"Galing ba iyan kay Hans?" Nakangiting tanong ni Mommy habang pinagmamasdan ako mula sa repleksyon sa salamin. Inginuso niya ang gold bracelet na nakakabit sa aking palapulsuhan, hindi ko kasi iyon pinaalis nang bihisan na ako para ngayong gabi. "Maganda, ah. Bagay sa'yo."

"Thank you, Mom," hindi ko maitago ang kilig ko kapag naiisip kong boyfriend ko na si Hans. Simula nang gabing iyon sa perya ay mas namahay na siya ng husto sa aking isipan, hindi lang doon, kundi maging sa puso ko. "Regalo niya sa akin for Christmas and New Year,"

"Ikaw? Ano naman ang ibigay mo sa kaniya? Baka wala, ah! Nakakahiya!" Tumawa si Mommy, patuloy sa pag-aayos ng aking buhok.

"Syempre, meron!" I laughed gently.

Noong isang araw ay ipinakita ko sa kaniya ang picture ni Hans, 'yung kuha namin sa roller coaster. Naikuwento ko rin sa kaniya kung paano at saan ko nakilala si Hans. At ngayong gabi, plano ko sanang pormal siyang ipakilala sa aking mga magulang. He was too important to me para hindi ko gustuhing makilala siya nina Mommy at Daddy.

"Well, I'm excited to meet him!" Masiglang sabi ni Mommy bago gawaran ng magaan na halik ang tuktok ng aking ulo. "Oh, Caice! Parang kailan lang baby ka pa, ngayon ay may boyfriend ka na."

"Baby mo pa rin naman ako, Mom." Tumatawang humilig ako sa kaniya, niyakap ko rin aking kaniyang braso. "Forever. Kahit magkaron pa ako ng boyfriend, tumanda man ako, magka-asawa. Baby mo pa rin ako!"

"That's for sure!" Malambing niya akong niyakap at hinalikan sa pisngi. "Happy birthday, darling..."

The night of my eighteenth birthday was nothing short of magical. The Cameron Hotel and Resort was transformed into a lavish setting, adorned with elegant decorations in soft pastels and twinkling lights. The grandeur of the event reflected the importance of this milestone in my life. All the De Salvos were there, even the ones who lived in the States had made the effort to fly back to celebrate with me.

Excited na excited si Kourtney para sa akin, talagang ilang beses niya akong pinuntahan para yakapin at batiin. Lumayo lang siya nang magsimula na ang program na inihanda ng mga organizer para ngayong gabi.

I had given Hans an invitation weeks ago and had been looking forward to seeing him tonight. As the guests mingled and enjoyed the exquisite buffet, I sat tight in the middle of everything, feeling a mix of excitement and nervousness.

Hindi ko pa kasi siya nakikita, but I knew he would come. Pinangako niya sa akin na makakarating siya. Ayos lang naman sa akin kung mahuhuli siya, ang mahalaga ay pupunta siya.

The program started with a beautiful video montage of my childhood, causing many to shed a tear, including me. Then, the time came for the traditional eighteen roses dance. Men had lined up, mostly my cousins, eager to take their turn. But the first dance was reserved for my father.

Nagpalakpakan ang lahat ng bisita nang lapitan ako ni Daddy at masuyong naglahad ng palad sa aking harapan. He looked a lot younger than his actual age, ganoon siguro talaga kapag tumatandang kasama ang mga mahal sa buhay.

"May I have this dance, love?" he asked, his eyes shining with pride.

Sandali kong sinulyapan si Mommy na nakatayo sa hindi kalayuan, pinapanuod kami habang panay ang pahid paalis sa mga takas na luha sa kaniyang mukha.

"Of course, Dad," I replied, feeling tears prick at the corners of my eyes as I took his hand. "Nakakahawa naman ang iyak ni Mommy!"

Tumatawang iginiya niya ako sa gitna ng dancefloor. "Hindi ka pa ba sanay sa mommy mo? Lahat, basta tungkol sa inyo ni Icen ay iniiyakan niya."

Natawa rin ako dahil totoo naman iyon. As the music began, we moved in sync, surrounded by the admiration of our family and friends.

"You've grown up so fast," he whispered, his voice thick with emotion. "I'm so proud of the woman you've become, darling."

"Thank you, Dad," masuyo kong sabi habang pinagmamasdan siya. "I couldn't have done it without you and Mom."

Totoong pinanganak ako sa karangyaan, but that didn't mean hindi ko nakita kung gaano nagsisikap ang mga magulang ko na ibigay sa akin, sa amin ng kapatid ko, ang lahat. Lahat ng kaya nilang ipagkaloob ay malaya nilang ibibigay sa amin. We never had to ask. Sina Mommy at Daddy, they were the most selfless people I knew.

And sure, Dad was dubbed as a ruthless businessman. Pero sa buong kabataan ko ay nasaksihan ko kung paano siya makitungo sa lahat ng nakapaligid sa kaniya. He was fair and just. Totoong hindi siya malumanay at mas mabalasik na higit kay Uncle Roy, but he was never cruel to anyone.

"I love you, Caice..." He kissed my forehead, and we continued to dance, sharing this precious moment. "Huwag mo sanang madaliin ang pagtanda mo. Dahan-dahan lang anak, I still want you under my roof."

Natatawang humilig ako sa kaniya. "Na parang may iba pa akong mapupuntahan! I love you, Dad..."

As the song ended, applause erupted, and my father handed me over to the next person in line, my cousin Reid.

The night progressed with dance after dance, each cousin taking their turn, showering me with love and well wishes. I scanned the room repeatedly, hoping to catch a glimpse of Hans. Finally, as I was about to dance with my brother Icen, I saw him enter the room. He looked dashing in his suit, his eyes searching the crowd until they found mine. My heart skipped a beat.

"Mamaya mo na lapitan," masungit na saway ni Icen nang makita ang tinatahak ng aking mga mata. "Isayaw mo muna ako!"

I laughed and let my brother lead the dance.

"Siya ba ang sinasabi ni Mommy na boyfriend mo?" Tanong niya habang tuloy kami sa pagsasayaw.

"Mom told you?!" Nagulat man ay hindi naman ako huminto sa ginagawa namin.

"Ano bang akala mo? Mom and I don't have secrets."

Right. He was the favorite. Pareho, nina Mommy at Daddy. Wala namang problema sa akin dahil favorite ko rin si Icen.

"He works at the ranch, 'di ba?" Tanong niyang muli na tinanguan ko naman. "Nakilala ko na siya nang huling beses akong pumunta doon para mangabayo kasama sina Zach at Kade. Mabait at masipag si Hans. Nakakapagtaka lang kung paano ka niyang nagustuhan."

"Anong gusto mong ipahiwatig sa sinabi mong 'yan?" Tinaasan ko siya ng kilay, baka lang kasi nakakalimutan niyang birthday ko!

He grinned, halatang nanunukso lang. Tapos ay humilig papalapit para mahalikan ako sa pisngi. "I'm happy that you're happy, Caice."

"Thank you! Puwede bang bilisan na natin dahil gusto ko na siyang lapitan!" Ngumisi rin ako sa kaniya.

"Hindi!"

Icen twirled me around the dancefloor, but my mind was elsewhere, focused on Hans and the anticipation of dancing with him. When our dance ended, I discreetly excused myself and made my way to Hans, who stood near the edge of the crowd.

Tapos na rin naman na ang eighteen roses, may ilang sandali pa ako bago simulan naman ang susunod na bahagi ng program.

"Hey," I greeted, trying to keep my excitement in check.

He cleaned up well. Puti ang suot niyang tuxedo, gaya nang nakasaad na dress code sa invitation na ibinigay ko sa kaniya.

"Hey yourself," he replied, his eyes warm and inviting. "Sobrang ganda mo na naman ngayong gabi, Caice."

"Thank you," I blushed. "I'm so glad you could make it."

"Wouldn't miss it for the world," he said, holding out his hand. "May I have this dance?"

I placed my hand in his, and he led me to the dancefloor. May mga nagsasayawan pa doon dahil hindi naman natigil ang tugtog, napapalitan lang.

The music shifted to a slow, romantic melody, and we swayed together, lost in our own world.

"You really are a vision tonight," he murmured, his gaze never leaving mine.

"And you clean up pretty well yourself," I teased, pilit na tinatago ang sobrang kilig na aking nararamdaman.

Dancing with Hans on my eighteenth birthday was perfect. The night felt like a dream, one that I would cherish forever. Bigla ay naalala ko ang unang pagkakataon na nakita ko siya, hindi ko halos akalain na mapupunta kami sa ganito. I knew I liked him the first time I saw him, but I never really thought I would fall for him this much.

As we swayed to the music, I felt a surge of emotion and pulled him closer. My heart raced as I leaned in, closing the distance between us, ready to kiss him. But just as our lips were about to meet, Hans gently pulled back, his breath warm against my ear.

"Baby," he whispered softly, "your parents are looking."

I chuckled, realizing how I almost forgot that we weren't alone. "Oops," I said, pulling back slightly, my cheeks flushing with embarrassment. "Guess I got carried away.

Hans smiled, his eyes twinkling with amusement. "I don't blame you," he said, his voice low. "Kanina pa kita gustong halikan."

I glanced over his shoulder and saw my parents watching us. Mom looked happy, it was obvious in her approving smile. But Dad, not so much. His sharp gaze seemed to cut through Hans's back like laser beams. I felt a slight nervousness rise within me, worried that my dad might not like Hans.

Totoong medyo masungit si Daddy pero wala pa akong natatandaan na tahasan niyang inayawan. Natakot tuloy ako para kay Hans.

As the dance ended, I caught sight of the host preparing a game for the guests. Taking advantage of the distraction, I gently tugged Hans's hand, holding it tightly.

"Come on," I whispered, "let's go say hi to my parents."

Ang tanging pumapayapa lamang sa kalooban ko ay ang pagiging kalmado lamang ni Hans sa tabi ko. Mukhang hindi naman siya kinakabahan o natatakot. Kunsabagay, wala namang dahilan. Wala naman siyang masamang ginagawa, eh. Sa akin o kung kaninoman.

We wove through the crowd, making our way to where my parents stood. Mom was the first to notice us approaching. Her smile widened as we drew closer. Nabaling agad ang tingin nito kay Hans.

"You must be Hans," masuyong sabi nito na siyang ikinakunot ng noo ni Daddy.

I took a deep breath, feeling a flutter of nerves. "Mom, Dad, this is my boyfriend Hans," I said, squeezing his hand for reassurance. "Hans, these are my parents."

Hans stepped forward, extending his hand to my father first. "Good evening, sir," he said respectfully.

Dad's eyes narrowed slightly as he assessed Hans. After a moment that felt like an eternity, he shook Hans's hand, albeit a bit reluctantly. Medyo nakahinga ako ng maluwag doon.

Hans then turned to my mother, who accepted his handshake with a warm smile. "It's a pleasure to meet you, Mrs. De Salvo."

Hindi ko pa rin binibitawan ang kamay ni Hans kahit pa matalim na iyong sinulyapan ni Daddy at halatang hindi nagustuhan.

"Oh, please, call me Tita Nicole," Mom said, waving her hand dismissively. "And this grumpy man is your Tito Vince."

Dad's stern expression didn't soften a bit. His eyes remained fixed on Hans, scrutinizing him as if he had done something wrong.

Mom, noticing the tension, tried to lighten the mood with a conversation. "So, Hans, nasabi sa akin ni Caice na nagtatrabaho ka sa rancho?"

Hans nodded, his posture straight and respectful. "Opo, regular po akong umaakyat ng rancho tuwing umaga para tignan kung may mga kailangang gawin doon. Hindi na nga lang katulad pag bakasyon na buong araw ang inilalagi ko sa rancho, nag-aaral din po kasi ako kay nahahati na ang oras ko."

Mom's eyes shone with admiration. "Wow, that's impressive! Balancing work and studies must be challenging."

Hans smiled modestly. "It is, but it's something I'm passionate about. Kailangang pinaghihirapan ang magandang kinabukasan."

Dad's face remained stoic, his gaze unwavering. Hindi pa rin nagsasalita. Sila Mommy at Hans lang ang nagpalitan ng usapan, kahit paano ay napayapa ako dahil mukhang gusto naman siya ni Mommy. Well, what's not to like about Hans? Totoong hindi tulad ng ibang nagtangka na manligaw sa akin ay hindi mayaman si Hans sa salapi. Pero mayaman siya sa dedikasyon at determinasyon. Kung ako ang tatanungin ay higit na mas mahalaga iyon kaysa anupaman!

Just then, the host announced the next part of the program, and I knew I had to return to my seat in the middle of the event. "I have to go now, but I'll see you later, okay?" I whispered to Hans, giving his hand a reassuring squeeze.

"Sige lang," nakangiting sabi niya bago ako tuluyang pakawalan.

As I made my way back to my seat, I saw Hans finding Kade among the crowd and settling at the table where my other cousins were. The whole evening was magical—the decorations were elegant, the music was enchanting, and the atmosphere was filled with love and joy. Yet, I couldn't help but worry. My dad's stern demeanor towards Hans lingered in my mind.

Ayaw ko ng ganitong pakiramdam. Para bang magkakaroon ng malaking problema o ano na hindi ko mapipigilan kahit ano pang subok ko.

Throughout the evening, I participated in the program, smiling and laughing with my friends and family. As the program continued, my dad's disapproval lingered in my thoughts. Even amidst the laughter and celebration, a part of me was anxious about his feelings toward Hans. I wanted my family to accept him, to see the kind and hardworking person I saw.

When the final part of the program ended and the guests began to mingle, ako naman ay agad na binalikan si Hans. Nilagpasan ko na nga lang si Kourtney na lalapitan sana ako, I saw her sneered nang makitang kay Hans ang punta ko pero wala akong pakialam. Tuloy-tuloy lang ako papalabas ng hall, sa balkonahe kung saan naroon ang iilang mga bisita.

"Hindi pa kita nakikitang kumain," sabi ko nang makalapit sa kaniya.

Hans turned to face me, sumandal sa barandilya at binuksan ang mga braso para imbitahin akong makulong doon. Without hesitation, I stepped into his embrace—exactly what I needed.

"Happy birthday," he whispered softly into my ear, his breath warm against my skin. He pressed a gentle kiss on my ear, sending shivers down my spine.

I smiled and turned to face him, our faces inches apart. It was slightly dark from where we were standing, the shadows providing a sense of privacy. Feeling bold, I leaned closer and kissed him softly on the lips. Hihiwalay na sana ako nang bigla niya iyong tugunan.

Hans kissed me back, and I gasped when I felt his tongue seeking entrance. I let him, parting my lips and allowing the kiss to deepen. His kiss was better, bolder, and his hand crawled up to hold my neck, pulling me closer.

When we finally pulled away, both of us were breathing heavily. He rested his forehead against mine, his eyes closed.

"I've longed to kiss you properly," he murmured.

Napangiti ako. Talaga bang hinintay niyang mag-eighteen ako para mahalikan ako ng ganoon? Kung ginawa niya iyon before tonight ay hindi ko rin naman siya pipigilan. I would've wanted it just as much.

"You've been waiting all this time?" Marahan kong tanong.

"Lagi," he admitted, his voice low and sincere. "Lagi akong naghihintay, Caice. Lagi kitang hihintayin maging handa sa akin..."

"But I'm always ready for you," wala sa sariling sabi ko.

"Siguro ako ang hindi pa..." Bulong niya, alam ko naman ang ibig niyang sabihin.

Hans had his whole future mapped out, and I was in it. No, he made me feel like I was it.

My heart swelled with love. I leaned in, kissing him again, more softly this time.

Hans held me tighter, his hands caressing my back. "I love you, Caice,"

"I love you too, Hans,"

We stood there for a few moments, just holding each other, the sounds of the party fading into the background. It felt like we were in our own little world, where nothing else mattered.

Finally, Hans pulled back slightly, looking into my eyes. "Are you happy?" he asked, brushing a strand of hair away from my face.

"Very," I replied, smiling up at him. "This is the best birthday ever. Kasi kasama kita..."

He grinned. "Lagi mo na akong kasama..."

He then reached into his pocket and pulled out a small, velvet pouch. My curiosity piqued as he opened it and revealed a vintage necklace with a garnet pendant. The deep red stone shimmered in the dim light, catching my breath.

"This was my mother's," he said, his voice soft. "She used to wear it all the time when she was alive. It's your birthstone, and I thought it would be perfect for you. Wala akong ginastos kahit piso kaya huwag mo akong papagalitan."

Before I could find the words to respond, he gently moved behind me, brushing my hair aside to clasp the necklace around my neck. His fingers were warm and steady, and when the pendant rested against my skin, I felt a wave of emotions wash over me—gratitude, love, and a deep connection to him and his past. Sobrang lapit ko na kay Hans at ayaw ko nang mahiwalay. Ayaw ko nang malayo.

When he stepped back, I reached up to touch the garnet, feeling its smooth surface under my fingertips. "Hans, this is... I don't even know what to say. It's beautiful and means so much more than any gift I could have imagined."

His eyes shone with tenderness. "Ikaw ang pinakamahalagang tao sa buhay ko ngayon, Caice. Lahat gagawin ko para maging karapat dapat sa'yo."

Tears welled up in my eyes as I hugged him tightly. Minsan naiisip ko kung karapat dapat pa ba ako sa kaniya. Hans was everything I could ever dream of in a boyfriend. He was kind, patient, and incredibly hardworking. He had faced so many challenges in his life, and yet he emerged stronger, carrying a heart full of love and resilience. Sometimes, it felt like I was the one who was unworthy of him.

But then, in his arms, I also felt a sense of peace and belonging that I had never experienced before. He made me feel like I was enough, just as I was.

"You're too much for me, Hans," I whispered against his shoulder. "And at the same time, you're exactly what I need."

He pulled back slightly, looking down at me with a gentle smile. "Sobra ba ako? Parang ikaw nga iyon sa akin, eh. Ikaw ang nagbigay sa akin ng labis na dahilan para magsikap pa, Caice. You make me want to be a better person."

"I guess we're both lucky then." Ang sarap lang marinig ng mga salitang iyon mula sa kaniya.

"Lucky, yes. But more than that, we're committed," he said softly, his thumb brushing away a tear from my cheek. "Kahit anong mangyari, I'll always choose you."

His words wrapped around my heart like a warm embrace. The insecurities that had briefly surfaced began to fade, replaced by a deep sense of assurance. Hans loved me, and I loved him. Iyon ang mahalaga. Iyon lang.

"I'll always choose you too, Hans,"