Rule #3: Changing The Rules

Special Chapter 1

CHANGING THE RULES – SPECIAL CHAPTER

ELISSE

"Are you sure about this?"

I couldn't count how many times Prince asked me the same question. I felt like I needed that too to calm my nerves. Hindi naman surgery ang pupuntahan ko, pero kabado ako at gulo ang isip.

"Yeah... it's for the best. I also want to settle and end things before our wedding. Who gets to walk me to the altar, is also in question..." saad ko.

Prince nodded. "It is indeed a tough choice."

I wouldn't have to think about this problem if it wasn't for the complication that my parents gave to me. I hate to think that I am a child out of an affair. I am not Daddy's daughter. I am not a Gallego. Kaya siguro mula pa noon, malayo na loob ko sa mga kamaganak ko roon. They don't know about this, but they probably suspected it too at some point.

Ngumuso ako. "Hindi ba pwedeng, Papa mo nalang?" I held his arm.

Natawa siya roon. "Love, that's my father. This is our first real wedding. It's kind of less meaningful if you choose him for the sake of it. Besides, I want to assure your fathers that I am going to take good care of their daughter..." hinalikan niya ang noo ko.

Napapikit ako. Gosh, it feels weird for it to be called fathers! I felt like I have two dads or something!

Oh, wait. I do. Pero kahit na ano naman sabihin ni Tito Vance sa akin, Daddy is still my Daddy. No one can replace him in my heart even though he cheated on Mommy. They all had their own faults and I am still angry at them for it. Kung pwede nga lang na hindi sila pumunta sa kasal ko'y mas matatahimik pa ako.

But... I love them enough for them to be included in the best day of my life. I want them to witness my wedding to the man I love the most, because this day matters a lot to me.

"I can marry you again if you're torn. Two grand weddings. Gawin nalang nating limang taon ang pagitan. Is that good?" He gently caressed my hair and chuckled to my ear. "Love, everything is going to be alright... I promise."

Ngumuso ako ulit. Bigla namang may tumalon na bata sa aming gitna. Ardie has already finished dressing up. His yaya helped him. We needed someone to fill in for us when we're at work, given that we're a doctor and a lawyer.

"I'm ready, Daddy and Mommy! Look, we got the same shirt!" Ardie proudly smiled while clinging onto Prince. Maski ang ayos ng buhok ng tatay niya'y ginaya na rin ng anak namin.

Niyakap siya ng mahigpit ni Prince. "Wow! You smell good, Ardie boy! You used mine again, didn't you?"

Ardie giggled. "Everything I use is from yours! Don't worry, I left some for you, dad..."

Tumingin sa akin si Prince. Napataas naman ang kilay ko sa tingin niya.

"I want a baby brother..." biglang sabi ni Pierce.

I crossed my arms. Umiwas ng tingin si Prince, hindi ko alam kung matatawa ba ko o ano. Napakarandom ng pagkakasabi ng anak namin!

Kita kong pilit na umiiwas si Prince ng tingin. Ardie sighed again and pouted.

"A baby brother or a sister... it'll be nice too. Kuya Tien has one." Ardie added. Ngumiti sa akin si Ardie. "Do you think I can get those, Mommy? Like this year po or next year?"

"Pierce, wag mo naman i-pressure si Mommy. Busy pa kasi siya e, some other time. Promise, pag pumayag si Mommy... we'll make sure that you'll get it! Nakakasawa mag-isa no? Lagi nalang ako at si Mommy nakakausap mo pag wala sina Tien... kawawa naman ang anak ko." Prince even rubbed our son's back like he's comforting him.