Drowning In Your Love

Hezekiah's POV

I remembered I was five when I first met my wife, and it's her first birthday.

We went to Siargao to celebrate it with her family. Sabi ni mama nagpunta rin daw kami sa christening niya pero hindi ko na iyon masyadong maalala.

"Isn't she adorable, Hez?" Mama asked.

Nakaupo ako sa tabi niya habang karga niya si Tiana. Dad and Tiana's parents are watching us with smile on their faces.

"Ask your dad to give you a baby sister na, Hez." Tito Timothy teased.

"Oh no, it's not Nico's decision to make, Tim. Ako ang manganganak kaya ako ang magdedecide." Alma naman ni mama.

They all laughed.

While our parents are chatting, I looked at Tiana. Medyo nabigla ako ng makitang nakatitig siya sa akin.

Curly hair, big charming eyes, chubby and pinkish cheeks, at five I already found her adorable like what my mother said.

"Hihintayin ko nalang ang paglaki nitong si Hez at Tilly. Malay na'tin maging daughter-in-law ko pala itong beautiful girl na ito..." Mama said and showered Tilly with kisses.

"I agree with you, Her. As long as gusto nilang pareho." Tita Leila added.

Iyon ang huling beses na nakita ko siya dahil ang sunod na balik namin sa isla, thirteen na ako, siya naman ay eight years old.

At first I got annoyed because she always get distracted while we're together and I think she don't like me that much.

I can't blame her, I'm still a stranger to her. Malamang hindi niya na ako naalala dahil sobrang baby niya pa noon.

But I realized that she loves not only the island, but also the people who live there.

"Bakit galit ka? Kinuha mo na nga iyong macaroon ko tapos pinapagalitan mo pa ako. My dad never raised his voice at me, ikaw lang. I hate you."

That was our first fight. But instead of matching her anger, I found her really cute when she's mad...But the first time I saw her cry made me feel really anxious. I don't want to see her cry again, it's so frustrating.

"What do you think of Tilly, Hez?"

Mama asked me pagkabalik naming Maynila.

"She's cute." I responded honestly.

Napatitig si mama sa akin, hindi siguro inaasahana na magiging honest ako.

"But she hates me, ma." I added.

"Oh no, love, I think Tilly likes you. Nahihiya lang siya." Usal ni mama.

I don't believe her.

"What do you think of marrying her in the future, Hez?"

Napabaling naman ako kay dad.

"Ikaw ang una naming sinabihan dahil bata pa si Tilly. We'll ask her when the time's right."

"If she wants too, dad."

Mama gasped. "Oh my god,"

"But tell her when you think she's ready. Don't pressure her."

Five palang ako lagi nang nagpaparinig si mama na gusto niyang mapangasawa ko si Tiana balang araw, but I also don't mind. Plus we're still young, puwede pang magbago ang mga isip naming dalawa lalo na siya dahil mas bata siya sa akin.