First Love

Kabanata 6

Dinner

"Oh, I remember you! You are the one who bring Ralia home last week! I see, kaya pala pamilyar ka. Not to mention, your name is really rare and different. Hanep talaga itong nanay mo mag-isip!" My Mama exclaimed. Halos gusto kong awatin si Mama but she did not stop. Tita Lax is grinning.

"Really? Nabanggit rin sa akin ni One, na, he is sending gifts and flowers to your daughter, my friend. And you know my son really admire your daughter. One, always ask me about her.."

Oh, boy. Her eyes shift on me and smile.

"So, you like those gifts and flowers, my dear?" She asked. Why so straightforward, Tita Lax? Feeling ko canyon siya, basta basta nalang sasabog at ako ang target.

"Y-Yes po, Tita" I said. That's true, I like those gifts and flowers.

"Then you give my son a chance?"

"Ma," It was his voice. "I have my ways for her, Mama. Please respect my decision" It was clearly his statement. So vivid in my ears. Alright, namana niya kay Tita Lax ang pagiging straightforward.

"He didn't asked, he just said he admire me." I said. My Mama's brows arc. Not to mention, Papa's amusement. We are now eating dinner, together with my cousins.

"Well, wala akong problema sa inyo ni One, hija, in fact I like him for you." Si Papa. Napapikit ako.

"Thank you, Sir" It was One. Papa just smile and said, "Drop the sir, son. Your mother is a friend of ours and you like my daughter, I don't take you as a no for my only unica hija. I like you hope we hang out sometime"

He was smiling when my father utter those words. Damn, man, na-dale na niya si Papa!

"So, what's the label?" It was my Mama.

"Suitor po, Ma" Tumango-tango naman si Mama. The food arrived, the conversation went on and as far as I can remember they are just talking about the economy of their businesses and no hint of my name or about One. I was in bit of shock when One stand politely.

"Tito, can I asked your daughter for a talk?" The laughing between them died when One talk. "Of course, son, make her say yes"

I glare at Papa, he just wink at me.

"Shall we?" He asked. I nodded. We leave the dinning area and we went a walk towards our veranda. Malamig ang simoy ng hangin doon kaya do'n ko napiling dalhin siya. It was quiet here and in peace. Half moon is smiling on us with those gloomy clouds starting to fade it's brightness.

"Sorry about my Mum" He said. I just smile.

"And... you said I am your suitor. So I am now? Are you giving me chance?"

I nodded. Geez, my heart is in speed again.

"So, my waiting is over. Damn, I never thought this time will come.." He was smiling while saying those words. He is happy, even his green eyes is twinkling in happiness. Did I forgot that he is transparent? Easy to read. He held my hand, napatingin ako doon. After five years a man hold it again. Doon rin ang mga mata niya samantalang ang puso ko ay hindi na maawat-awat ang bilis nito.

"I can't bear to see you cry again...not anymore. I want to give you hope that not all the man in this world will dump you and just leave you like trash. I will never do that to you, I am different and rare" His hand travels to my chin.

"And I will ease that bitterness in your heart, trust me. My heart only belongs to you for years.."

Is he confessing his love for me? Oh, God, Ralia. Don't ruin his moment!

"For the first time my eyes lead on you, I swear to God, I am making this girl mine. You can't remember me for years, but I vividly remember your soft voice and beautiful face.."

What is this?

"Ralia, this is me. Your first love, you kiss me here, don't you remember?" He pointed his left cheek.

Oh, God.

He cupped my face, his hand is rough but his stares is soft. I can see his eyes on so much desire and happiness.

"Oh, my.." I just said. Tears pooled in my eyes. He wept it for me. How stupid of me?

"Hush, now. I am here, beside you. I just pursue my dreams and I always have my eyes on you" My tears is still falling, he kissed my cheek.

"Now, I'm paid and you are the one who have debt on me.." He said. I buried my head on his shoulder for the first time. Pinagtagpi-tagpi ko lahat. From those flowers, those gifts and those random facts he knows about me. He clearly remember those but I am this stupid girl who doesn't see those waves coming.

I am leaning on his broad shoulder. It was deep in night and I am enjoying his company.

"So what are you doing right now?" I broke the silence. He moved a bit. He started caressing my hair.

"Courting you even I don't know how" He answered. It made my heart jump.

"Marunong ka kaya, those gifts and roses are the profs. You are not just sending me those for being an admirer but also as a suitor" I exclaimed.

"Well, call me old school but I just take my father's advice.."

Oh, man. Papa's boy.

"Tito Raven must be proud of you then.." I bit my lower lip. I can feel his eyes on me. He is truly my first love, he can made my heart melt for just a sight, he can made my heart in speed and he is the only one who can made me felt this way.

"He is, truly, because all my life, I am waiting for a girl and her name is Ralia"

Now, he is facing me. With his green eyes and a curved lips.

"Then if you're waiting for me, where were you on those years?" I asked. He lips did not move, it was still the same.

"I am pursuing my dream and waiting for you. And I must be an idiot watching you cry over those boys who dump, leave and use you."

"Y-You see me crying?"

"Yes, in a bar with a glass of whiskey. Crying in pain because that boy leaves you for his sidechick. He dump you instead staying with you, I should beat him up to death but I only scared the hell out of him." He explained.

"Sero?" I said. He is my last ex and no more.
"Don't mention his name." His veins tighten. He looks so dark and serious. He is jealous, I smiled.

"You're jealous" I tease. "Not just now, but all the time.."

"What do you mean?"

"I am jealous whenever your with another man. It always boiled my blood but I am no position to rant, but today, I have. Baby, I am marking you mine today. You are mine and no one can take you away from me.."