"Waiting for Ma'am Tiexiera again?"

"Yes," nakangiti kong sagot sa tanong ng dumaang teacher.

"How lucky," rinig kong bulong niya sa kasama niya habang papalayo sila.

Nakasandal ako sa kotse ko habang hinihintay siyang lumabas ng gate. Hindi naman nagtagal ay nakita ko siyang papalapit, may mga kasamang estudyante pa nga at mukhang nagbibiruan sila.

I waved my hand at her when our eyes met. Her face beamed as she walked closer to me. Ang dami niya pang dalang bulaklak.

"Ma'am, boyfriend mo po?" tanong ng batang siga. May mga bandage pa siya sa mukha. Napaaway ba 'yon?

She laughed. "Uwi na kayo." Iwas niyang sagot!

"Oo, boyfriend niya ako, bakit?" maangas pero pabirong tanong ko.

"Ah, panget," ngisi ng batang lalaki, and he even stuck his tongue out.

"Hoy!" reklamo ko kaagad nang magtawanan silang papaalis.

"Estudyante mo ba 'yon, Ma'am Tiexiera?" sarkastiko kong tanong. "Ang babastos ha."

Ngiti-ngiti lang siyang nakatingin sa akin. Tumaas lang ang kilay ko nang halikan niya ako sa labi. "Nagbibiro lang ang mga 'yon," sambit niya sa malamyos na boses.

Olats, pre. Tunaw kaagad yung sama ng loob ko. Anong laban noon sa ngiti niya?

Ngumuso ako saka hinila siya papalapit para sa isang mahigpit na yakap.

"Sobrang namiss kita," bulong ko saka tinuntong ang ulo ko sa balikat niya.

"Kakahiwalay lang natin kaninang umaga."

"Ano naman ngayon? Eh sa namiss kita e. Magturo kaya ako dito, para araw-araw tayong magkasama," suhestiyon ko.

She laughed and pulled out from the hug, "Siraulo. Sinundo mo si Meseus?"

Tumango ako, "Oo, tapos pinasakay ko lang sa tricycle pauwi. Ikaw, sinadya ko dito."

I hissed when she pinched me. Mas matutuwa sana ako kung iba yung kinurot niya.

"Parang hindi mo kapatid," sambit niya sa akin.

"Dejoke lang. Wala siya dito, balita ko dumiretso na naman ng playground. Pagsasabihan ko na nga 'yon. Bakit hindi tumulad sa akin? Well-behaved ako noon tapos best in religion," pagyayabang ko.

A puffing sound came out from her mouth. "Really? Why can't I imagine it?" natatawang tanong niya.

"Inggit ka lang, Ma'am, kasi eager beaver award lang 'yung meron ka," lait ko sa kaniya.

She rolled her eyes with a smile. "Yeah, fine fine," she dismissed.

I put my hand on her cheek and softly caressed her skin. I gently pulled her closer to me, and she closed her left eye when I kissed her there. "Happy Teacher's Day, Ma'am."

She smiled and placed her hands on my chest. "Thank you. You're not busy?"

"Hmm? How can I be busy when it's a special day for my special girl? Are you tired? I prepared a date."

"It's fine. Pero okay lang bang ganito ang suot ko?"

I took a look at her whole appearance and whistled, "Oo naman. Ikukulong ko ang hindi sasang-ayon," biro ko.

Napailing siya. "Let's go," aya niya before getting in my car.

"Binigyan ka no'ng lalaki?" tanong ko habang nagdadrive ako. Tinutukoy ko yung co-teacher niyang may gusto sa kaniya.

She nodded, and my brows arched. "But I forgot kung ano ang binigay niya kasi ang daming nagbigay sa akin."

"Yabang mo a," puna ko. "Mukhang hindi mo kailangan 'yung akin tutal madami ka naman palang natanggap."

She chuckled, "You have a unique way of showing that you're jealous."

Ngumuso ako, "Hindi naman. You deserve it, but I want to be the one who'll spoil you the most."

"Mn," she answered, her eyes shimmering with happiness.

"Pero hanapin mo dyan yung binigay niya sa 'yo. Punta tayo sa puntod ng lola ko tapos bigay natin sa kaniya." I burst out laughing when she slapped my thighs after saying that.

We just ate at a restaurant for a change of scenery and then went out for a drive while talking about how our day went. Nothing's new, but I feel like I won't ever get used to this, no matter how often we do it.

"Humayo kayo at magpakadami," ang huling sabi ng Pari.

"Tara na, magpadami daw," birong bulong ko sa kaniya habang naglalakad palabas.

Napaigik ako nang pingutin niya ako ng malakas sa gilid. "Nasa simbahan ka pero kung ano-anong kademonyuhan ang pumapasok diyan sa isip mo. Baka gusto mong hindi na dumami ang lahi mo?"

Napanguso ako sa sermunan niya ako. I rubbed my face on her shoulder lovingly. "Sorry na. Hindi lang talaga ako nakapagbawas, tinulugan mo ba naman ako kagabi."

"Gahala," inis na bulong niya saka conscious na tumingin sa paligid, nag-aaalala at baka may nakarinig sa akin.

Natawa ako, "Fine, fine. Mananahinik na ako."

Napatigil siya sa paglalakad, kaya napatigil din ako. Tinitigan niya ako, kaya nakipagtitigan din ako. "Are you nervous?" she suddenly asked after examining my face.

Napangiwi ako. "Halata ba?"

"Not really. You look just fine."

Kakain kasi kami kasama ang parents niya after this at pag-uusapan din ang kasal namin. Kahit nakausap ko na sila last time when I asked for their approval for marriage, kinabahan pa rin ako. Parents niya kasi 'yon!

"Are you sure you're fine with this?" tanong ni Amara habang hinihintay namin ang parents niya sa napag-usapan naming lugar.

Bumuntong-hininga ako saka tumango. It's not like I can just back out. Baka pagtawanan ako ng mga kinulong ko kapag nagkataon. "Pogi ba?" tanong ko saka pinakita sa kaniya ang mukha ko.

"Mnn," sabi niya saka inayos ang kwelyo ko. She chuckled a little. "Naubos ata dugo mo dahil grabe yung pamumutla mo."

"Hah, grabe. Ang sama ng ugali mo. Nakuha mo pa talagang mag-joke, Tiexiera," sarkastiko kong sabi.

"Okay ka naman pala e," tawa niya, na nagpabusangot sa akin.

Natigil lang siya nang may biglang tumikhim. Kaagad akong napatayo nang marinig 'yon. "Good morning, Ma'am, Sir," balisang bati ko.

They just nodded and gestured that I should sit down again.

"Ma, Pa, this is Prosecutor Gahaldon Jammes Silva, my fiancé," Amara introduced me for formalities. "Gahala, this is my father, Gilbert Tiexiera, and my mother, Lilura."

"It's good to see you both again po." I smiled and offered my hand kahit medyo nanginginig. Sinipa ko ng kaunti si Amara sa ilalim nang marinig ang pagpipigil niya ng tawa. Demonyo 'to.

"Likewise, Ijo," sabi ng Papa ni Amara kaya medyo nakahinga ako ng maluwag

Binaling ko naman pagkatapos ang kamay ko sa Mama niya, pero tinaasan lang ako ng kilay. Napangiti ako ng peke at napabaling ulit sa Papa ni Amara. Kinuha ko ang kamay niya saka shinake ulit iyon. "Nice meeting you again, Tito."

"Ah yes," sagot niya kahit nalilito. "Let's order first," dugtong niya pa nang bitawan ko na ang kamay niya. "Waiter."

"Thank you for making time to talk with us Ma'am, Sir," alanganin sabi ko dahil sobrang awkward ang ambiance namin matapos kunin ng waiter ang order namin.

Napatingin silang tatlo sa akin kaya napalunok ako saka napainom ng tubig ng wala oras. Amara's just chill beside me, though.

"Glad to know that you're aware of how important my time is," sabi ng Nanay ni Amara.

Her Dad sighed, "Lilura."

Tita glimpsed at Amara's finger where she was wearing the ring I gave her. Tapos, tumingin siya sa akin. "When I saw you years ago, I never expected to be seated at the same table as you, Mr. Silva. I mean, after what happened." She hinted.

"Ma," napahilot si Amara ng sintido. I grabbed her hand below and squeeze it, telling her that it's okay.

I already pictured this out, but I'm not mad or offended. In fact, I'm even beyond grateful to them because they agreed to my proposal... which is something I did not expect.

Akala ko sasabuyan pa nila ako ng tubig at sisigawan ng "Layuan mo ang anak ko!" Ready na ako that day to face their wrath, so it leaves me confused when everything turned out smoothly. Napa-"eh?" pa nga ako.

Siguro they're doing this for Amara's happiness. They're trying to be better.

"Me as well po, Ma'am. I fully know that I'm not worthy of your daughter's hand and heart. I know what I did in the past, and I won't make excuses or try to cover up my mistakes. I admit all of them, and I know my apology is already long overdue, but I still want to apologize properly for hurting your daughter. Regardless, I wholeheartedly thank you po for giving your blessings and approval."

Her mother looked at me indifferently. "It's not like I can stop you both because my daughter has never listened to me ever since. Hindi na siya mapigilan at mapagsabihan after meeting you."

"Wow," Amara whispered sarcastically. "There's really no hope that we'll be able to talk nicely in this lifetime. Would it really kill you if you tried to be nice just once? My god."

"I'm talking nicely," kumbinsi ng Mama niya.

"Yeah, sure. You can convince anyone with that tone of yours," she sarcastically answered.

"Amara," kinakabahan kong tawag sa kaniya. She stopped glaring at her mother and sighed deeply, trying to calm herself.

Buti na lang at biglang dumating na ang order namin. Natigil yung bangayan sana nila.

"So when's the wedding?" Amara's father asked in the middle of eating, almost causing me to choke.

"We're planning to do it next summer po," I told them. "A yacht wedding. It won't be that grand and will include only our relatives and friends."

"Bahay. May plano na kayong magpatayo?" asked her mother.

"Already under construction, Ma'am," I smiled. "It will be done months after our wedding."

May idudugtong na itatanong pa sana siya pero inunahan ko na. "I've already made enough money na din po to cover everything. Our future house, wedding, honeymoon, childbirth, and until our child starts going to school. I can also ensure that our future family can go on vacation if they want, and we can celebrate every event with food on our table. You don't have to be concerned about future expenses after that na din po because I'll work even harder to provide them." Nakaready na din yung mga cards ko sa wallet, saka susi ng sasakyan if she ever questions me that.

Amara choked. "What? You're that prepared?"

I looked at her and nodded. "Uhm."

"Well... mukhang wala na naman kaming dapat alalahanin dahil halos inako mo na lahat," parang hindi alam na sambit ng Papa niya.

I smiled, "Yes, Sir. "

"Call me... uh, Papa," Tito cleared his throat, clearly uncomfortable with the idea of someone calling him that. Naiintindihan ko naman kasi ang awkward nga. "You should start practicing."

My eyes shone with happiness. "Yes, Papa," I said, and turned to Amara's mother with a happy face, shamelessly asking for something too.

She arched her brows and put the spoon in her mouth. She munched the food while staring at me as if she was thinking, and I waited patiently. She swallowed it and wiped the side of her mouth with a napkin. "Call me Master," she said seriously.

"Ma!" Amara hissed.

"Lilura," Tito called nervously. "You shouldn't tease them like that."

I was taken aback too after hearing it. Is she serious?

"What? Yon ang gusto kong tawag niya sa akin e," katwiran niya.

"He's not some sort of maid or what for him to call you that!" Amara looked so pissed. " You know what? We're out of here."

"Sure," her Mom shrugged calmly.

I grabbed Amara's hand and refrained her from walking out.

"Gahala," inis na sambit ni Amara.

I looked at her and nodded, telling her that it was fine. I pulled her gently, pinapaki-usapan siyang maupo ulit.

"Why? Are you not okay with it, Prosecutor Silva?" Baling sa akin ng Mama niya.

"No..." I gulped, "Master."

The side of her lips curved up after hearing the last word, as if she was so pleased with it and wanted to laugh but was refraining herself. "Well, well, well, it's not that bad being called that, huh?"

She looked like a villain in a movie, looking so evilly. I don't know if she's being serious or just trying to piss Amara off because if she is, she's really doing it without failing. Amara's already fuming.

Nagkakatitigan kami ni Tito at alanganing napangiti. We both looked stressed. I secretly comforted Amara, telling her to hold it in while Tito was begging Tita to stop.

"Let's meet again like this next time po," ngiting sabi ko kay Tito matapos naming mag-usap. Nasa labas na ang dalawa, hindi nagpapansinan.

"That," he winced, "I don't think it's a good idea."

"Well, I agree po," alanganing sagot ko saka natawa ng kaunti.

"And about Lilura, she's just teasing you," he said, pertaining to calling her master. "She's not used to all of this. I hope you understand."

"Don't worry, I don't mind po," iling ko ng ulo habang nakangiti.

He tapped me on the shoulder. "I'm entrusting my daughter to you."

"Yes. Thank you... Papa," I awkwardly added the last word, and he cringed too. We somehow ended up laughing a little together.

"It's fine, we'll both get used to it," he assured.

The meeting was chaotic, but it's a relief that it ended. I felt so tired at pakiramdam ko tumanda ako ng ilang taon.

"Are you okay?" tanong ko kay Amara nang makarating kami sa condo.

She sighed and sat down on the sofa. "I'm just a little irritated."

"Your relationship with your mother," maingat kong bangit at umupo sa tabi niya. "It would be good if that could get better, don't you think?"

Sinandal niya ang ulo niya sa balikat ko pagkatapos. "I think it will be more awkward if we try to fix it. Mas sanay na ako sa ganito."

"Just try to talk to her and tell her what you want to say," I suggested.

"I tried a couple of times, okay?" naiinis na sabi niya na parang may naalala. Napairap siya. "But she's always harsh! Laging may sinasabi! My god. She really needs to work on her attitude! Why are you even nice to her?!"

"Well, she's your mother, and every time I look at her, I feel like I'm seeing the older you."

Napaalis siya sa pagkakasandal at napatingin sa akin. "What? So you're telling me that I resemble her?!" hindi makapaniwalang tanong niya, even huffing out of rage.

See? Magkamukhang-magkamukha.

I tried to stifle my chuckle and kissed her neck instead, trying to calm her down. "No, no."

Bigla siyang napatigil nang mapansin ang ginawa ko. "What are you doing?"

"Melting your anger," I explained and bit her skin there.

"Yeah, better use your body to comfort me. After all, that's your future job."

"Admit it, pinakasalan mo lang ako dahil sa katawan ko, 'no?!" birong pang-aakusa ko sa kaniya while trying to make her sit properly in my lap.

"Kind of," she answered while making herself comfortable on top of me.

I chuckled at what she said and found myself staring.

"Why?" she softly asked when she noticed.

I shook my head. "Wala naman. Looking back when we first met and now, narealize ko lang na ang layo na ng narating nating dalawa. Parang noon lang, halos isumpa mo pa ako, tapos ngayon sa akin ka pa rin bumagsak. Ang galing ko pala talagang lumandi."

"Now that you're saying it, this feels like a dream," she mumbled. "Time sure passed by so fast. I can still vividly remember you standing in front of our classroom as a transferee."

"Are you amazed that after all the things that happened, we end up here?"

She nodded. "But I'm not surprised. I trust us to get here."

"That we'll end up together?"

She smiled. "I told you. I trust us to get here, to the place where we are destined. We're just lucky that our happy endings intertwined."

"Did you drink?" I asked worriedly. Nilagay ko ang kamay ko sa noo niya para tingnan kung may lagnat siya.

She slapped my hand. "Great. Just when I started falling for you more, you always end up ruining the mood."

I laughed at sinuyo siya. We reminisced the memories we had but we didn't mention those that bring us pain. We're not trying to forget, they will always stay as lessons, but we don't want to be reminded of them anymore.

"Now that we're talking about it, namiss ko bigla mga kaklase natin noon." Biglang sabi niya.

"But we're going to see them soon," I told her, referring to our upcoming alumni homecoming.

She smiled excitedly that reached her eyes. "Yeah."

"Now, should we continue where we left off?" I whispered to her.

Hindi niya ako sinagot pero siya ang nag-initiate ng halik. Binuhat ko siya ng hindi pinuputol ang halik at naglakad papuntang kwarto namin. We locked the door and stayed inside until we had enough.

"Why?"

Hindi ko mapigilang tanungin siya dahil kakalabas ko pa lang ng bathroom but she's already hungrily looking at my underwear. Grabe talaga ang babaeng 'to. "Gusto mo pa ng isa? Tuyo na ako e."

"Gago," mura niya kaagad kaya natawa ako.
Sobrang lutong naman no'n. Mas crunchy pa sa balat ng lechon.

"Laki no?" Yabang ko pero inirapan niya lang ako kaya natawa ulit ako. "This is my pride, my vision, and my hope," sabi ko habang tinuturo ang gitna ko ng ilang ulit.

Hindi na siya nahihiya pero suplada pa din. Nirolyo ba naman ang mata. Hindi na siya napagod. Kanina pa romorolyo 'yan.

Napailing na lang ako saka nagsuot ng pajamas. Hindi ako sanay magsuot ng damit sa ibabaw tuwing natutulog kaya she's wearing the upper one. Matchy tuloy kami at mas nakakatipid kami sa damit dahil dito.

"I was only wondering where your Ben 10 underwear went?"

I suddenly choked on my saliva after I heard what she said and turned to her. I can't even describe my expression. "Love?!"

She shrugged and grinned. "What? I'm just curious."

"Of course, it's been years! May punit na 'yon kaya tinapon ko na."

She laughed. "Bakit napunit?"

"Because it's already too old and too used. Stop making fun of me, will you?" iling ko saka tumabi sa kaniya sa kama.

"Should I buy you one? You look sad about it."

"No thanks, I'm already fine with my underwear and I have plenty. Come here. Dapat sa 'yo pinapatulog na kasi kung ano ang pumapasok sa isip mo."

Hinila ko siya papalapit saka tinuntong ang binti ko sa kaniya. I played with her hair so she could sleep fast.

"Gahala," she sleepily called. Her voice is too soft.

"Mnn?"

"Would you like a SpongeBob design too?" She chuckles softly. Siguro naalala din yung SpongeBob kong underwear!

I hugged her tightly to let her know that she was doing a good job at pissing me off. "Just sleep."

She laughed softly, and it gradually died down. Her breathing became normal, a sign that she was already sleeping soundly.

I looked at her peaceful sleeping face and lovingly kissed her cheeks. I hugged her again and brought myself to sleep.

This was my favorite part. Sleeping while cuddling her, and waking up the next day to find her lying on top of me, breathing softly and sleeping peacefully.

"Aren't you going to wear your favorite underwear?"

Napapikit ako ng mata nang marinig ang tanong ni Amara. Here she is again, bringing the underwear up.

Binilhan niya nga kasi talaga ako ng Ben10 na underwear no'ng payday niya. Of course, ayaw kong mapunta sa wala ang pera niya at ang effort niya sa paghahanap kaya sinuot ko. Iyon lang!

I faked a cough, "Well, we're going out. You don't know what accident we might encounter."

Baka mahubaran ako doon nina Yule! Nakakahiya! Masisira ang image ko sa kanila.

"Mukhang malungkot ka," she teased. "Paborito mo pa naman," tawa niya. "Kapag nakita mong tuyo na, iyon kaagad ang sinusuot mo. Minsan mo lang suotin, baka mapunit."

"Love," reklamo ko habang aliw na aliw na siya.

"Suotin mo na, tayo lang nakakaalam na 'yon ang suot mo," she slapped my butt.

I glared at her. This girl, I like it when she's teasing me but nagging hobby niya na ata. Nabaliktad yung role namin.

Napailing na lang ako saka sinuot na ang suit ko. Today's our alumni, and there's still two hours before it starts. Nang matapos, ay lumapit ako sa kaniya saka niyakap siya sa likod habang busy siya kakamakeup ng mukha niya.

I kissed her shoulders and watched what she was doing in the mirror. "Gawin mong pin-up yung eyeliner mo, bagay sa 'yo."

"Okay lang ba?" tanong niya nang tapos na siya.

Tiningnan ko siya mula paa hanggang ulo saka tumango, "Oo naman. Ganda mo."

"Naririndi na ako sa mga salitang 'yan," inis niyang sabi.

Natawa ako, "Yabang mo a. Ako lang naman nagsasabi no'n sa 'yo."

She arched her brows and grinned, "Sure ka?"

Napaawang ang labi ko. "Sino-sino sila? Pangalanan mo."

"Secret. " She chuckled and hugged me around my waist, "Let's go?"

"Teka lang," pigil ko sa kaniya. "Pagsasawaan ko muna mata ko bago kita ipakita sa iba," sabi ko saka tinitigan siya.

She frowned after a few minutes, "Tapos ka na? Matatagalan tayo dito."

"Teka lang, isang minuto na lang."

Natawa siya, "Kumurap ka naman. Hindi ba sumasakit mata mo?"

"Actually, paiyak na nga ako, " tawa ko din saka kumurap ng ilang beses bago siya hinalikan siya sa pisngi. "Tara na, pwede naman kitang titigan at hubaran mamaya pag-uwi natin."

"Don't. Pagod na ako mamaya, huwag mo akong pagudin pa. "

"Ang reklamador mo para sa taong humihiga lang. Ako naman yung gumagalaw," ani ko kaya nakatikim ako ng masarap na pingot sa tagiliran.

Amara looked excited when we arrived at school. We headed to the parking lot and were welcomed by luxury vehicles. Naks. Mukhang bigatin na lahat a.

"Bakit?" tanong ko kay Amara habang tinatanggal ko ang seatbelt ko. Bigla na lang kasi siyang natawa habang nakatingin sa cellphone niya.

"Kahit alumni, late pa rin si Vien, " iling niya ng ulo at natawa din ako.

"Paniguradong ando'n na ang iba sa loob, tara na," ngiti ko sa kaniya saka inalalayan siya pababa dahil sa heels at gown niya.

Panay ang tingin namin sa paligid habang papunta kami sa gym para tingnan kung ano ang nabago. Ang daming building na nadagdag at ang daming nag-improve.

"Namiss ko yung masungit na tindera sa canteen saka yung guard dito. Dito pa kaya 'yon nagtratrabaho?" share ko sa kaniya.

"Bakit mo sa akin itatanong? Paano ko 'yon malalaman?"

"Grabe ka naman Amara," kunwaring nasaktang sambit ko kaya natawa siya ng kaunti. "Pero grabe 'no? Daming memories."

"Wala akong masyadong naalala maliban na lang sa panlalandi mo sa akin." Iling niya.

Natawa ako, "Ako din, karamihan sa naaalala ko ay yung pagsusungit mo. "

"Remember the tanglad you gave me?"

I laughed, "Sus, kinilig ka naman do'n! Ikaw nga nasigaw mo sa buong classroom na nagseselos ka e."

"I did not?!"

I laughed harder, "Tapos binasted mo pa ako no'n tapos nagalit kasi nagseselos pala."

"Sinungaling! Wala naman akong naaalalang gano'n!"

"Eh bakit ka galit?" tanong ko habang tumatawa.

"Because you're spouting nonsense!"

"Nyenyenyenye, wala akong naririnig Tiexiera. "

We just continued arguing until we reached the venue. Natatawa ako kasi bad trip na siya. Yung tawa ko nauwi sa ngiwi nang apakan niya ako gamit ng matalim niyang heels.

Blood. I could smell blood.

"Aw!"

Napahinto kami bigla nang may makabangga kay Amara. Kaagad ko siyang inalalayan saka tiningnan kung okay lang siya.

"Sorry! I didn't mean it!" Hinging paumanhin ng nakabunggo.

Napatingin kami sa kaniya at natigilan kaming pareho nang magkaharap-harap kami. It was Yacey. Nakaramdam ako kaagad ng awkwardness sa pagitan namin.

I gazed at Amara to see her reaction but then I saw her smiling genuinely towards her. "It's fine. I don't mind." She assured. "Are you not hurt anywhere?"

Kita kong medyo gumaan ang pakiramdam ni Yacey doon. "I'm not. Sorry ulit," she sincerely apologized again saka nagbow ng kaunti.

Napatingin siya sa akin saka tumango to acknowledge my presence so I did the same. After that, she excused herself. I'm glad things worked out for her.

I held Amara's hand and squeezed it. She did the same at tumingin sa akin to whisper I love you. Napahinga ako ng malalim because I could feel my feelings for her overflowing.

"Let's go?" aya ko at tumango naman siya.

"Silva! Tiexiera!"

Napalingon kami sa tumawag sa amin. Kaagad naming nakita sina Louisa at ang iba naming kaklase dahil nakakaway na sila. Pumunta kami sa pinakamalaking table kung nasaan sila at doon naupo.

Kaagad kaming dinumog ng pabati. Amara talked to the girls habang nakipag-apir at nakipag-first bump ako sa mga lalaki.

"Naks mga pre, yayamanin niyo ng tingnan ah, " puna ko.

"Oh pare, gold 'to o, kaya mo ba 'to?" Yabang sa akin ni Marwan saka pinakita sa akin ang kwintas niya.

"Manakaw sana," sambit ko saka nagtawanan sila.

Nag-usap-usap lang kami to catch up with our lives. Hindi nawala yung payabangan kaya panay ang tawa namin. Mesa namin ata ang pinakamaingay sa lahat.

"We should eat sometimes! Ako na ang bahala sa babayaran," Azul suggested kaya napacheers kami.

"C'mon Azul, chill ka na lang diyan sa gilid, sagot ko na kayong lahat," yabang ni Ryder, hindi nagpahuli. Hinagisan pa siya ng tissue ng iba bilang pangbabash, walang pakialam kahit artista siya.

"Ow, we're talking about money?" sulpot ni Kala. "Let my card solve the bayarin guys," she grinned proudly at pinakita ang black card niya.

"Nahiya naman itong 20% discount voucher card ko," bulong ni Marwan kaya natawa kaming nakarinig.

"Enough with that. Gahala, wala ba kayong sasabihin sa amin? Tatahimik lang kayo a." Nakangising tanong ni Gray sa akin.

Napatingin tuloy lahat sa akin. Bigla akong nahot seat. I shyly scratched my nape and smiled. I grabbed Amara's hand and squeezed it before raising it to show them the ring.

"We're getting married, everyone, and you're all invited. "

Nahiya kami bigla ni Amara nang mapahiyaw yung iba. Inulan din kami ng pagbati.

"Wow! Congratulations!"

"Naks, so tuloy pagninong ko?" sulpot ni Sir na mukhang narinig ang balita dahil sa ingay nila.

"Oo naman, Sir," nakangiting sabi ko. "Pati binyag ha."

The whole night was full of fun. Nagpaalam kami ni Amara sa kalagitnaan para gumala. We somehow ended up in our former classroom.

Napatingin ako kay Amara na umupo sa eksaktong upuan niya noon. I smiled and proceeded to the front, kaya napatingin siya sa akin.

"What are you doing there? Come sit here beside me," aya niya sa akin, pero hindi ko siya pinakinggan.

"Hello everyone," I greeted no one, making her raise her brows at me like she was asking me kung anong kalokohan na naman ang ginagawa ko. I smiled at her, "My name is Gahaldon Jammes Silva. I'm 28 years old, a prosecutor, and financially stable. I really love this girl in front of me ever since the moment I met her, and I want to become the father of her children someday." Pakilala ko ito, gaya ng pagintroduce ko noong first day of school

"What are you doing?" She looked confused but happy.

"I promised to stand by her in both sunshine and storms. I vowed she would never face the waves alone, as I'll be there through every tide, high or low. I'll swim with her whenever our ship falters. I'll be her salvation, so she never drowns again."

Tumayo siya at lumapit sa akin. Nakatitig lang ako sa kaniya habang naglalakad siya papalapit.

"Sobrang mahal na mahal kita. Anong gagawin ko? I think being married and spending a lifetime with you won't be enough," I whispered helplessly.

"Idiot," she mumbled.

"Will you swear to be with me until the rest of our lives?"

"Should I answer?" takang tanong niya.

I nodded eagerly, "Yes. So I will have prior idea of how my heart will react, and I can prepare for our wedding day."

Natawa siya, "Dami mong alam."

"So what's your answer, Amara, hmm?"

She smiled sweetly, "Yes. I swear."

Napasinghap ako saka napahawak sa puso. "Should we prepare an ambulance just in case?" birong tanong ko sa kaniya, kaya natawa ako at hinampas sa braso.

I chuckled too, satisfied with her happy face. "What about yours?"

"My vow?"

Tumango ako. "I want to hear it."

She held my hand and squeezed it. She met my eyes and stared at me seriously. "From this day forward, I take you as my wedded husband. You must promise to love, honor, respect, and protect me. You need to be faithful to me, and not to forsake me until death do us part. In any case, if you betray me, especially with infidelity, there could be financial and physical punishment, as well as seclusion and tying up. Do you agree?"

"I think there's... something wrong with your vow," nag-aalinlangang sabi ko matapos marinig ang physical punishment at saka ang iba pang hindi kanais-nais.

She laughed, "Just answer."

She felt so unrealistic between my arms. If heaven were a person, I'm sure that would be her.

I chuckled too before replying. "I accept the terms and conditions, your honor."

No matter how far it is, no matter the place or time, the waves and the sand always meet in the end.

Because the waves always return, and the sand remains in one place.

She'll always be my happy ending.