3 - Laughter

VERONIKKA ELYSE LAURIER

Kaagad akong napaupo sa gilid ni Sir Elio at kinuha ang phone ko to check on him. Napapoker-face nalang ako nang makitang tulog na siya. Humihilik pa. This guy is unbelievable!

After what happened earlier, tutulungan lang ako?! Wait—what do you expect, Nika? A sex after the kiss?! Nakakahiya ka!

I called Manong Jules to help me carry Sir Elio to his bed. Nang makasiguradong maayos na itong nakahiga ay chineck ko narin siya kung ayos lang ba siya. Mukhang ayos naman. Lasing lang.

I called Doc Yasmir to ask something.

"Yow! This is Hira, Nika. Whatsup?" Napatawa ako dahil sa inakto ni Doc Hira. Para lang siyang bagets kung makipag-usap kaya mahal na mahal siya ng lahat kasama na si Doc Yasmir.

"Doc! Ano kasi," napatingin ako kay Sir Elio na mahimbing na natutulog.

"Si Sir Elio po kasi..." nagdadalawang-isip kung sasabihin ko ba.

"Com'on, Nika. Time is running and you know how much time is so-so-so precious to us. So, spill it."

"He kissed me." I bluntly said. Nakarinig kaagad ako mula sa kabilang linya ang malakas at matinis na sigaw mula kay Doc Hira. "What?!"

"Uh, akala niya ako ang dati niyang asawa." Kinakabahan ako sobra. Pero ayaw kong ipahalata iyon kay Doc dahil kahit sa telepono lang kami magkausap, sobrang bilis niyang makiramdam.

"What happened ba?" I bit my lips when Doc Hira sounded so conyo this time. Blame it to Doc Nadine who keeps talking in conyo.

"Uh, pumasok po kasi ako sa kwarto niya para sana planuhin ang birthday ng kambal. Malungkot kasi ang dalawa. Uh, nag ce-celebrate po ba kayo ng birthday nila?" Kwento ko. Rinig mo ang malalim na paghinga ni Doc Hira.

"I knew I was right," napa-huh kaagad ako sa sinabi ni Doc, pero tumawa lang siya.

"We do celebrate, but only us, Sierras. Well, hindi nga lang kasama ang ama. Tita Karina always make sure that the twins is having a blast on their birthdays." Huminga siya ng malalim.

"It's just we didn't know na nalulungkot din pala ang dalawa. Gosh, they're so young..." malungkot na sabi ni Doc Hira.

They're just turning five...

"What are you doing here?" Napatay ko kaagad ang tawag nang marinig ko ang boses ni Sir Elio. Malamig iyon pero may bahid ng galit.

Huminga ako ng malalim. This is for Vlad and Vien. I needed to do something 'bout it! I can't watch them looking so in pain and experience it anymore.

"It's your children's birthday tomorrow sir," panimula ko. Wala akong reaksyong nakita mula sa kanya. Naiinis ako. Nakakaasar. Ganito ba talaga siya?

"How can you be so heartless to Vien and Vlad, sir?" I asked impulsively, not caring about the consequences. The kids deserve so much better.

I saw pain and sadness flash in his eyes. Somehow, it made me feel that he did care for them.

"Kayo lang naman po kailangan ng mga anak niyo, Sir” I continued, my voice softening. He looked away, avoiding my gaze.

"You don't know anything," he said harshly. I let out a soft chuckle, the irony not lost on me.

"Vien and Vlad are growing up, sir. They need a father. Hindi pwedeng habang-buhay mo silang iiwasan."

He clenched his jaw, his eyes flickering with a mix of anger and something else—regret, perhaps?

"Yes, I may not know everything, sir, but for the kids, I have to try. They deserve a father who cares for them." My voice trembled slightly, but I stood my ground.

He remained silent, the tension in the room thick enough to cut with a knife. I took a deep breath, forcing myself to stay calm. "They need you, sir. More than you realize."

He looked at me then, really looked at me, and for a moment, I saw the walls he'd built around himself crumble. But just as quickly, they went back up.

"You have no idea what you're talking about," he said, his voice barely above a whisper.

"Maybe not," I replied, my voice strong. "But I know they deserve better."

With that, I turned and left his room, my heart pounding. I knew I'd done the right thing, even if it meant facing his wrath. For Vien and Vlad, it was worth it.

"N-nurse Nika." Napatingin ako sa right-side kung saan galing ang boses ni Vien.

She seems like she's been crying. Nasa tabi niya si Vladimir, at nagtatakang nakatingin sa akin ang dalawa.

"Kids," I muttered, chuckling awkwardly.

"We woke up, now we can't sleep without you, Nurse Nika. Will you not please leave us too?" My heart broke with Vlad's words. His face calm yet tinged with a hint of sadness.

"Too..." I echoed softly, feeling the weight of the word, ilang beses akong napakurap para pigilan ang luhang gustong kumawala sa mga mata ko.

Umupo ako para pantayan ang dalawang bata. Hinaplos ko ang tig iisang balikat nila at ngumiti, "no, I won't. Com'on, birthday niyo bukas kaya bawal nakasimangot! Cheat day bukas, game?" Kita ko ang pag-ningning ng mga mata ni Vien kaya napatawa ako ng mahina. Vlad pursed his lips in amusement and nodded.

Inaya ko na sila sa kwarto ni Vien para matulog. Even though they have separate rooms, Vlad would still want to sleep with Vien. Hindi sila mapaghiwalay. For them, at their young age, they knew that they only had each other to lean on.

As we walked to Vien's room, I felt their small hands gripping mine tightly. It was a silent plea for reassurance, and I was determined to give them the comfort they desperately needed. Pagdating namin sa kwarto, inayos ko ang mga kumot at mga unan, making sure they were comfortable.

"Alright, kids. Let's get you tucked in," I said softly, guiding them to bed. They climbed in, settling next to each other, their faces finally showing a hint of peace.

"Nurse Nika," Vien whispered, her eyes already drooping with sleep. "You'll be here when we wake up, right?"

"Of course, I will," I assured her, gently brushing a stray hair from her face. "I'll be right here."

Vlad looked at me, his eyes serious. "Promise?"

"Promise," I said, giving his hand a reassuring squeeze.

As they closed their eyes, I watched over them, feeling a mix of tenderness and determination. These children deserved all the love and care they could get, and I was going to do everything in my power to make sure they felt safe and cherished.

I sat by their bedside, listening to their soft breathing, and whispered, "Happy birthday, Vien and Vlad. Tomorrow will be a special day for you both."

With that, I settled in for the night, ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead for the sake of these two precious souls.

Maaga akong nagising kinabukasan to bake their favorite crinkles. Mahilig kasi ako mag-bake, at nang pinatikim ko sa kambal iyon ay lagi nang hinahanap-hanap.

But I only gave them once a week. They have dietary plan need to follow for their health. Kaya nasisingit ko lang ang cheat day once a week, because they deserved it.

Actually, nabigyan ko na sila ng cheat day this week, hindi ko naman kasi alam na birthday nilang dalawa ngayong araw.

I baked their favorite cakes too. Strawberry cake for Vien and Choco moist cake for Vlad. The kitchen was filled with the sweet aroma of freshly baked goods, and I felt a sense of satisfaction knowing that these little touches would make their birthday extra special.

As I was busy frosting the cakes, an elderly woman passed through the kitchen door. My jaw almost fell when I saw her. She was... she was too beautiful. Her presence was captivating, and she walked with a grace that commanded attention. Her silver hair was styled elegantly, and her eyes sparkled with a wisdom that only comes with age. She wore a soft, flowing dress that seemed to float around her as she moved, and her smile was warm and welcoming.

"Ma'am Karina! Good morning po," bati ni Ate Kelly. Doon lang ako natauhan na ina pala iyon ni Sir Elio. Napansin ko din ang pagkakahawig nilang dalawa kaya walang alinglangan na ina nga siya ni Sir Elio.

"Hello! How are you guys? Oh, by the way, the caterer will arrive later at lunch. The organizers are coming uh," napatingin siya sa wristwatch niya tsaka ngumiti, "maybe by now." At muling humarap sa amin.

She roamed her eyes and met mine. Hindi pa ako nakaka-recover sa kagandahan niya pero lumapit na siya kaagad sa akin na may malaking ngiti.

"Good morning, dear! You must be Nurse Nika," she said warmly, extending her hand.

"Good morning, Ma'am Karina," I replied, shaking her hand. Her grip was firm yet gentle, and her smile was genuine.

"Chill, baby. I won't eat you alive." Natatawang sabi niya. Ma’am Karina looked around the kitchen, her eyes landing on the cakes. "Are these for the kids' birthday?" she asked, stepping closer to admire them.

"You like to bake, Nurse Nika? Nakakatakam mga ginawa mo, can I eat one?" I nodded instantly. Kumuha si Ma'am Karina ng crinkles at kita sa kanyang mukha na nasasarapan siya.

"Mommy La!" Sigaw ni Vlad ng makita kaagad ang lola nito.

"My babies! Don't run, please." Natatawang sabi ni Ma'am Karina. Imbes na tumigil sa pagtakbo ang dalawa ay tumakbo parin sila para salubungin ang lola.

"I miss you!" Vien said without stuttering or having trouble in pronouncing the words which made us shock.

Nagkatinginan kami ni Ma'am Karina dahil magkatabi lang naman kami. Ilan segundo ay natawa din si Ma'am Karina nang yakapin ni Vien ang binti ng kanyang lola.

"My baby! How are you?" Galak na tanong ni Ma'am Karina sa bata.

"I'm F-fine, m-mommy la!" Vien said enthusiastically. Kitang-kita sa mukha ng bata ang saya.

Vienna really looked like a doll. Pwedeng i-keep ko nalang ang batang ito? Silang dalawa ni Vlad? Nakakagigil ang ka-kyutan!

Nagpaalam si Ma'am Karina na dadalhin ang mga bata sa labas para makapag morning sun. Maaga pa naman. Tsaka para magka bonding silang tatlo.

Ilang saglit lang ay dumating ang kapatid ni Sir Elio na si Sir Emman at Ma'am Tri kasama ang mga anak.

"You baked pala?" Tanong ni Ma'am Tri. "For the twins' birthday po, ma'am." Sagot ko. Natawa si Ma'am Tri at hinampas ako sa braso.

"Ate Tri nalang." Napakurap ako sa sinabi niya. "H'wag ka nang mahiya." Sabi niya at nag-wink saakin na hindi ko maintindihan pero tinawanan ko nalang.

"Nakakahiya parin, ma'am." Umiling siya, "bakit naman? Mukhang magkakaroon ako ng bagong in-law." Napanganga ako sa sinabi niya.

Ano daw? Magkakaroon ng bagong in-law?

"Hira told me. Alam mo namang bibig non." Tawang-tawa niyang sabi. Bigla akong namula nang malaman ko kung ano ang pinag-uusapan namin.

Shemays! Hindi naman sadya iyon?!

Luh? Gusto 'yong sadya?

Nagkukwentuhan kami ni Ate Tri—ayaw na ayaw na matawag hindi Ate kaya napilitan—habang gumagawa kami pastries. Mahilig din pala si Ate Tri kaya hinayaan ko nalang na samahan ako sa paggawa ng mga cookies. Tapos na kasi ang mga cake, 'yun kasi ang inuna ko.

Napag-alaman kong dating professional racer at professional gamer si Ate Tri. Sobrang nakakamangha kasi pareho sila ng hilig din ni Sir Emman. Hindi ko alam kung ilang beses akong napa-wow sa mga kwento ni Ate Tri. Nakakabilib lang kasi. Babaeng racer? It takes a lot of courage!

We spent more than two hours in the kitchen, almost finishing up the preparations for the birthday celebration. The kitchen was filled with the sweet aroma of cakes and pastries, and I felt a sense of accomplishment as everything was coming together perfectly.

"Alam mo," napatingin ako kay Ate Tri na naghuhugas ng mga pinaggamitan namin. Tinutulungan ko naman siya.

"Hindi ko pa kayong nakikita na magkasama ni Elio, pero feel ko bagay kayo," she said with a mischievous smile.

Natawa ako sa sinabi ni Ate Tri. "Uy, Ate 'wag ganyan baka ma-manifest." Pagbibiro ko. She got shocked but her eyes were twinkling in amusement. Oh no.

"Edi manifesting!" Excited niya pang sabi, her grin growing wider.

"Hala, Ate Tri, baka marinig tayo ni Sir Elio," I said, trying to suppress my own smile but feeling a bit flustered.

"Ano ngayon? Mas maganda nga kung marinig niya eh. Malay mo, di ba?" she said, winking at me.

I shook my head, laughing. "Naku, Ate, ang lakas mo talaga mang-asar. Pero seryoso, ang focus ko ngayon ay si Vien at Vlad. Sila muna ang priority ko."

"I know, I know," she said, waving her hand dismissively. "Pero hindi naman masama ang mag-manifest, 'di ba? Baka nga ikaw pa ang makapag-pabago kay Sir Elio."

I blushed at her words, not knowing how to respond. "Ate Tri, ang focus ko talaga ngayon ay ang mga bata. They need all the love and attention they can get."

"Ay nako, Nika. You're too selfless sometimes. Pero ang importante, happy ka," she said, smiling warmly at me. "And I think you deserve to be happy too."

"Thank you, Ate Tri," I said softly, appreciating her kind words. "That means a lot."

We continued washing the dishes and cleaning up the kitchen, chatting and laughing as we worked. The conversation with Ate Tri lightened my mood and made the task feel less tedious. Despite the teasing, I felt grateful for her company and support.

"Go get Elio here, Nika," nakangiting sabi ni Ate Tri. Her smile was saying something that I couldn't quite figure out.

"Paano kapag ayaw?" I asked, pouting.

"Ano ka ba, papayag 'yon. Sabihin mo nandito ako. Kapag ayaw, kaladkarin mo siya pababa!" She giggled. Napailing ako sa inasal ni Ate Tri, parang hindi mid-thirties dahil sa aktong dalaga nito! Ang cute lang!

Nagdadalawang isip pa ako nang bigla akong itulak ni Ate Tri. "Walang magagawa 'yang tutunga mo dito, Nika." Then she devilishly laughed.

"Okay, okay," I said, still feeling a bit unsure but knowing I couldn't refuse Ate Tri's request. I wiped my hands and headed out of the kitchen, making my way to Elio's office.

Kaya nandito ako sa tapat ng kwarto ni Sir Elio para kunin siya tulad ng sabi ni Ate Tri. Kumatok ako ng ilang beses pero walang sumasagot, kaya pinihit ko ang door knob at dahan-dahan ko iyong binuksan.

Madilim.

Ganon parin ang kwarto niya. Sobrang dilim. Bumuga ako ng hangin bago dumiretso sa bintana ng kwarto para hawiin iyon.

Nang mabuksan ko iyon, I can see him clearly hugging himself on his bed. Napaungol pa siya nang may liwanag na tumama sa katawan niya.

"Rise and shine, Sir Elio." Masigla kong sabi. Hindi kaaway ang kailangan ni Sir. Kailangan niya ng taong aalagaan siya, magiging kaibigan niya at taong papakinggan siya.

"Fuck! Close the curtains!" Sigaw niya at nagtalukbong ng kumot.

Ah, Fuck pala.

Inilapit ko ang katawan ko kay Sir Elio tsaka ko hinihila ang kumot na nakabalot sa kanya ngayon. "Sir, masisira po ang kumot kakahilaan natin," nakangiti kong sabi. I heard him grunted in annoyance.

"Go away, please," he groaned, his voice muffled by the blanket.

I sighed, knowing that he needed a different approach. I sat down on the edge of the bed, still holding onto the edge of the blanket. "Sir Elio, hindi kita titigilan hangga't hindi ka bumabangon," I said firmly, my voice gentle but resolute.

"Let go or else I'll fire you!" Sigaw niya. Mabilis at malakas kong hinila pababa ang kumot sa mukha niya at nang nagtama ang aming mga mata nag-belat ako.

"You can't sir. Hindi naman po kayo nag-hire saakin!" Natatawang sabi ko. Napaungol siya sa inis at tinitigan niya ako ng masama. Anong akala niya?! Masisindak ako sa tingin niya? Hindi!

Hindi nga ba? Nanginginig na ang tuhod ko sa takot juskopo!

He didn't respond, but I could feel the tension in his body. I decided to try a different tactic. "Vien and Vlad are waiting for you, Sir," I continued. "They need you today. It's their birthday, remember?"

Muli niyang hinila ng malakas ang kumot pataas at dahil hawak ko pa ay nadamay ako. Kung kaya't napabagsak ako sa harapan ni Sir Elio.

My hands touching his chest. Bakit... Bakit matigas parin iyon? Hindi ko naman siyang nakikitang nag eexercise? Bakit... ganito parin katawan niya?

Ramdam na ramdam ko ang init sa mukha ko dahil sa pwesto naming dalawa.

This is the first time I saw his face close-up. Kagabi kasi madilim at nawala ako sa huwisyo nang halikan niya ako. It wasn’t intentional though, but... It somehow felt good. Am I being crazy?

He has these alluring, magnetizing dark brown eyes, deep and sharp, that seem to pierce right through you. His thick, somewhat messy eyebrows frame his intense gaze, adding to his rugged charm. His eyelashes are thick, long, and naturally curled, nahiya tuloy bigla ang pilik-mata ko. His nose is perfectly pointed, lending a refined touch to his otherwise rugged appearance. His lips, pale and cracked, yet nakakaakit paring tignan. His overall pallor suggests he hasn't seen daylight in days, maybe even years, adding a mysterious, almost ethereal quality to his look.

"Are you flirting with me?" he asked sharply, his tone challenging. I shot him a skeptical glance, my eyes narrowing.

"Oy, asa ka! 'Di naman kita type, dzuh," I replied with a hint of annoyance, readjusting myself in my seat as I spoke.

"Isa pa, may boyfriend ako! Bakit ako makikipaglandian sa'yo?" I added pointedly, giving him a look that conveyed both irritation and disbelief at his presumption.

"Tumayo ka na diyan, hinahanap ka ni Ate Tri. She wants you downstairs or else..." I paused, deliberating whether to finish my sentence. Would she resort to dragging him away?

"Else, what?" His voice turned colder; his expression unreadable.

"Ano..." I hesitated, unsure whether to divulge more. He looked visibly unsettled, almost as pale as I was feeling.

Tamad niya akong tinignan, parang inaabangan ang susunod kong sasabihin. Hindi ko alam kung bakit, pero biglang parang nanghina ang tuhod ko sa kaba.

He arched his brow, a gesture that made me nervously swallow. Ano ba! 'Wag mo kong i-pressure!

"Kakaladkarin daw kita," nasambit ko, pinipigilan ang sarili kong ngumiti dahil sa kaba. Ngunit biglang tumawa siya, nagpapahiwatig ng kahulugan ng kanyang sinabi.

Huh? Tumawa siya!

Pero bakit ganon? Tila lumalabo ang nasa paligid namin habang tumatawa siya. Na para bang dinala kami sa kabilang mundo. A-Ano ito? Bakit ganito?

Ramdam ko rin ang mabilis na pagtibok ng puso ko sa pagtawa niya! Bakit ganon epekto niya saakin?

Hoy, heart don't tell me may crush ka na sa amo mo?! Manahimik ka, puso! Kalmahan mo lang!

"You? Kakaladkarin mo ako? You can't even lift my hand, woman," he said, his voice laced with amusement, a teasing glint in his eyes.

I rolled my eyes playfully, trying to maintain a light-hearted tone despite feeling a bit flustered. "Ay nako, hindi naman literal na kakaladkarin, alam mo 'yun," I replied with a chuckle, shaking my head.

I stared at him, trying to muster a witty retort, but found myself lost in his gaze. My heart pounded furiously in my chest, an unstoppable rhythm that seemed to echo louder whenever he was near. The realization hit me hard—I was undeniably drawn to him, and my feelings were becoming harder to ignore.

Am I falling for him?