Umagang-umaga ay nagkakagulo na sa boarding house dahil sa post ni Ivo. Gustong alugin ni Celeste si Lulu dahil siya ang kasama ni Ivo sa pagbili ng engagement ring para kay Raya.

"Umamin ka na kasi! May alam ka 'no?!"

"Wala! Gosh, I didn't know that he was going to propose and marry her right away!"

"Anong ginamit nilang singsing, eh mukhang on the spot wedding ata 'to?" Tanong ni Yari habang sina-swipe ang pictures na naka-post.

I looked down at my own phone and smiled at the sight of them. Parang film camera pa ata ang ginamit sa pagkuha, o filter lang 'to?

Raya is just wearing a simple summer dress with a white veil while Ivo is standing next to her in front of an old chapel. It seemed legit. Mukhang kinasal nga talaga.

"Ikaw! Karlo! Baka may nalalaman ka?!" Panghahamon naman ni Celeste sa kaibigan.

"Hoy, wala din akong alam! Alam kong magpo-propose pero hindi ko din in-expect na ngayon!" Depensa naman ni Karlo.

Enrique was already up and running. Nang makabalik ito mula sa pagja-jogging, pawis na pawis at nagtataka ang mukha nang makita kung gaano kami kagulo dito sa loob.

"May nangyari ba?" Bulong niya sa akin.

"Kinasal na ang mga best friend ko," I pouted, feeling a little upset that they didn't really tell anyone. Baka hindi na 'to magpakasal sa simbahan, eh!

He chuckled and nodded. "I'll prepare some coffee."

Pumasok si Enrique sa kusina para ihanda ang kape samantalang kami naman, panay ang flood kina Ivo at Raya. Kukutusan ko talaga ang dalawang 'to kapag nagkita kami ulit! Magpakasal ba naman bigla-bigla?!

After that chaotic morning, we rested for a bit and one by one, they all went home. Nabanggit ko kay Lulu na pupuntahan ko siya sa Maynila bukas para mamili ng susuotin kong gown para sa retirement ceremony ni Major General. Mabilis naman itong pumayag.

I called in sick and spent the rest of the day in the boarding house, trying to catch some sleep while Enrique went back to work in construction. Hindi ko na alintana ang ingay dahil sa pagod ko at nakatulog nalang magdamag.

"What do you have in mind?" Lulu asked as we walked around the department store, aimlessly looking for a night gown I could wear for the retirement ceremony this week.

I shrugged. "Nothing vulgar, I guess? Just a modest gown that wouldn't make me stand out too much."

She pouted. "That's boring. And with you..." she glanced across my body and smirked. "It's impossible not to stand out."

Inirapan ko lang ang kaibigan. Enrique has to report to his base and I had to do a little shopping so we both traveled to Manila.

"I can't believe you guys are back together..." she gushed excitedly while checking out the silk long dresses in a designer rack. "Imagine going away in the military for how many years and then you come back to find out that your first love was waiting for you? That's so romantic!"

"I wasn't waiting, Lulu. I dated a lot of men, remember?"

"Yeah," she snorted. "But you won't even let them touch you until Enrique came back. Don't get smart with me, Dr. Perez, wasn't that waiting?"

Hindi ako nakasagot sa babae. Tama naman siya. Madalas na rason ng hiwalayan namin ng mga naging ka-relasyon ko ay dahil hindi ako nagpapagalaw sa kanila. I don't even know the reason why I got into a relationship with them in the first place. Para makalimot? Para ma-distract ang sarili? O para masabing may ginagawa ako para makamove-on sa lalaki?

"Here, try this on..."

Napatingin ako kay Lulu nang abutan niya ako ng tatlong napili na night gown mula sa rack. Bago ako pumasok sa fitting room ay inisa-isa ko munang ichineck ang presyo ng mga ito. I dropped the overpriced one and changed inside.

"Nope, next!" Lulu frowned as soon as I stepped out in a marble gray gown. I groaned and went back to change into the pink one. Maski ito ay hindi rin nakapasa sa panlasa ng kaibigan.

"Where's the other one?"

"Masyadong mahal."

"Oh my God, don't be so kuripot now! That one was my favorite, Avery! Put it on!"

Sumimangot ako at pinulot ulit ang iniwan kong gown kanina. It was crafted from luxurious satin in soft champagne hue, exuding a timeless and romantic appeal. The silhouette is modest and graceful, making it perfect for a retirement ceremony. Delicate beadwork adorned the neckline of the gown, catching the light and adding a subtle sparkle in every move.

Kaso... ang mahal talaga.

I put it on and stepped back out. Lulu gasped as soon as she saw me.

"This! This is it!"

I grunted. "No, it's not. Wala na 'to sa budget, Lulu."

"Oh, come on! You look stunning!" She grinned while placing my hair back into my hair. "I'm sure Enrique would want to do you as soon as he sees—"

"Luanne Rose!"

She chuckled and stepped back, turning around to inspect how the gown fitted like a glove into my body. A look of approval crossed her face.

"You really have to take this, Avery."

I sighed and ended up paying ridiculously for the gown. Ibebenta ko nalang siguro 'to pagkatapos ng event. Parang batang pinagbilhan ng lollipop si Lulu sa sobrang saya. Pagkatapos naming mamili ay sinamahan ko siyang sunduin si Lottie mula sa eskwelahan nila.

"Tita Ave!" She beamed as soon as she saw me.

"Hi, Lot-lot!" Kinarga ko kaagad ang bata nang itaas nito ang mga kamay. I pinched her cute, little nose. "Kumusta ka?"

"May star po ako today, Tita Ave!" She proudly showed the faded star on her wrist. "Bigay ni Titser!"

"Good girl naman pala ito, eh!" I praised her and kissed her cheeks. Nanggigigil ako sa ganda ng bata.

Lulu stares lovingly at her daughter while fixing her hair. Si Kael nalang ang hinihintay naming dalawa para makauwi na sila. Enrique said he would pick me up after he was done in the camp.

My phone started ringing while I was playing with Lottie.

"Tatay ni Chuchay?" Hindi mapigilan ni Lulu na basahin ang nasa screen ko. She laughed. "Hindi mo pa rin ba pinapalitan yan?"

I just pouted. Dinelete ko ang numero niya noon pero nung ibinalik ko, iyon pa rin ang naging pangalan niya sa cellphone ko. I didn't want to put in his formal name because this one looks more fun to me.

"Hello?"

"I'm done. Where do I pick you up?"

"Nasa labas kami ng eskwelahan nina Lottie. Dito nalang?"

"Okay."

I ended the call and glanced at Lulu. "Papunta na rito si Enrique..."

She nodded. "It's okay. Malapit na rin naman si Kael." she sighed and turned to me. "Are you happy right now, Avery?"

"Napaka-out of the blue naman..." reklamo ko.

She giggled. "You've been through a lot... and I still feel guilty that I left when you were suffering the most. I feel like I've abandoned you as a friend."

Marahas akong umiling. "Kahit kailan, hindi ko inisip na inabandona mo ako, Lulu. You've done a lot for me, remember? I wouldn't survive my college life if it wasn't for you..."

"I'm happy for you..." she said sincerely.

I pulled her into a hug. Kaagad din akong kumalas dahil nagrereklamo si Lottie na inaagaw ko daw ang Mommy niya. We chuckled.

My eyes drifted away from the two and immediately saw Enrique stepping out of a taxi. Today, he's wearing his Scout Ranger black suit uniform. His insignia and patches were in subdued colors, probably to maintain a low profile. Nakasuot din ito ng itim na beret at itim na combat boots.

"God, you should make him wear that in bed!" Lulu whispered next to me.

Siniko ko ang kaibigan bago ako tumayo para salubungin si Enrique. I've seen him in his uniform earlier but he still looks so damn hot in it. Maybe I should take Lulu's advice?

"Hi!" I beamed.

"Soldier, Mommy!" Rinig ko si Lottie sa likuran.

Enrique briefly kissed me and turned to Lulu and Lottie.

"Luanne," he greeted.

Tipid lang na ngumiti si Lulu sa kaniya. Si Kael nalang talaga ang kulang at makakapag-reunion na kaming mga apartment couple dito. I shook my head as I revisited my memories again. Parang kailan lang ay roommates pa kami ni Lulu...

"That's Tito Kiko!" Turo ni Lulu kay Enrique. "Go greet him!"

"Hi, Tito Koko!" Lottie smiled widely. Enrique chuckled at her face.

"Kiko, honey. Not Koko," Lulu gently corrected.

"Ay, sorry po! Hi, Tito Kiko!" Pag-uulit ng bata.

"She's so pretty..." hindi ko mapigilang purihin ulit ang bata.

"Gusto mo?" Binalingan ako ni Enrique.

I laughed. "Kikidnapin mo si Lottie? Hindi ka mapapatawad ni Kael—"

"Hindi. Gagawa tayo ng atin."

Sinapak ko kaagad si Enrique dahil kuryusong nakatingin sa 'ming dalawa ngayon si Lottie. Maging si Lulu ay biglang tinamaan ng hiya at kaagad na inakay ang bata.

"Napaka-BI niyo sa anak ko!" Saway niya sa aming dalawa. "Umuwi na nga kayong dalawa."

Enrique laughed and pulled me close to him. Ako na ang humingi ng paumanhin kay Lulu bago nagpaalam sa kanila. When we got back into the taxi that would drive us to the terminal, I started hitting him.

"Sa harap talaga ng bata, ha?!"

"Hindi niya naman naiintindihan," depensa ni Enrique.

"Kahit na!" Reklamo ko sa kaniya. My heart was beating so fast! Aside from the joke, is he subtly hinting at wanting to have a kid with me?

Parang ang bilis naman... last month pa kami nagkabalikan, eh!

"Ano yan?" Turo niya sa paperbag kong hawak.

"Susuotin ko sa ceremony bukas."

He nodded stiffly. I noticed that he was getting more tense as the day of the ceremony arrived. His father, Major General Harvy Cajucom will be there with his family... so it means I won't see Tita Judy at the event.

"Kumusta nga pala si Tita Judy?" Tanong ko sa lalaki.

He stared at the window as the taxi drove. "Ganun pa rin."

Tumango lang ako. I wasn't expecting her to change or to ask for forgiveness for everything she's done. She's probably not aware of what she's done in the first place. Halata naman sa huling pagkikita namin doon sa grocery store.

"Does he know you're coming?"

Tumango lang din si Enrique. Hindi ko na siya kinulit pa tungkol sa tatay niya. If there's one thing I learned about him, his father will always be a sore subject for him to discuss.

Nang makabalik kami sa La Union, umuwi muna si Enrique sa kanila para makapag-bonding kasama ang mga kapatid. I wanted to come with him, but I had to catch up with work in the laboratory.

"You've been taking leaves frequently, Dr. Perez..."

Napalingon ako nang bigla akong kausapin ng assistant researcher ko. I've been working with her for the past four years and we never talked about anything outside work.

She smiled at me. "Tao ka din po pala."

Napanguso ako. "What do you mean?"

"Akala ko buong buhay mo ay trabaho." She giggled and handed me some papers. "Nakakatuwa kang tingnan these days."

I just scoffed and accepted the papers. They all know me as a competitive, workaholic researcher in this laboratory. Totoo din naman. This industry has a cut-throat competition. I know there's a lot of gifted researchers out there, longing for my position. I have to work twice as hard to prove that I deserve my spot and the name that I'm making in this industry.

Enrique and I decided to check in a hotel room on the night of the ceremony. Masyado ng hassle kung ba-biyahe pa kami galing La Union patungong Maynila kung saan gaganapin ang event.

I did my own make-up while on call with Celeste. Siya ang nagturo sa akin sa tamang paglalagay ng primer, eyeshadow, at foundation sa mukha ko. When I was done, I thanked her and proceeded to do my hair.

Tumigil ang lagaslas ng tubig sa shower. Enrique stepped out with a white towel wrapped around his hips. Napalunok ako sa nakita. He'd already ironed his uniform for tonight's event. Kinuha niya ito at bumalik ulit sa restroom.

He stepped out, dressed in his Dress Coat uniform. It's a formal military uniform used for events like this. A thick coat in dark green, featuring gold buttons and rank insignia on his shoulders. Terno nito sa kaparehong kulay ang suot niyang trousers. Beneath the coat, he was wearing a white dress shirt. He had his beret, black leather shoes, and white gloves to complete the look. Napatingin ito sa akin.

"Hindi ka pa ba magbibihis?"

"Magbibihis na..." dali-dali akong tumayo. It will always be embarrassing to me each time he catches me ogling over him. I wonder if his female soldiers are thinking the same? He looks like he was created just to be worshiped by the female gaze.

I took my time changing into the gown. Nang hindi ko na maabot ang zipper sa likuran, tuluyan na akong lumabas para manghingi ng tulong kay Enrique.

He was fixing his gold button when he saw me. Enrique's lips parted, before it curled into a smirk.

"Help me with the zipper..." I complained.

Lumapit sa akin ang lalaki kaya agad akong tumalikod. His hand pulled the zipper up while the other one lingered on my waist. Nang matapos ay naramdaman ko ang marahan nitong paghalik sa leeg ko.

"You know, if I'm not wearing my uniform right now, I could just take you..." he whispered.

I turned around and swatted his chest. Tumawa naman ito.

"Mali-late na tayo, tara na," wika ko at naunang naglakad sa kaniya.

The event was held at the general headquarters of the AFP, in Camp General Emilio Aguinaldo. This is my first time attending this kind of event, so I couldn't help but gaze at the military personnel and dignitaries who arrived one by one.

"He's here..."

Enrique stiffened next to me. Sinundan ko ang tingin niya. Military personnel lined up in a formal position, and the retiring officer is placed prominently at the center.

Pinagmasdan ko ang ama ni Enrique. He really looks like him, huh? I wonder if there are rumors between the two since they share their looks. They were both fierce-looking, serious, and with an air of authority always lingering around them. Enrique must've gotten his skin from his mother because his father is so pale. Parang hindi nanirahan sa bundok tuwing nade-deploy!

We were ushered to our seats, with Enrique sitting next to me. He was silent during the opening remarks. Pero ang mga mata nito'y hindi matanggal sa amang nakaupo sa harapan.

"Major General Harvy Cajucom started his military career at the age of 21, after graduating as the class valedictorian from the Philippine Military Academy in Baguio. The young second lieutenant was then assigned to the 7th infantry division..."

Iginala ko ang paningin. In the front row, his family was seated. A middle-aged woman in an elegant red dress was listening to the opening remarks with pride on her face. Katabi nito ay isang matangkad na lalaki.

This is his family? His wife and his son!

Napalingon ulit ako kay Enrique. He mentioned that the wife didn't do anything after learning about his affair with Tita Judy. So, she knows about him, huh? And his son failed to enter PMA so Enrique carried all the burdens of his father's military dream.

"In his third year of service, he earned the Military Merit Medal for his bravery and strategic planning in leading his platoon in deadly counter-insurgency operations, saving hundreds of lives..."

The senior officer went on and on about his achievements and awards for his 30 years of service. Maging ako ay nahihilo na sa dami ng mga sinabi niya. Some of his fellow officers, subordinates, and even the mother of the child who he saved made some speech about him.

God, he is so perfect... except he isn't.

Here he is, basking in all the glory and awards in a room full of dignitaries and important people... while the son he disowned is watching him in silence. The son he abandoned and the other family who will never make it to the papers next to him.

"After 30 years of distinguished service, Major General Cajucom will be awarded Distinguished Service Star for his outstanding and dedicated service to the Republic of the Philippines."

People clapped and cheered when he went to the stage to accept his award. And in a sacred flag folding ceremony, he stood tall and proud, like a perfect hero. They ended the program with a formal salute by the assembled troops.

"Captain Cabrera!"

We were ushered to the function hall for the buffet following the program. Enrique held my waist as we walked down, never saying a word. I know he's still tense around his father, so I didn't say anything else.

He turned and gave a salute to a fellow officer. "Lieutenant Colonel Villano." He nodded.

The said officer turned to me and grinned. Ibinaling nito ang tingin kay Enrique.

"Ngayon lang kita nakitang nagdala ng date, ah? Hindi mo ba ako ipapakilala?"

"Yes, Sir. This is my girlfriend, Avery. She's a researcher."

Lieutenant Colonel Villano offered me his hand. I accepted it and smiled politely at him.

"Good to see you back, Captain Cabrera." He patted his shoulder. "I'll see you around."

Iniwan na kami ng officer. Enrique led me to our table.

"Anong gusto mong kainin?"

"Yung hindi mamantika," I grimaced.

He nodded. "I'll get our food."

I was left alone at the table. Saktong sa harapan pa talaga namin nakaupo ang asawa ni Major General Cajucom. She was talking with a female officer, probably waiting for her husband.

"What did you think of the event?"

Napatayo ako sa gulat nang makarinig ng boses sa likuran. To my surprise, it was the Major General himself. He must be on the way to the table. He's smiling kindly at me and if I didn't know better... I would have thrown myself on his feet and exclaim what an honor it is that he's talking to me.

"It's simple..." I ran my gaze throughout his face, noting the similarities that he shared with his son. Then I smiled. "And honorable."

He nodded. "I'm glad you think that way." Bahagyang kumunot ang noo nito. "But you're an unfamiliar face. Who did you come here with?"

"I'm Dr. Perez," I held out my hand and he accepted it in a firm handshake. "I'm your son's girlfriend."