Photo booth

        I WOKE with Reeve's arm around my waist. I could feel his warm minty breath on my bare shoulders. Nakayakap sa baywang ko ang dalawang kamay niya habang nakapalupot sa binti ko ang kanya.

Hindi ko alam pero napangiti ako at maingat na hinaplos ang mukha niya, I planted a soft kissed on his cheeks before I quietly removed his arms on my waist. Nakahinga ako ng maluwag nang hindi siya nagising.

Dumiretso kaagad ako sa banyo para maligo and to prepare for work. Nasanay akong sa loob ng bathroom nagsusuot ng undergarments kaya lumabas akong nakasuot lang ng bra at underwear habang nasa buhok ang towel. I was shocked when I saw him on the edge of the bed, as if he was waiting for me.

Mabilis akong humila ng robe at sinuot sa sarili ko. He already saw me naked, but I still felt awkward and the embarrassed prickled on my skin when he saw me wearing my undergarments only.

"My wife, you didn't wake me up," he said as he stood up and embraced me. I felt him sniff my hair before he let me go.

I gulped. "Sorry, I don't wanna disturb your sleep," I said apologetically.

"Maliligo lang ako at ihahatid kita sa hospital, alright?"

I shook my head, refusing his offer. "You don't have to. I have my car at baka mabinat ka niyan. Kagagaling mo lang sa sakit," I reminded.

"Please?" he pleaded.

My mouth slightly fell open when he looked at me with puppy eyes. I gulped before I slowly nodded.

"O-Okay," I muttered in defeat.

His lips stretched for a smile before he marched towards the bathroom. Habang nasa banyo siya ay sinamantala ko na ang pagkakataon. I went to the closet to get my clothes. I wore a dusty pink blouse with a ribbon in the collar that I partnered with my brown trousers and heels from Dior.

I did my make-up before I went downstairs. Reeve, and I had our quick breakfast together before we bid our goodbyes to Scout and Beau, including Celine.

Hinatid na nga ako ni Reeve sa hospital, and since I don't have my car with me, susunduin niya ako maya maya. He even informed me that he would only take a half day at work since he just went off from being ill, which I totally agreed with.

DAYS went on, and today was my off. I decided to buy some groceries since our stocks were about to run out, and I didn't have things to do since my parents were both busy in managing our companies. Khrizanta is also busy because she's incoming third year this year.

But I texted mom that I would be fetching Kryptone in his school today. Balak kong magbonding kami pagkatapos ng pasok niya kaya ako na ang nagvolunteer na sunduin siya. I also texted his driver, which is my old driver, si Kuya Bong.

I'm just wearing a black cut-out tank top that I paired with my denim jeans and Dior heels. I let my hair down and just wear a ribbon clip as an accessory. I was about to get my keys when Reeve suddenly entered the room. His eyebrows knotted when he saw my look. Pinasadahan niya ako ng tingin.

"Are you going somewhere?" he asked.

I grabbed my keys and nodded. "Yup! I decided to shop for groceries in the mall, and I'm also picking up Kryptone in school,"

His eyes narrowed slightly. "You're going to the mall without me?" He sounded like he got deceived.

My mouth fell open. "But you have a visitor. Nandito si Luhen,"

"He already left, wife." He clarify. "Wait for me, okay? I'll come with you,"

Wala na akong magawa kung hindi ang hayaan siyang samahan ako. Siguro nga mas maganda kung kasama ko siyang mamimili ng mga groceries, since he was the one cooks our food.

Nagshower na siya kanina kaya nagpalit na lang siya ng suot. He was wearing a fitted white shirt and a pair of gray slacks. He smells so good that I secretly sniff his scent. I looked at his hand when he took his car keys, a silver watch on his wrist, and a familiar ring on his ring finger was visible. 

Napalunok ako nang maalalang 'yon ang aming wedding ring na never ko sinuot simula nang alisin ko siya sa daliri ko, 11 years ago. I looked away and gulped when I felt a slight pang in my chest.

I checked the time, and it was perfect to start to travel the road. We will pick up Kryptone at his school first before we go to the mall. I told him the exact address of the Reedley international school where Kryptone is studying.

After an almost thirty minutes, nakarating na kami sa RIS. I immediately get out of the car when I saw some students coming out of the gate. I looked for my brother, and my eyes gleamed in delight when I saw him talking with a kid the same as his age.

I waved at him. "Kryptone!" 

He turned in my direction, and his eyes widen he saw me. "My sister is here!"

I bent down to hug him. "Baby! How was your day?" Tanong ko.

"It was fun, Ate!" His smile grew wider. "Why are you here, po? Nasaan po si Kuya Bong?"

"I told him I'll be picking you up today, baby. And don't you like to see me?! We're going to the mall pa naman," Ngumuso ako.

"Really?! Can we play in the arcade, ate?!"

I nodded and cupped his cheeks. "Of course!" He jumped right away.

The window from the shotgun seat rolled down, revealing Reeve. "Hey, done catching up?" he asked softly.

"Hello, po! I didn't know you were with my Ate po," my brother politely said when he saw Reeve.

Reeve smiled before opening the door for us. Ilang sandali pa at binabaybay na namin ang daan papunta sa mall. I am entertaining my brother while inside the car. May mga oras na sumasali si Reeve sa amin.

Nang makarating kami sa mall ay pinaiwan ko na lang ang backpack ni Kryptone sa loob ng sasakyan. We decided to eat first before we headed to the market. We went inside the fast food restaurant where Kryptone told us they serve food with toys.

Reeve was the one who ordered for us. He bought Chicken McNuggets Happy Meal for Kryptone. Although he still bought spaghetti with chicken for him. Same order lang kami ni Reeve, 1pc chicken with fries, and hamburgers.

"What did you get, baby?"

He turned at me with his mouth open. "Wow! I got a Mario and Toad kart, ate!" He announced.

"Oh my! I'm so happy for you, baby! You have new toys!"

He smiled at me before looking at Reeve. "Thanks for buying it for me, Kuya," he muttered, and then I felt something warm in my heart when he hugged him.

Reeve looked stunned for a bit, but he also tapped Kryptone's back. "You're welcome, buddy," he muttered. 

Nagpatuloy kami sa pagkain at nang matapos ay dumiretso na kami sa market. Reeve was the one pulling the cart while I am holding Kryptone's hand. Nang dumaan kami sa candy section ay binilhan ni Reeve si Kryptone ng kung ano ano.

Napakagat labi ako nang mapansing ako na ang nagtutulak sa push cart habang sila ang magkahawak kamay. I took my phone out of my pocket and took a photo of them. Napangiti ako habang nakatitig sa litratong kinuha ko. I sent the picture to Mom, para alam niyang nag-eenjoy si Kryptone.

I beamed when I went first to hand my card to the cashier. "You already paid for our food. The groceries were on me," 

Reeve snorted. "Remind me to be faster next time," he muttered cockily.

I just snickered. "Let's go! Kryptone wants to play in the Arcade," sabi ko at tinulungan siyang magbuhat ng mga pinamili namin. Although, isang plastic lang iyong akin tapos magaan pa dahil toiletries ang laman no'n.

Reeve didn't argue with me when I told him I was the one who would pay for the token. Nang makabili na kami ng maraming token ay hinayaan ko silang maglarong dalawa. I took photos and videos of them while playing with every machine they encountered.

"Ate, let's go there!" He pointed to the snapshot photo booth.

"Sure—Don't run!" I exclaimed when he ran towards the booth.

"Where's Kryptone?" I turned around when I heard Reeve's voice behind me. Tinuro ko iyong booth na kulay puti.

"I think he wants to take a photo there," I muttered before I followed my brother inside the booth.

Nang makapasok ako sa loob ng booth ay nakatayo na si Kryptone doon sa may plastic stool dahil hindi nakikita sa screen iyong mukha niya.

"Ate, I can't reach the screen from here!" reklamo niya nang tumabi ako sa kanya.

I manoeuvred the screen first before the timer started, and when it reached the last 3 seconds, we did a pose.

We still have five remaining shots. In the second and third shots, we did a wacky pose. In the fourth and fifth shots, I stuck out my tongue, and Kryptone did the same, but his two hands were on his head, making a peace sign.

"Kiss me on my cheeks, baby. Go!" I panicked when the timer became faster.

Kryptone kissed me on the cheeks and giggled when he got to see all the results on the screen. 

After waiting for a minute, Naprint kaagad iyong mga pictures namin. It was two copies, so I gave one to Kryptone. 

"This is so cute, Ate! Kayo naman po ni Kuya Reeve!" Tumalon siya pababa sa plastic stool kaya napatalon din ang puso ko dahil baka mabalian siya.

"Don't run!" I reminded him, but he already left.

It took only a few seconds for Reeve to enter the booth. Medyo nagtataka iyong mukha niya pero nang dumako ang mga mata niya sa screen na nasa harapan ay nawala 'yong pagkakunot ng noo niya.

He took a quick glanced at me. "Photobooth, huh?" he muttered.

"It was his idea, not mine! Where's he?" I muttered.

The corner of his lips raised. "He's safe, wife. He's just outside the booth,"

"Okay," sagot ko.

"So. . ." he trailed off. "Are we going to take a photo, or we would just talk here?" he muttered.

"Isn't obvious?" I quip and look at the screen.

I saw him smirking. He was too tall that he needs to crouch a little so his face would be fully seen on the screen. Hindi naman kasi kalakihan 'yong booth.

I panicked when the timer started. I didn't know what pose to do, so I just smiled. Natigilan ako nang makitang nakatingin sa akin si Reeve sa unang shot. He didn't look away even when I caught him staring at me instead of making a pose.

I frown a little. "Look at the screen and not at me! Also make a pose for the second, and third shot," reklamo ko habang nakatingala sa kanya.

He cocks an eyebrow, but I see the smile he tries to bite back. Napairap na lang ako dahil mukhang hindi naman siya makikinig sa akin. When the timer started again, nabigla ako nang akbayan niya ako.

Hindi ko inaasahan ang ginawa niyang pag-akbay sa akin kaya nakatingin ako sa kanya sa second shot. I groaned and hit him in his arms.

"Nakakainis ka naman, 'eh!" I grumbled.

He let out a low chuckle. "What did I do? You told me to pose," he rebukes innocently.

"Whatever," I snide. "Please, be serious for the rest of the shots!" I grumbled.

He nodded, stifling a smile. "Oh, I will, wife,"

Sa third shot ay pareho kaming nakatingin sa screen at nakangiti. In the Fourth shot, Reeve put his arm around me again, but this time, I let him. I blew a kiss on the screen while he kissed me on the cheeks making my cheeks scorch. For the fifth shot, I leaned on his chest, making him stiffen for a second. I smirked when I witnessed my effect on him.

After we took the fifth shot, my jaw hinged when he flexed his arm on the screen. His veins protrude, and his muscles move sexily. Naramdaman kong nag-init muli ang magkabilang pisngi ko pero hindi ko rin maiwasan ang hindi matawa.

"Seriously?! Flexing your arms in the screen?"

He raised his eyebrow at me. "Why not? I work hard to have this arms. And don't you love my arms, wife?" He playfully smiled at me.

I looked at him, dazed. "What?! What are you talking about?" 

"You kept staring into my arms. Every time," he snide, emphasizing the word 'every time'.

My mouth fell open.

"Ang kapal mo naman?!" I exclaimed after a second.

He gave me a menacing look, yet his expression remained playful.

When the timer started, hindi ko na alam ang gagawin ko. That's when I felt his arm encircled around my waist, pulling me closer. Then, he snakes his other hand on the back of my nape, and kisses me!

Gusto kong tumili nang makita 'yon sa screen. That was our last shot! I put my hand on his chest, slightly pushing him. I felt his chest vibrate when he let out a low and soft chuckle. The sudden kiss he gave me just took my breath away. I hit him on his arms.

"You kissed me!"

"Yes, I did," he muttered like a proud dad.

"Ugh!" I grumbled, and marched outside. 

Ilang segundo lang ay nakangiting lumabas ng booth si Reeve. I rolled my eyes at him when our eyes met. He took the photos on the printer and handed me my copy. I glanced at him and witnessed how he stared at the photo like it was the most precious thing he had ever seen.

"My love," I heard him murmur.

I bit the inside of my cheeks, and look away. "Gutom kana?" I asked Kryptone who made new friends today.

"Opo!" His tone perked up.

Ngumiti ako at inayos ang buhok niya. "What do you want to eat? Pizza?"

He nodded. "Pizza, and Ice cream!"

"Alright," Ngumiti ako. "Reeve, let's go home," I called him.

He walked beside me and nodded. "Alright," he agreed.

Nagpaalam na si Kryptone sa mga bago niyang kaibigan bago kami dumiretso sa sasakyan. We decided to take away some food instead of eating inside the pizza parlor. We ordered four boxes of pizza for us, and the rest was for my parents, and Celine. Bumili rin kami ng Ice cream for Kryptone.

Hinatid namin si Kryptone sa Forbes bago kami dumiretso pauwi sa bahay. After half an hour, nakauwi na rin kami. I saw Beau and Scout race towards us the moment we step inside the house. I bent down and kissed both of their head. After they stopped in front of me, they went to their father.

He bent down and caressed their heads. "Did you two behave while we're out?" he softly asked like he was talking to kids.

Napaawang ang labi ko nang tumahol sila ng sabay at dinamba ng yakap si Reeve. He let out a soft chuckled, and caressed their heads. Napangiti ako.

"I guess you missed daddy," he muttered.

"Magandang gabi po," Lumabas si Celine mula sa kusina. 

"Celine, here's a pizza for you." Ngumiti ako sa kanya at inabot ang pizza.

"Hala! Maraming salamat po, Ma'am! Thank you, Sir!"

Ngumiti lang ako sa kanya. I excused myself because I was eager to take a shower. Reeve stayed downstairs to play with his fur babies. After I finished taking a shower, and doing my skincare routine, I sauntered on the bed wearing my silk sleep wear.

Minutes passed, The door opened, revealing Reeve, who was also fresh from the shower. Sa kabilang kwarto siya nagshower since ginagamit ko 'yong shower namin kanina. Hindi naman pwedeng sabay kami.

"Not yet sleepy?" he asked when he saw me wide awake.

I didn't talk. I only nodded, and lay down, covering myself with the comforter. Pinatay niya na ang ilaw at hinayaan na ang dalawang lamp ang nakasindi. He sauntered towards the bed and lay down.

"Aren't you tired? Hmm?" Tanong niya. I felt his lips on my hair, planting a gentle kiss.

"I am," I mumbled.

"Then, let's sleep, wife." He wrapped his hands around my waist, pulling me closer. "Good night, amour." He kissed my temple.

I bit my bottom lip when I heard the word 'amour'. Hearing him call me my wife already makes all my pulse in my bodywork in one, then this. . . It was just one word yet my heart went frenzy in an instant.

"You asleep?" he whispered when I didn't say good night. He peeked at me and pursed his lips when he saw me still awake.

"I–I will now," I gulped. "Good night, Reeve," I closed my eyes and let him embrace me until we both fell asleep.

© Fushia