Naked Series 1
A healthy relationship doesn't just revolve around butterflies and kiligs, a healthy relationship is something that helps you both grow together. But not every relationship comes to a happy ending, some just end there, and some find t...
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I touched the exposed skin of my arms when the cold breeze of December blew through my open window. God! It's cold! My gaze dropped from the window and settled on my flushed reflection on the big mirror beside me. I took in a sharp inhale and clasped my shaky hands together in an attempt to ease the nervousness that is reeking from my soul. Goodness gracious, why am I getting nervous over a mere dinner?
Today's December 24, Christmas Eve. We were invited to join the Strobels dinner party. Tita Nica said it will be just an intimate one but here I am, being lightheaded from all this nervousness. I guess it's because this will be the first time that Mama and I will celebrate it with someone else. Mama has never been really in a friendly term with the outside world, she prefers to cage herself in the protective walls of our home. The reason? I also don't have even the faintest idea.
I stifled a laugh when the soft knock on my door startled the soul out of me. God, I can't believe myself.
"Dear? Are you done yet?" Mama asked against my bedroom door.
After inhaling a few calming breaths, I stood up and opened the door for her.
"Woah..." A gasp of admiration slipped out of my mouth when the door revealed the woman behind it.
"It's been a while since I last dolled up, do I look awkward?" she asked, fighting a wince as she run her palm over her hips.
I gave her a sweet smile as I drag my gaze from her face down to her 45-year-old body which aged gracefully throughout the years. Mama's wearing a carnelian bell-sleeved dress that reaches under her knees, it hugs her perfect figure so it really makes me wonder if she really carried me in her womb, o napulot niya lang ako sa tae ng kalabaw. She had her mid-length hair up to a clean bun and as usual, she is wearing her locket necklace, na never nahiwalay sa kaniya.
"One would honestly mistake you as a teenager, Ma," I said followed by a subtle laugh.
She gave me a side-eye while smiling and playfully tapped my arm. "Don't humor me!" She then sighed and placed both her hands on the sides of her hips, still wearing that wary look on her face. "Should I just keep you here?"
My forehead creased in worry. "Why? You don't want to go anymore?" I asked in the calmest tone I can muster.
She heaved a sigh again then plastered a playful smile. "I want to, it's just that-- I'm afraid you'll blind Vince with your beauty," she said followed by a half shrug.
I grimaced at Mama's remark. "You need water, Ma. You think too highly of your daughter." I giggled.
Her wide eyes filled with admiration met mine. "Why wouldn't I? You have no idea how just looking at you fills me with pride," she said with glistening pride hovering the depths of her eyes.
I playfully nudged her shoulder and blinked my tears away. "Don't make me cry, Mama!" I said half laughing.
"When did you grow from my little girl to a fine lady that you are now?" she asked poutily as she glided her hand on the sweetheart neckline of my coral midi body-hugging dress.
