Our Story

Chapter 4: Napper

MELCHOR

Six Years Ago
(First Year of College)

"Damn it."

I've been doing my necktie for like forever and I can't get it right. Ilang beses na akong napamura dahil sa inis. I watched my frustrated face on the mirror and tried to calm my self.

Today is the christening of Harold's daughter. Supposedly this time dapat nasa simbahan na kami ngayon. But tangina talaga.

The door creeked open and I turn around to face the guy wearing a gray polo shirt paired with a black jeans. He has that nice brushed up hair and a face that I can't just ignore. I looked at him with a frustrated face and he just smiled.

He pulled me towards him by my collar. Napalunok ako nang laway at biglang bumilis ang tibok ng puso ko nang isang dangkal nalang ang pagitan sa mga mukha namin.

"You know what?" I could smell his breath, pipper mint if you are wondering what it smells like.

Tinanggal niya ang necktie na magulong nakapulupot sa leeg ko. He flattened it with his palm and put it back, this time he manipulate it to put it on me nicely. "I won't leave you. You know why?"

"Why?"

Nangmatapos niyang ayusin ang necktie sa aking leeg ay hinawakan niya ang magkabila kong balikat at hinarap niya ako sa salamin.

"Cause you need someone to do your tie." His answer made me smile.

I observe my face down to my neck. It's perfect. "You're right. So don't ever leave me, Napper."

"I won't." He whispered on my ear. I smiled.

We stared each other on the mirror. At the back of my head I was screaming that I love this guy so much and that I would do everything for him. Aside from my mom, he's my world where I can have all the peace and love that I deserve.

I turned and faced him. Our eyes interlock. He smiled and he never waste a second to kiss me on the lips. He held my face with both of his hands and sealed my lips with his.

In between that kiss he mumbled, "I love you, Melchor Angles."

"I love you more, Napper Mariano."

∆∆∆∆∆

"Say cheeze!"

Hawak ni Harold ang sanggol niyang anak, habang naka-akbay naman ang girlfriend niya na si Tina. We were circling them, smiling and posing for pictures.

Matapos ang seremonyas ay dumeritso kami sa bahay nila Harold. Naghanda ng kaunti ang pamilya niya na siyang pinagsaluhan naming magkakaibigan.

Magkasintahan na sina Harold at Tina simula junior high palang then on our last year in senior high school nabuntis si Tina.

It was an accident sabi ni Harold, which is funny. But it didn't became an issue really. Actually it does. For a little while. Nobody's perfect, someone will judge no matter what.

Harold promised to marry Tina in front of their parents. They may have not the best relationship of all but now they have the reason to be the best version of themselves. Sabi nila, child is a gift and let's put it that way. Their daughter is a gift and not just a mere product of "accident".

While we were eating, the whole gang was so noisy. Napaka-hyper nang lahat. I told them to lower down their voices, baka kasi sigawan na kami ng mga kapitbahay nila Harold, pero wa-epek.

"Hi baby Vivian." I made a face while holding the baby. Hindi naman ako nabigo dahil napatawa ko ang bata.

I'm so fond of babies kahit noon pa. I don't know. I just like them, playing with them, making fun of their faces. Sabi ko nga kay mama noon gusto kung magkaroon ng kapatid kahit ampon lang.