Kita na Kita (MaColet)

Langga!

"Tagal naman nilang mapansin na tayo na, Langga," I complained to Maloi, frustration evident in my voice as we sat together on the bed.

We've been together for almost six months now, and so far, only Aiah, Gwen, and Jho know about our relationship. They promised they wouldn't tell anyone, not even Jho to Staku, unless people figured it out on their own.

"Sabihin na lang kaya natin," I suggested, unable to hide my impatience.

Maloi's facial expression made it clear she didn't agree with me. What had been fun and thrilling for the first three months was now becoming an irritating secret. I am eager to announce our relationship to the world.

"Si Uyab napaka mainipin. Wait lang nga natin sina Mikha, Staku, at Bebe."

I rolled my eyes and let out a heavy sigh. Maloi instantly broke into a mischievous smile and playfully slapped my arm.

"Excited ka na talaga ha? Patay na patay ka talaga sa akin," she said confidently.

"Ikaw kaya, Langga," I retorted, matching her playful tone.

She playfully rolled her eyes. Ginoo, she's so cute.

"Ambot sa imo, Nicollete!" Her attempt to speak in Bisaya was always adorable. She started to walk away, but I caught her and hugged her from behind.

"Siyempre, patay na patay kaayo ko nimo, Langga."

I could feel her smiling in victory. Hay, Maloi ka. You're going to be the death of me with your cuteness, Langga.

"Kay patay ka sa akin. Mag-wait kita if mahuli na tayo nila Staku and Sheena."

Piskit. Naisahan man ko, Bai.

I couldn't help but wonder why the ever-curious duo, who often played detective, hadn't caught on to us yet. Perhaps Sheena is too busy with her new dance school (and trying to connect with Gwen) and Stacey is always on the go as a flight stewardess. I am happy to see how the two had matured and found their own paths after Bini. My musings were interrupted by a phone call— Jhoanna.

"Ate Colet, today is D-day. Send ko sa inyo ang program ha?" Jho said, sounding so preoccupied. Today is the day of the proposal, and I know how she wanted everything to be perfect.

"Oo na, Jhoanna. Kalma ka nga," I said, trying to calm her down despite my aggressive tone.

"Paano pag ayaw niya?"

"Hay nako, Jhoanna. Saan ka at nang mahapak ko yang ulo mo. Delulu ka talaga at saksakan ng pagka-OA."

I added, "Ilang taon na kayo ni Staku? Sa dami ng pinagdaanan niyo, ngayon pa ba yun aayaw? Mula noong SHA hanggang ngayon ikaw lang laman ng utak nun kaya wag lang mag-alala."

I could hear her give a big sigh of relief on the other end of the line, followed by a silent sob. Hay, Jho.

"Alam mo, Ate Colet, I'm really grateful to you and Maloi. You both have been such an important part of our relationship. From those early days of figuring things out to now, you've always been there to support us," Jhoanna's voice wavered with emotion.

I smiled, touched by her words. "Jhoanna, you and Staku have always been meant to be. We just helped a little along the way."

"I'm so ready for the next chapter of my life—our lives. This proposal is a big step, and I couldn't have planned it without your guidance and support. I want everything to be perfect, not just for me, but for Staku, too. She deserves the best."

"Jho, you've put so much love and effort into this. I'm sure Staku will see that. She's going to be so happy."

"Thank you, Ate Colet. And thank Ate Maloi for me, too. I couldn't ask for better sisters."