Lagot Ka Kay Coach

Chapter 52: [Our Love]

As the initial shock of what's happening slowly died down, I forced myself to stay calm. Pero mahirap eh. All girls know the importance of meeting a guy's family. Jeric could have given me a warning. Sana nakapaghanda man lang ako. Nakakahiya talaga. If I knew we were going to come, I might have brought some things with me. Nakabili sana ako ng pasalubong para kila Tita.

Captain places his hand on my lower back habang papasok kami ng bahay nila. "Wag kang kabahan." Bulong niya. "My family loves you already. Just be yourself."

I exhaled. "Surprise kung surprise talaga noh?"

He smiles. "Actually this surprise is more of a gift to myself and to my family,"

"Bakit?"

"You don't know how happy I am that you're here with us now. I want to introduce you to my life the way you welcomed me to yours." Sabi niya.

My heartbeat sped up. I don't know how it's even possible to fall even more in love with him at this point. Akala ko nga sagad na yung nararamdaman ko para sa kaniya eh. May maidadagdag pa pala.

"Don't worry about my parents. Si Mama gusto ka lang talagang makilala. Si Papa naman narinig na pala ang pangalan mo since nanonood din siya minsan ng televised competitions mo." Jeric tells me.

I take in what he said. I just need to be myself. Wag ka munang mag-overthink Cheska. Kaya mo 'to.

"Wait for me here. Ilalagay ko lang ang mga gamit ko sa kwarto." Jeric says as he leads me to the living room before he leaves.

Nilapitan ako ulit ni Tita. "Upo ka muna Cheska. Sorry. Busy kasi kami. We're getting ready for mass."

Hala. Nakaabala pa ata ako. "Okay lang po Tita. Ako naman po yung bigla na lang pumunta dito."

She shakes her head and smiles. "We were expecting you to come. Kaya ka nga ata maagang sinundo ni Jeric para makasama ka sa amin to hear mass."

Ah. Kaya pala. I smile. It seems like a good way to start the day. "Baka nga po Tita. Sige po. Dito lang muna ako habang nag-aayos kayo."

"Thank you iha," She says before leaving me.

Inikot ko ng tingin ang bahay nila Captain.

This is where he grew up. I can imagine Jeric running around the living room in just his shorts when he was a kid. Him sitting on the couch while watching TV. Him playing with his toys.

May mga ilang picture din na naka-frame at naka-display sa loob ng sala.

I was busy looking at pictures when a small movement caught my attention. Napalingon ako sa side ko.

Sam was watching me with curious eyes habang hawak niya ang doll niya.

Napangiti ako. "Hi Sam,"

Mukhang nahihiya siya kaya hindi na lang muna ako lumapit. "Do you remember me?"

She shakes her head.

"Ako si Cheska. You talked to me on the phone before." Sabi ko.

She looks like she's thinking about what I said. "Cheska?"

Lalo akong natuwa. At least may progress na kami.

Magsasalita pa sana uli ako nang may pumasok sa sala. Akala ko nung una si Captain. Hindi pala. Kapatid niya siguro. Magkamukhang-magkamukha sila.