Gabie's POV
"Congratulations, Ms. Alonzo! You did great in your presentation!"
One of my professors greeted me cheerfully just before I was finally allowed to step out of the AVR. I hadn't been dismissed right after my defense—turns out, my clinical psychology professor wanted to speak with me. He had unexpectedly joined the panel today after the original member couldn't attend due to a patient emergency.
Still, I didn't mind waiting. I was on such a high that even sitting through the remaining two thesis presentations didn't bore me.
"Thank you, Prof. Did you want to talk to me?" I asked as I approached him.
"Yes," he nodded. "Come with me to my office."
I followed him and the other panelists out. They eventually split up at the end of the hallway—the rest were headed to the cafeteria, while I trailed after Prof. Sanchez.
I must've stayed in his office for more than thirty minutes. He told me he'd received a letter from the hospital where I had interned. One of the patients had written to thank me for how I handled her case. My professor asked if I'd be interested in working there after graduation. If I was, he'd be happy to write me a recommendation.
I was stunned. And happy—so, so happy. It felt like another weight had been lifted off my shoulders. I wouldn't have to go through the usual long, painful job hunt. I could actually begin building the life Mama and I had always dreamed of.
After our talk, I headed straight out. I hadn't eaten yet, but I was too giddy to care.
"Thank you, Lord. You heard my prayers. Little by little, I'm getting there—for Mama, and for me. This… this has to be the best birthday gift you've given me. A real job, a real chance—"
The thought was cut off when someone suddenly called out my name.
"Gabie!"
It was Miggy.
"I passed! Thank you!" I beamed at him as I shared the good news.
To my delight, he greeted me with such warmth—and before I could stop myself, I hugged him.
We stayed like that for a moment. I didn't even think about where we were. I just held on.
Then, like a gentleman, he led me to the passenger side of his car and opened the door for me.
"Come on, you need to eat lunch. I'm sorry I couldn't wait for you," he said as I slid in.
"Wow…" I gasped softly when I saw the bouquet on the seat.
"Thank you," I added, cheeks warming.
"You like it?" he asked.
I only nodded, suddenly shy. He always made sure I ate on time—even when I was drowning in work. He would text, call, or send food. He never let me go hungry.
He handed me the food he had brought. Apparently, he had already eaten since he didn't know what time I'd be finished.
As we drove, I asked, "Where are we going?"
"MOA," he replied. "It's still early, and it's nice to breathe there."
"Okay," I said, popping another fry into my mouth.
When we arrived at the parking area, he insisted on getting out to throw our trash. We agreed to just stay in the car. It was more private anyway—MOA was packed.
"So, what do you say?" he asked once he returned to his seat.
I was about to respond, but then I remembered—he didn't know it was my birthday today. Or so I thought. I was planning to tell him after this. Maybe even invite him over for dinner. I was sure Mama had cooked something, even just a little. She never missed my birthday. Even when we had nothing, she always made sure we celebrated.
"What if today also becomes our anniversary? That'd be a sweet twist," I thought with a small laugh. But I quickly hid it—I didn't want to give anything away.
"First," he began, "I want to congratulate you on your thesis. That's a huge milestone, Gabie. You're almost graduating, and I'm just… so proud of you."
I stayed silent, letting him have his moment. I'd take mine later.
"Second… I want to greet you a happy, happy birthday."
I blinked. "How did you know?"
"Secret," he grinned. "Let me finish first."
I pursed my lips and nodded. Okay, fine. He won this round.
"Your hard work really paid off. Another achievement, and on your birthday, no less. I'm proud of you. And because of that—" he reached behind him and pulled out a paper bag "—I got you something."
He placed it in my lap. "Open it."
Inside was a blue box. My heart started to pound.
"Go on," he urged, watching me closely.
I opened the box slowly… and my breath caught. Inside was a necklace. Simple but elegant. Beautiful.
"Luh! This is expensive! I—I don't think I can accept this," I said quietly, lifting my eyes to him.
"This is yours. I got it for your birthday. Turn around. Let me put it on you."
I stared at him, unsure.
"Don't think too much," he said gently. "Unless… you don't like it?"
"No! It's not that. It's just… surprising. No one's ever given me something like this before."
"Well, get used to it," he chuckled. "I plan to shower you with gifts."
"No, Miggy… I don't want people to think I'm only after what you can give me," I said honestly.
He reached for my hand. "Gabie, don't ever think that. That's not how I see you, and that's not what we are."
"Okay," I nodded. "You can put it on."
I turned around, still a little embarrassed but not wanting to reject his kindness.
"Thank you," I murmured, touching the pendant.
But then I noticed something. "Wait—why are there two pendants?"
"Oh. I didn't know which one you'd like more. One is your birthstone. The other is the symbol for psychology."
"You didn't need to get two," I whispered.
"Just think of it this way—one's for your thesis, the other's for your birthday."
"You really go all out, huh?"
We both laughed.
"But really, thank you. The flowers were more than enough… I didn't expect the necklace."
"That's because you're special to me," he said softly.
"I have something to tell you," I said, heart starting to beat faster.
"Go ahead."
"Do you remember the night we mistook Gabriella for someone else?"
He nodded; a bit confused.
"Do you remember what Jhay said then?" I asked.
He frowned, trying to recall. "Not really… I was too focused on explaining myself to you. I thought you'd walk away."
"Ah, okay." I smiled faintly.
"So? What is it?"
Suddenly, nerves overtook me. My palms turned cold; my stomach twisted.
"Are you not feeling well?" he asked, worry all over his face.
I shook my head. I wanted to say something, but I didn't know how to start.
"But wait—shouldn't he ask me first? That's how it always goes in teleseryes and movies."
"What is it? Are you in pain? What are you feeling?" he asked again, now more anxious.
"N-No. I mean, I'm okay. I'm not sick," I said quickly.
"You're pale. And your hands are cold," he added, frowning.
I wanted to laugh—he was clearly overthinking—but I couldn't. I was too nervous. This was even scarier than defending my thesis.
"Be-Because… uhm…" I stammered. But the words wouldn't come.
"What is it?" he asked, squeezing my hand gently.
I took a deep breath and looked into his eyes.
"Hey… don't you have something to ask me?" I blurted.
"Huh?" he said, confused.
"I mean… don't you want to ask me anything?"
"About what?"
"Oh no. He doesn't get it!"
"About us," I said, pointing between the two of us.
He looked puzzled. I slowly pulled my hands away from his and began fidgeting with my fingers. My heart was racing. I bit my index finger, staring ahead nervously.
"Sorry, I really can't figure out what you mean. Can you just tell me?"
"Oh, Gabie. Why didn't you think this through before opening your mouth?"
"Wait, I'll just use the CR real quick. I'll be right back," he said suddenly, then slipped out of the car before I could respond. I blinked—he was gone that fast.
While waiting, I grabbed my phone and Googled: "How to say you're ready to be someone's girlfriend if they haven't asked yet." Desperate times.
I was busy reading articles when I heard the door open. I quickly exited the tab—too embarrassing if he saw what I was reading.
"Sorry about that," he said, getting back in.
"It's okay, it's natural," I replied, trying to sound casual. "We all pee or poop, right? Better that than a kidney infection…" I shook the thought away.
"I was just replying to some birthday greetings," I added, covering up my phone use.
"No worries, I understand," he said, then clear his throat.
He looked serious now.
"Gabie… about what you were saying earlier. I'm sorry I didn't ask you right away. The truth is… I was nervous."
"It's okay. I was nervous too. So, we're quits," I said with a laugh to lighten the mood.
He took a deep breath.
"Gabie, are you ready to be my girlfriend?"
The world stopped for a second. This—this was what I'd been waiting for. And now that it was here, I couldn't even speak. I just stared at him, hoping my eyes were enough.
"Can you please say it?" he asked, smiling. "I just want to make sure I heard you right."
"Y-Yes. I'm ready to be your girlfriend, Miggy," I whispered.
His smile grew, and his eyes softened.
"I won't make promises," he said gently. "But let me show you how much you mean to me every day, okay?"
I nodded; heart full. "Thank you… Uhm, let's go? Are you ready to meet Mama?"
Instead of starting the car, he leaned over and pulled me into a tight hug. I hugged him back, smiling through the tears forming in my eyes.
This—this was worth all the struggle, the late nights, the sacrifices. I felt complete.
They were right: if something is meant for you, no matter how long it takes, it will arrive. At the right time, in the right way.
Even in the middle of traffic, I couldn't stop smiling.
"Thank You, Lord," I whispered to the air.
***
When we arrived in front of the house, he looked tense.
"Hey, just chill! Mama won't eat you," I teased. "I know she'll like you."
He didn't look convinced.
"I'm scared. I didn't even meet your mom before we got together… What if she gets mad?"
"She won't," I said firmly. "You tried to visit a few times—things just didn't align. Don't worry. I'm not a teenager anymore. I'm graduating! And I'm sure Mama will love hearing I passed my thesis defense today. So come on, let's go before the food gets cold."
I stepped out of the car and saw him follow with my things.
"Ma! We're here!" I called out.
Then came the chorus of birthday greetings.
"Happy birthday!" they sang, with Mama leading the group and Jhay holding a huge cake with candles.
I laughed, teary-eyed. Balloons, decorations, family… It looked like a mini debut.
"Come on, besh! Make a wish and blow the candles!" Jhay called out.
I closed my eyes and whispered, "Thank you, Lord. I hope this is the start of a joyful life for Mama and me… and I hope Miggy is really the one."
But I didn't say it out loud—because they say if you want a wish to come true, you should keep it to yourself.