Epitome Of Perfection

Chapter 24

Russell

"What's your plan, anak?"

The corner of my mouth quirked up at the sudden question of my mother. Umahon ako mula sa pagkakaupo at naglakad patungong terrace. Itinuon ko ang aking mga kamay sa barandilya saka humugot ng malalim na hininga. The views of the tall trees and the wind brushing against my skin doubled the happiness I'm feeling right at this moment.

"Kung ano ang dapat, Ma. Iyon ang gagawin ko." sagot ko sa kanya, ang paningin ay nasa magandang tanawin pa rin.

Sabado ngayon at narito ako sa family house namin. Sinadya ko puntahan ang mga magulang ko para ibalita sa kanila ang pagbubuntis ni Sandra. Mom and Dad was too excited and happy as much as I am. Well, sa una nagulat. They thought I was just bluffing but when they realized that I was serious and telling the truth, their doubt immediately vanished.

Until now, I still can't believe that Sandra is pregnant and we're going to have a baby soon. Although I've already expected it because like what I've said to her yesterday when she couldn't believe that she's really carrying my child, we are doing it almost everyday and we're not using any protection. Still, I didn't expect that it's going to be this early.

Guess I am a sharp shooter, huh?

Sandra makes me feel like I’m on cloud nine and it’s an addictive feeling. She's the best thing that’s ever happened to me and it scares me how happy I am when I’m around her. Natatakot akong oras na mawala siya sa akin ay hindi na ako ulit makaramdam ng ganitong kasayahan. Pero siyempre, wala na akong balak iwala pa siya. Itatali ko na siya sa akin, at hindi na papakawalan pa.

"Kung ano ang dapat…" Mom repeated, pulling me out of my deep thoughts. "Darius, anak, ano man desisyon o plano ang gawin mo, you should do it not just because it's needed. Gawin mo dahil gusto mo rin para sa huli, hindi ka magsisisi."

Hindi na kailangan pagisipan pa, Ma. Sigurado na ako. Siguradong-sigurado.

"Do you like Sandra for me, Ma?" I asked.

"Of course, hijo! Sandra is a very beautiful woman inside and out. Napakasimpleng babae niya at walang kahit na anong arte sa katawan. She's very smart and she knows how to socialize with other people. She's not like any other girls nowadays. Maarte at walang alam gawin sa buhay. I like her as a person, anak. Your girlfriend is really a gem."

Napangiti ako sa naging sagot na iyon ni Mommy. She's really a great observer, bagay na namana ko. Kung ano ang napansin ko kay Sandra simula pa noong makilala ko ito ay napansin niya na rin pala.

I turned around to face her with a stoic expression on my face. Nakatingin lang ito sa akin habang nag-aabang ng sasabihin ko. I crossed my arms above my chest. Kinagat ko ang ibabang parte ng labi ko, pinipigilan ang ngiting kanina pa gusto kumawala sa akin.

"Then do you want her for me as a wife?" I asked calmly.

Mom shot his brow up. "Like I said, I like her as a person. Mahirap na makahanap ng kagaya niya, Darius."

Hindi na napigilan pa ng labi ko ang magpakawala ng ngisi sa harapan niya. "Then I'll take it as a yes. Thanks for your blessing, Mom."

Mom's eyes widened. "Blessi—what? What are you talking about, Russell Darius?"

A soft and low chuckle escaped my throat. Gusto kong matawa ng sobra sa naging reaksyon niya pero I know her too well. Ayaw niya ng pinagtatawanan siya kapag seryoso ang usapan. She's still the same mother I know — silent but terror.

"I'm gonna ask for Sandra's hand, Mom. I'm gonna marry her."

I witnessed how her face turn ashen. Her eyes became wide open. Umawang ang bibig niya habang maang na nakatitig sa akin. Napapailing ako habang nangingiti sa kanya.