His Playmate (Sevilla Series: CxP)

Epilogue

I was staring at the overlooking greenfield and mountain through the window of the room when I heard the door open.

I moved my head and saw Mommy and Dad coming in.

"Ma. Dad." I greeted and they were smiling at me. I asked the hairstylist to spare us a few minutes and she agreed. Maaga pa rin naman.

Mom cupped my face and tucked the few loose strands behind my ear. "You're blooming. Kitang kita ang saya sa mga mata mo." She added. I glanced at Dad and he was also looking warmly at me. He moved and sat on the other side. I watched as he grabbed my hand. He looked at the engagement ring on my finger and heaved a breath. My eyes watered.

"Dad..." I sobbed. He squeezed my hands then looked at me. I know that kind of look. It is a look from a father who will do anything for the happiness of his daughter. "Thank you po." I said. My own voice broke as tears streamed down my face. His expression softened.

"Shh. Don't cry, anak..." at marahang pinunasan ni Daddy ang mga luha sa pisngi ko. "Magagalit sa akin ang Mommy mo. Pinaalalahanan niya ako na hindi ka raw dapat umiyak dahil magiging maga ang mga mata mo mamaya." Napatawa ako habang umiiyak. Daddy hugged me, and I instantly hugged him back.

Ang dami kong gustong sabihin sa kanya. Ang dami kong gustong ihingi ng tawad. And dami kong gustong ipagpasalamat. Hindi ko lang alam kung paano magsisimula.

Kahit na ganoon, alam ko na alam niya ang lahat ng mga iyon. Despite my shortcomings, despite me not being the perfect daughter, his love for me will never change.

"I love you, anak. I always thank our Lord that He blessed us with a daughter like you. You are my greatest treasure. You are my forever unica ija." Dad said, making me cry more. I also felt Mommy's hand rubbing my back. I held him tight and cried myself out, not minding if I messed up my makeup.

Umiiyak ako dahil sobrang saya ko.

Dad was the first one to pull away and held me at arm's length. He also has some tears welling in his eyes. He lifted his one hand and his fingers lightly brushed the waters dropping from my eyes.

"We are very happy to see that you've grown into an independent, smart, kind, and beautiful woman. I am so proud of you, your Mom, and I, kasama na rin ang kuya mo." My lips curved into a smile. "At ngayon nga ikakasal ka na..." Daddy smiled too then took a deep breath again. "Ang hirap para sa isang ama na ipagkatiwala ang unica ija niya sa ibang lalaki, but I see that he is a good man." I sniffed and tried to compose myself. "Tama ba ako?" Napatingin ako kay Dad. Nakangiti siya kaya napatingi rin ako.

"He is, Dad." I confirmed. He smiled more and nodded.

"I know he is. Alam ko rin na masaya ka sa kanya. As long as you are happy, masaya na rin kami. " Mas naiyak ako. Hindi madalas ang ganitong usapan with Dad kaya sobrang importante sa akin na maramdaman ang suporta niya sa pagbuo ko ng sariling pamilya kasama si Paul. Nagpapasalamat din talaga ako dahil nagbago ang pananaw nila kay Paul. They have learnt to accept him. They have seen the goodness in him. "Mahal na mahal kita, anak. We are always here for you."

"I love you, Dad..." then I glanced at Mommy. "I love you, Ma. Maraming salamat po sa lahat." They smiled lovingly at me and we pulled ourselves in a warm embrace.

"Huwag ka na umiyak. Maging masaya ka ngayong kasal mo." Sabi pa ni Dad habang pinupunasan muli ang mga luha ko. I smiled

"Sobrang saya ko po ngayon." Sagot ko. Ngumiti rin siya at marahang tumango. Ganoon din si Mommy at niyakap muli ako.

"Hello, my dearest best friend, are you..." Napatigil si Lizzie nang makita kami na nagiiyakan. Mom and Dad also looked at her, who was slowly closing the door behind her. "Ay, Hello po, Tita and Tito." My parents just smiled in response before giving me their attention again.