The plan was to meet up at my place at five in the morning, have breakfast and leave at seven. I didn't know that Yuyu and Yuna slept over kagabi. After ko magpack and after I called Winter, natulog ako kaagad. Nakita ko na lang sila having breakfast with my parents when I went downstairs.

 

I guess they invited themselves in and slept sa kwarto ni Ate Irene while I was on the phone with Winter. 

 

And yes, prior to this plan, nakausap ko na si Winter about having to meet my parents. Sabi niya, this time, she'd be much more prepared kahit sobrang aga. At least, she's aware daw.

 

Actually, excited si Mommy to meet Winter. She even asked kung ano ang gustong breakfast ni Winter kasi she will cook it for her. Since my parents are going to be home this whole week for my birthday and Yuyu's na rin, may time daw siya mag prepare and cook for us. 

 

I told mommy she can cook anything since masarap naman siya magluto. Winter will appreciate it I'm sure.

 

Though I know that my girlfriend is nervous about officially meeting my parents, I assured her that it will be fine. Prior to her falling asleep sa call namin kagabi, I was trying to keep her nerves at bay. My parents are friendly, kahit na FC si daddy. 

 

"Morning," I greeted them groggily while picking bacon from Yuyu's plate. "Ang dami naman ng food, mommy." 

 

 It was only four in the morning but my mom managed to put a full on breakfast buffet sa dining area namin. I don't know what time she woke up to do all of this.

 

Super surprising din na yung magkapatid ay maaga and ready na. "You're both up early din." 

 

"Naamoy namin luto ni mommy eh," ngumunguyang sabi ni Yuna. 

 

"Iha, marami kayo diba?" Mommy came out from the kitchen to put more food on the table. "At kasama girlfriend mo. Dapat lang maimpress siya sa akin." She smiled as she kissed me good morning. "Papunta na ba ang twins? Si Lia at Giselle?" 

 

Mommy, if anything si Winter ang gustong magpa-impress even though I kept telling her she should just be herself. 

 

"Kain ka na anak." 

 

I shook my head, "I'll wait for Winter, mom. We'll eat together." Kasi if I eat now and hindi ko sasamahan ang girlfriend ko later, she would be too shy and mag-eexcuse na hindi siya gutom. Even though she told me that the important part of the day is breakfast. Hindi daw pwede na hindi siya kumain ng breakfast. Otherwise, pangit ang araw niya.

 

And considering we're meeting up so early, hindi pa talaga yun kakain sa bahay nila. I assured her that I would be with her when she meets my parents. Kahit naman Soobin and Ning will be here, I'd feel better being beside Winter all the time. 

 

"Where's daddy?" 

 

Before mommy could even answer, lumabas si daddy from the kitchen with a mug. "Here's your tea, anak," he said. "Ano pala gusto inumin ni Winter sa umaga? Para I can make it for her na rin." 

 

"Dad…" I warned him. "You're going to scare Winter again!" 

 

"Hindi na talaga, promise! Behave na si Daddy." Nag cross pa siya sa heart niya and raised his right hand. 

 

I playfully rolled my eyes at him, "you better."

 

"Saan na ba sila? Lalamig na yung food." 

 

"We agreed na five ang meet up. It's only four, 'my. They'll be here soon." 

 

Masyado yatang excited si Mommy because she couldn't sit still and kept making sure na ready na ang lahat. 

 

While waiting, bumalik ako so taas to get ready. I took a half bath lang since naligo na ako kagabi and double checked my bag to make sure that I didn't forget anything. 

 

Naka jersey shorts lang ako and oversized tee para comfy sa byahe. If there's one thing I hate, it's wearing jeans during a long trip. Hindi ka makagalaw ng maayos. 

 

Dinala ko rin yung fanny pack ko. I did a once over sa mirror and nodded my head, satisfied with the way I looked. I swear mommy dressed this way back in the 90s. Naka tuck-in nga lang yung shirt. Ayoko mag tuck-in. Daddy said that is how people know you did the number two.

 

Ang daming alam eh. 

 

I could hear Lia outside. Nandito na rin yata yung twins and Giselle so I grabbed my bag and went outside. Timing din na pagkababa ko, I received a text from my girlfriend saying that they're five minutes away.

 

"Your favourite girl is here, Tita!" Giselle announced as she hugged my mom. Siya na ang self-proclaimed favourite girl ni mommy. It's not like wala kami ni Ate Irene. "Tita, I missed your cooking! It's been so tagal na po!" Giselle immediately took a plate and started picking out food. "You still make the best pancakes. So sarap!" 

 

Natawa naman si mommy sa pagka-conyo ni Giselle. "Sit down na kids and kumain na. The food is getting cold." 

 

They didn't waste any time and joined the Shin sisters on the table. Nakareceive din ako ng text that my girlfriend arrived. 

 

"Sunduin ko lang sila Winter sa labas," I excused myself before going out of the house. 

 

Winter or Soobin didn't drive. From what I know, magpapahatid lang daw sila or mag Grab so they don't have to bring any of their cars. 

 

So nagulat ako when I went out and saw two Winters taking bags out of the trunk of their car. 

 

Ako naman ang hindi prepared to meet Winter's sister.

 

Kahit na I met her before.

 

But it's different this time. 

 

G-girlfriend ko na ang kapatid niya na pinaiyak ko before.

 

Oh my goodness. 

 

What a bad first impression. 

 

I suddenly feel sweaty. 

 

"Hi baby!" Para akong nanigas in my spot when Winter called for me. Her sister looked at me and I don't know if she's giving me the stink eye or what. 

 

I swallowed hard before ko pa sila lapitan. "Hello po," I greeted Winter's sister first. Nakita ko nakapout na ang girlfriend ko. Baby, I'll deal with you later. I feel like doing the number two right now. "Good morning," I said for good measure. 

 

I smiled sweetly at Winter to placate her matampuhin self and reached out to grab her bag. 

 

"Karina," bakit po ang cold ng boses niya? "Papaiyakin mo ba si Winter sa Batangas?" 

 

"P-po?"

 

Tinulak ni Winter ang Ate niya. "Ate, wag ka nga!" Then she grabbed my hand and caressed it. That helped my nerves. "Ignore her," Winter whispered.

 

Baby, it's kind of hard to ignore when your older sister witnessed yung tampuhan natin before. 

 

I think bad na talaga yung impression niya sa akin.

 

But like a whole 180, nag-smile sa akin ang Ate ni Winter. "Nagbibiro lang naman!" 

 

"Hindi nakakatawa!" 

 

"Ate, tinatakot mo naman ang bebe ni Winter," sabay sabi ni Ning who was carrying two bags. "Si Winter una nagpaiyak kay Karina, Ate!" Sumbong ni Ning. 

 

Winter let go of my hand at kinurot si Ning. It's only five in the morning at ang rami nilang energy. "Ning! Hindi ka nakakatulong." 

 

Hindi ko na alam kung anong nangyayari.

 

Soobin and Chenle already walked inside the house. Sanay na sanay na sa kanilang tatlo.

 

Ang gulo. And I'm still a little nervous because of Winter's Ate. 

 

"Anyway," tiningnan ako ulit ng Ate ni Winter. But this time, with a smile and kinder eyes. "Alagaan mo si Winter, Karina ha! First time niya mag trip kasama ang barkada." 

 

"O-opo."

 

"Safe ba dun?" 

 

"Yes po," I assured her. "Uhm, gusto mo po kausapin si Mama?" I offered para mapanatag ang loob niya.

 

She took a step back and shook her head. "Ay naku, wag na. Hindi ko role iyan. Ate lang ako. Plus hindi naman kami mamamanhikan no. Masyadong maaga para mag meet the family." 

 

I in a breath. We're only going on a trip. Why is she already talking about that? 

 

"Ate Taeng!" Sigaw ni Winter. "Alam mo, umuwi ka na. Salamat sa paghatid." At hinila na ako papasok sa bahay. Sumunod na rin si Ning sa amin

 

 I turned around to say bye. "Ingat po sa pag-drive." 

 

Winter's sister waved at me, "Ingatan mo si Winter! Hindi pwede yan makagat ng lamok!" 

 

Winter pulled on me even more, malapit na nga akong matapilok. Ngayon ko lang din napansin yung brown paper bag in her hand. "Baby, what's in the bag?" 

 

"Tinapay," she brought it close to my face. Ang bango! "Freshly baked pa to baby, magugustuhan ng mommy mo." 

 

See, sabi ko nga Winter would want to impress my mom. She loves bread! Especially yung freshly baked pandesal. Sobrang sarap daw isawsaw sa sikwate. 

 

"You didn't have to, baby. But my mom will love this. Thank you," I pinched her cheek kasi nagpacute din siya sa akin. 

 

Papasok na sana kami sa bahay but Winter tugged at my hand, making me stop. "Teka lang." She took a deep breath tapos nag chant pa siya ng kaya ko to. "Okay, tara na." 

Natatawa na ako sa itsura ng girlfriend ko. 

 

As soon as we got inside, my mom wasted no time pampering my girlfriend. Even more so when Winter gave her the bread. Pinaupo niya kaagad si Winter and served her all kinds of food na niluto niya all the while asking her all kinds of questions.

 

Ano daw hobbies niya, may kapatid ba siya, at kumusta naman daw ang business nila. 

 

Yung girlfriend ko naman, tried her best to answer every question my mom threw at her. She couldn’t even say no sa mga pagkain that my mom kept putting on her plate.

 

Mas malala pa pala si Mommy kesa kay Daddy. Pero at least, Winter was warming up to my mom way faster than she did with my dad. Kahit na mukhang sasabog na siya anytime soon sa kabusugan. 

 

She could only look at me, eyes pleading kasi Mama was still fussing around her. Natawa na lang ako and decided to save her from my mother.

 

"Mommy, I think busog na si Winter," I said, stopping my mom from putting more pancakes sa plate ni Winter. Pinakain na siya ng fried rice, binigyan pa ng waffles and bacon. My poor baby is stuffed. "Sasabog na siya oh." Tinignan ni Mommy ang girlfriend ko and Winter could only smile sheepishly. 

 

"Sorry, Winter," my mom chuckled, patting Winter's puffy cheeks. "Sige, mag ready na kayo. The van is here na." 

 

Winter attempted to clean up pero pinigilan siya ni Ate Marie, "Iiwan mo na lang diyan, Winter. Ako na." 

Daddy made sure the van was all good. Kinausap pa niya driver namin and reminded him to be careful sa pag drive. Hindi naman kami nagmamadali so hinay-hinay na lang daw sa daan. 

 

Si Mommy naman hindi nagkulang kakaremind sa amin to be careful. She even told Winter na bantayan ako sa mga kakainin ko. Binilin niya talaga ako sa kanya.

 

"Winter, don't let Karina eat too much bad food," she pointed at me. "She's stubborn so pagalitan mo siya kapag hindi nakikinig." 

 

Umagree naman ang girlfriend ko. "Stubborn nga po siya." 

 

"Pinapahirapan ka ba ni Karina? She has so many aches and pain, hindi lang halata." 

 

"Sabi po ni God, not everyone is perfect so binigyan ng flaw si Karina, Tita," Winter joked around. She's more at ease now with my parents. "Hindi na po kasi fair na kamukha siya ni Mama Mary." 

 

Napatawa naman si mommy, "Mama Mary?" 

 

"Opo. Gandang sinasamba po. Mana po sayo," ang cheeky ng girlfriend ko kay mommy. Ganito talaga siya once she gets comfortable sayo.

 

"I can see why Karina likes you very much, Winter," sabi ni mommy. "Sweet talker ka pala." 

 

"Totoo naman po kasi!" 

 

"Alright, sige. Be careful, everyone," mommy reminded us again. "Karina, Ate Irene and Ate Marie will be there sa gabi. Mag-ingat kayo. Ryujin, bantayan mo Yuyu mo ha! Ikaw rin, Winter." Para naman akong bata para ibilin kay Yuyu and Winter. "Bye! Be safe and happy birthday, sweetie" bumeso si mommy sa akin at kay Yuyu. 

 

"Bye mga anak!" Daddy waved at us as the van drove away. 

 

Malaki yung van that Ate rented. Hyunjin took the seat up front beside the driver since gusto daw niya maging DJ for the ride. It's way too early in the morning for karaoke so he's playing some chill songs lang perfect for a road trip.

 

Winter was leaning on the window so I nudged her. "Are you sleepy?" I asked.

 

She only nodded her head so I took off the neck pillow she gave me so she could rest her head on my shoulder. "Sandal ka sa akin."

 

"Baka sasakit balikat mo. Okay lang ako, baby." 

 

Umiling lang ako and cradled her head, guiding it to rest on my shoulder. "I'll be fine. Just sleep." 

 

Winter didn't argue anymore and slept on my shoulder. Sumiksik pa nga siya sa leeg ko. But me having a Lola's body, could not even last 20 minutes. Gusto kong tiisin yung sakit so Winter could continue sleeping but who was I kidding? Sumasakit na rin yung leeg at likod ko.

 

Ang lakas ko pa naman magsabi that I would be fine. 

 

"Baby," I whispered. Tinapik ko gently ang mukha niya. "Baby, sorry. Can you…" 

 

Winter groaned and inangat yung ulo niya. "Masakit ba?" She squeezed my shoulder lightly and I winced in pain. "Sorry baby. Sabi ko naman okay lang ako sumandal sa window," she pouted. Sleepy pa rin si Winter so she looked super cute and I couldn't help but giggle. "Bakit ka tumatawa?" 

 

I pinched her cheek. Hindi ko mapigilan. "Nothing. I'm really okay, babe." 

 

She looked at me unconvinced but nodded her head anyway. Pero before she went back to sleep, sinuot niya sa akin yung neck pillow ko. "Kawawa naman baby lola ko." I pouted sa sinabi niya and Winter only giggled. “Tulog ka rin,” she said before leaning against the window but not before taking my hand and entwining our fingers. 

 

Pinagmasdan ko lang siya.

 

Winter looks…angelic almost. Maamo naman talaga mukha niya pero looking at her so peaceful in her slumber makes her look like a cherub. Palagi niya sinasabi na sinasamba yung kagandahan ko but she herself looks like one too. Never naman niya dineny na pretty siya but I don’t think she knows just HOW MUCH. And I think I’m lucky enough that I get to see her like this.

 

Ang fluffy pa ng cheeks niya. Parang yung pandesal na dinala niya for Mommy. Gusto kong kurutin but I had to stop myself. I leaned back sa seat ko, frustrated dahil ang cute cute ng girlfriend ko. 

 

Nanggigigil ako. 

 

“Ang landi mo,” Yuyu whispered beside me. “Nakalimutan niyo yata may kasama kayo.” 

 

Inirapan ko lang siya. “Whatever,” bumelat ako sa kanya. “Go back to sleep.” 

 

I tried sleeping as well. Winter's hand is so warm in mine that I find it comforting in the air conditioned van. I snuggled closer to her, chasing more warmth from my girlfriend. 

 

But just as soon as I drifted off to sleep, sumakit ang likod ko from sleeping awkwardly. Actually, not just my back, but my left arm and neck. 

 

Lola na nga kung Lola. 

 

I got up from my position, annoyed. How can I cuddle up with Winter if palaging masakit katawan ko? 

 

The thought of it irks me.

 

I sat up straight trying to alleviate the pain. Ayoko muna mag take ng pain reliever kasi I can still handle the pain pa naman. If hindi na talaga, ilabas si Katinkoman! 

 

However, I couldn't sit still. Parang nangangalay buong katawan ko. Winter stirred in her sleep and I was afraid na magising ko siya. I rummaged through my bag to look for painkillers and Katinkoman pero wala.

 

I think I put it in my duffel bag. 

 

I looked at Winter. Baka meron siya. Baka need ko lang ng kisspirin. 

 

Even in pain, I'm so landi.

 

I didn't want to wake her but I had no choice. "Baby," I whispered, waking her for the second time. 

 

Parang naalimpungatan pa siya because she woke up in a state of confusion, "huh?" 

 

"Do you have painkillers with you?" 

 

"Wala. Binigay ko sayo. Hindi mo ba dinala?" She asked, worried. "Saan ba masakit?" 

 

"No, I did. I think nasa malaki kong bag nalagay." I pouted. "I'll ask Yuyu na lang." 

 

So I turned to Yuyu who was sitting beside me. 

 

"Yuyu," I whispered, shaking her. Natutulog kasi. "Where's your bag?"

 

"Bakit mo ako inaalog?" Naiinis niyang sabi, voice a bit hoarse. Pati si Chaeryeong nagising. 

 

My bad.

 

"Painkiller or salonpas. Did you bring?" 

 

"Saan ba yung iyo?" 

 

"It's in my other bag." 

 

"Buti na lang lagi akong prepared dahil sayo." Yuyu rummaged through her bag. She took out Tylenol, water, and salonpas. She even took out my hand wrap. Prepared nga. 

 

Ininom ko kaagad yung Tylenol. I asked Yuyu na rin to put the Salonpas on my shoulder. 

 

"Saan ba?" Hinawi niya yung buhok ko and pulled on my shirt. Buti na lang I wore an oversized tee para madali maglagay ng Salonpas. 

 

I pointed to my left shoulder. I was waiting for her to put it on me pero bigla niya inabot yung Salonpas sa likod ko. 

 

"Winter, ikaw na maglagay. Mas madali kasi nasa side mo." 

 

Napatingin na lang ako sa girlfriend ko na nakakunot yung noo. Wordlessly, she put the Salonpas on my shoulder. 

 

"Thank you, babe," I said. She only nodded her head.

 

Anong nangyari? 

 

Hinila naman ako ni Yuyu at bumulong. Nakikiliti ako. "I think nagtatampo jowa mo." 

 

"Huh?"

 

Yuyu pointed with her lips so I turned to look at my girlfriend. Nakasandal na ang ulo niya sa window, arms crossed across her chest. 

 

Bakit naman siya nagtatampo? "You okay?" Winter only hummed in reply. "What's wrong?" 

 

"Mamaya na lang," she said softly. 

 

I could only nod, disappointed. Whatever it is that I did to upset her, I want to correct it quickly. Ayoko naman magtampuhan kami this whole trip. Especially since it's my birthday. 

 

Slowly, I reached for my hand to hold hers hoping that she won’t turn me away.

 

Nanginginig ako!

 

Hindi naman niya inalis. She probably felt how cold my hand was because she held my hand and squeezed it. Then, she turned to me and gave me a small smile. 

 

“We’re okay, baby,” she assured me. 

 

Okay, this is good. 

Tinanong ako ni Yuyu if okay lang si Winter when we stopped at a rest stop. Tumango lang ako and followed my girlfriend out of the van. She needed to use the bathroom daw. 

 

While waiting for her, I took it upon myself to buy Winter’s favourite candies. 

 

“Babe,” I turned around at the familiar voice.

 

“Tapos ka na?” I asked. Winter nodded. Inabot ko sa kanya yung candies. 

 

She took it and smiled. “Para saan to?”

 

“Peace offering,” I said while giving her the peace sign.

 

“Hindi naman ako galit sayo.” 

 

I grabbed her hand and pulled her closer to me. “So, are you okay na? Do you feel better?” 

 

"Hmm," tumango siya. "Sorry, babe. Di naman talaga ako galit sayo. Uhm…" Winter paused. Hindi siya makatingin sa akin. Parang nahihiya pa siya magsabi. And then she looked at me and proceeded to pout. How can I resist her? 

 

"Kasi…ako dapat yung gumawa ng ganon para sayo? 

 

"Ano?" I asked, confused. May dapat siyang gagawin?

 

"Yung…yung pag-alaga sayo," nahihiya niyang sabi.

 

Oh.

 

Oh.

 

"Baby…" I made her look at me. Pinipigilan ko din hindi ngumiti. "Are you jealous of Yuyu?" 

 

I'm not saying that I'm enjoying jealous Winter kasi who would be? Ang cute lang talaga ng face niya right now all pouty and grouchy. 

 

Nanlaki naman ang mga mata niya and umatras, umiiling, "No!" 

 

Grabe naman mag deny. I gave her a look and she just shook her head. "Baby, hindi ako nagseselos." Tinaasan ko siya ng kilay. And then she sighed. "Okay, nagseselos ako but not in the way you think!" 

 

I took her hand and pulled her closer to me. May nakatingin na sa amin ever since Winter raised her voice kanina. Pero, I don't care naman and Winter was jealous enough  to even notice. 

 

"You know there's nothing to be jealous of right?" 

 

"Alam ko…" 

 

"Then bakit ka nagseselos kay Yuyu?" 

 

"Ihh nakakahiya naman kasi yung reason ko." 

 

"Try me."

 

Napakamot siya sa ulo niya. "Nagseselos ako kasi kilalang-kilala ka ni Ryujin to the point na prepared siya sa mga kailangan mo," nakanguso niyang pag-explain. "Gusto ko rin gawin yun para sayo." 

 

"Prepared ka rin naman," I said. "Ako lang yung nakalimot, babe. Plus," kinuha ko mga kamay niya and pinaikot sa bewang ko so she's like hugging me. "Yuyu and I grew up together, babe. Ganun din sila Yeji with me. And we're getting to know each other more. We'll get to the point where you know me like the back of your hand. The same with me to you. And I can't wait to find out every single thing about you; more things to like about you." 

 

Hinawakan ko ang mukha niya thumbs caressing her reddening cheeks. 

 

"G-grabe ka naman…" she whispered. "Sabi mo hindi ka good with words pero grabe ka naman magpakilig sa loob ng convenience store." Tumawa na lang ako sa sinabi niya.

 

"It's because I like you so much!"

 

"Iihhh," she squealed. "Ano ba. Nahihiya na nga ako eh!" 

 

"So are you okay na?" 

 

"Okay ako," she smiled. "Okay tayo." 

 

"Okay good," pinalibot ko na yung kamay ko ar