36 Chapter 33

INEVITABLE

Paglabas ko ng bahay ay nakita ko si Ashmere na nakadukwang sa backseat ng makintab na black BMW x6.

"Mommy!"tili nang anak ko at kumaway kaway pa sa loob ng sasakyan. Excited sa bagong sasakyan.

Napalapit ako at sinilip ang loob. It has leather seat and quite roomy in the back.

I love BMWs. The exterior design and the quality. But it's not practical to buy one every year. Kahit may pera ang pamilya ko. I have a son to support kaya hanggat maaari ay hindi ako umaasa sa pamilya ko.

I heard the seatbelt clicked and Ashmere straightened his back.

"Kanino to?"nagtataka kong tanong.

"Yours."maikling sagot ni Ashmere.

Napakunot ang noo ko.

"Okay pa yong kotse ko." Sabi ko at in-unlock ito.

He looked at my car that was parked inside our garage.

"I don't trust old cars."sabi niya at bumaling sa hawak kong susi.

"Excuse me! That's serviced and maintained well."inis kong sagot.

"You need a good car for you and our son baby. I can afford it so I'll give you what you need. Stop arguing with me."mariing sagot niya.

Gusto ko pa sanang makipag argumento pero kung anak nya na ang pinag uusapan, karapatan nya naman talagang bilhan ng kahit ano ito.

Napabuntong hininga ako at nagpunta na sa kotse ko.

Napabalik ako ng hilain niya ako sa braso.

"Where are you going?"Magkasalubong ang mga kilay na tanong niya sa akin.

"Sa kotse ko? Obvious ba?"sagot ko.

"I gave you a car, so you should drive it today."

"Anong gagawin ko sa dati kong kotse?"

"We'll sell it. Get in the car or Winter will be late."I locked my car and went round to sit on the passenger seat.

Ashmere just raised his brow at me.

"What? We'll be late Ashmere. Let's go."aya ko ng nakasimangot at sumakay na.

"This is just a simple thing baby.. don't make it a big deal."Lumapit siya sa akin at hinugot ako palabas. Napasubsob ako sa dibdib niya.

He then wrapped his arms around my small waist.

"Sabi mo lang kahapon we should save gas! Then the next day may bagong kotse na! Anong pagtitipid don?"pinatingala niya ako at hinalikan sa mga labi ng mabilis.

"Well.."

"Tapos ang mahal pa. You can't just buy expensive things for me and Winter without telling me! If you want this set up to work for us, we should work as a team! Your decision and mine."Lumapit pa siya at hinapit ako. His eyes were sparkling and was suppressing a smile.

"I'm sorry then baby.. I promise next time I'll tell you when I'll buy something for you.."Umirap lang ako. He wasn't taking me seriously!

"You should!" Tumango tango na siya at matiim na tumitig sa akin.

"You look so sexy baby.. reprimanding me like this.."bulong niya na ikinairap ko ulit.

"I'm still sore!"at tinulak ko siya.

"Mommy.. Daddy.."tawag sa amin ni Winter kaya mas nilakasan ko na ang pagtulak kay Ashmere na humalik muna sa ulo ko bago ako pinakawalan at umikot na papunta sa driver's seat.

"Yes baby?" Sabay naming tanong ni Ashmere.

"I saw my Jason passed by.. and he's always late at school.. so late na rin po ako.."naiiyak nang sabi ni Winter at hindi mapakali sa upuan niya.

Napatingin ako sa wrist watch ko at umiling.

"Sorry baby.. I'll talk to your teacher then.."Ashmere said then switched the car engine on.

Habang nagbabyahe ay tumunog ang cellphone ko. It was from Doc Kane.

"Good morning Mhaereen!"masiglang bati nito.

"Hey Doc.. how are you?"i answered then looked at my boys that stopped from laughing.

"It's about our dinner tonight..is it still on?"tanong nito.

"Yes of course. We can just meet at the restaurant." sagot ko. I forgot that it's his day off today.

Narinig ko ang pagtutol ni Winter kaya lumingon ako. Si Ashmere naman ay inilagay ang hintuturo sa bibig kaya tumigil ang anak namin sa pag iingay.

"No,it's totally fine. I'll visit some patients just before our dinner so it's cool. I'll wait for you outside our ward."

"Thank you then. See you later."

"No, thank you." Masaya itong nagpaalam at pinatay ang tawag.

Ibinalik ko ang cellphone ko sa bag ko.

Then looked at Winter who had a scowl on his face.

"Bakit?"nakangiti kong tanong.

"I don't like him My! You should stop talking to him."Nakasimangot pa rin siya.

Napalingon naman ako kay Ashmere na magkasalubong na rin ang mga kilay at seryosong nagdadrive.

"He's my senior anak. And he's just being friendly-"

"Friendly my ass!"bulong ni Ashmere.

"Hoy! H'wag kang magmumura sa harapan ni Winter."

Umingos lang si Ashmere at binilisan ang pag dadrive.

"When you get older anak, you'll find things won't go your way kaya dapat marami kang friends na pwede mong mahingian ng tulong."sabi ko.

"I'll make sure he'll have everything."bulong ulit ni Ashmere.

"Ashmere! Kanina kapa!"I snapped at Ashmere. He clenched his jaw then parked at the school ground parking.

Lumabas na siya at binuksan ang pinto ni Winter.

Napahabol ako sa mag ama ko na nagmamadali.

"Tell me about this guy when I pick you up okay?"walang kangiti ngiting sabi ni Ashmere. Si Winter ay seryoso ding tumango.

Nasa likod lang ako habang pinapanood silang dalawa na mabilis na naglalakad.

Nang makarating kami classroom ay wala pa ang teacher nila kaya nagpaalam na kami.

"Do you want to come with me to dinner?"aya ko.

Nagsalubong ang kilay niya at umiling.

"I'll be with Daddy."

"Okay then.."alanganin kong sagot at humalik na.

"See you tonight anak.."sabi ko at nagpaalam. Mabilis na siyang pumasok sa loob at kumaway sa amin.

May mga batang pumalibot sa kanya at itinuturo si Ashmere.

"Let's go. I'll be late soon."aya ko kay Ashmere na tahimik lang na pinapanood ang anak niya.

"You didn't tell me about this dinner."halata na masama ang loob nyang sabi habang nagdadrive na.

"Ahm.. marami kasing nangyari kagabi kaya nakalimutan ko..tsaka lagi din naman akong nakikihalo sa mga katrabaho ko kaya sanay na si Winter. Sinasama ko rin siya lagi.."

"It must be boring for him."he grunted.

"Hindi ah! Kasama din nila yong mga anak nila."

"Then why Winter doesn't like that Doc you've talked to?"he shot back.

I chewed my bottom lip. Kailangan ko pa bang sabihin na nanliligaw siya? Baka hindi niya ako payagan..

"You're not telling me the whole picture here."he said while clenching his jaw.

"Kasi wala naman talaga! I'm just working under him so kailangan kong pakisamahan. Tsaka anong malay ko kung marami pala kami!"palusot ko.

"Okay then.. maybe we'll come with you. I wanna meet your senior." Idiniin niya ng huling salita.

Napailing ako agad. Baka ang mangyari lang ay simangutan ni Winter si Doc Kane buong dinner!

"H-h'wag na. Next time na lang. tsaka umaasa na si Winter na may pupuntahan kayo mamaya."He raised his eyebrow and nodded at me.

"Fine."madilim na sagot niya at mas binilisan na ang pagdadrive.

"Text me the address of the restaurant. We'll pick you up after your dinner."

Tumango na lang ako.

Nakakatakot talaga itong lalaking ito. Kung ngayon ko lang siya nakilala at ganito ang itsura niya, baka tumakbo na ako palayo sa kanya.

"I'll hang up now, I'll see you this evening." Pagpapaalam ko kay Ashmere bago pinutol ang tawag.

I forgot to text him the restaurant kaya ngayon ay tumawag na. It was half past five. My duty was finished so I'm just readying for the dinner.

I put my beige coat on and went outside my office.

Sa labas ay nakita ko agad si Doc Kane Thomas na nakikipag usap sa secretary namin.

"Hey Doctor Pretty."he greeted me and took my hand to kiss it softly.

Ngumiti lang ako at binawi agad ang kamay ko. Now I could see and feel the difference between him and Ashmere.

Nagpaalam na ako sa secretary namin at lumabas na. Umagapay agad si Kane sa akin.

"I've booked us a table at Silva's. I heard it's a good restaurant." Tumango ako agad. I've been there for a couple of times with some of my colleagues. Everything was good and tasty.

Nang makarating kami sa labas ay iginiya niya ako sa Porshe 911 nya at pinagbuksan ako ng pinto.

I thanked him and put my seatbelt on. He went round to the driver's seat.

"So how's your day?" Nakangiting panimula ni Doc.

"I asked for a coroner to investigate about Mary's case."nalungkot ako sa batang namatay kaninang pagpasok ko. Okay pa siya kahapon bago ako umalis. Nakakangiti pa. Nakikipag usap sa akin. Tapos ito nga ang nangyari.

Hindi ko maiwasang maattach sa mga pasyente ko. At sobrang sakit sa loob na mamatayan. Pakiramdam ko ay hindi ko nagawa ang dapat kong gawin.

I should be saving lives.. not seeing them suffer and die.

"Yeah. I've heard about that. That's so sad. But you should learn to detach yourself from your patient Doc. That's not good for you. Especially with psychological health." Ngumiti ako ng maliit.

"I don't want to wake up one morning learning about one of my pretty Doc to be in psychiatric ward." He joked.

Nanahimik na lang ako nang magsimula siyang magkwento nang mga naexperienced niya sa nagdaang taong pagtatrabaho niya sa ospital.

He knew more than me so maybe I should do what he advised me to do..

"I wanna discuss about our new patient Mhaereen.." he said after settling on our table.

We were on the middle and my chair was just opposite the entrance.

Nakipag usap ako habang nagbabasa ng menu.

Mabilis ang service nila dito kaya after few minutes ay naiserved na agad ang appetizer namin.

Napaangat ako ng tingin mula sa pagkain ko nang magsalita si Doc Kane. Halos mabilaukan ako nang makita si Ashmere at Winter na papasok sa restaurant. Magkapareho ng suot na damit at buhok!

I caught Ashmere watching me from the distant. The maître guided them just a table away from us.

Napayuko na lang ako at pinagpatuloy ang tahimik na pagkain. Ramdam ko ang mainit na tingin niya sa akin.

The dinner went well to my surprise. Winter didn't interrupt our dinner. At marami akong nalaman tungkol kay Doc. I let him take over our conversation. Wala namang problema sa akin dahil nakakaamazed ang mga cases na kinukwento niya sa akin. Occasionally ay sumasagot din ako kapag tinatanong ako.

"Do you want dessert?"tanong nito.

Umiling ako agad. Gusto ko ng umuwi. Kasi walang ibang ginawa si Ashmere at Winter kundi panoorin ako!

"I'll just have some more wine then maybe we can go somewhere else?"alok niya.

"Hmm.. Doc, my son's waiting for me.."

Napahinga siya ng malalim.

"You should have brought him here Doc. I want to meet him. "

Napangiti lang ako at lumampas sa kabilang table ang tingin ko nang ituro na ako ni Winter. Halata na ang inip sa mukha ng bata. Baka gusto na akong puntahan at ayain pauwi. Dahil tapos na ring kumain..

"Doc.. I think I've showed you enough of my feelings for you. I just feel like stepping up the game. Can you introduce me to your son and your family?"

Nabawi ko ang tingin sa mag ama ko at tinignan ng mabuti si Doc.

Kinakabahan na ako. Dahil parang susugod na si Winter sa amin..

"D-doc.. I'm really sorry.. But I'm still in love with Winter's dad.."

His eyebrows furrowed.

Napaupo ako ng maayos at lumapit ng konti sa mesa.

"I've never seen any man with you Mhaereen." Naging blangko ang mukha niya.

Tumango ako halatang hindi nagustuhan ang sinabi ko.

"He's in the Philippines Doc that's why you haven't seen him-"

"Oh.. so he's just a poor guy who can't afford to come here? You'll stick with a guy like that? Come on Mhaereen, there's lots of big fish here. Like me. Don't settle for less."Napalunok ako at umiling. Halatang hindi niya nagustuhan na mareject. Kasalanan ko rin dahil parang pinaasa ko siya.

"Doc.. i value our professional relationship and your advises but please not my personal life."magalang kong sagot.

Napatayo na siya na agad kong ginaya.

He waved his hand for our bill then looked at me.

"I'll pay for our dinner Doc. Just save your money for your boyfriend's fare so he'll be able to see you and his son." Pang iinsulto nito.

Napayuko ako at kinuha ang wallet ko. Ayoko namang magpalibre.

"I'll pay too Doc." I insisted then put some cash on the table for my food. Nanahimik naman na siya.

"I wonder if you also send him money for his daily needs." He added loudly before turning his back on me.

Nahihiya akong napaupo ulit. Everyone was looking at me because of what he said. Si Ashmere ay nakatingin na ng matalim sa nakatalikod kong katrabaho.

"Mommy! Let's go home!"excited si Winter na lumapit sa akin.

Ngumiti ako at tumayo na para salubungin siya. I kissed and hugged him.

"Tara na. Parang gusto ko ng ice cream.."sabi ko. Napapalakpak si Winter at sinabi kay Ashmere ang favourite naming ice cream parlour.

Seryoso siyang tumango at inakay na ang anak namin.

Hindi niya ako kinausap hanggang sa makarating kami at matapos sa pagkain ng ice cream.

Nakikiramdam lang ako kay Ashmere na madilim ang tingin sa daan habang nagdadrive. Winter was fast asleep at the back seat.

"A-Ashmere-"

"Did you enjoy your dinner with your colleagues?"sarcastic na tanong niya.

Napalabi ako.

"You lied baby.. you said you'll be with your other colleagues!"He said while clenching his jaw.

"Sorry.."tangi kong sagot.

"You want so bad to be with him that's why you lied to me?"Mariin na tanong niya.

"It's not like that."Nanghihina kong sabi. Masyado nang maraming nangyari sa akin ngayon para magtalo pa kami.

"Then what's the fucking reason? Tell me."he challenged me.

"Kasi hindi mo ako papayagan.."

"What do you think of me? Your fucking parent?"Mas lalo siyang nagalit. Tinapakan niya ang accelerator.

"Hindi! Ashmere can you slow down? We might get into an accident."nag aalala kong sabi.

He pulled over on the side road.

I looked at Winter who was still sleeping peacefully at the back seat. I sighed in relief then turned to Ashmere.

"What am I to you then?" He said slowly. His emotions were showing in his eyes.

I swallowed hard and looked at him intently.

"Sorry if I lied. He was my suitor.."simula ko. Hinintay ko siyang magsalita or magalit pero wala akong narinig.

"He invited me yesterday morning.. I said yes kasi balak ko sanang subukan siya kung matatanggap siya ni Winter.."

Inilayo ko na ang paningin ko sa kanya dahil kita ko ang hinanakit niya.

"Lumalaki na si Winter. Alam kong kahit hindi siya nagsasabi ay gusto niya nang kompletong pamilya. So naisip kong maghanap ng pupuno sa kakulangan na yon."

"Pero dumating ka.. so biglang nabago ang lahat. Nawala si Doc sa option ko.. dahil ikaw, na totoong daddy ng anak ko ang gusto nya..Napaka unfair ko nga dahil pinaasa ko si Doc. Dahil sa huli, ikaw na bagong dating ang pinili ko.."

Nagtataka akong pinanood siyang lumabas at umikot sa pinto ko.

He then opened my door and pulled me out of the car.

"Anong-" naputol ang sasabihin ko nang halikan niya ako ng malalim.

"Baby.. I'm your first. And will be your last. I'll make sure of that." he said while crying.

Napipilan ako.

"Live with me. You, Winter and me. Please?"Pakiusap niya na tinanguan ko agad.

"I'll support you in everything baby. Everything you want. But please just don't lie to me again."

Yumakap na ako nang mahigpit sa batok niya at tumango tango habang nakasandal sa dibdib niyang matigas.

"Sorry.. hindi na po mauulit."nakapout kong sagot.

"There'll be punishment if you do it again baby.."

Napatingala ako at nakita siyang may madilim na mga mata.

"What is it?"kinakabahan kong tanong.

"You'll find out tonight.."he drawled then kissed me again.

It has been three months since we moved in together.

Ashmere left everything in the Philippines and bought a house for us here in America.

I couldn't say how happy I was to have him at home. He made my life easier, and sweeter.. he was the most patient, caring , and loving man I've ever met. And possessive. Doon lang magkakatalo.

He doesn't like to share daw. Especially when it comes to me..

My friends visited me and Winter three weeks ago. Arana with her family and Shanelle with her twins. Unfortunately, Megan couldn't come because it was her due date with her second child. But promised to visit me once she's fit to travel.

Everything ends well for all of us. Nagkwento sila kung anong nangyari sa Mama ko at sa mga kapatid ko. Rose's happily married to Tran, and Dahlia to Miguel. My mother was still in jail and was sentenced for twenty more years.

Kinausap ko na si Ashmere tungkol sa pagpapalaya sa Mama ko. Na muntikan na naming pag awayan. Pero sa huli ay pumayag din. How could he say no to me if he was so crazy over me diba?

And now, we were planning on having a dinner at my Papa's place. It became our family thing to eat and stay over the weekend at least once every month.

"Pa, can you pick up Winter? Ashmere can't make it. And I'm still not finished with our dinner."aligaga kong tinawagan si Papa matapos kong makausap si Ashmere.

He was usually good at everything. Time management and all. Kaya lang mukhang naipit din siya sa meeting nila so wala akong magagawa kundi pakiusapan si Papa.

"No sweat anak. Don't worry, I got you."excited na sabi nito.

Nakahinga ako ng maluwag at nagtanong tanong muna bago nagpaalam na itutuloy ko na ang pagluluto.

I cooked beef caldereta, bulalo and chopseuy.

When I was done, I showered and packed our clothes for the weekend. Then headed out to my new BMW x6.

Napakunot ang noo ko nang nakita ang mga nakaparadang sasakyan sa tapat ng bahay ni Papa. Mukhang may party nagaganap sa kapit bahay namin..

I called for help but no one answered me. I took my shoulder bag and our luggage then entered our house.

It was dark and nobody was around.

Isinawalang kibo ko nalang ito at bumalik sa kotse ko para kunin ang mga malalaking Tupperwares ng dinner namin.

Nagulat ako dahil nawala ang mga ito? Somebody took it? But who? Luminga linga ako sa labas. Walang katao tao. Baka tinulungan na ako ng isa sa mga kasambahay namin?

I entered our house and went upstairs to put our clothes away before going down to check our kitchen for my food.

Kinikilabutan akong sinindihan ang mga ilaw para lumiwanag naman. Para akong nasa horror film na bigla na lang may lulundag sa akin at papatayin ako.

Napatanga ako ng wala akong makitang Tupperwares ko sa kusina.

Bigla akong nainis sa kung anumang kabulastugan ng mga nasa likod nito! Hindi na nakakatuwa!

Pinaghirapan ko yon ng ilang oras!

Nagmadali akong umakyat sa second floor at binuksan ang mga kwarto nina Papa at Tim. Wala sila. Next kong sinugod ang library.

Ngitngit na ngitngit na ako pero hindi ko pa rin silang mahanap.

Bumaba ako at nagmadaling pumunta sa likod bahay.

I stopped abruptly when i saw candles and roses petal on the floor that was leading to the end of our garden.

Ang inis ko ay napalitan ng kaba at excitement. Parang alam ko na ang mangyayari..

I slowly walked down the makeshift aisle and stopped when I reached the end.

Nakita ko ang mesa na may mga papel sa ibabaw.

Nacucurious na binasa ko ito.

It was a marriage contract.. our marriage contract. But there was no signature yet..

Naluluha na akong lumingon lingon sa paligid. Sobrang saya ko na maikakasal ako sa first love ko at sa tatay ng anak ko.

Sa lumipas na buwan ay hindi na inungkat pa ni Ashmere ang pagpapakasal namin. Kaya hindi ko na rin pinaalala.

Live in or kasal ay walang problema sa akin. Basta magkasama kami at masaya.

Pero ngayong nakikita ko na ang marriage contract namin.. mas lumigaya ako.

Nakarinig ako ng tugtog ng violin. Then a spotlight was turned on, on my left side.

Ashmere was dashingly handsome with his white tuxedo. He was looking at me straight in the eyes while walking towards me.

Napakasexy at gwapo. Hindi pa rin talaga ako makapaniwalang nakabingwit ako nang ganitong lalaki.

Nang makalapit siya ay halos matawa ako sa itsura niya.. like the first time he proposed to me, he looked constipated or something.

"B-baby..c-can I have this dance?"halata ang kaba niya.

Nangingiti akong tumango at tinanggap ang kamay niyang nakalahad.

Humawak siya ng mahigpit at pinalibot ang braso sa maliit kong baywang. My heart was beating so hard.

"Baby.. W-what do you think about the contract you read awhile ago?"Tahimik nyang tanong sa akin habang sumasayaw ng bahagya.

Naisipan kong maging pilya.

"Which contract?" Sumandal ako sa dibdib nyang napakabilis ng kabog ng puso. He really was nervous.

"The one you've just read."

"Hmm.. I'm not sure.. yet."

"Why not?"agad niyang tanong.

"I want to see my lawyer about that contract.."

"What? There's no need to see your lawyer baby."

"Hmm.."nangingiti kong sabi.

"Baby..please marry me.."Kulit niya.

"Well.. it's your turn to wait now Ashmere. Pinaghintay mo ako ng tatlong buwan. Ngayon okay na sa akin ang live in, tsaka ka magtatanong..."inilayo niya ako sa katawan niya at sinilip ang mukha ko.

"Are you serious? There's no way that I'll let you use me without marrying me!"

tumututol na sabi niya.

Natawa ako. Parang kabaliktaran ata..

"Marry me." Madiing utos niya.

"Why would I? kung nagagamit naman kita nang walang kasal.."pangsasakay ko sa sinabi niya.

"My parents didn't raise me to be an easy lay!"

Natawa na ako.

"Oo na nga. Iiyak ka na eh."pang aasar ko. At kunwaring tinuyo ang pisngi niya.

He leaned on my touch and smiled happily.

He raised his hand and the whole backyard lit up.

I saw my friends with their husbands and kids. Then their parents..The Relanos Tito Miguelito and Tita Lydia with Miguel and my sister Dahlia and their children. The Ruiz, Tito Sergio and Tita Arabella and Monteverdes, Tita Chel and Tito Santi who was carrying Winter. And my sister Rose with Tran and their three kids.

Ibinaba ni Tito Santi si Winter na agad tumakbo papunta sa amin.

He then pulled a small box out of his white tuxedo. He really looked and dressed like Ashmere all the time.

"Mommy, please marry Daddy so we'll be complete na po. At he won't get crazy whenever you go to parties without us."he said with his pouted lips.

I crouched down and kissed him on his cheeks.

Yumakap siya at humalik sa akin.

"Oo baby.. baka mapunta pa sa mental si Daddy kapag humindi pa ako.."sabi ko kaya pumalakpak si Winter at iniabot sa Daddy niya ang kahita.

I looked at him. My soon to be husband was down on his bended knees for the third time. Proposing..

"I love you so much that my heart is bursting in happiness right now. Please say yes to me and we'll get married tonight baby.."naluluhang sabi ni Ashmere at binuksan ang kahita.

Nasa loob ang two carat oval diamond ring. Na kumikinang sa ilaw.

Nakangiti akong tumango at iniabot ang kamay ko.

"Say it baby.. please."

"Oo na nga. Opo. Yes. Si. Oui. Wen. Anong oo pa ang gusto mo?"sabi ko.

"That you love me too."

Nako naman..

"I love you too baby.. to infinity and beyond."

Nanginginig na kinuha niya ang singsing at ipinasok sa daliri ko.

"We'll get married tonight baby."nakangiti siyang yumakap sa akin at binuhat si Winter.

Nabibigla akong napatingin sa harapan namin na may judge nang nakatayo sa likod ng mesa.

Napalingon ako kay Winter na tumitili sa excitement at si Ashmere na nakangisi na.

"You'll end up with me baby so there's no point of delaying the inevitable."he said the took my left hand and kissed my two engagement rings.

"And I love you too. To infinity and beyond."he winked at me and kissed me quickly on the lips.

In front of the people we love.

End of Gia's POV