Meraki* (MaiChard Fanfic)

Chapter 16 - Butterfly Kisses

24 November 2021 (AM)

Dear RJ,

If there would be just one word to describe what I'm feeling right, it would be ecstatic. Hanggang ngayon, hindi pa din malaman kung paano. I know that I shouldn't do this but I sometimes ask myself "Ano bang nagawa ko at binigyan ako ni Lord ng ganitong biyaya?" I honestly feel really really really happy that I get to spend a lifetime with you and our little baby. I can't help but be emotional.

It has been three years since Charmaine has been born yet it feels like it was just yesterday. Kahapon, habang nasa taping ka, she was so hyperactive. I swear, napagod ako kakahabol sa kanya. Buti na lang walang nabasag unlike last time. I know, I know. It's my fault for letting her out of her playpen and leaving the room to get my bag. Still, it was worth it when I saw her smile and let out a laugh when she saw what remains of the vase that Ate Poleng gave us.

Seriously, I couldn't even imagine what I would do if she didn't come to our lives. She, aside from you (don't get jealous of your own daughter) is the very first thought that I have in the morning. Every time I get home from Eat Bulaga or our taping, she's the first person that I wish to see. Again, don't pout. You know very well that this is what happens because you're with me. Hindi ba ikaw ang kasama ko sa mga taping? Ano ba.

I'm so happy, love. Lagi tayong may kalaro. Laging may sumasalubong sa atin na karga ni Yaya Pepe.Kahit ikaw ang mas gusto niya (Daddy's little girl siya), okay lang sa akin kasi may kiss and hug din ako galing sa kanya. I don't want to go back to the days na wala pa si Charmaine sa atin. This is the life that I've always wanted. Pero dapat dagdagan natin ng Thirdy! I remember how cute (and happy) Matti was when you were playing with him. I want a baby boy as cute as him! Pwede bang nakawin natin siya kay Ate Nikki? Charot!

I know it's weird but I can't wait for her to grow up (kahit alam kong ayaw mo). But I really wish she'd grow up and have her own family...with a man who is just like you (alam mo iyan). I know, it will take sometime for you to get used to the idea that she won't stay this little forever. Ganun din naman si Tatay sa iyo, 'di ba? Haha! But, as they say, things happen for reason (kahit hindi natin alam) kaya kahit ayaw ni Tatay noon, napapayag din siya na magkaroon tayo ng relationship. Mas malakas ka na sa kanya kaysa sa akin eh. Hayyy. Haha!

Anyway, I'm so excited because we're going on vacation! It's been awhile since we had one because we've been so busy with something when we plan a getaway. Love, I am seriously hyped for this trip! I could already imagine the freshly laundered sheets and the smell of the ocean. I know I'll sleep like Charmaine when we arrive. And then, the next day, we'd get to swim! Woot woot!

I've been so tired and sleepy (because we're filming our seventh movie) so I'm really happy that our plans pushed through. I badly wanted to slack off and be at leisure for the past few days but we had to work. Pero kebs. It would be our first time in the Bahamas (thank you, love!) and the first time the three of us will go abroad for a trip. I wish we're going with the rest of our family but their lives are quite hectic lately. But soon, I hope...I really miss them (especially Nanay, Tatay, and Matti). Let's go to Bulacan soon, okay? Maybe after we come back from our trip.

I honestly don't know what else to tell you except...

I don't care what happens next as long as you'll be right there beside me - enjoying a life that is worth living.

Because you deserve it.

We both do.

Love,

Menggay

P.S. Kailan kaya ako magkakaroon ng lakas ng loob na ibigay ang mga letters ko? Hmm.

***

24 November 2021 (PM)

"Let me get this straight," Maine said, looking dubiously at her friend, "you're getting married to Sam?"

"We're planning to get married in a month," Patricia admitted. "I want you to be one of my bridesmaids."

"Seryoso ka ba?" Maine said in disbelief. "Sam just --

"I know," Patricia cut her off. "Pero kailangan eh."

"Why?" Maine said, raising her eyebrow.

"Nabuntis kasi ako," Patricia said. "Nalaman ko lang a few weeks ago nung nagka-morning sickness ako."

Maine's jaw dropped in shock. "Teka lang. Akala ko ba hindi kayo? Sabi mo sa amin ni RJ, binasted mo na siya dahil hindi mo siya gusto."

"Ha? Oo, last year binasted ko siya. Pero ngayon kasi..."

"Hay nako. Inaraw-araw ni Sam ang moves niya sa iyo no?" Maine said, crossing her arms over her chest. "Ganyang ganyan si RJ sa akin. Alam ko na ngayon kung sino nagturo sa kanya."

Patricia sighed, plopping on the chair beside Maine, and said, "Sobrang kulit rin kasi niya! Laging tumatawag o 'di kaya nagte-text. Hindi ko alam kung bakit pero mahal ko na siya ngayon."

"Don't you think it's too early?" Maine said, by now already warming up to the idea, "you only have one month to prepare."

"I know," she said glumly, "But I want ot walk down the aisle while I'm still slim..."

When Maine remained silent, Patricia moved her chair to face Maine. "Please, Maine. I know it's sudden --

"Wait a minute," Maine cut in, raising her eyebrows, "before ka ba magka-morning sickness, tulog ka lang ng tulog?"

"Uhm, yes?," Patricia said pleadingly, clasping her hands in front of her, "God, I thought I was sick because I kept on falling asleep. 'Yun pala, I was just pregnant"

"Oh my god."

"What?"

"I think I'm pregnant. Again."

***

A/N: Thank you for reading Meraki! I loved reading all your comments and I'm really grateful that you took the time to read my story. This is the last chapter...and I'm quite emotional.

Writing this wasn't easy, not just because I had to write one or two chapters a day for the past sixteen days, but also because it has been awhile since I last wrote love letters. It was challenging and very stressful. It felt like I was back in College again, working on an article for our school publication. Still, it was worth it. 😊💛

You can listen the full playlist composed of songs that I used for this fic here:

https://play.spotify.com/user/thenataliagrace/playlist/099YQNrikd37M07y0p7Wid

Oh, and happy #ALDUB1stAnniversary! I'm glad to be part of this fandom and I can't wait to celebrate more anniversaries with everyone.

I'll post a new story and an update of #SquadGoals soon! :)