The Unconditional Love (JuliElmo)

Epilogue

“Kids! Stop running around!” Saway ni Maqui sa magkapatid na Elijah and Elisha.

“But Ninang, we’re excited!” Sagot ni Elijah.

“I know, but you have to stay still. Or else hindi tayo magfafireworks.”

Biglang kumalma ang mga bata at tahimik na umupo sa sofa ng living room.

Lumabas si Julie from the kitchen na may dalang macaroni salad at inilapag niya yun sa dining table. Napangiti siya sa nakita.

“You’re good with kids.” Nakangiting complement ni Julie sa kaibigang si Maqui.

“That was like the hundredth time na sinabi mo yan sakin.”

“Well you can’t blame me. Mas nakikinig sayo ung twins ko kaysa sa saamin na parents nila.”

“It’s because you spoiled them.”

“It’s not spoiling, it’s called loving.”

“Yeah, whatever.” Finally, sumuko na rin si Maqui. She can never win Julie’s stubbornness.

“By the way, I’m thinking of going back to work.”

Napatingin si Maqui kay Julie, “Work? You mean sa Elizabeth’s?”

Umiling si Julie, “Not necessarily. Ayoko naman kasing isipin nila na lalapit lang ako sakanila just because I need a job. I’m actually thinking of building my own company.”

Nanlaki ang mga mata ni Maqui but it went back to normal immediately, “Paano ung mga bata?”

“They will be going to day care schools next year, when they reach five. So while they are there, I want to keep myself busy.”

Tumango tango si Maqui, “What about Elmo, alam na ba niya?”

Napangiti si Julie at tumingin kay Maqui, “Of course he knew, I already told him. And he agreed.”

“I can actually see that you really love your work, so I’m here to support you. Speaking of Elmo, nasaan na ba yang asawa mo?” Tanong ni Maqui sabay tingin sa relo niya. It’s almost 10pm. Dalawang oras na lang 2015 na.

“Oh, he just texted. He’s on his way.”

Tumango si Maqui, “Lo’s on her way too.”

Napatingin si Julie kay Maqui, “Alam mo I still don’t get it how you two got close. I mean you used to hate her so much.”

“Julie. People changes. So don’t get jealous if I’m closer to your sis now.”