Beauty and The Beast

Chapter 25

ALDEN

KINAKABAHAN ako habang tahimik na nakaupo sa loob ng Concha's Garden Restaurant. I invited Maine's parents to have lunch with me here. Maya't maya ang pag check ko sa aking phone for updates mula kay Tito Teodoro. On the way na daw sila ni Tita Mary Ann. Medyo traffic lang daw talaga kaya medyo mali-late sila ng dating.

I decided to put away my phone. I left it charging in a silent mode sa table ko sa opisina. Kailangan kong mag focus. I don't want to mess up this opportunity that I will be asking my girlfriend's hand in marriage. Not infront of her parents, especially.

Nagpakawala ako ng isang malalim na buntong-hininga. To be honest, kinakabahan talaga ako. Because I'm not sure if they will give me the permission right away.

What if hindi sila pumayag? Sana naman hindi. But if ganon man ang magiging reaction nila, I would respect their decision and will wait for the right time. Matagal naman na akong handa sa kung anuman ang magiging desisyon nila.

On the other hand, my family, especially my Dad was so excited and very supportive when I told him about my proposal to Maine.

"Dad, can we talk?" I asked him while he's watching his favorite show on netflix.

"Ano 'yon, nak?" He turned off the television and looked at me.

"Uhm, kasi Dad...I'm proposing to Maine." Walang pag-aatubili kong sabi sa kanya.

"Wow! Talaga?" Sagot niya na halata ang excitement.

"Ye-yes, Dad. I know it might still be too early. But I-I'm more than ready to spend the rest of my life with Maine."

Pinaharap niya ako at tinapik sa balikat. "Nak, you are already mature enough to get married. For me, it's not early. Nasa tamang edad naman na kayo ni Meng para mag-asawa."

"Do you think I am making a right decision, Dad? Please I need your blessing for this."

"Nak, you already have my blessing. Suportado kita. Kaming lahat na pamilya mo. Kaya, sige. You propose to her." He said it lovingly.

I embraced him. "Thank you, Dad."

"You're welcome, nak. Sayang wala na ang Mommy mo. Kung andito lang 'yon, sigurado na matutuwa siya at magiging masaya para sa'yo." Kumawala siya sa mula sa pagkakayakap ko sa kanya.

He looked me and I saw tears flowing from his eyes.

Yes, if Mom's still here...she will be so happy for me and Maine. But I know that she's watching over me, smiling in heaven.

Napangiti nalang ako habang inaalala ang sandaling 'yon namin ni Dad. Hindi ko na napansin na dumating na pala si Tita Mary Ann at nasa likuran ko na.

"Ehem! Mukhang ang lalim yata ng iniisip mo ah!" Napalingon ako at nakita siya na nakangiti.

Kaagad akong tumayo at bumeso sa kanya. "Hello po, Tita! Naku, wala po. May naalala lang saglit. Upo po kayo dito." Iginiya ko siya at pinaupo sa upuan na nasa harapan ko.

"Thank you, RJ. Nag banyo lang si Tito mo saglit. Naiihi na daw kasi siya. Ang traffic kasi eh." Sabi niya habang inilapag ang bag niya sa katabing upuan.