Kabanata 29
Kabanata 29
"HAPPY birthday..." a soft whisper and a tender kiss on my cheek, napasinghap ako sa gulat at napalingon.
My lip twitched to a happy smile when I saw Thorn beside me, holding a piece of red rose in his hand.
"It isn't my birthday yet..." I answered him.
"Scira..." he said. My mouth parted, naalala ko kung anong petsa ngayon kaya kumalabog ang puso ko at napangiti.
"D-Doc..." I stuttered.
He smiled, his dark eyes brightened with that. I saw how emotions played on his eyes, I saw how the dark orbits of his eyes gloomed.
"I love you," he murmured. I bit my lip, kumalabog nang malakas ang puso at kaagad siyang dinamba ng yakap.
"Thornie..." I whined, he chuckled, kaagad niyang hinawakan ang baywang ko at yumakap. He place his head im between my neck and kissed my skin.
"Sorry for everything..." he whispered huskily.
I smiled, mas yumakap ako sa leeg niya at narinig ko ang halakhak niya roon.
"I'm sorry too, for everything," bulong ko. "I should have let you explain, I shouldn't have told you those words. Hindi ko alam ang mga pinagdaan mo. I am still wondering what might have happened if your family didn't find you," aniya. "Kapag napahamak ka, hindi ko kakayanin."
Lumayo ako sa kanya. I smiled sweetly when I saw his face and I cupped his cheek.
"I told you, everything has a reason..." sinsero kong sabi sa kanya. "Siguro kapag hindi nangyari 'yon, wala tayo rito ngayon. Siguro walang baby Clyte, wala 'yong baby natin dito."
He lowered his head, I saw him stare at my stomach and caressed it.
"H'wag mo nang sisihin ang sarili mo," bulong ko sa kanya. "We made it past through it, Thorn, this day might be bad for the both of us but we can change it, right?"
Nag-angat siya ng tingin, I saw how his eyes were suddenly filled with something unreadable.
"Could we?" bulong niya.
"Yes..." I caressed his soft cheek. "You don't have to wait at the bus station anymore, dito lang naman ako..."
He bit his red lips, he nodded, convincing himself as he lifted his hand to touch my cheeks too.
"H'wag ka nang aalis, hmm..." aniya at hinawi ang buhok ko sa likod ng tainga ko.
"I won't..." I answered him. He let a relaxed sigh out, muli niyang iniangat ang rosas at nangingiting inabot ko iyon at tumingkayad para patakan siya ng halik.
"Thank you..." I said sweetly.
He nodded, I saw him smile and kiss my head.
"Should we go out today, my queen? Alis tayo?" bulong niya.
"Sure!" I cheered. He chuckled lightly, I saw him brush his hair with his fingers.
"Kumain ka na ba? What are you craving for today?" he asked me, caressing my stomach.
"Hmm, nothing in particular..." I said.
"Okay, that's good," he smiled and I bit my lip when he kneeled and kissed my stomach. "Then, did you vomit?" he asked.
Hinaplos ko naman ang buhok niya habang nakaluhod siya roon at dinudungaw ko siya.
"Hmm, yup, isang beses lang," sagot ko. "I'm not really sensitive..."
"Hmm, that's good, my child..." he said, caressing my stomach. "H'wag mo pahirapan ang reyna natin, huh? So, Mommy won't go to hospitals often."
I looked at him and saw how adorable he was, he looked like a child and an excited father at the same time.
"Daddy!" sabay kaming napatingin sa pintuan at kaagad akong nangiti nang makita ang anak kong pumasok doon.
"Hi, baby..." nakita ko ang pagngiti ni Thorn at ang pagtayo niya sa pagkakaluhod.
"Miss you po!" she exclaimed I chuckled when he jumped on his father. Thorn caught her, narinig ko ang hagikhik ni Clyte nang halik-halikan ni Thorn ang pisngi niya.
"It tickles, Daddy!" she exclaimed.
"Uh-huh? Hindi kita nakita kahapon," tawa ni Thorn na patuloy sa panghaharot.
"Because you were busy!" she pouted, her pinkish, pouty lips looked adorable.
"Yes, and I missed you and Mommy yesterday!" he chuckled and Clyte screamed when he hugged her.
Naaaliw ko silang tingnan, they looked very much like a father and daughter. Thorn loved my baby with all his heart, like she was his own.
In those years, Clyte treated him like he was her own father and they really looked good together. My daughter grew up beautifully and smart, nang pumasok siya sa school ay palagi siyang na-a-award-an, she was a good girl, kind, and really beautiful.
Clytemnestra Alyona Sandejas... I smiled at that, my rose...
"Mommy! Mommy!" I chuckled when she called me.
"Hi, baby, ang aga mo nagising..." I told her.
"Because I heard Daddy's voice!" she exclaimed. "I heard him talking to Yaya so I rushed outside!"
"You really love Dada, huh?" I chuckled and came closer. Thorn caught my waist, napalapit ako sa kanilang dalawa habang buhat ng isang kamay niya si Clyte.
"Yes! He's the best Dada in the whole world!" Sabay kaming natawa ni Thorn.
I saw how Thorn's eyes smiled and he kissed her chubby cheeks.
"Hmm, and my Clyte is the best baby!" aniya sa anak na tuwang-tuwa sa sinabi niya.
"Punta muna tayo sa inyo?" ani Thorn at nakita kong pinaglalaruan ni Clyte ang buhok niya.
"Why?" I asked.
"Hmm, papaalam tayo kay Tito tsaka sa mga Kuya mo then, we'll go out maybe later?" He asked.
"Okay!" I smiled, tiptoed and kissed his cheek.
I really loved how gentleman Thorn was, he never changed. I saw how he got along with my brothers, my family, kahit harsh sa kanya 'yong mga lalaki. He never failed asking for permission whenever we're going out, also, siya na rin ang nagsusundo kay Clyte kapag wala siyang ginagawa.
"Come on, baby, bihis na tayo. We'll go to Papa later," I told Clyte na mabilis na bumaba sa bisig ni Thorn.
"Where are we going, My?" she asked.
"Kina Papa muna tapos alis tayo nina Daddy..." he said.
"Yehey!" she cheered and I chuckled when she jumped. "My, I wanna wear my pink dress tapos ponytail mo ako like a princess!"
"Okay, my princess..." I smiled and kissed her cheek.
"Hmm, what does my queen and princess want to eat?" he asked, holding his daughter's hand and caressing my waist.
"Nuggets!" we cheered and he laughed, kissing my head.
"Alright, I'll cook..." aniya.
•─────⋅☾ ☽⋅─────•
I was smiling as we were on our way to our ancestral house, wearing a simple black dress and my daughter in a cute pink dress. Thorn was wearing a gray shirt and black jeans. His dog tag dancing freely on his neck.
Napalabi ako, kung may tao man akong pinaglilihian ay si Thorn iyon at wala ng iba. I craved for different foods but he's the only person I want to see.
Sometimes, I looked immature kasi gigisingin ko siya para magpabili pero hindi naman siya nagrereklamo. He was really understanding and responsible. I've never felt alone whenever he's here.
Nang makapasok ng mansion ay kaagad siyang lumabas para pagbuksan kami. I watched him as he carried my daughter on his arms and extended his hand for me.
"Thank you!" I smiled cheekily and I saw his mouth form a side grin before nodding.
He held my waist, pumirmi ang kamay niya roon habang naglalakad kami at nang sumulyap ako ay nag-aabang na ang tatlong lalaki roon sa pintuan.
My lips protruded and when they smiled ay kaagad akong humiwalay kay Thorn at tumakbo sa kanila.
"Kuya!" I cheered. They chuckled, kaagad akong sinalubong ni Kuya Iñigo at humalik sa ulo ko.
"How's our princess?" he asked me, natawa ako nang makiyakap din 'yong dalawa at humalik sa ulo ko.
"Good!" I smiled.
"Kumusta ang pamangkin namin? Hindi naman ba makulit?" aniya at sumulyap sa tiyan ko. I shook my head, nakita ko ang pagngiti ni Kuya Iñigo at hinaplos ang buhok ko.
"Good..." he smiled. "Any cravings?"
"Anything lang..." I answered.
"Mabait," Kuya Dash said, nodding his head.
"Duh, kasi mana sa akin!" Kuya Zeij rolled his eyes at sumimangot ako sa kanya.
"Mana sa akin!" I hissed. "Hindi sa 'yo, Kuya, h'wag kang feeling..."
Ngumuso siya, natawa naman ako at nakita ko ang pagbaling niya sa likuran ko.
"Clyte-ganda!" he exclaimed. I saw my daughter's smile widen.
"Tito Gwapo!" she exclaimed. Napailing 'yong dalawang kapatid ko habang tuwang-tuwa naman ang Kuya Zeij.
"Nauto niya si Clyte..." Kuya Dash sighed, shaking his head. Nakita ko ang pagngiwi ni Kuya Iñigo bago lumapit din sa anak ko para bumati.
I smiled, nang makitang pinagkakaguluhan ng tatlo ang anak ko ay sumulyap ako kay Thorn. I saw him glancing at them with a small smile on his face kaya lumapit ako sa kanya.
I slowly wrapped my arms on his waist at nakita kong napasulyap siya sa akin.
"Hmm, ayos ka lang?" masuyong bulong niya at tumango ako sa kanya na may ngiti sa labi.
"Yup..." I tiptoed and kissed his jaw, he smiled and kissed my head.
"I love you, pasok na tayo?" He asked.
I nodded, sinabihan ko 'yong tatlong pumasok na kami sa mansyon at sumunod naman sila kaagad habang pinag-aagawa kung sino ang kakarga kay Clyte.
I was holding Thorn's hand as he was guiding me inside at natawa nang makitang nagkakagulo ang mga pamangkin ko sa sala.
"Tita!" they exclaimed and I chuckled when they ran towards me.
"Hello, babies!" I cheered happily. I kissed their cheeks.
Crest and Alchiel, Kuya Iñigo's twin children kissed me first. Nangiti ako at niyakap ang dalawa bago niyakap sina Marcus na pamangkin ko kay Kuya Dash.
"How's your vacation?" I asked them.
"Good, Tita! We went to Cali!" Macky exclaimed.
Napatawa ako roon at nang makita ang baby Zion ni Kuya Zeij na tumatakbo galing kusina habang may hawak na pritong manok ay natawa ako.
"Zion!" I exclaimed.
"Tita!" his blue eyes widened when he saw me, tumakbo siya sa akin at natutuwang yumakap ako sa kanya at pinanggigilan ang pisngi niya.
My niece and nephews grew up well and healthy. Pinalaki sila nang maayos ng mga magulang nila. They were focused on giving them a good life and I am proud of how my brothers were doing their best for their families. They were giving their families the best life like how our parents gave us their best too.
Nang sumulyap ako kay Thorn ay nakita kong kinukuyog na siya ng mga bata para maglaro kaya nangiti ako. I saw him kneeling on the floor, talking to the kids.
"Ate!" I walked towards my sisters and kissed them.
"Oh, Zid, everything good?" Ate Thallia asked me.
"Yes po," I smiled.
"Kumusta ang pagbubuntis mo? Are you sensitive?" Ate Reah asked me and I shook my head at that.
"Not really, kahit ano ay ayos lang sa kanya. Hindi naman ako pinapahirapan," sagot ko.
"Morning sickness, Zid?" Ate Alyx asked me with concern. "Ayan ang iniiyakan ko dati, kapag nagigising ako nang umaga at nagsusuka..."
Napatango rin 'yong dalawa, humaplos naman ako sa tiyan ko at ngumiti.
"Minsan, Ate Lyx, but not that often." Sagot ko.
"Then, Thorn must be taking care of you, hmm?" Ate Thallia teased kaya nangiti ako at tumango.
"Look, masama ugali ng mga kapatid mo minsan but look at them now," aniya. Sumulyap ako at nakagat ko ang labi ko nang makita ko ang mga kapatid ko at si Thorn sa sofa na nag-uusap at nag-aasaran.
Clyte was sitting on her father's lap and the kids were playing on the floor.
Yumakap ako kay Ate Thallia habang pinagmamasdan 'yong apat sa sofa.
My Mom and Dad was here, kagagaling lang nilang dalawa kagabi sa ibang bansa. They were celebrating their wedding anniversary overseas and I couldn't help but smile every time I saw my parents happy.
"Nagluto ako kasi feeling ko dadating ka," ani Kuya Zeijan na inakbayan ako.
"Hmm, thank you!" I smiled. "Then, paano mo nahulaang pupunta ako?"
"Advance kasi ako mag-isip," aniya at ngumisi. Sumimangot ako, tumawa naman siya at maya-maya'y nagsalita si Thorn.
"Wala na, finish na..." he exclaimed in a girly voice kaya napamura si Kuya Zeij at naghagalpakan ng tawa 'yong dalawa sa hapag.
We decided we would just stay here for the meantime to bond with my family, Thorn was getting fond of them, I saw his eyes smiling every time he was talking to my Mother.
Pinagmamasdan ko sila habang magkausap. My Mom was sitting in her wheelchair and Thorn was kneeling in front of her. He was telling her things and I saw how my Mom laughed and caressed his hair.
"I am glad he found family with us." Napasulyap ako kay Kuya Iñigo nang maupo siya sa tabi ko.
"Kuya..." I called him.
He glanced at my Mom and Thorn and kissed my head.
"Hindi ba siya malapit sa pamilya niya?" he asked me.
"Uhm, not really..." I answered him. "Si Ate Gwy ang kalapit niya, si Darius naman hindi masyado and his parents? Uhm... Hindi ganoon."
"Oh, that's why..." he smiled softly at me. "You know what he's been telling us whenever he's here for Clyte noong nasa ibang bansa ka?"
"What?" I asked curiosity kicking in.
"Every time we'll ask him why he's still staying despite the things we're doing?" aniya. "Tinatanong namin siya palagi bakit kahit ayaw namin sa kanya ay hindi siya sumusuko. You know what his answer is?" he asked.
"What?"
"He said you're his family," aniya. I gasped, kumalabog ang dibdib ko roon at nakagat ko ang labi ko.
"He said you're his home, sa 'yo lang daw siya nakakaramdam na tanggap siya. Sa 'yo lang daw siya nakakaramdam nang ganoon," aniya at ngumiti sa akin.
Nangilid ang luha ko, suminghap ako at sumandal kay Kuya at niyakap niya ako at tinahan.
"Who are we to stop him from being with his family?" bulong niya. "I understand him, Princess, hinding-hindi rin ako papayag na mapalayo ako sa Ate Thallia mo," aniya. "She's my home too, so, why would we stop him from pursuing you?"
"We may have faced challenges that almost made us stop hoping for being better but still we found each other, andito tayo ngayon, may pamilya na kami, masaya sina Mommy, ito kayakap ko ang prinsesa namin."
Suminghot ako at mas niyakap siya.
"Now, that your brothers are happy with their own families, who are we to stop our only princess' happiness?" he kissed my head.
"I want you and Thorn to be happy, Zid. Kahit sira ulo 'yang tinik na 'yan, kaya niyang makisabay sa kalokohan namin," he chuckled.
"K-Kuya, thank you..." bulong ko.
My heart had been pounding fast, full of love and happiness.
Sobrang saya ko...
"Anything for the princess," bulong niya sa akin.
Tanghali na nang magdesisyon 'yong tatlong lalaki na maglaro ng basketball sa may malapit sa garden. Naghanda ang mga maid ng snacks sa may malapit sa amin habang naglalaro 'yong tatlo.
My Mom and Dad were inside the mansion, playing with their grandchildren at narito kami sa labas habang pinapanuod 'yong tatlo.
Beside me was Thorn, his hand was wrapped possessively on my waist and his other hand was on my stomach. Nakagat ko ang labi ko nang marahang humaplos siya sa tiyan ko habang humahalik sa pisngi ko.
Ate Thallia, Ate Reah, and Ate Alyx were beside me, watching the boys play.
"Saan tayo mamaya?" bulong ko.
"Hmm, let's eat outside..." he whispered huskily and kissed my cheek again.
"Ang clingy naman ni Thornie," bulong ko. He chuckled, nodding his head and moved closer.
"My queen, I think I want mangoes..." bulong niya. Tumawa ako, hinaplos ko ang buhok niya at humalik sa ulo niya.
"Ikaw ba ang buntis?" I asked, amused. He shook his head, pouting.
"No, but..." he sighed. "Maybe later after we eat, punta tayong bilihan ng mangga."
"Okay..." bulong ko. "Then, if we get home, can you give me grilled marshmallows?"
"Hmm..." he nodded. "You have weird cravings, noong nakaraan gusto mo ng sinabawang talong tapos nang naluto ayaw mo na."
I pouted.
"Are you getting tired of me?" malungkot kong sabi at mabilis siyang napaayos ng upo.
"Of course not!" he exclaimed. "Hey, baby, look at me..."
Sinamaan ko siya ng tingin at nakita kong kumindat siya.
"Ang gwapo ng boyfriend mo, ano?" he teased. I shook my head, my lips still protruding.
"Of course, I won't get tired of serving my queen," he said. "Kahit sa kabilang mundo pa 'yang cravings mo, bibilhin ko."
"OA naman nito sa kabilang mundo!" kinurot ko ang pisngi niya at natatawang inabot niya ang kamay ko at hinalikan ang likod ng palad ko habang nakatingin sa mga mata ko.
"Oh, sa harapan mo pa talaga namin hinaharot ang prinsesa!" Sabay kaming napalingon sa harapan at nakitang nakatayo roon ang tatlo.
They were all topless with only their basketball shorts on, pawis na pawis iyong tatlo habang hinihingal kakatakbo.
"H'wag n'yo nang awayin ang Thornie ko!" I exclaimed.
Sumimangot sila, umirap naman ako at niyakap ang baywang ni Thorn na nangingiti sa akin.
"Hoy, Zidney, akala mo nakakatuwang tingnan kayong maglandian?" singhal ni Kuya Dash kaya umirap ako sa kanya. "Baby ka pa!"
"Wow, nagreklamo ba ako nang naglalandian kayo ni Ate Reah sa harapan ko?!" sikmat ko. Ate Reah chuckled, bigla namang napakurap si Kuya Dash at tumikhim.
"Sali n'yo na lang si Thornie sa laro n'yo, para kayong ewan, pinagkakaisahan n'yo si Kuya Zeij!" reklamo ko nang kanina ko pang napapansing nagkakampihan sina Kuya Iñigo at ayaw ibigay ang bola kay Kuya Zeijan.
"Tama-tama!" Kuya Zeij exclaimed. "Pinagkakaisahan ako, princess! Misis ko, inaaway ako nina Kuya!" he whined.
Sumulyap ako kay Thorn, I saw him staring at me, smiling. His face was in my full view and I always want to thank God for making me have this wonderful man.
"You want to join?" I asked.
"Hmm, if they'll allow me..." aniya. I smiled.
"Play for me, please?" I asked. "I want to watch you play..." I giggled when he nodded, kaagad akong bumaling doon sa tatlong nagpupunas ng pawis at nagsalita.
"Kuya, isali n'yo si Thorn!" I cheered.
Natahimik sila, sabay-sabay silang napalingon sa akin. I saw my Kuya Iñigo's serious face as he kept his stare towaards us.
He seems serious. Please, Kuya, pumayag ka na...
I took a glance at Thorn and he was staring at them, probably waiting for their answer.
He looked hopeful to join so I pouted.
Wawa naman ang baby Thornie ko!
Parang medyo naluluha na ako, ah!
"Kuya... Please..." I said.
"Go, baby, let Thorn join," ani Ate Thallia kaya nangiti ako roon at nang sumulyap ako kay Ate ay kumindat siya sa akin.
I glanced at Kuya's serious face, papayag na 'yan! Papayag na...
"No..." he said.
My mouth parted, I saw Thorn's shoulder slack.
"Pasok, Moira!" Kuya Dash exclaimed.
"At tumigil ang mundo..." Kuya Zeijan sang dramatically at napangiwi ako nang makitang lumapit doon si Ate Alyx at hinila ang tainga niya.
Napailing ako at natawa.
"Aww! Misis!" he whined.
"Ikaw na lalaki ka, pinatulan mo pa ang kalokohan ng kapatid mo!" pagalit ni Ate kay Kuya Zeij na parang maamong tupa.
"Tara..." Kuya Iñigo chuckled kaya napasulyap ako sa kanya. He smiled and winked at me kaya napapalakpak roon.
"Go, Thornie!" I exclaimed.
Thorn's jaw clenched, sumulyap siya sa akin bago humalik sa noo ko at tumayo para sumali sa tatlo.
Inabot ko ang juice ko sa lamesa roon at sumimsim habang pinagmamasdan sila.
Thorn was walking towards the boys and my eyes widened when he suddenly removed his shirt from the back, his strong back was in my sight, leaving him only with his jeans.
Nabulunan ako, pumasok sa ilong ko ang juice at napaubo.
"Oh, my god!" Ate Thallia exclaimed and caressed my back, patuloy ako sa pag-ubo at nakita kong napalingon si Thorn.
His forehead creased, nakita ko ang pag-aalala sa mata niya at akmang lalapit na sa akin pero mabilis akong umiling at nag-thumbs-up.
Hindi siya nagpapigil, mabilis siyang lumapit, walang shirt na suot kaya mas naubo ako at nasilaw sa katawan niya
"Hey, baby, are you..."
"Yes!" I exclaimed and nodded. "Sige, sige, do'n ka na..."
"Are you sure—"
"Yes! Sure na sure!" I exclaimed.
"But..." akmang hahawakan niya ako.
"Thorn, she's alright, sige na," natatawang sabi ni Ate Thallia kaya napatango si Thorn roon at napasulyap sa akin.
I saw his forehead crease at my sight and I forced a smile and nodded.
"Y-yeah..." I said.
He nodded, nagdadalawang-isip pa siyang tumalikod sa akin bago bumalik doon sa tatlo.
"Ikaw, huh, hindi mo kinaya?" Ate asked.
Napalabi ako, natatawang tumango at uminom ng juice.
Gosh, hindi ko kinakaya si Lolo Thornie! Looking at the four of them running under the sun, playing with the ball ay hindi kapani-paniwala.
My mouth parted as I watched Thorn bathed in his sweat but with a grin on his face. He brushed his wet hair with his fingers and chuckled when Kuya Zeijan shoot the ball.
Nag-apir silang dalawa at nangiti lang ako roon at nang sumulyap ako sa tatlong babae ay parang namamangha rin sila habang nanunuod sa apat na adonis doon na naglalaro sa ilalim ng araw.
Sa sunod papa-car wash ako kay Thorn habang wala siyang pantaas at naka-jeans lang tapos dadala ako ng kanin tapos papanuorin ko lang siya para sa ulam.
•─────⋅☾ ☽⋅─────•
WEARING a blue bodycon, a backless dress, I felt confident. My curly hair was on my both shoulders falling freely on my chest.
My cleavage was slightly exposed, the curves of my body were obvious and my stomach still looked kind of flat like I wasn't pregnant at all.
"You should at least wear my coat..." Thorn whined for the nth time, buong biyahe ay nangulit lang siyang magsuot ako ng coat niya pero ayaw ko.
"I'm fine nga kasi..." I smiled sweetly. He glanced at my chest and sighed.
"Come on, baby..." sinuklay niya ang buhok gamit ang daliri kaya mas nangiti lang ako at pinagmasdan siyang ayusin ang spectacles sa mga mata niya.
"You're here naman so you don't need to be worried. No one will drool if you're here beside me..."
"As if I can stop them..." iling niya. "Yes, I am here but your skin is too much to bear, my queen."
"You're too much to bear too, my king..." tawa ko. "Look at you, ang gwapo-gwapo mo..." I said, glancing at him.
He was wearing a black dress shirt with three buttons opened and a part of his toned chest was shown. He was wearing a black coat and slacks, with his white sneakers. His wavy, dark brown hair was utterly good, suited for his look. Plus, his glasses and beard made him look more like a Greek God, too perfect for a human like me.
"You're beautiful too," he said, amused.
"I know..." I chuckled. "A queen needs to be beautiful at all times," I said confidently and he chuckled and nodded.
"Uh-huh..." he said, raising his brow and glancing at me. Naningkit ang mata ko nang humawak ang kamay niya sa hita kong nakalabas dahil sa slit ng damit ko kaya napailing ako.
His hand moved upwards so I gasped and slapped his hand away.
"We'll date, Thornie! No love making for the meantime!" I said.
He sighed, umakyat ang kamay niya sa tiyan ko bago marahang lumapit at humalik ss labi ko.
"Alright, but how about later?" he teased. I remained serious and when he stared at me ay hinila ko ang batok niya para halikan ang labi niya.
"Shege..." I murmured and he chuckled, placing a peck on my lips and got down the car.
Sinundan ko siya ng tingin at nang katukin niya ang bintana sa pwesto ko ay binuksan ko ito.
"Let's go inside, Zid?" he asked.
"Hmm..." I nodded.
"Roses at the backseat, reyna ko..." I took a glance at the backseat and saw the elegant red roses at the back.
"Thank you..." I said softly, my heart filled with love.
"Happy birthday again, my innocent Scira..." he murmured and moved his head, I held his cheek, mula sa labas ng bintana ay inabot ko ang labi niya at kinintalan ng malalim at malambing na halik ang labi niya.
"Thank you, doc..." I smiled cheekily, kissed his cheek and when I got out ay kaagad akong kumapit sa braso niya papasok ng resto.
I was amazed the moment we entered the place, it wasn't a typical restos we often visit.
Nang pumasok na kami at nakarinig ng luma pero sikat na kanta noon ay gumaan ang loob ko. I smiled as I watched the neon lights on the place. Thorn guided me inside.
It was a 1950's themed diner! It gave me a lot of feelings! It was as if I was in America in their 50s!
"You like it?" I smiled and nodded. Natutuwang pinagmasdan ko ang lugar at nakitang dalawa lang kami ang tao roon.
The round, old-designed lights were on every top of the table and a red chair.
An old 50's red car was in the middle, and old magazines, newspapers and photographs were scattered as a design. The lights were in different colors, with cozy vibes.
"Why here?" I asked Thorn who was watching my reaction.
"Nothing, I just saw this place and thought of you..." he chuckled, assisting me to sit.
Nang maupo ay may lumapit sa amin para ibigay ang menu, I was having fun as I was staring at the staff, all of them were wearing pink, cute dresses and a cap that's the same as a sailor on their heads.
I saw mannequins here, Marilyn Monroe and the like.
Thorn ordered the foods while I took photos on my phone, naramdaman ko naman ang paghawak niya sa baywang ko kaya nangiti ako at sumandal sa kanya.
"Is that it, Sir?" the lady in pink uniform asked.
"Yup..." he smiled and nodded. I saw the lady blushed before leaving kaya napanguso lang ako at humalik sa panga ni Thorn.
"You rented the place for this?" I asked him.
"Yes..." he whispered, kissing my ear. "Hope you like it..."
"Of course!" I cheered. "I loved it!"
Yumakap siya sa akin, I lifted my phone, took a photo of us and he looked seriously into the camera.
"Ang serious naman!" I said. He chuckled, mas yumakap siya sa baywang ko at bahagyang tumungo sa leeg ko.
He nibbled my skin, and gave me a few light kisses and I giggled when the stubbles tickled me.
"Thorn..." I whined.
"Yes..." he asked huskily and kissed my earlobe, hinawi niya ang buhok ko kaya mas nangiti ako at iniliyad ang leeg ko.
"Let's take a photo again," bulong ko. He nodded, placing his chin on my shoulder and smiled at the camera.
I smiled too, malaki ang ngiti ko at siya nama'y may maliit pero sinserong ngiti. He kissed my cheek, nakuhaan ko iyon kaya natutuwang nag-swipe ako sa camera at ipinakita sa kanya ang litrato.
"Should I post this on IG?" I asked him. He nodded slowly, caressing my stomach.
"Yes," bulong niya. "Then open my Facebook account too, post it on my wall..."
"Should I?" I took a glance at him and he nodded. Kaagad ko namang pinost iyon sa Instagram ko with a heart caption at pagkatapos ay nilagay ko ang e-mail niya sa phone ko.
"What's your password, baby?" I asked him. Dumungaw siya sa phone ko at nagsalita.
"Zidney..." He said. My eyes widened, nilingon ko siya at napailing.
"Don't tell me..."
"Yup, baby, open it..." he said, naguguluhang binuksan ko iyon at nagulat nang mag-open ang account niya. My mouth parted, binuksan ko kaagad ang profile niya at nakitang ang picture naming tatlo nina Clyte ang kanyang profile picture.
I chose three photos from my phone, the same photos I posted on IG. Isang larawan doon ay ang seryoso siya, the next one was him smiling, and him kissing my cheek for the third one.
"What caption, Thornie?" I asked him.
"My queen..." he whispered huskily.
My heart almost burst, napatikhim ako at nang lingunin ko siya ay naaaliw na pinagmasdan niya ako.
"T-talaga?" I stuttered.
He chuckled, umayos siya ng upo at kinuha mula sa akin ang phone ko at siya na ang gumawa ng caption sa litrato.
"There..." he gave me back my phone and I blinked when I saw the photos having a lot of reactions in just a minute.
Thorn Arzeus Valderama added 3 photos.
I saw his caption at nakagat ko ang labi ko at niyakap ang baywang niya. I kissed his cheek at umakbay siya sa akin at bumulong.
"Thank you for being my family, Zidney..." he whispered softly. "For being with me at all times, for forgiving me, for understanding me, and accepting the things I can only do."
"Thank you rin..." I whispered softly, took a glance at his face, and caressed his jaw. "For accepting me for who I am, kahit noong akong pa si Scira."
"Even if you're Scira or Zidney... You'll always be my queen, kahit anong mangyari ikaw lang ang Reyna ko," bulong niya. "And I love you so, so much."
"I love you too, My King..." I whispered.
"Thank you for being strong even if I did horrible things to you, thank you for not relying on my sword while I was gone because you're carrying your own," aniya at hinaplos ang daliri ko.
"You know a queen can build her own empire with the same stone thrown at her, right?" I smiled.
His eyes softened, licking his lips and cocked his head.
"That's my queen..." he said proudly.
"And I am proud of my king..." ngiti ko at humalik sa baba niya. "I'm proud of you, Thorn... Really, really proud."
He cleared his throat, stopping his tears from falling so I kissed his lips and hugged him.
"I'll be your family, Thorn..." bulong ko sa kanya. "I'll always be proud of you no matter what happened."
"Zid..." he whispered. He held my shoulder, pushing me softly away from him, nagtaka ako roon. He cleared his throat and brushed his hair with his fingers.
Marahan siyang tumayo sa upuan, nagtataka akong tumayo nang ilahad niya ang kamay niya sa akin, I accepted it, marahan niya akong dinala sa gitna at nangiti ako nang lumamlam ang ilaw sa lugar.
I heard a soft music from the piano and I took a glance and was startled when I saw one of the employees singing there.
Wise men say only fools rush in
But I can't help falling in love with you...
Shall I stay?
I put my hands above his shoulder and he held my waist slowly, staring at my eyes and swaying me slowly.
Would it be a sin?
If I can't help falling in love with you?
A soft voice sang in the background as we swayed, my heart pounding as I stared at his midnight eyes illuminated with the colorful, dimmed neon lights.
Like a river flows surely to the sea,
Darling so it goes...
Some things are meant to be...
He spinned me and a smile escaped my lips as we danced softly with the music. He held my waist and moved my body on his chest and kissed my head.
He mouthed his I love you and pulled my waist slowly.
Take my hand, take my whole life too...
For I can't help falling in love with you...
"I know I was an asshole, I was a good-for-nothing man..." he whispered. "I am every bad thing and you're the only good thing that's ever happened to me, Zidney."
"Thorn..." I whispered. I sniffed, I saw how his eyes glistened with tears as he smiled softly and kissed my head.
"You know a king wouldn't be a king without his queen, right?" he asked and I nodded, tears started falling from my eyes.
He breathed hard, lowered his head and sighed before placing his hand in his pocket. He stared at my eyes and I gasped when he kneeled in front of me, showing me a red, elegant box.
"T-Thorn..." I murmured.
Oh, my god!
Nasapo ko ang bibig ko at nanatili siyang nakaluhod doon sa harapan ko at binuksan ang pulang kahon. I saw the shining diamond ring and my heart hammered.
"Zidney Agnieszka Sandejas..." he said, breathing hard and nervous. "My Scira, my baby... My queen... Will you give me the honor to serve you for the rest of my life?" he asked me sincerely. "Will you give me a chance to build an empire with you?"
"T-Thorn..." my voice broke in anticipation.
"P-please, Zid..." he begged. "G-give me a chance to prove my love for you for the rest of my life, give me the chance of officially making you my queen. W-will you marry me?" he asked, shaking, hoping I'd say yes and as I looked at him, I realized many things.
I realized that no matter how bad your past was, there will still be someone who will accept you for everything. For all the mess, for all the harsh experiences...
He didn't judge me, he was the only person who believed in me when no one else would. He is my king, my love, my thorns...
"Z-Zid, say yes..." he murmured like a lost boy, sniffing and I chuckled, with my eyes pooled with happy tears.
"N-nagpaalam ka ba kina Kuya?" I asked him and he nodded, still sniffing.
"T-they'll kill me if I don't..." he said and I giggled, nodding as I stared at him.
"Y-yes, Thorn... I'll marry you..." I answered.
He breathed hard, and a relaxed sigh left his lips as he cursed loudly and slipped the ring on my finger.
"D-damn..." he murmured and hugged me and I sniffed, hugging him back as he kissed my head repeatedly.
"I love you... I love you..." bulong niyang paulit-ulit. "I-I promise I will be a good husband, I'll be a good father. Pangako..."
"T-Thornie ko..." atungal ko na naging sobrang emosyonal at mas niyakap siya nang mahigpit.
"Ay, hala! Hindi nag-aya ng kainan!" My eyes opened when I heard Kuya Zeij's voice and my eyes widened when I saw my family at the entrance.
"D-Dad?" I stuttered at mas nanlaki pa ang mga mata ko nang makita ang pamilya ni Thorn na naroon din.
Mabilis akong sumulyap kay Thorn at nakitang nakangiti siya habang namumula ang mga mata sa kakaiyak.
"Daddy! My!" Clyte exclaimed and I smiled when she ran towards us, mabilis siyang binuhat ni Thorn at lumapit sa akin at may kung anong saya ang lumukob sa puso ko nang yakapin ni Clyte ang leeg naming dalawa habang tuwang-tuwa.
"Yehey! Happy family!" she screamed in happiness and I hugged Thorn and her back tightly as Thorn placed his head on my neck and hugged us.
"Z-Zid, bili tayong mangga..." ungot ni Thorn kaya napatawa ako at mas yumakap.
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