He Broke Me First

Chapter 16

"3! 2! 1! Happy New Year, everyone!"

I was smiling widely, watching how the different colors of fireworks give life to the night sky. This is the best new year I've ever had so far. Ganito lang ang gusto ko, salubungin namin ang lahat ng dadaang pasko at bagong taon nang magkakasama.

I gazed at Joaquin. He tightened the wrap of his arms on my waist. He was hugging me from the back while I was leaning on his chest. Who would've thought that we would end up like this? I guess the saying, 'life is full of surprises' is really true, huh? However, I wasn't regretting that I chose to enter this relationship with him.

He never failed to make me smile every day. Kahit sa maliliit na bagay lang basta siya ang gumagawa para sa'kin, sobra na sobra na 'yon.

"Happy New Year, my love," he whispered in my ear.

I turned around and faced him before snaking my arms around his neck. He leaned his forehead on mine then kissed the tip of my nose until his lips landed on mine. I smiled as I closed my eyes. I'm so happy to have this man beside me.

"Mahal kita." His voice sounded so soft.

I smiled genuinely. "I love you, too," I answered back before kissing him softly.

Tumingala ako sa langit. Walang tigil pa rin ang pagsabog ng fireworks doon habang mahigpit ang hawak ni Joaquin sa kamay ko. He was caressing it carefully.

He squeezed my hand. "We'll celebrate more New Years together."

I gently nodded. "Of course. And a lot of Christmas, too." I really hope that.

At this point, I was contented with what we have. Him beside me. His fingers being intertwined with mine. Some unexpected circumstances may happen which could make our relationship stronger or... fall apart. But those where still in the future. We don't know what tomorrow could bring. What matters now are the things that would make us grow together.

"Both of you are disgusting. Come inside na raw. Ew."

Natigil kami nang marinig si Coleen. She kept on rolling her eyes at us. Nagkatinginan lang kami ni Joaquin bago tumawa at pumasok na sa loob ng bahay.

His parents were there in our house, too. Hindi ako sigurado kung si Mama ba ang pumilit sa kanila o talagang pinag-usapan na nila ang bagay na 'yon.

Naabutan namin silang nagtatawanan sa harap ng hapag kainan. Umupo na rin kami ni Joaquin at sumabay sa kanila.

Joaquin thanked me when I put food on his plate. I playfully wink but he rolled his eyes to mock me. I hit his leg a little under the table. Tumawa lang siya kaya ako naman ang napairap.

Nagsimula kaming kumain habang nag-uusap ang mga pamilya namin. Si Coleen naman, tahimik lang at halos umabot na sa sala ang nguso sa sobrang haba. Napagalitan siguro kanina.

"Ano bang plano niyo pagka- graduate?" pagbubukas ni Mama ng panibagong usapan.

Binasa ni Joaquin ang ibabang labi niya. "Hindi pa po namin napag-uusapan."

I took a spoonful of rice while they were talking.

"How about marriage?" rinig kong sabi ni Tita Jessy.

Nasamid ako kaya mabilis na inabot sa akin ni Joaquin ang tubig. What?! Marriage is too early for us. Don't get me wrong, it's not like I don't want to get married with Joaquin but it's just that, it's too early.

"Hon, let them make decisions for themselves," saway ni Tito Fred kay Tita.

"Oo nga naman, Ria. Hindi ba masyado pang maaga para doon?" Si Papa naman. Nakita ko ang palihim na pag-ngiwi niya noong kurutin siya ni Mama.