Clocks and Pens

Final Epilogue

Andrew's POV

Two years later..

"Honey!" My wife called from upstairs.

Ever since we got married, she started calling me honey. Mas sweet daw kasi. I still stick to calling her love, though. Mas dun kasi ako nasanay.

I ignored her calling. I already told her that I'll be busy this morning, reading reports and doing conference calls.

"Honey!" Still I acted deaf.

Don't get me wrong; I love my wife like hell. Minsan lang talaga, tuma-timing ang mga sumpong nya tuwing busy ako sa trabaho.

She had been exceptionally wonderful as a wife, but not for the past few months; I didn't know that her mood swings could get worse. Pinipilit ko na lang siyang intindihin dahil sa sitwasyon niya. But, oh, Lord, grant me longer patience.

"Andrew!"

After being married to Max for two years, plus those six years of being boyfriend-girlfriend, I have learned that it won't be good if she'll call me by my given name for the second time.

"Coming.." I muttered silently, unwillingly standing from my swivel chair.

Bago ko pa man marating ang pinto ng library-cum-house office ko, bumukas na ito, and, voila, entered my wife.

"Love, you're glaring at me like I'm your prey. You know pregnant women should avoid being on a bad mood," I told her, feigning innocence.

She glared at me some more. "I called you like three times already."

"I didn't hear," I lied. Then I noticed that she looks uncomfortable, as if in pain. "What's wrong?"

"My water just broke," she said through gritted teeth.

It was obvious na pinipilit niya lang kumalma. I, on the other hand, panicked like a loony. Lahat ng training na dinaanan ko para tulungan ang asawa kong nagle-labor? Ayun, they flew out the window together with my calmness.

I ran to her, not knowing what to do. "Akala ko ba next week ka pa due?" I looked at her balloon tummy. Our child is about to come out, at heto ako, feeling like the most ignorant person in the world.

"Ano, maghihintay tayo 'til next week?!" she snapped. "Ugh, what are you waiting for? Get me to the hospital!"

So I carried her to the car; it seemed to be the logical thing to do.

Dahil matagal na namin 'tong pinaghahandaan, nasa kotse na ang bag ng lahat ng kakailanganin namin para sa delivery niya; my wife is just that prompt.

Magmula ng ikasal kami, she's been so keen on keeping our household organized. Minsan siya pa ang nag-aayos ng schedule ng appointments ko. Mas efficient pa siya sa secretary ko. She embraced being a full-time wife with open arms, without regret.

At ngayon nga, we're going to be parents in a few hours.

The ride to the hospital had been a torture. Every time I hear her cry in pain, napapahigpit ang kapit ko sa steering wheel. But other than that, she kept her calm. The lessons were effective. I can't help but be proud despite the tension.

Nang makarating kami sa hospital, luckily, her doctor was already there.

Everything happened so fast, yet it was the most toiling moment of my life. Kahit confident ako na magiging okay ang mag-ina ko, I still prayed for their safety. I can't just lose either of them.

Hours later, Margarette Abigail came into the world. I cried despite myself. Holding my daughter, seeing my wife happy, knowing that both of them are safe and healthy, sapat ng pambawi sa lahat ng paghihirap na dinaanan ko.

I put our daughter beside my wife, then gave her a kiss on the forehead. "Good job, love."

Maxine just gave me a teary smile.

Dala na rin siguro ng emotion, I can't help but said, "So, kailan natin susundan si Abi?"

Kahit halatang nanghihina, my wife smacked my arm. "Give me a break, you bastard."

I took that as a yes.

I now bid goodbye to this story. It's been a long ride with Maxine and Andrew. On to a new adventure!

- lululululouise / parseltongue13