Kabanata 03
NAGHALUNGKAT kami ni Kaele sa aming lumang mga gamit, when we suddenly found our photo albums. Nakalagay iyon sa isang treasure chest, nakasalansan iyon by year. Siya yata ang nagiingat nito eh, excited namin iyong binuksan.
Una kong kinuha iyong may year na may label na 2011-2012 Memoirs. Sabay pa kaming napangisi ni Kaele, eto yong year na nagsimula kami as friends.
I slowly open the photo album pagkatapos kong pagpagan mula sa alikabok. Naubo pa nga si Kaele, we scan the photos in here.
She laugh tapos may tinuro na picture ko. "Ang yagit natin dito, look para kang kamoteng hindi lumaki, ang pangit."
She teases first kasi nga mga binata at dalaga pa lang kami dito. Hindi pa nakaranas ng gluta at facemasks, dasal lang at pananampalataya sa diyos ang labanan.
Natawa ako sa pangbabash niya. "Wow ganda ka? Oh tingnan mo mukha kang espasol dito, ikaw yata ang nagpauso ng Miss. Foundation day, eh."
"Napakamo!" But then she laugh with me kasi mukha talaga siyang espasol non, mga time na uso ang johnson baby powder.
"If I know, diyan ka nainlab sa'kin." She smugly said at tinaasan pa ko ng kilay.
Ako naman ang napailing. "Lakas! Ipaalala ko lang kong sino sa ating dalawa ang nagcu-cutting classes at tinatawid ang sekretong lagusan sa unibersidad para lang makita ako? Ako ba? Ha? Ha?"
Hinilamos niya sa mukha ko ang kamay niya, pabirong dinutdot ang noo ko.
"Aba aba, hoy Mister M. A. R. C. Para ipaalala ko din sayo, sino nga ulit ang iyak ng iyak habang kausap ako sa cellphone? Ako ba? Partida dalawang araw palang akong nawala sa tabi mo and take note hindi pa tayo magkasintahan noon. Hah! Ako ba iyon? Diba ikaw? Makaarte ka akala mo taon na ang pagitan eh, hindi nga kami umabot ng isang linggo sa probinsiya namin kasi tawag ka ng tawag?! 'Kaele I miss you balik kana dito, please? Huwag ka ng tumira diyan, dito ka lang sa tabi ko. Hindi ko kayang mawalay sa'yo!'"
She mimicked my pleading desperate voice when I call her that day, I just miss her so much that's why I cried over the phone talking to her. Doon ko na realize na iba na talaga ang nararamdaman ko para sa kanya, ibang-iba.
She screams. "At eto pa! Sino nga ulit ang siga na sumugod sa loob ng unibersidad namin nagpakagangster at binugbog si Keir? Dahil according to you eh nililigawan ako, hindi naman? Sino nga ulit ang naguidance? Sa hindi mo pa school ka nagka-record, apakalas." She mockingly clapped her hands. "Ang galing!"
I laugh with that one. Eh sa naginit ang ulo ko nong sabi ng barkada ko ay may gusto daw sa kanya ang Keir na iyon kaya sinugod ko at binugbog, I was fuming mad at him. Who is he to court my Kaele?!
Hindi ko talaga pinagsisihan ang ginawa ko kahit pa pinatawag non sila Mommy, takang-taka sila kasi hindi naman ako sa University na iyon naka-enroll.
A wide smirk broke in my lip, tinuktukan ko siya ng marahan, pinalis niya agad.
"Eh ikaw naman ang may kasalanan non Kaele, ilang linggo mo kaya akong iniiwasan at di pinapansin sa hindi ko malamang kadahilanan kaya nong narinig ko na nakikipagsabayan ka sa tarantadong iyon nagalit talaga ako, akin ka lang no!" I confessed possessively.
Hinalikan niya ako sa noo ko kaya napapikit ako. Feeling her warm, soft lips on my temple, aisheyt kinikilig na naman ako.
She held my face. "Kasi po naguguluhan narin ako sa damdamin ko para sa iyo, parang may nagiba na, iba na ang titig ko sa'yo, naiinis na ako pagnakikita kitang may kasamang ibang babae. Iyan...tingnan mo. Isa iyan sa pinagseselosan ko. Sino na nga iyan ulit?!"
She asked me pero hindi ako sumagot kahit natatandaan ko ang pangalan ng tinuturo niya sa photo, it's a trap question. Pagsinagot ko siya, magaaway na naman kami kasi natatandaan ko pa rin hanggang sa ngayon ang pangalan ni Jonaville, classmate ko iyan.
Pinaningkitan niya ako ng mata at piningot ang tenga ko I laugh aloud.
"Babe I know what are you doing, youre tricking me again. I won't bait with it." I answered honestly.
Ganoon siya kahit alam niya na ang sagot, tatanungin ka pa rin niya at pag may isa kalang mali na salita na nabitawan, ah. Wala na, you'll just realize late that you've been fucked up.
Binatukan niya ako, ngising-aso naman ako habang nakikinig sa kanya. "Ah talaga ba?! Sayang-saya ka nga sa kandungan niya diba? Huh, kasama niyo iyan sa inuman eh. Tropa?! Tropahin ko kaya mukha niyo." Pikon niyang paghihistorical.
Mas lalo akong napatawa dahil sa pagkaasar niya. "Hindi nga naging kami niyan, kay Kenneth siya may gusto hindi sa'kin." I reasoned out.
Tinaasan niya lang ako ng kilay. "Heh maniwala!"
I stared at her beautiful eyes, gently caressing her side cheeks. "Of course baby, ikaw lang ang babaeng minahal ko no?! Noon, ngayon, bukas at magpakailanman."
"Ang mais mo talaga tyong!"
"Sa'yo lang naman." I honestly said at kinindatan pa siya. "Here eto, dito sa bundok nato natikman mo ang apakasarap kong labi that was our first travel as a couple after your graduation sa Mt. Balinsayaw."
I reminisced, two months na kaming mag-jowa niyan, I courted her for almost a year and we've been friends for two years. Kaya sanay na sanay na kami sa piling ng isa't-isa. She became my friend, bestfriend and now my partner.
Naikot niya ang kanyang mata. "Yeah, tapos inasar mo ako kasi hindi ako marunong magkiss." She pouted like a child. "Eh hindi mo kaya ako hinayaang may makapanligaw sa'kin, pa'no ako makapag-practice?"
Umangat ang gilid ng labi ko, amusement is dancing in my eyes as I gaze at her lips. "Siyempre sa'kin. Ako lang ang may nagmamay-ari sa'yo kaya ako lang ang may karapatan. O diba I taught you well." I gave her a playful wink.
"Oh parang hindi ako naniniwala?!"
Pangsusubok niya sa'kin kaya agad kong tinawid ang pagitan ng aming mga mukha at marahan kong idinampi ang mga labi ko sa kanya, delving and sharing a deep long kiss. Agad niyang pinulupot ang braso niya sa leeg ko, as I put her straddling my lap, continue french-kissing.
As we both need air to breath I gently pulled her away from my lips, tracing her flush cheeks to her swollen lips with my thumb while panting I ask. "So how you like that?!"
She grins widen and wink at me naughtily. "So so good!"
Pinagkiskis ko ang mga ilong naming dalawa, napapikit naman siya at napahagikhik. I gave her a chasing kiss and settled her in my arms, kalong-kalong ko siya habang naglilipat kami ng pahina sa mga picture, laughing and reminiscing our eventful happy past.
Our travel together, mostly sa Philippines lang, beaches and mountains kasi mahilig siyang mamundok, taong gubat to eh. Boracay, Palawan, Baguio, Vigan at nong last sa Batanes kami dito, kung saan ako nagpropose ng kasal sa kanya, we've been together for two and nearly a half year and she said luckily said yes.
Naalala ko pa na nagpabook pa ako ng hotel at nagpasetup ng romantic dinner near the beach sight. The night lanterns and bouquet of flowers, arranged by the hired florist and the serenading band to complete the romantic effect. It was a surprise proposal, hindi niya alam na nandon na ang parents namin and our close friends akala niya kasi kami lang dalawa like how we travel before, just the two of us. Pero siya lang ang walang alam.
I can still clearly remember that special night.
It's a nerve wrecking feeling, making my stomach flips when she finally emerge from the big two-door entrance, walking so regally beautiful. I couldn't take my eyes off her, sinusundan niya ang bawat galaw nito, how her face filled with confusion when suddenly the lights gradually turns on as she passed by that made-up red carpet only for her. The place is enchanting, the colorful lanters, scattered scented candles, different flower decorations and the falling red roses filled the night and make it more beautiful, splendid as she walks.
The Lost Echo band started playing a soft melody, as I tightly grip the microphone in my hand. I heard the drum sticks cue, si Rage ang nag-intro, we are here in a stage.
After that ako na ang sumunod na kumanta, the lyrics is suited for the two of us. I memorize it all in my heart.
~Can't help from drooling
Suddenly, I found myself drowning
This undeniable feeling
With you, yes I am deeply falling.
Agad niyang hinanap ang boses ko at parang mga bida sa pelikula'y nagtagpo ang aming paningin, I automatically flash her my sweetest smile. Kumaway naman siya pabalik, still amuse and confuse at the same time.
~I guess it's the perfect time
That no words can ryhme
Millions of poetry can't define
The perfect term just to call you 'MINE'.
Mikaelle, is mine. She is the bestest version of myself, with her I feel so complete. Even after years of being together, my love for her even grows more, never ending.
~With you I am deepestly inlove
Your an angel that heaven sent from above
Your my only wish I dreamt to come true
And now finally, I am here with you.
~Being with you was my happiest yet nostalgic piece
You brought me to places I never knew existed
and lies emotion I never felt and possessed
You will always be my warrior when Im in war
My protector, my shelter, and my someone I can always count when I am down.
I watch her intently as she walks her way towards my direction, so perfect as she settled her eyes into mine as I sing my heart out, baring my true emotions, my love for her, my Mikaelle will never falter, I am hers no matter what happens.
She's beyond perfect to be the needed Queen who will rule my kingdom and be the mother my heirs and a wife to me, as her King.
~I found someone who knows my flaws,
My insecurities and my uncertainties in life
But still found me beautiful and worth it to be owned as I am
Love that unexpectedly happened out of desperate reason
But now we both still hanging and loving each other with no further explanation.
As she stop infront of me, I extended my hand to hold hers, intertwined, I grip it tightly. How her hand perfectly fits mine, bringing comfort and serene into my shivering senses, her magic touch that only she can do.
Hindi ko inalis ang pagkakatitig ko sa kanyang nga mata, I just guided her arms encircling it into my nape and gently grips her hip to sway in tune, dancing slowly as I sing my ending verse, wanting to let her know how happy I am having her in my arms this close, needing her in my life's future.
~Billions of people around the globe
And yet here we are creating our perfect world
See? How powerful God can be?
Destined to meet, baby you and me.
I ended the song and gently planted a light kiss on her temple, closing my eyes. Inhaling a deep long sighs as I calm my nerves. Tila nawala na sa isip ko ang hinanda kong speech mula pa nong isang buwan. I am speechless and scared.
"M-Mikaelle baby." I stammered that's why I cleared my clog throat. She chuckles a bit when she notice that I am in panic. "Ang ganda mo."
That made her flash her charming smile forming into her luscious lips. "Well thank you, sa pambobola Marc. Ang pogi rin natin ah, san ba binyag pree?!"
I throw my head back and laugh at her mocking skits, siraulo talaga tong si Mikaelle palaging may baong pangbara eh. I pinched her cheek that made her crinkled her nose. So adorable and cute, bella dama.
"Well, may sasabihin kasi ako sa'yo." I warm up.
She frowns. "Ano mangungutang ka?"
"Heh, huwag mo kong patawanin, siyempre hindi, kaya kitang buhayin no. Ano uhmm..."
Nakikita ko nangg nakaform na sila at sinisinyasan na ako ng 'okay' pasimple akong tumango pabalik.
I acted like a shy guy. "Uhmm...ano kasi sila Mama nandito."
"Huh? Asan?"
I stared at her lovely face for a minute, uttering. "I have been loving you since day one." I confess as I kissed her again in her forehead.
"Look at your back, Kaele babe."
Hindi gaya ng sa pelikula na slow-mo ang pagikot ng bida kundi kabaligtaran ang nangyari, she eagerly turn her head around to know what I mean, agad na napawi ang kanyang mga ngiti, shocked is understatement with her bewildered reaction, surprised is the term.
She was too stunned to move again, after seeing what's in her back.
"What the— omygosh!" She said hysterically happy the words finally sinked in.
Our family forms a straight line, holding a glittery paper saying:
WILL YOU BE MINE FOREVER?
She turn her head back to me, slowy. "H-hey anong...a-anon—" I sealed her lips with mine, just a peck, stopping her from talking.
I chuckle at her stunned state and helding her both hands as I say my true intention in making her mine, officially, legally.
I gave her my worth million-dollar smile. "Mikaelle Gazheimne Moreñite, my love and always my baby. Ngayong araw nato'y gusto kong pormal na hingin ang iyong pahintulot upang ika'y maging akin na habang-buhay o kahit sa dulo ng ating walang hanggan. Mikaelle I only want you to be with me until we're both old, gray and pale. I always dream of you as a mother of my child, my shelter and my home na uuwian ko gabi-gabi..."
"Bakit pede ka namang umuwi pag-araw ah, ba't gabi lang?" She interrupted me, only to broke into laughter again, kulit.
I called for her sole attention, nervous. "Mikaelle?!"
"Why? Are you lost baby boy?!" While chuckling, kumaway pa siya sa mga parents namin sa likod. "Bwahaha joke lang kinakabahan kasi ako sa paandar mo Mayor, ano bang hanash mo sa ak..."
Saktong pagbaling niya ulit sa akin ng kanyang paningin ay walang pagaalinlangang lumuhod na ako sa kanyang harapan, holding a red velvety box.
"W-will you be my w-wife?!" I asked nervously, showing her a diamond ring.
She sobs after hearing me say those words, speechless and unmoving.
I wipe my sheding tears, as I continue."M-Mikaelle, will you marry me, your baby Marc Wynd Drexvian Aragon and promise to love and hold him forever and always?"
Hindi nagtagal ay buong higpit niya na akong niyakap, I encircled my arms around her waist and cry too, this is so overwhelming. Nakikisabay ang hampas ng alon at mabining pagihip ng hangin sa malamyos na tugtog ng musika mula sa banda. I waited patiently, nervously for her to speak up.
We are both in a verge of crying, for me is too much mixed emotion in my plate while hers is unreadable.
I saw her gently nodded her head after a few seconds. "YES!! I w-will!"
She cupped my face and whispered softly. "Yes, yes I love you so much, babe. You made me the happiest woman on Earth by now. I will m-marry you! So YES! YES! YES!"
I held and carried her inside my arms, malakas akong napasigaw habang karga-karga siya at inikot.
"She said yes! Mommy! Mama! DADDY! TITO! Papakasalan niya ako! YES!" I exclaimed happily.
She softly brush her nose against mine, I close my eyes and savor the moment, so exquisite feeling.
"I love you, baby!" We said in unison as we sealed our new journey with a deep and knee-wobbling kissed.
"CONGRATULATIONS MARC, KAELE!" the sparkling wine pours like rain in our head, watching the colorful fireworks and the flying roses, celebrating my success proposal.
Niyakap kami sabay ng kanya-kanya naming mga magulang, our close friends congratulated us two, sending messages and advices. Walang mapagsidlan ang kagalakan sa aking dibdib, I will cherished her forever.
We dance and sing along with the band, lahat ay masaya para sa'min ni Kaele, hindi ko maalis ang titig at hawak ko sa kanya, she was like a magnet. Pulling me close to her every second, and I can't resist the connection.
"You made me the happiest man alive right now Kaele, I love loving you." I whispered at hinalikan siya sa sentido habang mahigpit kong hawak ang kanyang kamay, nagsasayaw sa tugtugin ng malamyos na musika.
"Ganon din ako, Marc. Ang saya-saya ko dahil kasama kita, nakilala. God sends me a true angel, having you is so much blessing from above."
"Kinikilig ako, Kaele."
Sinapok niya ako. "Ako din eh."
ANG paglagapak ng pisngi ko ang nagpamulat sa'king mata, agad akong sinalubong ng matalim niyang titig.
"W-What?!" Aniya.
She raised her brow. "Anong ngiti-ngiti mo diyan ha, so creepy?!"
She said maybe after seeing me smile because of the scene I reminisce from our proposal night, hanggang ngayon kinikilig pa din ako eh.
I steal a peck on her lips. "Wala, I just remembered how happy I am that day when I ask for your permission to marry and spend your tommorows with me."
Buong pagsuyo ko siyang tinitigan sa kanyang mapupungay na mata at sinasalubong ng nakasungaw na pag-ibig habang minamasdan din ako pabalik, it always make my heart rapidly beats and take my breath away. It never fades, the kiligs and my love for her will never ever fall out.
"At yon ang pinakatamang desisyon ko sa buhay, Marc. Marrying a man who's beyond perfect and that's you." Masuyo niyang hinaplos ang aking mga pisngi.
The love in her eyes is visible like mine. "I will always love you, baby, against all odd."
"Kanta naman yan eh!" Reklamo ko sa kanya at kinagat siya sa leeg ng madiin, nangigigil.
"Bwahahahha ai copyright ka pala." She push me away but I jailed her in my body.
"Stop, ahh. Nakakakiliti na! Hahaha right..okay...I love you too, na Marc. Mahal na mahal!"
"Sasagot din ng maayos gusto pang hinaharot eh!" I exclaimed.
She stuck her tongue out and bite my cheek din. "Aba para fair!"
Napangisi nalang ako ng malapad at niyakap, hinding-hindi ako magsasawang yakapin at mahawakan siya ng mahigpit, hindi ko siya bibitiwan.
I will stay loyal and faithful to my promise, surely loving her forever and always, walang magbabago don. Hanggang sa mga oras na'to, walang magbabago.
"I love you, Kaele kahit ang kulit-kulit mo!" I tease na ikinalaki niya ng ilong. "Iyan oh, butas ng ilong mo ang laki na naman."
"Diyan ka nainlab diba? Makalait to amperpek mo tyong?! Pangasar ka tyonggo, pangit!" Pikon na pikon niya akong sinabunutan. "Ikinasal na tayo't lahat-lahat butas ng ilong ko pa rin ang pinoproblema mo? Hah!"
I pacify her. "Love you still!"
It made me laugh a loud but we are suddenly interrupted by the sound of a broken glass, napatayo tuloy kami ni Kaele at napalabas ako ng kwarto only to see Yaya Lupe outside, standing still and unmoving. Palipat-lipat ang tingin ko sa kanya at sa nabasag na vase sa sahig.
"Yaya Lupe that vase is my Mom's favorite!" I said not really mad. "Are you hurt?!"
She looks at me with her sad nervous eyes, pautal-utal pa siyang nawika.
"Ai s-sorry po, Sir M-Marc. Hindi ko kasi n-nakita kaya n-nasagi ko po, t-tanghali na kasi Sir baka kako gusto niyo ng k-kumain. Lilinisin ko muna tong nabasag ko, Sir."
"Sige Yay, bababa na po kami ni Kaele." nakita kong napatigil siya sa pagsisimot ng piraso ng banga at napatitig sa'kin I smile at her bago ako pumasok ulit sa loob.
Natigil ako sa paghakbang nong may nakita akong newspaper na nakapatong doon sa lamesa, I read it but I eagerly crumpled the paper after reading the content. Lumabas ulit para makita si Yaya Lupe na umiiyak habang sinisimot ng walis ang nabasag.
I sighed, nabahala naman ako kaya nilapitan ko siya. "Yay hindi ako nagagalit, pasensiya na po."
She wiped her tears with her hand at napatingin sa'kin bigla, still sobbing. "Ahh S-sir ano— a-ano hindi niyo..."
I cut her off, I knew where she's leading. "Okay lang Yay, hindi na naman nadalaw si Mommy sa bahay ko kaya hindi ka niya kakagalitan, huwag na po kayong umiyak."
I patted her shoulder, binigay ko sa kanya ang papel.
"Saka pakitapon na din po ito, wala namang katotohanan ang balitang iyan. Sige na Ya, babalik pa ako kay Kaele maya-maya kakain na kami." I give her my wide smile before I turn around.
Habang papatalikod na ako ay narinig ko na ang paghagulgol ni Yaya Lupe, hindi naman ako nagalit eh, basta huwag niya lang ipagsabi kay Mommy. Napailing nalang ako at malalim na napabuntong-hininga, ang weird ni Yaya Lupe.
Nilapitan ko na si Kaele na nakaupo doon sa pinagiwanan ko sa kanya. Agad kung pinalibot ang mga bisig ko sa katawan niya, burying my face in the hollow of her neck, sniffing her scent before I whispered. "I love you, baby until eternity."
Malambing niyang pinulupot ang kanyang braso sa leeg ko at pabirong sinakal.
"Ang harot mo talaga, babe. Mwah mwah mwah!" Pinugpog niya ng halik ang buong mukha ko kaya tawang-tawa ako.
I laugh with her as we continue scanning our old photos together nakalimutan ko ng kakain pa pala kami dahil hindi ko maampat ang oras pag si Kaele na ang kasama ko, she's my everything.
This is my reality, with Kaele by my side nothing will ever change...
*****
clxg_drgn
A/N: kung may mga typos man dito, sorry na agad😅 sa phone lang kasi ako nag-ud.