SWEET REPERCUSSIONS
PART 2
The Carino couple is all set to fetch their little ones in Tagaytay. They have informed Sandra's mother, Aida, that they will be arriving on Sunday afternoon. And that they have decided to stay overnight until Monday evening. It is at 6:00 in the morning when they decide to start the trip. It would take them approximately 2-3 hours before reaching the place for it is situated up the Tagaytay highlands.
"Hon, let's go?"
"Yeah"
Arman takes Sandra's hand and guides her inside the audi. After checking their bags at the back of the car, he gets inside and asks Sandra again if she's missing something.
"Wala ka na nakalimutan? " They put their seatbelts on and he starts the engine.
"All's well, yup." She smiles as a nod.
"Okay, so all set." He smiles back and starts driving.
En route to their destination, both are quiet. He would sometimes take a peek, stealing glances at her from time to time and would just smile before turning his eyes on the road again.
"Babe? Can we go to church first? Maaga pa naman. Daan lang tayo sandali."
"Yeah, sure. Where do you want? Quiapo? or---"
"Anywhere is fine. Yung hindi na tayo mapapalayo. It won't take long."
"Sige.No worries"
They manage to find a nearby church on the way. And after offering some prayers and intentions, they both light up candles one for everybody in the family. Arman is done with his prayers and takes a look at his wife who's eyes are still closed and has her head bowed.
He smiles and remains quiet while waiting for her to finish.
"It's been a while since nabisita ko siya." She sighs and opens her eyes. " Sobrang dami na ng nangyari. Nag-away tayo. Then we buried the hatchet. Nag-away ulit tayo. And now okay na ulit tayo. Parang roller coaster lang."
"And there's always a great comfort kapag you would let him take over everything you are going through, di ba? Nakakagaan ng pakiramdam.?"
"I'm sorry"
"No, don't say that "
"No, really. I'm sorry I've caused you so much pain."
"Hon, okay na."
"Hiyang hiya nga ko humarap sa kanya sa totoo lang. Hiniling kita sa kanya, and he gave me you. Yet hindi ko nagawang pahalagahan ka. I didn't stay true to my vows. At sa harap pa niya ako nangako."
"Arman.."
"And now nasa harap niya na naman ako, humihingi ng tawad kasi binigo ko siya. Hindi ko pinanindigan lahat ng sinabi ko. "
"And that's why we're here. Para ipagpasadiyos na ang lahat." She caresses his cheeks and smiles genuinely.
He smiles under his breath, "Ang laki kong gago 'no?"
"Sige, yan. Sabihin mo na sa kanya lahat para abswelto ka na." She puts it in a joking way. Matter of factly but in a playful manner.
They chuckle and he reaches for her waist line and vice versa.
"Sandra, okay lang ba kung I make new vows? Sa harap niya ulit mismo." He takes her both hands and looks straight in her eyes. "Ayoko ng paulit ulit mangako dahil natatakot ako na baka hindi ko rin magawa. This time no more broken promises." Then he smiles at her. "This time, mas mamahalin pa kita. Mas aalagaan. Mas pakikinggan. Mas iisipin yung kapakanan mo. Mas iintindihin. Mas magiging mabuting asawa at padre de pamilia. This time, I would work harder in making you feel special. Kayo muna ng mga bata bago ako."
