My life turned out to be more than I have expected even in my dreams. I don't have to be so far away from my family and I get to see them whenever I want. Neither seas nor continent separates me from them. Tyrone is finally all recovered from his accident. He's back in his usual self, like the forgettable event never happened. He's excited for what's ahead of him. He won't stop talking about school by the way. We told him that he's going to school when the fresh school year starts and he's excitement went over the roof. I couldn't reiterate enough how thankful I am that my family is well and happy.
Not only that I have my family near again, it has even gotten bigger. The Torreses are amazing. They are all so sweet like they always are. They made me feel like I really am their own.
Then, here comes the newest blessing to the family, the little thing inside me. I know, it's the second time around but it's feels different like this pregnancy is special in its own way from the first one. It's a whole new experience.
And of course, the best thing that ever happened to me: Thomas, my Thomas.
Thomas is more than a dream husband. He's just always in his usual perfect self. I couldn't explain more. I think everybody knows that. It's just me who makes things go south sometimes... alright, most of the time.
With all this, my family, the Torreses, Tyrone, Thomas and the little thing inside me, I feel like I'm on top of the world.
So three days after Thomas and I told our families about the wedding and my pregnancy, my parents came back here in Manila to check on me, specifically. You know, I have a history of extremely bad pregnancy and my Mom's is kind of worried.
Also this time, they brought my grandparents with them. They will be staying for a week. My Lola and my Lolo requested to stay longer because they wanted to be with me. I can't travel as of now because of the nausea and vomiting so they decided that they will be the ones coming here. And besides, I have no problem with them staying here until whenever they want. This huge house that Thomas built for us is still spacious enough even for all of us.
"Ara, magpahinga ka na nga dun," my Mom scolded.
I tried to help her and Lola in washing the dishes. I haven't found a helper yet. So basically, Thomas and I are doing the household chores since we transferred here in the new house.
"Ma, buntis lang ako, hindi invalido," I said as I continue to wipe the plates dry.
"Wala ka pa ba talagang nahahanap na tutulong dito sa bahay niyo? Ara, alam kong kaya mong gumawa sa loob ng bahay pero masyado namang malaki to. Hindi mo kakayaning mag-isa," Mama said.
"Eh sa wala pa rin Ma eh. Tinutulungan naman ako ni Thomas sa gawaing bahay. At sabi ni Mommy ipapahiram niya muna daw yung isa nilang katulong sa bahay kaya chillax ka lang Ma," I said.
"Hayaan mo na ngang magdesisyon etong si Ariray, anak. Malaki na to, may asawa na nga eh. Hayaan mo ng mamuhay ng sa kanila na. Gumabay ka na lang," Lola Maria told my mother.
"Alam ko naman yun, Ma. Gusto ko lang namang makapag-settle muna tong si Ara bago natin hayaang siya na lang mag-isa," Mama said. Para wala lang ako dito ah.
"Huwag na po kayong mag-alala, Ma, La. Nandiyan naman si Thomas eh. Sa dinami-dami na ng pinagdaan, kayang-kaya na namin to," I said. "One thing I have learned from the past is that Thomas is my better half. We do things better when we are together."
The older ladies gave me their version of old school kilig-ed faces.
"I couldn't agree more anak," my Mom said.
