BS #2: Margarita's Pretentious Lover

Special Chapter

I was breastfeeding Artemis when Sol came home from work.

And when I say work, I mean a normal work— something without guns, dangerous missions, and wounds.

When we got married almost 7 months ago, he gave up Solaiman Building and let Terrence officially take over. Although I know he still- in some ways- help them, I'm just glad he's far from actual danger now.

He's focusing now on managing his restaurant which was already making a name in the industry. He's also a great chef.

"Hi, asawa ko," pagbati niya sa akin bago ako hinalikan sa labi at hinagkan din ang noo ng anak namin.

"Maaga ka ata ngayon?" Tinignan ko ang wall clock. "4 PM pa ah."

"I missed my family," nakangisi niyang sagot.

Inilingan ko na lang siya. He has been like this. He's just too random that I sometimes can't read what he has under his sleeves. But I should have expected that he'll do this again anytime; coming home because he's missing us. In his defense, siya naman kasi raw ang may-ari kaya pwede siyang umuwi at hindi pumasok sa trabaho kung kailan niya gusto.

"Where's my baby boy?" tanong niya.

"With his nanny, playing. Ewan ko ba sa batang 'yon, hindi nauubusan ng energy."

"Well, they are my babies." And he shrugged.

He played with Artemis who now had her full attention. Tumigil siya sa pagdede at tuluyan nang humahagikhik habang nilalaro ni Sol. The twins just love their dad.

"Mas mahal ka talaga ng mga anak natin," ani ko.

It's true! The twins are more fascinated with their father than me. They like being with him more than being with me. They also play a lot more than they do when with me. Paano naman ako, 'di ba?

Nakangiti akong sinilip ni Sol.

"I love you," he said and gave me a quick kiss on the lips. "H'wag ka nang magselos. Mahal din naman kita e."

Sumimangot ako sa kabila ng kilig na naramdaman. He can possibly love our kids more than he loves me now, too. Should I complain about that?

"Langga..." malambing na mas lumapit sa akin si Sol at niyakap ako mula sa gilid. "Stop sulking. I'm certain our babies love you like how much they love me."

"E ikaw?"

Gusto kong sampalin ang bunganga ko nang lumabas ang tanong na iyon. Para akong bata na inagawan ng paboritong laruan. Gosh, Margaret. You're a married woman now. Stop acting like a child.

"Anong ako?" Ngumiti siya. "Syempre, mahal ko mag-ina ko. Mahal ko mga anak ko. Mahal ko rin ang asawa ko. Walang duda 'yon."

Umiwas ako ng tingin para hindi niya mapansin ang pinipigilan kong ngiti.

"You're just making me feel better," ani ko, nagpapapabebe.

"My love for you and our family is constant, asawa ko. I don't have to flatter or make you feel better because loving you is already a constant truth."

Tuluyang kumawala ang ngiti sa labi ko. He's such a smooth talker. Kaya hindi ko magawang magalit o maasar sa kan'ya nang matagal dahil konting paglalambing niya lang ay lumalambot na agad ako.

Napakarupok talaga, Margarita.

"Malapit na ang birthday ng kambal. Nangungulit na ang matatanda na sila na bahala mag-organize ng party. Hindi ko alam kung hahayaan ko ba sila," saad niya kalaunan.

Magbi-birthday na nga sina Artemis at Eros. Kinukulit na rin ako nina Mama at Papa kung anong gagawin sa kaarawan nila.

"I prefer an intimate party for the twins. Let's do the work, langga. Baka kapag hinayaan pa natin si Mama, buong baranggay ang imbitahan niya."