The Brokenhearted Heartbreaker

53

"Yuwi, come on!" Pag-udyok ko kay Iouis. Nanlaki naman ang mga mata niya na parang biglang na-pressure at mas binilisan ang lakad.

Papa and my sisters, together with the Euros, eventually convinced us to take a trip together. Ayaw kong iwan si Nash at ganoon din si Iouis ngunit alam naming pareho na hindi nila kami titigilan.

We decided to visit the States and stay for a few weeks before going back to Europe. But before we start exploring, I have to do something first. It's on top of my priority list.

I'm introducing Iouis to someone special. She's the closest I have for a mother. But sadly, Iouis won't be able to meet her.

"Here!" I kneeled on the grass and placed the flowers we bought beside the gravestone. Iouis also lit some candles and fixed the picnic blanket while I spent a minute just staring at Mama Cel's name.

Tahimik akong pinagmasdan ni Iouis. I can feel his gaze while mine never left the gravestone. Tapos niya nang ayusin ang picnic blanket at ang mga pagkaing dala namin. Buti na lang talaga at maganda ang panahon kaya pwede kaming manatili rito.

"Mama, I'm the last one," simula ko. Ilang taon na ang lumipas nang pumanaw si Mama Cel pero hanggang ngayon ay naiiyak pa rin ako tuwing bumibisita ako rito. "Pero tingnan mo, oh... worth the wait naman! Look at this pearl ring he got for me! Siya pa 'to ang sumisid sa karagatan! Ang yabang, diba?!"

I chuckled at my own words. Nang sumulyap ako kay Iouis ay nakangiti rin siya ngunit seryoso pa rin ang tingin sa akin. It's like he's scrutinizing my every move as if scared that I might break anytime.

Iouis' proposal wasn't the one he planned but it's perfect for me. May iba siyang plano ngunit bago pa 'yon mangyari ay nabuking na.

"Hey, Nash, it's your Dad," rinig kong sabi ni Iouis habang papasok sa nursery. Ang sabi ko ay patulugin niya si Nash ngunit heto siya, kinakausap ang sanggol. "I'm proposing to your Mom!"

Buti na lang at wala akong dala-dala dahil kung hindi ay baka nabitawan ko na iyon. I didn't want to eavesdrop but I also couldn't help myself. Hindi naman ako dakilang chismosa pero gusto ko talagang marinig ang sasabihin ni Iouis!

It's not like I can ask our son about this moment when he grows up! Kaya ako na lang! For the sake of memories, okay?

"I want you to be the ring bearer but that would be years from now," singhal ni Iouis at parang problemadong-problemado. "I can't wait anymore, Nash. You'll understand that, right? You know, I've loved your Mom for more than a decade."

Iouis continued talking to Nash as if they are best-bros. The only downside is that Iouis started speaking in rapid Italian. Hindi ko maintindihan at ilang mga salita lang ang alam ko. Tapos ang bilis-bilis niyang magsalita na para bang galit. He sounds like he's ranting to a friend.

"But don't worry, we'll give you a role when we renew our vows." Buti naman at English na ulit. Pero... ano raw?

"Cara!" Gulat na sambit ni Iouis nang makita akong nakatayo sa may pintuan. I think I gasped or repeated some of his words that made my presence known to him.

Lalong nanlaki ang mga mata ni Iouis nang biglang umiyak si Nash. I rushed to his side while he's busy taking something from the crib. He's panicking and it really shows. Ako na lang ang kumuha kay Nash at nagpatahan sa kaniya.

"I'm sorry, I—" napahilamos sa sariling mga palad si Iouis. He gave me a weary look before bringing something small into my view. Tinaas niya ang isang... singsing?

The pearl and diamond were side by side and the band was covered with smaller diamonds. Napakamot ng ulo si Iouis habang ako naman ay napatabon ng bibig. Sandali ko pang nakalimutan na karga-karga ko pala si Nash.