RJ sat right in front of Chris's tape player. He took a deep breath before the video started playing.
The first thing he saw was a clip from his first ever birthday. The smile on both of his parent's faces quickly tugged on his heartstrings. RJ got emotional right away while thinking of all the good memories he has with them.
"Who's the best baby in the world?" his Dad, who is holding the camera, asked.
"I am!" Mrs. Faulkerson replied while raising RJ's arms.
The smile on his face faded after he remembered what happened during his 6th birthday. It was a complete opposite scenario compared to what's flashing on the TV screen right now. After the clip from his first birthday is over, their beach trips flashed next.
RJ smiled when he saw his little self and Sebastian playing together. This was actually one of the few good childhood moments they have. He and his older brother never really gotten along while growing up that's why seeing their kid versions this close to each other warmed him up.
The first few minutes of the tape already made him tear up that's why he's now actually nervous as to what the next hour of videos will do to him. Meanwhile, Chris opened two bottles of beer and placed it right in top of the table.
"You're alright dude?" he then asked RJ.
"Yeah." he answered even if he doesn't know what to feel anymore.
His Dad then panned the camera towards his Mom, who gave him a message he knew he needed during that particular time he wanted nothing but to kill himself.
Mrs. Faulkerson smiled before looking straight to the camera. RJ just sat there and watched as his Dad place the device on top of a chair. His heart started pounding the minute he saw him sit next to her. RJ remembers this day vividly, but he can't recall this part.
"Love, do you have a message for RJ?" his Dad asked his Mom.
"I do, actually."
"Then say it."
She smiled and turned to the camera. RJ's heart skipped a beat right before his mother started talking.
"RJ ... baby, I want you to know that no matter what happens ... Mommy loves you so much. If I can give the world to you and your big brother you know I would. Son, I wish that you'll grow up as a great man. Don't be a heart breaker like your Dad ..." he heard his mother say before his Dad laughed at her. The young guy wiped his tears away and replaced them with a bright smile.
"I'm just kidding ... your Dad is a great man. RJ, we love you so much. We really do."
---
Maine's mom arrived an hour past lunch to help her prepare a delicious dinner for RJ. The young girl knows how to cook, it's just that she really wants to surprise him. And besides, she knows that excellent food is a great way to distract the mind and keep it off of things that may not matter anymore.
"Asan na si Kelsey?" her mom asked.
"Umuwi na po ... aawra pa daw."
"Huh?"
"Gagala pa daw , Ma."
"Ahhh ... eh kayo ni RJ? Kumusta na kayo? Di ka pa ba niya niyayang magpakasal?"
"Ma! Huy!" she replied, blushing already.
"Bakit? Nak, yung dahilan kung bakit pumayag kami ni Papa mo na tumira kasama niya eh para makilala niyong mas maayos ang isa't-isa bago kayo magpakasal. Ano sa tingin mo? hinayaan ka lang namin tumira dito para lang makasama siya?" Mrs. Mendoza asked her. Maine's thoughts went on overdrive because of what her mother said. She wants to marry him, it's just that she doesn't know if now is the right time for them.
