"WOW, FRESH NA FRESH," nakangiting sunod kay Lily ng mga mata ni Beta.

Tulad ng napagkasunduan nila, nagkita sila ng Linggo ng gabi. To Beta's surprise, Lily proposed for them to meet in a garden park. Malawak ang open field niyon na nalalatagan ng sariwa at berdeng-berdeng damo. May mayayabong na mga puno rin sa paligid, karamihan ay maaaring ipagpalagay nang higit sa limang dekada ang edad. Bukod doon, may mga nagkalat ding halamanan doon at dito na namumulaklak. The place was vibrant due to the bright colors they bring in the daylight. Pero dahil gabi nagpasyang magkita sila Lily at Beta, nakukulambuan ang mga puno, halaman at open field ng dilim at mabigat na mga anino.

It was a moonless night. The only source of light was the lifeless yellow beam from stationed light posts. May isang poste ng ilaw malapit sa puno ng mangga. Nakapuwesto sa ilalim ng punong iyon ang isang batong bench na walang sandalan. Halos nakakabit na ang sementadong bench sa konkretong sidewalk na pinagtayuan niyon, sidewalk na kinalatan ng mga naglaglagang gabutil at dilaw na bulaklak ng mangga. Malapit doon, katabi ng sementadong gutter, magkasunod na nakaparada ang mga kotse nila Lily at Beta.

"How can you tell?" ngiti ni Lily sa kaibigan.

Umusog agad si Beta para bigyan siya ng espasyong makaupo sa bench katabi nito.

"Hindi ka pa nakakalapit dito, amoy na amoy ko na 'yang pabango mo."

"Elizabeth Taylor," she grinned, pushing back her hair strands that draped over her shoulder. Her short blonde dyed hair that was still damp from her evening bath. Wala nang oras noon mag blowdry ng buhok si Lily dahil...

"Kaya ka pala amoy matanda," biro ni Beta patungkol sa kanyang ginamit na pabango.

"Sira! Ang bango-bango kaya!" depensa niya.

But she has a deeper reason to be more defensive.

Gustong-gusto kaya ni Jared 'yung amoy... komento ni Lily na sinarili na lamang. Dahil naalala niya ang lalaki, nagbalik sa kanya ang dahilan ng pagmamadali at medyo pagka-late sa pagkikita nila ni Beta.

Aside from spending the whole night in The Org with Jared, they also spent the whole Sunday together in her house. They did some renovations there... Ginabi sa bahay niya ang lalaki. Siya pa ang nauna ritong umalis ng bahay.

"I know, I have a nose. I am just kidding, girl," tawa ni Beta na pinasadahan siyang muli ng tingin. "What a lovely long-sleeved contour dress."

"I really look good in pink," tuwid ni Lily ng upo kaya mas lalong humakab sa kanyang dibdib ang v-neck na dress. "And you're very lovely in red."

Sumulyap saglit si Beta sa suot nitong pulang wrap blouse. Tinernuhan iyon ng kanyang kaibigan ng mahigpit na black jeans at pulang high heels. On professional and formal occasions, Beta usually tied her hair up in a ponytail. But in this moment, she let her long hair hung down toweling her back perfectly straight.

"Someone's in a light spirit tonight. Mukhang anuman ang pinoproblema mo nitong nakaraan, na-solve na."

"Oh, not really," tinuon ni Lily sa harap ang tingin.

Sumeryoso na si Beta. "Then, I guess, this just means, you're more ready to talk about it now. Since, you don't look that affected at all. Or are you still? Tell me."

She took in a deep breath. "Nitong Monday pa ako nag-stop magtrabaho sa Variant."

At nilahad niya ang mga nangyari sa kaibigan.

"This should be in your favor," wika nito. Hindi masabi ni Lily kung pinapagaan lang ba ni Beta ang kanyang loob kaya iyon ang sinabi. "Kasi, ano ba ang mapapala mo if you stick around there? You'll never learn how to fly when you're around people who clip your wings."

Nasa harap ang tingin niya ulit. Nasa mabigat na mga anino na kumukumot sa mga puno at halaman. Mga aninong umunat at naabot ang pili-piling parte ng open field sa kanilang harapan.

"Exactly. But I can endure being around them, just to have Variant. I want to have Variant."

"You can always find a job. A better job," worry was in Beta's eyes. "Start from scratch. Nandito ako. I'll help you along the way."

"Come on," malungkot ang ngiti niya sa kaibigan. "Huwag mo akong itulad kay Nena. I can do this on my own, Beta." Napayuko siya. May na-realize na naman. Nalungkot. "You believe that I can do things on my own, right? Kaya siguro, mas attentive ka ngayon kay Nena. Kaya mas inaalagaan mo siya at mas concerned ka sa kanya."

"Halika nga rito, pa-baby," lahad nito ng mga braso, nasa akto na yayakapin siya.

To Beta's surprise, Lily freely leaned against her. Yumakap ang mga braso niya sa bewang ni Beta. Naka-recover din sa gulat ang kaibigan at dahan-dahang binaba ang mga braso para ibalot sa kanya. Shock were still in Beta's eyes and dropped-open mouth. But soon, a small smile stretched her red lips. Despite her friend's uncertainty, Lily kept still in their gentle embrace.

"Nakaka-pressure ba? Na lagi akong nagde-demand sa mga taong nakakalapit ko na... na huwag akong iiwanan?"

"Baliw," mahina nitong tawa, dinadaan siya sa biro para pagaanin ang kanyang loob.

Her heart grew more at ease. She felt so sure that she's Beta's best friend. Beta doesn't just joke around with anyone, but only with people who are close to her heart.

The side of her head cradled at the nook of Beta's neck.

"I'll get you a job at Corinstones—"

"Ayoko," ngiti niya at nagpahiwatig kay Beta na hihiwalay na sa pagkakayakap dito.

"Accepting other's help doesn't make you weak," salo ni Beta sa kanyang mga mata.

"I know. But the only help I need from you is..." mahina niyang tinapik ang balikat ng kaibigan, "to just let me be."

Mapang-unawang tingin na lamang ang naibigay nito sa kanya.

"It's time for me to really take charge of my own life. To stand up for myself. To be man enough to face the consequences of the things I did, the decisions I've made... whether I like it or not, whether I deserve it or not."

Halata sa mga mata ni Beta na kumpiyansa ito sa kanyang pasya. There was contentment in her friend's smile towards her. Yet, Lily could feel that little worry from Beta . A worry rooted from uncertainty.

"Walang katotohanan ang bintang sa akin ni Basil, Beta. Ano ang dapat kong ikatakot sa kanila?" She gave Beta a reassuring smile. "Haharapin ko sila."

Nagulat ito. "Babalik ka sa Variant?"

.

.

IT WAS ALREADY LATE. Napansin ni Lily na nakaparada pa rin sa tapat ng kanyang gate ang kotse ni Clint... ang kotse nitong si Jared ang gumagamit dahil nagpalitan nung nakaraan ang mga ito. Lily would not forget that detail especially when it happened on her birthday. Especially when it was the day when she was first introduced by Jared to his brother. Especially when it was the day when Lily met Nena once again.

Lily sighed and parked her car in front of Jared's. Mabagal na inatras niya iyon nang mai-parallel park. Ingat na ingat siyang huwag mabunggo ang kotse ng binata.

Nang makapasok sa bahay, nakita niyang nakahiga si Jared sa sofa.

Tulog na ito habang nakabuklat na nakataob sa dibdib ang bago nitong libro ni Agatha Christie.

Lily stopped right there, clutched her small bag against her chest while admiring Jared with her eyes. Dahil sa pagkakahiga nito sa sofa nang tulog, unan-unan ang isa sa mga arm rest niyon, naalala niya ang unang gabi sa Antwerp.

On her first night in Antwerp, si Jared ang kanyang nakasama. Pinatulog siya nito sa kwarto nito, habang ito naman ay nagtiyagang mamaluktot sa sofa ng tinitirahan.

She held her breath and noticed how his eyebrows slightly furrowed in his sleep. That gave him a worried look. He fell asleep full of worries.

Nag-alala ba siya dahil anong oras na hindi pa ako umuuwi kanina?

Binaba ni Lily sa solohang sofa ang bag at umupo sa maliit na espasyo ng sofa.

Sa tabi ni Jared.

Her legs pressed, slanted sideways as she tilted her torso slightly to face Jared's direction. Dinampot niya ang libro, inipit ang isang daliri sa pahina kung saan iyon nakabuka. She could not help peeking on the page he was reading before sleeping:

She was, in every respect, a typical product of her generation. She had both is virtues and vices. She was autocratic and often overbearing, but she was also intensely warmhearted. Her tongue was sharp but her actions were kind. She was outwardly sentimental but inwardly shrewd. She had a succession of companions whom she bullied unmercifully, but treated with great generosity. She had a great sense of family obligation.

Lily hoped Jared thinks of her when he read those lines. Nagandahan siya sa nabasa kaya nagkainteres na kumuha ng sariling kopya niya ng libro. Lily turned her hand to angle the book and see its cover.

"Dumb Witness," mahinang basa niya sa titulo ng aklat ni Agatha Christie.

Her heart pounded upon reading that. Something rang a bell to it. She could not explain it.

Napailing siya at maingat na tinaob sa malapit na mesita ang libro. Sinigurado niyang hindi maaalis ang pagkakabuklat ng libro sa pahinang binabasa pa ni Jared. Then, she returned her eyes on him. She paused again. Lily wanted to go on and just get through the night. She needed enough rest— a vigorous spirit and sharp, alert mind. It seemed required if she plans to kick asses upon her return at Variant. Pero nahihila siya ng nararamdaman para kay Jared. Paghanga at pangungulila at paghahangad.

Hindi niya napigilang damahin ang gilid ng mukha nito. Her delicate fingers trailed gently and followed the sharp line of his left jaw. His small stubbles pricked her fingers, but Lily would rather feel them if it's the smallest price she needed to pay just to touch Jared.

Breathtakingly gorgeous. Gising man ito o tulog, ang lakas pa rin ng epekto ng lalaki sa kanya.

Pinagbigyan siya ng mga anghel dela guardia ng binata. They extended her chance to savor this moment to just sit and look at his face. To just admire him and touch him with utmost care. But Lily's own guardian angel happened to be a strict disciplinarian after all. Hindi man lang nito nagawan ng paraan ang kanyang pagod at antok. Hindi niya napigilang mapahikab.

She immediately covered her mouth, finished her yawning.

Ayaw niyang istorbohin ang tulog ni Jared pero hinihila na siya ng antok. She gently tapped his arm. Nilakasan pa niya nang hindi ito magising agad.

"Jared," paulit-ulit niyang tawag dito.

He slightly turned his head, flinched and then crumpled his face before his eyes adjusted to the light. Siya ang unang naapuhap ng namumungay sa antok pa nitong mga mata. Her lips dropped open a little. She just could not explain why her heart skipped alive just to watch him waking up.

Sinimangutan siya agad ng binata. Tinaas nito ang braso para i-check ang suot na relo.

"Alas-onse na—"

"Oh, so?" mataray niyang depensa agad sa sarili. "What time are you expecting me to come home in my own house? Alas-otso? Daig mo pa ang lolo."

Nagpipigil siya ng ngiti nang ilapat ang kamay sa dibdib nito. Napasulyap doon si Jared bago sinalubong ang kanyang tingin.

"Nag-dinner ka na?"

Lily worried. "Oo. Ikaw?"

"I already did."

She sighed in relief. Pero mabilis ding nagbago ang ekspresyon sa kanyang mukha.

"Bakit nga pala nandito ka pa? Wala ka bang balak umuwi?"

Dahan-dahang umupo ang binata, dumulas tuloy ang kamay niyang nakalapat sa dibdib nito. Bumaba sa bandang tiyan nito. Tiyan na medyo matigas. Lily could already feel prickling heat tickling her cheeks. Ilang usog na lang kasi ng kanyang mga kamay at maaabot na niya ang pagitan ng mga hita nito.

"Paano ako makakauwi? I have to make sure first that you're home safe," hinanap nito sa paligid ang libro. Tumigil lang sa kakalinga nang mamataan iyon na nasa mesita.

"You can just call me or text me," irap-irapan niya rito. "O baka naman dahil tulad nila, wala kang tiwala sa akin."

"I'd rather see it for myself, Lily," titig nito sa kanyang mga mata. "I'd rather be right here and see you home safe in person. So that before you sleep, I can give you this."

In a dash, Jared leaned towards her and pressed a soft kiss against her lips.

Lily's eyes widened, a jolt of cool, sweet electric scattered all over her and stayed even if Jared already pulled away from their kiss.

"That's all," haplos nito sa kanyang buhok, padulas sa gilid ng kanyang mukha bago huminto pasalo sa kanyang pangahan. He thumbed on her cheek, gazing at her in a moment, before he gently patted it. "I'm going home now."

Inalis ni Jared ang kamay niya sa tiyan nito, tinaas ang mga binti. Tatayo na sana ito nang ipatong niya ang isang kamay sa kaliwang tuhod ng binata. That made him stop and glance at her.

"Stay here for the night. Again, please, Jared," her eyes mirrored the small plea in her voice.

He gave her a gentle smile and a considering look. Then those transformed into a mischievous grin.

"I would love to. Pero may pasok na ako bukas sa Variant." Of course, Jared didn't know her plan about going to Variant tomorrow yet. "Papagurin mo lang ako—"

Tinampal niya ito sa braso. "Anong papagurin! Is that what you think of me? That I will only ask you to stay just because I want a fuck?"

Natatawang nginitian lang siya nito. He stared at her as if he was looking at the most beautiful thing in the world.

"I am just kidding, Lily. To be honest, baka ako ang hindi makapagpigil kapag dito ako natulog," he drew his face closer to hers. "Kasama mo..."

She jumped at the opportunity, held both sides of his face in place then smashed her lips against his'. Tumugon agad ang binata. At mabilis na nagliyab ang kanilang halikan. It turned torrid real quick like an explosion. Flames scattered everywhere on that sofa up to the bedroom.

.

.

.

***

.

.

.

"YOU'RE ALREADY A STRONG PERSON, LILY. You don't need to prove it time and time again. It's okay to just go away from Basil, from everyone there, instead of staying and tolerating the way they're treating you just to show them you're strong enough to endure."

Habang naglilitanya si Jared, katabi ito ni Lily sa harap ng malaking salamin sa bathroom ng kanyang bahay. Abala siya sa pagsusuklay ng bagong blowdry na buhok, puting-puti ang suot. Si Jared naman ay isa-isang binutones pababa ang itim nitong long-sleeved polo. Bagong paligo at bahagyang magulo pa ang alon-alon na buhok. Tiny stubbles were already poking against his skin, trailing from one jaw to the chin to the other side of his jaws.

"Hindi naman ako nag-stay doon para sa kanila, Jared. Hindi ako nagtitiis para sa kanila. Gusto kong makuha ang Variant. Gusto kong makahanap ng butas o opportunity para masilip sila at magkaroon ng reason para mapunta sa akin ang Variant." Then, she turned to him. Fuck, he's just so dashing it made her pause. Naputol ang humahangang pagtitig niya sa gwapo nitong mukha nang lingunin siya at saluhin ang kanyang mga mata ng matiim nitong mga titig. "My future is so bleak, Jared baby. And it grows dimmer now that I have zero chances of having Variant." She faced her own reflection again. Bumilis ang pagsusuklay niya sa buhok nang mabuhayan ng determinasyon sa dugo.

"Be honest with me," harap nito sa kanyang direksyon. "Bakit pinagpipilitan mong mapunta sa'yo ang pag-manage sa Variant?"

Napatitig siya sa sarili sa salamin. Parang gusto niyang usigin ang repleksyon na i-realtalk siya.

"I know," patuloy nito, "kinuwento mo na sa akin na iyan ang goal mo kaya nagtrabaho ka sa Variant. Basil will give you a house and car in exchange of you being a photocopier at Variant. At sasamantalahin mo namang habang nasa Variant ka, gagawan mo ng paraan na mapasaiyo ang management ng company. You're even willing to play dirty tricks, find something to ruin their reputation just to be seen legible for management. Because, you're not sure until when Basil will allow you to stick around. Na sa oras na tanggalin ka niya, poof. Wala ka nang trabaho. Pero kung mapupunta sa iyo ang management ng Variant, magiging secure na ang future mo. But that's not it."

Napalingon siya sa binata. His understanding eyes spoke to her soul.

"I don't think that's the only reason. You're better than that."

"No one believed me. No one trusted me. No one thinks I am responsible enough. But I'm still hurt, nung pinagbintangan ako ni Basil tungkol sa mapanirang post na iyon." Napayuko siya, napaisip. Napabalik-tanaw sa lahat ng sakit na pinagdaanan niya sa buhay. "So what makes you think, I have a better reason to want Variant."

"Are you sure that, you're not wanting to manage Variant in order to prove something to your family?"

Gulat na napaangat siya ng mga mata. Napamaang siya habang nakatitig sa lalaki.

Her heart haven't pounded this rapidly. She felt caught in the middle of an act in a crime scene.

"Answer me," patience made his voice gentle.

"I'm tired of proving things to my family. Kaya nga, lahat ng binibintang nila sa akin, sinasakyan ko na lang, 'di ba?" tinapos niya ang pagsusuklay at nag-spray ng Elizabeth Taylor sa sarili. Pakiramdam niya, nililinis niya ng pabango ang sarili mula sa mabaho niyang pagde-deny.

Isa ito sa mga bagay na kinatatakot niya kay Jared, eh. He can read her mind effortlessly.

No, not read her mind. Mas makatotohanang sabihing, nakabisado na agad ng binata ang pagkatao niya.

Mahina itong tumawa. "A soft, chewed bubble gum, kahit gaano kakapal na papel pa ang ibalot mo, malambot na bubble gum pa rin."

Inirapan niya ito. Napakahaba talaga ng pasensya ng lalaki sa kanya. Natitiyaga nito kahit ilang beses pa siyang mag-in denial dito. There were moments she wanted to spill already, to pour her heart out on Jared. But everything felt so new for Lily.

It felt like being back in highschool and being scared of telling your crush all about yourself. Scared because you might turn them off. So, she prefer to carefully craft herself as someone good in her crush's eyes. Someone although not perfect, but at least, pleasant.

Beautiful. Strong.

Pinapangunahan siya ng nakasanayan nang defense mechanism. Nalulungkot tuloy siya dahil alam naman niyang hindi ganoong klase ng tao si Jared. Jared won't judge her. Jared won't be turned off with her... or her past.

He said that also. She believed him.

And yet, she's not yet comfortable. She's not yet ready.

He seemed to respect that. He understood. He made her feel it's okay if she's not yet ready to tell him everything. But still it gnawed her inside, being scared of Jared's reactions. Being scared of being judged and misjudged anyways. Scared of trusting the wrong person again. Scared of believing the wrong things again.

Jared's voice took her away from her thoughts. "No matter how many times you wrap their accusations around you so you'll look like this gray paper they assume you are, you're still that soft, pink bubble gum."

"Sa lahat ng metaphor na iko-konek mo sa akin 'yung nanguya pang bubblegum. Ano ba naman 'yan. Nasaan na 'yung pagiging hopeless romantic mo?" baba niya sa bote ng pabango sa isang sulok para unatin ng mga kamay ang suot na blazer.

"Well, aren't you like one? Life bit your ass and chewed you for so many times. Nadurog ka, oo. But once you've stuck yourself into something, they'll have a hard time taking you away."

She turned at Jared, seeing him and his words in a new light.

In a better and sweeter perspective.

"See? Pinaalis ka na sa Variant, babalik ka pa rin. Isa kang matigas na bubblegum na sobrang hirap tanggalin sa pagkakadikit sa Variant." Sinuklay nito ang buhok gamit ang suklay na iniwan niyang nakalapag malapit sa lababo. Jared's eyes were on his reflection in the mirror. "Sobrang hirap mo tanggalin kapag dumikit ka na talaga. Pati sa utak ko, dumikit ka na. Pati sa puso ko—"

He was shocked. His sharp inhale made it obvious when she gently cradled his chin and jaw in her palm. Lily tiptoed a bit to reached his cheek and plant a soft kiss there.

Nagliwanag ang anyo ng binata sa salamin. Saglit na nandilat ang mga mata, tuluyang nagising ang diwa mula sa nakakaantok at busy na umaga. But he managed to suppress his big smile. Only a hint of it showed, a small smile that matched the sparkle in his eyes.

"Bilisan mo na diyan," palo niya sa matambok na puwitan ni Jared bago iyon pinisil-pisil. "Baka ma-late tayo sa Variant."

And Lily sexily sashayed out of the bathroom. Jared's melted gaze followed her before he hurriedly finished grooming himself.

As soon as she got out of the bathroom, Lily was welcomed by the sunlight that streamed through the open balcony doors. Their rays stretched like pale yellow concert beams, reaching her like spotlights, touching her soft face soothingly. Huminto sa pagtapik ng kanyang high heels.

Lily stood there and took in the fresh breeze that got inside the room.

She displayed the smile of a winner.

"Me to Variant is as McArthur to Leyte," matatag at masaya niyang deklara sa sarili. Excitement filled her. "I shall return— ah!"

Nasa tabi na niya si Jared. Doon huminto ang lalaki na katatapos lang gumanti ng palo sa kanyang puwitan.

"Ikaw ang unang namalo, I'm just making it fair," maluwag nitong ngisi sa kanya. "Let's go."

Nagpatiuna ito sa paglakad kaya humabol agad si Lily para sabayan ito. Nakalabas na sila ng pinto nang bumalik sa kwarto si Lily. She closed the balcony doors and draped down the curtains. She left the room and returned after a few minutes.

Nagkukumahog niyang dinampot ang naiwanang pink na shoulder bag bago malakas na sinara ang pinto.

•••

ᴀᴜᴛʜᴏʀ's ɴᴏᴛᴇ:

𝐻𝑖, 𝑑𝑒𝑎𝑟𝑠! 𝐾𝑢𝑚𝑢𝑠𝑡𝑎?
𝐼 ℎ𝑜𝑝𝑒 𝑦𝑜𝑢 𝑎𝑟𝑒 𝑎𝑙𝑙 𝑑𝑜𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑤𝑒𝑙𝑙. 𝑇𝑎𝑔𝑎𝑙 𝑘𝑜 𝑛𝑎 𝑟𝑖𝑛 ℎ𝑖𝑛𝑑𝑖 𝑛𝑎𝑔𝑙𝑎𝑙𝑎𝑔𝑎𝑦 𝑛𝑔 𝑎𝑢𝑡ℎ𝑜𝑟'𝑠 𝑛𝑜𝑡𝑒 𝑠𝑎 𝑚𝑔𝑎 𝑠𝑡𝑜𝑟𝑖𝑒𝑠 𝑘𝑜♡︎

𝐽𝑢𝑠𝑡 𝑑𝑟𝑜𝑝𝑝𝑒𝑑 𝑡ℎ𝑖𝑠 𝑎𝑛 𝑡𝑜𝑑𝑎𝑦 𝑡𝑜 𝑎𝑛𝑛𝑜𝑢𝑛𝑐𝑒 𝑛𝑎 𝑚𝑎𝑦 ℎ𝑖𝑛𝑎ℎ𝑎𝑏𝑜𝑙 𝑎𝑘𝑜𝑛𝑔 𝑤𝑜𝑟𝑘-𝑟𝑒𝑙𝑎𝑡𝑒𝑑 𝑑𝑒𝑎𝑑𝑙𝑖𝑛𝑒𝑠. 𝑇𝑒𝑛𝑝𝑜𝑟𝑎𝑟𝑖𝑙𝑦, ℎ𝑖𝑛𝑑𝑖 𝑘𝑜 𝑚𝑢𝑛𝑎 𝑚𝑎𝑔𝑖𝑔𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑝𝑟𝑖𝑜𝑟𝑖𝑡𝑦 𝑎𝑛𝑔 𝑝𝑎𝑔𝑐𝑜𝑛𝑡𝑖𝑛𝑢𝑒 𝑠𝑎 𝑠𝑡𝑜𝑟𝑦 𝑛𝑖𝑙𝑎 𝐿𝑖𝑙𝑦 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝐽𝑎𝑟𝑒𝑑. 𝑆𝑜 𝑓𝑜𝑟 𝑛𝑒𝑥𝑡 𝑤𝑒𝑒𝑘, 𝑏𝑎𝑘𝑎 𝑤𝑎𝑙𝑎 𝑚𝑢𝑛𝑎𝑛𝑔 𝑢𝑝𝑑𝑎𝑡𝑒 𝑎𝑛𝑔 𝑎𝑦𝑚𝑒. 𝑇ℎ𝑖𝑠 𝑖𝑠 𝑛𝑜𝑡 𝑦𝑒𝑡 𝑠𝑒𝑡 𝑖𝑛 𝑠𝑡𝑜𝑛𝑒, 𝑏𝑎𝑘𝑎 𝑚𝑎𝑚𝑎𝑛𝑎𝑔𝑒 𝑘𝑜 𝑚𝑎𝑘𝑎𝑝𝑎𝑔-𝑢𝑑 𝑛𝑒𝑥𝑡 𝑤𝑒𝑒𝑘, 𝑏𝑢𝑡 𝑠𝑡𝑖𝑙𝑙 𝐼 𝑤𝑎𝑛𝑡 𝑡𝑜 𝑔𝑖𝑣𝑒 𝑦𝑜𝑢 𝑎𝑙𝑙 𝑎 ℎ𝑒𝑎𝑑'𝑠 𝑢𝑝 𝑗𝑢𝑠𝑡 𝑖𝑛 𝑐𝑎𝑠𝑒 .

𝑇ℎ𝑎𝑡'𝑠 𝑎𝑙𝑙, 𝑑𝑒𝑎𝑟𝑠! 𝐻𝑎𝑣𝑒 𝑎 ℎ𝑎𝑝𝑝𝑦 𝑤𝑒𝑒𝑘𝑒𝑛𝑑 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑎 ℎ𝑎𝑝𝑝𝑦 𝑓𝑎𝑡ℎ𝑒𝑟'𝑠 𝑑𝑎𝑦 𝑡𝑜 𝑦𝑜𝑢𝑟 𝑘𝑖𝑛𝑑 𝑓𝑎𝑡ℎ𝑒𝑟𝑠 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑓𝑎𝑡ℎ𝑒𝑟 𝑓𝑖𝑔𝑢𝑟𝑒𝑠! ♡︎♡︎♡︎

𝑊𝑖𝑡ℎ 𝑙𝑜𝑣𝑒,
𝑎𝑛𝑎𝑥𝑜𝑥𝑜