Family

       "BALIW ka ba?! Wala pang passport 'tong kambal!" bulong ko habang mahigpit na nakahawak sa hita niya. Nakangiti ko ang pagngiwi niya nang mas pisilin ko pa ang hita niya.

"N-Nagawan ko na ng paraan," he stuttered.

I arched my brows at me. "Paano? Kahapon lang kayo nagkita-kita tapos nagawan mo na kaagad ng paraan?"

"I used my connection, Miss Ma'am. I have a friend working under DFA. I also have a friend who owned an Airport and airline. I have a private airplane. And I have a license to navigate an airplane..." he muttered and even winked at me.

Hindi na ako nakapagsalita pagkatapos niyang sabihin iyon. Yeah, I was indeed out of words.

The reason why we went to Silvercrest is that because the helicopter owned by Zachariah's family is on the helipad of his company. Zachariah navigates the helicopter while I am securing the twins on the back. Aaminin kong mas humanga ako sa kanya nang mapatunayan kong marunong talaga siyang magpaandar ng sasakyang panghimpapawid.

Dahil walang traffic sa ere ay mabilis namin narating ang sinasabi niyang Airport na pagmamay-ari ng kaibigan niya. Sa Areno International Airport kami napadpad. Ang mga Altamirano ang may-ari ng airport na 'to, eh!

My legs are slightly trembling and wobbly because of the pressure on the helicopter. I glanced at my kids. "You okay, baby?" Tanong ko dahil baka nahihilo sila.

Zhara shook her head. "No, Mama! It was fun in the air, Mama! I feel like I was a bird!" She exclaimed, jumping.

Ngumiti ako at tumingin sa kakambal niya. "Ikaw, Zacki? You okay, baby?"

"I am, Mama. That was fun! Daddy, let's do it again!" Zacki said, looking at his father.

Zach bent down and mess Zacki's hair. "Later, we will ride a bigger aircraft," sagot naman ni Zachariah habang nakangiti.

"Really, Daddy?!" The twins said in unison, sounding amazed.

"Uh-huh,"  he answered.

"Yehey! Let's go na, Daddy!" The twins held Zachariah's hands and started walking while I was behind them.

Pumasok kami sa airport at nanlaki kaagad ang mga mata ko nang makita kung sino ang sumalubong sa amin. Si khrizanta! She was wearing a beige trousers, pink blazer coat, inside was a white satin top. Mabilis siyang lumapit sa amin at niyakap ako pati ang kambal.

"Tita Ninang!" The Twins quickly greeted her with kisses and hugs.

"Hi, twins! Hi, babe!" She greeted them back  and winked at me before turning to Zachariah.

"I already told my staff to ready your private plane, Silvestre..." saad ni Khriz.

Ngumiti si Zach. "Thank you, Ms. President."

NOONG tumapak na kami sa loob ng private airplane ni Zachariah ay bumungad kaagad sa amin ang agaw-pansin at napakagandang interior ng eroplano. The inside of the airplane was painted with a combination of white and beige. The long and velvety sofa is color beige, in front of it was an LCD TV and a built-in refrigerator. Sa gilid ng sofa ay ang anim na upuan at isang mahabang lamesa, 'to ay nagmistulang dining area sa loob ng eroplano.

The aircraft also has large windows in its class – 12 seats in total. Next to each window is a handmade seat that can fully recline to convert into a comfortable bed. This kind of place is perfect for work, dining, entertainment, and relaxation.

"If you want to sleep, there's a cabin across the dining table," Mabilis akong napalingon nang marinig ang boses ni Zachariah sa may gilid ko. He was staring at me, mulling whether I was angry or not.

I nodded at him. "Okay,"

He pinched the bridge of his nose and let out a sigh. "Are you mad at me? Hmm?" he whispered when the twins ran inside the cabin. 

I stared at him before I scoffed. "Paano namang hindi? You surprise me! Hindi mo man lang sinabi sa akin na sa US tayo pupunta. You see," I twirled in front of him before I crossed my arms over my chest. "Wala akong bitbit ni isang damit. Hindi rin ako nakapaghanda ng damit para sa kambal. Kaya sige, tell me, paanong hindi ako maiinis sayo?"

He swallowed before looking at me apologetically. "We can go shopping later. I just want to celebrate the birthday of twins in a special way," he replied softly.

"May magagawa pa ba ako? Wala na, diba?" I said sarcastically.

He pouted and looked at me like a lost puppy. "Huwag kana magalit sa akin," he pleaded.

Mahina ko siyang hinampas sa braso. "Tumigil ka nga! Mas nagiging kamukha mo ang anak ko kapag ganyan ang itsura mo," saad ko.

"Anak natin," he said firmly.

Umirap ako at pumasok na sa cabin kung saan naabutan kong nakahiga ang kambal at naglalaro ng tiltil-suka. I immediately smiled as I lay on the bed beside them.

"You guys okay here?" Ilang segundo lang ay biglang pumasok sa cabin si Zachariah.

"Daddy! Join po kayo sa amin!" Zhara stood up and quickly clung to Zachariah.

He smiled. "I want to, baby, but Daddy will drive the airplane," he said softly.

Umawang naman ang bibig ng kambal. Namangha kaagad sa sinabi ng ama. "Really, Daddy?! I want to watch you navigate this big airplane, Daddy!" sabi ni Zacki.

"Me too, Daddy! Let me watch, Daddy!" Zhara added.

Zachariah let out a chuckle and nodded at the twins. "All right. You can watch Daddy, but we need to ask for Mama's permission," ani niya at mabilis na tumingin sa akin.

Bakit ako?!

"Mama, please..." Zhara pleaded, pouting her lips.

"Mama, watch lang po namin si daddy magdrive ng plane, please..." Zacki added.

"Okay—" Hindi pa ako tapos sa pagsasalita noong mabilis nang sumigaw ang kambal sa saya.

Zach set the twins on the bed before standing up and looking at me. "Don't you want to watch me navigate the plane?" he asked sullenly.

Ngumisi ako at umiling. "Iyong kambal na lang ang manonood sayo," ani ko at kumuha pa ng unan at niyakap.

"You sure?" I nodded. I heard him sigh. "O-Okay... By the way, A pilot friend of mine will be with us. May pinasama rin na flight attendant si Khrizanta for our flight. If you need anything, just call the flight attendant, okay?" paalala niya sa akin na para bang isa akong batang paslit.

"Opo, Daddy," I answered mockingly and he just made a face before rolling his eyes at me.

FLORIDA was eighteen and five minutes away from the Philippines. Halos buong araw ang naging flight namin dahil ang layo ng US sa Pilipinas. Mabuti na lang at busog na busog ako at ang kambal sa pagkain. Nakachikahan ko pa iyong Flight attendant noong natutulog ang kambal sa cabin.

Nang makalapag ang pag-aaring eroplano ni Zachariah sa Florida, USA, kinausap muna niya ang kasama naming piloto na si Captain Echavez bago kami lumabas ng eroplano. I was surprised when I found that he was the pilot boyfriend of Architect Montesilva. Hindi na ako nagulat nang paglabas namin sa Orlando International Airport ay may naghihintay sa aming mamahaling sasakyan. May lumabas na lalaki sa driver's seat at umikot papunta sa direksyon namin, nagpakilala at sinabing siya ang maghahatid sa amin sa Silvercrest Hotel. As usual, that Hotel is one of Silvercrest property.

"On behalf of Silvercrest Hotel, I wish you a very comfortable vacation. Just call me using the intercom when you need anything," The hotel porter exited.

Nag-abala pa silang magpadala ng porter, kasama naman namin itong may-ari!

Nang makaalis iyong porter ay mabilis na nilapag ni Zachariah ang kambal sa kama at sabay-sabay silang tatlo na tumalon-talon. Napangiwi na lang ako at hinayaan na silang magtatalon sa kama at nilibot na lang ulit ang buong suit.

There is a large LCD TV, and a Jacuzzi in the bathroom. Naka-separate ang shower room at toilet room. The wall, including the bathroom floor, was marble gray with a touch of gold. Gustohin ko man magshower ay wala naman akong damit na maisusuot. Kung sinabi kasi ni Zachariah kung saan kami pupunta, edi sana nakapaghanda ako ng mga damit namin.

Paglabas ko sa banyo ay natigilan ako nang makitang nakahiga na ang tatlo sa malaking kama. Zach was lying down on the side while the Twin's heads were in his arms. My lips curved into a smile, and my heart melted because of the scene. Kinuha ko ang phone ko at kinuhanan silang tatlo ng picture. Biglang uminit ang aking puso habang tinitignan ang mga pictures na kinuha ko.

Dahil tulog ang mag-ama ko ay matutulog na rin muna ako tutal halos buong araw ang naging flight namin. Nagising ako nang marinig ko ang hagikgikan at ang marahan na pag-alog sa akin. Dahan-dahan kong iminulat ko ang mga mata ko at ang unang bumungad sa akin ay ang mukha ni Zacki.

"Mama, wake up! Daddy said we will go shopping!" Zacki said, slightly shaking my shoulders.

"Hmm? Shopping, baby?" I asked, slightly groggy from sleeping.

"Yes, Mama! Ikaw na lang po ang hinihintay namin."

Just like earlier, we had our driver to drive us to the Florida Mall. Maganda at nakakamangha ang mall dito sa Florida, halatang puro branded brands ang binibenta. Hindi na ako nagreklamo noong ipagshopping kami ni Zachariah ng damit, sapatos, at iba pa. Pikit-mata nga lang ako kung pumili ng mga damit dahil dolyar ang presyo nila. 

After shopping, we ate at Buca Di Beppo. It's an Italian restaurant, and of course, we had pasta, pizza, and other Italian dishes. And according to him, tomorrow we are going to Disney World. He also told us that next time, sa Disney Cruise naman niya dadalhin ang kambal.

Pwede naman niya kaming dalhin sa EK, talagang dito pa sa Florida kami dinala! Sayang sa gas!

KINABUKASAN, maagang nagising ang kambal dahil ngayon kami pupunta sa Disney world. Nang natapos kaming maligo ng kambal ay si Zachariah naman ang pumasok sa bathroom. I chose to wear Black high-waisted pants and white long sleeves that I tucked inside my pants. I paired my outfit with my white Nike sneakers. I have my crop top denim jacket if ever I feel cold.

Tanging lipstick at mascara lang ang nilagay ko sa mukha ko dahil wala naman akong dalang make up at ayoko ng magpabili kay Zachariah. Zhara is wearing pink long-sleeves with a mickey mouse design and grey pants. Si Zacki naman ay nakasuot ng gray long-sleeves at black pants. May binili kaming denim jacket para sa kambal para kung sakaling lamigin sila ay may maisusuot sila.

Ilang sandali pa at lumabas na siya na nakabihis na. He's now wearing a ralph lauren white long sleeves polo shirt and a pair of black pants. He paired his outfit with his white Nike sneakers and chain necklace. He smells expensive and looks expensive.

Napakurap-kurap ako nang mapagtantong halos pareho kami ng suot! Gaya-gaya!

"Yehey! Daddy, come here!" Zhara exclaimed while jumping on my thighs.

"Zhara, huwag malikot. Baka hindi pumantay iyong hair mo, sige ka," pananakot ko.

"Sowwy, Mama." I smiled when she quickly apologized. "Sit, Daddy!" She taps the space beside her.

Zach walked towards us and sit beside me. Sinuklay niya ang buhok ni Zacki at nilagyan pa niya ng kids gel dahil gusto ni Zacki na pareho sila ng style sa buhok. Zhara's hair was braided on both sides, and I tied it with two pink ribbons. I sprayed baby cologne on the twins' clothes before I fixed the twin's backpack.

Kinuha ko na ang Cinderella backpack ni Zhara para ilagay roon ang mga kailangan niya. Hindi naman iyon mabigat kaya pinasuot ko na sa likuran niya. Habang si Zacki naman ay iyong bagong bili ni Zach na bag ang pinasuot ko.

"I'm so excited to see Cinderella, Daddy! I want to see Mickey, Minnie, Ariel, Belle, and other princesses!" Zhara exclaimed while jumping.

"Don't worry, princess. Later, you can see all of your favorite characters," Zachariah said softly.

"Including Buzz Lightyear and Woody, Daddy?!" Tanong naman ni Zacki.

Zach looked at him, smiling. "Yes, Son. Kahit si Harry Potter makikita mo rin mamaya," Zacki's eyes glowed because of what he heard.

Nauna nang lumabas ang mag-aama dahil excited na talaga ang kambal na pumunta sa Disney world. Tumatalon-talon pa si Zhara habang nakahawak sa kamay ni Zach. Si Zacki naman ay tahimik ngunit halatang excited na rin.

ZHARA jumped out of joy when Zach bought her a pink Mickey Mouse headband. I took my phone out and took a picture of her. I also took a picture of Zacki who is now wearing a Mickey Mouse ears hat.

"I'll take a picture of the three of you," ani ko at tinuro mismo iyong mismong harapan ng castle.

"Baby, picture raw tayo sabi ni Mama," rinig kong aniya sa kambal.

Napailing na lang ako hinintay silang pumwesto. He carried both of the twins before they smiled at the camera. Zhara kissed Zach's cheeks tapos si Zacki ay nilagyan ng peace sign ang ulo ni Zach. For the second picture, he bended one knee at binuhat niya si Zhara paupo sa leeg niya habang si Zacki ay nakaupo sa hita niya. I was smiling while taking their pictures.

Noong natapos ko na sila picturan ay kami naman ng kambal ang kinuhanan niya ng picture. Kung dati, ako lang ang pinipicturan niya, ngayon tatlo na kami. I smiled because of that thought.

"Hi, do you want me to take a picture of your family?" A mysterious foreigner appeared in front of us.

I gasped when I saw who it was. It was Croisx! Zachariah's younger brother!

"Croisx!" Zachariah's looked so stunned seeing his brother in front of us. Same!

"Hi, Ariella," he greeted me. "Let me take a photo of your family before I explain why I'm here," he said casually.

Nakita ko ang pag-ngiti niya nang mapunta sa kambal ang tingin niya bago siya sumenyas na kukuhanan na kami ng litrato. 

He took a picture of us. For the second picture, Zach and I, kissed the twins cheeks. Kay Zacki ako nakahalik habang siya ay kay Zhara. For the next pose, Croisx instructed us to create a heart on the top of our head. Ang kambal ay gano'n rin ang pose, bumuo rin sila ng puso ngunit ang hugis puso nila ay wala sa kanilang ulo. He took about ten photos of us before he gave back his brother's phone.

"Thank you, bro," Kinuha ni Zach ang phone at tinignan ang mga pictures, nakangiti.

"Hi, nice meeting you again," he greeted me again.

"You too," I smiled at him. "Ano pa lang ginagawa mo dito? May date ka?" I asked, trying to act casual.

His lips rose before he shook his head. "None. I'm just here for a vacation," he answered before he bent down to equal the height of the twins.  "Hi, I'm Croisx." he introduced himself to the twins.

I looked at the twins and slighty bowed my head, pointing Croisx. "Zhara, Zacki, This is your Tito Croisx. He's your Daddy's brother,"

Mabilis na nagliwanag ang mukha ng kambal noong makilala ang lalaking kaharap. "Hello, Tito Croisx! You look so pogi!" Zhara exclaimed and kissed Croisx on the cheeks.

"Hi, Tito Croisx! Nice to meet you!" Zacki greeted him and embraced him.

TAMA nga ang sabi nila that the happiest place in the world is Walt Disney World. Halos maubusan na ng boses si Zhara at Zacki noong mapanuod nila ang Fantasy parade kung saan lahat ng mga favorite disney characters nila ay nandoon at pakalat-kalat pa. Hindi na pinaglapas ng kambal ang pagkakataon at nagpapicture na sila sa lahat ng mga disney characters na makita nila.

"Mama, I'm so happy! I saw Mickey, Minnie, and Goofy! Cinderella is so pretty, Mama!" Halos sumisigaw na si Zhara sa sobrang kasiyahan.

"I saw Woody and Coco! Thank you, Daddy, for bringing us here! You're the best!" Zacki exclaimed and hugged his father. Gumaya rin si Zhara.

"That's the reason why I brought you here, son. I want you and your sister to be happy," he softly said and kissed the Twins on their head.

I can't help but to bit my lip to hide my smile as I watched them. Seeing them beam in happiness is like sunlight and a rainbow to me. Ang sarap nilang pagmasdan.

DAHIL nasa Magic Kingdom kami ay sinimulan na namin sakyan lahat ng mga kids rides— Kilimanjaro safari, Triceratops spin, Under the sea the journey of little mermaid na paborito ni Zhara, The magic carpet of aladdin at syempre ang paborito ni Zacki ang buzz lightyears space ranger spin. Mabuti na lang talaga at matibay ang sikmura namin ni Zachariah dahil kung hindi, baka kanina pa kami nasuka dahil ilang beses kaming nagpaikot-ikot sa mga rides!

Pagkatapos namin sa Magic Kingdom ay dumiretso naman kami sa iba pang tourist attractions dito sa Disney world. Pumunta kami sa Animal Kingdom, Hollywood Studios, at syempre sa Epcot center kung saan kumain kami ng Giant donut at sumakay sa monorail train. Then we watched the musical show Frozen Ever After that Zhara liked. New favorite character niya na tuloy si Elsa at Anna!

NOONG nasa Disney Spring kami ay mabilis kaming hinatak ng kambal papunta sa loob ng isang tindahan na nagbebenta ng mga Disney merch. Kinabahan kaagad ako at baka kung ano-ano ang ituro nila! Dollars pa naman ang presyo dito at wala akong gano'n!

"Daddy! Mama, look! A Princess dress!" Zhara exclaimed and pointed to the line of different dresses.

"Zharaiah Maeve," pigil ko kaagad dahil mukhang alam ko na ang binabalak niya.

"Mama, I want this..." Tinuro niya iyong damit ni Cinderella na nakasampay.

I was about to say no when Zachariah took the dress from the clothesline and showed it to Zhara.

"You want this, Princess?" Malambing na tanong niya sa anak.

Mabilis naman na tumango si Zhara. "Yes, Daddy. Please, Mama..." She pleaded.

"All right, princess. Daddy will buy it for you. Do you want anything else?" sambit ni Zach.

Napasinghap ako. "Zach, mahal masyado 'yan," ani ko pero tumingin lang siya sa akin at ngumiti.

"It's okay. I have the money, Ariella. If my kids want to buy this whole damn store, I'll buy it for them," he said hypothetically.

I scoffed. "Sige, ikaw bahala. Huwag lang sana lumaking spoiled 'yang si Zhara at lagot ka talaga sa'kin,"

Tulad nga nang iniisip ko ay hindi lang 'yong dress ni Cinderella ang binili ni Zach para kay Zhara. May mga binili rin siyang mga stuff toy at kung ano-ano pang laruan na paniguradong isa o dalawang beses niya lang gagamitin.

Si Zacki ay libro at stuff toys lang ang pinabili niya pero binilhan na rin siya ni Zachariah ng costume para partner sila ni Zhara. 'Yong outfit ni Woody iyong binili ni Zach para sa kanya.

Paglabas namin sa store ay sinamahan ko na kaagad ang kambal papunta sa restroom para makapagpalit na sila ng damit. Zhara is now wearing a Cinderella dress with blue gloves and a crown. Zacki is wearing a woody costume— blue denim pants, yellow long-sleeves, a cow print blazer, a red kerchief, and a brown cowboy hat.

"Smile on the camera, princess," Zach instructed Zhara while taking a picture of her.

Zhara smiled and even posed for the camera. Pagkatapos ni Zhara ay si Zacki naman ang pinicturan ni Zacharaiah.

"Baby, a seat on that bench. Yes, that's right, Woody. Smile, Zacki," Nakangiti lang ako habang pinapanood si Zachariah na kuhanan ng picture ang kambal.

IT WAS late in the Afternoon when Zach brought us to Cinderella's Royal Table Dining. Tuwang-tuwa si Zhara dahil nandoon iyong cosplayer ni Cinderella at pareho pa sila ng suot. They served us a 3-course meal, and the meal was worth the penny. Zhara is very happy because not only Cinderella here, but also the other princesses. Nagpunta pa sila sa bawat table kaya nagkaroon ng pagkakataon si Zhara na makausap sila at makapagpa-picture sa kanila.

Noong matapos kami kumain ay nagkaroon kami ng oras para itour iyong castle ni Cinderella. Hinayaan kong samahan ni Zach ang kambal habang ako ay nakaupo doon sa isang bench dahil masakit na ang mga paa ko kakalakad buong araw.

It was a tiring day but I was happy.

Noong maisipan kong ipost na sa Instagram iyong mga pictures ng kambal ay nagulat ako sa bumungad sa'kin. My eyes widened when I saw Zach's post. It was posted 15 minutes ago! The photo is a candid shot; I was talking to the Twins while I was smiling. Zacki kissed me on the cheeks while Zhara pointed her fingers at the balloon seller.

Hindi ko alam na kinuhanan niya pala kami ng picture kanina! Because of that post, I found myself stalking his account.

Zachariah.Duane

4 posts - 10.2K followers - 290 following

Zachariah Duane Silvestre

Father. Husband in the making.

CEO-Architect-Pilot

My heart skipped a beat when I saw his bio changed. I don't want to assume, but my mind already assumed it was me, even though there was no assurance that it was me. I bit my lips and clicked each photos he posted. Lahat ng mga post niya noon ay nakaarchive na. Two of his post was him on his suit inside his office, while the other two was the picture he took of us earlier. I clicked the post where we looked like a family.

Zachariah.Duane: The happiest place was when I am with them

Parang may mainit na bagay ang humaplos sa puso ko nang mabasa ang caption niya. I quickly check the comment section. Nanlaki ang mga mata ko nang mabasa ang mga comments ng mga kakilala ko. May mga ibang comments na galing sa ibang tao, base sa username at mga pictures nila sa icon ay mga foreigner sila.

Leon_iel:  Enjoy, Silvestre fam

Saint.Khriz: Such a cute fam

Saint.Khriz: I miss you, fam!

HunterTheGreek: Uwi kana papi tambak na paper works mo dito

HunterTheGreek: Bakit wala kayong couple pic

Napasimangot ako nang mabasa ang reply ni Hunter. Siraulong 'to!

I also checked Zach's story at napangiti noong makitang pinost niya na pala iyong video ng kambal kung saan tumatalon at nakikisayaw sila doon sa parade. Narinig ko rin ang boses ko na sumisigaw sa background. Nakakaloka!

NAKAUPO kami sa may bench habang hinihintay iyong fireworks display. A long silence prevails us. Nakaupo sa magkabilang hita niya ang kambal habang kumakain ng Churros na ulo ni Mickey mouse ang hugis. Namangha kaagad ang kambal nang magsimula ang fireworks display. 

"Wow, Ganda! Dami fireworks!" I heard Zhara murmur while her eyes were fixed on the sky.

"So many fireworks, Mama!" sabi ni Zacki at tinuro pa ang mga 'yon. "Zhara, look at the fireworks they shape like a heart!" Zacki's mouth formed a circle.

"Wow! Mama, heart, oh! Daddy, heart, oh!" Zhara exclaimed, clapping her hands.

Zach quickly kissed her cheeks. "Wow, so many heart shape fireworks, baby!" He exaggeratedly exclaimed to match Zhara's reaction.

I bit the inside of my cheeks to stifle a smile. I took out my phone and took a video of the twins getting amazed by the fireworks. Nakangiti ako habang kinukuhanan sila. Naibaba ko lang 'yong phone ko nang mabilis na umusog palapit sa akin si Zachariah, inakbayan at hinawakan ang kamay ko. Napalunok ako at nagkunwaring hindi naapektuhan sa ginawa niya.

Nanlaki ang mga mata ko nang maramdaman ang labi niya sa gilid ng noo ko. Napalingon ako sa kanya at hindi man lang siya nag-iwas ng tingin nang mahuli ko siyang nakatitig sa akin. I was about to scold him for staring at me when he leaned and kissed me on the lips, making my eyes close. My heart skipped a beat when he moved his lips a little.

"Waaah! Zacki, look! Daddy and Mama are kissing!"

Mabilis kong naitulak si Zachariah noong marinig ang boses ni Zhara. Shit! Ramdam ko ang pag-iinit ng buong mukha ko dahil nakita kami ng mga anak ko na naghahalikan.

Zach chuckled and softly pinched the nose of the twins. "You should close your eyes when Mama and Daddy are kissing, baby," ani Zach sa kambal inuuto.

"Why po?" Zacki innocently asked.

"Because it's an adult thing, son," Zach explained calmly.

"Okay po, Daddy!" The twins closed their eyes again, and Zachariah being mischievous, was about to kiss me again when I covered his mouth.

"Zach, ano ba!" I pushed him and slapped his hard chest. He softly chuckled and kissed me again but this time, on the forehead. I heard the twins giggle.

DOON natapos ang araw namin. Nakatulog ang kambal noong nasa sasakyan na kami pauwi sa Hotel. When they woke up, I took them in the shower for a short bath and brushed their teeth before I tucked them into the bed. Zach sings them a lullaby to make them sleep faster. Habang ako ay inayos ang mga bago nilang mga laruan.

Noong makasigurado na siyang tulog na ang kambal ay tumayo na siya at lumapit sa akin. Nakaupo kasi ako roon sa sofa. He reached for my hand, pulling me closer. Hinapit niya ang katawan ko at niyakap ako ng mahigpit. I bit my lip when he intertwined our hands and played with my thumb using his thumb.

"Aren't you tired?" he tenderly asked.

I swallowed before I shook my head. "P-Pagod pero maliligo pa ako," sagot ko at nagbaba ng tingin.

"Ariella..."

"Hmm? B-Bakit?" I bit my tongue when I stuttered.

"Can we change the last name of the twins to Silvestre?" Zach asked, trying not to sound curt.

"O-Oo naman," I answered, and a long silence enveloped the atmosphere.

"What about you?" He asked, and I quickly shifted my gaze at him. My heart beat faster when our eyes met.

My forehead crumpled. "Anong ibig mong sabihin?"

"Do you want to change your last name to my last name?" He asked, making my lips part in awe, and my heartbeat skipped.

Is he asking me to marry him?

*****