The Welsh Maiden

Kabanata 36

Reunion

For the past four weeks mas naging abala kaming lahat. Tita lessen her working days. Tuwing Lunes, Miyerkules, at Biyernes nalang ang pasok niya para samahan si Jade tuwing wala ako. Minsan naman ay bumibisita ang mga Henares at pati na rin sina Hailey at tita Cel.

Ako naman, bukod sa mga proyektong natatanggap ko mula kay Luna at sa mga trabahong inaalok niya sa'kin, mas pinagtutuunan ko rin ng pansin ang mga pagbabago kay Jade. Hindi naman siya nakakaramdam ng morning sickness during her second trimester. It was a lot better than the first. This stage is more on physical pain.

Madalas siyang nagkakaroon ng leg cramps lalo na kapag matutulog. So before she drift off to sleep, I always make sure she's comfortable enough by giving her a light touch massage. Pero madalas ay idinadantay niya ang dalawang hita sa may tiyan ko dahil sabi niya mas komportable siya sa ganung posisyon.

Jade is well aware about the changes especially when it comes to her figure. The baby bump is now round and hard. Kapuna-puna na ang laki nito kaya bumili na si tita ng maternity dress para mas komportable siya sa paggalaw.

Jade was also conscious about the puffiness of her ankles, hands, and face. Alam ko namang natural lang sa buntis ang pamamaga ng ibang parte ng katawan pero big deal yun para kay Jade. Lagi niya akong inaaway lalo na kapag humaharap siya sa salamin. She felt so insecure.

"I hate you! I hate you! I hate you!" She keeps on shouting and sobbing at the same time.

"Jade..." Ako naman pilit ko siyang niyayakap kahit na panay ang hampas niya sa braso ko.

"You're cheating on me!" And that's when she started crying. "I'm sooo fat and I look ugly and now you're seeing someone else because I'm not that pretty anymore! I don't have curves coz I'm sooo fat! My whole body is swelling and I sooo hate myself!" Paulit-ulit niyang sinasabi yan sa harap ng salamin habang umiiyak. "That's why you're cheating on me!"

That's the accusation. Kahit naman hindi totoo ay pinagpipilitan niya pa rin.

"I'm not cheating on you Jade, I will never do that to you." I said calmly. "You're so beautiful lovelove, and please stop saying you're fat and ugly because that's not even true."

Yang mga salitang 'yan ang tanging magpapa-kalma lang sa kanya.

"Are you telling the truth?"

"Love, wala naman akong rason para magsinungaling sayo." Paglalambing ko.

"Do you love me?" There goes her cute pout and puppy dog eyes again.

I know she didn't want to hear a word first, so I always end up kissing her lips and that's the only cue for me to say it back, "I love you so much Jade."

Napaupo kaming pareho sa kama habang siya ay karga ko. I wasn't complaining even if I know she is heavier now than before. Ayokong awayin na naman niya ako dahil lang do'n.

Now I may have a theory that dealing with a pregnant woman is like babysitting a three-year old child. Ganun si Jade lalo na kapag gusto niyang lambingin ko siya. Her level of clinginess is way out of the line. Hindi pa ako nagka-cutting class buong buhay ko pero kapag tumatawag si tita at sinasabing umiiyak na si Jade kakahanap sa'kin, napapauwi ako nang wala sa oras. Buti nalang at tinutulungan ako ni Martha para makahabol sa discussion.

+++

"Love?"

"Hmm?"

"Do you know that the human brain has no pain receptors?"