The One Who Stares Behind

KABANATA 38

When you're happy, nothing in the world truly matters-only that feeling.

I returned home with a smile plastered on my lips. Lexus wanted to come in and talk to my parents, but I was the one who declined.

I knew even if he didn't say it, he must have been tired. Besides, I didn't want to invade his personal life. It's enough for me to be a part of it.

"I don't think so, Alec. They're hunting us... Our past, it's haunting us."

"It isn't, Arrah-"

"It is!"

"Mom, Dad?"

Bakas sa kanilang mukha ang gulat nang makita nilang nakapasok na ako sa sala. Ngunit bigla rin itong napalitan ng pagaalala nang tuluyan na akong nakalapit sa kanila.

"Ayos lang po ba kayo?" Nagaalala kong tanong.

"We're okay, Zafh." Si Papa iyon.

Hindi ko ugaling magtanong tungkol sa mga usapan nila kahit na minsan gustong gusto ko na itong alamin.

Si Xandrev ang nagturo sa akin ng bagay na iyon. 'Kung ayaw mong malaman, 'wag mo ng alamin. At kung gusto mo malaman, huwag mong tanungin. Hintayin mong aminin.'

"Don't worry about us. Everything is fine," my mother reassured me, gently stroking my hair.

I'm not a fool; I can sense that something is wrong. They just won't tell me, and that's what I hate the most about my parents. They only share things with us when it's already resolved or when the situation is over.

I didn't bother asking because I know they wouldn't give a straight answer. But I understand they're doing this for our own good. Their love for us is incomparable.

"Nasaan na nga pala ang manliligaw mong Rosetti?"

I turned to look at my father, who was pretending to be serious about his question.

I wanted to laugh at his reaction, but my mother beat me to it. "It seems your dad is finally accepting that someone else will take his place in your life, Zafh," Mom said, teasing Dad with a laugh.

"Don't worry, Dad, I'm not ready for that yet." I couldn't help but lean on the shoulder of the man I love dearly.

"That will never happen. No one will ever replace you in my life. You can't be replaced. You're the only man I've truly loved since I opened my eyes. You've witnessed all my downfalls and failures. You were there in my darkest days, and you're still helping me out of the cage I lived in before."

Tears fell.."And no one can do what you do."

My head hurt a little. Some images started to appear in my mind, but the rest were still unclear.

"My love for you will always be different."

Ramdam na ramdam ko ang paghigpit ng yakap sa akin ng aking ama at ang marahang paghaling nito sa gilid ng ulo ko. "Never will I hinder your happiness, my child. I can let someone have you, but only a man who truly deserves you."

I couldn't hold back any longer. Tears started flowing freely from my eyes.

"A picture of the family I once dreamed of having."

"You have it now, Arrah."

My mother smiled at my father before letting out soft sobs as she looked at us. How I wish Xandrev were here.

"Yes, Alec. This is more than enough. I don't know what I did in my past life to deserve these beautiful blessings."

"Mom, you can join us here. Come on, don't be shy."

Maluha luhang lumapit sa amin si mama at dinaluhan kami ng yakap.

"You don't know how thankful I am for the family you've given me, Arrah. If reincarnation is real, I wouldn't want to live again if it's not you who would give birth to my children."

I smiled. I didn't expect Lexus to suddenly appear in my thoughts at that moment, but soon enough, I found myself smiling again.

I also don't know what I did in my past life to deserve someone like you, Lexus Rogue.

"Too much drama," Dad teased as he pulled away from us.

Bahagya pa itong tumawa nang sapakin ito sa braso ni mama.

"Wala ka paring pinagbago Anashtazia Zaffarah." Nakangiting komento ni Dad na ang mata lamang ay nanatiling nakatitig sa aking ina.

"Kung nagbago ako, tingin mo ba ay mapapasayo ako?"

"That's why I thankful, you're not."

For their 18 years of marriage, they've overcome many challenges. I can see it in their eyes. They may not have shared their entire story with us, but the strength of their bond speaks volumes.