Anthology

Dad's The Word (Andreau x Zade)

Another ficlet from the twins universe! Disclaimer: this might not be a TSIB future thing. Hahaha

Prompt: they just grow up so fast.. (Andreau x Zade)

*inside Mr. & Mrs. Cortez’ bedroom..*

Andreau: *examines a crumpled notebook paper* What… is this?
Zade: *shrugs* I found that in your daughter’s bag.
Andreau: Which daughter?
Zade: Don’t worry, it’s Jane this time.
Andreau: *groans* Damn it. Seriously? *stares at the paper again* How di—
Zade: Tinanggal ko yung rubber shoes niya kanina at nahulog yan. *sighs* Seriously, Andreau. Why are you so worked up?
Andreau: Zades.. you’ve read this thing. *crumples the paper more* Hindi ka man lang kinakabahan?
Zade: *shakes her head* Nope. I’m completely fine with it.
Andreau: WELL I’M NOT!!!
Zade: Yeah, I could tell. But.. I don’t understand why and where’s this anger coming from, Andreau.
Andreau: *takes a deep breath; opens the paper again* Babasahin ko ulit ha? In case hindi nagregister sa utak mo. Dear Jane.. Thank you sa pencil. Papalitan ko na lang bukas. I love you. Derek
Zade: *giggles* What’s wrong with that?
Andreau: AT NAKAKATAWA KA PA??
Zade: Babe.. *touches her husband’s arm* Calm down, okay? I really find that note cute. Ikaw ba?
Andreau: Zades.. walang cute dito sa note na ‘to. This.. kid said I love you to our daughter. One of my princesses. Does he even know what love means?
Zade: That was downright insulting to the kid, Francisco.
Andreau: The kid’s just seven! Jane is just seven years old!
Zade: And I thought I was the Math genius here..
Andreau: *glares at her*
Zade: Sorry! Christ, Andreau. So what? Do I have to remind you na seven years old lang din si Tristan nung hinalikan niya ako at nagselos ka? *grins*
Andreau: Don’t change the subject. We’re not talking about Tris—
Zade: And… sino kaya yung nagsabi na papakasalan niya si Ninna nung four years old sila? 
Andreau: *groans* Ugh, fine! Fine! You win! Maaga akong lumandi! Is that what you want me to say?
Zade: *laughs* Oh god, no! Ano ka ba! I just don’t understand why are you so riled up with.. this.
Andreau: *sighs deeply* Zades.. last year, Valentine’s. Si Sofia umuwi dito na may dalang roses at Valentine’s card na hugis puso. This year… si Jane naman.. I love you.. Oh God. This sounds so irrational but.. they’re just growing up so fast. Parang last week lang nung.. *smiles* Nung bumalik sa’tin yung positive pregnancy test results tapos.. God.. A kid said I love you to my princess. Too fast, Zades.
Zade: *smiles* Naiintindihan naman kita. Pero Andreau.. eventually there will come a time na may dadating na lalaki sa –
Andreau: *closes his eyes* Nope. Not yet. Too young to talk about boyfri—
Zade: OA mo na ha!
Andreau: Sorry! Ano lang kasi.. gusto ko lang ma-enjoy habang bata pa sila. Yung.. mga panahon na sa’tin pa umiikot yung mga mundo nila. Look, seven years from now.. they will have friends, go out.. and yeah right, meet some boys. I just.. I just want to cherish these moments, okay? Is that too much to ask?
Zade: *cries softly* Wala namang ganyanan, Babe! Lugi ako eh!
Andreau: *hugs Zade* Sorry. I didn’t want to upset you. And you’re right, this is really irrational.
Zade: You’re such a good father, Andreau. Masama ba kung.. kahit paano naiinggit ako sa kanila? I wish na sana.. nakita ko man lang si Papa na kinakabahan na may kumakausap sa’king lalaki. The small things like that. But.. I’m really beyond thankful that my daughters have a very handsome and very very loving father like you, Andreau. A little bit protective sometimes but.. yeah. Pwede na rin.
Andreau: Hmmm.. I think magugustuhan naman ako ng Papa mo kung nakilala ni—
Zade: Hah, don’t be full of yourself.
Andreau: What? Your mom totally loved me—
Zade: *rolls eyes* Because crush ka ng nanay ko. Yun lang.
Andreau: *smiles smugly* Aha… I knew it.
Zade: *picks the crumpled paper* Pero in fairness dito kay Derek ha? Lume-letter pa! *stares at Andreau* Alam kong pag-aawayan natin ‘to bukas pero sige na, ihahatid natin sila bukas. I know nangangati kang makita ‘tong Derek kid na ‘to.
Andreau: *smiles widely* Well.. yeah. Titignan ko kung seryoso ba siya kay Ja—
Zade: Francisco, OA na ha.
Andreau: Sorry.
Zade: Pero whoever this Derek kid is, I admire him. At a young age kaya na niyang i-voice out ang romantic feelings niya. Hindi katulad ng iba na ang tanda na pero nahihiya pa. *glances at him* Sino kaya ‘yon, ano? Talo pa ng seven year old!
Andreau: *groans* I was hoping you won’t bring that up.
Zade: As promised, rest of your life, Andreau. Rest of your life.