He Was My Umbrella

71

I stood there, speechless.

It's like the whole world shut down and he's the only one I can see. It's like we were under a spotlight. I didn't know how to react, I did not know what to say. But I was certain I was gonna say yes.

But no words were coming out of my mouth. My eyes were filled with tears as I saw the man I met thirteen years ago, kneeling in front of me, asking me to marry him. All I felt were mixed emotions. I am so happy, it is suddenly harder to breathe. I am so shocked, I felt like I was going to faint. And I also feel doubt... on how I deserved to have someone like Renzo. How did I deserve to be asked to marry this man?

"Yes."

I felt relieved when I finally said yes. He squinted his eyes and made a celebratory fist. I came back to my senses nang magsigawan at magpalakpakan ang mga tao sa paligid ko. It was like we've won the war.

He took my hand and slipped that diamond ring on my finger.

He then stood up and kissed me. Someone popped the confetti, and then suddenly, it was the happiest day of my life.

"Congrats, Attorney and Engineer!" They all shouted.

When I pulled back from the kiss, I saw him crying, too. Damn, he's still a baby.

"Aw, baby, why are you crying?" I asked him out of worry.

He held my hand and caressed my ring finger, lifted it up and kissed it.

"I had just made the best decision."

That just made my heart skip a beat. God, protect this man at all cost. He may be the best person that ever walked into my life and changed it in an instant, and changed it for the better. What would I be if I hadn't met him?

"Okay, lovebirds, look here!" Icah caught our attention.

I showed my finger with the ring on it and showed the brightest smile I could give. My man pulled my waist and smiled. Gosh, that was the most genuine smile I ever saw him put on.

"1, 2, 3!" She clicked the camera. "Jusko, kainggit! Congrats to you both!" Inabot niya sa amin ang film na lumabas doon sa camera.

I looked at the small film I held. I looked so happy. Sino ba namang mag-aakalang papakasalan ng isang lalaking tulad ni Renzo ang isang babae tulad ko na inabutan niya ng payong noong umuulan at wala siyang kaalam-alam kung sino 'yon? Tapos simula noon, siya na ang naging payong ko sa masusungit na pagbugso ng malalakas na ulan sa buhay ko na kayang-kaya akong patumbahin.

***

Naghihintay na lang kami ni Daddy ng binook namin doon sa tapat ng main door. Naulan kasi kaya mahihirapan kami mag commute. Nakita ko sina Cabrera at si Pres na sasakay dapat sa kotse.

Nakita ata niyang nagtatalo kami ni Daddy dahil nasa kabilang kalsada 'yung binook namin kaya kailangan pa namin tumawid, bwiset! Wala pa naman akong payong!

"Here," Kuya Ren handed me his. "Take care." I saw him run to his car while using a towel to cover his head. Nakita ko rin si Pres na sumakay sa kotse ni Kuya Ren kaya naman I waved before we crossed the road.

***

I remember it all too well.

"As captains for both of the teams, I shall reward you two with these." Sabi sa amin noong current president ng Sports Committee. "Congrats, best wishes for you po!"

I opened the envelope and it revealed a gift card at a hotel accommodation for two! OMG! It was a 5-star hotel! I've always wanted to go here but I never had the time.