The Model's Hidden Son

Epilogue

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Wonderful tonight

"Ano ba kasing gagawin natin at kailangan pa ng magarbong damit?"

Napangiti ako sa naiinis na boses ni Tasha. Magmula nang sabihan ko siyang may importanteng okasyon kaming pupuntahan, hindi na siya natigil sa katatanong. Kanina pa siyang busy sa kahahanap ng susuotin niya. Ngunit mabuti na lang hindi niya hinahanap sa akin ang anak namin.

"You don't need fancy clothes anymore, love. Just wear a simple dress," nangingiti kong tugon. Narito kami ngayon sa loob ng mini walk in closet ng hotel kung saan kami naka-check in.

I'm excited at the same time scared. What if she say no to my proposal? For sure we'll meet at the mental hospital. What if I won't give her any choices anymore? I will just command her to marry me. No more question if she wants to marry me.

Yeah, what a good idea. I almost punch myself because of that idea.

"Ganoon? Mabuti na lang at may dala akong dress dito. Kung bakit naman kasi bigla-bigla kang nag-a-announce na may ganap tayo ngayong gabi." She pouted which made me laugh.

"Just do your thing, love. I will be waiting for you outside, okay? I love you." I kissed her lips before going out.

Nang makalabas ako ng walk in closet, tumungo ako sa terrace ng inuukopa naming kwarto. Pasimple ko pang tinitingnan kung bubukas ang pinto ng closet. I need to be careful.

Nang makasigurong abala na si Tasha sa susuotin niyang damit, dinukot ko ang cellphone sa bulsa ng pantalon ko. I dialed Caleb's number. He answered immediately.

"What's happening in there?" Agad kong tanong.

"Chill, bro. Everything is fine. All set up. Kayo na lang ang hinihintay rito," Caleb answered.

Nakahinga ako ng maluwang. "Good. Tasha's busy with her clothes. Maybe before seven-thirthy we're already there."

"Yeah, sure. Just text me when you're on your way." He ended the call. Walang hiya, hindi man lang ako pinagsalita.

Naiiling kong tinitigan ang cellphone ko. Binalik ko 'yon sa bulsa ko. I patiently waited for Tasha to come out. Nadaganan na ba siya susuotin niya? Silipin ko kaya? No, no, I shouldn't. Baka sapakin ako.

Tumitig na lang ako sa mga bituing kumikinang habang hinihintay si Tasha. After a couple of minutes, I heard a footsteps. Nakangiti akong humarap at nang masilayan ko ang kabuuan ni Tasha, my smile faded.

"Okay ba? Hindi ba ako overdressed?" tanong niya then afterwards, she bit her lower lip.

"Beautiful..." I said, almost a whisper.

She's wearing a simple white off-shoulder dress. Umaabot 'yon hanggang tuhod niya. It just perfectly fits her. Parang ginawa ang dress na 'yon para lang sa kaniya. She's also wearing a white doll shoes with her messy bun hair.

"Thanks," ngumiti siya nang alanganin. She's blushing.

Bago pa ako mawala sa ulirat ko ay hinawakan ko na siya sa kamay at marahang hinila palabas ng hotel. Pasimple rin akong nagtext kay Caleb na paparating na kami. Hindi naman kalayuan ang pupuntahan namin kaya nagdesisyon kaming maglakad na lang.

Tahimik lang kami habang naglalakad at magkahawak ang kamay. Pareho naming ninanamnam ang simoy ng hangin. When we finally reached our destination, I slowly let go of her hand which made her confused. I just smiled to assure she's safe. Kaming dalawa lang kasi ang naririto.

"Eliot..." tila nagbabanta niyang sambit.

"Shh. Just stay here, okay?" Tumakbo ako sa mini stage na naka-set up sa malapit sa may dalampasigan. This was Caleb's idea. He suggested that I should give Tasha the performance that she will never forget. And here I am now, embarrassing myself for her. This stage is organized by mhaxine with the help of our blockmates back when we're college.