Hold Me Close (DeMarcus 1)

Epilogue

Welcome to the end of the first installment.

Thank you for joining me on this journey.

See you on the next one!

EVELYN DeMARCUS

"Ate, you have to convince kuya Ruel to move out," Eva whispered to me with a pout. Tinaasan ko siya ng kilay. "I'm just saying! He's almost a married man! Dapat lang na bumukod na sila ni ate Kyla. Hindi 'yung ayaw nilang umalis dahil ayaw nila akong iwan. I'm sure I can take care of myself."

I chuckled at her attempt. "Eva, buti sana kung 'yun rin ang gusto ni Kyla. But they both want to stay with you until you graduate kaya wala ka nang magagawa pa doon."

She groaned. "But, ate, paano ako magkakaroon ng pamangkin niyan? Ayaw naman nilang bumukod!"

Again, I raised a brow at her. "I'm sure they'll find a way, Eva. They have enough resources."

She pouted. Napagtanto na siguro na walang pupuntahan ang usapang 'to. It didn't matter that Ruel was almost married — hindi non mababago ang realidad na siya parin ang pinaka overprotective sa'ming lahat pagdating kay Eva. Our parents, Russell, and I all support his decision not to move out until Eva graduates from law school. Tatlong taon nalang din naman 'yon kaya ayos lang.

We were at the family mansion dahil Sunday. It was also a very important lunch dahil pamamanhikan ngayon nina Third. We were really just going through formalities and all that bago kami ikasal sa simbahan.

After telling our families of our last-minute civil wedding, akala mo naman kung anong krimen na ang ginawa namin. Both our moms were so offended na ikinasal kami with me only wearing jeans and a white blouse. They were even more appalled when they found out na kahit isa ay wala rin kaming kinuhang picture. Our only witness was my secretary na tinawagan ko pa mula sa office. It was so rushed I didn't really have time for anything else.

"Hi, love." Third wrapped me in his arms before kissing my cheek. Awtomatikong napunta ang mga daliri niya sa simpleng singsing na nasa pang-apat na daliri ko. I smiled as he played with my wedding ring. Lately, 'yan na ang paborito niyang gawin. He said he loves seeing it on me.

Sumandal ako sa dibdib niya at ninamnam ang yakap niya. "You left dad to grill?"

He nuzzled my cheek lovingly. "Mhm. Sila nalang daw muna ni Russell. I think your brother wants to tell him something."

"Oh?" Bumaling ako sa kung saan si dad at si Russell. Mukha ngang seryoso ang usapan nilang dalawa. I suddenly wondered what it was about.

"Ano daw, kuya?" panguusisa ni Eva na ngayon ay nakatingin narin sa gawi nila dad. She narrowed her eyes na para bang sinusubukan niyang basahin ang galaw ng mga labi nila. I shook my head at my nosy sister.

I felt Third shrug behind me. "Hindi ko alam. Wala naman akong narinig."

"Hmm..."

Inirapan ko si Eva. "Don't even think about it, lady. Guluhin mo ang kuya Ruel mo, huwag sila."

Lumabi siya. "But kuya Ruel is busy with ate Kyla! I can't disturb those two! They just got engaged kaya!"

"Your ate and I just got married and you're here." Third chuckled at her.

Sumimangot si Eva. "Hindi 'yon counted kasi hindi naman sa simbahan. I won't bug you, too, for two weeks after your church wedding, kuya."

"Two weeks lang?" Tinaasan ko siya ng kilay.

She lifted her chin in defiance. "I change my mind. One week nalang ngayon because of what you said, ate!"

Natawa nalang ako at hinayaan na siya. I listened to her banter with Third while I remained quiet. Natutuwa ako na malapit silang dalawa at komportable ang bunso namin sa asawa ko. I am also really grateful that Third is so patient with her. Kahit ano'ng pang-aasar ni Eva ay sinasakyan lang talaga ni Third at hindi pinepersonal.