Chapter Seven

Parents

"Mag-iingat kayong dalawa."

"Opo, Ma. At mabilis lang din naman kasi by air naman po," Elie reassured her mom as we prepared to leave for Masbate.

Elie finally had time to go on vacation with me. Break din kasi niya sa pagtuturo, and we already booked our flights beforehand. Si Elie pa nga ang nag-asikaso noon.

"Siya, Akhlas, ingatan mo itong anak ko, ha? May tiwala naman ako sa'yo. At, Sabel, mag-enjoy ka rin doon, anak. Alam ko naman na ngayon ka lang din magbabakasyon. Kaya salamat sa'yo, Akhlas." Ngumiti sa akin si Tita.

I smiled back at her. Then Elie and I nodded to her mom before saying our goodbyes.

We headed straight to NAIA for our flight to Moises Espinosa Airport in Masbate City. I was genuinely excited to travel with Elie. I haven't felt this kind of excitement before about riding an airplane or going somewhere. Most of my past trips were either family or business-related.

The flight lasted approximately an hour, and soon, we landed in Masbate. Pagdating namin, sinundo kami ni Kuya Adam.

"Akhlas!" He hugged me as soon as he saw me.

"Kuya," I replied, hugging him back with a smile.

My siblings and I grew up together in Germany, raised by loving and family-oriented parents. Kaya naman, kahit malalaki na kami at magkakahiwalay na dahil sina Ate Aletheia at Kuya Adam ay nagkapamilya na, we still miss each other. I know our parents, who stayed in Germany, feel the same. Kaya naman tuwang-tuwa sila tuwing binibisita sila roon ng mga kapatid ko kasama ang kanilang mga anak.

"And you're with?" Kuya Adam asked with a curious smile, turning his attention to Elie.

I smiled and introduced her. "Kuya, this is Isabeli Flores."

He looked at me, seemingly expecting more, like I'd introduce Elie as my girlfriend. I didn't, though—not yet. I just smiled at the thought.

Nagbatian sina Kuya at Elie before we left. Sumakay kami sa sasakyan ni Kuya papunta sa bahay ng pamilya niya. Elie had already met my older sister and her family; now, it was time to meet Kuya Adam's family.

"Adam, nakabalik ka na," his wife greeted him warmly as we arrived.

We exchanged smiles and pleasantries before heading inside, where I also met my niece and nephew. That's when I realized—I already have quite a few pamangkin from my two older siblings.

We had lunch with my brother's family. Afterward, I spent some time bonding with Kuya. Dinala niya ako sa farm nila, leaving Elie behind with his wife and children. Elie seemed to enjoy bonding with them. Meanwhile, I watched the harvest at the farm with Kuya Adam.

"You like the girl?" he suddenly asked.

I glanced at him and smiled, nodding. This could've been awkward, but since Kuya is happily married and clearly in love with his wife, I knew he'd understand how I feel about Elie.

He smiled knowingly. "That's good, Akhlas. How did you two meet?"

I answered his questions until it was time to head back home.

When we returned, I found Elie happily playing with Kuya's kids and chatting with his wife. Her laughter filled the air, and when she heard me arrive, she turned, and our eyes met. She smiled at me, and I smiled back.

We also had dinner with my brother's family before heading to bed that night. I made sure to thank my sister-in-law for thoughtfully preparing two separate guest bedrooms for me and Elie.

"Do you like it here, Elie?" I asked her the next day while we strolled through Kuya's farmlands. The staff gave us the space to explore on our own.

She turned to me and nodded. "Yes, Akhlas. It's nice here. It has such a relaxing countryside vibe. Hindi mo ito mararamdaman sa Manila," she said with a smile.

I nodded, smiling back. "Yes, you're right. I also love the fresh air here in the province."

"Ang laki pala nitong lupa ng kuya mo, 'no?"

"Yes. This was originally from our Dad. Dati kasi, nakabili siya ng properties dito. Kuya developed the farmlands, and their house is built on one of those properties."

"That's nice," Elie commented.

I nodded again.

"My mom and dad met here," I shared.

"Here in Masbate?" Elie asked, curious.

I looked at her and nodded. "Yes, here. This is where they pretty much started. Kaya si Kuya Adam, nandito rin dahil sa property na naiwan nila."

Elie nodded, smiling at me warmly after hearing about my parents.

I enjoyed talking to her about my family. It felt like I was bringing her closer to them, even through stories. Gusto ko mapalapit si Elie sa pamilya ko, tulad ng pagiging malapit ko sa Mama niya—her only family.

I want Elie to feel like she has more family, too. Gusto ko maramdaman niya na tanggap siya ng pamilya ko. And they welcomed her warmly.

I want to give Elie everything, if I could. Wala yata akong hindi gagawin para sa kaniya.

"Oops," I caught her summer hat just as the wind almost carried it away.

She looked at me and smiled, taking it back. "Thank you."

"You're welcome," I replied with a smile.

It was already late afternoon, so the sun wasn't as harsh. Sina Kuya at ang asawa niya ang nagsabi na mamasyal kami ni Elie sa farm, and I was glad she liked it here. She enjoyed the fresh air and the beautiful green scenery of the grasslands.

We spent the day looking at the farm animals and exploring the area. It was a wholesome and peaceful day—just the kind I wanted her to experience.

And I too had so much fun, as long as I'm with Elie. The beautiful view of nature in front of us felt even more magnificent because she was by my side. I feel like I could never get bored when I'm with Elie. Every day could be a fun day as long as we're together.

At this point, I was already imagining a future with her. Sigurado ako na walang araw na hindi ako okay kapag siya ang napangasawa ko. I can only picture going home to her every day, eating the healthy home-cooked meals she makes. I would go home to her and our children...

Alam ko na magiging masaya ako kay Elie. And I can only hope that she'll be happy with me too. That's my only wish.

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