Escaping Strings

Chapter 26: Intrigue

Matthew's POV

I am so excited about the baby. I can't help but smile. Do you know the feeling of seeing the woman you love, sleeping beside you, and knowing that there's a life being developed inside her womb? It just feels like heaven. God, it's so good.

“Good morning, babe,” I whispered before kissing her head.

I am lying next to Martina, resting my elbow on the bed as my head to my hands. I truly love this position of ours. I love watching her sleep. I love to see her face, each and every second. I love seeing her wearing nothing... just kidding. I love seeing her wearing none other than my clothe.

It's just six thirty in the morning when I decided to go to Martina's place to gather some things like clothes or whatever I find for her. She was left at my place, peacefully sleeping. I also inform Jacob about it. Baka kasi maghanap sila at mag-alala. Lalo na si Iris — Oh, yeah! I remembered, I have to talk to Tito Martin about this. I, too, want to ask him for his daughter's hand.

I got to Martina's pad when I saw this so familiar man, standing in front of her door. Hindi ko maalala kung saan ko siya nakita. Dumiretso na lang ako at nilingon siya bago tuluyang buksan ang pinto. Mukhang nagulat din siya nang pumasok ako rito pero hindi ko na lang ito pinansin. Tapos na akong mag-impake ng mga gamit niya kaya naman lumabas ako ng unit niya. Nakita ko ulit 'yung lalaki na mukhang may inaantay. Lilingunin ko na sana ito nang biglang mag-ring ang phone ko.

“Dad? Napatawag ka?”

“I guess, you have much to explain,” maikli niyang linya pero sapat na para kabahan ako.

“Yes, dad.”

And the call ended.

Mukhang alam na ni dad. Posible kayang alam na rin ni Tito Martin? Wooh! This is more thrilling than what I have expected. Yes, it's so much exciting, on the other hand, terrifying. Why? 'Cause... I don't know. My heart just stayed pounding all through my way. Nasa labas na ako ng unit ko at nang mabuksan ko ito ay natigilan ako. Ang daming tao sa loob at kahit sila ay natigilan nang makita ako. Nandito silang lahat! Including dad, Tito Martin, and... mom? Why are they here? Hindi ko naman akalaing pupunta rito sina dad matapos ako nitong tawagan.

“Matthew!” masayang pagsalubong sa akin ni mommy bago ako yakapin.

“Ma, what are you doing here? All of you?”

“Your dad said that you have something very important to announce. Pumasok ka muna at magpahinga,” sabi niya habang hinihila ako kasabay ng mga maletang dala ko.

“Congrats, my handsome cousin!” sigaw ni Jacob na katabi 'yung girls na nakaupo sa long couch.

“'Yung sinabi ko sa'yo sa hospital, tuloy na ah!” sabi naman ni Diane.

“Inunahan niyo pa ako. Eh, 'di kayo na,” Cara said like she's been left out.

Gusto ko siyang tawanan because knowing her love story from what I am hearing from the girls, it's so funny, but no, I cannot do that now. Ano bang sinasabi nila? And again, what are they doing here? All of them!

“Matt....” Nilapitan ako ni Tito Martin.

“Yes, tito?”

“Could you please tell us what's this all about?” singit naman ni dad.

Hindi ba't ako ang dapat na magtanong niyan? A–Ano ba 'to? I didn't plan this. Why is this happening too soon? Wala akong nagawa kung hindi ang umupo sa single seater couch. Katabi ko naman si mommy habang katapat ko si Tito Martin na katabi ni dad na nasa kabilang set ng couches.