Embracing Her Sweet Lies

Epilogue

"When did you learn to cook?" I asked while watching him cook.

"You asked me that many times before," aniya. Suminghap ako. "Really? I forgot… Sorry." He chuckled. "It's okay. I'll remind you all the time you'll forget it. I learned when I was nine."

Ngumuso ako at bumaba mula high chair. I walked towards him and hugged him from behind. "I learned when I was–"

"Fifteen. I know that," he said. Mahina akong natawa.

"I know everything about you. Ikaw lang hindi," nilingon niya ako at napailing.

"Hindi ka naman nagsasabi about sa'yo, eh!" Umirap ako at kumuha na ng plato para sa'min.

He chuckled. "Then I will tell you everything and every time about me. Also the whole story of my life."

Ngumiti ako at tumango. "Okay! I'll love that."

Sa nagdaang araw ay ganoon lang ang mga pangyayari. Sometimes we thought about going somewhere else just the two of us.

We're all good now. I've already talked with my friends and family. My friends even cried when we had a drink together. And it's been a month since all that happened. Lucian and I visit our baby's grave. Halos araw-araw kaming naroon at kinakausap siya. We spend our time together with our baby. Lucian's family already knew about it. Tulad namin ay nalungkot din sila sa nangyari. Lucian's Mom cried as she heard all of it from us.

***

We both stared at the skyscrapers here in Paris. Sumandal ako sa kaniya at ginalaw ang magkahawak naming mga kamay sa ilalim ng tubig. Both our bodies are in the water of the pool.

"Can I know what you want to happen in your future?"

"I want a future with you. You'll be my wife. Having a family. Our baby in heaven will have siblings," he whispered in my ear.

I smiled and closed my eyes. I want that too. I want my future with him. I couldn’t help but be overjoyed. I feel like I am complete. Now that he is by my side, my worries are gone.

Pagmulat ng mata ko ay hindi ko na namalayan ang luhang tumulo. Hanggang sa nagpatuloy na itong kumawala sa aking mga mata. Pinunasan ko agad iyon at hinarap siya.

"I want that too. I'm happy just to be with you, Lucian. I want our baby to be happy for us." I said softly. Ang sumunod na pagpatak ng luha ko ay siya na ang sumalo. He nodded and kissed my lips gently. The second kiss was deep but gentle.

"I can't even imagine how you finally said yes to me before. And that you came back to me. I'm happy that you're here with me. I can’t imagine my life without you," marahan niyang sambit.

I smiled and gave him a soft kiss. Inangat ko ang magkahawak naming mga kamay. Mas lalo akong napangiti nang makita ang kumikinang na singsing sa daliri ko. I still can't forget that day he proposed to me.

He smiled. "If I know what love is, it is because of you." He then kissed my lips softly.

"I love you, Solana Vanidestine Martinez. I will always love you until my last breath. I love you and our baby in heaven."