Chapter 59

"Ang Cute!" nanggigigil sa tuwa na sabi ni Rhea habang nakatingin kami sa mga babies na nasa nursery ward.

Ewan ko ba bakit kami nagawi dito? Dadalawin dapat namin si Arce dahil na-ospital ito pero heto kami ngayon.

Sinikap kong wag tumingin sa mga babies. Baka malugmok lang ako Sa kalungkutan.

"Ano kayang itsura ng magiging Baby niyo ni Sir Xavier?" tanong niya sa akin as if naman asa mukha ko ang sagot.

"Baka kamukha namin?" sabi ko.

"Sana magmana kay Sir," pahayag niya.

"May problema ba tayo sa mukha ko?" tanong ko sa kanya.

"Wala, halika na Ms. Gab puntahan na nga lang natin si Arce," pag yayaya niya sa akin.

I took  a glance on the babies before I followed her. Seeing them sleeping peacefully made my heart squeeze. The thought of not being able to give Xavier a child hurts me.

I know we are happy but I could feel something is lacking.

***

"Ms. Gab, sigurado kayong okay lang kayo?" nag-aalalang tanong sa akin ni Arce.

Nag balik ako sa aking kamalayan.

"Ako ang tinatanong mo kung okay lang ako, samantalang ikaw nakaratay sa Hospital bed," medyo sarcastic na sabi ko.

"Miss naman ehh," pagmamaktol ni Arce.

"Magpagaling ka na kasi," pag dedemand ko.

"Parang ang dali nun ha," patutsada ni Rhea.

"Asan nga pala si Becca?" tanong ni Arce.

"Naku ang babaitang yun mamaya daw siya dadalaw sayo," sagot ni Rhea.

"Sa susunod kasi, H'wag mag O.T ng mag-OT ang trabaho andiyan lang yan di yan natatapos, 'pag natapos 'yan mawawalan ka na ng trabaho. H'wag mong pilitin pag 'di na kaya, pahinga pag may time," litanya ko.

Paano ba naman nag collapse siya sa office, na-over fatigue dahil sa puyat at pagod at gutom nag-leave kasi siya ng isang linggo at nag habol ng backlogs.

"Pasensya na talaga, pati kayo naabala ko," paumanhin niya.

"Hindi ito abala you're our friend after all, mag pagaling ka na lang," bilin ko sa kanya.

"And don't worry I can handle your work, ako muna ang bahala sa mga yun," sabi ko para di na siya ma stress pa.

Tutal na miss ko rin ang dati kong trabaho bago ako maging secretary at maging department head.

***

"Why are you doing this?" tanong ni Xi na nakapangalombaba sa desk ko habang hinihintay akong matapos sa ginagawa ko.

"Di ba nga  nakaleave si Arce, walang gagawa ng trabaho niya, I volunteered," sagot ko.

"Why?" tanong niya

"Dahil gusto ko," I answered him again

"No, we both know what's the reason," pahayag niya.

"At ano yun?" pag-mamaang maangan ko.

"You're pouring your stress out by working," he said as a matter of factly.

"Am I stressed?" takang tanong ko.

"You are," he is sure of it.

" You've been acting this way since the last time you took the pregnancy test," pansin niya.

Nahinto ako sa ginagawa ko nang marinig ko ang sinabi niya.

I looked at him as he reached for my hand. Hinawakan niya ng mahigpit ang likod ng palad ko. In an instant the emotions I've been struggling to hide came out as tears. Alam ko na ang susunod na sasabihin niya na kumunsulta kami sa espesyalista.

Sa totoo lang takot akong magpacheck, takot akong malaman na may mali talaga sa akin. Natatakot akong marinig mula sa kanila na wala na talaga akong pag asa mag buntis.

"Don't pressure yourself Gabe," sabi niya.

Tinanguan ko siya bilang tugon.

***

I was in complete awe when I saw the island. Ang hilig talaga mang-kidnap ng lalaking ito. Natulog akong nasa kwarto kami pag gising ko nasa kotse na'ko.

Earlier...

Naalimpungatan ako nang muntikan nakong malaglag sa hinihigaan ko, tsaka ko napansin na wala ako sa kama kundi sa backseat ng kotse.

"Xavier Villafranco!" sigaw ko sa pangalan niya.

"Present!" sagot niya habang patulog sa pag dadrive.

"What do you think are you doing?" tanong ko sa kanya.

"Driving," pilosopong sagot niya sa akin.

" I mean, bakit tayo nasa kotse? Saan mo ko dadalhin?" pagpapaintindi ko sa kanya.

"It's a secret," ang tanging naging tugon niya.

I know he won't tell me, so I sat there and took a nap again.

...

"Where are we?" tanong ko nang makababa kami ng kotse.

"Nakarating na ba tayo sa destinasyon natin?" muli kong tanong.

"No, we need to ride a boat to get there," paliwanag niya.

And so we did we carried our bags, ewan ko ba kung paano niya naprepare lahat ng gamit ko at handang handa siya lagi. Busy siya kumukuha ng pictures habang nasa bangka kami, samantalang ako concentrate sa pagkakahawak, mahirap nang mahulog ako noh. Pinipilit ko na lang ngumit sa tuwing kukuhanan niya ako ng picture.

We get off the boat, and I was amaze by the scenery. We were at a small private Island near a lake.

"Kailan mo pa plinanong kidnapin ako at dalhin sa secluded Island?"usisa ko.

"A week ago, I was thinking where I can have you just for myself," sagot niya nang walang paligoy-ligoy.

"I'm already yours," I corrected him.

"I know, but you're too pre-occupied. I want you to relax and unwind."

"I want you to think of only just me, don't worry about work I approved your leave," sagot niya

Aba matindi, planado. Umiral na naman pagiging possessive niya.

"Okay," tipid kong sagotm

Hindi niya ba naisip na baka may trauma ako sa pagkaka kidnap ko dati?

Naku! Buti na lang at nagpatherapy ako.

Iginala ko ang paningin sa isla na iyon, di naman nakakatakot. Ang peaceful ng dating.

We got our things and headed to a Small cottage.

No, it was not small after all.

Literal na kaming dalawa lang sa Island na ito.

***

Nagpunta ako agad sa kusina, at tinignan ang loob ng ref.

Langya!

Puno ang ref may sofdrinks may wine, may tubig may iceream sa freezer may karne din, itlog, hotdog, gulay, at prutas. Namalengke ata siya bago ako kidnapin papunta rito. Napatingin na lamang ako kay Xi na kasunod kong nagpunta doon.

"How long do you plan on staying here?" tanong ko sa kanya.

"Three days, or a week maybe?" di siguradong sagot niya.

Pinanlakihan ko siya ng mata. Naninindak ako pero pinagtawanan niya lamang ako. Lumapit siya sa akin at tsaka ako niyakap ako.

Ano na naman ang problema ng lalaking ito.

"I miss that look of yours," he answered

"Gusto mo pandilatan kita araw-araw?" pag babanta ko.

"If that will make you happy," sabi niya naman.

Langya! Sige banat pa, kapag ako nangisay sa kilig, Naku! Wala pa naman hospital sa isla na to.

"Ewan ko sayo!" sigaw ko na lamang bilang tugon.

***

Nakatambay ako sa may sala at nagbabasa ng librong nahablot ko sa shelf. Kasi ba naman walang TV dito at mukhang itinago ng asawa ko ang phone ko kaya di ako makapag internet. I entertained myself by reading. Habang siya di ko alam kung anong pinakakaabalahan.

Napapangiwi ako sa nababasa ko dahil sa SPG scene na part nito. Ewan ko nakaka cringe pa din ito kahit may karanasan na ako.

I started skipping the pages when my dear husband showed up.

"Silang let's go outside," he requested.

Pinanlisikan ko siya ng mata. Tinatawag niya ako sa palayaw na yun tuwing trip niya.

"Impakto ka talaga!" sigaw ko sa kanya, pero sumunod din naman ako sa kanya.

Napakurap kurap ako nang makita ko ang pinakakaabalahan niya. Kaya pala kahit hapon na ay nasa labas pa rin siya.

"Anong ganap mo?" tanong ko.

"I just prepared our dinner," sagot naman niya.

Just like the movies I've seen there's a table for two around it were lights  in a heart shape. Wala talaga siguro akong pakiramdam kaya di ko napansin ang pinag gagagawa niya. Iginayak niya ako papunta sa mesa at tinulungan akong umupo at tsaka rin siya umupo.We started digging our meal. As the usual Xi really have atlent for cooking. I have no idea what else he can do.

"You're full of surprises Mr. Villafranco," I commended him.

"I know," he answered as a matter of factly.

"Ano bang meron?" tanong ko.

"You really don't remember?" tila dismayadong tanong din niya.

Napaisip ako anong meron ngayong araw, di naman namin wedding anniversary.

"It's the day when you stole a kiss from me," pag papaalala niya.

Nanlaki ang mata ko sa sinabi niya.

Naalala niya pa 'yun?

"Naalala mo pa talaga 'yun, impakto ka talaga!"

"Yes, it all started there. If you haven't stole a kiss from me we might not be even married now." dire-diretsong sabi niya.

Sinamaan ko lang siya ng tingin.

"Ipangalandakan mo pa sa buong isla na ninakawan kita ng halik," inis na sabi ko.

"I'm still happy you did, you gave me My two first kiss,"

"Ha?" pagtataka ko.

"Two First kiss?" ulit ko.

Totoo ba na first kiss niya iyon?

"Don't me Xi, nagka girlfriend ka na tapos wala ka man lang nahalikan sa kanila? Impossible. " di ako kumbinsido sa pahayag niya.

"Paanong naging two first kiss yun? Isang beses lang naman kita ninakawan ng halik,"dagdag ko pa.

"Two first kiss after I sarted working. You were drunk, how would you know how many times you kissed me that night?" he asked.

"Di nga?" di pa rin makapaniwalang tanong ko.

He was just smiling at me.

"Impakto ka!" bulyaw ko.

"I love you too," sagot naman niya.

Akala ko doon na magtatapos ang pakana niya pero hindi pa pala. Pagkatapos kumain ay iginaya na naman niya ako sa isang parte ng isla na may nakalatag na picnic mat at walang puno sa paligid ang nagsisilbing ilaw namin ay ang mumunting ilaw na nanggagaling sa mallit na flashlight na kanyang hawak.

Nagtataka din ako bakit may unan din doon. Dito ba kami matutulog? Wala bang lamok? Baka magka dengue ako.

"You may be wondering what the pillows are for, I just want you to feel at ease while we look at the stars," he informed.

Ginaya ko siya nang umupo siya sa mat, he gestured for me to lay down forst which I did. It was romantic I guess, but it would be more romantic if he let me use his arm as my pillow. Mali siya dun, pero okay na rin baka mangawit siya. He turned off the flash light and let the stars shine. The sky was clear and the stars were shinning like diamonds. It was breath taking,

"May wishing star!" I exclaimed and pointed at it's direction.

I immediately closed my eyes and made a wish, then opened my eyes.

"What did you wish for?" he asked.

"I wish to make you happy," I said as I look him.

"You always make me happy," he said assuring me.

"I love you."

"And I love you too," sagot niya.

We let the moment guide our lips together. The sweet kiss turned to a passionate one.

We got inside the house and started  undressing each other, as if we were going to make love for the first time.

He laid me down the couch and started kissing every part of my body all I did was moan at the pleasure he's giving me.

We were both breathless after, He is gentle yet aggressive and I could not ask for more.  I even wonder how we fit on the couch both unbothered that we slept naked.

***

I was awaken by his kisses, I furrowed my brows.

"I'm glad you're awake, breakfast is ready," he said with a smile on his lips.

Half awake I wrapped myself with a blanket, which I wonder where it came from. He was wearing a robe and I was wrapped in a blanket while eating. He was smiling, and I wondered why.

"Anong nginingiti-ngiti mo diyan?" kunwari'y naiiritang tanong ko.

"Am I?" kunwari'y di niya alam na sagot niya.

I didn't bother asking him more, I just focused on eating I volunteered on washing the dishes. But he keeps on bothering me. Muntik na ko nang mabitawan ang platong hinuhugasan ko nang bigla niya akong yakapin mula sa likuran.

"Anong trip mo?" tanong ko at nagpatuloy sa paghuhugas.

He then started kissing the back of my neck and my shoulders.

"Paano ako matatapos sa ginagawa ko kung nilalandi mo ako," sita ko sa kanya.

"I'm really trying to bother you," imporma niya.

"Is last night not enough?" di ko napigilan ang mag tanong.

"You know I can't get enough of you," he was whispered on on my ear seducing me.

The way he said it made me weak, I stopped what I'm doing and turned to face him.

"Let me clean myself first," sabi ko.

Wala na nasabi ko na, Landi ko rin ehh.

"I can help you with that," he offered.

Ewan ko ba kung anong sumagi sa utak ko, we never did it on a shower, and it was pleasurable his body every  move made me hot even though were both soaked.

Everything was new to me. For the whole time we were in that Island all we did was make love, seduce each other pleasure each other as if we were hungry for each other. I wished it won't end.

All we did as we stayed their was to make love and savor ourselves with each other.

***

"Ano yung mabaho?" tanong ko at parang naduduwal ako sa amoy.

"I can't smell any," takang sagot ni Xi.

"Ano ba yun?" tanong ko ulit.

"Are you feeling well?" tanong niya naman sa akin.

"Aabsent muna ako, I'll take a rest," sabi ko.

***

"Bakla! ang dami naman niyan, pang construction worker ka ba?" pansin ni  Donna sa plato ko habang kumakain kami.

"Diet pa nga ako nito  eh," sabi ko.

"Wow! diet ka pa sa lagay na yan," mapanuyang sagot niya.

"Kumain na nga lang tayo," saway ko sa kanya.

***

"Ma'am lumalaki ka ata?" pansin ni Rhea sa akin.

"Oo nga Ma'am, saka lumapad balakang niyo ma'am, Buntis ba kayo Ma'am?" usisa ni Arce.

"Kapag lumapad, buntis na agad? Di ba pwedeng matakaw lang?" kontra ko.

"Kaya nga kami nagtatanong ma'am, nagcheck ka na ba Ma'am?" sabi ni Becca.

"Hindi pa, hindi naman ako buntis ehh," sagot ko naman.

"Malay mo ma'am may laman na tiyan mo," sabi ni Rhea.

Ayokong umasa.

"Paano niyo nasabi?" tanong ko sa kanila.

"Una sa lahat ma'am, glowing ka ma'am, pangalawa ang moody mo ma'am bigla ka na lang nagagalit tapos mamaya tatawa tapos, nananahimik. Pangatlo ang weird ng food conbinations mo ma'am kropek at peanut butter," paliwanag ni Becca na tila eksperto sa ganoong mga bagay.

"Masarap naman yun ahh," sabi ko naman.

"Pang-apat, ang lakas mo kumain ma'am, pang-lima lumapalapad ka, at panghuli ang clingy niyo kay sir Xavier ma'am," dugting pa ni Becca.

"Which is not you ma'am" sang-ayon ni Arce.

"Ang dami niyo naman napapansin," I answered, pakiramdam ko kinocorner nila ako.

"Mag P.T. na kaya kayo ma'am, malay natin may little Xavier na pala kayo," suhestiyon nila.

Naalarma ako, nanatatakot dahil baka umasa na naman ako sa wala.

"H'wag kang matakot ma'am wala naman mawawala," pag aalo ni Arce sa akin nang mapansin ang naging reaction ko.

"Sana nga meron na, " sabi ko na tila umaasa.

***

Later that night I asked Xi to buy some pregnancy test kit tatlong piraso iba't-ibang brand para sigurado.

It is best to conduct the test in the morning after waking up.

I was nervous and him as well. I was holding my breath as I waited for that two red lines to appear on the kit.

I got out of the bathroom I was just crying and can't even speak.

"Stop crying it's okay," he tried to comfort me.

"Maybe it's not the right time," he continued. He wiped my tears with his fingers and cupped my faced. I could see the sadness in his eyes. I swallowed the lump on my throat.

"We're having a baby," I said in between my sobs.

"Say that again," he asked as he stared at me waiting for me to speak again.

"We're going to have our baby," I handed him the pregnancy test kit as proof three of them showed 2 red lights. He took it and stared at it with an awe.

"It's real! I'm going to be a father!" he exclaimed out of happiness. I couldn't explain how his faced glow as he smiled.

He hugged me and kissed the top of my belly.

"Thank you Dear God!" he was so thankful and I could see tears of joy welling up his eyes.

We were both happy at the news that we immediately went to see a doctor. After some test my O.B. summoned us to conduct and ultrasound. I laid down and showed my belly.

We started hearing small heartbeat, when she started pressing the apparatus on my belly, I now it's coming from my baby. I looked at see who's also staring at me we are both smiling.

"That's the heartbeat of your baby," the doctor informed.

It was like music to my ears, it gave me a floating feeling. After the ultrasound, the doctor explained how old my baby is, all the test have normal results.

She advised us to visit every month and always take my vitamins. And be careful since I'm still on my first trimester.

***

"I can't believe this,, I'm going to be a father!" Xi exclaimed.

Inilabas niya sa bahay ang labis niyang pagkatuwa. His eyes were shinning.

"Should we tell everyone the good news?" tanong niya sa akin.

"Shall we buy maternity dresses for you?"

"Should we start buying baby stuff?"

"Shall we start making our home baby friendly?"

"Should we get a helper?" tanong niya..

Ang dami niyang tanong, I just sat on the couch as he paced back and forth. I smiled at the thought that he's more excited than me.

"Why aren't you answering me?" tanong niya.

"We don't need those yet, let's start once we know our baby's gender."

"Can I announced that your pregnant?" he asked looking fir my confirmation.

"We should let our family know about it first and our close friends as well." I told him.

"If someone asks then let's answer them honestly," sabi ko.

"I should look forward to visitors in these coming months." He said to warn himself.

"I'll tell them to book an appointment before visiting," he sound serious.

Nakakaloka talaga siya.

"I don't want them to cause you stress," he explained.

"I love you Gabe and our baby,I'll just keep you both to myself for now," he sounded so pleased.

"And we love you too," I answered him.

***

"Are you pregnant?" Halos mabilaukan  ako sa tanong ni kuya Migz habang nakikikain ako sa bahay niya. Nilunok ko muna ang pagkain ko.

Nagaalinlangan ako kung sasabihin ko sa kanya o hindi. Pero gaya nang napag usapan namin ni Xi, kapag may nagtanong answer honestly.

I looked him in the eyes.

"Oo kuya," sambit ko.

Siya naman ngayon ang nabilaukan, agad kong inabot ang baso ng tubig sa kanya habang sinusuntok niya ang kanyang dibdib para makahinga. Nang makahinga ng maluwag ay tinitigan niya ako ng diretso.

"Seryoso ka?" parang di pa naniniwalang tanong niya.

"Gusto mo picture ng ultrasound?" nanunuyang sabi ko.

Nakakaloko talagatong si kuya.

"Kelan pa?" tanong niya sa akin.

"Two weeks ago lang namin nalaman," sagot ko.

"Sino pa nasabihan niyo? Alam na ba nila mama at papa?" tanong niyang muli.

"Ikaw pa lang ang nakakaalam kuya," sabi ko.

"Naku! Gabriela, alam mo bang magtatampo ang mga yun kapag di nila nalaman agad at maging ang mga magulang ni Xavier di pa alam? May dahilan ba kung bakit kailangan niyong ilihim ang pagbubuntis mo?" tanong niya.

"We just want to keep it until the first trimester kuya, We will tell them in time," paliwanag ko.

Napabuntong hininga na lamang siya.

"Okay, alagaan mo ang sarili mo at ang dinadala mo Gabriela," paalala niya.

"Oo naman kuya, hirap na maging kamukha mo anak ko," pang-aasar ko sa kanya.

"Mabuti nang kamukha ko, kesa naman kamukha mo," bawi niya.

"Magiging kamukha siya na Xi," sabi ko.

"Mas okay na 'yun," he agreed.

Langya 'tong kuya ko minsan ehh.

< End of Chapter fifty-nine >