To Love the Dawn

24

"Maverick!" I shouted from his room. He immediately went to me. "What do you think of this promotional video?"

"Can we change the music? It's a good one but it doesn't fit the video clips." Napaka-honest naman ng isang 'to. "What do you think?"

"Okay, let's do that! I have 10 orders this week nga pala. I have stocks naman nung flowers and bracelets. Kailangan ko lang maglaan ng time for arrangements, wrapping, and boxing. I don't have a scheduled checkup naman this week, right?"

"Yeah, next week ka pa naman pinapabalik ni doc. I'm going home early today. Need ko lang mag-report and then, I'm free to go. What do you want for dinner?" He caressed my tummy while I was sitting on his bed. "What does our baby want?"

"I want the salad that you brought last time. Less mayonnaise please."

"Okay, noted. Anything else?" Umiling na ako. "I have to go now. Will you be okay here?"

"Yes, if I need help, I'll just call Marinel. Go na, baka ma-late ka pa." Pasimple akong napangiti nang halikan niya ang tiyan ko. "You won't kiss the mother of your child?"

"You broke up with me, remember?" Natawa nalang ako sa naging sagot niya. "Bye!" He playfully rolled his eyes at me, making me laugh harder.

When David went out of the room, I locked the door. I took off his loose shirt, leaving me with my bra and shorts. I'm starting to have stretch marks on my tummy and inner thigh. My boobs were a bit heavier than usual and they didn't look nice to me. What would be David's reaction if he sees my body like this?

I sighed and reached for his shirt to wear it again. I can't take selfies now without wearing loose clothes because I felt so ugly. Pregnancy changed me. And I still can't accept those changes.

I started arranging the flowers per order. Lahat ng order sa flowers may libreng wrap. If they want to add fairy lights, additional payment 'yon. Siguro 'yung free wrap talaga ang nagdadala, kaya marami kaming customers. The next business na gusto kong buksan is pastry. Mag-aaral na akong gumawa ng bento cakes, cookies, and cupcakes.

After finishing the orders, I took a nap. When I woke up, Marinel said that David called and he was near na. I fixed myself and waited in the living room. After a few minutes, the doorbell rang. I opened the door and smiled when I saw David. But before I could greet him, I noticed two other people behind him. David looked behind him and got shocked too. Larissa and Larrick looked at me with tears in their eyes.

"Sol! Sabi ko na nga ba, tinatago ka ng lalaking 'to!" Rissa pushed David to the side and hugged me tightly.

"Mav, this won't affect our baby naman, 'di ba?" I asked David, pertaining to the tight hug. He shook his head and glanced at Rick who was shocked.

"Wait, what did you just say?" Humiwalay sa akin si Rissa at nagpalipat-lipat ng tingin sa amin ni David. "You're pregnant?"

"I am, Rissa. Kaya ako nagtago sa inyo ni Larrick. It wasn't David's fault. It was my decision. Nahihiya ako sa inyo. You two are probably living your best lives out there, while I am here... Stuck in this unit. I couldn't even finish my college degree because I got pregnant." I started crying as I said those.

"Hindi ka dapat mahiya sa amin... Kasi kung may iba kang masasandalan bukod kay David, kami 'yon, Sol. Sa ating tatlo, kami nga 'tong dapat mahiya sa 'yo. Kasi kinakaya mo na mamuhay mag-isa kasama si David, habang dala-dala mo 'yang anak ninyo. You're so strong, my love." Muli akong ikinulong ni Rissa sa isang yakap. Narinig ko na rin ang mga hikbi niya. "We love you, Sol."