Kick-Start

Meeting Her Parents Again

Ella woke up in his arms the following morning. James was still asleep, so she had time to take in his profile. Still so gwapo, she thought.

When they were still living together, she normally woke up earlier and would let him sleep a bit longer so that he could recharge before he starts another long work/school day.

On weekends, she would let him sleep in while she did errands around the house. Preparing his breakfast was her favorite thing because that would wake him up and the look he would give her upon seeing what she made was the most precious thing.

Today, she decided to linger in bed and relish this. They rarely woke up still cuddled like this because it was too humid and the weather made it uncomfortable, but now with air conditioning, this was quite nice.

James stirred.

"Good morning, Santiago," she whispered.

"'Morning, Birthday Girl," he said, pulling her close and nuzzling her neck. "What do you want for breakfast?"

"This."

"Ito? Hug?"

"Yes. Don't get up first please?"

He nodded, "Okay. Maya-maya na. May gusto ka bang gawin before we meet your parents for dinner?"

"Wala. I just want to spend it here with you sana? Just stay in, chat, hang out..."

"Sounds like a plan! Pero sure ka? Four days tayo sa Baguio na tayo lang, baka magsawa ka na sa akin."

She smiled. "Never. Miss na miss ko na nga ito eh. Waking up next to you. Best birthday already."

They shared a sweet kiss -

- that was interrupted by Jean.

"Ummm guys, sorry pero gutom na gutom na gutom na ako," Jean yelled from the other side of the door.

They all had breakfast then Jean said she'll head out. "Magkikita pa naman tayo while you're here, di ba?" Ella asked

"Oo naman. Pero sa ngayon, lalayas na muna ako para makabwelo ng malaswang moment si James."

"Huy! Bibig mo. Hatid na kita." Turning to Ella, "Balik ako agad. You want anything?"

"Pasalubong! But kung wala okay lang, just come back agad ha?"

JeanJeanJeanJean
Ang halay po nila

James del Rosario
Replying to JeanJeanJeanJean
Fake news.

JeanJeanJeanJean
Replying to JeanJeanJeanJean
Kilala mo ba kung sino?

James del Rosario
Replying to JeanJeanJeanJean
Sabi ko nga... hindi.

*

James and Ella arrived at her family home at 6pm for the dinner with her parents.

"Are you okay?" Ella asked, before they got down the car.

"Yes. Kinakabahan lang. The last few times I was here pinalayas lang ako," James said.

She leaned in, resting her forehead on his. "I'm sorry."

"Don't be. I don't blame you."

"The last time WE went here, dalawa tayong pinalayas. I promise you, if he asks you to leave, I will be with you."