6. Ethernal love

The warm sun shone brightly overhead as we ran hand in hand through the lush green field, laughter echoing through the air. "Kuya, stop na!" Jane shouted happily, her eyes sparkling with mirth.

We were spending the weekend with Jarred's family on a picnic, a wonderful opportunity to deepen our relationships with his loved ones. As we played, Jarred's sister Jelly skipped alongside me, her face lighting up with a radiant smile.

"Ta ta danda," she exclaimed, her words music to my ears. Despite her struggles with Down syndrome, Jelly's determination and spirit inspired me. Her treatment had greatly improved her communication skills, and I marveled at her progress.

"Maganda si Ate?" I asked her softly, and she nodded enthusiastically, pointing to my face.

"Pitty," she said again, giggling as she stuck out her tongue, her eyes twinkling with mischief. My heart melted at her adorable antics. Just then, Jane's voice pierced the air.

"Ma, Ate Clyde, si Kuya oh!" Jarred and Jane were still engaged in their playful chase. Jarred had caught a beetle and was teasing his sister with it, making her squeal with delight.Tita Jaries intervened, laughing. "Jarred, ano ba! Pag talaga hihikain 'yang kapatid mo."

Jarred's grin faltered for a moment, but he quickly recovered, his eyes sparkling with amusement.Jane darted towards me, hiding behind my back.

"Takot," he whispered, his eyes wide with excitement. Jarred teased her, "Ang cute kaya nitong salagubang." trying to coax her out of her hiding spot.

I playfully chimed in, "Isa," and Jarred promptly released the beetle, settling down beside us.

"Nagbibiro lang naman ako, love," he said, flashing me a charming smile.Jane poked her head out from behind me, a sly grin spreading across her face.

"Napaka UNDERstanding mo talaga, kuya." Her teasing remark made Jarred chuckle, and he wrapped his arms around us, pulling us into a warm hug.

As we sat together, basking in the joy of the moment, I felt grateful for this loving family and the memories we were creating together.

"Kuya, ano ba? Kadire ka!" Jane exclaimed, her voice dripping with exasperation. Jarred had been teasing her mercilessly, and she was clearly at her wit's end.

"Ayaw mo nun, niyayayakap ka ng gwapo mong kuya," Jarred retorted, his eyes sparkling with amusement. He wrapped his arms around Jane, pulling her into a playful hug.

I couldn't help but smile as I watched them. Jarred's love for his family was palpable, and it warmed my heart to see him prioritize them above all else. He had always dreamed of becoming a director, but he had put those aspirations on hold to pursue special education, all for the sake of his sister Jelly.

Just then, Tita called out, "Kumain na kayo!" She had been busy preparing our food, and the delicious aromas wafting from the picnic blanket were making our stomachs growl with anticipation.

Tita glanced at Jarred and Jane, who were still engrossed in their playful banter. "Tignan mo na, ang pawis na ng kapatid mo, Jarred," she chided, laughing.

Jane shot back, "Kaya nga, pag talaga ako nagka-amoy, kuya!" Jarred just chuckled and ruffled her hair, earning a playful scowl from his sister.

As we settled down to eat, Jarred leaned in close to me, his arm wrapping around my shoulders. "Ganda mo," he whispered, his breath sending shivers down my spine. I blushed and playfully pushed him away.

Just then, Jelly piped up, "Kuya, lab mo po tata?" Her eyes sparkled with curiosity as she looked at us, her face alight with a sweet smile.

Jarred's face softened, and he went over to Jelly, planting a gentle kiss on her cheek. "Super love," he said, making Jelly giggle with delight. I couldn't help but feel a surge of affection for this loving family, and I knew that I was exactly where I belonged.

As we savored Tita's delicious palabok, she turned to Jane and asked, "Jane, na-prepare mo na ba lahat ng requirements mo?" Jelly, oblivious to the conversation, was too busy enjoying her pancake with frosting, her eyes shining with delight.

Jarred looked up, curious. "What requirements, Ma?" he asked.

"Immersion na ng kapatid mo," Tita replied, a hint of a smile on her face.

Jane, her mouth full of palabok, nodded enthusiastically. "I already prepared everything, Ma." I couldn't help but laugh at her antics, her love for food was simply adorable.

I turned to Jane and asked, "Sa'n ka ma-deploy?" Memories of my own senior high school days flooded my mind, and I recalled the immersive experience I had during my own immersion program.

"Sa isang radio station po," she replied, her eyes sparkling with excitement.

I grinned, nostalgia washing over me. "Wow, that's nice. Sa radio station din ako dati eh." I shared, reminiscing about my own experiences.

Jane's eyes widened in surprise. "I thought ABM strand mo nung senior high ka, Ate?" she asked, her brow furrowed in confusion.

I chuckled, shaking my head. "No, HUMSS student ako." I corrected, amused by her reaction.

Her expression turned even more perplexed. "Tapos nag BS accountancy sa college?" she asked, her voice laced with incredulity.

I laughed, nodding. "Ironic isn't it?" I said, grinning at the unexpected twist my academic journey had taken.

As the afternoon sun began to dip, casting a warm orange glow over the landscape, we settled in for a picturesque picnic. The gentle breeze carried the sweet scent of blooming flowers, and the sound of laughter and chatter filled the air.

We sat together, watching the sunset paint the sky with vibrant hues, sharing stories and memories that left us in stitches. Jarred's family welcomed me with open arms, making me feel like I was one of their own. They showered me with love and affection, and I knew that I had found a second family.

As I gazed into Jarred's eyes, I felt my heart overflow with gratitude. The love his family showed me was a reflection of the love he had for me. I felt blessed to have found a soulmate like him, who chose me out of billions of women.

Our love was eternal, a flame that burned bright and true. It was a love that transcended time and space, a love that would forever be etched in our hearts. As the stars began to twinkle in the night sky, I knew that our love would shine bright for all eternity.

In that moment, surrounded by Jarred's loving family, I knew that I had found my forever home - not just a physical place, but a sense of belonging and love that would stay with me forever.

Jane's voice suddenly burst into song, "Why'd you have to go and make things so complicated?"

Tita Jarries chuckled and shook her head, watching as Jelly chased after a stray cat, her laughter echoing through the air.

I grinned, joining in on the song, "I see the way you're acting like you're somebody else. Gets me frustrated." Jarred, sensing our musical mood, picked up his guitar and began strumming a lively tune.

As the music filled the air, Jane and I sang together, our voices blending in harmony, "Life's like this, you And you fall, and you crawl, and you break." We laughed and sang, lost in the joy of the moment.

Jarred's fingers danced across the guitar strings, creating a lively melody that perfectly complemented our singing. Tita Jarries tapped her foot along with the beat, a smile on her face.

As we reached the last line, our voices grew louder, more energetic, "And you take what you get, and you turn it into.''

''Honesty and promise me I'm never gonna find you faking, No, no, no." We finished the song, laughing and grinning at each other.

The atmosphere was electric, filled with the joy and camaraderie of shared music. As we caught our breath, Jarred set his guitar aside and wrapped his arms around me, pulling me close. "I love moments like these," he whispered, his eyes shining with happiness.

As we drove through the quiet evening streets, the setting sun casting a warm glow over the landscape, Jarred turned to me with a gentle smile. "Tomorrow is Sunday. Let's go to church with your family, love."

I nodded, feeling a sense of contentment wash over me. We had spent the day creating memories with his family, and now, as we made our way back to his house, I felt grateful for this opportunity to bond with them.

Glancing back, I saw that his mother and sister had both fallen asleep, exhausted from our fun-filled day. I smiled, remembering the laughter and joy we had shared.

"Okay, love," I replied, my voice barely above a whisper. I, too, was feeling the weight of fatigue, but it was a good kind of tired - the kind that came from a day well-spent with loved ones.

Jarred's eyes sparkled with warmth as he turned to me, a gentle smile on his face. "Did you enjoy, miloves?" he asked, his voice low and husky.

I gazed back at him, my heart overflowing with happiness. "Super," I replied, my voice barely above a whisper. "Thank you for today."

My smile grew wider as I thought back on the day's events. It had been a day filled with laughter, love, and adventure. Every moment, from our picnic to our silly antics, was etched in my memory forever.

I felt grateful to have shared this experience with Jarred and his family. They had welcomed me with open arms, making me feel like I was part of their family.

As I looked at Jarred, I knew that this day was one I would never forget. It was a day that would stay with me forever, a reminder of the love and joy that we shared.

As the car cruised smoothly along, I leaned my head against the window, feeling the cool glass against my cheek. I closed my eyes, letting the gentle motion of the car lull me into a state of relaxation.

It had been a wonderful day, and I knew that tomorrow would bring its own set of joys and experiences. But for now, I was content to simply be, surrounded by the people I loved.

As we stepped into the church, my mom's eyes lit up, and she rushed towards us with open arms. "Jarred, anak, I miss you so much!" she exclaimed, embracing him warmly.

Jarred looked dashing in his simple yet elegant outfit, his hair slicked back, revealing his chiseled features. I, on the other hand, felt lovely in my lavender dress and flat sandals, my shoulder-length hair cascading down my back.

"Ma, ako 'yung anak mo," I reminded her, trying to get her attention. But she was too busy fussing over Jarred, greeting him with a warm hug.

"Alam ko, sadyang mas na-miss ko kang itong boyfriend mo," my mom teased, winking at Jarred. He chuckled and wrapped his arm around her, pulling me into a playful hug as well.

I rolled my eyes good-naturedly and slipped away to greet my older brother, who was lost in thought. "Kuya, hi?" I said, trying to rouse him from his reverie.

He blinked, startled, and smiled. "Clyde, ikaw pala." But his gaze drifted off again, and I could tell he was preoccupied.

"Ay, hindi, hindi ako 'to. Hologram lang 'to," I joked, trying to lighten the mood.

He chuckled, but I could sense a deeper concern lurking beneath his smile. "Ano ba at malalim 'yang iniisip mo?" I asked, curiosity getting the better of me.

He shot back with a philosophical quip, "Nasisid mo ba?" which only made me more suspicious. What was he hiding?

I playfully hit him on the arm. "Biro lang," he said, holding up his hands in mock defense.

''Babae 'yan no??''

But then, he dropped a bombshell. "Jarred, pakuha naman nitong babae na 'to. Papalambing daw." He suddenly said, before turning and walking away.

My eyes narrowed, my mind racing with possibilities. What was he thinking? And who was this mysterious woman?

As we settled into our seats inside the church, Jarred leaned in close and whispered, "Anong meron dun sa kuya mo?" I shook my head, my eyes scanning the crowded pews, and held his hand.

"Babae," I whispered back, my gaze drifting towards my brother, who was sitting behind us. Jarred's eyes followed mine, and we both noticed that my brother was staring intently at someone.

I tracked his gaze and spotted a woman sitting in the corner, her hands moving deftly over the drums.

Tinamaan ata ni Cupid si kuya.

Jarred nudged me, his voice low. "Listen, babe." But I was too distracted, my attention still fixed on my brother and the mysterious woman.

"Kilala ko ba 'yung nagtutugtog ng drum?" I asked Jarred, my curiosity piqued. He followed my gaze and shook his head. "Hindi po."

I nodded, my eyes still on the woman. "Kanina pa tinitignan ni kuya." I whispered, a sly grin spreading across my face.

Just then, my church friend Kai leaned in and whispered, "Later na 'yang lambingan oi." I stifled a giggle and glanced at Jarred, who was trying to stifle a smile.

"Ikaw kase, ingay mo," I teased, trying to keep a straight face. Jarred rolled his eyes, his mouth opening to retort, ''Ikaw tong- but I quickly covered his mouth with my hand.

"Shh! Magagalit si Pastor sa 'yo, sige," I whispered, my eyes sparkling with mirth. Jarred removed my hand and shot me a mock-glare, his eyes crinkling at the corners.

Sungit, HAHAHAHA!

The pastor's words resonated deeply within me as he delivered his sermon. "Choose a guy who values his family. Choose a guy who loves his mother. Choose a guy who always puts his family first."

I gazed over at Jarred, who was listening intently to the pastor's words. His eyes shone with sincerity, and I knew that he embodied every quality the pastor was speaking of.

The pastor continued, his voice filled with conviction. "Huwag 'yung lalaking puro hingi sa Mama para sa luho. Huwag 'yung lalaking dinedepende pa ang decision sa kaniyang ina. Huwag 'yung lalaking walang respeto sa mga magulang. Huwag 'yung lalaking mas inuuna ang sarili kesa sa pamilya."

As I looked at Jarred, I felt a surge of gratitude and love. He was the kind of guy who prioritized his family above all else. He loved his mother with all his heart, and his actions were always guided by a deep respect for those around him.

I smiled to myself, feeling a sense of certainty wash over me. I had chosen the right guy - the one who valued his family and put them first. And as I glanced over at Jarred, I knew that I would never regret that choice.

The pastor's words continued to resonate deeply within me. "Yung sinasabi nilang 'happy wife, happy life' hindi 'yung dapat ganon lang. Happy wife nga, happy din kaya 'yung husband? Hindi sapat na ang babae lang ang masaya, dapat ay pati rin ang lalaki."

I felt a sense of affirmation wash over me as I looked at Jarred. Our relationship was built on mutual love, respect, and happiness. We prioritized each other's joy and well-being, and it showed in the way we interacted with each other.

The pastor's next words drove the point home. "You are two in a relationship, not one. Kaya dapat kayong dalawa ang masaya."

He paused, surveying the congregation before continuing. "Love is not just a feeling, but a choice. It's a decision to put someone else's needs before your own, to prioritize their happiness, and to stand by them through thick and thin."

I nodded, reflecting on our own relationship. Jarred and I had our ups and downs, but we always chose to love and support each other.

The pastor's voice took on a gentle tone. "Remember, relationships are a journey, not a destination. They take work, patience, and understanding. But when both partners are committed to each other, the rewards are immeasurable."

He smiled, his eyes twinkling. "So, to all the couples out there, I encourage you to prioritize love, communication, and mutual respect. Make time for each other, laugh together, and support each other's dreams."

As the pastor concluded his sermon, I felt a sense of gratitude and appreciation for our relationship. Jarred and I had something special, and I knew that with love, commitment, and mutual respect, we could overcome any challenge that came our way.

Jarred's whispered words sent shivers down my spine as we listened to the pastor's sermon in the church, surrounded by the warm glow of candles and the gentle hum of prayer. "I love you so much, Clyde," he breathed, his voice filled with emotion, his eyes shining with sincerity.

The soft light of the church illuminated Jarred's face, highlighting the contours of his features and the depth of his feelings. His words hung in the air, a gentle promise that wrapped itself around my heart.

As I gazed into his eyes, I felt my heart respond, beating in time with the rhythm of his love. The pastor's words faded into the background, and all I could hear was the gentle cadence of Jarred's voice, whispering sweet nothings in my ear.

In that moment, the world narrowed down to just the two of us, suspended in a sea of love and devotion. The church, with its stained glass windows and wooden pews, became a sacred sanctuary, a witness to the vows we were making to each other.

Jarred's hand found mine, his fingers intertwining with mine in a gentle caress. I felt a surge of love and affection wash over me, as if the very walls of the church were bearing witness to our devotion.

"Here in the church of God, I vow to love you every day," Jarred continued, his voice steady and strong. "To choose you every day. Despite the challenges we may face, I promise to always stand by your side, to hold your hand, and to cherish you."

His words were like a gentle breeze on a summer day, soothing and calming. I felt my heart flutter as he continued, his voice filled with conviction. "Loving you, every inch of you. Your smile, your laugh, your tears. I love you, not just for who you are, but for who you help me to be."