A Kiss to Life

Chapter 3: Happier

I couldn't contain my excitement as I eagerly refreshed the website to check my NMAT results. After months of rigorous studying and preparing for the exam, the moment of truth had finally arrived; the result is out!

As the webpage loaded, my heart raced with anticipation. And then, there it was – the message I had been hoping for – I had passed!

Oh, my God!

"I told you; you will make it!" Maze shouted behind me, grabbling both of my shoulders. "Congratulations, Ate!" He greeted and pulled me for a hug.

I let out a huge sigh of relief and a big smile spread across my face. All the late nights and early mornings of studying had paid off, and I had achieved my goal of passing the NMAT.

I passed! I did!

"What happened?" Daddy came rushing. Behind him is mommy.

"She passed, Dad! Ate passed the NMAT!" Mason announced.

"You did?" Mom confirms.

I couldn't help but grin from ear to ear, feeling proud of myself for the hard work and dedication that had led to this moment. "I did. I passed," I answered.

"I'm so proud of you," Mommy said, tearily. She was smiling warmly as she reached for me from my brother's arm for a hug. "I'm so happy and proud of you, sweetie."

"Thank you, mom." I answered, hugging her tightly. "Dad?" I turned to him.

Daddy's smiling warmly as well as he stretched his arms to me. I immediately went to him for a hug.

"I knew you would make it," he said, kissing the top of my head. "You never missed to make us proud."

"I just did what I could, Dad." I said, smirking. I glanced at my brother who's now comfortable lying in my bed.

He winked at me and mouthed, "I'm proud of you."

I was filled with an immense sense of pride and accomplishment as I achieved a major milestone in my life. Passing the exam that I had worked so hard for meant the world to me, but what made it even more meaningful was the thought of how proud my parents would be.

"Hmm... Still, you did great. You always do great in everything and this calls for a celebration," Daddy said. "Not all fathers can have a child who's a doctor."

"Dad, I'm not a doctor yet. I still have to enroll and finish med school," I said, realizing what will happen next.

As the initial euphoria began to fade, a new emotion began to creep in: nervousness. I knew that passing the NMAT was just the first step in a long and challenging journey towards becoming a doctor. The thought of entering medical school, with its rigorous coursework and demanding schedule, was intimidating.

As I reflected on the road ahead, I couldn't help but feel a twinge of anxiety. Would I be able to keep up with the workload? Would I be able to balance my studies with my personal life? The uncertainty of the future loomed over me, threatening to dampen my excitement.

But despite these doubts, I knew that I had to press on. I had come this far, and I was determined to see it through to the end. I reminded myself of the passion that had brought me to this point, the love of medicine and the desire to help others.

With a deep breath, I steeled myself for the challenges that lay ahead. I knew that it wouldn't be easy, but I also knew that I was up for the challenge. I would take it one day at a time, learning as much as I could and staying focused on my goals.

But Dad shook his head. "You are half-way there. I know you. Once you put something in your mind, you will not stop until you achieve it. And becoming a doctor is no different from those you did in the past. I knew the moment you said you wanted to pursue medical school and become a doctor; I already knew you will become one in the future."

"Daddy..."

"Your Dad is right, sweetie. This may be small for you, but for us, it's big. Every achievement you and your brothers get is a milestone for your dad and I. And we'd like to celebrate each of those," Mommy said, agreeing to Dad.

And I was left speechless.

From a young age, they had instilled in me the importance of hard work and dedication, and I had always strived to make them proud. The thought of their unwavering love and support gave me the strength and courage to face any obstacle that lay ahead. Whether it was in my academic pursuits or personal life, I knew that I could always count on their guidance and encouragement.

And this, this achievement was a testament to their unwavering support and belief in me, and I couldn't wait to share more of my successes with them—small and big.

"Don't worry, it's just a simple dinner out, sweetie. We know you still have to prepare for med school, so it won't be as big as you thought. It will be just us, family, over dinner," Mom added.

Giving in, I nodded. "Invite the grannies, please?"

"Of course, anak. For sure, your grandparents would be as proud as we are," Mom smiled widely again. "Just tell me when do you want to do it, okay?"

I smiled wider too.

Oh, my greandparents! Mamala, Papala, Mamita, and Mama.

"Tomorrow's fine," I answered.

"Tomorrow, then." Daddy said. "I'll call Sam to reserve us a room—"

"Umm. Can we dine somewhere else, Dad?" I asked, cutting dad's words.

"Why? What's wrong with your Tita Sam's restaurant?" Mom asked but I can't just tell her the reason. I can't just tell her that I want to avoid some people—our family friends—just because I don't want to be asked about what happened between Kairus and I.

"Alright. We should try something else for a change," Daddy said, sliding back his phone inside his pocket. "I'll just send you the details tomorrow morning," he added.

"I can recommend one," Mason butted in.

Dad arched his brow. "Is that where your girlfriend works?"

Automatically, my eyes widened. "You have a girlfriend?"

Mason rolled his eyes. "I don't, Ate. And dad, she's just a friend. A friend that is a girl." He said but my eyes squinted, not buying what he said. Again, he rolled his eyes, but this time it was directed to me. "I swear, she's not my girlfriend. And I would tell you first—amongst others—if ever I have one. Stop giving me that look," he told me.

I glanced at our parents and they both shrugged. Well, Mason is just seventeen but our parents trust him that they are not stopping him to date someone. And I knew him very well, he's telling the truth that he'd tell me first if ever there's something going on. He always claims that I am his best friend and I should know first the recent events in his life—of course, excluding information that girls shouldn't know. I just hope that he has not done any.

"Alright. As you say so," I said, dismissing the topic.

Dad and Mom stayed a bit more in my room to talk more about my plans. I just told them that I will be enrolling in UST Med School—as Tita Bree recommends. And some other plans I have in my mind. I even tried to persuade them to let me drive my own car—Dad gave it to me one week after I told them I wanted one—but that just ended the conversation.

In the end, I was left alone in my room with a wrinkled nose. Dad won't really let me drive my own car!

[I heard you passed the NMAT and you refused to celebrate it.] Kenzie's text message the next day after the results were out

[It wasn't that big to have it celebrated the way our parents celebrate every occasion.] I replied.

[It is, Ms. Humble Girl.]

[Nah. I'm still exhausted from the exam and med school prep. to host a celebration.]

[Sus. I know exactly why you don't want a celebration.]

[???]

[Oh, come on, Amaris Romana. You can't lie to me!]

[I'm not lying, Gavienne Makenzie.] I replied.

[You are avoiding them! I already suspected it in your home coming, but I don't want to assume yet. But you, refusing to dine in Tita Sam's restaurant clarifies my suspicions.] she said.

[You are overthinking, Makenzie. I just don't want a grand celebration and if I agree on dining in Tita Sam's restaurant, I know the simple dinner with my family I want will not happen. You know that as well.] I lied.

[Liar. I knew you very well.] she replied instead. [But I understand. If I were in your shoes and Orrin did what Kairus did to you, I would not see any of his family. Even Tita Sam and Ate Savi.]

[Kenzie...] I called, not wanting to talk about it.

[Alright. I'm sorry. But you owe me dinner! If you don't want to celebrate with everyone, at least celebrate it with me! I'm your best friend, duh!] she replied that made me smile.

[I'm not. It's Orrin who's your best friend.] I teased.

[He's my boy best friend. And you are my girl best friend.] she corrected.

Kenzie and I had known each other since we were young, but we were never really that close growing up. We would see each other around school and in family gatherings. We would talk and play, but we didn't have much of a connection since she had Orrin around her and I had Kai. It was only until our senior year of high school that everything changed.

We were assigned to the same project in one of our classes, and as we worked together, we began to bond. We discovered that we had a lot in common and shared similar interests. As the project came to an end, we found ourselves hanging out more and more—And that made Orrin jealous. I remember him telling me that I was stealing Kenzie from him. That was actually funny but that made him confess his feelings for her.

[Whatever. Let's just have dinner whenever you're free.] I replied.

[I'm free the whole week!]

[Okay. Let's have it tomorrow, then? We'll have a family dinner tonight.] I replied.

[Will your mamita be there?] She asked.

[Yes. Mamala and Mama as well.] I answered. Kenzie's fond of my mamita and my mamita as well. Probably because I am the only granddaughter of both sides of the family, having Makenzie as an extended granddaughter makes her extra happy.

[Can I tag along instead?] she replied. I can feel her excitement although we were just exchanging text messages.

I smirked. [Of course! I'll send you the venue's address. Be there at 7pm.]

[Alright. See you later!]

[See you.]

Arriving at the restaurant Mason suggested, I saw Kenzie's car already parked there. She's early. Earlier than us. It's still fifteen minutes before our reservation and my parents are still on their way from the hospital. But the grannies are already inside.

I hopped out my car—I arrived with my brothers and we were, by the way, driven by the driver dad hired for me—to greet her. Kenzie got out of her car upon seeing me.

"You're early," I told her and she just shrugged.

"Had a date with Orrin and we were just around the corner, so I went straight here after," she answered.

I arched my brow. "Where is he now?"

"He went home already. He rode a grab but will be back later to drive me home," she said.

"You should have invited him to join us instead," I said.

Kenzie shook her head. "Oh, don't bother. He said he has practice."

These two, really. I mentally shook my head.

"Kuya Orrin was here?" Elias asked. He just got out of my car.

Kenzie nodded and answered. "Yeah. But he left already."

"Oh, you should have invited him, Ate Kenz." Mason said.

Kenzie shrugged. "It's fine. He has practice."

"We should watch Kuya Orrin sometimes, Kuya," Elias then said to Mason.

Orrin is a motocross professional and Elias has been wanting to watch him race but our parents won't let him. Because first, it was not safe for kids to watch their race. Second, they don't want Elias to be influenced.

"Dad won't let you go," I told them.

"Right. Baka mapagalitan pa ang Kuya n'yo," Kenzie agreed.

"They don't have to know—"

"No!" Kenzie and I said in chorus, cutting Mason's words.

I shook my head. "Don't be stubborn, Mason Elliot. Don't be a bad example to your brother," I told him.

"What? It was his idea," he reasoned.

"And it will remain an idea if you won't put it in action," I said. "Do not try to disobey dad, understand?" I turned to Elias who nodded immediately.

"I'm sorry, Ate." Elias said.

I reached for his head and messed his hair. "Good. Let's get in. Mamala and Papalo are already inside. Mama and Mamita, too." I said and walked past them.

I heard Kenzie's chuckle from behind me and Mason's tsk. I was holding Elias in my hand when I stood beside the driver's side of my car. I knocked on the window.

"Yes, Ma'am?" Noah, my driver, asked after rolling down the window.

"Tara na sa loob," I told him.

Confused, Noah asked, "Kasama po ako?"

"Yes. We are all here for dinner. Why do you think you're not included?" I asked.

"Driver lang po ako?" He answered and I couldn't help but roll my eyes.

"Kasama ka. Bumaba ka na dyan," I said.

"Come on, Kuya. Let's go!" Elias told him, excitedly.

Noah was hired two weeks ago as my personal driver, but since I rarely went out, he was often free to take on other tasks. One of those tasks included driving my younger brother, Elias, to school. This meant that the two of them spent quite a bit of time together, and as a result, they became quite close quite quickly.

Noah was young, only twenty-five years old, which was not too far off from my own age. I had heard that he was a friendly and outgoing person, and it was not surprising that he had quickly bonded with my brothers. Mason, in particular, had taken a liking to him. I remember once finding the two of them engrossed in a mobile game together, laughing and joking as they played.

Noah got out of my car and Elias immediately let go of my hand. He went to him and held his hand instead.

I just arched my brow and faced Noah. "Remember, every time we eat, you will eat too. Hindi ka maiiwan sa sasakyan at mag hihintay lang na matapos kami. That's our family rule. And each of our staff are considered family, so that applies to everyone in our household. Understand?" told him.

Tumango naman ito. "Understood, Ma'am."

"Good. Let's get in," I said and walked inside the restaurant.

The restaurant was beautiful, with soft lighting and elegant decor. A staff member immediately approached us and asked for our reservation—apparently, the restaurant is for reservation only, no walk-ins are allowed—I said dad's name and we were immediately led to a private room where our grandparents were waiting.

"Mamala!" Elias greeted and ran to our grandmother immediately.

"Have a seat," I told Noah, who remained standing by the door. Tumango naman ito at agad na sumunod. Mason tapped his shoulder to lessen his awkwardness, I guess?

"Oh, here's our Doktora," Papalo said, opening his arms wide for a hug. I smiled and walked to him. "I'm so proud of you, ihja." He said.

"Thank you, Papa." I said, kissing him on the cheeks. I did too on Mamala, Mama, and Mamita.

Mamala and Papalo are mommy's parents. Mama is dad's biological mom and Mamita is dad's surrogate mother. Mommy and Daddy are both only children, making them our only grandparents.

"Our Mari isn't just beautiful, kind, but very intelligent!" Mama said.

"She got it from her parents," Mamita added. She has Kenzie's in her arms now, hugging her.

"Our grandchildren never disappoint us," Mamala said and the three agreed.

We started catch-up while waiting for mom and dad to arrive.

"Oh, who's he?" Mama asked, noticing Noah. He's having a conversation with Mason.

"He's Noah, Ma. He will drive me to and from university when classes start," I answered, introducing him. "They are our grandparents."

Noah stood immediately. "Good evening po mga, Ma'am at Sir."

My Papalo raised his hand and motioned him to sit. "Take a seat, young man."

Noah nodded and said his thanks. Papalo started asking him questions about his working history and I was amazed to learn that he's an undergraduate of architecture.

"You should continue your studies," I commented.

Noah scratches the back of his head. "Iyon po ang plano ko. Mag iipon lang muna po ako," he answered.

"I can recommend you to an organization that offers scholarships," Kenzie said and everyone agrees on her idea. They even encourage Noah to take it. He was blushing from all the nice comments he got from my family.

"We treat everyone in our household as part of our family, Kuya Noah. You don't have to be awkward," Mason calms him from all the overwhelming things my family is saying. Tumango-tango naman ito.

Shortly, mom and dad arrived and the dinner started. We ordered drinks and appetizers, and the conversation flowed easily. My grandparents shared stories from their younger years—kahit ilang beses na naming iyong narinig, ang sarap parin pangkingan—and my parents talked about their plans for the future. My brothers teased each other, and Kenzie chimed in with witty comments and jokes.

As the main course arrived, my dad stood up to make a toast. He thanked everyone for coming, and congratulated me on my achievement. He also praised my grandparents for their love and devotion to each other, and for being such an important part of our family.

I could feel tears prickling at the corners of my eyes. It was such a beautiful moment, and I felt so grateful to be surrounded by so much love and support. I knew that no matter what challenges lay ahead, I could always count on my family to be there for me.

Dessert arrived, and we all dug in with enthusiasm. The conversation turned to lighter topics, and we laughed and joked together. It was the perfect ending to a perfect evening.

"Thank you for coming," Dad told the grannies, to which they replied with the warmest response.

"Anything for our dear Mari," Papalo said.

Mama sighed deeply. "I still can't believe that our baby Mari is already a lady now."

"Amara married Aydan when she was at her age," Mamala added.

Mamita smiled at me and said, "Our Amaris is shining brightly and I know she'll succeed in everything."

"You guys are making me cry," I told them.

The dinner ended that way—wonderful. I enjoyed the delicious food and the conversation we shared. As we stepped out of the restaurant, I felt content and happy, grateful for the night and the memories I had made with them tonight.

But on our way to the parking lot, I saw him...them—Kairus and Isla.

My heart sank as I realized that they were walking towards us, and there was no way to avoid them. I took a deep breath, trying to prepare myself for the encounter.

"Ate," Mason said, stepping beside me.

"I'm fine," I assured him—them.

As they approached, I could feel my pulse quickening. I wasn't sure what to say, or how to act. Part of me wanted to run away, to avoid the pain of seeing Kairus with someone else—with her. But another part of me wanted to stay and face the situation head-on, to show that I was strong and have moved on.

"Good evening, ninong," he greeted dad first then mom before his glace went to mine. "Good evening, Amaris."

Amaris.

Not Mari nor Reese.

"Good evening," I greeted back. I tried to keep it together, to be polite and cordial, but it was hard.

"It's...it's nice to see you again. How have you been?" He asked, a bit hesitant.

"I'm great," I answered shortly, looking straight into his eyes. Avoiding glancing at her.

"I'm glad to hear," he said, smiling.

"Ate is doing greater than she used to be. Right, Ate Kenzie?" Mason butted in.

"Yeah. She is," Kenzie confirms.

Kairus smiled more. "I heard you passed the NMAT?"

"I did."

"Congratulations. I knew you'll aced it. You always do great in everything."

I arched my brow and said, “Thanks.” I then turned to my parents who’s just watching us and letting me handle the situation. “Let’s go? It’s getting late,” I asked and Dad nodded immediately.

It felt like an insult to be praised by him. He knew I was great. He is very aware of what I am capable of doing, but none of that mattered to him. None of those made him stay. None made me enough for him.

"We'll go ahead, Kairus." Dad told him. "Let's go," he then told mom and everyone.

Kenzie walks to her car where Orrin is already waiting. Orrin greeted Dad and Mom. I saw him nodding at Kairus as well.

"Sure, ninong."

Noah immediately ran to my car and opened a door for me. I went in without looking back. Everyone followed and when we were settled inside our cars, Kairus and Isla turned their backs and started walking inside the restaurant.

As I watched Kairus and Isla walk inside, I couldn't help but feel a mix of emotions. Seeing them again after more than a year brought up feelings of sadness, jealousy, and insecurity. Kairus' hand sliding down Isla's back until it settled on the back of her hips made me feel like I was witnessing a physical representation of their connection, a connection that I had once shared with him.

And as they walked inside, I couldn't help but notice how Kairus looked at Isla with a smile that I hadn't seen on his face in a long time. It was a smile that radiated happiness, contentment, and love. And as much as it pained me to admit it, I could see how happy he was with her, perhaps even happier than he was with me.