Aiming for Hades

38

"Tay, si Hades..." pakilala ko kay Tatay at inilahad sa kanya ang nasa likod kong si Hades.

Hawak ko sa kanang kamay si Ares at nakatingin siya sa Lolo niya, sinusuri yata kung anong reaksyon nito sa pagpapakilala ko sa kanyang ama. I smiled at my son and now, looked at my fiancée to see his reaction.

He was seriously looking at my father. Inilahad niya ang kamay niya kay Tatay.

"Good morning, Sir." he greeted my Dad professionally.

My Dad laughed. "You call me like that as if it wasn't obvious that you have asked my daughter's hand without my consent?"

Nagulat si Hades at hindi nakalagaw.

But then, I know my Dad!

"I... uh, I'm sorry, Sir," takot na sinabi ni Hades. "I mean... Tito? I'm sorry, what should I address you, uh, Sir?." yumuko si Hades ng kaonti at ibinalik ang tingin kay Tatay. Narinig ko ang pabulong niyang mura dahil nahihirapan yata sa paggawa ng sentence. "Fuck."

Tatay laughed again. Pabiro niyang tinapik ang balikat ni Hades.

"I'm just kidding, hijo! My daughter don't need my consent with who she wants to marry. I give you my blessings," ani Tatay.

Hades was taken aback. I chuckled and looked at my son who's smiling at Hades, probably making fun of his Dad.

Weeks have passed and they bonded very well. They told each other, stories, and played together. Nakaplano rin ang pagpapakilala ko sa kanya kay Tatay. Tatay knew about it, too, and was very happy for me.

"Thank you ulit, Tay. I'm much happy that you're happy for us," I stated.

My Dad looked at me and smiled wider.

"Of course, anak." he answered back.

"Thank you, Lolo..." mahinang sinabi ni Ares.

"Yes, apo, for you, of course!" my Dad continued speaking. Hades was still kinda shocked but he managed to speak.

"Thank you, Tito," mahinang sinabi ni Hades.

Parehas talaga sila ng ugali! Ano ba 'tong mag-ama ko! Kilig na kilig ako sa naisip. Bakit nakakakilig sabihing mag-ama ko?!

Kumain kami ng mapayapa sa tanghaling 'yon. Dad was the one who creates a conversation. I just them realized how Hades still wasn't good in conversation starting. He's still so anti-social! But then, I notice how he tries to give back the same energy my father is giving. And how he starts and open a topic up for the conversation to continue.

Natapos din kami ng ganoon at may pupuntahan pa si Tatay kaya napagpasyahan namin nila Hades na mamasyal muna bago pumunta sa kanila.

"I'm still nervous, though," sabi ko kay Hades na nakahawak sa kamay ko.

Sa isang kamay ko naman ay si Ares na tumitingin sa mga damit na narito sa mall kung nasaan kami.

Tumungo si Hades at hinalikan ako sa labi. "Hades!" saway ko sa kanya kahit gusto ko naman!

He chuckled. "I was nervous as hell earlier, too, baby. But my Mom knows her mistakes now. She will treat you better, I promise." Hades assured me.

"E, kahit naman sabihin mo sa 'kin 'yan kinakabahan pa rin ako," giit ko at nag-iwas ng tingin.

"Mommy, can I go here? I want to check some clothes here, Mom..." paalam sa 'kin ni Ares. Ngumiti ako sa kanya at tumango. Tumakbo siya patungo sa sinasabi niyang lugar.

"Careful, Ares!" ani Hades.

Ares immediately walked and looked at us. "I'm sorry! I'm just gonna walk now..."