The Groom's One True Bride

Chapter 27

"Babe," Kiefer said, his eyes on the  road, "I'll be calling every night, bale morning dito.  Our schedule is clear every 9PM, so that would be around 8AM.  'Wag mo na ako sunduin pag-uwi ko after 3 weeks, pero ipasundo kita dito before I return home.  Gusto ko nasa bahay ka na when I get back."

He is driving her to Batangas, just as planned. His three weeks training in the US makes him uncomfortable with the idea that Alyssa will be by herself.  Although Grandma is just on the other house, he wants someone who will be there for Alyssa 24/7.

Her parents greeted them in a more cordial tone, something Kiefer is grateful for.  He doesn't want any complications in their relationships, and even more tension for Alyssa.  He doesn't want to leave his wife worried or alone, or bothered. 

They just had an early lunch, and Kiefer has to leave after, for he has a flight to catch in the evening.  He brought his driver with him, just so he can have some rest before he flies to the US. He wanted to stretch the  time today, just so he can be with his wife, but he has to start moving, otherwise, he might miss his flight.

Alyssa walked him to the gate after he bid farewell to her parents and the family.  "Isaw," he said, his hand on her tummy, "'Wag malikot, okay?  Don't give your Mommy something to worry about.  You have to be healthy and strong, okay? And don't-"

Alyssa laughed at Kiefer's face.  How she loves the way his face would suddenly look surprised everytime he feels that kick from Isaw.

"Was I saying too much, too many?" Kiefer asked, his eyes sparkling.  Alyssa bit her lip, her face wreathed with smiles.  "Mukhang Isaw has a mind of her own," she said, chuckling.  Kiefer shook his head, "Ewan ko ba, why do I have a funny feeling that I'll be up against two strong-willed women at home..."

"Well, 'di pa natin sure kung dalawa lang, di ba?" Alyssa teased him, and Kiefer softly smiled.  "Do you want more?" he asked, and Alyssa blushed.  She slapped his arm gently, "Ano ka ba?  Di ko pa nga to nailalabas, more agad?"

"You know what, it's better na may timeline tayo para maiayos natin ang bahay para sa mga susunod na babies," he tried to sound serious, but Alyssa would not hear about it.  "Focus muna tayo kay Isaw, okay?  One at a time," she said, and Kiefer's grin widened.  "That means, there will be the possibility of another one.  I like that," Kiefer said, and Alyssa tried to shove him away.  "Umalis ka na nga," Alyssa huffed, and Kiefer wrapped his arms around her.

He breathed in her scent, trying to put that in his memory for the 3 weeks of lonely nights without her.  "I want to take you with me," he whispered in her head, and Alyssa smiled sadly.  "Ang gastos nun, Kief.  And what if nga manganak ako dun?" she responded, and Kiefer just tightened his hold on her.  "I'll miss you," he whispered, and took in a deep breath.  "I... I'll miss you, too," Alyssa responded, and Kiefer kissed her crown.

"Hindi ko alam kung paano ako babawi 'pag uwi ko," he said, and Alyssa pushed him back, to see his face.  "Kief," she smiled, "Andito ako sa bahay ko.  Masaya ako dito.  'Wag kang mag-alala sa amin ni Isaw."

"Gahd, I wish I could just put you in my pocket and bring you with me wherever I go," he murmured, his hand cupping her face, not wanting to go.  "Ayoko ng ganitong feeling, yung napapawalay ako sa 'yo," he said, and Alyssa held his hands.  "Ayoko rin, but you have to do what you have to do," she whispered, "And I have to do what I need to do."

"And that is...?" Kiefer asked, and Alyssa stood on tiptoe, and whispered, before she gave him a kiss, "Ang mag-antay sa pag-uwi mo."

The kiss they shared was soft, and gentle, like whispered promises of lovers at night.  He wanted to stay like that forever, but he knows he has to go.  He slowed down his kisses, and kissed her cheek, nose, and forehead.  "I'll be home soon," he said, before he let her go, and went to get in his car.