HER

(Flashback)

AFTER THAT NIGHT, TRISTAN KEPT HIS PROMISE. He would pick me up and bring me home almost every night. He can be sweet and caring, arrogant and annoying, but most of all, what endeared him to me is his being romantic. He never fails to bring me flowers and gifts with sweet notes whenever he will pick me up at work or school. It did not take long, after just 1 month, I fell head over heels in love with Tristan.

It was complete bliss being with him, being together. We were inseparable. We will have spur of the moment weekend getaways and he will take me to different places. He knows how I love adventure. He was very supportive of me and was never a distraction. In fact, he was a great inspiration for me to study hard.

Eventually, I was able to graduate with honors. Tristan was very proud of me and on the day of my graduation, he even threw a party for me at their house.

"Congratulations, Baby. I am so proud of you!" He looked at me lovingly and kissed me gently on the lips.

We have been together for a long time but every time he gives me a kiss, I can still feel butterflies in my stomach. The sweetness of his kiss never fails to excite me.

"Can I interrupt for a second, love birds?" Paul was standing in front of us and was grinning ear to ear.

"Sure, Paul, what's up?" Tristan replied, smiling.

"The catering service is already outside and asking where to set up. I already ushered them to the patio." Paul said.

"That's great!" Tristan looked at me and said, "Baby, let me just talk to them, I'll be right back." He kissed me again on the lips before he left with Paul.

I decided to go inside the house and get ready for the party. My friends will be arriving soon, and I cannot wait to celebrate! We have waited for this a long time!

I changed to a Royal blue cocktail dress which complimented my curves. I put on some light makeup and a soft touch of lipstick to give me some glow. I let my long, straight, shiny black hair down below my shoulders. I looked at my reflection, satisfied with what I saw.

As soon as I stepped out of the bathroom, I saw Tristan's mom waiting in the hallway. I call her "Tita," (Auntie) as a sign of respect. If my mom and Tristan get along well, Tita Gloria and I have never been close with each other. There is a sense of superiority around her, like a wall I cannot penetrate.

Honestly, I don't think she likes me even though Tristan keeps on telling me that her mom's personality is just like that. High and aloof, but he always assures me that Tita Gloria adores me.

"Congratulations, Alecx. You look great on that dress." She complimented.

"Thank you, Tita. You, as well." I replied sincerely.

"Can I talk to you for a moment?" I nodded and she led me to the study room and closed the door behind us.

"So, what's the plan of the new grad?" She asked.

Honestly, I have not talked to Tristan about it yet. Last year, I applied for an internship at a big architectural firm outside the country and I just got a letter this week that they want me to start by the end of the month. I did not want to tell Tita before Tristan.

So, I just replied to her, "I've started applying to different firms while I was still in school and just waiting for their response, Tita."

"Does Tristan know about this?" She asked. I shook my head to say no.

She let out a deep sigh. "This is what I'm afraid of. You're still young and I know that you have a lot of plans ahead of you. But you have to include Tristan in the picture."

She continued, "Tristan loves and adores you. I have never seen him this smitten with somebody. But he's a lot mature and already very successful in his career. His plans include settling down soon.

He just approached me a week ago and asked for the engagement ring that his dad gave me. It is an heirloom ring and has been passed to many generations. Tristan is planning to propose to you, he wants to marry you." She said bluntly to me.

I was surprised to hear that. I am happy with Tristan, but I did not see this coming. I thought we're just enjoying each other's company for now and whatever happens, the future will decide for us.

"Tristan is my only son and I love him so much. I don't want any girl breaking my son's heart. You think about what I just told you, I hope you're going to make the right decision."

Tristan then suddenly opened the door of the study room and saw both of us. He was beaming with a huge smile on his face.

"There goes my 2 favorite women in the whole world! I was looking everywhere for both of you, especially, You." He turned and looked at me adoringly.

"Baby, you look gorgeous!" He lovingly gave me a kiss on the forehead and put his arms around me.

"So, is there anything I need to know? Why are you guys hiding in here when the fresh night air is so inviting outside the patio?" He asked happily.

"I was just congratulating Alecx and asking her about her plans." Her mom replied.

"Plans? Do you even need to ask about that, Ma? Alecx is of course going to work in our firm!" He said proudly.

"Baby, it's supposed to be a surprise but since it's already out in the open, I'm bringing you tomorrow to your new office in our building. It's ready for you. You can design, pick furniture, and do whatever you like with your office." He continued excitedly.

"Why didn't you tell me about it first? Didn't I tell you that I was applying to other firms?" I replied to him.

His mom was seriously looking at us. "Well, I think you need to have a talk about this. I'll leave you two alone." And she stepped out of the room.

"Baby, why else are you going to apply somewhere when your gorgeous boyfriend already has his own firm where you can work! We need bright minds like you, and you'll be an exceptional addition to our firm." He replied.

"But Babe..." He cut me and kissed me gently on the lips.

"Enough of this talk, it's your graduation party. Let's not ruin the night. We'll talk about it tomorrow, ok? Come on, let's go. That's why I was looking for you, some of your friends are already here." He ushered me outside and we headed to the patio.

I tried to act happy while entertaining guests, but my mood was already off the whole night. The party ended late. Tristan wanted me to stay at their house, but I insisted on going home with my mom and Paul. I need to think about the conversation I had with his mom. Even though I already feel exhausted, I know I won't be able to sleep tonight. It's definitely going to be a long night for me.