One Great Love (COMPLETED)

18: Day One

JAY

I got up two hours prior to my commitment for today. I groomed myself, tried to look at my best. While on my way, I stopped by at a flower store. The shop seemed not at its peak because the February holiday just happened. Only few sets of flowers were left. I got the biggest of red roses with lilies combined.

And a little hour over, I arrived at my destination.

Lumabas ako ng sasakyan at nagdoorbell sa bahay ng aking girlfriend. Bumungad sa akin ang katulong at kasunod na ang aking pinakamamahal.

"Hey, sweet cheeks!" I told her as I pecked her a kiss.

"You came prepared ha."

Napangiti naman ako sa pagpuna niya ng aking kasuotan.

"Nasa loob sina Mom and Dad. Would you like to come in for a while?"

"Sure."

Meeting her parents is like meeting them for the first time. Mababait kasing mga tao ang mga magulang ni Cat. As much as possible, ayokong pinakikitaan sila ng hindi maganda. So, I came prepared.

We both went inside their home. They are outside at the garden reading their newspapers while having some hot coffee. Napalingon sila nang dumating kami. Immediately, I flashed a smile on my face. Nagmano ako sa kanila kasabay ng aking pagbati.

"It has been a long time, Jay. Ngayon ka lang napadpad dito sa amin." Ani ng kanyang ama.

"Abala lang po sa pag-aaral. Sa ngayon po, naghihintay na lamang po ako ng mga araw para makapagmartsa."

"I guess that's great news!" May galak na sambit naman ng napakaganda pa ding ina ni Catriona. "Call for us the celebration, ha?"

I could help but smile. Napakababait nilang tao. They accepted me even in the midst of the controversy. I barely opened up myself to them but they treated me as part of their family. Nahihiya na nga ako ngunit napakaswerte 'ko.

"Let the chikahan happen some other time but for now," Cat arched her arm on mine. "We have some catching up to do."

We dined to our favorite restaurant in Taguig. I reserved it the other night pa so we won't be joining the 14th day club. We usually spend Valentine's Day on the following day. Para iwas na din sa tao and to make sure of the food quality. Naiiba ang lasa kapag rush ang luto.

They poured us our wine first as we arrived. The ambiance is still on a romantic vibe. There were still tables by twos with a single rose and two tall candles as centerpieces. Just like ours.

"Why were we celebrating Valentines on the 15th?" She asked as she sip on her wine glass.

"Because we're no ordinary couple." I said forming grimace on my face as she chuckled.

"Let's try a different Valentines next year!"

That got me curious. "What is it you want?" I asked as our salads are being served.

"A hike!" She said with excitement. "Let's climb a mountain! We can go on a trail to Mount Pulag! I want to witness the sea of stars at night and sea of clouds in the morning with a sunrise. That would be overly romantic."

"P'wede naman tayo maghike kahit hindi Valentines." I munched on the green leafy vegetable on my plate.

"Right after my pageant pa ako pwede, babe."

"That's fine. By then, you can do whatever you'd like. You'll have more free time."

Her smile made it unsure. Ayoko na lamang isipin pero gusto 'ko na lang sulitin ang mga oras na mayroon kami ngayon. Pahahalagahan 'ko siya sa at sasamahan sa pagkamit ng mga pangarap niya. Kahit ano pa ang kahinatnan nito.