Some events, no matter how painful, are meant to happen. Some people had to leave for us to learn how to stand up on our own. Some things had to be sacrificed in order for us to realize that our plans wouldn't always work out. Some words had to be said for us to let go of the emotions that had been bottled up inside us.

All of this was destined to unfold, not just to mold us as humans, but also to give us a clear picture of what really lies ahead.

If we trust the process, we'll see that our plans were just a fraction of what we were supposed to be.

"I love you," Kobe whispered as he showered my face with kisses.

I pursed my lips to stop a smile from showing. "Makita ka ng anak mo," pag-iinarte ko.

Napatingin siya kay Gayle na nag-d-drawing sa maliit nitong mesa sa gilid ng kama. We were in his pad, particularly in his room. Natutulog kaming tatlo kanina nang magising si Gayle at agad na pumunta sa mesa niya. Since then, hindi na kami tinapunan ng tingin ng bata.

He chuckled. "She's busy."

Humilig ako sa dibdib niya at napangiti. "Kung ipapa-frame mo lahat ng drawing niya, baka makapagpatayo ka na ng museum."

Tumawa lang ulit siya bago ako yakapin. We were like this every weekend. We'd spent Saturdays and Sundays at his place, and the rest of the week in our small apartment. Hindi siya roon natutulog pero gabing-gabi na siya kung umuwi. He'd pick us up early in the morning and bring us home after my duty. Iniisip ko ang trabaho niya, pero mukhang wala naman siyang nagiging problema roon.

"We beat Soul Production," bulong niya.

"Hmm?"

"Before Sunrise Production dethroned them." He kissed my temple. "Most of the most successful artists and bands are signed under our company. Kahit 'yong mga rising talents ay tayo ang number one choice."

I smiled. "You did it."

"Because you fueled me. So... you did it, too." His chest heaved. "At first, I just wanted to get back to them, but when I started doing this, I realized that my main aim was to let the artists' voices be heard without risking their private lives."

Napangiti ako sa sinabi niya. Sa ilang taong pagtatrabaho niya noon sa Soul Production, hindi naman lingid sa kaalaman ko ang pagiging pribado niya. He was always careful. Kahit may mga lumalabas na issue ay hindi niya iyon pinapakialamanan. He just wanted to sing and compose songs. Kung hindi dahil sa akin ay baka nagtatrabaho pa rin siya roon.

"Bakit Before Sunrise?" I asked curiously. "Akala ko ba DK ang napagkasunduan natin?"

He glared at me. "You left me before I even named the company. Baka mahalata mong gustong-gusto pa rin kita kapag DK."

Umiling ako. "No. Iisipin kong Dior Kobe ang meaning no'n."

"You'll just fool yourself."

Kinunotan ko siya ng noo. "Bakit nga Before Sunrise?"

"Slow mo." He laughed.

I punched his chest. "Ano nga?"

Hinuli niya ang kamay ko at iniikot iyon sa batok niya. Tinitigan niya akong mabuti at mabilis na pinatakan ng halik sa labi.

"Before Sunrise means dawn. Hindi mo ba talaga na-gets?" he asked, smiling. "Everything I do, it will always have a big part of you."

We spent the next days together as a family. Nagpatuloy ang therapy ni Gayle at nakikita na namin ang speech improvement niya. The therapist said that when our daughter finally learned how to talk, she might talk nonstop.

"May plano ka ba ulit mag-aral, Karsen?" Ma'am Hilario asked one morning.

"Siguro po kapag may ipon na 'ko at kapag malaki-laki na rin si Gayle. Hindi ko naman po kasi puwedeng iwan na lang 'to."

"Isang sem na lang, 'di ba?"

"Opo."

Tumango siya. "Nakapag-take ka na ng mga GE? Kumpleto na?"

"Opo. Fourth year na rin po kasi no'ng nag-stop ako. Wala na po kaming minor no'n."

"BS Math pa rin ba ang gusto mong program?" tanong niya ulit.

Napaisip ako. I'm not sure now. Parang hindi ko makita ang punto ng pagtuturo noon. Kung mag-aaral man ulit ako, tatapusin ko ang kurso ko at kukuha ng units para makapagturo ako. But then, it wasn't really my priority. I couldn't see myself teaching that subject.

Siguro nga nagbabago ang pangarap dahil sa ngayon, ang tanging gusto ko na lang ay ang maging mabuting ina para sa anak ko. I want to understand her better. I want to be one of the few people who advocate for a better world for her. Ni hindi ko na makapa sa puso ko ang kagustuhang maging mathematics teacher.

"Hindi po ako sigurado, ma'am," sagot ko. "Hindi ko na po kasi naiisip 'yan."

"Pero gusto mo bang magturo?"

Tumango ako. "Kaya nga po hindi ko inalis 'yon sa 'kin. Nag-online teaching po ako kahit hindi naman ako magaling sa English noon." I chuckled. "Teaching is the only thing I can proudly say I'm good at."

Napangiti siya. Kinuha niya sa akin si Gayle at iniabot ko naman sa anak ko ang pink na backpack niya.

"Malapit na akong mag-retire, Karsen," sabi ni Ma'am.

I sighed. "Nasabi nga po sa 'kin ni Eddie."

"I really want you to be my scholar."

Namilog ang mga mata ko. "Po?"

"But only if you take Bachelor of Elementary Education Major in Special Education."

"Ha? Teka—"

"Dahil hindi ka naman na mag-ta-take ng minor subjects, aabutin ka ng isa hanggang dalawang taon sa pag-aaral. Kasama na 'yong OJT." She shrugged. "I'm looking for a replacement, and you're the only person whom I can entrust our special kids to."

"What do you mean, ma'am? Baka po hindi rin ako qualified. Marami naman pong nag-ta-take no'n," mahinang saad ko.

"Most of them want to teach abroad. Mas malaki kasi talaga ang kita. Our government isn't funding our special education teachers enough. Maliit ang sweldo kaya kailangan ng malaking puso para dito." She sighed. "I can really see you in this field, Karsen. No one can understand these children more than you do."

Naging malaking palaisipan iyon sa akin. Kita ko kung paano magturo si Ma'am. Kita ko ang pagtitiyaga at paghihirap niya. She once told me that all children can be taught; it's just that they learn in different ways and on different days. Mayroong isang turo pa lang ay naiintindihan na agad. Mayroon namang tinututukan na, hindi pa rin makuha. But as a teacher, it is her duty to never let a single student be left behind.

At kung hindi matututo ang isang bata sa paraan ng pagtuturo natin, marahil ay dapat tayong magturo sa paraang matututunan nila.

The child doesn't need to make difficult adjustments in the hopes of learning. It is the teacher's obligation to adjust to the child's learning style.

Kaya ko kaya 'yon?

"You're quiet. Ano'ng iniisip mo?" untag ni Kobe.

"Future," I replied.

Humalumbaba siya. "Pasama ako, ha?"

I chuckled. "Malapit nang pumasok si Gayle. Gusto mo bang kay Ma'am Hilario ko pa rin siya i-enroll?"

He nodded. "She handles Gayle well."

"Magre-retire na siya in two years..." I sighed. "Tapos may itinanong siya sa 'kin."

He raised his brows, urging me to continue talking.

"Kung gusto ko raw bang mag-aral ulit." Nag-iwas ako ng tingin. Baka hindi niya ako payagan. Walang mag-aalaga kay Gayle kung magkakataon. "Gagawin niya raw akong scholar niya. But don't worry. Hindi ko naman tinanggap."

Naramdaman ko ang kamay niya sa akin kaya ibinalik ko ang tingin sa kanya.

"Gusto mo?"

Napakurap ako. "Walang magbabantay kay Gayle kapag nag-aral ulit ako, Kobe."

His eyes went down to my hand as he brushed it gently. He pressed my fingertips and massaged my palm. Hinayaan ko lang siyang gawin iyon. It felt nice.

"When I first noticed how your hand had changed, I cried like a loser," he said, chuckling. "Karsen must have worked hard. Karsen must have forgotten to look after herself. Karsen must have been unaware that her once soft and small hands had become calloused because of too much work. Those were my thoughts."

Dahan-dahan ang pagsasabi niya noon, para bang takot na masaktan ako. Bumaba ang tingin ko sa isa ko pang kamay. He was right. Nakalabas ang ilang ugat doon at kapansin-pansin ang mga kalyo.

"You put in a lot of effort. Nagtrabaho ka, inalagaan mo ang anak natin, hindi ka na nagkakaroon ng sapat na tulog, hindi ka kumakain hangga't hindi pa tapos kumain si Gayle... you did all of that for years." He brought my hand to his lips and kissed my knuckles softly. "I loved how your hand changed, but I couldn't help but feel guilty, because I should've been with you. I should've been beside you. You shouldn't have to work so hard to the point that you exhaust yourself."

I tilted my head and smiled. "Hindi ko naman napapansin ang pagod, Kobe. Masaya akong alagaan si Gayle."

"Hindi mo napapansin o hindi mo pinapansin?" he asked, moving the core of my being. "Akala mo ba hindi ko nakita 'yong pagmamasahe mo sa batok mo habang nagdu-duty ka? 'Yong pag-inat mo kapag ibababa mo si Gayle kasi mabigat na siya?"

I averted his gaze as my heart began to crumble. "Naipapahinga naman ang pagod. Okay lang 'yon."

He exhaled deeply. "You don't always have to be strong, Karsen."

Ibinalik ko ang tingin sa kanya. "It was the only choice I had at that time."

"Hindi na ngayon." Umiling siya. "I'm here. Katulong mo 'kong magpalaki at mag-alaga kay Gayle. You wouldn't have to neglect yourself." Ngumiti siya at muling pinatakan ng halik ang kamay ko, titig na titig pa rin sa akin. "Do what you want. I'll take care of the rest."

For the first time in a long time, I felt reassured. It was as if I could do everything without having to worry about my responsibilities. I felt like I was being looked at through the most beautiful lenses.

Kobe noticed the emotions I fought so hard to repress. He had seen me more than the façade I built for people around me.

"Hindi na math ang ituturo ko," marahang saad ko.

"I thought you liked it?"

Umiling ako, nangingiti. "May mas gusto na akong iba kaysa ro'n."

After that talk with Kobe, I told Ma'am Hilario that I would love to be her scholar. Parang nanumbalik sa akin ang dating pangarap—ang maging guro. It came back stronger and heavier. Tila bumukas ang isang pinto ng pag-asa para sa akin. I wanted to be an advocate for people like my daughter. I wanted to be one of the voices to promote inclusivity. And studying is the first step to attaining that.

Ms. Dawn Karsen Navarro, a special education teacher... that would sound nice.

Needless to say, life had indeed become easier because I had someone to rely on. Kobe bought me books to read about handling children with special needs, and every night, after putting Gayle to sleep, we would sit on the sofa and read a chapter together.

"Recognize your child's victories, even if they seem minor and trivial, so that you can dwell on the good sides of her special needs," pagbabasa ni Kobe. "Oh... we're doing this already. We don't see Gayle in her condition, so this is okay."

My head was resting on his lap as he read each detail in the book carefully.

Napahikab ako. "Ano pa?"

"Communicate with them as if they were any other child at their age. Use a respectful tone and body language when speaking to them," he replied. "So, dapat pala hindi natin masyadong i-baby si Gayle. She'll turn five soon."

"Saka 'wag ding i-baby talk." Pumikit ako. "Ano pa raw?"

"Hmm... mostly kasi ay ginagawa na natin."

I breathed. "Just read."

"Okay." I heard the pages flip. "Maintain healthy sibling relationships."

Napamulat ako. "Walang kapatid si Gayle!"

"To build sibling connections and strengthen your bond with your children, give each of them your undivided attention, participate in their daily tasks, and initiate exercises," pagpapatuloy niya.

Lumabi ako. "Hindi natin kailangan 'yan."

He chuckled. "I think the book is suggesting that we need another child."

"Kobe!" nag-iinit ang mukhang reklamo ko.

Paano ba naman, kung hindi lang palaging dumarating o nagigising si Gayle, siguradong may nangyari na sa amin! I was always sensitive to his touches, and he was well-aware of it!

He chuckled. "I'm kidding. I know marrying me isn't your priority yet."

"We just got back together!" I exclaimed. "Maraming nagbago sa 'kin at marami ring nagbago sa 'yo. We have a long time to learn about each other's changes. Saka ka magdesisyon kung ako talaga ang gusto mo."

"Are you kidding?"

Inirapan ko siya. "Totoo ang sinasabi ko."

"I love every version of you, Karsen." He pinched my nose.

It made me smile. Our love story was long overdue... I knew that. But again, I didn't want to rush things.

"No'ng nakita mo si Gayle..." I whispered, "were you disappointed?"

Ibinaba niya ang libro at hinaplos ang pisngi ko.

"Why would I?"

I pursed my lips. "Kasi hindi siya kagaya ng ibang bata. Kasi mas mahirap siyang alagaan at intindihin." I sighed. "When you first saw her... when you learned that she's your daughter..." I swallowed. "Nalungkot ka ba?"

"Not even for a second," he said sincerely. "I find her cute and sweet. I really do."

Tumitig ako sa mata niya. "Promise?"

He smiled. "She's the product of our love. How can I get sad over that?" He leaned in to give me a fleeting kiss. "Kahit ano pang kondisyon ni Gayle at ng mga magiging kapatid niya, basta galing sa 'tin, mamahalin at tatanggapin ko, Karsen."

My eyes watered. "I love you."

Bahagyang nanlaki ang mata niya. "You do?"

I nodded. "Wala akong ibang lalaking minahal, Kobe. Ikaw lang."

His eyes glowed with joy. He was about to kiss me again when the sound of the door opening stopped us.

"Mimi?" maliit ang boses na tawag ni Gayle sa akin habang kinukusot ang mata niya.

Umupo ako kasabay ng pag-aayos ni Kobe.

"Baby, come here," I said.

Naglakad siya palapit sa amin at agad na kumalong sa akin. Gaya ng lagi niyang ginagawa kapag naaalimpungatan, yumakap siya sa akin at isiniksik ang mukha sa leeg ko.

"Mimi... yab mo 'ko?" malambing na tanong niya.

"Oo naman." I hugged her. "Mahal na mahal ka ni Mommy."

Naramdaman ko ang pamamasa ng leeg ko kaya napatingin ako sa kanya.

"Gayle?"

Humikbi siya. Agad kaming nagkatinginan ni Kobe.

"Baby, what's wrong?" malumanay na tanong ng lalaki.

Lumayo sa akin si Gayle at puno ng luha ang mukhang tumingin sa ama.

"Panit po ako..." she cried. "Panit Gayle."

Nanikip ang dibdib ko nang maintindihan ang sinasabi niya. Iniharap ko siya sa akin at pinalis ang luhang naglandas sa pisngi niya.

"Hindi ka pangit. Mana ka sa 'kin, 'di ba? Parehas tayong pretty," I assured her.

Umiling siya, umiiyak pa rin. My heart broke when her small hands smashed her face. Pinigilan ko agad siya ngunit lumakas lang ang pagpalahaw niya.

"Tabi ate ng katmeyt ko, panit daw Gayle, mi." She sobbed. "Panit po ako..."

"Can I?" marahang tanong ni Kobe sa akin.

Tumango ako bago niya kunin ang bata sa akin.

"Gayle, look at Daddy," he said sweetly as he cupped her cheeks.

Parang hinahati ang puso ko habang pinapanood ang pag-iyak ng anak.

"You're beautiful," bulong ni Kobe. "You have beautiful eyes. You have a small nose. You have chubby cheeks, and this very... very cute tongue." Habang sinasabi iyon ay hinahaplos niya ang mukha ni Gayle. "Ang ganda ganda mo. I fell in love with this face at first sight. Ganoon ka kaganda."

Humilig ako sa balikat ni Kobe at ngumiti kay Gayle. "Gandang-ganda rin si Mommy sa 'yo, baby. Tanda mo no'ng ikinasal si Tito Marcus? Ano'ng sabi no'ng mga bisita? Ang cute mo raw... ang cute cute daw ng baby ko."

Tumigil siya sa pag-iyak pero basa pa rin ang mukha niya.

"Piti po?" she asked, sticking her tongue out cutely.

"Sobra," sagot ni Kobe.

"Gaya po Mimi?"

I chuckled. "Mas maganda ka pa sa 'kin."

She smiled... at last... she smiled.

"Yabyu, mi," bulong niya bago tumingin kay Kobe. "Yabyu po."

Matapos iyon ay inihele siya ni Kobe hanggang sa bumalik siya sa pagtulog. It saddened me how other people's words affected her, but at the same time, it gave me another reason to pursue teaching special education. Gusto pa ng lalaki na kausapin ang tinutukoy ni Gayle na nanlait sa kanya pero pinigilan ko siya. I should be the one to talk. I'd give her an earful.

Or so I thought.

Ang malakas na pagri-ring ng cellphone ko ang gumising sa akin kinabukasan. Halos magmamadaling-araw na rin umuwi si Kobe kaya puyat ako. We talked about a bunch of things about Gayle and his family's state. Nailagay na kasi si Tita Penelope sa mental hospital at pinoproseso pa ni Don Lucho ang paglilipat ng shares sa pangalan ko para ako raw ang maging major donor ng YN Organization.

Nakapikit pa ako nang sagutin ang tawag. Whoever this is, they know how to ruin someone's sleep!

"Putangina, Dawn Karsen!" It was Mill's voice.

I exhaled loudly. "Ano'ng problema mo? Ang aga pa, Mill."

"You're all over the internet! Tangina!" bulaslas niya, dahilan para mapamulat ako.

My heart hammered. "Ano?"

"Kayo nina Gayle at Kobe! Nasa balita kayong tatlo!"

It moved me to the core of my being. Bumangon ako at dali-daling binuksan ang Facebook app para makibalita. I was trembling... not for myself, but for my daughter. Wala pa man ay kinakabahan na ako sa paratang ng mga tao.

LOOK: The CEO of the leading production company, Before Sunrise, Dior Kobe Gallardo, was spotted with his ex-girlfriend, Dawn Karsen Navarro, and their rumored daughter at the wedding of socialite Erika Sway Salas and businessman Marcus Villafuerte.

Below is our picture in the parking lot as we walked towards the hotel. We were holding Gayle, and we looked really happy. Hindi agada ko tumingin sa comment section. I just stared at the picture and something tugged at my heart when I realized how genuine our smiles were.

Ganito ba ang nakikita ng mga tao kapag magkakasama kaming tatlo?

Napatulala lang ako roon. My eyes blazed with contentment, and my smile mirrored that. I never imagined I'd be capable of such a smile. It was raw and pure. Ganoon din si Kobe. Nakabaling siya sa amin ni Gayle pero kapansin-pansin ang maliit na ngiti sa labi niya. And the way he looked at us was heart-clenching. It was as if he had found his long-lost dream.

Even my daughter... my sweet, beautiful daughter. Her smile was contagious. Nakalabas ang dila at halos mawala na ang mata sa laki ng ngiti.

The picture was enough to caress the deepest part of my heart. We are so happy, like a family.

I clicked the comment section, preparing for the worst... but what I read surprised me.

AJ Hortal: gagoooo ang ganda ni dawn tangina

Raine Bueno: Cute naman ni baby. Ano kayang name? Gawan na sana ng fan page. Baka kunin ng Victoria Secret.

Kelsey Finn: Okay, so can we appreciate how this picture screams elegance and happiness? Their eyes are glowing. DK is an emotionless, dead-ass artist, but look at that cute smile on his lips!!!!! And who wouldn't fall for Dawn? LOOK AT HER FUCKING CURVES MAN plus their child looks adorable! Her smile is gorgeous oh god I'm in love with this family.

Tracy Velecina: luh nagbreak ba sila? akala ko itinago lang ni dk kasi aggressive af ang fans ni jennifer

Anthony De Leon: Sana ako na lang si Dior HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA

Gigi Montevista: ok lng kobe tanggap q nang hindi aq haha sucket mhie

Shynna Diones: Ang alam ko naging president ng fans club ni DK si Karsen. Ang suwerte niyang fan?! Pero deserve naman dahil marami akong nabasa noon na sobrang bait daw n'yan. Cute ng baby nila. Parang ka-vibes ni Karsen.

Cresia Jane Romano: Sa mga tangang naglalapag ng walang kwentang comments, hindi ninyo ba nabasa 'yong apology post ni Jennifer noon? Dawn Karsen is the real victim here. Fuck you all for always trying to bring women down. And really? May mga nang-sha-shame pa pala sa may down syndrome? I-update ninyo naman ang mga utak ninyo. Hindi na trend ang pagiging misinformed. Aral kayo.

While reading all of this, I didn't realize that I was already crying. May mangilan-ngilang hate comments, pero nakikipag-away ang mga tao para ipagtanggol kami ni Gayle.

I was never fond of Kobe's world. It was harsh for people like me. But right now, with these people defending me and my boyfriend constantly assuring me, parang wala na akong dapat ikatakot.

My phone rang, and my tears couldn't help but fall when I saw Kobe's name.

"Hello?" My voice was weak.

"Karsen, I have a problem." I could hear panic in his voice. "One of our pictures leaked online, so I may not be able to make it later. Baka hindi ko kayo masundo. I'll work on it. I'll contact my lawyer and make sure to turn it down. I didn't know how it leaked, I promise. I had no idea that it would. My bodyguards are always with me. At lagi kong sinasabi sa kanila na maging alerto sa paparazzi. Promise—"

"Kobe..." I whispered, trying to cut him off. Dire-diretso kasi ang pagsasalita niya na para bang natatakot siya sa akin.

"Baby, no." Humina ang boses niya. "Aayusin ko 'to. I'll send men for your protection... and I will talk to the media. I will tell them that it's edited and I have no connection with Erika and Marcus. Just... just stay at home first, hmm? Can you do that? Give me a day. I'll fix—"

"Kobe—"

"No. I know that tone." Nabasag ang tinig niya. "You won't break up with me, Karsen. Please. No." He sighed deeply. "I know you hate this. I know how much trauma this kind of thing brings you. But please, hayaan mo 'kong ayusin 'to. I can't live without you and Gayle. Please, don't break up with me."

Naglaglagan muli ang luha ko. God, I love him so much.

"Bakit naman ako makikipaghiwalay sa 'yo?" I asked gently.

Natahimik siya.

"This was your world before I came into the picture, Kobe. You're a star. Alam ko 'yon bago kita mahalin," marahang sabi ko. "We can't change the fact that you're well-known, at bawat galaw mo ay may nanonood sa 'yo."

"Tell me what to do... I'll do whatever you want me to do." He sounded hopeless.

I looked at Gayle who was sleeping soundly. She would be subjected to rumors and receive hate comments. She would be mistreated.

"You'll protect us, right?" I asked. "Whatever happens, you'll keep us safe... right?"

"Of course. I would trade everything for you and our daughter's safety."

I smiled. "Then no more hiding, Kobe. This is bound to happen anyway."

"Karsen..."

"Hindi mo naman kami habambuhay maisisikreto, Kobe. Kahit anong pagtatago ang gawin natin, the truth will always come out... and if the people around you can't accept that... will it matter? We've been through hell. Ayokong ito 'yong maging dahilan para masira tayo." I sighed. "As I've said before... whatever your decision is, hindi na ako aalis. Hindi na kami aalis."

Hindi kami lumabas ni Gayle ng bahay ng mga sumunod na araw. After informing my friends about our plan to publicize our relationship, I turned off my phone. I've received a lot of messages from coworkers, and I'm not sure what to do with them. Felice was frantic to know that I was Kobe's ex-girlfriend. Tinadtad niya ako ng mensahe.

"Gayle, may sasabihin ako sa 'yo." Umupo ako sa tabi niya. She was sitting on the mat resting on the floor, playing with her dolls again. "Makikinig ka ba?"

Binitawan niya ang laruan at lumingon sa akin. "Elow, mi."

I smiled. "Hello, baby. Puwede ka bang makausap ni Mommy?"

Iniabot niya ang manika sa akin at humagikgik.

Hinalikan ko ang tuktok ng ulo niya. "Sikat si Daddy, 'di ba? Kagaya mo, maraming may gusto sa mga kanta niya." Tahimik lang siya. Ni hindi ko alam kung naiitindihan niya ako. "Okay lang ba sa 'yo kung ipapakilala tayo ni Daddy sa kanila? Okay lang ba sa 'yo na marami nang makakakilala sa 'yo kapag nasa public places tayo?"

"Ti tayo?" she asked.

Tumango ako. "Oo. Tayong tatlo. Ipapakilala tayo ng Daddy mo bilang family niya. Okay lang sa 'yo?"

"Family po?"

"Opo," I replied.

She smiled. "Opo, mi."

"Hmm? Okay lang sa 'yo?"

"Opo, mi." She leaned against me. "Family po tayo, ih."

My heart warmed at her answer. Bumalik siya sa paglalaro ng mga manika niya kaya tumayo na ako para ipagluto siya. Sa gitna ng ingay ng mga tao tungkol sa pamilya namin, gabi-gabi pa ring pumupunta si Kobe sa apartment. He did it more carefully. Hindi ko alam kung ano ang plano niya pero handa na ako. He could do it anytime and anywhere. May tiwala ako sa kanya.

Gayle was right. We're family. Kobe adjusted to our world... and it's my time to adjust to his.

Everything happened so fast, but unlike before, I kept my peace of mind now.

"Kobe is the right man for you," sabi ni Ate Kat habang nakikipaglaro kay Gayle. Bumyahe pa siya para puntahan kami. "Kahit noon..." She smiled. "Isinuko niya ang lahat para sa 'yo. No'ng nabangga ka, hindi siya umalis sa ospital. I even caught him crying once at the chapel."

"Huh?"

"Hapon 'yon. Tulog ka. Kami nina Mill at Mari 'yong nagbabantay sa 'yo kaya lumabas siya." She tilted her head, and her hair moved swiftly with that. "I wanted to talk to him. Gusto ko kasing malaman 'yong nangyari sa 'yo... so I followed him. Hindi ko alam kung saan siya nagpunta hanggang sa nadaanan ko 'yong chapel sa ospital. He was alone... on his knees... crying."

My heart clenched in pain.

"Private moment niya 'yon kaya umalis din ako agad. That's when I realized that Kobe really loves you. He was grieving for his baby while taking care of his girlfriend. Alam ba kung gaano kasakit 'yon?" She exhaled. "But I'm not in the position to judge you. You're a grown-up. You know what's the best decision for yourself."

A tear escaped my eye. "Mahal ko si Kobe, ate."

"I know."

"Hindi ko na pakakawalan 'yon."

Muli siyang ngumiti. "I'm happy for you, Karsen. You're really a big girl now."

Lumapit ako sa kanya at buong-pusong niyakap siya.

"I love you, ate," bulong ko. "Thank you sa pag-aalaga."

Umuwi rin siya ng araw na 'yon. Nakipagkwentuhan lang talaga siya sa akin at nakipagkulitan kay Gayle. Hindi niya na naabutan si Kobe dahil kailangan niya pang makaabot sa last trip pauwi. I told Kobe about Ate Kat being here, and he was glad that I didn't spend my whole day by myself.

"Concert tickets?" I asked as he handed me two VIP tickets. "Oh, the top ten artists sa Before Sunrise ay magpe-perform?"

He nodded. "I'm planning to introduce you and Gayle on that day. What do you think?"

Namilog ang mga mata ko. "Sa concert talaga? Saka birthday ni Gayle 'to, ah?"

"Yeah. Kinausap ko 'yong talents tungkol d'yan. It's actually a birthday concert for our daughter. I want to introduce you both after that."

"Sigurado ka rito?"

"I'm still asking for your approval. Hindi ko itutuloy kung hindi mo gusto."

Napanguso ako. "Hindi kaya nakakahiya? Gets ko naman na hindi kami magugustuhan ng lahat, pero medyo nakakatakot pala." I chuckled. "Baka laitin nila kami."

"Their opinions don't matter," he said. "I'm proud that you're my family. I want everyone to know that."

I cupped his face and gave him a peck. "Do it. Broadcast your love for us."

His eyes glowed as he pulled me in for another kiss. He sucked my lower lip. Dahan-dahan niya akong inihiga sa sofa, hindi pinuputol ang halik, bago marahang haplusin ang panga ko.

"Dito ka matutulog?" nanghihinang tanong ko.

"What? No."

Napangiti ako. "Dito ka na matulog. Tabihan mo kami ni Gayle."

I opened my eyes and saw him glaring at me.

"Bakit?" I asked.

He rolled his eyes. "Magkakasya lang tayo sa kamang 'yon kapag nakapatong ako sa 'yo."

"Kobe!" I exclaimed.

He gave me another peck. "Wait until everything is settled. I'll give Gayle a sibling."

His words were always enough to calm me down. Sa maikling panahon lang ay napakarami nang nangyari. I told myself that I wouldn't rush things, but I couldn't wait to be with Kobe either. I couldn't wait to show my love to him freely. We were victims of the people around us. Why do we have to suffer?

I no longer care if his world is too cruel because, as long as he's with me, we can create our own version of a different, private, and happy reality.