Adventures

Meet the Mendozas

Ever since Alden and I had gotten into a real relationship, my family has always been so open to having him over at Bulacan. My parents loved him very much, consistently citing how admirable his being religious was, considering that he is a part of showbizness, a world where moral values and religious beliefs are often shaken by different, and sometimes, very liberal views.

"Bihira ang mga lalaking ganun, anak." I remember my mom telling me over one of our family dinners. It has been her longtime dream for me to find someone who would not only love me with the purest intentions, but draw me closer to the Lord, which is why it did not come as a surprise when she welcomed Alden with open arms. 

To be honest, there are times when I find myself in an awkward situation every time Alden is being talked about. 'Di lang kasi ako sanay na pinag-uusapan ang mga nangyayari sa buhay ko. I've always been such a quiet and reserved person at home, but well.. everything has changed, and I choose to look at this change as far from cynical. 

"O, ba't hindi ka pa naghahanda?" My older sister, Nicolette, said as she carried Matti in her arms. The latter happily cooed at the sight of me. Oo, Matti. Alam kong ako ang favorite mong ninang. 

"Wala, nag-iisip isip lang." I said, standing up from my bed. 

Tonight, my relatives from the Mendoza side were coming over for dinner. There was no occasion, or something to celebrate.. my mom and dad just wanted to formally introduce Alden to the rest of the Mendoza clan. Yes, you read that right. THEY wanted to formally introduce him. Ang taray, te, parang ikakasal na kami.

"Ate, kailangan ba talaga nating gawin 'to?" I asked my sister. 

"Ang alin?"

"Yung mamaya.. Yung ipapakilala na si Alden sa mga Mendoza."

My sister laughed as she gently laid Matti on his crib. 

"Bakit? Kinakahiya mo ba si Alden?"

"Hindi!" I was quick to reply. "Siguro.. hindi lang talaga ako sanay na ganito sila nanay at tatay. Alam mo namang ayaw nila kay Patrick noon, di ba, kaya kinailangan naming magtago? Tapos si Miggy naman, hindi dumating sa punto na ipinakilala ko siya ng maayos sa kanila." I added, remembering the many flaws that my previous relationships had. 

Ate Nicolette gently placed her hand on my shoulder. 

"Meng, maging masaya ka nalang kasi they trust Alden enough to introduce him to one half of our family." She said. "Sa tinagal tagal ng panliligaw niya sa'yo, nakita naman siguro nila nanay at tatay na seryoso siya sa'yo at talagang napakataas ng respeto niya sa pamilya natin. Kung ikaw ba naman ang nanay at may manliligaw ang anak mong kasing gwapo at mabait tulad ni Alden, di mo ipapakilala sa iba? Siyempre, ipagmamalaki mo 'yun."

I laughed. Talagang number one fan ni Alden itong si Ate Nicolette. But she was right. Why was I feeling uncomfortable about this? I should be the happiest person amidst all these happenings because, once again, this was a clear affirmation that I was doing something right in my life yet again. 

"Thanks, ate." I said. "Siguro ninenerbyos lang talaga ako. First time 'to eh, at saka.. gusto kong magustuhan ng mga Mendoza si Alden."

"Jusko, sa kagwapahun at kabaitan pa lang nun, pasadong pasado na siya."

I smiled warmly. 

"Sana nga."

&&&

"Anak," I felt my mom's hand on my shoulder. "Dadating pa ba si Alden? Anung oras na.." She added.

I couldn't help but feel frustrated as I looked at my watch for the nth time tonight. It was already 10:45 in the evening, and Alden was still nowhere to be found. I kept texting and calling him, but he wasn't answering. It was so unlike him to be this way, most especially when he knew how much this gathering meant to me.. to the both of us.