CHAPTER 18
1651 Words
Chapter 18
STANDING UP
Hindi ako masyadong nakatulog, gusto kong maging maayos ang itsura ko ngunit hindi ako pinakisamahan ng utak ko at nag-overthink ako ng husto. Mamaya ng gabi ang dinner namin ni Liam kasama ang mama niya, at hindi ko alam kung ano ang isusuot ko. Gosh! Why am I so nervous?
I paced back and forth in my room, glancing at the mirror every now and then. I sighed deeply, my thoughts are racing. Ano ba ang isusuot ko? I need to look presentable. What if she doesn't like me? She already knows about our relationship, and the fact that Liam is Eclipse. What if she thinks I'm not good enough for him?
I sat on my bed, and take a deep breath. "Okay, Harmony, calm down. Kailangan mo lang maging sarili mo. Be honest and genuine. She's just his mom, right? Pero... she's also the most important woman in his life. And... and what if she thinks I'm just a distraction from his career?" Nasabunot ko ang aking buhok.
I stood up again and started rummaging through my closet. "I need to find something nice. Not too flashy, but elegant. I want to make a good impression. Siguro ito... or maybe this one?"
I picked out a dress and held it up against my body, trying to envision myself at the dinner. "Will this be okay? Will she like it? Will Liam like it?" I shook my head, feeling the pressure mount.
I remembered Liam's words from the previous night. "Don't worry, Harmony. She already knows everything and she just wants to get to know you better. She'll love you." He had been so confident, but I couldn't shake off my doubts. "Liam believes in me, and I have to believe in myself too. Kaya ko 'to. I have to be strong, not just for me, but for him as well."
Taking one final look in the mirror, I nodded to myself. "Okay, Harmony. You can do this. Be yourself, and everything will be okay." With a determined sigh, I began to prepare for the evening, hoping that my nerves wouldn't get the best of me.
As I got ready, I whispered to myself, "This is for Liam. I need to show his mom that I love and support him, no matter what. I'll be honest about my feelings and our relationship. Everything will be fine." I took a deep breath and smiled, feeling a bit more confident.
Ilang sandali ang nagdaan, may narinig akong nag doorbell. Nagmadali akong buksan ang pinto at nakita ko ang pinaka gwapo at pinaka mahal kong tao.
Pinasadahan niya ako ng tingin. "You are the most beautiful lady that I ever seen." He lean forward and gave me a deep kiss.
Natampal ko naman ang balikat niya. "Yung lipstick ko masisira."
Liam chuckled, pulling back just enough to look at me with a playful grin. "Well, we can't have that, can we?" He reached up and gently wiped away a smudge of lipstick from his lips. "I guess I'll just have to wait until later to kiss you properly."
I rolled my eyes, trying to hide my blush. "You’re impossible."
He smiled warmly and took my hand. "Ready for dinner? Don't be too nervous, okay? My mom's really looking forward to meeting you properly."
I took a deep breath, squeezing his hand. "I'm ready. I just hope I make a good impression."
"You already have," Liam reassured me. "She knows how happy you make me. That's all that matters."
We walked out together, and as we headed to the car, I couldn't help but feel a mix of nerves and excitement. This dinner was a big step, and I wanted everything to go perfectly.
As we drove, Liam kept glancing over at me, his eyes filled with affection. "You look stunning tonight, Harmony. I mean it."
"Thank you," I replied softly. "I just... I hope your mom likes me."
Liam reached over and squeezed my hand. "She will. Just be yourself, okay? That's more than enough."
I nodded, feeling a bit more at ease with his reassurance. "I'll do my best."
Pagdating namin sa restaurant, Liam opened the door for me, and we walked in together. His mom was already seated at a table, and as soon as she saw us, she gave a small, serious smile.
"Harmony, it's nice to finally meet you," she said, standing up but not offering a hug.
"It's nice to meet you too, Mrs. Dizon," I replied, feeling the tension.
As we sat down, Mrs. Dizon looked at me with a serious expression. "I've heard so much about you, Harmony. Liam talks about you all the time."
Napatingin ako kay Liam, who was trying to keep a neutral expression. "He talks about you a lot too. I'm really happy to be here tonight."
Mrs. Dizon nodded slightly, hindi mawala ang titig niya sa akin. "I wanted to meet you because I can see how important you are to Liam. And I know the challenges you both will face with his career. I need to be sure you understand what it means to be with someone like Liam, given his hidden identity as Eclipse."
Her words felt heavy, and I smiled nervously. "Thank you, Mrs. Dizon. I understand the challenges, and I want you to know that I support Liam wholeheartedly."
Mrs. Dizon continued to scrutinize me for a moment before nodding slightly. "Sana nga, Hija. Liam's happiness and well-being are my top priorities. But you must also understand that his career as Eclipse is not just a job; it's his passion and his life. Any mistake or slip-up could ruin everything he's worked for."
I swallowed hard, feeling the weight of her words. "I understand, Mrs. Dizon. I promise to be careful and support Liam in every way I can."
Liam squeezed my hand under the table, then looked at his mother. "Mom, there's something I need to share. Harmony already knows, but I think it's time you understand why I created the Eclipse persona."
Mrs. Dizon's expression softened slightly as she listened. "Go on, Liam."
Liam took a deep breath. "I created Eclipse because it allowed me to express myself freely, to be the artist I've always wanted to be without the fear of judgment or rejection. It gave me the freedom to pursue my passion without compromising who I am. But hiding behind a mask has its risks, and Harmony understands those risks. Despite that, she's stood by me and supported me."
Tumingin siya sa akin, his eyes filled with determination. "And I stand with her in our relationship. She's made me happier than I've ever been, and I won't let anything come between us."
Mrs. Dizon looked at Liam, then at me, her expression unreadable for a moment. Finally, she sighed, a hint of a smile forming on her lips. "I can see how much you mean to each other. Despite the risks, I can't deny the happiness you bring to my son, Harmony." I felt a wave of relief wash over me as she continued. "I wanted to be sure you understood the gravity of Liam's situation. But seeing how determined you both are, I accept your relationship. Just promise me one thing."
"Anything, Mrs. Dizon," I replied eagerly.
"Promise me that you'll protect each other and keep Liam's identity safe. His career and happiness depend on it."
Tumango ako, my voice steady despite the nervousness I felt. "I will, Mrs. Dizon. Pangako po 'yan."
Mrs. Dizon leaned back, still serious. "You should know, Harmony, that being with Liam means accepting the shadows that come with his light. 'Eclipse' isn't just a name; it's a reminder of how his true self can be overshadowed by the glitz and glamour of his celebrity life. He longs for normalcy and authenticity, something he finds in you."
Liam nodded in agreement. "Mom, Harmony is my anchor. She gives me the sense of normalcy I've been searching for."
Mrs. Dizon's eyes softened further as she looked at both of us. "I see that now. And for that, Harmony, I'm grateful to you. Just remember, his world can be harsh. Stand by each other, protect what you have."
The dinner continued with a more relaxed atmosphere, and I felt a newfound sense of confidence in our relationship, knowing that we had Mrs. Dizon's support.
Pagkatapos ng dinner, lumabas kami ng restaurant, at naramdaman ko ang lamig ng gabi habang magkahawak kami ni Liam ng kamay. Tahimik kaming naglakad papunta sa kotse, parehong nagpapakiramdam sa naging takbo ng gabi.
Pagkapasok namin sa kotse, sumandal ako sa upuan at nagbigay ng malalim na buntong-hininga. "That was intense."
Liam chuckled softly as he started the car. "You did great, Harmony. My mom likes you already."
"Really?" I asked, still feeling a bit unsure. "She seemed so serious."
"She is serious," Liam admitted, reaching over to take my hand. "But she has to be. My career... it's complicated. But she sees how much you mean to me, and that's what matters."
Nakangiti akong tumingin sa kanya. "Thank you for standing up for us back there. It means a lot."
Liam smiled back, his eyes softening. "I meant every word. I don't want to hide who I am or who I'm with anymore. Being Eclipse can be overwhelming, but with you, I feel like I can be myself."
"I'll always be here for you," I promised, squeezing his hand. "No matter what."
Napatigil kami sa isang red light, at sinamantala ni Liam ang pagkakataong tingnan ako ng mabuti. "You know, this feels like a new beginning for us. No more hiding, no more secrets."
Tumango ako, nararamdaman ang bigat ng sinabi niya. "Yes, a new beginning. And I'm ready for it."
As the light turned green, Liam leaned over and gave me a quick kiss on the forehead. "Let's go home."
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