My Ever After

mothers know best... and sisters are like icing on the cake

Hello son! Was afraid you wouldn't take my call. You've been busy the past days and you don't have time to call you Mama? Tay's mom asks with a grin.

Ohoh!! What could have been this big boy of yours been doing huh? You going MIA these days big bro? Muk teases.

Tay promised his mother to have regular Sunday video calls after he decided to relocate. He's been very close to his mother and sister and conversations were a big deal to them. Tay had missed two Sunday schedules that is why he's on the hot seat this time.

Oh Mama, I'm so sorry. Just been really busy the past weeks. We have a huge outreach project coming up and it takes my weekends busy too. Tay was in his usual sweet tone. The tone his mother got so accustomed to whenever Tay would need a favor to as or when he has done something that he knows would disappoint her.

Oh, come on Tay! Don't go sweet talking Mama again! Muk raises her brows.

I'm not sweet talking! It's my natural voice, remember?

Okay you two, stop pissing each other off. Anyway, so Son, how have you been? You look good and light.

I'm doing good, Mama. Busy, but still loving the mission everyday, Tay shows her a satisfied smile.

Ahh, that's so good to know. I'm really glad you've been enjoying what you're doing. It really does feel good when we do things with purpose. So, where are your lovey-dovey housemates?

They're probably still cuddling on their huge bed. It's only eight o'clock Ma, and it's Sunday, remember? Tay shrugs.

Yes, big bro, it's Sunday. Soooo, we are wondering why you are still in bed. Don't you have your Sunday early morning thing with Newwie? Muk teases.

Huh? Newwie? Do you know him? Tay wonders.

His mom and sister gave out a laugh. Well, when do you plan to tell us about him, my secretive brother?

What about him? What are you talking about? You sound as if I'm hiding something from you?

Both ladies chuckled. Hey son, don't mind your sister, she just wants to tease you.

No, I'm not! Muk snorts. I'm plainly asking. Oh well, unlessssss... you really are playing hide and seek with your feelings! Wahahhahahaha!

I hope I can pinch your nose right now Muk, Tay says pouting.

Seriously son, looking at the pictures, it seems to us that you really love being around him. And from the stories we heard, I feel like you go so well together.

Yeah!! I agree. Those stories I heard make me so jealous that it feels like you just met your soulmate! Muk releases the words like a person who has just fulfilled a longing.

Tay's eyes widened in surprise. He can't seem to comprehend what he was hearing from two important ladies in his life. What are you two up to huh? Have you gone crazy with what you are saying? And hold it there, what pictures and what stories are you saying?

Muk flashes Tay a grin and snarls at him. Tsss... that's cos you were too selfish to share stories. Good thing we have people around to give us the sweet juices.

Tay's mother was laughing so hard. Son, unlike you, we happen to have our own social media life. We saw pictures of your Sagada Trip with the Chlorine Boys. But we were not really very curious at that time.

Muk continues to tease Tay with her funny faces. Yeah, while the trip appeared to be like a 4-couple adventure, we did not bother asking about the New guy then. Not until we saw those late upload birthday surprise photos from your lovey-dovey housemates. That's when we started raising our brows, big brother. So, we asked, "Who is this New in Tay's life?"

Tay didn't know what to say. He was trying to find the words to explain but he was so distracted with her sister's teasing.

Son, we were having dinner last night in this resto and good thing the Chlorine Boys were also dining there, double dates, as usual.

Yeah, so straightforwardly, I asked the boys to give me a good preview of what's going on in your alternate universe right now, Muk pouts.

And what did they say? Tay sputtered.

Uhhhmm, they just said, "what you see is what you get!" Tsss, what can I expect from those two chlorine brains, Muk rolls her eyes in frustration.

Ohh, that... Tay mumbles with relief.

Tay, son, even if you have not shared anything, I just want you to know that I am happy knowing you are doing great. You always tell me that photographs can always reveal a person's inner core. While looking at those photos, my heart knew that the smiles and laughs were genuinely true. A mother's heart will never go wrong when it comes to knowing the heart of her children.

Muk was not teasing this time. She was looking at Tay with happy and assuring eyes. PTay, I may tease you a lot, but like Mama, I am truly happy with whatever is happening in your life right now. If this has something to do with Newwie boy, then I have him to thank for that.

Ma, Mukmuk... I really don't know how to respond to you right now. I don't know if I like what you're saying, or if I'll get scared about it. I... I... or maybe I am overwhelmed by how you're taking these things in. I don't know... but, part of me feels a faint but assuring hug in my heart, Tay inhales deeply and flashes a smile.

Oh Tay, we hope we can be there to give you a hug right now, his mother says with a cracking voice. I miss you so dearly.

Well, I surely want to give you a hug too little brother and I do miss you too more than you know, Muk replied frowning. That is whyyyyy... we are paying you a visit month end. She claps her hands excitedly. Woohooo!! Sweater weather here I come!

Really? You're coming over? Tay asks excitedly that he was starting to get teary-eyed. I so want to see you both right now and hug you too.

Oh Son, don't start it okay, else we will all end up tearing here.

Hey you two, cut it okay? We are going to see each other soon. Let's just hang in there some more okay? Muk responds positively.

Muk's right. We will be seeing you soon, Son. For now, let this call fuel up your days ahead okay. And let this call remind you that whatever it is that's making you happy right now, we say that it's worth keeping, okay Son?

Hmmm, Tay nods. I will keep that in mind Ma. See you both soon.

See you soon Tay, both ladies replied with a wave and a virtual kiss.