PRINCESS
It's been months since I last traveled between universes. The once-familiar sensation of being pulled into another reality, the dizziness, the disorientation—it all seemed like a distant memory now. My life had settled into a routine, and for the first time in a long while, I felt a semblance of normalcy. I still ran my little shop, still did Tarot readings despite my skepticism, and still had Kat by my side, always ready to tease me about one thing or another.
Today was no different. Kat was in the shop, organizing some new stock we had received, while I was at the counter, absentmindedly shuffling a deck of Tarot cards. I couldn't help but wonder why I hadn't traveled to another universe in so long. Was it because I had finally found some peace in this one? Or had the stairway at Baclaran Station lost its magic?
"Hey, Princess," Kat called out, breaking me from my thoughts. "You look like you're a million miles away. Thinking about CJ again?"
I rolled my eyes. "No, just... wondering why I haven't traveled in a while."
Kat snorted. "Maybe the universe finally decided to give you a break. Or maybe it's because you're too busy making out with CJ to notice."
I felt my cheeks heat up. "Kat, not you too. It's bad enough you keep bringing it up."
She grinned mischievously. "Oh, come on. You can't blame me for being curious. So, how good of a kisser is he?"
I sighed, knowing there was no escaping her teasing. "Fine. He's... he's really good, okay? Happy now?"
Kat laughed. "Very. I knew it. You always had a thing for him, even if you didn't want to admit it."
"Just because I kiss someone doesn't mean I'm obsessed," I retorted, trying to sound indignant but failing miserably.
Kat raised an eyebrow. "Sure, sure. Keep telling yourself that, Princess."
I shook my head, unable to suppress a smile. "You're impossible."
"And you're adorable when you're flustered," Kat replied with a wink.
We continued bantering back and forth, the playful teasing easing the tension that had been building within me. It felt good to laugh, to have a friend who knew me so well, even if she did enjoy teasing me about my love life.
As we worked, a customer entered the shop—a regular who often came in for herbal remedies. Kat greeted him warmly while I finished organizing the Tarot cards. The rain continued its relentless assault outside, but inside, the shop buzzed with a cozy warmth that only increased as Kat and I shared knowing glances and whispered jokes.
"Princess," Kat said after the customer left, her tone turning more serious. "You know, even if you're not traveling between universes right now, it doesn't mean that part of your life is over. Maybe the universe is just giving you a breather, preparing you for something even more incredible."
I considered her words, touched by her insight. "Maybe you're right, Kat. Maybe there's something bigger waiting for me out there."
She grinned. "Or maybe you'll just get another chance to make out with CJ in the storeroom during the next flood."
I rolled my eyes again, but this time, I couldn't help but laugh. "You're incorrigible."
"That's why you love me," Kat replied with a smirk.
Before I could retort, the chime above the door rang, and in walked CJ. He was carrying a small bouquet of flowers, looking as handsome as ever. My heart did a little flip at the sight of him.
"Hey, Princess," he said, his voice like dark chocolate and honey. "Hey, Kat."
"Hey, CJ," Kat replied, winking at me. "I'll leave you two lovebirds alone."
I rolled my eyes again as she walked to the back of the shop, leaving me alone with CJ. He placed the flowers on the counter and leaned in to give me a quick kiss.
"What's up?" I asked, trying to ignore the fluttering in my stomach.
"Well," he began, looking a little nervous, "I was wondering if you'd like to meet my family. I mean, we've been together for a while now, and I think it's time."
I blinked, taken aback. "Meet your family? Are you sure?"
He nodded. "Yeah. They're really important to me, and I want them to meet the person who's become so important to me."
I felt a warmth spread through me at his words. "I'd love to meet them, CJ. When?"
"How about this weekend?" he suggested. "We can have dinner at my parents' place."
I smiled, feeling a mixture of excitement and nervousness. "Sounds perfect."
He grinned, looking relieved. "Great. I'll let them know."
As we made plans, I couldn't help but feel a sense of contentment. My life had changed so much since I stopped traveling between universes. I had found love, stability, and maybe even a little bit of happiness. And for the first time in a long while, I was looking forward to the future.
CJ leaned in again, a mischievous glint in his eye. "And just so you know, my parents aren't drug dealers from Cavite. They're actually pretty normal."
I laughed, swatting playfully at his arm. "Good to know. I'll try not to disappoint them."
He chuckled, pulling me closer. "Trust me, they're going to love you."
With that assurance, the future felt brighter than ever.
******
The rest of the week passed in a blur of anticipation. Kat continued to tease me mercilessly about meeting CJ's family, even going as far as to suggest outfit choices and potential conversation topics. Despite her teasing, I knew she was genuinely excited for me.
On Saturday afternoon, I stood in front of my mirror, nervously adjusting my dress for the umpteenth time. It was a simple, elegant choice—something Kat had helped me pick out, claiming it would make the perfect impression. I took a deep breath, trying to calm my nerves.
"You look amazing, Princess," Kat said from the doorway, her grin widening when she saw my reflection.
"Thanks, Kat," I replied, turning to face her. "You really think so?"
"Absolutely," she assured me. "CJ's family is going to love you."
I hoped she was right. The thought of meeting CJ's parents was both thrilling and daunting. What if they didn't approve of me? What if they saw through my facade of calm and sensed the nerves underneath?
"You'll be fine," Kat said, as if reading my thoughts. "Just be yourself. They'll see why CJ loves you."
Her words were reassuring, and I nodded, trying to muster some confidence. "Thanks, Kat. I appreciate your support."
"Anytime, Princess," she replied with a wink. "Now, go knock 'em dead."
With Kat's encouragement ringing in my ears, I made my way to CJ's place. He greeted me at the door with a warm smile that eased some of my nerves. His parents, Maria and Tomas, welcomed me into their home with open arms, and soon, any apprehension I had melted away in the warmth of their hospitality.
Dinner was a lively affair filled with laughter and stories. Maria was a fantastic cook, and Tomas kept the conversation flowing with his witty remarks. CJ sat beside me, his hand occasionally finding mine under the table, a silent reassurance that made me feel more at ease.
"So, Princess," Maria said after dessert, her eyes twinkling with curiosity. "CJ tells us you run a shop. What kind of shop is it?"
I smiled, grateful for the easy topic. "It's a little metaphysical shop. I sell crystals, Tarot cards, herbal remedies—things like that. It's... unconventional, but I love it."
"It sounds fascinating," Tomas remarked. "And do you do Tarot readings too?"
I nodded. "Yes, although I'm more of a skeptic myself. But it's surprising how much comfort people find in the readings."
Maria smiled warmly. "It must be fulfilling to help people in that way."
"It is," I agreed, feeling a rush of gratitude for my shop and the community it had brought into my life.
As the evening wore on, I found myself relaxing more and more. CJ's family was easy to talk to, their warmth and acceptance putting me at ease. By the time we said our goodbyes, I felt like I had known them for much longer than just one evening.
In the car on the way home, CJ reached for my hand again, squeezing it gently. "You did great, Princess. They really liked you."
I smiled, feeling a wave of relief wash over me. "I liked them too. Your family is wonderful, CJ."
He leaned over to kiss my cheek, his lips brushing against my skin. "I'm glad you think so. I can see why they took a liking to you."
The rest of the weekend passed in a happy blur. On Sunday, CJ and I took a leisurely stroll through the park, enjoying each other's company without the pressure of meeting parents. The sun was shining brightly, a stark contrast to the rainy days that had brought us closer together.
As we sat on a bench overlooking a tranquil pond, CJ turned to me, his eyes serious yet filled with affection. "Princess, meeting my family made me realize how much you mean to me. I... I love you."
My heart skipped a beat at his words. I had known for a while that I loved him too, but hearing him say it out loud made it feel more real, more tangible.
"I love you too, CJ," I replied softly, reaching for his hand. "So much."
He smiled, leaning in to kiss me gently, a silent promise of the future we would build together. And as we sat there, surrounded by the beauty of the park and the warmth of our love, I knew that no matter where life took us—whether across universes or simply through the ordinary days of our lives—we would face it together, hand in hand, hearts entwined.
******
A few weeks later, I found myself back in CJ's parents' home for another delightful evening. This time, after a delicious dinner, Maria insisted on showing us old photo albums. Amidst laughter and nostalgia, she pulled out an album from CJ's teenage years.
"Ah, here's our CJ," Maria chuckled, flipping through pages filled with awkward school photos and holiday snapshots. "Such a good boy. Never caused us a moment of trouble."
CJ blushed slightly, shooting me a sheepish glance. It was clear he was embarrassed by his mom's glowing review of his past.
"He's always been so innocent," Maria continued fondly, her eyes twinkling with motherly pride. "Never brought a girl home, never even mentioned anyone special."
Beside me, CJ shifted uncomfortably, clearly trying to downplay his teenage years in front of me. But I couldn't help but smile knowingly. Maria's description of CJ as a paragon of innocence didn't quite match up with the mischievous glint I'd seen in his eyes during our private moments together.
I glanced at CJ, biting back a grin. "Really? Never?"
He shrugged, trying to look nonchalant. "Well, you know, just focused on other things."
Maria looked at him with a knowing smile. "Oh, come on, CJ. You can tell us if you had a little crush back then. We won't judge."
CJ chuckled nervously, shooting me a quick glance as if silently pleading for support. I couldn't resist teasing him just a little.
"You know, Maria," I said playfully, "CJ may have been a good boy around you, but I think he's changed a bit since then. Haven't you, CJ?"
CJ's cheeks flushed a deeper shade of red, and he shot me a mock glare. "Princess..."
Maria raised an eyebrow, clearly intrigued now. "Changed? In what way?"
I hesitated for a moment, debating how much to reveal. But seeing CJ squirm under his mother's gaze was too tempting to resist.
"Well, let's just say," I began, leaning in conspiratorially, "that CJ is no longer quite the innocent young man you remember. Especially when we're alone."
CJ groaned, burying his face in his hands, but Maria's laughter filled the room. "Is that so, CJ? Keeping secrets from your dear old mum?"
Tomas chuckled, shaking his head fondly. "Looks like our boy has grown up, Maria."
CJ shot me a playful glare, but his eyes sparkled with amusement. "Thanks, Princess. Just throw me under the bus."
I grinned, reaching for his hand and squeezing it reassuringly. "Oh, come on, CJ. Your secrets are safe with us."
Maria clapped her hands together, still laughing. "Well, I must say, Princess, you've certainly brought out a different side of CJ. I'm glad he's found someone who makes him happy."
"Me too," I replied sincerely, feeling a rush of affection for CJ and his family. Meeting Maria and Tomas had given me a deeper understanding of CJ's upbringing and the values he held dear.
As the evening wound down, filled with more laughter and shared stories, I felt a sense of belonging that warmed my heart. CJ's transformation from a supposedly innocent boy into the man I knew and loved was a reminder that people are full of surprises—and sometimes, those surprises only make them more end
earing.
As we said our goodbyes that night, I couldn't help but reflect on how far we had come. From chance meetings in a shop to meeting parents, our journey together had been filled with unexpected twists and turns. But through it all, one thing remained constant: our love, growing stronger with each passing day.
And as CJ walked me to my car, his hand in mine and a smile on his face, I knew that no matter what the future held, we would face it together, ready for whatever wild and wonderful adventures awaited us.
******