FUBU

treinta y ocho

We were at a wedding boutique the following morning. Melai has booked the appointment about three months ago and now, the long wait is over. Stacy has just popped the wine and poured some for each one of us while the attendant is preparing for the set of gowns she wanted to try on that day. 

"And get this, they were almost hesitant to accept our resignation. Maybe because they know what's up." Stacy is talking about their resignations. From hers, Melai's and Travis as well as J's. 

"Did they offer any kind of increases to keep you guys?" 

"They didn't to me." Stacy rolled her eyes, "At the end of the day, I am still considered an agent who backed own on being a Subject Matter Expert because of how terrible it could get."

"They offered me some, pero ni hindi man lang 'yun nangalahati sa binigay na bonus ni Austin. I mean, it is sad to actually think of myself as someone who is going for the money. But, if Travis and I are getting married, of course, I'll have to think about the possibility of getting children and all. We need more. From the wedding itself hanggang sa bagong bahay. In fairness to Travis, he has kept some of the money he earned."

"Well, who would have thought na totohanin ninyong dalawa ang fling ninyo? I actually thought you'd get tired of him by now."

"Right?" Melai exclaimed, "Akala ko nga tatanda na akong dalaga. Buti nalang may naloko pa akong gwapo at mistiso. Magaling pang mag-alaga."

Our laughter reverberated all over the place. The appointment was set at a time when not a lot of people would come in. Kaya pakiramdam namin ay solo namin ang lugar.

"Well, in a few month's time, you will no longer be just Melai. You will be Travis' wife." I turned to her, "But there's one thing I want you to always remember."

She smiled back at me.

"Never lose who you are okay? Before you're married, you are Melai. Our friend, the best trainer, the multi-talented woman whom we know is always game for anything."

"Of course."

"At wag na wag kang mape-pressure na mag-anak agad." Stacy added, "Take your time. At sabihin mo sa akin pag pinapasakit ng lalaking 'yan ang bangs mo. So I could summon the monster in me and punch his guts out." Bigla pang lumalim ang boses ni Stacy sa bandang huling sinabi nito. 

Nagkatawanan ulit kami. Then she held my hand and spoke softly.

"I will never do that. I have you to look at if I ever feel like I'm losing myself."

"Why me?"

"Because despite everything you've been through, you have never lost sight of yourself. You've always kept your cool."

"I don't think that's accurate. But then, I have been very secretive to all of you."

"Yes you have. Just like that Dash guy you seem to be living with now." Stacy smirked mysteriously.

"I'm sorry?"

"Well, we dropped by one time in your house. And just when we were about to knock, we just thought of maybe surprising you. But when we opened the door, you were sitting with him in front of that garden of yours. And it just looked so peaceful, we didn't want to disturb that peace. Coz I know you deserved that peace."

Shock was an understatement. I've constantly reached out to them. But I didn't know they were at that level. An attempt of surprising me. 

"If that man is helping you rest peacefully, isn't that reason enough to introduce him to us." Melai took a sip of her wine.

"Well, I'm taking him with me tonight. Would that help?"

They both started cheering like teenagers.

"Well be very happy to meet him. Pero, I am so invested on how all of this will pan out with Austin now back?" Stacy curiously asked.