MARAHUYO

M- 19

Psalm 23:4
Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.

*

During their dinner, Aga sweetly took her hand and murmured, "Babes."

"Yes?"

"Birthday ni mommy bukas. And I'd like you to attend."

"Babes naman. Bakit ngayon mo lang sinabi? Wala pa akong gift for tita."

He chuckled, "'Di naman kailangan ng gift, babes, eh. Your presence is what she needs. 'Yon naman ang importante."

"Kahit na. Meron pa naman sigurong bukas na boutiques diyan. Samahan mo ako. Hanap tayo ng gift for her."

"Mapilit ka talaga," he replied, "And, babes, bring Koi with you. Para mapakilala ko rin kayo kina mommy."

"Ipapakilala mo kami?"

He nodded, "Yes, babes."

"Bakit?"

"Siyempre," he trailed and placed a gentle kiss on her hand, "My family has to meet my own."

--

It was 7 in the evening (with a sober soul, soul), when Unique and Lea finished preparing for the party. Even though invited, too, Joy didn't want to come as she was tired from work the whole day and she has no energy left in her for the party.

"Mag-ingat kayo," she told the two, "Magpa-hatid kayo kay Aga pauwi, okay? Or text Roy so he could pick you up. Don't commute."

"Yes, ma," Lea replied and kissed her cheek, "Aalis na po kami."

"Bye, Abu. Eat dinner, okay?"

"I will, apo. Enjoy the party. Don't let your mom go home drunk, okay?"

Lea frowned, "Ma naman. I won't drink-- I won't go home drunk, okay?"

"Dapat lang because we have to attend a meeting early in the morning tomorrow with the bosses."

"Yes, madame, noted," she uttered.

"Nasaan na ba si Aga?"

As if on cue, a honking from a car which they assumed to be Aga's, was heard.

"I think that's him."

After a minute, Aga who was wearing a black collared-polo rolled up to his cuff tucked in a jeans went inside the house, "Hi. Hi, tita. Good evening."

"Hello, hijo. I can't come with you kasi I'm tired, eh. Just send my regards and greetings to your mom and tell her we'd have coffee soon."

He smiled, "I will, tita. We'll go ahead."

"Iuwi mo nang buo 'yang mga 'yan, ha."

"Opo. Buong-buo, tita. Wala pong gasgas."

He turned to the two and gave Lea a warm smile, "Let's go?"

While on their way, Aga swiftly and very sweetly took Lea's hand before placing a lovely kiss on it, just like what he always does.

"Ganda ng date ko tonight."

"Bolero," she replied and clipped his nose with her two fingers, "But you look good, too."

"Nagpa-pogi talaga ako para sa'yo, babes. I hope you liked it."

"When did you ever become ugly in my sight?"

"Never?"

"Never."