Miggy's POV
After that night, I officially started courting her.
As a sign of respect, I went to Teresa's house and asked for her blessing to court her niece, Alex. I also informed Jhay and Meynard—not just as a courtesy, but because they were part of this journey too.
***
A month later.
"Can you come with me this Saturday?" she asked, just after picking her up from work. We were headed out for dinner.
"Where to?" I asked, as she's slipping into the passenger seat.
"In Bulacan. I'm visiting my mom's grave. Her death anniversary's on Friday, but I wasn't allowed to take leave from work, so I'll go the day after. I told my aunt I couldn't come with her."
"No problem. I'll come with you," I said simply.
***
Saturday Morning.
I woke up early to prepare breakfast before the trip. I was setting the table when she came in.
"Good morning," she greeted, a soft smile on her face.
"Morning," I said. "Sit down, I'm almost done."
"I'll make the coffee," she offered, already moving toward the kettle. It had become our quiet routine—when I cooked, she brewed the coffee, and vice versa. Small things that felt like… home.
We ate together, talking about the little things. And as the days passed, I started noticing more and more: we acted like a couple—just not officially. Yet.
***
The drive to Bulacan was smooth. Morning traffic was light, and before we knew it, we were at the cemetery.
"Hi, Ma," she I greeted, kneeling in front of the gravestone. "Sorry it took me this long. Work's been busy, and you know I live in Taguig now—it's not that easy to visit. But I didn't forget."
I knelt beside her. Then, softly, she whispered, "Mom, do you remember my promise? That the next time I visit, I'd bring a boyfriend with me?"
"Wait, what?" My hands froze as I arranged the flowers.
I said nothing, pretending I hadn't heard. She lit a candle, and I stood beside her in silence. Then, slowly, her hand reached for mine—and she interlaced our fingers.
I looked down at our joined hands, then up at her. She was smiling.
"Did you hear what I said to Mama?" she asked, tilting her head.
"Huh?" I said, playing dumb.
"Tsk, you really didn't hear it?" she teased.
I chuckled nervously. "What do you mean?"
She grinned. "I said I'd only visit Mom again when I have a boyfriend with me. So, that's it. You're it. We're official now."
"You mean it?" I asked, heart thudding.
"Yeah. Why? Don't you want to?"
"Of course I do!" I pulled her into a hug, and she wrapped her arms around me in return.
"I really meant to answer you now," she told me, voice steady. "Because instead of remembering the death anniversary every year like this… I don't anymore. I remember you now. That means I won't be sad when this date gets replaced by something happy."
I looked up to her, eyes wide and soft. "Thank you. I won't promise anything to you… but I'll prove to you that I'm worth it."
She shook my head gently. "No need. You already proved that to me—even way back then. But… can I ask something?"
"Of course. What is it?"
"Why do you like me?"
I blinked, caught off guard. Then I smiled a little. "I don't know," I admitted, my voice almost shy. "Honestly, I don't have a specific reason. I just realized one day that I liked you. And after that, I couldn't go a day without thinking about you. I just love being with you. I'm happy when you're beside me. I love doing things for you."
"Really? Maybe because—"
"Stop!" I cut her off quickly, laughing nervously. "I know what you're about to say. No. I made it clear that night I confessed, remember?"
She laughed under her breath. "I like you too. I can't help but like you because of what you show me… what you do for me. But at first, I didn't pay attention to those feelings. I didn't want to rely on you. I thought… you wouldn't like me back."
I frowned slightly. "Why would you think that?"
"I don't know… I just couldn't be sure if you felt the same way."
"Enough of that," I said softly. "What matters now is that we're both happy. If ever I make a mistake, please—tell me right away. Don't keep it to yourself. Let's fix things before they get worse. Let's promise to keep our communication open. Okay?"
She nodded without hesitation. "Promise."
I leaned in and kissed her forehead. Then her nose. Then her lips—just a soft smack. Nothing more. I mean, come on… we were in front of her mother's grave. What the heck would that look like?
We stayed there a little longer before deciding to go somewhere else. The day after we became official, we visited Teresa to tell her the good news. Then we told Jhay, too. Of course, Meynard, Shane, and my dear nanny were all so happy for us. Thank God.
Since then, our usual hangouts had changed a little. We still spent time at each other's places, but now there were more cuddles, stolen kisses, and late-night talks. We almost went all the way a few times, but I held back. I didn't want her to think I was taking advantage. We're both adults, sure—but I wanted to be sure of some things first. And besides, we agreed to take things slow.
We argued sometimes. Nothing big. Mostly petty stuff. But we didn't ignore them. We talked, resolved things quickly. I guess the good thing about us—we're both mature enough to face problems head-on.
As for me, I still haven't gone back to work. I didn't apply for a new job because I wanted to be there for Mom when she finished her rehabilitation. She said she wanted to go on a vacation—to Batanes. And I wanted to be free enough to make that happen.
Thankfully, I've been okay financially. I still have savings, some investments, and the trust fund my parents gave me. That's why even after almost a year since I resigned, I'm not struggling. I know I'm lucky. Not everyone gets to say that.
We also attended Meynard and Shane's wedding. Everyone was so happy. Even Carla was there. Their principal sponsors included uncle Manuel and Beth. My mom couldn't attend—she was still in rehab—but Meynard and Shane had visited her beforehand to let her know. She was really touched.
Uncle Rick and his wife were there too. If Dad were still alive, I'm sure he would've been one of the principal sponsors as well.
That night, I ended up getting drunk. My former office mates insisted—they said I never joined them for night outs back when I was their manager. This was their "revenge," they joked. And they didn't let me drive home. So, we spent the night at the hotel.
***
Three weeks before my mother is scheduled to leave rehab is my birthday. But instead of a big celebration, I want to spend it quietly—just me and Alex on an out-of-town trip. We agreed on Baler. The beaches are beautiful, and it feels like the perfect place to make memories. I booked a hotel for two nights after asking permission from Teresa, her aunt. I have a lot of respect for her as Alex's family.
We were both excited—it was going to be our first trip out of town as a couple.
"Happy birthday, babe!"
I was deep in sleep when Alex kissed me awake. I groaned.
"What time is it?" I mumbled, trying to pull her back into bed with me. She wouldn't budge.
"Twelve midnight! Now get up, make a wish, and blow out your candles before they melt," she said with a grin.
I had no choice but to follow.
"Where did you get this?" I asked, pointing to the cake after blowing out the candles.
"I asked the front desk yesterday. Luckily, there's a café nearby, so I bought it in advance. I couldn't risk buying it with you around—you'd definitely notice," she said, proud of her surprise.
"That's so sweet, babe. Thank you. I love you," I whispered as I hugged her tightly, nipping playfully at her ear. "I'm so lucky to have you. Thank you for making me genuinely happy."
"I love you too," she whispered back, then pulled away just enough to kiss the tip of my nose, giggling afterward.
"Let's go back to sleep," I said.
"I'll just put the cake away. Be right back," she replied, stepping out to the hallway, then returning a few minutes later to lie beside me.
"Thank you too—for making me happy," she said, resting her head on my arm.
"Then we're even," I smiled, gently kissing her. Our kiss deepened, and as we made out, something shifted. That night, for the first time, she let me go all the way. I found out I was her first. I was overwhelmed—with gratitude, joy, and the weight of her trust.
We spent the rest of the trip basking in the sun, savoring every moment. I think this was the most special birthday I've ever had—because I shared it with the most special person in my life, next to my mom: Alexandria Marie Alonzo, my babe.
Looking back, I now understand why I had to go through so much pain in the past. It led me to this—to her. God gave me Alex to be my girlfriend, my best friend, my partner, my home. I couldn't ask for anything more. I'm genuinely happy and content.
***
"Babe, promise me you'll take care of yourself, okay?" I told her before I left to pick up my mom from rehab. Afterward, we'd be heading to the airport—I promised Mom a trip to Batanes.
"Oh my gosh, here you go again," she said, rolling her eyes playfully. "Of course I'll take care of myself, babe. You know I survived on my own before I met you."
"I know, I know, but still—"
"Yes, I promise. I'll take care of myself for you. Happy?" she said, pinching my nose.
She kissed me in response. "Clingy. You make me miss you the moment you step away."
"I'll miss you too! If only you could come with me…"
"No need. You and your mom need time together. We're always together anyway—I'll be okay."
"You're too good to be true. You cook, you care, you're kind and understanding…" I said in a softened voice.
"You're being naughty again!" she laughed, swatting my shoulder.
"What? I was just saying you're amazing!" I said, feigning innocence.
"You said I was 'delicious' earlier!"
"Well, you are…" I paused on purpose, teasing.
She hit me again.
"I meant your cooking, babe! You're good at cooking," I corrected myself with a laugh.
"I don't know what to do with you. Go now, or you'll miss your flight!"
"Alright, alright. I'll miss you so much," I kissed her one last time and hugged her tight.
"I'll miss you too. Be safe."
"Bro! Are you leaving or not?" Meynard interrupted, grinning.
"Ugh, you really have the worst timing!" I complained, groaning.
"Come on, Lex, let him go or they'll miss their flight!" Meynard teased. Alex laughed.
"Take care!" she said, giving me a gentle push.
Meynard and I chuckled together.
"Oh my gosh! Falling in love with an oldie is so hard!" Meynard teased again, making Alex burst into laughter.
I kissed her again before finally walking away to join Meynard. He was coming with me to pick up Mom and drive us to the airport.
"Hello my beautiful godmother!" he greeted as soon as we arrived at the gate and saw my mom.
"Hello, Meynard!" she replied, hugging him before we all got into the car.
"Ready for your surprise, Ma?" I asked, smiling. She still had no idea we were flying to Batanes today. Uncle Manuel, Aunt Beth, and Carla were flying out the next day to join us.
She smiled at me, curious.
"By the way, Mama says hi. She's planning to visit you soon," Meynard said happily.
"Please tell her I miss her. I'd visit myself, but I don't want to cause her any hassle. How are she and your dad doing?"
"They're both good. I'll tell her what you said."
"By the way, I've got gifts for you and Shane. I'll give them when you visit the house."
"Thanks! I'll let Shane know too."
Then my mom, glancing at him through the rearview mirror, asked, "Wait… am I going to be a grandmother already?"
"Almost!" Meynard said, beaming. "She's four weeks pregnant."
"What? And you didn't tell me?" I exclaimed.
"We just found out yesterday! She thought it was just stress from work, but when I brought her in for a check-up, her OB confirmed it."
"Wow, congrats! That was fast!" I teased.
"Haha! It was part of the plan. They've been wanting a grandchild for a while now, so I made it happen," he said proudly.
My mom and I both laughed at his antics.
Until...
"Where are we going? Why aren't we headed home?" Mom asked, clearly confused as she looked around.
"I told you I have a surprise for you, Mom!" I said with a grin.
"Oh, okay! I'm excited!" she replied, smiling back.
"You should be! I know you're going to love it."
Her face lit up in disbelief when we got out of the car—right in front of the airport. I handed her the travel bag I had packed for her, while Meynard drove off with the one she had been carrying earlier. Still, she didn't question it. She just smiled.
"Take care," Meynard said, hugging her before we parted. "Enjoy your vacation. Make sure to relax, okay?"
We said our goodbyes and thanked him before entering the airport. She still had no idea where we were headed. I figured I'd let her find out later.
While waiting for boarding, I took her to a café, and we talked about her time in rehab—the progress, her thoughts, and things she looked forward to. There was a calmness in her eyes now that I hadn't seen in a long time.
Then, as we were finally boarding the plane, she looked at the screen and saw it.
"Oh!" she gasped, eyes wide.
"Batanes?" she whispered.
"Yup!" I smiled. "Happy birthday in advance, Ma. You deserve this."
She looked at me, visibly emotional. "Thank you, son."
"You're welcome. I just want you to be happy."
Her eyes shimmered with tears, but since we were already in line, I didn't want to make a scene by hugging her. Instead, I gave her hand a light squeeze and smiled.
Before takeoff, I messaged Alex one last time:
"Boarding now. Talk soon. Miss you already."
Then I turned off my phone and settled in.
The flight was short, but I couldn't sleep. I just listened to music on my iPad while glancing over at Mom, who was gazing out the window like a child seeing the world for the first time.
As expected, we were picked up at the airport and brought to the hotel where I had booked our rooms. Seeing the way her face lit up at the sight of the ocean, the cliffs, and the rolling green hills—God, it was all worth it. I brought my DSLR along to make sure I could capture these moments. This was our first ever out-of-town trip, just the two of us. All our past trips had always been with Dad.
We spent the afternoon walking by the beach and even went for a swim. She didn't know that tomorrow, Uncle Manuel, Aunt Beth, and Carla would be joining us. That was part of my second surprise. I purposely didn't plan much for the day so she wouldn't suspect anything—and so she'd feel even happier when they arrived.
"We can explore more tomorrow," I told her casually. "We've got plenty of days here anyway."
She agreed and seemed content.
The next morning, she was still asleep, so I didn't wake her. I slipped out and went downstairs to the lobby to wait. I had gotten a message earlier that they had landed, and the hotel had sent a van to pick them up. I had booked their rooms on the same floor as ours to make things easier—and to make sure nothing would go wrong with their reservation.
As I sipped coffee and flipped through the day's newspaper, I heard footsteps and laughter echo from the lobby entrance. I looked up—and there they were.
"Aunt!" I greeted warmly, kissing her cheek and pulling her into a hug. I did the same for uncle Manuel and Carla. We all exchanged excited smiles.
"Come on! I think Mom's awake by now." I handed their bags to the bellboy and led them upstairs. Thankfully, our rooms were all nearby.
I knocked on Mom's door. "Mom?"
"Come in!" she called out from inside.
I stepped in but left the door open. "Mom, come here! I want to show you something."
She walked over, confused. The moment she reached the door, she froze.
"Surprise!" Carla shouted; arms already open.
Mom gasped, completely caught off guard. "Oh my God!" she cried, tears rushing to her eyes as she pulled each of them into tight hugs—one after the other.
It was a beautiful moment.
I gave them some time to talk before I invited everyone downstairs for brunch. Afterward, they'd rest a bit before we all headed out to explore together.