Hello, Love, I'm Home!

xxi: Happy Wife

RJ's POV

As the plane began its ascent from LAX, I stole a glance at my wife. Kumikinang ang mga mata nya sa excitement, and I couldn't help but smile. "I still can't believe we're flying commercial instead of taking Lolo's jet," I said, shaking my head with a grin.

She turned to me, feigning innocence. "Oh, come on, Love! Maganda rin na naeexperience natin ang 'real world' once in a while. Plus, the jet doesn't have complimentary pretzels."

"Pretzels? Wow, what a trade-off," I chuckled, looking at our baby Kody, blissfully asleep in his mommy's arms. "I just thought flying in luxury would be... more luxurious."

She nudged me playfully. "You mean you thought I'd be too pampered to handle an actual flight? My, how you underestimate me!"

Ang rupok ko po sa ngiti ng asawa ko pero kelangan kong labanan to. "Not at all! I just figured you'd be negotiating for extra legroom right about now. 'Excuse me, I'm married to a King!'"

She laughed, her eyes dancing. "If anything, I'd say, 'Excuse me, I just had a baby—can I get extra snacks?'"

"Touché." I leaned back, enjoying the lighthearted banter. Hay, wifey. "Just remember to keep it down when you negotiate. Ayaw naman nating magising si Kody baka mamaya mag demand yan ng first-class upgrade."

Just then, Kaiah piped up from her seat across the aisle. "Mommy, are we flying to the Philippines on a jet?"

"No, sweetie. We're on a plane with lots of other people. Isn't that fun?" Kathryn warmly replied. Motherhood really suits her.

"But why not a jet? I like jets!" Kaiah insisted, her brow furrowing.

"Because this way we can meet new friends!" Kathryn said, gesturing playfully to the rows around us.

"Like who, mom?" Kaiah asked, tilting her head.

"Like that woman over there who keeps looking at you," she said, pointing to a beautiful lady two rows back, who was pretending to read a magazine. Nagtaka pa ako bakit nasabi ni Kat yun pero when I checked, baliktad yung magazine na binabasa nya.

"What's wrong with her? Does she want to be my friend, mommy?" Kaiah asked.

"Siguro, baby! You should ask her if she wants to share your snacks," I said, suppressing a grin.

"Okay, I will, daddy!" Kaiah jumped up, causing Yaya to gently pull her back down.

"Kaiah, umupo ka! Baka matakot yung babae," Yaya chuckled.

"Why not yaya? Maybe she needs a friend too!" Kaiah replied. Daming energy.

"Kai baby, believe me, some people don't know how to handle your charm," I said, and Kathryn laughed.

"Just like your dad," she teased, nudging me again. "You should take notes from our daughter on how to be approachable, mahal."

"Hey Kathryn Chandria, approachable kaya ako! Just... selectively," I defended, crossing my arms dramatically.

"Selective talaga, Love? You mean when it suits you, like when your video game friends are around?" she quipped.

"Those are serious discussions, Love!" I countered, but I couldn't keep the smile off my face. "But fine, I'll work on being more welcoming."

Kaiah leaned over to Yaya, whispering, "Can we give her some pretzels? Maybe that'll help."

"Good idea, Kaiah!" Yaya replied, trying not to laugh. "Maybe that's what she needs to come out of her shell."