The Virgin Stripper

Special Chapter

"Love! Asan ka na?!" Sigaw ko nang muling umiiyak si Lyhre.

"Baby, hold on. Yanna's throwing a tantrum," kalmado niyang sabi.

"Pagsabihan mo kasi! Tsk," ginulo ko ang buhok ko.

We were going to church today for Lyhre's baptism pero eto at baka malate kami. Yanna was throwing a tantrum, and Lyhre was just being Lyhre—laging umiiyak. Elijah was dressing Yanna while I was about to go to the shower, pero umiiyak si Lyhre.

"Ok, love, I'm here—hey, bakit hindi ka pa bihis diyan?"

I was annoyed. "Paano ba? You didn't wake me up tapos hindi pa nakaayos yung mga bata. And you? Where were you? Saan ka pumunta?" I was so frustrated.

"Love, kalma lang please. I'm sorry, baby, tinawag ako sa office and there was a crisis. I texted you, love." He showed me his phone, at ayun nga, meron siyang message sa akin.

"Okay, sorry. It's just malalate na tayo," he hugged me.

"I'll take care of everything na, love, while you go take care of yourself. Have all the time you need. We'll wait for you," he kissed me, and I entered the bathroom.

No doubt, he and our family will always be my comfort, weakness, and strength. Through ups and downs, they are here for me, and I will always be there for them.

***

"I baptize you in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit," sabi ng pari pagkatapos buhusan ng tubig sa ulo si Lyhre.

I smiled.

He didn't cry, unlike other babies crying during this session. I was proud of him. Ngayon niya kasi in-exacto ang hindi pag-iyak. Lyhre is the type of baby na pag may event like this, hindi iiyak, especially when he is the main character. While at home, on a daily basis, he won't stop crying pag walang nag-eentertain sa kanya. He so wants to be the center of attention.

While his ate always cheers him up and makes him laugh. I guess they only understand each other, and that is just so cute!

After the baptism, we decided to spend the afternoon at the park. It was a sunny day, perfect for a family outing. We spread out a blanket under a large tree and settled down with our picnic basket na inayos rin pala ni Elijah.

"Yanna, do you want to help mommy to set up the picnic?" I asked, smiling at her.

"Yes, Mommy!" she replied excitedly, running over to me.

Elijah was holding Lyhre, gently rocking him as he looked around curiously. He seemed more relaxed now, taking in the sights and sounds of the park.

"Tingnan mo, Lyhre, there are so many kids playing," Elijah said softly, pointing towards the playground.

I handed Yanna some sandwiches to arrange on the blanket. "You're doing a great job, sweetie," I praised her.

"Thanks, Mommy! Can I have a cookie now?" she asked.

"Of course, you can baby!" I said, handing her a cookie from the basket.

As we sat down to eat, Yanna started telling us about her day at school. "And then, Miss Lisa said I drew the best picture in class!" she smiled.

"Wow, that's amazing, Yanna! We're so proud of you," Elijah said, giving her a high-five.

After we finished eating, we decided to play a game of tag. Elijah put Lyhre in his stroller, and we all stood up.

"Alright, who's 'It' first?" Elijah asked.

"I'll be 'It'!" Yanna volunteered, giggling as she started counting. "Isa, dalawa, tatlo...ready or not, here I come!"

We all scattered, running around the park with Yanna chasing after us. Her laughter echoed in the air, mixing with the sound of other families enjoying their day.

After a while, we all collapsed back onto the blanket, panting and laughing. Lyhre cooed happily, enjoying the lively atmosphere.

"That was so much fun!" Yanna said, beaming.

"Oo nga, ang saya!" I replied, pulling her in for a hug.

Elijah lay down beside us, placing a gentle hand on Lyhre's stroller. "This is perfect. I love spending time with my family," he said, smiling contentedly.

"Me too," I agreed, looking around at my beautiful family. "Always."

He kissed Yanna who was drinking water then kissed me on the lips passionately.

The Quinn's