David & Alexandra

VEINTIUNO

Leap of Faith

**Alex

Meeting his family was the sign I’ve been praying for… 

They’ve been so welcoming and I can’t help but adore them. Even his sisters embraced me, like we’re old friends. I can see they both loved Andreu dearly. 

- Maybe it’s a silent prayer of mine being answered, a prayer to belong to a cool family like them. God knows how I long for a complete family… I just hope that they are that.

Our relationship has really turned a new leaf already, I’m opening myself more to him now. I’m giving myself another chance to trust again, to try to love again. 

Dinner with the family became a constant part of our weekends. 

Noong mga nakaraang buwan, hatid sundo, gym together, simba at kain sa labas lang kami, after that family meeting he boldly asked me to go on a road trip again and I did say yes to it. I’ve been dodging all his invitations then… but now I’m brave enough to say yes.

Yung usual na simba namin sa Shrine, ginawa namin simba pasyal… we went to the East of the Metro… Antipolo as our first road trip. Then we went to visit Regina Rica in Tanay Rizal. We did not only hear mass we also ate in their famous food hubs. And drive though those picturesque winding roads of Rizal. 

We also did Tagaytay… while there we stopped by the Pink Sister Convent. Next, we hit The Highlands, they have their own Cabin in the famous development. 

We also visited Farms and Gardens in Alfonso. 

In the North of the Metro, the famous Barasoain Church is the first in our itinerary… and the farthest we went is Manaoag.

After months of road trips and other activities in between… almost the end of the year already and the holidays is coming fast

We visited the project we’ve done in the past and heard mass in the church where we used to go. 

Visiting that church made him cry… that’s where he went on bended knee and cried to ask for my forgiveness again. That’s where I’ve given him the forgiveness he deserves, we may have been moving forward with this relationship but really the forgiveness has not been uttered. Forgiving him felt freedom for me… freedom from the ugly past, freedom from heartache I’ve been carrying with me and a freedom to have a chance in love again. 

It’s been almost a year already of him asking for my forgiveness, wooing me, asking for another chance. 

“Exi, pinakamamahal… I know I’ve been a jerk, an a**hole, a halfwit for not listening to you in the past, I did not trust you. I’m sorry… so sorry… really really sorry. I know my words and my ways may not be enough to let you see how sorry I am. But I hope, even just a little… you find it in your heart to give me another chance.” nakaluhod niyang sabi habang nangingilid ang mga luha sa mga mata

“Andreu, ano ka ba… tumayo dyan” suway ko sa kanya habang hinihila siya patayo

“Exi, Please forgive this fool… please… Give US another chance, please” hindi pa rin siya tumatayo at ang luha niya tumutulo na

“I’m willing to give US another chance… Ok, kaya tayo ka na dyan” hila ko ulit sa kanya… tumayo naman siya at ang ganda ng ngiti… kahit na may luha pa ang mga mata.

“Thank you, Thank you, Thank you Pinakamamahal” sabay yakap niya sa akin at halik sa labi ko ng mabilis… nagulat ako sa ginawa niya… mabilis siyang bumitaw sa akin…

“Sorry po, I’m just so happy can’t control myself” nakatitig lang siya sa akin… napakamot sa batok niya, ang cute ng mama parang bata

Ako na yumakap sa kanya, niyakap niya din ako pabalik.

“It’s OK… but we have to control ourselves” bulong ko sa kanya, habang hinahaplos ang likod niya. 

“Yeah… we have to control ourselves” bulong niya din, habang hinahalikan ang tuktok ng ulo ko

“Exi, I miss US being like this… being this close, feeling each others heartbeat” habol niya pa

“I miss this too” sabi ko sa kanya habang hinihilig ang ulo ko sa dibdib niya, mukha na kaming tanga sa labas ng simbahan, buti nalang nasa tabi lang kami at halos wala ng tao. 

Lalo pa niyang hinigpitan ang yakap niya…

God! He is making my heart sing, I felt home in his embrace. 

I have to face all my fears and take a leap of faith to trust him again. 

Umuwi kami ng Metro that day na mas magaan ang loob. 

And yeah, I took a chance of taking him back. I know there will be more challenges to this relationship and I hope and pray that we both can overcome it. I hope the love we have is more than enough to hold on to this US. 

Forgiving him and taking a chance on US again is one of the bravest things I’ve done. I know I love him dearly and I have to take a chance for my happiness. He may have hurt me the most but it doesn’t change the fact that he is someone I can’t live without. 

Knowing him more now each day, is making me fall more deeply in love with him. He’s always there for me, a friend or more than that, he treats me like a Queen. 

A second chance with him… has always been a dream.

- He’s the first man in my life and it has always been a dream na siya na rin ang huli...

We’ve never really talked about it, but it’s always been a silent prayer for me… for him to be my forever. I know it will happen in God’s perfect time. 

- They say, pray for what your heart desires… God always listens but he will answer on his own time and on his own ways. 

~~~~~~~~~~

**David

Letting Alex meet my family is another move from me, to have her back. 

And God! She did not disappoint… even my family, they've been so welcoming of her. 

She fits well with my family, a silent prayer answered for me. 

My sister’s treated her well… parang matagal na silang mga magkakilala.

Dinner with my family became a bonding time for us, we would cook together for the family that's alternately with my sisters. Or sometimes she would cook in her apartment then bring it at home, if I’m not available to do it with her. She’s such a darling, I can see she’s blending well with my family… could not ask for more. 

Even Mama is teasing me, if I’m getting married already. I wanted too but we have our careers to focus on first. I have the company to run and expand. Merging Gernale Engineering and Vergara Properties is something I’ve been working on. 

She knows about it. She knows I have a colossal vision for the company. And I’m so happy that she’s been so supportive of my dreams. Never demands anything from me, always content with whatever I give her, be it time or material things.

- She’s such a simple girl, walang arte sa katawan… not that she needed makeup or anything. She’s beautiful as she is, inside out. 

Not only did we go on road trips… she became my constant companion, be it for business or other parties. I know she’s not too comfortable with it but she would always accompany me if I ask her… always at her best. Charming everyone with her wit, she’s a very smart woman… she carries a conversation well. 

- We haven’t really talked about labels but we both know we are exclusively for each other… kahit na nga may mga umaaligid pa rin sa kanya or sa akin pa minsan minsan. Lalo na pag hindi kami kilala ng mga pinupuntahan namin. 

*My College Band Reunion

“David Andreu Gernale… Tang na! Buti pumunta ka!” sigaw ng dati kung bandmate, si Jacob Lead Guitar namin dati 

Apat lang naman kami dati, si Noah na Bassist, Drummer naman si Liam. Ako gitara din hawak ko at ako ang Lead ng Vocals ng banda namin. 

“Tang na, na Miss ko kaya kayo!” Bati ko sa kanya… nasa Bar kami ng pag aari niya. Lahat naman kami naging professional may kanya kanya ng sariling negosyo. 

Tahimik lang si Alex sa tabi, alam kung hindi siya sanay mag Bar. Ako lang nakaka pag papunta sa kanya sa ganitong lugar. 

At ang lokong Jacobo, sinisipat mula ulo hanggang paa si Alex. Pinitik ko nga ang noo…

“Aray, p*ta ka! Bakit ba?!” angal niya, inakbayan ko si Alex… nagulat ang loko

“Alex, this is Jacob” pakilala ko sa loko… naglahad siya ng kamay for a handshake, naki pagkamay naman si Alex… ang loko hahalikan pa kamay ni Alex…

Inagaw ko kamay ni Alex…

“Abusado ka na” angil ko sa kanya, sabay suntok ng mahina sa braso niya…

“Possessive! Tsss” sabay halakhak niya

“Welcome Alex at sayong Mokong ka you’re not welcome” sabay halakhak niya ulit 

“David Gernale!” isang tili naman ang umagaw sa pansin ko habang papunta kami sa VIP Room… ang hindi ko napaghandaan ang yakap niya sa akin sabay beso… hindi niya yata napansin na may kasama ako… Sh*t! Sino ba to? 

- F**k! Ung Ex ko na naman… hindi niya nakita si Alex pag tingin ko sa tabi wala si Alex, Sh*t ! Paglinga ko nasa likod ko siya… natatakpan na ng mga tao. 

- Hindi ko pinansin yung ex ko… binalikan ko si Alex

Inakbayan ko na siya at hindi na binitawan… hindi ko alam kung nakita niya nangyari. Pero kilala ko naman siya hindi big deal sa amin ang mga malalanding higad.

“Hi, Marga! You’re here too!” bati niya sa ex ko… nanlaki mata ni Marga hindi niya yata alam nandito si Alex.

“Hi! Architect Alex, didn’t know you visits such a place” nakataas pa kilay… kasama niya pa naman mga kaibigan niyang mahadera din minsan 

Nginitian lang siya ni Alex

“Oh well, I can’t say no to Andreu” sabay ngiti niya sa akin, may haplos pa sa braso at dibdib ko.

-This woman knows her place…

Naka ismid na si Marga sa kanya… 

“See you later David” hirit niya

“We will see later, Marga” sagot ni Alex sa kanya… tahimik lang akong na ngingiti sa tabi niya

Hindi na nakapagpigil si Marga, inirapan na niya si Alex… sabay walk out palayo sa amin. 

“Mga babae mo talaga” bulong niya pagkapasok namin sa VIP Room

“Wala akong babae, ikaw lang” bulong ko sa kanya… sabay halik sa noo niya. Buti kami palang at si Jacob na nauna sa amin kanina

Nangingiti si Jacob na nakatingin sa amin…

“Never thought I’d see the day that you’d be so whipped” asar niya sa akin

“Alam mo bang babaero yan?” kausap niya kay Alex

Natawa si Alex

“Yeah, sanay na ako… Kanina nga bago kami makarating dito may sumasabit na sa kanya” sabay tawa niya ulit

Lakas ng tawa ni Jacob

“Grabe kamandag mo Pare hanggang ngayon” 

“Jacobo, huwag mo nga ako siraan… One woman man na ako ngayon. Alex is exclusively mine and I’m hers” asik ko sa kanya

Humalakhak lalo siya

“Whipped!” sabay tawa niya ulit

Yeah, I’m f**king totally whipped… isip ko lang

Lalo na ngayong gabi, she’s wearing a lace sleeveless blouse fitted to her glorious body… showing some cleavage… Paired with skinny jeans and ankle boots all in black. Buti nalang naka leather jacket din siya pero she’s oozing s*x appeal. Hindi ko masisi si Jacobo sa asal niya kanina. She’s a f**king rock chic goddess tonight. I couldn’t be prouder that she’s mine. 

That reunion went beyond well, our women bonded together like old friends. I don’t know what happened but they all enjoyed each other’s company. Maybe because they are all smart career women on their own. 

~~~~~~~~~~

She’ll be attending Ate’s wedding with me.

Can’t wait to see her all dressed up.

God! What I saw is beyond my expectations… She's wearing a dark purple modified A-line dress. Sabrina neckline with a sleeve to her elbow… with a low back, showing her well toned back. She's a demure sexy Goddess. 

- I just wanna keep her for myself… this is some of the rarest times that she dons a dress. 

Dark Purple, Lavender and Old Rose ang Theme ng Wedding ni Ate. My bow tie matches the color of her dress. 

“You look stunning Pinakamamahal, can we not go I want to keep you for myself” bulong ko sa kanya… ng sinundo ko siya kwarto niya sa Hotel kung saan ang reception ng wedding. 

“You look so good too, can I keep you for myself too” naka ngiti niyang sabi… she’s such a tease

“I’m always yours, Pinakamamahal” landi ko din sa kanya… sabay halik sa noo niya, ang bango niya pa… I peck her on the cheeks. 

“We better go baka saan pa tayo mapunta” bulong niya sabay atras palayo sa akin…

Kinuha ko kamay niya at pinagsiklop mga daliri namin. Naglakad kaming magka hawak kamay… maya’t maya ang halik ko sa kamay niya. 

I am part of the entourage, she’s not… Matagal na kasi naka plano kasal ni Ate, nasa Australia pa ako.

I hate to leave her alone… Buti nalang guest din ang Secretary ko at ni Papa. Ipinagbilin ko siya. 

The ceremony went on like a blur to me… iniisip ko kung OK lang ba siya.

When picture taking came, pinatawag pa siya ni Ate sa family picture namin kasama din boyfriend ni Bunso. 

- Sabi niya pa ayan mahihiya na kayong hindi magkatuluyan nasa Family picture na kayo… 

- Wala naman akong balak maghanap pa ng iba… 

- I already knew she’s the one for me… the only one for me. My Forever. 

Partner ko sa entourage is Ciara Cua, my supposed “fiance”… but lucky for me, they’ve already backed out on that “Kasunduan”. And both parties have agreed not to honor that anymore. 

- As far as I know Ciara has a boyfriend in Australia already, a Filipino-Australian guy.

- Susme! naman ano to nineteen kupong kupong… hindi na uso mga ganyan ngayon. Kung silang mga Baby Boomers and Gen X pwede, but not us Millennials.

~~~~~~~~~~

The Holidays came…

We attended… 

Papa’s Birthday Party / Gernale Engineering Christmas Party

- It was always been like that ever since 

I even attended her Office Christmas Party as her plus one. 

And then...

She has to go home to her family, I wanted to go with her but she insisted that Christmas should be celebrated with one’s family. 

She will be going home to “Kanlungan”, hindi niya pa daw nagawa sa tanang buhay niya na hindi mag Christmas kasama mga kapatid niya doon. She is devoted to that orphanage and I can understand why, it’s the only family she can call her own. She even went on a Shopping Spree for her siblings there, daig pa ang galing abroad. 

I bought some toys and toiletries for the orphanage, she doesn't want me to but I insisted. 

- Kinonsensiya ko siya, Ha! effective… sabi niya kasi, basta para sa mga kapatid niya kahit daw mamalimos siya gagawin niya. 

She then asked for ART Materials, habang daw galante pa ako. 

- How can I say No to that? She never asked anything from me… just now.

I’ve met Tatay Max, Nanay Eva and Tita Yaya via video call… pinakilala niya ako, not as a boyfriend but as a best friend, which I am. I’m so happy that she’s opening that world of her to me. I can't wait to meet them personally.

She made personal gifts for my family…

- That gift she brought during Mama’s birthday was a lovely painting of a beautiful orchid flower. She knows Mama loves orchids and everything about flowers, hence the flower farm… not that we don’t have a lovely garden here at home in the Metro.

She made wonderful sketches of us, Papa and Mama, Ate and her Husband Doc Robert, pati si Bunso with her Boyfriend, Henry at ako mag isa. Parang stolen shots niya nung Wedding ni Ate tapos ginawan niya ng sketches, may kasama kasing mga photos din yun.

- Pinagpala ang kamay niya grabe… Talentadong Babae… kaka In love lalo. 

God! What more she can do…