Napakagat na lang ako sa ibaba kong labi. Pero hindi 'yon enough to stop myself from smiling ear to ear. I let it as is. Dinama ko na lang 'yong overflowing happiness.

Maglalakad na sana ko papunta sa hall, where the locker and the dugout rooms are located, nang may biglang humawak sa braso ko.

That touch is very familiar. It immediately sent shivers down to my spine.

Nilingon ko siya only to confirm that my hunch is right— it's him. I instantly beamed at this man when our gazes locked.

He smiled at me as he waves a pair of flats in front of me. Napatawa na lang ako sa nakita.

A CEO displaying his sweet gesture in front of thousands of people.

In fairness, hindi siya naka-suit today! He's wearing a white V-neck long sleeves shirt that puts his muscles on show. It was paired with khaki pants that hugs well his well-defined thighs.

"Ma'am? Kilala niyo po ba?" nag-aalalang tanong ng security personnel pagkalapit niya sa 'min.

Napatingin ako sa kaniya but he's not gazing at me. He's intently looking at Eli na para bang sinusuri niya kung ginugulo ako o kakilala ko.

I appreciated the safety measure he's granting me though it was just my first day.

Magalang kong sagot, "Opo, kilala ko. Thank you, kuya."

Tumango-tango siya pagkarinig n'on bago nagpaalam at umalis.

Binalik ko 'yong tingin ko kay Eli. Halos matawa ako nang mapansing hindi na maipinta 'yong mukha niya. His jaw slightly moved and his forehead has creased. I can't understand well if he's mad, displeased, or abashed.

At hindi pa siya nakuntento, hindi makapaniwala niya pa kong tinanong, "Do I look like a stalker now?"

Napatawa na talaga ko dahil sa question niya at kung p'ano niya 'yon sinabi. His face shows me how much he detested what he witnessed just a minute ago.

I carefully eyed him as I answered in a matter of fact, "Stalkers do not have the same face, sir. No certain physical attribute, fashion style..." I paused to look at his big muscles to show emphasis on what I'm about to say, before turning back my gaze at his face. "Or body built."

The bewilderment and anger that surrounded his face a while ago faded away. Those were replaced by a lightened facial expression with lips turning up.

My heart immediately reacted upon seeing that.

Unbelievably, everything around us disappeared and I couldn't hear the loud noise of the crowd anymore. I can only hear my blasting heart and I can only see the man in front of me.

He conceded defeat while raising his eyebrows at me, "You always have a point."

Hearing him say that instantly made me giggle.

Pero mabilis na nagpalit 'yong reaction ko nang bigla siyang lumuhod with his other leg supporting his body. Gulat na gulat ako habang nakatingin sa kaniya.

Hinawakan niya 'yong stiletto ko, nonverbally asking me to slightly raise my feet, kaya ginawa ko naman 'yon. Humawak na rin ako sa balikat niya para hindi ako ma-out of balance.

A very familiar tingling sensation paid a visit and without hesitation, I warmly welcomed it.

Pagkatanggal niya ng isa kong stiletto, kaagad niyang nilapag 'yong flats sa sahig. Sinuot ko naman 'yon bago bahagyang inangat 'yong kabila kong paa.

When he was done with his business, he immediately rose to his feet while holding my pair of stilettos in his right hand. Ako naman, sinuot ko nang maayos 'yong flats.

Well, I was greatly impressed by what he did!

This man and his boldness to go beyond the usual.

Kilig na kilig ako nang magkatinginan kami. His eyes are so captivating at para akong nahihipnotismo sa mga titig niya.

I reached for his left hand bago ko siya hinatak papunta sa gilid. Ang dami na kasing tao sa paligid ng court, they're trying their luck to have a photo with the players. 'Yong iba kasi, hindi pa pumupunta sa dugout.

When we stood still beside the basketball stand, I faced him with a bright smile on my face.

Malambing kong saad sa medyo malakas na boses para magkarinigan kami, "Thank you for coming, Eli. I really appreciate your presence here."

The corner of his lips lifted up and his eyes glittered showing how pleased he is.

He deeply yet softly mumbled, "It's my pleasure to watch you on your first day. Probably, on your next reportings too."

Lumapad lalo 'yong ngiti ko dahil sa narinig.

I reassured him, "Hindi ka naman obligado manood palagi, okay? May trabaho ka kaya!"

He chuckled a little bit upon hearing that. Pabiro niya pang sabi, "I have almost forgotten about that."

Nakangiting napailing ako dahil sa sinabi niya.

"I will understand kung maraming araw na magiging absent ka. For goodness' sake, you have a tight sched at marami ka kayang responsibilities! I'm mature enough to respect your time," I smilingly reminded him.

As a response, he nodded at me as he mumbled, "Thank you."

At dahil gaya-gaya ako, I squeezed our hands like he usually does. I like how it feels— warm and comforting.

Nanghihinayang kong sambit, "Sayang nga, hindi nakapunta sina Sophia pati sina Laurice. Pero, tulad ng sabi ko, okay lang 'yon. We're adults na maraming ganap!"

He simply smirked at me before changing the topic, "Do you mind having dinner with me?"

Biglang kumalabog 'yong puso ko sa narinig.

I unknowingly pulled my hand away from him. Para na kong naestatwa sa kinatatayuan ko.

This is the very first time that he asked me out. Hindi ko alam kung anong reaction or dapat kong sabihin. It is like a dream come true!

Ito kasi 'yong gustong-gusto kong mangyari noon. However, when I moved out, hindi na 'to pumasok sa isip ko. I've never expected and hoped for this to come since then.

At ngayong nandito na? Hindi ako makapaniwala.

As much as I am delighted, sobrang na-flutter at nagulat din ako.

I got back to my senses when he worriedly asked me, "Napagod ka ba? O may iba kang lakad? We can set it on the other day."

Nagulat ako sa sinabi niya. Nanlaki talaga 'yong mga mata ko!

Mabilis akong umiling to tell him that I have no other plans. Natataranta na kinakabahan ko pang sambit, "May kailangan lang akong gawin. Pero makikipag-date ako!"

His worried face vanished and has been replaced with amusement.

He even had the guts to tease me by saying, "All right. Let's pretend you aren't excited."

Natatawang napairap ako sa kaniya. Nahampas ko pa nga siya sa braso niya.

I sarcastically asked him, "Bakit kailangang mag-pretend? Excited naman talaga ko!"

Date— a four-letter word that has a lot of meanings. Before, kapag naririnig ko 'to, una ko lang naiisip kung anong araw na ba.

Now? It appeared different to me. Magkakar'on na ko ng first date with Eli! I'm pretty, sure, and pretty sure that I will forever remember every detail about it.

Nagpaalam ako sa kaniya na may gagawin lang ako sandali. I told him that I need to double-check the stats and talk to my direct head before changing my clothes.

He sweetly assured me, "Take your time. I can wait."

Pakaway-kaway ako sa kaniya bago ko dumiretso sa hall.

Papasok na sana ko sa locker room nang may lumapit sa 'kin kaya napahinto ako— a basketball player who shares the same alma mater with me. He has these thick eyebrows, slanting eyes, pointed nose, round jawline, and a long fringe haircut.

It's not that I don't like seeing him around but I hope, I wouldn't get across him. Pero impossible 'yon and look... the devil is here.

"Hey," bati niya sa 'kin. He even showed me a smirk that shouts wealth and arrogance.

Gusto kong mapairap sa presensya niya. Pero binigyan ko na lang siya ng isang pilit na ngiti. Iisipin ko na lang na wala naman siyang masamang ginagawa.

Wala pa.

Akmang papasok na sana ko sa loob nang humarang siya sa daan.

Sinamaan ko siya ng tingin. "Dane," I firmly called him asking through glances that I want him to move away.

Pero ang ginawa niya? Tinawanan niya lang ako! Kaya, ayon, 'yong singkit niyang mga mata, lalong lumiit.

Inis na inis ako sa nakita ko. Sino ba namang hindi?! Gusto ko siyang umalis sa harap ko tapos tatawanan niya lang ako?

Kalma, Elise. This night is special and memorable to you. At! May date ka pa kay Eli. Don't let him ruin the rest of the night.

Pigil na pigil 'yong inis ko nang sabihing, "FYI, Dane huh? Nakakaabala ka. May kailangan pa kong gawin—"

"Mangungumusta lang naman ako," he cut me off with a dangerous smile on his face.

That kind of smile that many women fell for... but excluding me. I'm not part of that 'many women'.

Hindi ko na lang pinansin 'yong sinabi niya. I don't want to entertain him dahil baka kung ano pang maisip ng malikot niyang utak.

I tried to pass through him but, unfortunately, Dane is way taller than me and his body is broad. Kahit itulak ko pa siya, walang mangyayari. Baka makagawa lang kami ng eksena.

Nagtitimpi kong sinalubong 'yong titig niya. Pero mabilis ding nawala 'yong inis ko nang sincere niyang sabihin, "Gusto lang naman kitang i-congrats. Ang galing mo kaya kanina." Sinandal niya 'yong kanang braso niya sa may pintuan bago makahulugang sinabi, "Sabagay, palagi naman."

Parang hinaplos 'yong puso ko sa narinig. I like hearing praises from people and he's good at it. It's not that I am conforming to societal standards or asking for approval. Sadyang ang sarap lang makarinig ng papuri.

I pressed my lips together trying my best to not look impressed. Tinitigan ko rin siya sa mga mata. I gave him an emotionless face for him to know that nothing changed— I'm still uninterested in him.

Tinatamad kong sambit, "Thanks. Matagal ko ng alam 'yan."

Imbes na ma-turn off siya, mukhang lalo pa siyang natuwa sa narinig. Napairap na lang ako dahil sa kakulitan niya.

Pero laking pasasalamat ko nang may tumawag sa kaniya, "Dane! Hanap ka ni coach sa loob."

Kung sino man siya, sana masarap ang ulam niya for the whole week!

Napunta na 'yong atensyon ni Dane sa lalaking nasa likod ko kaya kinuha ko 'yong chance na 'yon to pass through him. Kaso, ang damulag, hinarang 'yong buo niyang katawan sa dadaanan ko!

Napapikit ako sa sobrang inis. Nakailang hinga na rin ako nang malalim at remind sa sarili ko na we're in the workplace. Hindi ako pwedeng magtaray dito. Add up the fact that for goodness' sake, I'm trying to maintain the good attitude I've learned from the past year!

When I opened my eyes, I tried to look kind but reserved.

He was smirking at me before he leaned towards my ear. Napasunod tuloy ako ng tingin sa mukha niyang napakalapit sa 'kin.

I wasn't feeling anything until he seductively whispered, "Hinintay kita."

Kinilabutan ako sa narinig. Kunot-noo kong sinalubong 'yong titig niya— nagtataka, naguguluhan, at napipikon.

"Don't tell me..." Hindi ko natuloy 'yong sasabihin ko dahil dumagsa bigla 'yong tao sa paligid.

It won't do me good if they come to know that Dane was one of the many men who fell in line to me. Malay ko bang hindi pa 'to nakaka-move forward!

Umayos siya ng tayo at diretsong sinagot 'yong naudlot kong tanong, "Oo."

I was startled upon hearing him say that.

I looked to my left before looking to the right. When I saw that there's no one near us, lakas-loob ko siyang tinaboy, "Busted ka na agad. As in, agad-agad."

I made sure that I put an emphasis on each word I mumbled para manahimik na siya. Pero siyempre, hindi 'yon uso sa dugo ni Dane.

He confidently told me, "Let's see."

I was contemplating whether to tell him that I have a boyfriend named Eli or not. Ayaw ko namang magsinungaling. Baka mabati pa 'no!

Huminga na lang ako nang malalim at saka siya inasar, "Alam mo, for someone whose team just lost in a crucial game? Masyado kang masaya."

Kita kong napasimangot siya.

I have no intention to hurt him pero 'yon lang ang makakapagpaalis sa kaniya sa harap ko.

I was right... mabilis siyang naglaho sa harap ko. Although I feel a little guilty, a least, nakahinga na ko nang maluwag!

As planned, inayos ko lang sandali 'yong mga gamit ko para magpapalit na lang ako pagbalik ko. Afterward, nag-double check na ko ng stats ng winning team. It would greatly help me in the succeeding games and coverages.

Next, pinuntahan ko na rin 'yong direct head ko. She congratulated me for a job well done and even praised me for my different yet effective strategies in reporting.

Siyempre, sobrang saya ko! Ngiting-ngiti nga kong nagpasalamat sa kaniya bago bumalik sa locker.

I was almost jumping in joy realizing how praised I am tonight. Lalo tuloy akong ginaganahang magtrabaho!

Upon reaching the locker room, I immediately grabbed my stuff before changing my clothes. Good thing, dala ko 'yong pangmalakasan ko!

I wore a beige-colored off-the-shoulder top with a button front design and puff three-fourths sleeves. Tinerno ko 'to sa white high-waisted pants ko.

Before leaving the comfort room, I also busied myself with a quick make-up retouch.

Nang magandahan na ko sa sarili, lumabas din agad ako mula sa dome.

I texted Eli na sa parking na lang kami magkita in which he agreed to. He quickly gave me the parking area details, so it won't be hard for me to look for him.

Nang mahanap ko siya, I was all smiles and so he is while he's leaning on his Range Rover and crossing his arms.

Sa buong biyahe, he played various OPM songs na sinabayan namin ng pagkanta. I couldn't help but to giggle whenever he tries to rap.

Hindi naman dahil sa masagwa sa pandinig 'yon... hindi ko lang din alam ba't gan'on reaction ko. Parang pinaghalong kilig 'yon at saya dahil first time ko lang siya marinig mag-rap. Not bad but not great!

At sa buong biyahe na 'yon, nakalimutan ko na halos na iba pa 'yong dinner date namin. I was so elated and captivated by the night driving and sing along that we were doing.

It was the simplest thing I have experienced so far yet the effect it has on me is on another level. Maybe because... I appreciated how he made time for me.

Totoo pala 'yong sinasabi nila— lahat ng simpleng bagay, kapag kasama natin 'yong mga mahal natin sa buhay, it becomes impressively splendid and joyful. Lalo na kapag kasama natin 'yong tamang tao.

"Oh?" nagtataka kong sambit nang nasa tapat na kami ng isang high-rise condo.

Ngayon ko lang din napansin na nasa Makati na pala kami. I was so distracted and allured the whole drive.

I shifted my gaze at him but he didn't say anything. He was so focused on driving the car inside the parking area.

Bigla akong nakaramdam ng kaba pero walang halong takot. It is just that... playful ideas were running on my mind.

Tama na nga 'yan, Elise! Baka may restaurant lang dito na gusto niyang puntahan kasama ka.

I tried to calm down myself but my heart didn't mind my effort. Pabilis lang nang pabilis 'yong tibok ng puso ko, lalo na nang dumiretso kami sa elevator.

I kept on glancing at him but he's not saying anything to me. He simply grabbed my hand to intertwine our fingers.

Para akong sirang nangingiti sa tabi niya habang hinahaplos 'yong kamay niya using my thumb. It feels good and comforting at the same time. His warmth is shooing away the coldness that my nervousness and the frigid surrounding are giving me.

Kaya ang puso ko? Lalong nagharumentado!

Upon reaching the 27th floor, we started walking side-by-side without talking to each other. Pabilis tuloy nang pabilis 'yong kabog ng puso ko dahil pa-wild din nang pa-wild 'yong nai-imagine ko!

I can now feel my cheeks burning while feeling a fluttery sensation down to my belly.

After a few more steps, we stopped in front of a door. He was the one who entered the passcode and opened the door widely for the two of us.

Lalong lumala 'yong kaba ko nang humakbang na siya. Hindi ako nakagalaw sa kinatatayuan ko at nanlalaki 'yong mga mata ko nang lingunin niya ko.

Pilipino ako at hindi siya Amerikano pero hindi ko pa pwedeng isuko ang Bataan sa kaniya!

Nagtataka niya kong tinitigan nang bawiin ko 'yong kamay ko. I stepped backward that made his forehead creased.

My lips were a little trembling because of uneasiness when I bluntly asked him, "Ba't tayo nandito? May masama ka bang balak sa 'kin?"

Naglaho 'yong pagkakakunot ng noo niya nang bigla siyang mapatawa. Habang ako, lalo lang akong nahiwagaan kung anong nasa isip niya.

I felt so embarrassed when he smilingly informed me, "I'll cook for you. That garlic pepper beef."

Biglang umurong 'yong dila ko nang marinig 'yon. Hiyang-hiya ako sa kinatatayuan ko na parang gusto ko na lang magpalamon sa lupa.

Ayan kasi, Elise! Puro SPG 'yang nasa isip mo. Nakalimutan mo na ba? Na sa inyong dalawa ni Eli, siya ang pang rated PG?

I was biting my lower lip when he approached me. He carefully caressed my cheeks as he assured me, "Feel at home. You're safe here."

Napatitig ako sa mga mata niya. Kitang-kita ko 'yong sinseridad at pagmamahal sa mga 'yon.

Parang hinaplos tuloy 'yong puso ko sa narinig at nakita.

Wala akong imik sa kinatatayuan ko kaya nagsalita siya ulit, "It's alright with me that you asked those questions. You did a good job there, Elise."

Napangiti na lang ako dahil sa mga sinabi niya.

This man and his thoughtfulness!

True to his words— pinagluto niya nga ko ng paborito kong ulam. I didn't expect him to remember this little thing about me.

Ganito pala 'no? Ganito pala 'yong pakiramdam na maalala ng taong mahal natin 'yong mga sinasabi natin. A simple gesture na tagos sa buto ang pagpapakilig!

While he was busy cooking, I was sitting on the high stool at tamang kwento lang sa kaniya ng mga kwentong... parang wala namang kwenta. Pero hindi niya 'yon pinaramdam sa 'kin. He seemed so interested in my chikas.

From time to time, he will shift his gaze on me or respond. Just like now, he earnestly suggested, "I can help you sell SAE products with my employees."

Gulat na gulat ako sa narinig. Natameme ako bigla sa kinauupuan ko. Ramdam na ramdam ko 'yong pagdagundong ng puso ko.

"Totoo?!" hindi makapaniwala kong tanong sa kaniya na ikinangisi niya lang.

Pinanliitan ko siya ng mga mata at saka doubtful na tinanong, "Baka jino-joke time mo lang ako ah?"

He raised his glances at me as he stopped from slicing some ingredients. Nginitian niya ko nang napakatamis at seryosong sinabi, "Mark my words, Elise."

Hindi ko napigilan 'yong sarili ko. Talagang napapalakpak na lang ako sa sobrang saya. I heard him crack a little chuckle nang makita niyang ngiting-ngiti ako.

Ang dami ko pang sinabi sa kaniya kasama na 'yong mga plano ko sa buhay. He told me that he is just by my side to support me all the way. Ang taray, 'di ba?!

Elise's long term goals:

1. Build a healthy relationship with my family

2. Launch a new product for SAE

3. Improve in reporting, modeling, and posting contents

4. Develop a healthy relationship with Eli

5. Save up for my own car

6. Work harder but smarter for a house and lot

7. Travel more locally

After more than an hour of cooking, natapos na rin siya. Kanina pa nga kulo nang kulo 'yong tiyan ko dahil sa sobrang bango ng ulam!

He prepared everything on the long table kaya tumayo na ko. Nagulat lang ako nang mapansing ang dami namang plato.

"Ano 'yan? Bawat subo, iba-ibang plato 'yong kakainan natin?" pabiro kong tanong nang makaupo sa dulo.

Natawa siya sa sinabi ko bago niya ko tignan. "Wait here," he excitedly whispered before he gets out of the kitchen.

Habang wala siya, hindi ko na napigilan 'yong sarili ko. Kumuha na ko ng kaunting kanin tapos ulam.

"This is heaven!" I mumbled after chewing down the food.

Nanunuot sa sarap! Grabe naman 'yang si Eli, lahat na ata—

"Congratulations on your PBA debut, Elise!" Different yet familiar voices cheerfully occupied the kitchen.

Hindi ko alam kung anong una kong mararamdaman pagkadinig sa boses nila— kakabahan, sasaya, o matatawa ba ko dahil hindi sila sabay-sabay nang banggitin 'yon.

Nanlalamig na binaba ko 'yong hawak-hawak kong utensils at dahan-dahang lumingon sa pintuan.

Sobrang nanlambot 'yong puso ko nang makita silang papalapit sa mesa. May hawak-hawak na cake si Laurice habang eco-bag naman ang dala nina daddy at Ate Nilienne.

I can already feel my eyes getting filled with warm liquid.

Two important families in my life celebrating this special day with me.

Ganito pala... ganito pala 'yong feeling na ma-surprise ng as in 'surprise' at hindi mga nakaka-stress na ganap ng buhay. I never imagined myself being the main subject on a surprise occasion because... ako lang 'to, ang magandang middle child na si Elise na hindi pansinin sa pamilya.

Isa-isa nila kong binati na lalong nagpapa-trigger sa luha ko. At sa sobrang preoccupied ko na dahil sa overwhelming happiness, wala na kong maintindihan sa sinasabi nila bukod sa 'congrats'.

Pero maya-maya lang din, tuluyan na kong naiyak nang si mommy na 'yong nagsabi ng, "Congratulations." Ang casual lang ng bati na 'yon pero sobra-sobra akong na-touch.

Mabilis na kumuha si Eli ng tissue para punasan 'yong luha ko. Tawa sila nang tawa dahil sa reaction ko. Hindi nila alam, it was the first time that mommy told me that.

Napangiti na lang ako habang sinasabayan si Eli sa pagpunas ng magkabila kong pisngi.

When Eli and I were done wiping my tears away, nakaupo na silang lahat.

Magkakatabi kami ng family ko. Beside me is Laurice, then there's daddy, and mommy. Tapos magkakatabi naman ang mga Maceda. Kami ni Eli ang magkatapat ng upuan. Right beside him are Ate Nilienne, Neko, and their parents.

Tahimik ko silang pinagmamasdan habang nag-uusap-usap sila. They all are smiling at each other and I couldn't help but get delighted by this view. It feels great seeing them getting along well!

Someone's just missing— Ate Felize. Medyo malungkot akong napangiti pero sana... sana maging maayos din ang lahat para sa kaniya. I guaranteed her that she can always count on me when she needs someone.

Nagpaalam na kasi siya kina mommy, daddy, at Laurice n'ong isang araw.

Pero different sa sinabi niya sa 'kin, ang binanggit niya sa kanila ay pagtutuunan niya ng pansin 'yong isa sa newly opened branches ng business niya. So, on that same day, umalis na rin siya agad.

I doubt that Laurice isn't aware of her pregnancy. Knowing Laurice and her intelligence? Mas mabilis pa sa mala-kidlat na balita ng mga tsismosa ang radar niya! Sa true lang naman.

"Akala ko lulubog na ang ship ko!" natatawang sambit ni Ate Nilienne kaya nakuha niya 'yong atensyon ko.

Nangingiti akong napatitig sa kaniya. I teasingly asked her, "S'an mo po nakuha 'yan, ate? Ikaw ah!"

The kitchen got filled with laughs again.

Through my peripheral vision, I saw Eli glancing at me. Napalingon ako sa kaniya kaya agad niya kong binigyan ng matamis na ngiti.

My heart isn't racing fast, rather it was loaded with gratitude, genuine happiness, and peace.

In my whole existence, I never felt this kind of serenity and relief, without feeling fear for what's ahead of me.

"Proud na proud nga ko kay Elise kanina," gratified na banggit ni Tita Adrianna... or Mommy Adrianna soon enough ulit?

When we met gazes, I instantly beamed at her. Then, I shyly mumbled, "Thank you po... Mommy Adrianna?"

Tawanan sila pagkarinig ng sinabi ko. I can also see mommy smiling beside daddy.

"Glad to hear that, Elise," Mommy Adrianna pleasingly uttered that widened my existing smile.

Nagpatuloy lang kami sa kwentuhan at pag-uusap habang sabay-sabay na kumakain.

They revealed to me na nanood pala sila ng game kanina. They kept it a secret daw dahil planado raw ni Eli ang lahat. He wants to surprise me through this dinner date with our families. At sa sobrang saya ko, napapalakpak ako sa harap nila.

"This is the first and best dinner date I've ever had so far," touch na touch kong sambit. Pabiro ko pang dagdag nang lingunin ko si Eli, "To more bestest dinner dates?"

Napahagikhik sila dahil sa sinabi ko. Habang ako rito, medyo kabado na sa paghihintay ng sagot ni Eli.

Nilahad niya 'yong kamay niya sa 'kin kaya inabot ko naman 'yon. He squeezed our hands as he deeply yet softly vowed, "As long as I'm with you, each dinner together will be the best."

I'm pretty, sure, and pretty sure that it will happen. Because it's always the thought, effort, time, and willingness that count.

We continued sharing stories and memories while enjoying the food. There were fried chicken, steak, and tuna. Tapos may cake rin na sabi ko, sana pinalagyan naman ni Laurice ng candle or kaya money!

At ang sagot sa 'kin?

"You should've bought your own cake," pilosopo niyang bulong.

Pinanliitan ko siya ng mga mata kaya napatitig siya sa 'kin. Binitawan niya 'yong utensils niya at saka ako sinuri na para bang may gusto siyang sabihin.

I raised my right eyebrow at her as I directly ordered her, "Spill!"

Kitang-kita ko 'yong pag-aalinlangan sa mga mata niya but her voice was deep, strong, and sure when she asked me, "Pwede ba kong tumira sa townhouse?"

Gulat na gulat ako sa narinig ko.

Nanlalaki 'yong mga mata ko nang idampi ko 'yong likod ng kamay ko sa noo niya.

Nagtataka kong tanong, "Wala ka namang sakit? Bakit kung ano-anong lumalabas sa bibig mo?"

Hindi niya pinansin 'yong mga sinabi ko, instead she mentioned something else that startled my existence. Na kapag narinig ng younger Elise? Hinding-hindi niya paniniwalaan na nanggaling 'yon mismo sa bibig ni Laurice.

She firmly announced, "I want to move into your house."

Lahat ng nasa mesa, natigilan na sa pagkain, hindi lang 'yong pamilya ko. Gan'on 'yong intensity na dala-dala ni Laurice!

Nilingon niya sina daddy at mommy.

There's finality in her voice when she asked for their permission, "Can I do that?"

Napakunot ako ng noo.

Humihingi ba siya ng approval o nagsasabing i-expect na namin na lilipat siya sa townhouse? It sounds like the latter.

Ilang segundong natahimik ang mesa. Nang tignan ko si daddy, mukhang sinusuri niya nang maigi 'yong mukha ni Laurice. Si mommy naman, tahimik lang ding nakatingin sa kaniya.

After a while, daddy mumbled, "Okay." In which mommy followed with, "Siguraduhin mong pinag-isipan mo 'yan." Na kapag nai-translate sa wika natin, ang ibig sabihin ay 'sige' o 'oo'.

Kitang-kita ko 'yong pag-ngiti ni Laurice. Napaisip tuloy ako kung ba't bigla siyang nag-decide na tumira kasama ko.

Pero imbes na pagtuunan ng pansin 'yon, I confusedly asked them, "P'ano 'yong pag-aaral mo? Bills? Pangkain? Ready ka bang mag-de lata araw-araw? Go ka rin bang matulog sa kwarto ko kasama ko?"

'Yong seryosong paligid kanina, biglang napuno ulit ng tawanan.

Ate Nilienne smilingly commented, "Elise's a future-focused."

Hindi ko alam kung pinupuri niya ba ko o nagko-comment lang siya pero nginitian ko na lang siya. Since, based on her tone, she didn't intend to harm me.

Pero mas lumapad 'yong ngiti ko nang si Eli na ang magsalita.

He carefully butted in, "Certainly. But that's alright since she's only concerned with the possibilities."

Sumingit na rin si daddy at sinabi niyang he will support both of us. Parang nagningning 'yong mga mata ko pagkarinig n'on. Pero agad humirit si mommy na limited resources lang daw.

Still and all, sobrang saya ko dahil d'on! Siyempre, damay ako sa biyaya eh.

Binanggit ko na rin 'yong house rules na kailangang i-comply ni Laurice. At ang kapatid kong kilala sa pagiging matigas ang ulo? Oo lang nang oo.

Pero okay lang para lahat kami, happy!

Nagitla ako sa pagkain ng dessert when Eli suddenly cleared his throat.

Sabay-sabay kaming napatingin sa kaniya.

He was a little unsure yet his voice was demanding when he asked, "Can I now take the floor?"

Tumango-tango lang kami sa kaniya. Parang CEO na Eli 'yong kaharap namin but a softer side of him.

He started by saying his apologies to my family— for his bad treatment of me and for what he did before. Then, he explained that he simply doesn't want to take me for granted that's why he opted for that action.

Pero klinaro niyang alam niyang mali 'yon at hindi niya dapat ginawa. He moved forward by telling them that his relationship with Ate Felize was only planned, nothing's true. Na kaagad na seryosong sinagot ni daddy ng, "Felize mentioned it previously."

Different from what I witnessed during Laurice's debut, mas less na 'yong intense ng tingin ni daddy kay Eli. Napanatag naman ako dahil sa nakita.

I took the last bite of my cake when suddenly, Eli shifted his gaze on me. His glances are too powerful— filled with flaming love, admiration, and... there's hope.

Tinaasan ko siya ng kilay to nonverbally ask him why. Pero laking gulat ko na lang when he eagerly yet sincerely asked us, "I want to ask for your and your family's consent to formally court you, Elise."

My heart started beating so fast and my eyes were so focused on him. Halos makalimutan ko nang may nginunguya ako.

Muntik pa nga kong masamid nang lunukin ko 'yong pagkain ko. Kaya uminom muna ko ng tubig habang 'yong mga kamay ko, nanginginig dahil sobrang na-surprise ako.

Pare-parehong sinabi nina daddy, mommy, at Laurice na it's for me to decide. Kaya ayon, lalong naging intense ang tingin sa 'kin ni Eli.

Dahan-dahan akong ngumiti sa kaniya at marahang sinabi, "Oo... tayo na."