(Extra ~ First Life)
Chapter 1 - Graduation
"Oh... shit!"
A young man woke up from the blinding sun that peeked at his eyes from the windows. The sleepy eyes suddenly opened wide as the man literally jumped to a standing position.
"Ah fuck!"
Looking at the clock on the bottom right of his computer monitor, he couldn't help but panic. Though he then remembered that it was fine, as his schedule for today had changed.
'I actually thought I was late for Steel Reinforcement Design again, damn Monday!'
Zel couldn't believe that he'd finally finished college. The numerous nights of no sleep while cramming whatever the topic was still haunted him, causing his body to shiver at the thought.
'Worth it!'
But the smiles on his mother and father's faces were well worth doing those, heck, it was his fault anyway. If he just bought those books where the teachers got their questions from, he'd be fine grade-wise. Though it still stands today that he doesn't know shit about what being a Civil Engineer was.
This was especially so when he remembered how his father practically advertised him to everyone he knew, causing Zel to feel both embarrassed and afraid. What if they tried to ask him anything about being a Civil Engineer? What would he say?
....
"Congratulations son! Engr. Huertazuela! My son is an engineer!"
Tommy couldn't help but feel gratified that his son had graduated college. His poor family background back then didn't enable him to get the dream job he wanted, to be a civil engineer.
But now, he was able to give his son a chance to do so. His son achieved his dream with his help, and that made him proud.
"Still have my Board Exams, dad."
"Aren't you an engineer too, dad?"
Zel tried to calm his father down while Marie looked at her father with a nonchalant gaze. Their relationship hadn't improved ever since Tommy and Mel split.
The custody for the children had went to their father who had a stable job, so Mel had no choice but to only have them around during the weekends. Though today was a special event which is why everyone except for Zel's older sister and her family was absent.
Tommy simply shrugged his shoulders, not caring about his daughter's ramblings any longer. The little girl had turned too spiteful for him to care about her anymore, even if he was to take care of her financially, it was only limited to that now.
The ungratefulness had turned his heart cold towards her as the three other children at least accepted the situation already. This one just doesn't try to understand him anymore.
"My baby boy... You're a man now aren't you? I'm so proud of you honey."
Zel's mother Mel just gave her son a tender hug, crying at the thought of that cute little boy was now a man who didn't need her to help him wear his clothes anymore. Or having to wake him up every morning to go to school. Or wash his clothes when he needed them tomorrow. He's all grown up now.
"It's ok mom, you have two more kids you know? There's also those two little brats with big sister."
Zel had a smile on his face while recalling his little niece. The cute kid had been very lively when she last visited, often fooling around the house. He remembered how much sleep he lost trying to get the kid to sleep, the child was a dangerous person when given sugary foods.
'Cute kid though.'
Thankfully the smile she gave was enough to make it worth it. Those cute giggles she gave when something amused her was too adorable for him to get mad about having to take care of her. It even made him wonder when he'd have a child himself.
"Let's go out for lunch! Big brother probably wants to have dinner with his friends later."
Mae watched the family with a smile. At least she was able to get them together again, even if there were a few members missing. Even that was excused because of the new baby being born just yesterday.
"Let's go to the hospital first, we'll eat afterwards."
Zel took the initiative and gave out a request so he can see his adorable niece and his new baby niece. He was also worried about his big brother having no sleep while taking care of his big sister so he'd like to help him get some sleep too.
The five of them got into Zel's SUV that his father bought him. It was a graduation gift that came five months ago, making Zel sweat in fear as he wasn't even sure he'd be graduating this semester. Thankfully the gods smiled upon him and gave him a way out.
Zel drove while his father was in the passenger seat, the rest sat in the back. The way to the hospital was very short, as he got there in just half an hour while leisurely driving.
"Mom! Dad!"
Zel's big sister, Melba had a very lousy bed hair as she lied down on the hospital bed. The birth had taken a toll on her body so she needed to rest. On a chair beside her was her husband, Yow. His tired face showed the sleepless man's struggle with having to take care of his wife and child. A child who had woken up from his arms.
"Grandma El!"
Little Sab walked to her grandmother with swift steps, raising her arms to the sides. Her grin caused Mel to smile as well as she understood what the little girl asked for. Raising her up, she bumped her nose to the little girl's nose while getting a giggle in return. She turned her to the side and carried her while giving the child a peck on the cheeks.
"Hello, Sab."
The rest of the family greeted each other, with the little girl being passed around the three siblings when they took her from Mel. The parents took care of their daughter while Yow took a break and ate some food. He fell asleep on the couch when he finished.
"So? How's the baby?"
Mel caressed her daughter's hair while watching as the young woman smile at the thought of her newborn daughter.
"They say she's healthy. We'll probably be allowed to see her later today."
The seven of them took their time, chatting about whatever they felt like it. A family reunion that would not usually happen with how much bad blood there is between the parents. The little girl had been playing around while her uncle and aunties accompanied her.
There was a time when all three felt tired so they messed with the little girl.
"Oh? What was that?"
"?"
Little Sab went to her uncle's side while the man placed his hand against his ear, as if trying to hear something.
"Meow."
Marie hid her face while trying to mimic a cat's cry.
"Is that a kitty? Where are you kitty?"
"Meow."
Zel played out his role of being a curious cat finder which made the little girl follow his lead. Marie felt that her job was done and decided to stop as the bait had already been thrown out.
"Where are you kitty kitty?"
"Er r u?"
Little Sab tried to copy her uncle, looking around the room. Zel laid back on the wall while still calling out as he just watched the little girl wander around the room. Stopping the repeated play of catch they did earlier.
"Where are you kitty?"
"Er r u itty?"
Mae and Marie just watched the little girl gleefully as she crawled on the floor. Looking intently for a cat. That was when they heard a short knock which was followed up by the door opening as a nurse carried a little bundle of joy in her arms.
"Good afternoon mam, we got your little girl!"
The nurse went to Melba's side as she looked forward to holding her little girl. The child was small, very small, but her face had been an exact copy of what Sabrina looked like when she was born just two years ago. Speaking of the little girl, she had approached her mother's bedside but her small height didn't allow her to see what was going on.
"There we go."
Little Sabrina felt herself getting lifted up by a pair of arms, big and strong. She turned her head to see who it was and saw him her a smile.
"Grandpa Ommy!"
"Hello Sab!"
Giving the little girl a nose rub, the man then turned her around so she can face her mother and little sister who was asleep.
"Baby!"
"Yes, Sab, baby girl."
Melba took her newborn daughter in her arms while allowing her oldest daughter to stay beside her. The little girl then poked the newborn baby's face while giggling to herself. It was when she went closer that Melba felt anxious, but her daughter's next action made her heart melt instead.
"Hello."
The little girl gave her little sister a nose rub, similar to how her family greets her. The rest of the room felt their hearts getting full when a loud voice interrupted them.
"Cutie pie."
"I got it on video!"
"?!"
Mae jumped in glee as she couldn't be more glad to have recorded the encounter. She was then pestered by the rest of the family to share it with them so she posted it in their group chat.
The lunch party and dinner reservation got cancelled as the family stayed for a hospital visit instead, spending their precious time together.
----
Chapter 2 - Adult-ing
It's been a year since Zel graduated. The thing about Civil Engineering is that there's an exam you need to pass before you're given a license to represent being an actual Civil Engineer.
Right now the man's waiting for the results of the exam while sitting in front of his computer.
His usually messy room had become unusually tidy. The bed was made, the floor was swept, even the air conditioner had it's filter cleaned.
Why is that so?
Because a clean man was a lucky man. Zel's mother told him that, and he needed all the luck that he could get right now.
He laid back on his chair, placing his feet on the desk. He wondered to himself as only the sounds of the computer fans and the air conditioner were lingering in the room.
'What if I fail?'
Doubt had already seated itself deep inside the man's consciousness. His eyes had bags below them, revealing his sleeplessness. The hot coffee on the desk also confirmed that he was running low on energy.
*ding*
"Shit!"
A notification came from the computer, causing his eyes that watched the ceiling in contemplation to forcefully get pulled towards the screen.
(Congratulations
Engr. Avalier, Hugs Hyphen
Engr. Blongg, Fred Meyer
.....
Engr. Huertazuela, Zel
....)
"..."
Zel watched as the much awaited results in front of him showcased his name. The last years hard work paid off and he couldn't believe it. He's finally done. He's finished the goal everyone said was a basic milestone of a modern person.
But what does he do now?
A strange feeling of loss was now present inside Zel, a feeling similar to how he felt when he was asked about what course to take in college. What's the right choice?
*ring*
His phone which was by his side vibrated, attracting his hands as it instinctively took it. He saw a name in his screen, someone he knew from his college days. Basically a classmate.
-Karl Greene-
Zel didn't know exactly why he would call, but a quick analysis of the situation told him of a possibility. Not wanting to make the guy feel bad, he picked up the call.
"Hello?"
"Dude! We passed! We're engineers now!"
An excited voice was on the other side of the line as Zel held his phone a little farther from his ear that usual. Though he couldn't help but smile at the thought of having a person who would relish in the same feeling as he had right now. A fellow engineer.
"Haha, feels nice. What do you say Engineer Greene?"
"Absolutely thrilled Engineer Huertazuela!"
"Haha."
It was only now that Zel remembered how the two of them were always partnered up because of their surnames being so close together. There were a few good memories being recalled as their conversation went on.
"We're going for a celebration party tonight man, at the new Halsey Hotel. The owner seems to be a friend of one of our batch mates and she was kind enough to offer discounts. Wanna come?"
At any other day, Zel would have politely declined. That was because he never felt like there was anything to celebrate. But today was just the perfect time, a good time to finally let loose.
"Sure! What time?"
"..."
"Dude?"
"Oh, just didn't think you'd finally join dude! I've been inviting you to shit like this so many times but you always took a rain check. I'll pick you up at 3 pm later. Or are you bringing your own car?"
"I'll just bring SUV, mind forming a convoy with me?"
"Yeah dude, sounds good!"
Zel took a deep breathe after he dropped the call. The first party he'd ever go to as an engineer, the first time in a long while. He looked down below to see a chubby man's boxers, only now realizing that he needed to prepare.
'It's 12 o'clock'
Zel stood up and went to his closet to check out what he could wear for later on. Though the venue was a hotel, Karl said that you could go with just casual wear. He took a pair of fit black pants, a vlue floral polo and a pair of brown topsider shoes. He never had much of a fashion sense but it does fit him enough to not make him feel like an idiot so he went with it.
It was at 2:50 that Karl texted him, saying that he was in front of his apartment so Zel went down. Zel found him leaning on his hatchback car while calling someone on the phone. Karl wore a pair of brown shorts, a white polo shirt and a pair of black sneakers. His long hair was tied up into a man bun while his face was cleanly shaven. Though the man wasn't handsome, he looked well-dressed enough to pass as someone above average in terms of appearance.
"Dude! It's been a while."
"You said it man, eight months I think?"
The two gave each other a handshake while Karl headed back to the driver seat to lead the way. The two then went on to the hotel where the rest of those who passed would get to celebrate their achievement.
----
Chapter 3 - Hotel Manager
"Yo! Zel! Karl!"
A voice called out to the pair as they walked inside the building. The interior was an open space where you can see a wide space for celebrations in the middle while the east wing was just a reception area. A few familiar faces were in that group that called the two of them out.
"James! Bruce!"
Karl went to the group while calling out the two men who would be their only close connection, mostly because they were part of the same block in college. The rest were similarly Civil Engineers ,but even though they were in the same batch, they weren't as familiar with each other.
"Dude, I swear I had praye-"
The rest of the group started conversing with each other while Zel just looked around. He found the hotel to be quite pleasant to the eyes, as the simple design was complimented by the few but gorgeously made furniture that occupied some space in the center.
It was then that he saw a woman talking with what he thinks was a friend.
The two women laughed as they talked but what caught Zel's attention was how beautiful one of them was.
She wore a red dress that hugged her body, and though she didn't have a voluptuous body, it was enough for him to feel his eyes were glued on her.
Her long black hair was done into a ponytail that rested on her right shoulder as she held a small handbag on her left hand. Though what really made him mesmerized was those long legs that were exposed by a slit that reached all the way to her thighs.
He didn't know when but she had looked at him, and even went to his side. He was panicked, thinking about what to say when he heard a voice from behind him.
"Emilia! Thank you for the deal! I'm so lucky to have a friend like you!"
A feminine voice registered in Zel's head as he turned around to find another of his batch mates looking at Emilia. Emilia gave the woman a smile while holding her hands as the two then had a conversation by themselves.
'So she wasn't looking at me. Why would she?'
Zel bitterly laughed at himself for thinking like that. What was he even thinking? A beautiful girl like that would have an interest in me?
It was because Zel turned away from Emilia that he didn't see. Emilia was watching his back as she spoke to her friend.
"Zel! Let's go!"
Karl took his friend's hand as the man seemed to be pre-occupied with his own thoughts. He dragged him towards the conference hall where a buffet was being held, with tables full of guests in the middle. It was here that Zel saw more of his friends from college, and he placed the beautiful woman on the back of his mind.
"Hey! I've never seen you in a party before! Too bad it's in a semi-formal party like this, you look like you'd be a riot when having a drink or two."
A young woman sat by Zel's side as he talked with his friends. Her sweet fragrance made Zel feel dizzy as he had never been so close with a woman who was not related to him. Her shoulders were touching his as she placed her face very close to his. He was so struck that he didn't know what to say.
"I, uh, um."
*ahem*
"?"
"?"
The two who were trying to start a conversation heard a noise coming from behind, attracting their attention as the interference sounded near to them. It was then that Zel saw the same woman, wearing different clothes. The classy red dress was no more as she only wore a yellow sundress that covered her body appropriately. But Zel didn't really mind, he was just happy to see her face for some reason.
"Mind if I borrow him for a second?"
"Uh."
"Hey! Emilia!"
The young woman then took Zel's hand as she dragged him away without waiting for the other woman's answer. Zel himself looked as if he was following her lead more than he should be, which made the other woman stomp her feet in frustration as someone else took her target.
"Hey, um, do you mind?"
Zel didn't like the feeling of being dragged around, even if it was this beautiful woman. Her long strides also made his heart beat too fast for his liking, not having expected to tread a long distance so quickly. So he took back his hand from her clutches, prompting the two of them to stop. They were in a balcony right now, one that had a view of the city.
"Oh, sorry about that. My friend was targeting you so I had to take you away."
Emilia placed her hands behind her as she apologized to Zel, her gentle smile making his heart beat faster than before.
'Her voice is so pleasant.'
"Wait, targeting me? For what?"
Zel felt shock from the beautiful woman's words, having heard of a few things regarding being targeted at. Stories of men being drugged only to wake up the next morning without having any recollection of what happened the night before. Missing a few organs as well.
"Should I call the pol-"
*pffft*
"Wha, what is it?"
Zel felt his anxiety coming up as he heard her laugh. Though she was a beautiful woman, the feeling of being made fun of set him into a spiral of anxiety and doubt.
'She's definitely laughing at me.'
Zel slowly backed away, still hearing her giggle at him. He wondered what he did wrong. But not caring enough to find out, he turned around to leave. It was when he felt his heart shaking from fear that a hand grabbed his arm, holding him back.
"Hey. I'm sorry, ok? I shouldn't have laughed. But it's not that my friend was dangerous or something. That's why I laughed, sorry if I offended you."
Zel didn't know if he should turn around or not, but the feeling of her touch made him feel relaxed for some reason. Like he was reconnected to something.
"Hey, are you mad?"
*clack* *clack*
Zel heard her footsteps as she went from behind him, to in front of him. His reddened face completely laid bare for her to see, causing him to feel more embarrassed than he already was.
"Hmmm."
Emilia then took on a pose, with her hands placed below her chin with the palms facing down. Her head that rested on her hands then swayed to the side, just a little bit.
"I'm sowwy?"
*pfft*
"Pwease fowgive me?"
*pfft* "Hahahaha"
Zel felt that her mature beauty suddenly turned into something very... cute? He couldn't help but laugh out loud when her voice turned all cutesy like that. He was even reminded of his niece.
"Good! Now we're even then?"
"Alright, alright, we're even."
Emilia placed a hand in front of her that Zel gladly shook. Her soft hands made him experience the same relaxation he felt earlier. But as he didn't want to make it awkward, he tried to let go. She didn't let him, at least not yet.
"I feel like I still have to apologize with something more... concrete, wanna have a drink?"
----
Chapter 4 - Birthday
The brightly lit candles were slowly getting melted from the heat, but it was only for a few moments later that a gust of wind took away the flickering light that rested on their crests.
"Happy birthday!"
"Happy birthday Zel!"
"Happy birthday big brother!"
"Happy birthday son!"
Friends and family cried out loud when the blindfolded man finally went through the door. His fit and tall body visibly shook from the surprise causing more than a few of the people there to laugh. Though the man only joined in their laughter, not minding that they were laughing at him.
How could he? They did all this for him after all.
"Happy birthday to you!"
*clap* *clap*
A song broke out as soon as the laughter ended, with everyone joining in the singing. Zel looked at his right, only to find Emilia gone. Then he saw the crowd in front of him open up as Emilia carried a cake with lit candles on top. She slowly walked up to Zel while singing along with a smile on her face. Zel watched her with jovial eyes, feeling glad to be here.
"Hap-py birth-day to you! Happy birthday Zel!"
"Yehey!"
Emilia was now holding the cake right in front of Zel's face, just close enough for him to easily blow away the lit candles. She held it up while getting closer to Zel, whispering.
"What's your wish, lover boy?"
Zel just gave her an embarrassed smile, thinking about how she might never let that go. He really didn't think about that when he said it but now it seems she will always use that against him. He wondered what exactly he could do get to even with her at the moment. Thankfully the cake in front of him made him think of a good one, at least he thinks it's a good one.
"I already got my wish, now I just have to keep her by my side."
*whoosh*
But in his mind, he had already prepared the proposal. He was going to do it tomorrow, on the day they arrive at the top of Mount Lilipad.
'I just hope she accepts me. I don't know what I would do without her.'
"Yehey!"
*clap* *clap* *clap*
"Let's eat!"
The rest of the group had already started to go to the table where an wide variety of food were laid out. Beef stew, Pepperoni Pizza, Roasted Chicken, but even if those were all absent, one thing needed to be here. Spaghetti Bolognese, but this one was a little special.
"Hey! Let's go eat!"
Zel wondered why Emilia hadn't moved from her position since he blew the candles. He was worried for a second when he saw that she had reddened eyes. He was about to apologize when she suddenly placed the cake on the table and faced him with the most pitiful expression he ever saw her make.
"Did you... really mean that?"
"?"
Zel had no idea what she was thinking about that might have prompted this kind of response. Was it because he didn't give her an actual wish?
'Let me think... What do I want?'
Zel didn't reply as quickly as he could as he thought about what wish he might want.
'But I already have it. The best wish I could ask for.'
Zel was just about to reply something like a new pair of shoes when he saw that tears had already fallen from Emilia's eyes. Her usually proud and confident look had broken down into one that he had never seen before. One he never wanted to see if he could do something about it in the future.
"Hey! Hey, what's wrong? I'm sorry, ok? Shoes maybe? I like shoes."
Zel still didn't know what happened, and most of the people around them had already given their attention to the couple. Emilia seemed to have realized this as well as she suddenly walked towards the door, only to be held back by Zel who held her hand tightly.
"Hey? Did I do something wrong?"
"..."
Zel didn't get a response. He didn't know why but he felt that he just lost something precious just now. Dark thoughts that had been hidden deep in his mind had emerged, or were starting to emerge when he felt a hand tightly grip his.
Zel looked at Emilia who was giving him a gentle smile, one that captivated his heart once more. The previous year had made him realize just what kind of life he wanted. The job didn't matter, the money didn't matter, even his family didn't matter. Only she did.
"I have to tell you something. Something that I should have told you before."
Zel was so out of it that he didn't realize that the two of them were already in his room. The room he hadn't stayed in for a long time since he had graduated. The two of them sat on his bed as they faced each other.
'Three years now?'
He was about to think about how long it was since he left when he felt Emilia place her hands on his cheeks.
"Focus Zel! I need to tell you something important!"
*nods*
"Good!"
She said so, but only silence lingered for ten seconds after she the fact. It was only when she felt Zel lean closer that she finally came to a decision. One that might change their relationship into something that she might not like.
"I can read your mind."
"???"
Zel thought he heard wrong as he scrutinized the words. What could they mean? Does she mean she knows I'm proposing? Or is it the new promotion I'm aiming for next week? The fact that I already had her parents' approval?
"Um, no. I can literally read your mind."
Zel only gave her a strange look. His thoughts getting more wild by the second.
'So you can hear me talk to myself?'
"Yes!"
*gasp*
Zel took in a lot of air when she responded to his thoughts. Wanting to test it further, he then thought of something more... intimate.
'I wanna kiss you right now, those soft red lips, that smooth white neck, your beautiful shoulders, those tender bre-'
*smack*
"I got it! You're a pervert lover boy, I got it!"
*gasp*
Zel was so surprised about this new revelation that he stood up from the bed. He didn't really understand how but it was true. She can read my mind.
"So, like, when I think about something dirty. You can hear that? Or can you like see that too?"
"It's more like I can always hear it. 'Seeing' your thoughts means I have to focus on it."
"Since when?"
"... I had it since I could remember. Even as a child, I thought that everyone could do it."
"..."
Emilia was scared. Scared that he might not like her because of this. That he might think that she was a freak. It was even more so when she saw that Zel held his head as it flushed red.
"You're telling me... You never had to study for a test your whole life?!"
"?"
Now it was Emilia's turn to be confused. She was expecting him to hate her for intruding on his thoughts. For violating his privacy. But what was this about?
"I could have aced every test if I read Bea's mind in middle school, John in high school and probably Zeus in college. Thesis defense would also be easier if I knew what answers those old coots wanted. Arghhhh!"
*thud* *thud* *thud*
Zel raged hard on his pillow as he punched them in anger. Emilia just dumbfoundedly watched him play out his rage, often hearing more absurd thoughts.
"I could have known if Karl really did lose my keys or if he hid them! Damn it!"
*thud* *thud* *thud*
"You!!! Cheater!"
Emilia was so confused that she tried to read his mind, only to be more confused when she felt something blocking her. Something that had never happened before in her life.
"We should have been classmates so I could copy off you! Emilia, baby, where were you then?"
*pfft*
"We could have ruled middle school! ruled high school! We could have made that stupid Mr. Anders eat our dust as we got perfect scores in his stupid history class!"
*pfft*
The thoughts that were hidden behind clouds beforehand had cleared up, allowing Emilia to read his thoughts once more.
'My Emilia is so fucking great! Watch my kids be super fucking heroes!'
'She looks so afraid, I should cheer her up.'
'Smile for me Emilia, I don't want to see you cry anymore.'
Tears of joy had filled her eyes, causing Zel to stop his overacting routine. He once again sat on the bed, placed his arms around her and whispered softly.
"Read my mind."
Emilia felt tired, as hearing thoughts had never been something she wanted to do. It was more involuntary than intentional as she never knew why it even happens in the first place. This was the first time that she focused on seeing Zel's thoughts as well, as she had always tried not to.
The scene in Zel's head was that of him lying down on a couch as a woman laid down beside him. He pressed his face against her hair, giving a kiss as he tried to gently pry her away. He stood up, walking to the bathroom when suddenly a hand reached for the hem of his shirt. A hand that belonged to a little girl that looked very familiar to Emilia.
'Daddy, I want water.'
'Ok, sweetie.'
It was then that a pair of arms wrapped around the little girl, the arms lifted her up while a giggle came out of the little girl.
'I got her Zel, you go do your thing.'
'Thank you Emilia, you go with mommy now, ok?'
'Mommy! Mommy! I want water!'
'Ok, ok, hold your horses missy.'
'Hihihi'
"I don't know about you, but having a wife that knows when I need to pee when my daughter needs water so she takes responsibility is such a beautiful dream."
*pfft*
"So? What do you say?"
"Say about what?"
Zel let her go, getting a ring from his pocket that didn't even have a case yet as he only got it from his mother yesterday.
"Will you marr-"
"Yes!"
----
Chapter 5 - Marriage
"Dude! Your bowtie's undone!"
Karl went to Zel's side. He looked at his friend and found it hard to believe how much change a man could have in a single year. He wondered whether to have a girlfriend now that he saw what kind of effect it did for his friend.
"Yeah, I forgot."
Zel had a silly smile on his face as he looked at the mirror in front of him. His jawline was now pronounced, instead of the chubby face he had a year before. The hair was clean and tidy, his body was fit and healthy. He'd never been as perfect in his life as he was right now.
"Well you gotta hurry up! You need to be there in like 30 minutes!"
Karl was wondering just what this boy was thinking being all smiles at the image of himself. The suit really did fit him very well, black jacket, white long sleeve shirt and black slack. Simple and elegant.
"Oh, don't worry. Emilia's probably going to be like half an hour late."
Zel thought about his bride-to-be and couldn't help but smile as he remembered how much the stress got to the usually calm and collected woman. She kept bugging him for those meetings while always having to need another hour to get ready before they left.
'Ah, women.'
But now the big day had come, today's the day the payoff for all their hard work will return to them.
*brrr*
Only now that he finally got the edge off that Zel remembered what he was going to do today. He's going to marry Emilia. He wondered if they would change, if he was going to change. He hoped to prevent a lot of things from happening, such as the mistakes his parents made before him. He was now feeling scared, terrified of whether he would make the same mistakes.
"Dude! You're all set!"
Karl looked at his friend and couldn't help but feel proud. The man who had always been backing his friend up was him, and now his friend was getting married to the woman he loved. How lovely was that?
"Ye, yeah."
Zel robotically walked out of the hotel room, finding the courage to face reality. He was now going to be a husband, probably a father too in less than a year. Would he be a good one?
The man's thoughts were scrambled all the way to the church as he drove there. When the doors opened, friends and family were already seated in the chairs as they turned around to see who it was.
"Oh my god! You look so handsome son!"
Mel walked to her son's side as she gave him a hug, the rest of Zel's family also surrounded him to get a closer look. But it was all put to an end when Zel's father came and walked him near the isle.
"You know son, you really do look good today. Take care of her, she's a good kid."
"Of course, dad."
Zel didn't realize the irony of his father being the one to ask him about that. Merely giving him a thankful smile for the advice. He looked at his watch, only to see that they were already a few minutes late from the intended time.
*ehem*
Zel looked at the source of the disturbance, only to see that it was the priest. He saw that the priest gave him a smile while mouthing off a few words silently.
'It's always like this, she's just late.'
Zel gave the priest a nod, telling him that he understands. But even if she was just late, he couldn't help but feel his heart beating erratically. That was until the church's doors once again opened.
A woman wearing a white dress was centered around the door. Her face was covered in a white veil, hiding the beautiful face underneath. Her dress was long, so long that a few children had come to lift them from the ground to not make them drag around the floor. In her hands were a bouquet of white roses, similar to the ones he gave her on their first trip last year.
'Who am I kidding?'
Zel whose body was trembling just a while ago finally relaxed. His hands that had sweat all over them were now placed on his side as he just watched. Watched as that beautiful angel walk straight to his side, stopping only when she was already a few centimeters away.
'I'll be the best husband. Because I have the best wife.'
"Take care of my little girl, Zel."
"Of course, father."
Zel took the outstretched hand of Emilia that was passed to him by her father. The soft glove she wore didn't hide the fact that her skin was just as tender. He couldn't help but grip them tight, not wanting to let go.
"You better be."
"?"
The priest in front of them didn't understand as Emilia suddenly talked. But he found it funny when Zel merely nodded, as if the two of them had an understanding.
'They must be pretty close.'
"We are here today...."
...........
"You may now kiss the bride!"
"Kyaaa!"
"Woo!"
*whistle*
Zel turned his head to face Emilia, only to find that she had already faced him. The veil that hid her face had already flushed red. Zel then took the hem of the veil and lifted them up, revealing the beautiful face he had seen everyday for the past year.
'Beautiful'
"Beautiful."
Emilia couldn't help but smile at her husband's honesty as all he had in both thoughts and words were finding her beautiful. She watched as he seemed to be still appreciating her, causing her embarrassment to reach another level.
"Kiss me."
"..."
Her words seemed to have not reached him as he just continued to watch her. It was even worse when she saw him giving her a smitten smile, as if he had never seen her before.
"Kis-"
*moan*
The request had already been granted by the time she was going to repeat her order. She wasn't expecting it at all as she felt her legs give out from the surprise, only to be carried by his strong arm that wrapped around her waist. The two had closed their eyes, savoring the feeling of their now strengthened bond.
'My wife.'
'My husband.'
"Wooo!"
"Save it for later!"
"Congratulations!"
The two only went back to reality when they reached a point where they needed to breathe, causing the people around them to feel somewhat intruding on the couple. Though the moment didn't last so long that the celebratory atmosphere would get ruined.
"Let's go, my wife?"
"Carry me, my husband."
Emilia lifted her arms, only to find that Zel had already lifted her up in a bridal carry. The man then ran like an idiot towards the church door. He was about to kick the door out of habit when he felt Emilia pinch him in the chest.
"Idiot, that's a church door!"
"Oh, hahaha!"
*pfft*
The rest of the people in the church followed the two, only to see that Zel had already gotten her inside his car as Emilia waved her hand goodbye towards them. Zel himself had been about to get in the car when he heard a round of shouts headed their way.
"Congratulation Zel!"
"Congratulations son!"
"Thank you everyone! Dinner will be served in the hotel! Follow us!"
The rest of the day was spent with the group partying, with food all around and drinks scattered on the floor.
........
"Man, I might just die alone at this point. *hyuk* "
"You're not alone in that *hyuk* Look at me! *hyuk* I'm single too!"
"*hyuk* I don't understand *hyuk* how can a girl like you *hyuk* still be single?"
"I *hyuk* know! Hey! *hyuk* You wanna *hyuk* hook up?"
Karl was about to reply to Tina when he felt that actions were louder than words. So he stood up, walked to his car and opened the door.
"*hyuk* My lady!"
He gave Tina a bow, one that caused the woman to reply with a giggle as she went in. She bade her friend goodbye with a loud shout beforehand though.
"Emilia! Congratulations! You too Zel!"
"Thank you Tina!"
"Thanks Tina!"
Zel and Emilia watched as the guests have already dwindled down into a few groups. They were about to stay behind a little more when Zel's mother walked up to them.
"Hey, you two can go."
"But mom, there's sti-"
"That's just a few old coots who want to more free drinks! Go on! Have a rest!"
"... Thanks mom."
"You two just take it easy, alright? There's mo-"
"Bye, mom!"
"Bye, mother!"
The two were not in the mood for a motherly advice as Zel had already picked up his wife to get to the car. The two had other plans tonight, as Zel had bought something special for them.
"So? Was I beautiful today?"
Zel drove to their new place, one that he had designed himself and had built a couple months ago. He was going to surprise Emilia about it when he heard her quite tipsy voice sound out beside him. He then stopped the car, parking on the side and looked her in the eyes.
"I've never seen a more beautiful woman in my life, though I do feel sorry."
"Hmm? Sorry about what?"
"I feel like I just stole a national treasure!"
Zel then removed his seat belt and took Emilia's lips as the two cuddled for a while. Emilia didn't know when but a blindfold had been placed on her eyes when she tried to open her eyes again.
"I have a surprise, wait just a little bit more."
Zel hurriedly drove to their new home, feeling excited about it as he had done a lot of considerations for the two of them. He had even made a wide area for what could be a garden as Emilia had always said she wanted one.
"We're here."
Zel left the car and opened the door for Emilia who was still blindfolded. Zel let her out, but didn't let her remove it yet.
"Can I open them now?"
Emilia felt that Zel had stopped leading her by the hand but when she was about to remove the blindfold, she heard him scream.
"No, wait! Not yet!"
*clutch*
"Ok, now you can remove it."
Emilia removed the blindfold to see a three story house in front of her. The color of the house was a peaceful white while a huge space was on the front yard. Zel himself stood on the door frame, stretching his hand to her.
"Welcome home, my wife."
"I'm home, my husband."
Emilia didn't mind his hand and jumped into his arms, feeling his love as his thoughts only had her.
Needless to say, they made love all night as if the night was their last.
----
Chapter 6 - No Children? No Problem
'It's been two years since we married.'
Zel looked at the figure in the front yard who had been trimming down a flower plant for the last twenty minutes.
'She tells me that it doesn't matter, that she cares more about me than herself. But I know her better than that. She wants one, heck, she wants ten if she could.'
Zel looked at the picture frames that were resting on the table at the side of the living room. One that had pictures of their family. Of only the two of them.
'The doctor said that there was nothing wrong with me, that I could have a child whenever I want to. But it wasn't the same case for her. Apparently something was wrong with her, something about her body not being able to keep a baby long enough to last a normal pregnancy. That she couldn't have kids.'
He watched as she was finally finished, only lightly watering them now. Her yellow sundress that he bought for her two years ago were still showing off her beautiful body. But for her, she would rather sacrifice that fitness for a chance at having a child.
And it's hurting her, more than she would like to admit.
"Zel! I'm done!"
"Ok, honey! I prepared the juice too!"
"Thank you, honey!"
Zel looked down at the pitcher in front of him. There was no hope at western medicine so she turned to eastern medicine. Juice made from rare plants that were supposed to help increase fertility, with prices that increased her hopes, only to fall deeper into despair when it doesn't work.
'I don't know what to do anymore, I just wish I could help her. DAMN IT!'
Zel gripped his hands tightly, thinking deeply about what he could do for her. He was so occupied in his thoughts that he didn't realize that Emilia had stopped her work for just a moment before returning to it immediately.
*ring* *buzz*
Zel's phone had started ringing which took him out of his stupor. He picked up the call only to hear a voice from the other side that made him smile a little.
"Yeah. Are you sure you got it handled? Good, I'll see you later then."
"Who was that?"
Zel just put down his phone when Emilia walked back in with sweat covering her body. The healthy sheen had made Zel feel lucky to have her as his wife, but those eyes had turned less bright than before she heard the bad news.
"Someone we will meet later. For now, let's get you cleaned up!"
Zel walked over to Emilia's side as she focused her 'power' to see what was inside Zel's mind. But the mist that covered it had blocked her once again. She didn't know how but he was the only one who could do that, and it just made him feel more special to her.
"Kya!"
Zel suddenly picked her up in a bridal carry, placing his hands on her back and thighs before lifting her up in one go. His fit lifestyle had never been abandoned due to the fact that the only people they had to take care of were themselves. Meaning, they never left their peak in terms of fitness.
"I could eat you up right now."
Zel looked at his flushed wife who was still trying to read his mind, but he wouldn't let her. He had felt something move inside him whenever she tries to read his mind. He didn't mind though as he thought that her focused face was her cutest face, well, second only to her face when he gives it to her just as she likes it.
"I dare you to try!"
Emilia, never one to back down had hugged her husband's neck to reach his lips. Sucking on his tongue while feeling that his hand that held her back reach higher to touch her breast.
*bang*
"Hey! Careful on the door!"
Emilia momentarily broke their battle to reprimand him for kicking the bathroom door. The wall on the back side of the door already had a dent due to how many times he had done it. But it was all for naught when she saw his smile that was not a smile.
"Oh my, seems like I need to make up for it again. How should I do that?"
Zel had let his wife down while keeping her body close to his. His naughty hands had already placed themselves on her ass as if it was the most normal thing to do. Emilia, though, also had her hands on his which made the scene feel more comedic than romantic.
"You know the drill, get down on your knees!"
Emilia felt Zel's hand lift her dress up so she raised her hands to free herself from the dress. Her toned body was one that she worked hard on due to the insistence of Zel. But she only felt grateful to him for the fact, as she had never felt better than she had with this level of fitness.
"Beautiful!"
"Down on your knees boy!"
"Yes, mam!"
Sounds of pleasure echoed through out the house as the two went at it for the whole afternoon. By the time they finished, the two needed to take a bath. One they had together.
"So? Who was it?"
"It's a surprise."
Zel gently massaged his wife from the back as the two sat in a pool of water. Their bodies were tired from all the 'passionate loving' they did as their bodies only relaxed now that they were submerged in water. Her long hair was placed on her left side while Zel's head rested on her right.
"Is it a good surprise?"
"I hope so, but it's fine if it's not. I'll just have to find another gift."
"Hmmm, you're making me excited now."
"Oh? Was it not enough for you my wife?"
"Please, lover boy, I'm already yours. Let me rest!"
"Hahaha, lover boy needs love!"
The two had spent their time together before they realized that it was already evening. Only being called back to reality when a door bell sounded out.
*ding dong*
"It's here! Honey, wake up!"
"Hmm? What is it?"
"It's here, go get it!"
"What's here?"
"Let's go!"
Zel didn't reply and instead lifted his wife to the first floor in a bridal carry. The wobbly adventure had caused the tipsy Emilia to wake up due to fear and excitement as she felt the journey downstairs to be the most dangerous thing they had ever done since their marriage. Even more dangerous that when he wanted to go sky diving.
*ding dong*
"Coming!"
Zel didn't let his wife be seen in her state as he let her down and fixed her clothes. He then opened the door after he felt that it was fine. He opened the door to see a woman holding on to a small box, similar in dimensions to a shoe box.
"Good evening sir, *gulp* Huertazuela? Here's your little bundle of joy!"
A young woman who held the box felt her mouth get dry when she saw who opened the door. The woman inside was wearing normal sleeping wear but the man was only wearing pajama pants with nothing on top. Something he had neglected to do something about due to excitement.
"Good evening! Thank you for the service!"
Zel happily too the box as he felt the thing inside move. He knew that they only packed it like this a few seconds ago as it would have suffered of it was done earlier. He hurriedly placed the box on their living room table while allowing the young delivery woman inside to introduce them to the present later on.
"Honey! Open it!"
"Me?"
Emilia watched the box intently, her power had actually made her aware of one thing. There was something alive inside. Her hands trembled as she opened the package, only to see a tiny figure inside.
"Happy Anniversary baby! It's a kitten! She doesn't have a name yet, why don't you name her?"
*gasp* *sniff*
Zel panicked when he saw her get teary eyed so he hurriedly went by her side to console his wife.
"Uh, honey? Did you not like it?"
"No, I mean, Yeah, it's just... so cute!"
"Hahahaha"
Emilia watched the little kitty open her eyes to look at her, Zel then opened the cage to pick up the kitten slowly. He then lifted it up to be on equal eye level with Emilia who looked at the kitten lovingly.
"What's her name, honey?"
"Elise... Her name's Elise."
*purr*
"Ahh! Let me hold her!"
The night ended with the loving couple having a tiny kitten sleeping in between them as the darkness took over the night.
----
Chapter 7 - Death Bed
(First Person POV - Zel)
It's already been 40 years since we got married. Now I'm just an old coot who has to receive care in a hospital like a damn cripple. But whenever I see her, it's like I'm back to my young, handsome self. Always wanting to smile like the idiot I am.
Her long black hair now had strands of white on them as they laid on her left shoulder. Her blue eyes were accompanied by lines that appeared whenever she smiled. Those once tender red lips had become less luscious, becoming more homely as time passed.
And yet I love her more each day.
But of course, I'm a little worse for wear myself. I can't even stand on my own anymore, much to my despair as having no control of the body you once trained to the peak had made me feel useless. My skin had also turned into what I like to call as 'leather'. Maybe I should have taken it easy on those beers. But Emilia had them too, maybe that's just what good genes give you, huh?
It seems that time is never on man's side, as I feel the embrace of this bed coming to take me away. The feeling on my feet had faded long ago as even my son had stopped growing strong, making me feel no small amount of anxiousness. Though I find it funny now that I even cared about that, as moving my hips would probably cause them to break in a few thrusts.
I move my head to see her sleeping beside me, no, she was sitting on a couch while her head rested on my bed. Her wrinkled old hands held mine as she seemed to be having a good dream.
Is it about me?
*beep* *beep*
I wondered if that beeping noise of my heart beat ever bothered her. Having a wife who can read your mind can be exciting and all, but I wish I could hear her thoughts too. But just having her here has made me feel gratified for having spent the last few decades of my life by her side. We've already lost the youth that kept the life of working everyday just for a promise of a bright future. That was a long time ago now.
I remember when I came home one day, when she was cooking lunch in her favorite yellow dress as the naughty cat played with her little kittens. The smile she had as she turned around, presenting me with a ticket. A cruise ticket.
"I know you hate it."
"Hate what?"
"Your job!"
"..."
"So quit!"
"!!!"
"Quit your job and travel around the world with me."
Her hands that held the ticket gently invited him, forwarding the ticket for him to choose.
'Continue this normal life or live as we please with the life we have left?'
"You sure about this?"
"It's not about me."
Emilia's hotel had already been self sufficient for a while now, and my interest in the stock market had already returned profits. There was nothing holding us back now, there was no problem with the money, no problem with the house, no problem with the kids...
"It's about us."
Her hands once again took my face as she gave me a smile. She already read my mind, so she knew my answer.
"Then let's go pack!"
"I already did. YOU just have to carry it!"
"Then we should leave behind a memory here right?"
"Leave behind a me-"
I took her by surprise by stealing those luscious lips that had always been able to tell me exactly what I needed to hear. Her arms had already taken their place around his neck so I placed my hands where they belonged.
On her ass.
I picked her up, never letting go of this kiss as I felt her tongue searching mine. I responded by pushing it back, continuing the battle in her mouth. We lasted for a while before I felt light headed from the lack of air.
*gasp* *gasp*
"You can let me go now."
I gave her a smile, one I knew would deliver the message as I saw her cheeks flush red.
"I'm not done yet."
...
How long does a journey around the world last?
A lifetime is just not enough. But it was enough for a cruise, which was what we intended to do for the rest of our lives.
The cruise itself was an eye opening experience. Having traveled along the European seas, we took in everything with an adventurous spirit. Foreign food, foreign culture, bizarre places. Everything excited us.
But the cruise was just the beginning. Eventually we grew more methodical in our journey, choosing to travel by ourselves. To see the world without having a plan, just living in the moment.
The journey around the world would take a long time so we needed a good start. Riding a car down Kanada towards the USM sounded like a good start to us at the time.
And boy were we right. Finding the forests and climbing the mountains along the way, the scenery had never looked as beautiful as it did when you feel the fresh and clean breeze. Those shots on a screen could never compare to the real deal. I remember watching her eyes shine when we first saw the Macarena Mountain Range, feeling glad to have done this with her. There really were no regrets.
We explored every restaurant, every monument, every place that was worth seeing. The USM had no trademark that we hadn't seen personally, with even the pictures of our travels having to be stored in 20 memory cards as the wife had taken up photography as her hobby.
Eventually we have explored the USM in it's entirety, at least those that had something to be famous for. Enough to last a lifetime. So we headed to the other side of the world.
The wild forests of the East had us craving for the more civilized society of the South East as the food and people there have always made us feel like we've been eating tasteless food. The beautiful landscape had captivated her so much that we took our time when travelling, often having to stay out under the stars to pass the night.
Nights like those had always made me feel so... inexperienced. Locked behind my own world. It's as if the world there had so many things we've yet to explore, but I never had any interest to look before I met her. How lucky am I to have met her?
But now time had caught up to us. As even though we have not finished our travels, our bodies had already given up.
'How I wish we started earlier, perhaps we could have had more memories.'
I remember when I first started to feel my age creep up to me. This hurting back had made me unable to walk down the beautiful stone staircase that lead to the magical Liverpool Waterfall. We had to ask a few of the locals to carry this old man down, making Emilia laugh at me.
Though the embarrassment was hard to swallow, the beautiful sight of the waterfalls is still clear as day on my mind. Even more prevalent was the image of Emilia's radiant smile when she saw the view, I remember taking a picture of that magical moment. I wonder where I placed it.
Even after all those adventures, the most happy I've ever been was when I was just driving along the road. With her right beside me, as we sang along to classic love songs we've practically memorized by now. How I wish we could do that again sometime. Perhaps we could do it tomorrow?
Ahh, the bed is so warm today. I swear I could feel my feet getting warmer, it's as if I've returned to a few years ago. I thought that feeling would never return?
Hmm? Is she cold? I better warm her up a little. Holding her hand had always made her feel better.
I'll just sleep for a while. I recall Emilia telling me that little Sabrina and her daughter will come by later. I don't want to make them come all this way just to see an old man sleep. I'll get a quick shuteye before then.
Yeah, just a quick power nap.
*beep* *beep* *beeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeep*
