This is How We End (Published under Pop Fiction)

Chapter 17

Chapter 17

The sun was high and glaring in the sky when I stepped out of the house. Carrying the metal tray with a pitcher of apricot juice, I practically bounced my way towards my husband, sitting on the cemented table with his headphones on, writing music.

Inilapag ko ang tray sa kaniyang harapan at marahang tumikhim. Zeus lifted his gaze and immediately painted a smile on his lips upon seeing me.

"Hey." He said, pulling his headphones off. Ikinawit niya ang kaniyang kamay sa aking baywang at hinila ako palapit sa kaniya.

"Hey." I replied back, smiling. Malambing kong hinaplos ang tuktok ng kaniyang ulo. Zeus kissed my stomach while I'm toying with his soft hair.

"How's that music going?"

"Great." He murmured, but I could hear the tiredness in his voice. Last week, they performed for a noontime show and was ambushed by a surprise interview on their way to studio. I waited for him until midnight just to have dinner with him.

"Kanina pa po naghihintay si Ma'am Parvana sa inyo, Sir." Mahinang wika ni Monica nang dumating si Zeus. She thought I haven't heard it, but my head snapped to the direction of the door when I heard his familiar, heavy footsteps.

I heard him curse.

"Nasa kusina po siya."

Inayos ko ang pagkakaupo ko at tinitigan ang niluto kong adobong manok para sa asawa. I bit my lower lip. I heated the food earlier when he failed to show up two hours after I prepared the food. Kanina ko pa din kinakausap ang ibang kasambahay dito para lang maiwasan ang pagkabored at matinding pagkagutom.

"Habibti..." ang mainit na yakap ni Zeus ang sumalubong sa akin pagkatayo ko mula sa upuan. I put on a cheery smile when I saw him. "You were waiting for me?"

I nodded.

"Kumain ka na ba?" tanong ko sa kaniya.

Hindi kaagad siya nakasagot. Nagkatitigan kaming dalawa. Right. Siguro ay kumain na siya sa studio o sa kung saan mang restaurant kasama ang mga kabanda niya. I should've known that he's already eaten when he's home this late.

"I'll eat again." mabilis niyang wika.

"Ay, huwag na. Ilagay nalang natin sa ref—"

"I'll eat again, habibti." He said, cupping my face and kissing my lips. When he leaned away, he licked his lower lip sensually, making my cheeks burn. "I'll eat with you."

Nanghihina akong tumango at iginiya siya sa lamesa. Even though we were married, I couldn't stop myself from trembling and sighing every time he touches me. Dalawang linggo na kaming kasal. I discharged myself from using the wheelchair three days ago, when I finally regained my strength. The surgery is scheduled and we all but hope it's going to be okay.

Right. I'm going to be okay.

"How was your sleep?" he asked softly, his head still buried in my stomach.

"Slept like a baby."

"Good." He finally leaned away. umusog siya at tinapik-tapik ang bakanteng espasyo sa kaniyang tabi. "Sit with me."

I nodded and sat next to him. Sumilip ako sa sinusulat niya. He's writing notes for his music. Though I couldn't understand any of it, I think it's going to be beautiful. Especially if he's going to play it with the piano.

"Anong title?" inosente kong tanong habang pinagmamasdan ang magulo niyang sulat-kamay sa papel.

One of the corners of his lips curved in a teasing smile. Zeus pulled me closer and kissed my temple.