Together but Separate

Chapter 36: Too Good to be True

Kate R. Ferragni

"Happy New Year, mga anak!"

"Happy New Year, Mom and Dad," sagot naman ni Nicko.

We were video chatting Nicko's parents. Kakagising lang namin nung biglang tumunog ang phone ni Nicko. He answered the call right away when he found out that it was his mom calling.

"How was the party you attended last night? I'm glad that you met your Ate Helen in there. And you both looked stunning. I saw your pictures online."

We didn't send any pictures to Mommy Jasmine. I guessed the paparazzi's posted those online. It's funny and weird to think that we didn't even have to have social media accounts to post about our whereabouts. The paparazzi's were already doing that. Our privacy was compromised whenever we were outside.

"Thank you, Mom. It was good. I met many new faces. I learned a bit about the food industry as I engaged with some guests. Kate and I spent some time with Ate Helen and Kuya Jasper."

"It sounds like a great time. I am happy you both had so much fun during the holidays. You should send me pictures of your vacation in Boracay."

"Kate took some pictures. She's here beside me listening, Mom."

"I will send them po, Mommy," sabi ko.

"Great! Thank you, anak."

"Nicko," we then heard Dad's voice on the other end.

"Yes, Dad?"

"Have you talked to Rocco? He already finalized the details of the events."

"I did, Dad. I read all his emails too."

"Good. You will be leaving in few days. I already asked the caretakers of our plane to perform maintenance check before your departure. I also told Sofia to make sure your penthouse is clean and ready for you. But make sure you spend time with us here in the house too."

That's when it all dawned on me. Nicko's leaving in a few days. I couldn't help but to feel sad. I would surely miss the days when we were always together.

Nicko probably noticed my sadness because he told his dad, "Thanks, Dad. I appreciate your help. But please don't work too hard. You are already retired. You need to chill. Let us do the work," I said. "I need to hang up, Dad. See you both soon."

"Take care! I love you both!" Mommy said before Nicko ended the call.

Nicko put his phone down on the bedside table before he faced me. He pulled me towards him and hugged me. He sniffed my head before he planted a kiss on it. He planted a kiss on my lips too, but I only answered it for a second then I stopped.

"What's wrong?" I just shook my head as an answer then lowered my head and leaned on his chest. We were still in our bed. "You are not in the mood since we went home last night. What's wrong?"

For some reason, wala akong gana sa kahit na ano simula nung dumating kami galing sa party kagabi. I went to bed right away pag-uwi namin. Nicko was in the mood to cuddle last night pero napansin niyang wala ako sa mood kaya hindi na siya nag-insist.

"I'm okay. Maybe I'm just tired."

He sighed and said, "Is it because of your conversation with Nadia?"

Hindi rin ako sigurado. It could be part of the reasons why I was not in the mood. Ang dami ko kasing iniisip.

"I'm not sure."

He looked at me intently. After a few minutes, I felt his hand on my tummy.

"Could it be that you're pregnant already?"