Our First Sunset

Chapter 8

Chapter 8-Settle

Time is constantly changing. Hindi ko na nga namalayan ang mga lumipas na araw, buwan at taon na kasama ang mga taong mahalaga sa buhay ko.  Ang bilis lang! I can’t even imagine that we’re slowly getting the things we’ve worked hard for.

“Nice! Patapos na talaga.”

Kahit ako ay namangha dahil matatapos na ang construction ng bahay sa loob lamang ng halos dalawang taon. Finishing touches na lang at interior design ang kailangang tapusin para maging fully-finished na talaga ang bahay na pinapangarap namin ni Jaire.

“Mahal, nagustuhan mo ba? May ilang changes din kasi na ginawa si Engineer eh. For sure napansin mo.” Jaire said while holding my hand.

Papasok na kami sa loob ng bahay pagkatapos naming libutin upang tingnan ang buong disenyo nito sa labas. Oo, may mga napansin akong ilang pagbabago ngunit hindi naman nakasira ‘yun sa preference namin ni Jaire. Baka may kailangan talagang baguhin dahil na rin sa availability ng materyales at supplies during the construction.

“I like it. Mas maganda ngang tingnan kung fully-furnished na, love.” I said as we went upstairs to check the second floor of the house.

“In a few months, matatapos na ‘to. Excited kana ba, mahal?” he asked while we’re both leaning on the railings of the terrace.

Tamang-tama din ang location ng magiging bahay namin dahil may overlooking view mula dito sa terrace. Madaling makikita ang nagtataasang kabundukan sa paligid. Marami ring puno ang nakapalibot sa bahay kaya’t pakiramdam ko’y wala kami sa siyudad.

“I am very much excited to live here, love. Alam mong matagal natin itong hinintay diba? Finally, it’s happening…” I can’t help but to feel mixed emotions while roaming around the place.

Mas ramdam ko ang hindi maipaliwanag na saya dahil kasama kong titira sa bahay na ito ang lalaking pinakamamahal ko. Aside from the fact that this house was built according to our mutual plans, it was also founded with love and sincerity. It feels good to live in a place that could make you feel home and at peace.

“I love to see our little kids playing there, mahal.”

Natawa ako nang mahina nang ituro niya ang gagawing playground para sa magiging anak namin. Nasa bandang likuran ito ng bahay at balak din naming magpagawa ng small nipa hut doon or tree house. Ang dami pa ngang gusto ni Jaire eh, kaya lang mukhang kukulangin kami sa space. He seems excited about having kids with me. I am sure he could be a good father in the future.

“Mahal, gusto ko sama-samang maglalaro yung lima nating anak dito ha. Kaya dapat talagang magkakasundo sila sa lahat ng oras. Huwag natin silang hahayaang mag-away.” Natatawang sabi niya habang nakangisi nang malawak sa akin.

My eyes widened from disbelief. Seriously? Five kids?

“What did you say?”

He chuckled.

“Limang anak natin, mahal.”

Hindi ko na napigilan na pandilatan siya ng mata at mahinang hampasin sa braso.

“Seryoso ka ba? Ang dami naman ‘nun!”

“Eh hindi ‘yon! Mas masaya kapag maraming makukulit na bata, mahal.” He defended, convincing me that it’s a good idea.

Napahalukipkip na lang ako at tinalikuran siya.

“Eh di ikaw ang manganak, Jaire!” nagdadabog na sabi ko habang pababa ng hagdan.

Narinig ko lang ang malutong niyang pagtawa na para bang masaya pa siya na napipikon ako sa pang-aasar niya. Naku! Limang anak? I can’t believe him! I’m not a pig to bear those children inside my tummy in a short period of time. One or two kids are enough!

Few days passed. Nag-decide na kaming paunti-unting bilhin ang mga appliances at kailangang gamit sa bahay. Araw na lang ang hihintayin at matatapos na ang interior designing at furnishing. Besides, Jaire is excited to buy furnitures and appliances for our home. Last week pa niya ako kinukulit na mamili na raw kami. So, I had no choice but to file a one-day absence in my work.

“Mahal, alin mas okay sa dalawa?” tanong ni Jaire, habang may hawak na dalawang plato. Yung sa kanan ay kulay puti at yung sa kaliwa naman ay transparent na parehong plain ang design.

“The white one, love.” I replied while looking at the kitchen utensils that we’re buying.

Nasa mall kami particularly in home appliances and furniture section, isa-isang hinahanap ang mga nasa listahan namin. Actually, I was the one who created a list of things we should avail for the house. Ang sabi niya, hindi na kailangan ‘yon kasi makikita naman namin ‘yung dapat bilhin. But as usual, I argued with him. It is better to have a list so that it will fit with our budget. Besides, it is more hassle if we are not prepared enough for this. Jaire had no choice but to agree because I do really have a point.

“Mahal, bili na din tayo nito!”

Gusto ko nang lumubog sa kahihiyan dahil sa lakas ng boses niya habang may hawak na mga maternity dresses na hindi ko alam kung saan niya kinuha. I thought he was in the furniture section!

“Love, we don’t need that.” I said with a stern look on my face.

He just chuckled and went near me.

“Pero kailangan na natin ‘to, Mahal. Once we get married, we’ll have kids. I’m thinking earlier, mahal. There’s nothing wrong with that.”

Napakamot na lang ako sa noo at kulang na lang ay ihampas sa kanya ang mga damit na ‘yon. Goodness! Hindi porke’t magkakaroon na kami ng bahay eh bubuo na agad kami ng pamilya. I should discuss with him about having kids in a perfect time. Building a family is a no joke! It’s a bigger responsibility. We should make plans and investments. Yes, we both have savings for our future but still not enough for the children we’ll have in time.

“Jaire,” I gave him a murderous look, so he seems speechless with the gesture. “Put those maternity dresses back on its place or else—”

He didn’t let me finish my words because he immediately ran away from me. I don’t know where did he get those things. I was pissed because he must be teasing me. In a short while, he came back with an innocent grin on his face, I just rolled my eyes at him.

“Naibalik ko na, Mahal”

I didn’t look at him and continued what I was doing a while ago. Isa-isa kong tinitingnan ang mga kitchen wares na nasa harapan ko. Of course, I should consider the quality of the products and the brand.

“Ka-swerte naman sa asawa, ano?”

“Oo nga! Sana all na lang.”

“Sana may ganyan din ako. Ang unfair talaga ng mundo! Hay..”

Natigilan ako nang makarinig ng hagikhikan sa di-kalayuan. In a few distance, I saw two sale ladies who were looking at my boyfriend while carrying my leather hand bag and following me innocently.

“Mahal, ang dami sigurong milyones ng bag mo ano? Ang bigat eh!” he joked.

I shook my head as a reaction. Jaire is really funny in any places. It’s just natural for him to be that way, actually I admit that it’s kinda cute. I wonder why he gets other girls’ attention even with his slim body, fair skin and thick rimmed specs. He’s not a typical guy that women would drool over.

“Jaire, malapit na ang lunch time. Tapusin na natin ‘to.” I said seriously as I glanced at my wristwatch.

“Sure, mahal.”

He nodded and went beside me. We went to the counter and processed the payment of the appliances and furniture we’ve chosen. I was the one who managed the budget and expenses for the house. He trusts me when it comes to financial management because he’s more liable and capable with the application and actual setting.

That is how good relationship works. It is important to know each other’s weaknesses and strengths in different aspects. It is better to compromise and help one another. Relationship is not just about feelings and intimacy but also a team work, support system and good influence to each other. When both of you are working together then a positive result is possible to happen.

Our waiting has been over. The house we’ve planned and built together within years was already finished. Today was the house blessing and everyone who attended were so happy for this important event in our life.

“Congrats for your new home!” my mom said and hugged me tightly.

I hugged her back. I can’t even explain the happiness I was having right now. It all felt surreal. For almost two years of hard work and waiting, finally we’ve got our first goal—our home.

“Thank you for joining us today. Welcome to our home!” I said while looking at the people who attended the first blessing of our newly-constructed house.

Everyone was smiling from ear to ear while eyeing the exterior design of our house. I was holding the key of the front door and all of them are excited to witness the interior design.

“Finally, we’ll be living here. Are you happy, Asha?” Jaire mumbled on my ear while holding my waist firmly. We’re both standing in front of the main door.

I nodded. Of course, I am indeed grateful for this milestone. Ang dami na naming nagawa na magkasama. We’ve achieved our primary goals and I can’t wait for more dreams to fulfill with him.

“Open it, mahal.” He said and I did.

All of us were shocked and speechless as we’ve witnessed the inside of the living area. Kahit ako ay napako na rin sa kinatatayuan dahil sa nasaksihan. There are lots of roses scattered and arranged properly on the marble floor. May mga scented candles din na naka-design as heart shaped. I covered my mouth using my right hand as I saw the huge banner attached on the white wall. There was a written question there and it says, “Will you marry me, Asha?”.

That was unexpected on my part.

Everyone was clapping and cheering for us. Hindi agad ako nakabawi at tila nablangko ang aking isipan. Nang lingunin ko si Jaire ay nakaluhod na siya sa aking harapan habang hawak ang red velvet box na mayroong diamond ring. Hindi agad ako nakapagsalita at tutop pa rin ang ibig. Habang siya ay nakangiti sa akin at matiim ang titig sa aking mga mata.

“Asha, it’s you whom I only want to spend the rest of my life with. Wala na akong nakikita kungdi ikaw bilang aking asawa at ina ng ating mga anak. You’re the only one I want to marry in front of God and important people in our life. I want you to be my wife, my best friend, my support system and my life time companion. I love you so much, Asha. I can’t wait to build a home and family with you. Mahal kita…higit pa sa inaakala kong mararamdaman ko. So, I am whole heartedly asking you, are you willing to marry me?” he asked with a spark of tears on his expressive eyes.

Little did I know, I’ve found myself crying heavily while nodding. Until I’ve heard loud claps and cheers from the people around us.

“Yes! I wanna marry you. It’s only you.” I answered and gave him a warmest hug.

I felt Jaire’s tears on my shoulder. I can’t believe he’s a crybaby! He thought I’d reject his proposal? Of course not! He’s the only one I want to marry and have kids with.

“Thank you, Asha. Mahal na mahal kita.”

I wiped his tears away and kissed his forehead. He did the same thing too.

“I love you so much. It will always be you, love.” I said and claimed his lips.