Up Where We Belong

Chapter 36

Love

Papasok ako ngayon ng restaurant ng isang hotel kung saan naming napagkasunduan ni Aldrin na magkita. Sandali ko munang iniwan ang trabaho sa opisina dahil pakiramdam ko hindi naman magtatagal ang aming usapan.

I know where to find him. Beside the glass wall, I saw Aldrin sitting quietly looking at the view outside.

He waved his hand at me when he turned, seeing me approaching his table.

"Hi," bati niya nang sa wakas ay nakalapit na ako. Hindi ko na hinintay na ipaghila niya ako ng upuan. I took my seat immediately and gestured for him to sit back.

"Hey," I greeted, smiling.

Sumulyap ito sa akin matapos sumenyas sa waiter at nagbigay ng order. Hindi ko na siya pinigilan nang marinig lahat ng inorder niya. Medyo marami lahat iyon.

Nang dumating ang pagkain, medyo nalula pa ako dahil marami nga. I don't think we could finish it all. But for the old time's sake, we can just eat like we used to, right? Malapit na rin namang mag-lunch kaya hinayaan ko nalang dahil tumutunog na rin ang tiyan ko sa gutom kanina pa. Pinipigilan ko lang.

Nag-umpisa na kaming kumain. I'm quite surprised that the atmosphere doesn't feel awkward. It's just like a normal ambiance like when I'm with friends.

"I hope you don't mind me giving our orders. I just can't brush away old habits."

I shrugged and smiled a bit. He'd really do it himself whenever we eat together back then. Kung noon ito nangyari ay suguradong kikiligin ako dahil sa akalang alam na alam nito ang mga paborito kong kainin. I was past that stage now. He was just being nice to me, and he'd do it not just to me but to anyone.

"What is it about, Aldrin?" hindi ko na napigilang tanong. I wanted to know why he wanted to see me so bad.

He picked up something from the table that I didn't notice was there. "Tiff, I'd like to give this to you."

Sandali akong tumigil sa pagkain. Tinanggap ko ang envelope na inabot niya. My fingers ran on the paper doily that holds what looks like invitation cards inside. "What is this?" I asked while untying the jute string.

Pinagsalikop nito ang mga daliri at mahinang tumawa sa halip na sumagot.

"Oh. You're getting married!" I exclaimed when I finally read what's written there.

"You look surprised," nakangising puna nito.

"Who wouldn't? I thought you two got married already."

"We did. It was a civil wedding. This time, it will be on the church."

"Oh. I see. There's another card." I flipped it and checked the content. "What is this?"

Umiling iling itong hindi pa rin mapuknat ang ngiti.

"Invitation for Axel's Christening! Is this your baby in the picture? And oh, he's turning 1 year old, too. All on the same date." Hindi pa rin ako makabawi sa pagkamangha. The baby looks so cute. Nakuha nito ang mga mata at bibig kay Aldrin. Ang kulay ng balat at buhok ay kay Fatima.

"Yes," tipid na sagot na hindi maitago ang tuwa.

"Congratulations! Hindi na kasi ako nakapagbalita sa inyo. It's too late for me to find out why you couldn't come to my wedding."

Nanganak kasi si Fatima nang araw din ng kasal namin ni Gab. Nalaman ko lang kay Camille.

"We received the invitation, Tiff. Kung gugustuhin lang ni Fatima ay gusto niya talagang pumunta sa kasal niyo. But we're on the hospital already, waiting for her delivery." Sumulyap ito sa akin at tila amused sa ekspresyon ko. "You look so happy, Tiff. I mean your eyes are glowing."