"Mom, I swear. He doesn't look like it but Oxygen is nice. You don't need to be rude on him, he get it that you don't like him. There's no need to show it." I told her that when I headed back to the house after sending Ethan and Oxygen out.

She turned to me with a scowl on her face. "I don't like that you're befriending that guy, you should focus on Ethan, Gabby."

I swear, mom is getting on my last nerve. It's been two weeks since Ethan and Oxygen started their constant visit to see how the reconstruction of our garden is going. Mom is making it an excuse just so Ethan will show up here, she knew he wouldn't say no. And I couldn't complain, Ethan is becoming an angel in disguise by always bringing Oxygen with him. Mom can't do anything on that, she wouldn't be rude to Ethan by asking him not to bring Oxygen the next time he pays a visit or else, he'll completely stop coming and surely, his parents will know about it.

"And I don't get it. What's wrong with Oxygen?" I let out a frustrated sigh. "Why can I be with Ethan and not with him?"

Mom stared at me for a second like I said the most ridiculous thing she'd ever heard today. Then she rolled her eyes. "What I'm saying is, if you hang out with chickens, you're going to cluck. And if you hang out with eagles, you're going to fly."

That's it. She got me pissed. Enduring how poorly she treats Oxygen every time he's here had been so hard for me, she barely give him the time of the day and when she does, it was only to embarrass him in front of Ethan and I or the help or everyone around. I didn't hear any complain from Oxygen. Although I know it hurts him. I'm ashamed of my mom. He didn't deserve that. Not any of it.

"I didn't know you to be so judgmental. Shading someone you know nothing about, so easily is something I've never expected from you, mom." Mahina kong sabi.

"I am your mother, Gabbana. I know what's good for you. He's no good. In any way. I know you, so trust me." She said it like she really does.

I looked at her and shook my head weakly. "Then maybe you don't really know me at all."

Before she could say anything that would make me mad at her more than I am now, I've turned my back and started leaving. This wasn't what I've signed up for. I reminded myself again why I'm staying with my mom, it's because she needs me. She's upset and her whole world is falling apart. But I can't let her ruin mine. I'm okay with Oxygen. For once in my life I've felt so important to someone that I would never doubt my worth. I know that's something she wouldn't understand because she's not me.

The next morning, I woke up feeling completely messed up. My stomach is aching badly, maybe because I've cried last night right after Oxygen get off the phone. Well that's something I wasn't able to control. I'd been so frustrated watching my mom mistreating my boyfriend who's innocent for her rudeness. I'm upset that I can't let that out. Every time I bring it up, Oxygen will always say he's fine and that he's getting used to it. He shouldn't! If you won't correct people when they upset you, they wouldn't know how to treat you right. If you come to think of it, mom wouldn't mind if she's being too harsh towards Oxygen. He's nothing to her. But he's everything to me that's why I'm making it a big deal.

And now that my tummy is grumpy, I feel the need to call Oxygen. Maybe our baby felt bad, too. I'm terribly sorry for how his grandmamma acted. It's way too childish.

I reached for my phone and dialed Oxygen's number. Few rings and he's on the other line.

"Baby, what wakes you up this early? Natutulog ka pa dapat." The gentleness of his voice made me feel a little better but no kidding, I'm really terrible. He might've heard me groan, he instantly worried. "Hey, you okay in there?"

"I'm not. Oxygen, my stomach hurts. It feels like hell. Can you come over and get me, please?" I said.

"On my way." He hurled a string of profanities from the other end. "Goodness, baby, don't move. Stay where you are, if you're in bed stay right there. Don't you dare try standing up, I swear I'd go crazy. I'll get you right where you fucking are."

I was about to tell him that I'm good to standing up and even changing my clothes but the next I heard is the roaring engine of his car and he's being too preoccupied, muttering curses. Even whispering little prayers for me and our baby's sake. Other times, I should've laugh and find it amusing to have him this way, but not now that I'm enduring a scorching pain in my abdomen.

Tumayo pa rin ako sa kabila ng paalala ni Oxygen, I wasn't able to put on a decent clothe because my legs were shaking, I can't stay up long. So, I just slipped in a robe over my oversized slips. In my slippers I headed down, still having Oxygen on the phone. He told me he's already in the subdivision, I don't wanna start up a drama if ever mom catches us because I'm certain I can't stop Oxygen from making a scene, now that he's all about me.

Good thing is that mom is still in her room, enjoying every bit of her sleep when Oxygen parked in the driveway. I hurried and meet him upfront.

A scowl was printed on his face when he went down. "Sabi ko sa'yo huwag kang tatayo!"

Mabilis niya akong nilapitan at pinangko sa aking kinatatayuan. Maingat na isinakay niya ako sa kanyang sasakyan bago umikot sa kabilang bahagi at nag-maneho.

I've dropped my phone on my lap when he snatched my hand and kissed the back of it. "God, baby, you're scaring me. Is it that bad?"

I looked at him and he's looking straight on the road, frightened up. I squeezed his hand so he kissed the same spot again and again until we've reached the hospital.

He carried me out, we draw attention. Hospital people came over us with the stretcher but he's not giving me to them and for the love of God, I'm holding onto him.

"You and your body will grow to accommodate your new baby. While this is natural and necessary, it can cause some discomfort. It can be stressful, especially for first time mothers like you, to discern between normal pains and when there is a possible complication from a sharp pain during pregnancy." It was the doctor talking as she caresses my bulging stomach with me laying on the bed. It wasn't hurting anymore, maybe my baby already calmed down. "I'm not saying that what you've experienced is normal and that you should ignore it the next time you feel it. It's actually a good thing that you're here. Your stomach may feel tight in your first trimester as your uterus stretches and grows. Other sensations you may experience include sharp, shooting pains on the sides of your abdomen as your muscles stretch and lengthen. You just have to make sure you're taking all the vitamins needed and watching your healthy diet is important."

She made me drink something safe for pregnant women, that's how the pain eased. Oxygen stayed beside me, holding my hand and not letting go.

"Are you working? Because if you are, I suggest you quit." She frowned, eyes straight on the onboard computer of the ultrasound machine, then up to the monitor. Her eyes went wide, looking terrified.

"W-what's wrong?" I worried.

"Are you having baskets of stress lately?" She said, looking at me with those amused eyes. Then she looked at Oxygen, shaking her head, I saw her eyes went down to his crotch. If she isn't my doctor I would've slapped her in the face. "Because if you are, you have to throw it all away."

"What do you mean?" I remained clueless, Oxygen is, too.

"You have to really be committed with this pregnancy, darling." She told me that, then she looked at Oxygen again who's now looking back at her with curious eyes. "Multiple pregnancy requires more care and is more likely to have complications."

I was stunned. "M-multiple? I-I'm carrying a twin?"

My heartbeat races in fear, I looked down at my stomach being held by the OB. Oh my goodness, I know that Oxygen has a twin sister. And his other sisters are another set of twins. Then his mom has a twin brother. And then my late Aunt Carmela was my mother's twin sister. I shouldn't be surprised to know that I'm carrying a twin but I hadn't seen it coming.

"No," the OB shook her head. I was about to sigh my relief when she spoke again. "You're having triplets."

I swallowed, absorbing what I've just heard. Splaying my fingers out in a fan against my breastbone, I breathe out and looked at the monitor. I'm not understanding what's in there. But she said, I'm carrying three lives inside me. Oh my God if this hadn't shocked the hell out of me I don't what is.

"The more babies you're carrying, the higher your risk of complications. The greatest risk is that you'll deliver the babies prematurely, which increases their chances of health problems."

I'm hearing her but I couldn't comprehend. I'm so wrapped up to the idea that there are three babies growing inside me. Then I remembered the scorching pain I've felt that woke me up, if there are three of them inside me, they may need more space to fit in. Oh my God, I'm close to becoming a pig even before I gave birth. But that's not what concerns me more, it's the risk that they might have complications, no, I wouldn't want that to happen.

The doctor went on and on about the dos and don'ts, Oxygen remained silent. I don't know how he's absorbing the news we had straight on our faces today.

Finally, he turned to look at me with a shaky smile that build like the surprise have just sink into him. He didn't say anything rather do anything more than leaned over and kissed my forehead.

"I'm scared, Oxygen." Pag-amin ko nang makabalik na kami sa sasakyan at mag-simula na siyang mag-maneho. "It terrifies me to know that I'm responsible for a life growing inside me and now that I've learned I'm carrying three, I think I've lost my mind."

"Baby," he held my hand like he owns it. "Relax, pull yourself together. There's nothing to be scared of, I got you and the babies. Just relax, everything is gonna be fine."

"What if... What if I can't do it? What if I failed?" I told him that. "You heard the doctor, this will be risky. There are possibilities that one might or might not survive, we can lose two or maybe all of them. I can't, Oxygen-"

"Hush, that's why I'm here. Alright?" He hushed me down, pulling over just to face me. He cupped both of my cheeks and made me face him. "We will do this together."

I burst out crying. "I can build a community inside my stomach. What the hell, right?"

And that made him burst out laughing. "And here I am, thinking it would be cute to see you bigger than what I've expected. Pusta bente, maganda ka pa rin."

I moved out of his touch and leaned on my seat, wiping unwanted tears away. "You don't understand. There's a lot going in my head right now."

"Oh, kakasabi lang kanina na hindi ka pwede ma-stress masyado." Paalala niya. "Huwag ka nang mag-alala, babantayan kita. Aalagaan."

Oxygen sweet words made me calm down, he knows exactly how to handle me.

"I'm taking you home, with me. We can't keep hiding this and risk our babies, I have to make sure you're spending days just as fine as you should and sleeping the nights in peace." He said.

He's right. I silently weighed my options. Then mom came in the picture, I shook my head. I couldn't let her be, not now. She needs someone to stay with her. "Not yet, mom needs more time for this."

"You and our babies are suffering. Good Lord, Gabby. I could take all the insults from your mother the moment I snatch you out of her nest but I couldn't risk your sake now. I couldn't anymore." He was ready to continue the argument when I started begging.

"Please? I promise, this won't happen again. I'd be extra careful. Visit me everyday, tell Ethan why you have to. I promise, Oxygen, this won't be long. I will soon talk to mom about this. I was beginning to. I'm kind of started throwing hints that it's you that I like and not Ethan, please give this to me. Please?"

He stared at me for awhile, there's so much in his eyes and all I could recognize is pain. I've hurt him. I've hurt the man who does nothing but protect me.

"I love you, Oxygen..."

He didn't respond to that, instead he turned to the steering wheel and continued driving. "Sometimes it's better if you prove it."