For His Entertainment

Chapter Sixty-five

Spencer held my hands tight nang maramdaman niya akong nakatitig lamang sa bawat lugar na madadaanan ng sasakyan. I looked at him and tried to process that I really am here beside him, holding his hand like we used to.

I smiled at him and drew myself closer to him. I want him this close - I want him this close always. I want to always hold his hand through all these things and never let him go again. Ni wala na akong pakialam kung kumakalat na ang pictures namin online. Close-minded people will only believe in whatever they want to believe. Those who are worthy of explanation will truly lend their ears to you.

"Do you think they'll like me?" Spencer asked while caressing my arm, drawing circles on it. Napangisi ako, I feel like we're these college students again who need permission of our parents with everything. Naalala ko noong nalaman nilang boyfriend ko si Spencer, that was the time when they went to Spencer's condo and all hell went loose. But I don't blame any of them - our college love story and my life decisions in general didn't end well with my parents that I went on and chose a different path. Look at where it led me. This is gonna be the first time I'm officially introducing him to my family as my boyfriend.

Boyfriend.

That word alone awakes the butterfly in my stomach.

"Kilalang kilala ka na nila," siniksik ko pa lalo ang sarili ko sa kan'ya.

"Exactly my point," he sighed.

I giggled at the sight of him frustrated. "It's been years. They've changed, we've changed. We've already reconciled, I'm sure everything will be alright."

Inaasahan ko nang maraming kukuha ng litrato namin habang patungo kami sa hotel room, at inaasahan ko na rin ang maraming batikos, but I am no longer holding back. I hid Spencer when I was just starting with my career - I gave vague answers when I was asked about my relationship status. Ilang beses kaming nag-away dahil doon pero ngayon, I am ripping myself naked for everyone to see.

I am not perfect. I am a human being, and I am free to choose whoever to love.

Nang binuksan ko ang pinto ay doon nag-aabang na sa akin sina Kuya Steven. They already know about this because I already told Kuya but I'm still happy to see all the people I care for the most in one room. I used to think that other people's validation is the most important thing there will be, and I got lost in that fantasy. Seeing these people here with me reminded me of what truly matters.

"Magandang gabi po," pagbabati ni Spencer at halos humagalpak na ako sa tawa. Akala mo napakabait, eh parang kanina lang halos sairin niya na ang kaluluwa ko.

Kuya Steven laughed profusely and immediately walked towards us for a handshake and a hug. "Nice to see you again, bro."

"Missed you too, Steve," panunuya ni Spencer. It felt so refreshing seeing them reconcile just like the old times. I feel like I'm back to the old times when Kuya and Spencer would just play in our backyard.

"Kumain na ba kayong dalawa?" Tanong ni mama pagkatapos magmano ni Spencer sakanila.

"Yes, tita," Ani Spencer. Gah, I feel my cheeks heat up at how Spencer answered that question, pero nag-patay malisya na lamang ako.

"You can call us mom and dad now, Spencer," dad smiled.

Nalaglag ang panga ko sa sinabi niya. Dad rarely smiles, or show emotion for that matter, but now he did. I looked at Kuya at nagkibit-balikat lamang siya. Spencer looked just as surprised as well, but his smile never left his gorgeous face.

"Okay, mom and dad," he spoke so slowly as if he's testing these words in his own mouth, and when he felt good about it, he looked at me and winked. Tell me, who can ever resist him?