Parcel | StellJun

Chapter 31 - Mourn

SINCE Vester came home from Singapore a week ago, Pavlo's one hundred percent sure that his baby's vibrancy lost its radiant color. It's not like the usual. He will still smile but he knows that it's the other way around. Not all who smile are doing well inside their secret lair.

Of course, he knows. He's been there. At first thought, no one would ever suspect but if you try to look closely, some petals withered, leaves fallen and roots are slowly loosened up which he finds alarming.

One time, Tita Melanie, Vester's Mom lets him overnight. He paused for a while, looking cautiously at Vester's Father, Tito Don who kept a straight face. He swallowed nervously but looking at his man's wide smile, his storms suddenly eased. Vester looks at him lovingly and Tita Melanie's look of assurance made him consider it at the end.

"Ihahanda ko lang ang tulugan mo," Tito Don declared after a moment of silence. It also took him a moment to realize he would sleep with Vester—in his room rather.

Pavlo sighs in relief looking at the retreating back of Tito Don. He then heard Tita Melanie's voice. "Sabi ko sa'yo ayos lang eh. Dito ka na magpalipas ng gabi. Delikado na sa daan lalo pa at umulan kanina tapos medyo malayo pa ang tatahakin mo."

He smiled at her, scratching his nape. "Salamat po, Tita."

Tita Melanie excused herself after patting Pavlo's shoulder, leaving him and Vester in the living room. He turned to look at the younger and he was met by a very warm smile. "What's with that pretty smile, gorgeous?"

Vester then giggles, extending his hands to reach him and he happily walks towards him, giving him a peck on the cheek. Vester blushed. "My Ampao is very sweet. Too sweet for my heart. Kapag ako nagka-diabetes, kasalanan niya talaga."

He snorted, "Bakit? Ayaw mo ba?"

"Syempre... gusto. I just want to hold your hand sana kaso you gave me a kiss. Isa pa nga," the younger beams.

"Psssh! Abuso naman 'to!" he commented but still kissed the younger's head quickly before flashing a brighter smile.

"Psssh! Marupok naman 'to!" Vester mimicked his tone. "Gusto mo ba... tabi tayo mamaya? Baka lang naman. Malamig pa naman kapag gabi."

Pavlo shakes his head. "Hindi sa ayaw ko pero huwag mo naman akong ipahamak sa Papa mo—"

"Uy, ang bait kaya ng erpats ko!" Vester cuts him off, trying his best not to laugh.

Pavlo hums, "Alam ko. Hindi ko naman sinabing hindi. Ang point ko lang kasi, protective siya. Alam kong alam mo 'yon. Kulang na nga lang, pati paghinga ko o-obserbahan din niya eh."

Vester laughed, biting his lips. "Ibig sabihin lang no'n, mahal ako ng Papa ko at nag-aalala siya sa'kin."

This made the older nod, smiling thoughtfully. "I can see that. Kahit naman siguro ako. I can't imagine my future kids to date. My golly. Iniisip ko pa lang, stress na ako."

Vester smiled tightly, looking at nowhere. "Pao... wala akong matres, paalala ko lang. Kahit gustohin ko man, hindi talaga pwede."

Pavlo choked, "W-What are you talking about?"

"You've mentioned kids, babe. I can't give you that." Vester looked at him seriously.

"And so am I. You don't have to feel bad about it." Pavlo reached for the younger's hand. "Ano ka ba, babe. We can still be a parent naman if we want to and if we're capable of raising a child. Chill."

Vester looks down and when he rose his head up, his face is soaked in tears. "So, ako ang nakikita mo sa future mo? Siguradong-sigurado ka na sa'kin, Pao? Ako at ikaw? Hanggang sa huli?"