Gavin
We've been together officially for a month now.
And today, we celebrate that with Lily's 4th birthday.
We agreed not to expressly tell Lily yet and wait and see how everything will flow before we say something. Her best interest was our primary objective and we didn't want her unnecessarily stressed if we ended up fighting because of some adjustments we had to do.
"Hay, baby. We failed in our mission. I think Daddy is still not Mommy's boyfriend," my mom lamented.
I chuckled from where I stood in the kitchen, hidden from their view.
"Is okay, Lola Mimi. Daddy says even if Mommy says no, love pa din niya me and Mommy," Lily said. "Lola Mimi, can we go to the mall?"
"Why?"
"Kasi if Mommy said no, sad si Daddy. I want to buy him a gift."
My mom stroked her hair. "What gift will you buy?"
"Hmmm... lipstick!"
"For your daddy?" My mom was as confused as I was.
"Yes! Because he always shares with Mommy. I want to buy him his own."
I slapped my head.
Over a week ago, Emma and I hadn't been able to catch alone time because Lily and my mom both got sick. When they recovered, they were both clingy to us. And because we were a "new" couple, we desperately wanted to make out.
That day, we put Lily to bed, headed to the bathroom and kissed and kissed and kissed. When we got out, Lily was standing outside with Beary Beary, rubbing her eyes. "What you doing, Daddy?"
"I, uh, checking lang Mommy's lipstick." When I got home, I realized I had a lot of Emma's lipstick on my lips. She needs more of those smudge proof ones.
I rubbed my nape watching my mom and Lily now. I guess we've been found out. I need to talk to Emma.
*
For her birthday, it was Lily's choice.
And, in what turned out to be our proudest moment yet, she told us, "I want... to give the food to those children with no Mommy and Daddy."
We arranged it with the orphanage and scheduled the party for them on the Saturday after Lily's exact birth date. We prepared goody bags containing items the children would need and Lily wrote her name on the cards that would be attached. Writing was still a challenge for her, but she went ahead with her task with very little complaint.
We had a simple celebration for her special day.
Emma and I took a leave and brought her to the mall, where she went to every play area she could. Then, that night, dinner with Lola Mimi at home.
"Make a wish, baby!!!"
"Hmmm I wish for a unicorn for Beary Beary! And a painting set so I can draw more pictures for Mommy. And more money so I can buy Daddy more lipstick! And for Lola Mimi and Lily to win in our mission!"
Her Lola Mimi smirked. "I think we already have, baby."
Emma looked confused. "Lily? Lipstick for Daddy?"
Lily asked to be put down, ran to her play area and handed me a gift, wrapped in one of her paintings. "Here, Daddy! Di ba like mo yung lipstick ni Mommy kaya you always check it and put it on your lips? There o!"
True enough she got me a bright red lipstick.
"Ummm, thank you, baby," I said, weakly.
Smiling, Emma stepped in. "Baby? Does it bother you when Daddy has lipstick?"
"No. He looks nice! Don't you think so, Mommy? Do you like it?"
"Yes, very much. Baby, there's another thing Mommy wants to tell you." Emma paused, when she was sure Lily was listening. "Baby, Daddy is Mommy's boyfriend now."
Lily's eyes widened, and for a moment, I wondered if she wouldn't like the news.
"LOLA MIMI , WE DID IT!"
And the two of them started jumping and dancing.
"Bakit kayo yung masaya?!" I asked.
"Daddy! We helped you and Mommy! Lola Mimi and Lily made goyoma so Mommy would fall in love with you!"
"Ma!!!"
My mom didn't look apologetic. "Tubig lang yun na may blue food color!" She whispered.
"Kaya pala minsan may blue na dots sa kanin ko," Emma muttered.
"Apo! Remember what I told you ha? They need some time alone, so you'll knock before you go in the room-"
"Ma!"
"Ano?! Kakatok lang eh."
"Yes, Lola Mimi and cover my eyes first. Pero why Lola? You didn't tell me pa."
"Kasi they might be —"
"MAMA!"
"—playing with special clay!" My mom finished. "Teka, Gavin anak, halika muna. May binili din ako for you nung nag mall kami."
At the room, she said, "I'm so happy for you, anak. Are you happy?"
"Yes, Mama."
"Good. Now, alam kong matagal ka ng celibate so here," she handed me a book with the title How to Make Love. "May pictures yan, very helpful."
"Ma naman..."
"Shush. And, though I'd prefer na after na kayo ikasal ang next baby, pwede naman ang practice ngayon. Pero baka makalimot ka na naman kaya ito."
She handed me a giant brown bag. "Pinakyaw ko na lahat ng condom sa mga convenience store na nadaanan ko."
Jusko. Nanay ko talaga. Pero hindi pa siya diyan natapos.
"Ito, calling card nung pleasure toy store. Kung hindi ka na magaling at kailangan mo ng help, marami silang para sa couples ha?"
"Mama!"
"O sige na sige na. By the way... Binigyan ko din niyan si Emma."
