Bagwis
Have I told you guys that I have the most adorable girlfriend?
Girlfriend.
The word brings a smile on my face. The term has changed over the years. When we first decided to be together, we told Bathala and she declared that I was going to be her mate.
Because of how things panned out, we had become partners in trying to make our respective areas better and hope that one day we can finally be together day in, day out.
When human language developed, we could call each other different endearments we would learn ... well, I would call her different terms because at some point she stopped interacting with humans.
The last one she called me was "Mahal" and I liked that most.
Anyway, back to now, the love of my life has been on edge recently and it had something to do with her body and the first time she is experiencing these feelings.
"Silk or satin?" She asked me once.
"Huh?"
"Google said this is what men want in women. Yes? What's your mas gusto?"
"It's your body, My Love, you choose."
"Awwwww!" She swoons. Then, swats me playfully and looks stern. "Choose."
Another time, she walked out from the bathroom awkwardly. "Nahihirapan ka ba sa mga binti mo? Anong problema?" I asked, worriedly.
"Thongs."
"Huh?"
"I do not alam why human beings invented these... these things that get into my buttocks."
I almost choked. "You don't have to wear them."
"But this magazine said it is what men like! Gusto mo makita?"
Again, I almost choked.
That night, after preparing a few dishes we wanted to try, I found her sulking. She was swimming in the pool but I could tell she was unhappy. Sitting by the side, I waited for her to approach, not wanting to invade her space.
As soon as she did, I opened my palms so she could rest her face in them. "What's wrong?"
"I guess I'm panget?"
"What? You're not and we both know that."
"Then, I'm not... attractive to you?"
"Ha?!"
"Can you love someone you're not attracted to?" She asked.
I thought about it for awhile. "I don't know. But —" I slid into the pool so that my face was level with hers. "I just wanted to clarify that it is not the case for me. I am in love with you and I'm definitely attracted to you."
"Yes!!!!!" She did flips under the water and splashed around happily. "My pangaakit worked!!!"
I laughed.
"But why won't you enter me then?"
I think I swallowed half the pool. "Siena naman."
"Bagwis! Are you alright?" She asked, patting my back to help me get the water out.
"Nakakagulat ka kasi."
"I was just asking."
When I had settled, I looked at her again and decided to be straight with her. "I worry I'll hurt you. You're unsure about this body and I know that this kind of act hurts women the first time. I'm not sure you're ready for it."
"I've read and seen things. Google has given me much to peruse."
I chuckled again. "And what of a baby? What if we end up with one?"
"Would that be so bad?"
I caressed her face. "But we don't know if it will be a water baby or a winged one."
"Maybe Tala is right. It will be both. We'll have a pato. A baby pato."
I looked at her and got my answer. Whatever the result was, she would accept it. She just wanted to be bound to me.
Humbled, I kissed her on the lips. "I adore you."
"And I, you."
And that night, we proceeded to try to make baby ducks.
