Miggy's POV
I was talking to Jhay in the office, confirming the last-minute details for Gabie's surprise birthday celebration. I had originally asked him to help out because I couldn't leave work earlier.
"Aunt Beauty cooked the food already," Jhay said over the phone. "And I'll pick up the cake you ordered when I head back. I told her I couldn't go with her to school today because I had to help Aunt at the market, but what she doesn't know is that after we did that, I left to go straight to your office."
I placed the payment for the cake on the table and asked, "Are you sure Gabie didn't hear anything?"
"Definitely not. If she did, she wouldn't have told you anything last night, especially since you were together. After she called you."
"Good," I said. "I'll pick up the flowers and then head out to get her."
"Wow, you're really going all out, sir!" Jhay teased.
"You're skipping work to fetch him yourself?" he added.
"It's fine. I've cleared my schedule. No meetings today, and tomorrow's just the project presentation. I made sure to keep today free since it's her birthday"
"Sure! Noted! Great effort!" he said, laughing.
"It's not just about the birthday. I'm sure she passed her thesis defense, so it's a double celebration."
Jhay practically squealed. "Wow! But she's not even your girlfriend yet! What if she says yes after this? My friends from school and I might even do a red carpet for you."
I chuckled. "Can you please leave now? Pick up the cake and fix the balloons. Meynard won't be able to go with you because I'm leaving the rest of my tasks to him."
"Oh! I can handle that. Oh, my golly! Text me when you're on your way."
"That money includes your Uber fare," I said as he grabbed the cash. "So, you won't have a hard time carrying everything."
"Thank you, Sir Sweet and Generous! I wish everyone had that!" he laughed before heading out.
We had been planning Gabie's surprise for days. I originally wanted to cater, but Jhay told me Gabie's mom wanted to cook instead. I didn't want to step on anyone's toes, so I agreed and volunteered to take care of the cake and gifts. Only Jhay knew about my full plans. Even Gabie's mom didn't know I'd be there later when she arrived home.
I wrapped up the remaining reports—just three folders on my table—and left Meynard with instructions to cover the rest. We had agreed earlier to swap half-days since my anniversary with Shane was coming up next week.
By lunchtime, I was out of the office. I didn't eat with Meynard; instead, I went through a drive-thru and ate in the car while waiting outside Gabie's school. Before that, I passed by the flower shop to pick up the bouquet I ordered. My gift, a white gold necklace, had been delivered last week. It had two pendants: one shaped like a psychology symbol and the other with his aquamarine birthstone. I wanted something unique, not just initials—those were too common.
I parked near the school gate. The bouquet was in the passenger seat, ready for her to see the moment she got in. I played some music while I ate, filling the silence as I waited. I didn't call her—she was probably still inside, wrapping up.
A few minutes later, I saw her coming out, and I instantly got out of the car.
"Gabie!" I called, waving.
She spotted me, and her face lit up. She suddenly ran toward me.
"I passed! Thank you!" she said joyfully, throwing her arms around me. I was caught off guard, but I hugged her back. I felt the warmth of her tears on my chest.
"Congratulations," I said softly, holding her.
We stayed like that for a while before I gently led her to the car. I opened the passenger door for her.
"Wow!" she exclaimed when she saw the bouquet.
"You like it?"
She nodded, picked it up, and sat down, placing the flowers carefully on her lap. I took her bag and the folder she carried and placed them in the backseat.
"You hungry?" I asked. "I got food for you."
She smiled and began eating as I drove.
"Where are we going?" she asked between bites.
"MOA. It's still early, and it's breezy there."
"Okay, she said, munching on fries.
When we arrived, I parked and disposed of our trash. I got back in the car and turned to her.
"So, here's what I wanted to say. First, congratulations. You've worked hard, and you're almost at the finish line. I'm really proud of you"
She smiled, listening quietly.
"Second, happy birthday."
She blinked. "Wait, how did you know?"
"Secret. Just let me finish."
She nodded.
"You've achieved a lot lately. That deserves to be celebrated. So… here."
I handed her a paper bag with the box inside. She hesitated, but I nudged it toward her until she accepted it.
"Open it," I urged.
She did, slowly. Her eyes widened when she saw what was inside.
"Luh! This is so expensive! I don't think I can accept this…"
I said nothing. I took the necklace and held it up.
"I bought this for you. Turn around, I'll put it on."
She didn't move at first.
"Don't worry, unless you don't like it?"
"No, I do. It's just… no one's ever given me something like this before."
"Then get used to it," I grinned. "I plan to spoil you."
"Don't," she said seriously. "People might say I'm only with you for the gifts."
"I don't care what they say. I know you. We've spent months talking. That's not why I like you."
She stayed quiet, still unsure.
"Let me put it on, please?"
Finally, he turned around. I clasped the necklace easily since her hair was tied up.
She looked down and touched the pendant.
"Why two pendants?"
"One's your birthstone, the other's for your degree. Couldn't decide which you'd like more."
"I'd have been happy with just one."
"Well, now you've got both. One for your birthday, one for your thesis."
She chuckled. "I don't know what to say. The flowers were more than enough."
"That's because you're special to me."
She looked thoughtful. "Can I ask something?"
"Of course."
"Remember the night we mistook that girl for me? The one Jhay mentioned?"
I instantly tensed. Of course I remembered. That was the night I nearly ruined everything.
"Yeah…"
"Do you remember what Jhay said afterward?"
I tried to recall, but the panic from that night had drowned out everything.
"Not really… I was too busy worrying you wouldn't believe me. I thought that'd be the end."
She nodded slowly.
I was about to ask what she meant, but I saw her expression shift. Her face paled.
"Are you okay?" I reached out for his hand—it was ice-cold.
"Gabie? You're not feeling well?"
She just shook her head…
"B-Because… I-I mean…" she stammered, struggling to get the words out like something was stuck in her throat.
"What is it?" I asked, gently squeezing her hand.
SHe took a deep breath and suddenly avoided my gaze.
"Hey, come on. What is it?"
"B-Because… don't you want to ask me something?" she blurted, clearly trying to change the subject.
"Huh?" I blinked, confused.
"No, I mean—don't you want to ask me anything?"
"About what?"
"About us." She motioned between the two of us.
I paused, trying to figure out what she meant. I noticed how she fidgeted with her hands—still holding mine—and even nervously bit one of her fingers.
"I'm sorry, I really don't get what you mean. Can you just tell me straight?" I asked, still puzzled. I was seriously tempted to call Meynard and ask for help.
"You know what, maybe I should really call Meynard so I don't mess this up."
"Excuse me, I'll just use the restroom really quick, okay? I'll be right back."
I didn't wait for a reply. I got out of the car and briskly walked to the public restroom just by the edge of the parking lot, near the food stalls.
As soon as I stepped out of the comfort room and saw it was still occupied, I stood by the door, pulled out my phone, and quickly called Meynard. He picked up on the second ring.
"Yo, bro? What's up? Everything okay?" he asked casually.
"Yeah, no problem. I just needed to ask something really quick."
"Shoot," he said.
I hesitated for a moment, still trying to wrap my head around what Gabie had said. "Gabie asked me if I wanted to ask her anything… Did Shane ever ask you that before?"
There was a pause—followed by an excited outburst. "Dude! Wait, are you serious? Bro, congrats!!"
"Huh? Wait, congrats for what? What do you mean?" I asked, thoroughly confused.
Meynard burst into laughter. "Wow, you're really slow, bro. You're wasting the moment!"
"Be honest with me, man," I groaned, pacing in place. "What is it? I left her in the car just to call you!"
Still laughing, he said, "It means she's ready to say yes—if you ask her to be your girlfriend. That's what she meant, you dummy!"
I froze. My brain struggled to process what he just said. That's what Gabie meant?
I felt like the biggest idiot alive.
"Come on, bro! Seriously?" Meynard continued, still chuckling. "You better go back before she changes her mind. Shane and I are dying from secondhand embarrassment. Good luck! Bye!"
And just like that, he hung up, leaving me stunned in the middle of the parking lot.
I was stunned. I couldn't even speak. That's what she meant? I felt like an idiot.
The call ended before I could say a word. I rushed back to the car and saw Gabie typing something on her phone. I climbed into the driver's seat.
"Sorry about that," I said, catching my breath.
She looked up and smiled, setting her phone down on her lap—flowers still in her arms.
"No worries. I was just replying to people who greeted me. This is the first time I've been able to check my phone all day," she said.
"I get it." I cleared my throat. "Gabie… about what you said earlier—I'm sorry I didn't catch on right away. Honestly, I got nervous. That was on me."
"It's okay," she said with a shy laugh. "I was nervous saying it too."
I took a deep breath and gathered all the courage I had left.
"Gabie… are you ready to be my girlfriend?"
She didn't look shocked. She just smiled and nodded.
"Can you say it out loud?" I asked. "I just want to be sure I heard it right."
"Yes, I'm ready to be your girlfriend, Miggy," she said softly.
I couldn't help but pull her into a hug. She hugged me back, and I felt something warm settle in my chest.
"I won't make any big promises," I whispered. "Just let me show you every day how much you mean to me."
"Thank you." She smiled. "So… ready? Want to meet my mama now?"
Instead of starting the car, I pulled her into another hug. She laughed and hugged me tightly again. Then we finally got moving.
Because of traffic, we were still on the road by nightfall. We arrived past 7 p.m. When we pulled up in front of their house, we saw it lit up and full of guests.
"Relax," she said. "Mama doesn't bite. I'm sure she'll like you."
"It's just… I haven't even met her yet and now I'm suddenly your boyfriend. I didn't even get to ask her permission. What if she gets mad?"
"She won't," Gabie assured me. "I told her about you. She knows you've tried coming here before. Besides, I'm graduating already! She'll be thrilled. Especially when she finds out I passed my thesis defense today. Come on, let's not keep them waiting."
We opened the car doors and got out. I grabbed the things from the back and followed her up the steps.
"Ma! We're here!" she called out.
Just then, people inside began singing "Happy Birthday." I froze in place. Gabie's mom—Jhay,—were holding a big cake. Her mom… she looked familiar. Very familiar.
And then it hit me.
She's the woman I almost hit with my car.
The one who was hospitalized after that night.
Gabie's mom.
I felt cold all over.
"How do I tell Gabie I'm the reason her mom was in the hospital that day?"
"Make a wish and blow out the candles!" Jhay shouted.
Gabie closed her eyes, made a wish, and blew them out. The room erupted in cheers.
"Wait, wait—before anything else," Gabie said, stepping forward. "I have something important to say."
The room quieted. Everyone looked at her. I stood frozen by the door, unsure if I should enter.
"First of all…"
I couldn't even focus on what she was saying. My heart was pounding. My thoughts raced with panic.
"Do I leave? Do I let her introduce me? What if she finds out the truth right now? What if she hates me?"
"…and finally," Gabie's voice cut through my panic, "Mom, I want you to meet my boyfriend—Miguel. But Miggy is fine too."
I froze as Gabie grabbed my hand and pulled me beside her.
Her mom and I stared at each other—both shocked.
I opened my mouth, heart racing.
"I'm sorry if—"
Before I could finish, her mom spoke.