Make It Without You

Chapter 25: A Happy Birthday

#MIWOY25

After a weekend spent arranging their things in their new house, Monday morning ay maagang gumising si Billy para maghanda ng breakfast, gaya ng nakasanayan niya sa condo. Kaso pagdating niya sa kitchen, busy na ang mayordoma ni Gabo na si Manang Loring at ang dalawang kasambahay na sina Dana at Nelia. Manang Loring was giving them instructions for the day and the two helpers were listening intently.

"Good morning po," nakangiting bati ni Billy sa mga kasambahay. "Nakabalik na po pala kayo. Magluluto po sana ako ng breakfast."

"Magandang umaga po, Ma'am Billy," Manang Loring answered. "Kagabi pa po kami nakarating. Hindi na lang po namin kayo inistorbo."

Billy smiled. "Naku Manang, Billy na lang po. 'Wag na pong Ma'am!" she said with a laugh. "Okay lang po kung ako na lang sa breakfast. Ituro niyo na lang po sa'kin kung nasaan yung mga gamit, 'di ko pa po kasi kabisado dito eh."

"Ma'am, Sir po kasi ang tawag namin kay Sir Gabriel kaya nakakahiya naman po kung hindi po namin kayo tawaging Ma'am," nakangiting sabi ni Ate Dana.

Bakit, mag-asawa na ba kami? Gustong umangal ni Billy pero tumahimik na lang siya.

"Kami na dito Ma'am," Manang Loring insisted. "Tulog na muna kayo ulit, maaga pa po."

A pair of arms wrapped around Billy's waist while a soft kiss landed on her cheek, and she immediately blushed as the helpers smiled too widely. "Good morning!" Gabo said cheerfully.

"Good morning po, Sir," the helpers said.

"You're up early," sabi ni Gabo nang binitawan niya si Billy at hinawakan ang mga braso para maharap siya. He looked at her face. "Did you sleep well?"

Tumango si Billy. "Yup," sabi niya at lumingon na ulit sa mga kasambahay na nagsisimula nang magluto. "Ako na po ang magluluto. May gusto po kasing luto yung mga bata sa pancakes."

Ate Nelia shook her head. "Naku Ma'am, nasabi na po ni Sir. Yung may crispy bacon bits po. Favorite din po niya yun nung bata hanggang ngayon kaya don't worry po, alam na po namin pano," sabi niya.

Gabo slipped his hand into Billy's. "Love, okay na sina Manang. Puntahan na lang natin yung mga bata. At mag-ayos na rin tayo for work. Kaya na nila yan," he assured her and pulled her away from the kitchen.

They walked back upstairs. Dahil maaga pa naman, naisipan ni Billy na maghanda na para pumasok sa bakeshop. Ano ba yan, baka maging tamad ako nito ha? Hindi ako sanay na hindi busy sa umaga!

As soon as he closed the door to their room, Gabo pulled her into a hug and kissed her lips. "Good morning," sabi niya. "Hindi mo ako ginising."

Billy laughed and let him pull her to the sofa. Umupo si Gabo at kinandong si Billy. "Eh mukhang pagod ka eh," sabi niya. "Love, pwede namang ako na ang magluto 'pag umaga. Sanay naman ako."

"We can cook on weekends, baby," sagot ni Gabo. "Baka magalit yang sina Manang na inaagawan mo sila ng gagawin, sige ka," natatawang loko niya kay Billy.

"Masyado mo naman akong sinasanay na may kasama sa bahay," she said, a little worried. She knew Gabo was used to having people at his beck and call, pero bago 'to para kay Billy at sa mga bata.

Gabo nuzzled her neck. "Ganito na lang. I'll tell them to let you help in the kitchen whenever you want. Nagtatrabaho tayo pareho kaya convenient na may mga kasama tayo sa bahay. At least 'di tayo masyadong napapagod, 'di ba? We have time to rest," he said. And sleep in kasi madalas, busy din tayo sa gabi...

Billy knew Gabo was being reasonable, pero medyo alangan pa rin siya. Still, she just let it go. Tatayo na sana siya para maligo pero pinigilan siya ni Gabo. "Where are you going?"