Week after, my family went home from their trip. And I went home, too, to announce that Amelie and I are officially dating. Sana sa susunod mag-yes sa proposal ko. Sisimulan ko ng planuhin. At magiging masaya na kami habang buhay.

I saw Mom chilling by the pool. I checked the time and found that it's already past nine in the morning.

"I'm home," I said, announcing my arrival. "How was the trip?"

Mom removed her sunglasses and I leaned in for a kiss in the cheek.

"Amazing. I got a lot of new things for the house. And also, your dad finally got the lot."

"What's his plan for that lot? He's been into lots these days."

"Oh, let him be. He's being practical about the business."

I sat at the sun lounger next to hers. Pinaglaruan ko ang aking mga daliri.

"What is it? May nangyari ba sa inyo ni Amelie?"

"Wala pa, Mom."

"Kithian! Ang bastos mong bata ka. I wasn't talking about that."

I chuckled.

"I know, Mom. I was just teasing you. But... if you really wish to have a grandchild already–"

"Kithian!" she warned.

Lalo akong natawa. Mom's face is full of irritation. Hindi pa handa maging lola. I can't promise her though. Sabi nga ng karamihan, mabagsik na ang mga kabataan.

Totoo naman.

"Anyway, I came here to tell you that Amelie already said yes to me and to clarify that information, we are now in our boyfriend and girlfriend phase. But–"

"Oh my God!" she gasped.

"Mommy–"

"I'm so excited to meet her! Mabuti nalang at nakabili ako ng bagong gamit para sa bahay. Oh, no!" she turned to me. "I should start decorating the house then?"

"Mom, hindi ko pa nasasabi na gusto mo siyang makilala. Let's take it slow, okay?"

"Are you kidding me, honey? No! I want to meet my future daughter-in-law," pursigidong anito.

Napakamot ako sa batok. I know this is a good thing but I don't want to scare my girlfriend. My girlfriend. Wow. The satisfaction. The audacity of me. I love my life.

"Amelie might get scared, Mom. We need some time. Please."

Mom scoffed and decided to let it go. I spent the rest of my time catching up on things with mom. She's fully aware of what's happening in school and she really is so supportive. Even before, in high school. I got fond of playing soccer and was the team captain.

She's the kind of mom that is supportive. Dad's the nonchalant one. He'll say go ahead and won't budge.

"You're still on your racing habit?" she asked.

Umiling ako. I haven't raced for awhile now. And it's just a hobby whenever I don't have work... or bored.

"I haven't done it for a while. Baka pagkatapos ng graduation, Mommy. Or if I'd still get busy over work then I guess I'll reconsider that plan."

She frowned. I saw dad coming from inside. I haven't spotted the two since I've arrived. Baka nagpapahinga sa mga kwarto nila.

"You're here. What's up, young man?" si dad.

"Fine. I have a girlfriend now," proudly, I said.

"Oh wow. Amelie finally said yes? Kailan?"

"Nagc-celebrate na kami ng weeksary, dad. I'll bring her here sometime. We're still getting to know each other."

Dinaanan niya lang ako at tumabi ng upo kay mommy. I saw their fingers and smiled. They're both wearing new rings. I don't know what it is this time.

"What? After that long courtship you're still on that stage?"

"There's still a lot of things I don't know about her. And same goes to me. Marami kaming panahon para diyan."

"Well, are you happy, my dear? I hope she doesn't break your heart." Mom's voice was instantly filled with worry.

I cleared my throat. Hindi iyon gagawin ni Amelie sa akin. At hindi ko rin hahayaang mag-away kami ng matagal. Hanggat kayang pag-usapan, pag-uusapan.

"Hindi 'yan mangyayari, mommy. We are so much in love with each other."

Hindi rin ako nagtagal sa bahay. I returned to my condo and spent the remaining time cleaning. Amelie's coming over to stay for the night. According to her, her parents already know and I can come over anytime I want. The same goes for her.

We know the limitations so I guess everything will all be well. Of course, there could be instances that we will get aggressive with each other pero hanggang doon lang 'yon. Hindi pa naman nangyayari but I need to be prepared.

Nagluto na rin ako ng dinner naking dalawa. I don't want my wife to come home tired and then do house chores while I'm here. Hindi pa pala.

"Hello, baby! I'm home!"

I looked over to the front door and found her there removing her sandals. Formal ang suot nito dahil galing sa school.

Mukha akong house husband at ayos lang. I like these delusions.

"In the kitchen, my love. How was school? Done with your clearance?"

Nang makalapit ito sa akin ay agad ko itong niyakap at pinugpog ng halik. Looking back, I've always imagined doing this to her. And now that I finally can, I won't hold back. I want my actions to be expressive towards her.

"Hindi pa po. Sobrang dami kasi at iyong ibang teachers pakipot pa. Baka hindi ako maka-graduate dahil sa kanila."

"How can I help?"

"Kaya ko na 'to, love love. Ang mahalaga may progress ako everytime pumupunta sa school." She smiled and the whole room brightened.

I smiled too. Kung ganito lang din kaganda ang uuwian ko sobrang worth it. Amelie is worth it in all ways.

"Gutom ka na? Upo ka muna, tatapusin ko 'to," mahinahong ani ko.

"I'll change my clothes, love ha?"

"Of course, my love. Go ahead. You rest, too. I'll call you once I'm done."

"Nah, I'll be back after. Thank you, baby!" She tiptoed and gave me a peck before running to the guestroom.

Tinapos ko na ang pagluluto ng nakangiti. Pakiramdam ko lahat ng niluto ko nakangiti na rin sa 'kin. Iba talaga ang sayang dala ng girlfriend ko. Pati manok na luto napapangiti rin.

Hibang na yata ako.

Amelie came back with a wide smile. Nakasando na ito ngayon at jogger pants. She's grown comfortable with me, huh?

She prepared the utensils. Paminsan-minsan ay niyayakap ko siya kapag naaabutan. The kitchen's full of giggles and laughter. My heart feels so full.

"Ganda mo." I chuckled and tucked her hair behind her ears.

Ang ganda talaga. Sumusobra. Hindi alam paano ilugar ang kagandahan. Araw-araw nalang sobrang ganda. Sarap pugpugin ng halik.

"Gwapo mo." She pinched my nose and let out a laugh.

I guess we're even, then.

We cuddles in the sala after dinner. Watching netflix and then chill.

"Kithian?"

I hummed while continuously brushing her hair gently.

"Your presence gives me the assurance that everything's going to be fine. That despite the chaos and challenges I'm facing, everything will fall to its right places. And I think... that's what makes life beautiful and meaningful."

My hand automatically stopped brushing her hair. I moved her head closer and embraced her warmly so she won't see that I'm tearing up.