I am staring at the celling for a minute now. Inaalala ang mga pangyayari ngayong araw. My feet were aching sa maghapong kakatakbo at kakaikot naming sa park but I did enjoy. Sino bang mag-aakalang makakabalik ako doon kasama pa rin si Waje at ngayon naman ay ang anak nito.
I am still in shock when Waje told me that he wants to know our past. Napaisip ako, bakit pa? Tingin ko naman hindi na kailangan. Napabaling ako sa gilid ng higaan ko ng tumunog ang cellphone ko.
“I’m outside”.
Bungad sa akin ni Waje ng sagotin ko ang tawag nito. Agad akong bumalikwas ng bangon at inayus ang sarili.
“Bakit?”. Nakuha ko pa itong tanungin habang naglalakad para pagbuksan ito.
Bumungad sa akin ang namumungay nitong mga mata. Nakatitig ito sa akin. Nilakihan ko ang pag bukas ng pinto.
“Um…Pasok ka”.
Umiling ito kaya nagtataka akong tumingin dito.
“Get dress, I&
We stayed silent for a while and it’s deafening me. Or it seems to him too. We can clearly talk about the past now like it is not bothering us at all. But deep inside, we know. It brings us a deep cut that isn’t healed even years have passed. Bumaling ako dito. Hindi inalis ang tingin. Wala man gaanong nagbago kay Waje. Alam ko may parte pa din dito na hindi ko pa nakikita o nalalaman ng lubos. Noon paman lagi akong panatag sa tuwing kasama siya. May kung anong parte ng utak ko ang nag-uudyok na manatili. I sigh at tumingin sa harap kung saan din ito nakatingin. “We we’re so happy back then”. Mahinang saad ko. Pilit na inaalis sa isipan ang mga mapait na pangyayari. He just hums without looking at me. it seems that he is thinking deeply. Hindi na ako umimik at hinayaan ang katahimikan sa pagitan namin. “Can we start again? Can we?”. Dama ko ang desperasyon sa kanyang boses. Panandalian akong nanahimik.
Waje POV “Pinapunta mo ba ako dito para titigan ka?”. Sarkastikong sabi ni Samuel habang may hawak na rum. I glared at him. Napahilamos ako sa frustration. Hindi ko alam kung bakit ganito ang nararamdaman ko. Napatingin ako kay Samuel nang mapansin kung nakangisi ito ng nakakaloko. “Creep,man!”. I hist. “No man! I should thank boss for coming into your life again”. Umiling nalang ako. “You’ve been telling me that since you arrived here”. “Hindi kasi…I never seen you this nervous again”. He chuckled. “What do you mean?”. Nagtatakang napatingin dito. “Last time I saw you like this…when you’re taking Paige to a date in EK”. Natatawa nitong saad. “You used both our credit cards to pay for that”. “I did?”. Kuno’t nuo kung saad. “Did I pay you?”. Tumawa ito ng malakas. “What?”. Inis kung saad dito. “Yeah! You did of course”. Napabu
Paige POVWe ended with our favorite restaurant. Sinalubong kami ng manager, of course, she knows us.We are like the same college student who used to dine here after school.Nag bago man ang interior design nito, mas naging modern na din.We talk about work while eating. Mas naging kampante at magaan na ang loob ko ngayon, andiyan pa din ang kaba ngunit hindi na tulad ng dati.“How’s Fash?”. Tanong ko nang makita kung pinunasan na niya ang bibig niya at uminom ng wine.“He misses you, you know?”. Sagot naman nito.Napangiti ako.“Tell him, I miss him too”. Tango ko.Alanganing tumingin ito sa akin habang umiiling.“What is it?”.“Huh?”. Takang tanong nito.Waje used to feel unease everytime he is going to ask me something. Just like before.“Um…” He chuckles.“What?”. Ako n
Paige POVMadaling araw palang ay bumiyahe na kami papuntang Batangas. Sinundo ako ni Waje. My brother was surprised because I totally forgot to tell him about this. Siguro dahil kinakabahan ako, o talagang nawala sa isip ko ang sabihin dito dahil kadalasang gabi nang umuwi si Per.Waje is wearing a loose bottom-up white long sleeves, hair a bit missy but fresh bath…I know because his shower gel smells the same. Brown slacks with pair brown shoes.Parang bumata tingnan ito, kung casual lang lagi ang suot. Different aura surrounds him when he is in his business suits.“You’re staring”. Mahinang sabi nito. Agad akong nag iwas ng tingin. How did he know? Ni hindi nga niya ako tinitingnan kanina pa.“Hindi ahh”. Depensa ko.Natawa lang ito ng mahina.“I thought it’s a sunset wedding. Bakit ang aga natin?”. Pag-iiba ko ng usapan. I don’t want him to
We enjoy chatting and catching up things. Hindi naging masyadong awkward ang sitwasyon para sa akin dahil walang nagtanong tungkol sa amin ni Waje. Ang usapan ay umikot sa kanya-kanyang career. Dahil nasa modeling industry nabibilang ang bride karamihan sa mga bisita ay modelo. Waje friends are also in their pick of success. Hero and Julius are both CEO of their own company, si JD naman ay isang sikat na architecture, and August is an engineer.“Should we go to our room?”.Gulat akong napatingin kay Waje. Siya man ay nagulat sa sinabi. Tumikhim ito."Oi...Ano yan? Maaga pa Waje!". Pangangantiyaw ng mga kaibigan nito.Isang matalim na tingin ang ibinaling nito sa kanila na agad namang tumahimik ngunit hindi pa din nawala ang pang-aasar ng mga ito.“Um…I mean, to your room”. Mahina itong saad ngunit hindi ito nakaligtas sa pandinig ng kanyang mga kaibigan.We heard the boys chuckled.“Woahhh! I just
Hinatid lang sa kwarto ang tanghalian ko. Waje texted me that they still haven’t finish their shots kaya naman hindi niya daw ako masasamahan.Mas panatag naman ako sa ganito, nakakahiya ding kumain mag-isa sa restaurant dahil wala naman akong gaanong ka close sa mga bisita.I heard a soft knock while still fixing my hair. I managed to ask for a curlier earlier kaya naman kinulot ko lang ng bahagya ang buhok ko. May ibinigay ding flower crown kanina ang staff na naghatid ng curlier.“Pasok”.“Are you ready?”.Tanong ni Waje na sumungaw lang sa pinto.“Yes”. Sagot ko dito at tumayo na. Kinuha ko ang hand bag ko at nag lakad na papunta dito.“Wow!”. Mahina niyang saad habang nakangiting nakatingin sa akin. “So simple yet so beautiful”.I just chuckle.“Thanks. You look good too”.Kita ko ang pahaghang pag angat ng gilid ng kanyang pulang l
Paige POVWe ended walking hand in hand in the shore line. I remain silent while feeling the warmth of Waje hand.I am slowly getting used with his touch.Malamig ang simoy ng hangin dahil lumalalim na ang gabi. Hindi namin namalayan na papalayo na kami sa venue ngunit dinig pa din namin ang malakas na musika at tawanan ng mga bisita."I admire JD and Liza's relationship since when we were in college"."Hmmm...I've only known them 2 years ago, we accidentaly bumped in LA. JD told me everything about our friendship, although, Jerome already told me about them. Iba pa din na malaman ang side ni JD". Saad nito at huminto sa paglalakad.We are now facing the calm sea.“I only remember how Amanda and I talking about her new teams in cheer leading and I am excited also to share about us getting in into the basketball team tapos wala na. Hindi ko na maalala ang iba, bakit kami naghiwalay at pa
WajeI felt like I am walking without putting my feet on the ground. Walking in the air? Nah! Am I over-reacting?Napailing ako at naglakad na papalapit sa mesa ng mga kaibigan ko.My friends are all looking at me suspiciously. Bahagya akong tumikhim at nag tatakang tumingin sa mga ito.“Why? What?”.Agad naman ang mga itong nag iwas ng tingin, habang si Samuel at August ay napapailing lang.“I’ve seen this before”. Nakangiti namang baling ni August.“Seen it too”. Hero seconded.Samuel groan and chuckle.“Seen it hundred times”.My brows furrowed. What are they talking about?“What it is?”.“You’re blushing bro!”. Panunukso naman ni Hero.“W-what? No! No way!”. Agad kung saad. There’s no way!They all burst out laughing.“This is epic!&
Positive?Positive?Po-positive?"Congratulations, Ms. Madrigal you are three weeks pregnant". The doctor's voice still ringing into my head.Waje open his mouth widely.Positive?Positive?Po-positive?"Congratulations, Ms. Madrigal you are three weeks pregnant". The doctor's voice still ringing into my head.Waje open his mouth widely.Samuel yelp.“I’m gonna be an uncle!”May mga ilang nurses na nakuha nito ang atensiyon. While Waje remain in his seat.“Waje…I-“Am I dreaming?” Mahina nitong saad at kumurap-kurap ang mga mata.We heard Samuel chuckle ganoon din ang mga magulang nito.“I assure you Mr. Eleazar that you are not”. Natatawang saad naman ng doctor.“I’m gonna be a dad…again”. Maluha-luha nitong saad.Agad itong tumayo at niyakap ako.“God! Thank you, baby”.Tumulo na din ang luha ko sa kaligayahan. I am so happy. Overwhelmed and satisfy.Kahit na wala sa plano. Marahan kung nilapat ang aking mga kamay sa flat ko pang tiyan.A baby. There’s a baby in my tummy. Mine and W
Paige POVMalimit akong mahilo nitong nakaraang mga araw. Simula kasi ng bumalik kami ni Waje galing Singapore ay pareho kaming nag habol ng mga naiwang trabaho. Madalas pa din ako nitong isama sa site sa isa sa mga branch ng bagong Hospital kung saan kompanya ang main contractor.Baka din sa init ng panahon. Mag babakasyon na at mas lalong maraming guest ang nag bobook tuwing ganitong season. Iniisip ko ding mag plano nang bakasyong naipangako namin kay Fash.“Ma’am ayos lang po ba kayo?”.I lifted my head to give my secretary a tight smile.“Sa init siguro”. Saad ko dito. Tumango naman ito ngunit nanatiling nakatayo sa pinto.“Eh... kasi ma’am… ano po”.Kumunot ang nuo ko. Why is she stuttering?“Is there something wrong?”.Akmang tatayo ako ngunit napasapo agad ako sa aking nuo. Feeling ko babaliktad ang sikmura ko kaya naman di ko alintana ang bigat ng ulo ko at agad nang tumakbo sa banyo.I emptied my stomach that it hurts so bad. I groan. Why is this happening.“Ma’am! Ma’am? Ar
Waje POVDahil napag pasyahan ni Paige na manatili muna sa hotel para makapag pahinga ay nag pasya din akong e move lahat ng meetings ko sa Hotel restaurant na nasa baba lang ng building.I let Paige seat by my side while having a meeting. Matiim lang din naman itong nakikinig. Minsan she is asking questions about the contract. Earlier when we arrived I saw how Mr. Lancaster eyes goes wide. His wife is a friend of mine an agent asigned in US."I never thought that I got to see you having a puppy eyes, Waje". He said sarcastically.I saw how Paige face flushed.Napailing ako."Fuck off, Lancaster".Lance just cuckle while extending his hands."Lance Lancaster, nice to meet you". Agad namang tinaggap ni Paige ang kamay nito."Paige Madrigal-"My girlfriend". Putol ko dito habang ginagala ang paningin sa table namin.That earns giggles from others."My wife will join us shortly". Lance wave his hands towards the table bago bumaling sa akin."Why are we having this boring meetings while
Paige POVIt’s a long night for us. Tyler and I spend our night watching movie. Kapag wala si Waje I make sure na naalagaan at natitingnan ng maayos ang anak nito. Kaya naman maaga akong umuwi para sunduin ito kanina sa school. Dumaan kami sa park sa loob ng village bago kami tuluyang umuwi. I sent bunch of pictures to his dad. We were cuddling while watching movie when Tyler suddenly taps me.“Mom can I sleep in your room tonight?”.Napangiti ako nang tingnan ito. He is cutely pouting. Fash Tyler is being extra clingy kapag kaming dalawa lang and I love it. Pakiramdam ko ay akin siya at sa akin siya galing.Hinila ko ito para yakapin. I kiss the top of his head.“Of course, my baby. I though we already established that... Lagi kang matutulog dito kapag wala si daddy”.“Mom! Not a baby and I know. I promise dad that I will protect you”.Natawa ako sa tinuran nito. Not a baby but act like one. Hindi ko na isinatinig iyon.“Still our baby”. Mahina kung saad.“When is dad coming home?”.
Waje POVSince Paige at her team is now in Hawaii. Fash and I spend each others company with his grandparents. My mother keeps on asking me about marriage. I don’t want to disclose what I have been planning.Yes planning... I have been searching for a weeks now. Nag dadalawang isip pa ako kung sasabihin ko kina Jerom at Samuel. Panigurado abut-abot namang katiyaw ang matatanggap ko sa dalawang iyon. I don't mind though... I want to make our relationship legal. I think and I feel I am much ready to level up our relationship.May mga kailangan lang akong e-finalize na mga bagay-bagay and I am ready to take a break. Ilang buwan na din ang nagdaan mula ng magbakasyon kami na kami lang talagang pamilya. Fash been asking us about going to Hongkong, iyon daw ang gusto niyang puntahan pag sapit ng bakasyon.Paige been busy since she became the head resource officer in our company. Hindi na ito sa hotel nag oopisina kundi sa minsmong building na kaya naman kahit na madalas kaming magkita tuwi
Paige POVIt has been two months since that night and our relationship became stronger. We are basically living together and what makes me happy is that his son, Fash, now our son is happy with my presence. Iyon lang ay kontento na ako. Waje always makes sure to put us in his priority.May mga araw na may di iniisahang pagkakataon at natutoong nasa ibang bansa ito ngunit di ito nag aatubiling umuwi agad para sa amin.Ang mga magulang naman nito ay masaya din sa nangyayari.The whole company now aware of Waje and I story back before when we were on college. Nangyari iyon noong nag post ang school namin ng pictures namin dahil ang batch namin ang kasalukuyang sponsor para sa reunion na dinaluhan ng malalaking pangalan dahil karamihan ng mga batchmate ay galing sa mga may kayang pamilya at nakapag pundar sa sariling negosyo o namana mula sa kanilang mga magulang.It was an old picture of us while celebrating their basketball championship. Malaki ang ngiti naming dalawa habang nakaakbay
Paige I've been contemplating while preparing our dinner. Sa totoo lang matagal ko na din namang hinanda ang sarili ko. I know I love him and he loves me too despite of all the changes we've been through. I sense him entering the kitchen and stand besides me. His gaze is intense. "Ang bango mo". Mahinang bulong nito. "We should eat first". "You know, baby... you don't have to do this... Hindi kita minamadali and alam mong I respect whatever your decision is". Bahagya akong natawa and finally locking my eyes into him. He stares at me fondly. My hear swells with love. "What are we waiting for, babe?". I lowered my voice. I bit my lips. His eyes averted into it. "Now... I don't think I'll be able to eat". Saad nito at agad akong siniil ng hal*k. His kisses were intense and like a hungry predators biting my lower lip. I responded the same intensity. I've been contemplating while preparing our dinner. Sa totoo lang matagal ko na din namang hinanda ang sarili ko. I know I love him
WajeIt's been a long day and I can't wait to see her."Pwede ba makinig ka muna". Samuel is currently making his presentation for our new collaboration with an international pharmaceutical company.I signed loudly."It's been decided and we already agreed to it. Hindi ko alam kung ano pang problema mo?". Naiiling kung saad dito.He then glares at me."But why are you so eager to get home? Huh? Waje?". Jerome playfully wiggles his brows.And that's the cue... Samuel suddenly stopped and eyed me with curiosity."Bakit nga ba?". Tanong naman nito.Napailing ako."I'm just tired okay". Natatawa kung saad sa mga ito.They both groan."You just wanna see your family". Nakangising saad naman ni Jerome.I smiled widely."Aha!". Samuel snaps." Come on, man! I have to attend an international convention at alam niyo namang di ko maisasama si Paige—"Right...right". Samuel says and gesture to shoo me."Last page of presentation and I'll go". They both nod at nag patuloy kami sa discussion. Mag
We spend the rest of the weekend together at home. Watching, painting, cooking and playing. It is clear to me now that I am part of this beautiful family. Ang panaka-nakang nakaw na mga halik ni Waje tuwing hindi nakatingin ang anak nito ay nag papasigla sa aking puso at ang makita silang masaya. We ended up cuddling at night while watching a movie. Nag paalam silang uuwi noong linggo ng hapon pagkatapos naming mag simba. Tuwang-tuwa si sister Mary ng makita kaming magkakasama. Ayaw pang umuwi ni Fash kaya naman wala kaming nagawa kundi pangakuan ulit ito ng pasyal sa darating na weekend. It’s been 3 months at naging routine na namin ang pamamasyal tuwing weekend. Madalas ay ako na din ang nag aattend sa mga school gatherings and meetings ni Fash. Waje and I are happy with our progress, maging sina Jerome at Samuel at iba pa ilang kaibigan ay natuwa ng malamang kami na ni Waje ulit. We didn't really talk about it, we instead show them that we a