Hook, Line & Sinker

Epilogue

Epilogue: "You're that "Once in a lifetime dream come true."

"Ate Tam, it's time to make a wish!" Maya exclaimed as she pulled me away from my friends and took me to the makeshift stage. 

The brat I used to nurse has grown into a lovely woman. Until now, I still couldn't believe that I didn't recognize her the first time and even got jealous of her. The message I read from Shin's inbox was from her; it was around the time they were planning this surprise birthday party for me at the Hacienda Illustre.

I cleared my throat and held the mic close to my mouth. "Iniisip ko kung ano ba ang dapat kong i-wish, but then I realized that God has given me so much blessings already." Inilibot ko ang mga mata sa mga taong malalapit sa puso ko na nagpunta dito sa Hacienda para magselebra ng kaarawan ko. "Kaya naisip ko na sa halip na mag-wish ay gusto kong pasalamatan ang mga taong hindi ako iniwan kahit kailan."

"First and foremost, I wanna thank my pops." Tumingin ako sa kanya. "Hindi ko alam kung paano mo nagawa, pops, na maging tatay at nanay sa akin pero sobrang bilib ako sa'yo. Growing up, you made sure that I would never feel less of a person for not having moms: you've always been there to make me feel loved and cared for. Pinuno mo yung kakulangan sa pagkatao ko."

Huminga ako ng malalim dahil unti-unti ng nagkakaroon ng bikig sa lalamunan ko. "And for that, I wanna tell you how grateful I am for having the best pops in the world. I love you. Sobra-sobra, Pops!"

He nodded, teary-eyed. "I love you, nak."

Pasimple kong pinunasan ang mga namamasa kong mata. Then I turned to the two people beside pops. "Daddy Fred. Mama She. You are the best parents in law anyone could ever wish for. You accepted me into your family wholeheartedly and loved me as your own. Salamat sa pagmamahal ng buo sa akin kasama ang mga kapalpakan ko po." Umiiyak na natawa si mama She. "Mahal ko po kayo."

"We love you, too, Tamara," they said in unison.

"Jeremy, mahal din kita kahit madalas mo akong asarin," nakangising baling ko sa kanya. He just smirked back at me. "I just wanna tell you that I appreciate the care that you showed me when your kuya wasn't around. That time, pakiramdam ko ay nagkaroon ako ng kuya sa katauhan mo." 

Napamaang ako ng magtawanan silang lahat.

"That only means I'm more mature than you, ate Tam." Napaingos ako. He scratched the back of his head. "And yeah, you're flawed and all, but I love you. Thanks for being the big sister I never had."

Sanay ako na lagi niya akong inaasar so for him to say that.. I was deeply moved. I took a deep breath and thanked ate Lottie and the rest of our helpers who have been with us for so long. They've become part of our family. 

"I wanna thank my friends, too. You guys, are the best! Thank you for being there for me, through thick and thin. For cheering me up countless of times. And lastly, thank you for being my cheerleaders and bashers!"

"We love you, Tam!" they said simultaneously. Pabiro akong nagbow sa kanila.

And as my eyes found him, my mouth curved into a soft smile. "Hon-hon.." 

I could think of a hundred of things to tell him, but ironically, I don't know where to start. Just thinking about the things we've been through is enough to bring tears to my eyes. "Nakakainis, hon-hon, naiiyak na ako agad," parang batang sumbong ko sa kanya.

The corners of his mouth slid upwards. 

"Noon, ang buong akala ko ay mas mahal kita kesa sa mahal mo ako. Akala ko sa pagitan nating dalawa ay ako lagi iyong nagmamahal." I bit my lower lip, trying to hold my tears. "Mali pala ako. After all the obstacles and heartaches we've been through, I realized that your love for me is immeasurable, hon-hon."