\ “Wow,” Jaxon greeted me as I left his room. It was past six in the evening when I finished getting ready. “As always, beautiful.” “Thanks,” I muttered and kissed him. We agreed to leave in an hour for the trip, as we might encounter traffic, and it would be embarrassing to be late for that party. Uncle Robert kept asking where I was, but I couldn’t reply because I was also getting ready. I only checked what Jaxon bought for me now, and I’m glad he made the right choice of dress. I’m now wearing a black long backless gown with pearls embroidered from my neckline down to my waist. He also bought me a pair of white stilettos with a touch of gold and a gold purse. It was a simple yet elegant attire, and I can’t argue with the fact that I love it. It’s comfortable to wear, and it doesn’t squeeze my stomach, so I can breathe properly. He guided me into his car, adjusted my seatbelt. He is the sweetest, but he looked tired. It did not, however, lessen how handsome he is tonight. He wa
“I’ll give it to you later, you’re so excited. Open this first,” he said, pointing to his table full of large gifts. “Their gifts look more beautiful and rich compared to mine. It’s embarrassing.” “I don’t want that! I want you! Come on, give it to me!” he insisted, so I flicked his forehead and pushed him away with my finger. “Ouch, wait, I’ll show you something cool, look at this.” He said and lifted the suit he was wearing, revealing his tattoo, a butterfly tattoo. “Isn’t the butterfly your favorite? There, because I love you, I got this, be proud.” I nodded, “It’s beautiful, but,” I flicked him again, he’s trying to make excuses! “I told you no tattoos! You’re making excuses, I’ll punch you in the head!” “I’m already old! Look, I even have a crush on you, just be my girlfriend already.” He said, so I just laughed. He’s been saying that since he was a kid, very persistent, very flirtatious. “Sorry to burst your bubble, but she has a boyfriend.” My laughter subsided when I heard
“Where do you want to eat, love?” We were currently in Jaxon’s car, coming from the hospital. I’m four months pregnant, and as time goes by, it’s getting harder. There have been many changes in my habits, moods, cravings, and my stomach is starting to show, which is the most noticeable change of all. “Hmm, maybe nowhere.” He kept looking at me as if he didn’t believe what I was saying, well, because I’m always hungry, I want to eat all sorts of things, but I’m not gaining too much weight since every morning, we always go for a walk for at least thirty minutes, and sometimes I accompany him to the gym, where I just use the treadmill. I’m not as easily out of breath now. We’re planning to take Mama out here, but knowing the danger it may cause them, I’m hesitant, even though I really want them to come because I want to know the things I should do, and it’s different when your mom takes care of you and assists you. “Are you sure? Really nothing? Maybe later you’ll ask me to buy someth
I woke up feeling a pain in my lower abdomen. What happened? Why does my body ache? Was I dreaming? Wait, I’m in the hospital now, what am I doing here? My eyes widened as I remembered what happened at the restaurant and immediately stood up. That’s when I noticed the IV in me, so I winced when I felt a twinge of pain. My baby. Just then, the door opened, and Jaxon entered with a doctor and a nurse. They immediately approached me, the nurse checked my IV, and the doctor came to me to ask how I was feeling. Jaxon didn’t get too close, letting the doctor check on me first. “You almost had a miscarriage. Please take care of yourself. Too much stress will only bring bad effects to your child,” the doctor reminded me. I just nodded. I almost lost my baby, but my baby is still with me. I held my stomach, “Hang in there, baby. Mommy and Daddy got you.” “Thank you, doc,” Jaxon answered, so the doctor and nurse bid goodbye and left. We remained silent for almost a minute after the doctor
It’s been almost a week since we moved here to Cavite, and our stay has been okay. Mama hasn’t been asking too many questions; she’s been busy because she really likes Jaxon. I’ve been enjoying myself too because Mama’s cooking is delicious. Jaxon doesn’t need to go far to get my cravings; Mama often knows exactly what my taste buds are looking for. She said we’re almost as picky as she was when she was pregnant with me and Lola, her mother. Her mother used to cook for her when she was alive. I was only six years old when she passed away from diabetes. So when I grew up, Mama also warned me about sweets or sources of sugar, like chocolates, rice, cake, and ice cream. It’s just the five of us at home—Mama, Sam, Zain, Kris, and me. Jaxon and Cain aren’t here; they left together for something important. But from what I heard, they’re not going to the same place. It’s almost two in the afternoon, and I’m so bored. I wanted to go out, maybe to the mall. I just want to buy some things for
Maria “Ija, come join us,” my mother called as she saw me coming down the stairs from my room. It’s been three months, but I still can’t believe what’s happening to me now. It feels like just yesterday I was raised in Tondo, where I encountered all kinds of people. Not everyone there is bad, though. People just assume it’s a den of criminals, but not everyone is like that. Not everyone is bad. It also feels like just yesterday when I was almost sold to the elderly for my soul, and also when I saw the man who saved me. I thought we would never see each other again, because who am I for him to look for? But I felt revived when someone arrived at the house, insisting that he’s my mother. At first, I couldn’t believe it. I grew up in Tondo with my mother and two siblings, as well as my father. I didn’t finish college due to financial constraints, so I chose to work after graduating from high school to support my two younger siblings. I helped my mother in the market on my days off an
I don’t know how I managed to get back to my seat without causing a scene because of what I saw. I wanted to rush over, to pull the hair of the woman who kissed him, but I couldn’t. I couldn’t risk anything happening to my child.“Pregnant, what’s wrong? Are you okay? Does your stomach hurt? You’re not speaking,” I suddenly remembered that Zain was with me here. He’s been asking me what’s wrong since I looked pale.So I drank some water and took a deep breath. It felt like my heart was being stabbed with everything I was seeing. I’ll let him explain. I’ll give him a chance to defend himself.“I’m okay. Eat your food before I take it back,” I said. He started eating, while I tried to calm myself. I’m in public; I don’t want to cause trouble. I don’t want a scene, I don’t want to be seen on Facebook as a grandma who loves to fight. I still have respect for myself.“I’ll just be over there. I have somewhere to go, I’ll just be in front of you. Enjoy yourself for a while,” I told him, and
I don’t know how I managed to get back to my seat without causing a scene because of what I saw. I wanted to rush over, to pull the hair of the woman who kissed him, but I couldn’t. I couldn’t risk anything happening to my child.“Pregnant, what’s wrong? Are you okay? Does your stomach hurt? You’re not speaking,” I suddenly remembered that Zain was with me here. He’s been asking me what’s wrong since I looked pale.So I drank some water and took a deep breath. It felt like my heart was being stabbed with everything I was seeing. I’ll let him explain. I’ll give him a chance to defend himself.“I’m okay. Eat your food before I take it back,” I said. He started eating, while I tried to calm myself. I’m in public; I don’t want to cause trouble. I don’t want a scene, I don’t want to be seen on Facebook as a grandma who loves to fight. I still have respect for myself.“I’ll just be over there. I have somewhere to go, I’ll just be in front of you. Enjoy yourself for a while,” I told him, and