The Sex Goddess' First Love [Published under Sizzle]

by RainbowColoredMind

RATED SPG

Warning: Not suitable for young readers or sensitive minds. Contains graphic sex
scenes, adult language and situation intended for mature readers only.

=================

ANDI & TRISTAN

Hi guys! Sa wakas, published book na po ang TSGFL. You can finally grab your copy
at all bookstore nationwide for 195php. Available din po siya sa digital bookstore
na Buqo.

May special chapter akong idinagdag sa book.

Thank you po sa patuloy niyong pagsuporta sa story ni Andi at Tristan. Salamat sa

mga bumili ng book at mga bibili pa. :)

=================

Chapter One

"Hi, I'm your cousin. My name is Miranda but you can call me Andi." Nakangiting
sabi ko at inabot ko ang kamay ko sa kanya. Anak siya ni uncle James sa ibang babae
at kailan lang ipinakilala sa amin. He just graduated from Harvard and uncle is
throwing a party for him.

"Hi." Pormal ang mukhang sabi nito.

Napahiyang ibinaba ko ang kamay ko. Ang sungit naman nito! "Uhm, congrats nga
pala."

"Salamat." Matipid na ngumiti ito. Tatatlikod na sana ito ng pigilan ko.

"Ay, wait lang, Phoenix. May regalo pala ako sa'yo." Inabot ko sa kanya ang regalo
kong isang box na paint set. Nalaman ko kasing mahilig itong gumuhit.
"Maraming salamat. Ilagay mo na lang dun." Sabi nito at itinuro ang mesa na puno ng
regalo.

Ginawa ko ang sinabi niya. Inilapag ko ang regalo ko sa mesa pero ng tumingin sa
kinatatayuan niya kanina wala na siya dun. Gusto ko lang naman maramdaman na
welcome siya sa pamilya. I know uncle Jame's wife hates him. She refers to him as
'James' bastard'. I don't think he is getting along well with his half siblings.
He's being treated like a family outcast. Kaya nga gusto ko makipagkaibigan sa
kanya dahil alam ko ang nararamdaman niya. I feel like I don't fit in anywhere.

"Hija, why don't you mingle with the other guests?" Inakbayan ako ni daddy.

"Err... Wala po akong kilala sa kanila." Inayos ko ang salamin ko.

"Sumama ka sa mga pinsan mo." Sabi ni daddy.

I made a face. My cousins are all bunch of snotty assholes and bitches. Ako ang
underdog sa magpipinsan, madalas nila akong i-bully bata pa lang kami. "Ok na ko
dito, dad."

Umiling-iling si daddy. "Why can't you be normal, Miranda?"

"Daddy naman! I AM normal!" Nakasimangot na sabi ko.

"Honey, what's happening here?" Lumapit si mommy na may hawak na isang baso ng
champagne.

"Sinasabihan ko lang itong anak mo na makihalubilo naman sa mga tao." Sagot ni

daddy.

"Miranda, your dad's right. Huwag mong sayangin ang oras mo sa kababasa ng libro.
Go out, hang out with your friends, enjoy your life." Sabi nito.

Ugh! I hate it kapag sinesermonan nila ako tungkol sa pagbabasa ko ng mga romance
novel at hindi ko paglabas ng bahay. I am not a social person, introvert ako! Can't
they just accept me for who I am? Maswerte nga sila sa akin. I don't sleep around,
I don't do drugs and I don't waste their money buying expensive stuff like most
girls my age. Books are my only addiction.

"Oh please, mother, give me a break. Can't you just be thankful that I didn't turn
out to be a meth addict? You make it sound like I'm doing something wrong with my
life. I don't go sleeping around and getting pregnant. I don't think there is
anything wrong with wanting to spend time with myself than hang out with those rich
brainless hypocrites. Now if you'll excuse me, I have a date with Rhett Butler." I
rolled my eyes. Si Rhett Butler ang hero sa binabasa kong romance novel na Gone
with the wind.
"You're not going anywhere, darling. I already set you up on a date with someone. A
real guy." Hinawakan ako ni mommy sa braso para hindi ako makaalis.

"Mother, stop interfering with my personal life, will you?" Inis na sabi ko.

"Jason, darling, come over here." Lumingon si mommy sa likuran niya. Isang
matangkad at gwapong lalaking naka midnight blue tuxedo ang lumitaw mula sa likuran
ni mommy. Gosh, makalaglag panty ang kagwapuhan. "Sweety, this is Jason. Jason, my
daughter, Miranda."

"Nice to meet you, Miranda." Kinuha niya ang kamay ko at dinala sa mga labi niya.
He gently kissed the back of my hand. OMG! Akala ko sa mga pocketbooks lang
ginagawa ng mga lalaki ang ganon.

"Uhm, Y-you... Too." I'm stuttering. Nakakahiya.

"I'll leave you two alone." Nakangiting sabi ni mommy. Tumalikod na si mommy at
daddy.

"So, Miranda how old are you?" Tanong nito.

"Nineteen." Sagot ko.

"Quite young. I'm 25 years old." Sabi nito.

Awkward silence. Hindi ko alam ang sasabihin ko. Ngayon ko na realize how socially
dysfunctional I am.

"Wanna go for a walk?" Tanong nito.

"Sure." Sagot ko.

He took my hand at lumayo kami sa maraming tao. Napunta kami sa liblib na parte ng
garden.

"Teka, saan mo ba ako dadalhin?" Tanong ko.

"I just want to spend some time alone with you." Nakangiting sabi niya.

"Ok..." Sabi ko.

"Let's sit over there." Turo nito sa isang malaking puno. Hinubad niya ang tuxedo
jacket niya at inilapag sa damuhan. Pinaupo niya ako doon. Kinikili ako! No guy has
ever treated me like this. Feeling ko ako yung bida sa pocket books na binabasa ko.

Umupo siya sa tabi ko. "Andi, tell me about yourself."

Nag-isip ako sandali. "I like reading books."

"Me too. I'm a big fan of Stephen King. Mahilig din ako sa history at mga biography
books. What tyoe of books do you like to read?"

"Gusto ko yung mga classic romance novel katulad ng Pride and Prejudice, The Count
of Monte Cristo at Gone with the wind, Romeo and Juliet." Sagot ko.

"Hopeless romantic ka 'no?"

"Medyo." Nahihiyang sabi ko.

Hinawakan niya ang baba ko at iniangat ang mukha ko. Nanlaki ang mga mata ko ng
walang sabi-sabing hinalikan niya ako. MY FIRST KISS! Gusto ko siyang itulak pero
parang nanigas ang buong katawan ko. Bakit ganito? Parang walang spark. Hindi
katulad ng mga nababasa ko sa pocket books. He deepen the kiss, I felt his tongue
trying to enter between my lips. Ew gross! Nag-ipon ako ng lakas para itulak siya.

"Ano bang problema?" Inis na sabi nito.

"Y-you kissed me!"

"Walang mali doon. Fiancee kita!"

"Fiancee?" Gulat na sabi ko.

"Yes. Ipinagkasundo na tayo ng mga magulang natin kaya wala na tayong magagawa.
We're stuck together. Kaya enjoyin na lang natin ito." He grinned. Kinabig niya ang
ulo ko at muli niya akong hinalikan. I tried pushing him pero malakas ito. Napahiga
kami at dinaganan niya ako. Oh my god! I think I'm going to get raped! Mabilis
niyang nababa ang strapless dress ko hanggang sa tiyan ko. Buti na lang may bra
ako.

"Dude, I don't know where the fuck I am..." May narinig akong boses ng isang
lalaki. "Hindi ko nga alam kung nasaan ako... Yeah, sinunod ko naman yung sinasabi
mong direction..."

"Jesus Christ, get a room!" Gulat na sabi niya ng makita kami. Huminto si Jason sa
paghalik sa akin at tumayo ito.
"No, not you... may mga nagtutukaan dito." Natatawang sabi ng lalaki sa kausap niya
sa phone. Inayos ko ang dress ko. Humabol ako sa lalaki at kumawit sa braso niya. I
want to get away from that pervert. Gulat na napatingin ito sa akin. "May I help
you?"

"Please, ilayo mo ako dito." Nanginginig ang boses na sabi ko.

"Andi!" Tawag ni Jason. Hindi ako lumingon sa kanya. Napahawak ako ng mahigpit sa
braso ng estrangherong ito. My whole body was shaking.

Lumapit si Jason sa amin. "Andi, come on." Sinubukan niyang akong kunin mula sa
lalaki pero inilayo ako nito.

"Don't you dare touch her kung ayaw mong basagin ko mukha mo." Pagbabanta nito.

"She's my fiancee." Sabi ni Jason.

"Wala akong pakialam kahit asawa mo pa siya. Kapag ayaw sumama sayo ng babae hindi
mo pwedeng pilitin. Naiintindihan mo?" Matalim ang titig nito kay Jason.

"Masyado kang pakielemero!" Sabi ni Jason at ng akmang susuntukin niya na ito

mabilis nakailag ang lalaki. He punched Jason in the face.

"Ganun ang tamang pagsuntok! Tanga!" Sabi nito habang nakahiga si Jason sa damuhan
at nangingiwi sa sakit ng pagkakasuntok sa kanya.

"Thank you, thank you, thank you!" Napayakap ako sa kanya. My knight in shining
leather jacket.

"Hands off, lady." Tinanggal niya ang pagkakapulupot ng mga braso ko sa dibdib
niya. Tumalikod na ito at nagpatuloy sa paglalakad.

"Sandali lang." Humabol ako sa kanya.

"Stop following me!" Inis na sabi nito.

"Take me away from here!" Sabi ko. Hindi na ako babalik sa party na iyon. How could
my parents plan my own life ng hindi sinasabi sa akin? May fiancee na ako? I don't
want to spend the rest of my life with that manyak. Gusto ko ako ang pumili ng
taong mamahalin ko. I want to find my soulmate! Hindi ako papayag na ipakasal lang
ako ng magulang ko samkung sinuman ang trip nilang ipakasal ako.

"Natulungan na kita. Umaabuso ka naman, kung gusto mong umalis dito. Umalis kang
mag-isa mo." Sabi ng lalaki.
"Please? I don't have a car." Ipinakita ko ang paawa face ko.

"Wala rin akong kotse." Sabi ng lalaki.

"Paano ka nakarating dito?" Tanong ko. Hindi naman niya pwedeng lakarin ito dahil
ang laki-laki ng lugar na ito.

Ngumuso siya sa isang direksyon. Tumingin ako doon, isaang itim na motorbike ang
nakaparada doon.

"Pwede na yan." Sabi ko.

"Woman, leave me alone. Hindi ako driver." Sabi nito at nagpatuloy sa paglalakad.

"I have cash." Sabi ko. Huminto ito.

"How much do you have?" Tanong nito.

"Five thousand pesos." Sagot ko. "I'll pay you a thousand."

He smiled. "Ba't hindi mo sinabi agad? Tara na."

Inakbayan niya ako papunta sa motorbike niya. Sumakay siya doon at ng akmang
sasakay na ako sa likod niya pinigilan niya ako. "Hep! You have to pay first."

Itinaas ko ang mahabang dress ko. Sa ilalim nun naka jeans ako. Dumukot ako sa
bulsa ng jeans ko at inilabas ang wallet ko. Kinuha ko ang isang libong papel at
inabot sa kanya. Pinasakay niya ako sa likod

"Wear this." Inabit niya sa akin ang itim na helmet niya.

"Paano ka?" Tanong ko dahil wala na itong dalang extra helmet.

"I'll be fine. Kumapit ka maigi." Sabi niya sa akin. Sinunod ko siya at yumakap ako
sa likuran niya. He smells so good!

"Aaaaaaaaaaaahhhh!" Sigaw ko ng paharurutin nito ang bike niya lalong humigpit ang
yakap ko sa kanya. Kaskasero naman itong driver! Sumusuot kung saan-saan, ang bilis
bilis pa magpatakbo.

"Saan kita dadalhin?"Tanong nito. Halos hindi ko siya marinig dahil sa lakas ng
hangin na humahampas sa akin.

"Sa motel." Sagot ko.

"Saang motel?" Tanong nito.

"Kahit saan!"

Itinigil nito sa gilid ng kalsada ang sasakyan. "You need a place to stay?"

"Yeah."

"Pwede ka sa apartment ko. May isa akong bakanteng kwarto." Sabi nito.

Nagliwanag ang mukha ko. "Really? Pwede akong magstay sa apartment mo?"

"Oo, dalawang libo lang per month." Sabi nito.

Akala ko naman nagmamagandang loob ito. Pero hindi na rin masama. Dalawang libo sa
isang buwan. "Sige. Dalhin mo ako sa apartment mo."

Muli niyang pinaandar ang motorbike. Pumasok kami sa isang makitid na kalsada. May
mga nagkakaraoke at umiinom sa gilid ng kalsada.

"Sino na naman yang kasama mo, Tristan?" Tanong ng isang aleng nagtitinda ng
barbeque. Huminto kami sa tapat nun.

"Bagong room mate ho." Sagot ng lalaki. Ah, Tristan pala ang pangalan niya.
"Dalawang barbeque nga saka apat na isaw."

Inabot sa kanya ng babae ang order niya at binayaran niya iyon. Ini-start niya ulit
ang motorbike at huminto kami sa tapat ng isang malakjng green na gate. Bumusina
ito at mabilis naman kaming pinagbuksan ng isang lalaking malaki ang katawan at
puno ng tattoo sa katawan. Tatlong lumang building ang nakapalibot sa loob nun. May
basketball court sa gitna at may kanya-kanyang binagkakaabalahan ang mga tao doon.
May mga batang naglalaro ng chinese garter, mga babaeng nagbibingo, mga lalaking
umiinom at naglalaro ng cards.

"Nagtotong-its kami, gusto mo sumali?" Tanong ng lalaki.

"Hindi na muna. Wala akong pera." Sabi ni Tristan.

Ipinarada niya ang motorbike sa gilid ng building.

"Dito tayo." Sumunod ako sa kanya. Walang pinto ang building, isang malaking hagdan
agad ang bubungad sa'yo. Umakyat kami hanggang sa makarating kami sa ikaapat na
palapag. Naglakad kami sa hallway hanggang makarating kami sa pinto na may
nakasulat na number 46-B. Dinukot niya ang susi mula sa bulsa at binuksan ang
pinto. Hindi naman kalakihan ang loob nito. May isang itim na couch ito at maliit
na tv. Sa likod ng couch nandoon ang kwadradong mesa na may dalawang upuan.
Inilapag niya doon ang biniling barbeque. Kumuha siya ng dalawang plato sa cupboard
at kutsara't tinidor.

"Kumain na tayo." Sabi nito. Sinenyasan niya akong lumapit sa kanya.

Umupo ako sa upuan sa harap niya. Nasa gitna ng mesa ang rice cooker.

"Go ahead." Pinauuna niya akong kumuha ng kanin.

I opened the rice cooker at sumadok ng kanin. Pagkatapos ko ay siya naman ang
naglagay ng kanin sa plato niya.

"Isang barbeque para sa akin at isa para sa'yo." Inilagay niya ang isang stick ng
barbeque sa plato ko at inilagay niya naman ang isa sa kanya. "Isaw?"

"I don't eat isaw." Sabi ko.

"Okay, more for me!" Sabi nito. "Ano nga ulit ang pangalan mo?"

"Andi." Sagot ko.

"Andi, dapat kumakain ako ngayon ng masarap na pagkain sa party pero dahil sa'yo
ito ako nagtyatyaga sa barbeque."

"Sorry..." Hingi ko ng paumanhin.

"Pero ayos lang. May mapapala naman ako sa'yo eh. Bigay mo na sa akin yung isang
buwang renta mo."

Dumukot ulit ako sa jeans ko at kumuha ng two thousand pesos. Inabot ko sa kanya
iyon. Kinuha niya iyon at nilagay sa bulsa niya. "Yan ang gusto ko sa'yo madali
kang kausap."

=================

Chapter Two
"I want to take a bath." Sabi ko ng matapos kami kumain.

"Anong gusto mong gawin ko paliguan pa kita?" Sarkastikong sabi nito.

Inirapan ko siya. "I don't have any clothes."

Hindi ko naman pinlanong lumayas sa amin kaya bakit ako magdadala ng damit. Gusto
ko ng makaalis sa evening dress na ito. I have jeans under my evening dress but I
don't want to use it again. That's disgusting.

Tumayo ito at pumasok sa isang pinto paglabas nito may dala-dala ito. Inihagis niya
iyon sa akin at tumama sa mukha ko. Inayos ko ang salamin ko. This guy is so rude!
Isang puting t-shirt at navy blue jersey shorts ang inihagis niya sa akin. Malaki
ang mga damit pero pwede na rin. At least comfortable iyon.

"Do you have any towel?" Tanong ko.

"Gamitin mo yung nasa banyo. Kapapalit ko lang kaninang umaga nun." Sabi nito

Pumasok na ako sa bathroom. It was very small pero malinis na man iyon. May maliit
na sink at salamin tapos may toilet na walang flush. So you have to manually flush
it using tabo. It's like the toilet we used while we were camping when i was in
high school. Tapos may faucet at timba. And no shower! Ugh!I took of my clothes.
Inilapag ko ang glasses ko sa may sink.

Binuksan ko ang faucet at kinuha ang tabo na puno ng tubig at binuhos ko sa akin.
Kung nasa bahay ako, siguro nakalubog ako ngayon sa bath tub habang nagbabasa ng
Gone With The Wind. But I am not going home. Panindigan ko ang paglayas ko. I felt
something crawling at my feet. Tinignan ko iyon at napalundag ako ng makita ko ang
ipis sa paa ko. Napasigaw ako at nagtatakbo. Without thinking, I opened the door at
tumakbo ako palabas. Because I was still very wet nadulas ako. I landed on my back.

"What the fu-" Nanlaki ang mga mata nito ng makita ako. I groaned in pain. I tried
to move pero ang sakit ng katawan ko. He quickly picked me up at dahan-dahang
inilapag sa couch. Hindi ko alam kung saan itatago ang katawan ko. I am completely
naked in front of this stranger. I tried to cover my breast and my lady part with
my hands.

"Saan masakit?" Tanong niya.

"Don't look at me..." Nahihiyang sabi ko.

"For fuck's sake. Nadulas ka na yan pa ang aalalahanin mo. I'm not going to rape
you. Now tell me, saan ang masakit?" Nagtaas ito ng boses.

"M- my back." Sagot ko.

Dahan-dahan niya akong idinapa. I'm so embarrased. My butt is completely exposed to

him. He started moving his hands on my back. Slightly putting pressure. Napasigaw
ako sa sakit. Lalo niyang idiniin ang mga kamay niya sa parteng iyon.

"Masakit dito?" Tanong niya.

"Obviously!" Pagalit na sabi ko.

Lalo niyang idiniin ang kamay niya at tumawa siya. That was so mean!

"Can you move?" Tanong nito.

"Yeah but it hurts alot." Sagot ko.

He continued moving his hands from my shoulders down to my hips. This time he was
very gentle. It sent volts of electricity throughout my body. I felt my whole body
get hot as my heart started racing. Hindi ko maintindihan ang nararamdaman ko. This
feeling is all new to me.

"Ohh..." I made a weird sound. It just slipped out of my mouth.

Huminto sa paggalaw ang mga kamay ni Tristan. "I don't think you've broken a bone.
Nabugbog lang siguro ang katawan mo."

"Uh, thanks. Can you get me a towel, please?"

"Sure." Umalis ito at bumalik na may dalang twalya. He covered my body with the
towel at binuhat niya ulit ako. Dinala niya ako sa kwarto at inihiga sa kama.
Palagay ko kwarto niya ito dahil sa mga gamit sa loob.
"Dito ka muna matulog. Aayusin ko pa yung kwarto mo." Sabi niya.

Tumango ako.

"Wala akong damit." Sabi ko.

"You don't need one. May kumot ka naman. I-relax mo muna yang katawan mo." Sabi
niya. Tinakpan niya ng kumot ang katawan ko.

"Good night and thank you." Sabi ko bago siya lumabas ng kwarto.

He smirked. "Hindi ako tumatanggap ng thank you."

Pagkasabi ay isinara niya na ang pinto. I looked around his room. It's very untidy.
His clothes and other things are scattered around the floor. May mga photographs na
naka-hang sa wall. Mga lugar sa iba't-ibang bansa. I felt my eyes get heavy. It's
been a long day, ang daming nangyari sa isang araw. I need some rest.

Nagising ako sa malakas na tugtog. I'm still so sleepy. Hindi ko madilat ang mga
mata ko sa sobrang antok. I covered my ears with a pillow. It didn't work. I
decided na bumangon na. I wrapped the towel around my body.
I'm bringing sexy back Them other boys don't know how to act I think you're
special, what's behind your back? So turn around and I'll pick up the slack.

Dirty babe You see the shackles Baby I'm your slave I'll let you whip me if I
misbehave It's just that no one makes me feel this way

Nagluluto si Tristan habang sumasayaw ito. Nakatalikod siya sa akin kaya hindi niya
ako nakikita habang nanonood ako sa kanya. Nagulat siya ng humarap siya at makita
ako. Napahinto siya sa pagsayaw at hininaan ang stereo.

"Good morning, Angie." Sabi niya.

Angie????

"It's Andi." I corrected him.

"Oh my bad, Andi. So how's your back?" Tanong nito.

"Ok na." Ngumiti ako.

"Di ba may pera ka pa?" Tanong nito.

"Oo." I answered.
"Bibili tayo ng damit mo kaya magbihis ka na. Well, unless you want to walk around
naked. That's fine too."

I gave him a bitch stare at tumawa lang ito.

"Suotin mo ang jeans mo saka yung shirt ko. I washed all your clothes." Sabi niya.
Hindi ko siya ma-imagine na naglalaba ng damit. I bit my lips. He washed my
underwears too? That is so nakakahiya! "Kunin mo sa terrace. Tuyo na yun."

"Teka, I can't take a bath may ipis sa bathroom."

"I killed it last night."

"Thanks."

Naligo na ako at nagbihis. I wore my jeans and his white shirt. Malaki sa akin but
it will do. Ipinusod ko ang buhok ko at isinuot ang salamin ko. My mom hates it
kapag ganito ang ayos ko. Nagmumukha daw akong masungit na old maid but I don't
really give a darn about my appearance. Wala akong tiyagang maglagay ng mga make-up
o mag-ayos ng buhok.

We had a breakfast bago kami umalis. Nagluto si Tristan ng tocino at garlic rice.
Bihira sa lalaki ang marunong magluto at mag wash ng clothes. I think it's very
cute. Pagkatapos namin kumain lumabas na kami ng aparment niya at sumakay sa
motorsiklo. I thought he was going to take me to a mall but he took me to a
tiangge. I've never shopped at a tiangge before.
"That would look good on you." Ngumuso si Tristan sa isang itim na dress na
nakasuot sa mannequin. Maikli iyon at hapit sa katawan.

"I would never wear something like that!" Sabi ko.

"Why not? You have a banging body." Nakangising sabi niya.

Nag-init ang magkabilang pisngi ko ng maalala ang nangyari kagabi. He saw

everything! "You're a pervert!"

"I was just kidding." Natatawang sabi niya.

Inirapan ko siya.

May nakita akong simpleng shirt na nagkakahalaga lang ng 75 pesos. Grabe! Sobrang
mura naman ng mga damit dito.

"Gusto mo yan?" Tanong ni Tristan ng makitang hawak ko ang shirt.

I nodded. Tinawag niya ang tindera.

"Miss, 50 na lang 'to." Sabi niya. Tumatawad pa ang mura na nga.

"Hindi kaya eh." Sabi ng Tindera.

"Sige na, miss beautiful. Singkwenta na lang." Aba nang-uuto pa ang loko.

Pinipigil ng babaeng wag mapangiti. "Sige na nga! Pasalamat ka gwapo ka."

"Salamat." He grinned.

Ang galing talaga ng loko tumawad. Ang dami kong nabili na damit and I spent all my
money. If sa mall ako nag-shopping I would probably only get like 2 shirts sa 2000
pesos ko.

"Uy, thank you ulit ah." Sabi ko sa kanya. Ang dami niya ng nagawa sa akin.

"Anong thank you? Sabi ng hindi ako tumatanggap ng thank you. Ang dami mo nang
utang sakin."

"I don't have any money left." Sabi ko.

"I know you're already broke. Kaya gagawin na lang kitang maid bilang kabayaran sa
lahat ng utang mo."

"Maid? Are you kidding me?" Nanlalaki ang matang tanong ko.

"No, I'm not. Wala ka ng pera kaya syempre ako magpapakain sayo. Aba! Mahal na mga
bilihin ngayon. Walang libre sa mundo. Kung ayaw mo pwede ka naman umalis sa
apartment ko pero hindi ko na maibabalik ang pera mo. Walang refund refund sa
akin."

Sandali akong nag-isip. Kapag umalis ako sa apartment niya, I'll have nowhere to
go. Wala pa akong pera! I think being a 'maid' isn't so bad. Pero wala naman akong
alam sa pagluluto, o paglalaba o paglilinis ng bahay. I have never even touched a
broom my whole life. But I can probably get through it naman... I hope.

"Fine. I'll be your maid." I rolled my eyes.

=================

Chapter Three

"Get me a beer, yaya." Nakangising utos ni Tristan. Yaya? Seriously? Did he just
call me yaya? Arrrgggh! Kanina pa siya utos ng utos since we got home from tiangge.
I walked for like three hours sa tiangge tapos when I got home I had to do all the
dishes na ginamit namin kaninang umaga. And he was very maarte pa. He keeps saying
na hindi pa malinis yung mga dishes so I had to do it all over again. Ano bang alam
ko sa pagwawash ng dish? Pft! Lalong lumaki ang respeto ko sa mga maids namin sa
bahay. They had to do this every day! EVERY FUCKING DAY!!!

I rolled my eyes and got him a can of beer from the fridge. He's just sitting on
the sofa watching tv and drinking his beer while I start sweeping the floor. I'm
just hold the walis and start moving it, ginaya ko yung mga ginagawa ng mga maids
namin. But I really have no idea what I'm doing.
"What the fuck are you doing?" Kunot ang noong tanong nito habang nakatingin sa
akin. Obvious ba nagwawalis? Psh! "Ikinakalat mo lang yung mga dumi. Magwalis ka
mula sa dulo tapos ipunin mo."

"Like this?" I started sweeping from the corner of the room to the center. Inipon
ko ang dumi katulad ng sinabi niya.

"That's better." Sabi nito at ibinalik na ang paningin sa tv.

After sweeping the floor inutusan naman niya akong itapon ang basura sa kitchen. So
I did. Lumabas ako ng apartment at itinapos ang basura sa baba ng building sa
malaking garbage bin. A girl in red tank top and really short shorts came up to me.
Kulot-kulot ang buhok nito at naka red lipstick. She has a pretty face in a trashy
kind of way. Her face is all caked up, it's like she's wearing two pounds of make
up.

"Sino ka?" Tanong ng babae. Para itong investigator sa tono ng boses nito.

"I'm Andi." Sagot ko.

"Ikaw yung babaeng dinala ni Tristan hindi ba? Bakit nandito ka pa?"

"I live with him."

"Ansaveh?!" Isang lalaking naka headband na kulay pink at naka tshirt na powerpuff
girls at nakamaikling shorts ang lumapit at pumamewang sa tabi ng babae. I think
he's gay...

Tumaas ang kilay ng babae. Uh-oh! Am I going to get bullied again? Madalas ganito
ang scenario noong high school ako, I always get bullied alot. Because I used to
wear braces and glasses and they thought I was weird. Kasi tahimik ako at hindi
pala kaibigan. They picked on me alot. Nang mag-college lang ako nahinto ang
pagbubully sa akin. Sa college kasi puro matured na ang mga tao.

"Hindi ikaw ang tipo ni Tristan. Sigurado ako pangkama ka lang." Mataray na sabi
nito.

"Ew! Gross! What are you guys talking about! I'm only living with Tristan kasi wala
akong matutuluyan." Sabi ko.

"So hindi ka girlfriend ni Tristan?" Tanong ng guy na kasama niya.

"No, I'm his... maid." Nagdalawang-isip pa akong sabihin na maid niya ako.

"Aba, teh! Lumelevel up na talaga yang future jowa mo. May maid na ngayon at
spokening english pa ang julalay." Sabi ng gay guy.

May gumuhit na ngiti sa labi nito. "Ako nga pala si Sasha at ito ang kaibigan kong
si Jomar."
"Jodie, gaga!" Tili ng gay guy.

"Jodie pala." Sabi ni Sasha.

"Nice to meet you two. I have to go back na kasi baka may iutos sa akin si
Tristan." Paalam ko.

"Teka, alam mo ba ang number ni Tristan?" Tanong ng babae.

"No, sorry."

"Nakatira kayo sa iisang bahay hindi mo alam number ni Tristan?" Eksena ng gay
friend niya.

"I don't have a phone kasi. Laters!" Sabi ko sa kanila bago ako tumalikod. I went
back to Tristan's apartment and he was still watching tv and already downed two
cans of beers. Wala pa akong masyadong alam sa lalaking ito. I don't know what he
does for a living. How old he is. May girlfriend na kaya siya. Siguro meron na, sa
gwapo ba naman niyang yan.

"What?" Tanong nito ng makitang nakatitig ako sa kanya.

"Uh, nothing. Wala ka na bang ipagagawa?" Sabi ko.

"Masyado mo naman sineseryoso ang pagiging katulong mo. Sit with me." He motioned
me to sit next to him. Dahil masunurin ako, I did. "Wala pa akong alam sa'yo bukod
sa pangalan mo, Annie. We live in the same house kaya mas mabuting magkakilala tayo
hindi ba? After all I've seen everything you're hiding under your clothes."

Nanlaki ang mga mata. Manyakis na lalaking ito. Napayakap ako sa sarili ko. "How
dare you?"

Tumawa ito. "Huwag kang mag-alala hinding hindi kita pagnanasahan. You're not
pretty enough for me."

"You're so rude!" Sabi ko.

"Mukha ka kasing matandang dalaga sa ayos mo." Sabi nito. He said the same thing
my mom said to me. Pero mas naapektuhan ako nang marinig ko yun mula kay Tristan.
Feeling ko tuloy ang pangit pangit ko.

"Bakit ba pinakikialaman mo ang ayos ko?" Iritang sabi ko.

"Sinasabi ko lang." He chuckled. Inabutan niya ako ng isang can ng beer. "Have some
beer."

In my 19 years of existence, hindi pa nadadampian ang labi ko ng beer. I'm such a

good girl, aren't I? Funny thing is my parents hated it. My parents hated that I
never partied or break any rules. Feeling nila hindi ako normal. I wanna be badass
today. Kinuha ko ang isang can ng beer at binuksan iyon. I smelled it. Gross! Ang
bahoy ng amoy. Why would anyone drink this?
"Cheers." Itinaas nito ang can niya ng beer.

Itinaas ko din ang sa akin. "Cheers."

I held my breath and started gulping it. I vommited in my mouth a little bit.
Sinubukan kong lunukin iyon but it just keeps coming back in my mouth.

"Ok ka lang."Tanong ni Tristan.

I tried to smile. I gave him an ok sign with my thumb.

"First time mo?" He laughed.

"No!" Pagsisinungaling ko. I feel really pathetic right now. But I just don't want
him to say na I'm a loser.

"Okay." Nag-kibit balikat ito. He doesn't sound so convinced.

"This isn't my first time. I drink and party alot!" Sabi ko. Now, I sound like a 14
year old trying to be cool.
"Sure, you do." He smirked.

Then I'll just have to prove him. I gulped the beer and downed it in 30 seconds.

"Easy there." Sabi ni Tristan.

"Don't worry. Sanay ako." Sabi ko. I took another can of beer and opened it.

Tristan's POV

"No, I'm not drunk yet..." Sabi nito pero halos nakapikit na ang mga mata. Pang-
limang can niya pa lang ng beer pero lasing na siya.

"Matulog ka na." Sabi ko at inilayo sa kanya ang can ng beer.

"Don't tell me what to do!" Sigaw nito.

"My house, my rules. Matulog ka na." Seryosong sabi ko.

She lazily smiled. "Alam mo you are so gwapo. Can I kiss you? I wanna kiss you!
Hindi ba sabi mo walang libre sa mundo. Hindi pa ako nakakabayad sa pagligtas mo sa
akin sa manyakis na 'fiance' ko daw."

She straddled me. Ikinulong ng mga palad niya ang magkabila kong pisngi. Damn!
Hindi ko akalaing ganito ka-aggresive itong babaeng ito pagnalalasing. Kala mo
Maria Clara ang itsura pero wild pala ito pagnakainom... She's pretty though.
Natatakpan lang ng makapal na salamin ang mukha niya at ipinares niya pa sa
mahigpit na bun ang buhok nito. Pero nung nakita ko siya kahapon na nakahiga sa
sahig, nakababa ang buhok at walang salamin hindi ko siya nakilala. She looked
so... different. And I got to see her whole naked body. And fuck, when she moaned
while I was massaging her back. I instantly got a boner.

"I'm going to kiss you." Natatawang sabi nito. Unti-unting bumaba ang ulo niya sa
akin. Hindi na nakaabot ang labi niya sa akin dahil bigla itong yumuko at sinukahan
ako.

"Goddammit, Andi!" Sigaw ko. Her vomit is all over my shirt and pants. Parang pagod
na pagod itong naupo sa tabi ko. What a pain in the ass!

"My head hurts." Sabi niya. Pagkasabi ay nagsuka na naman ito sa sahig. Tangina
naman! Ngayon kailangan ko pa maglinis ng suka nitong babaeng ito. Parang walang
nangyaring sumandal ito sa balikat ko at natulog.

Binuhat ko siya at ipinasok sa kwarto niya. Inilapag ko siya sa kama. Why do I

always have to take care of her? I am not her nanny. Sakit ng ulo itong babaeng
ito. Hinubad ko ang salamin niya at inilagay sa unan sa tabi niya. Hinubad ko din
ang damit niya dahil natalsikan din ito ng suka. Inuna ko ang shirt niya o shirt ko
na ipinagamit ko sa kanya. She's wearing the same pink bra she wore yesterday. Alam
ko kasi ako naglaba ng mga damit niya. Sumiksik sa isip ko ang imahe ng hubad
niyang dibdib. Her breast and her pink nipp... Shit! enough with the pervy thought.
Biglang parang nag-init ang buong kwarto. Pagkatapos ay tinanggal ko na ang
pagkabutones ng pantalon niya. Tumingin ako sa ibang direksyon para hindi ko na
makita ang nasa loob nun. At agad kong tinakpan ng kumot ang katawan niya.

Andi's POV

Why does my head hurts and why do I feel like I'm going to die. Feeling ko may
lagnat ako na ewan. Napaupo ako sa kama at tumingin sa paligid ko. This isn't my
room. Nasaan ako? Oh my god!Na kidnap ba ako?

Nagbaba ako ng tingin. I'm only wearing my bra and panties. May nakadikit na sticky
note sa taas ng dibdib ko. Hinanap ko ang glasses ko at nakita ko iyon sa unan sa
tabi ko. I put my glasses on. Kinuha ko ang sticky note iyon at binasa.

Huwag kang iinom kung hindi mo naman kaya. Tinirhan kita ng breakfast, mahal na
prinsesa. *sarcasm* Nasa pangalawang cupboard ang aspirin. I gotta go to work.
-Tristan
Now, I remember what happened! Lumayas ako sa amin at sumama sa aking knight in
leather jacket. At uminom ako kagabi to prove him na I'm not a loser. Wala na akong
matandaan pagkatapos nun.

But why am I half naked? OMG! May nangyari ba sa amin kagabi? Sinubukan kong
pakiramdaman ang sarili ko. My lady part isn't hurting. So I guess wala naman
siguro. Hindi naman siguro siya ang tipo ng lalaking mananamantala ng babaeng
lasing. Pero it's still embarrasing twice niya na nakita ang katawan ko!

I got up my bed and looked for my clothes pero I couldn't find it anywhere. I'll
just use the clothes we bought yesterday. I went to the shower because I smell like
alcohol. I took a bath and got dress. I wore a simple white dress na pangbahay. May
nakahain na scrambled egg at hotdog sa mesa. I think it was really sweet of him na
tirhan pa ako ng pagkain. I would probably starve pag wala siyang iniwan na food.
And if I try to attempt to cook I might burn this whole apartment down.

After I ate lumabas ako ng apartment. Tinignan ko ang mga tao sa baba ng
basketball court. Ang aga-aga may nag-iinom na agad. There were kids playing
hopscotch and jump rope. Hindi pa ako nakakapaglaro niyan kahit nung bata ako. I
read alot when I was little. I didn't play at all. Ngayon ko lang na realize kung
ano ang mga na miss out ko sa buhay ko dahil sa pagbabasa. Bumaba ako sa basketball
court para makapanood ng malapitan sa laro ng mga bata.

"Can I try?" Tanong ko sa mga batang nagju-jump rope.

"Ano daw, Bebang?" Napakamot ang ulo ng batang naka-pigtail. Nagkibit balikat ang
kasama nitong batang babae.

"Sabi ko pwede ko bang subukan?" Tanong ko.

"Sige po." Sabi ng bata. Nagsimula silang iikot ang jump rope. Tumalon ako sa pag-
ikot nito. Wow! This is so fun. The I got caught in the rope at napaupo ako.
Nagtawanan ang mga bata at natawa din ako sa sarili ko.

I made a few friends. Si Bebang, si Tina, si Marie at si Kim. Naglaro kami ng piko
at taya-tayaan. This is the childhood I missed. I really had fun with the kids.

Si Marie ang taya at hinahabol niya ako. Natatawang tumakbo ako palayo sa kanya.
Lumingon ako sa likod para tignan si Marie nang may mabangga ako sa harap ko. Isang
malapad na dibdib ang bumungad sa akin, I looked up and saw Tristan's face. And he
didn't look happy... at all. Not a bit. Mukha siyang galit.

"Akyat." He commanded. His voice sounded dangerous. What the hell did I do? Was it
about last night?

"Taya!" Sabi ni Marie ng mahawakan niya ako.

"Bukas na lang ulit tayo maglaro, Marie. Bye." Sabi ko. Umakyat ako sa hagdan at
nakasunod si Tristan sa akin. Wala itong kibo hanggang makapasok kami sa apartment.

"Sorry about last night." Agad na sabi ko.

"Nang-aakit ka ba ng mga lalaki?" Sabi ni Tristan.

Napakunot ang noo ko. What is he talking about?

"Yung mga lalaking sa baba pinapanood ka habang tumatakbo ka kasi nakikita nilang
tumatalbog yang boobs mo." Sabi nito.

I was shocked sa sinabi niya.

"Are you even wearing shorts under that dress." Bigla nitong tinaas ang dress ko.

"You perv!" Sabi ko at ibinaba ko iyon.

"All the guys down there had probably seen your panties. Hindi ka na bata, Andi.
You should know how to take care of yourself." He sounded so mad. Para siyang tatay
na nagsesermon sa anak.

=================

Chapter Four
"Sabi mo nga di ba mukha akong matandang dalaga? Bakit naman ako pagiinteresan ng
mga lalaki doon?" Dahilan ko.

"Takpan lang nila mukha mo pwede ka na sa kanila." He chuckled. I was really

offended pero para akong nabunutan ng tinik nang mag mellow down na siya. Kasi
kanina he looked like he was going to skin me alive.

"You are so mean!" Nakasimangot na sabi ko.

Sumeryoso ulit ang mukha nito. "But seriously, don't ever do that again. Pag nakita
ulit kita paglalakarin kita sa labas ng naka bra at panty lang para hindi na
mahirapan yung mga tambay mamboso sayo."

"It won't happen again, ok?!" Inis na sabi ko. Tumawa lang siya. Gosh! This guy is
so bastos.

"Nagmeryenda ka na?" Tanong nito.

Now that he mentioned it. Bigla akong nakaramdam ng gutom. I was too busy playing
with my new friends at hindi ko naisip kumain. Besides, wala naman akong pera at
hindi ako marunong magluto.

"Hindi pa." Sabi ko.

"You can't even fucking feed yourself. Ano ka three year old?" He rolled his eyes.
"You didn't leave me anything to eat for lunch." Sabi ko.

"Why would I do that? I'm not your nanny. Can't you make yourself a fucking
sandwich or something." Galit na sabi nito. Gosh! This guy is so bipolar. Ang bilis
niya magalit tapos babalik sa normal tapos magagalit na naman.

"No wonder you are so skinny." He said staring at me from head to toe. That's
another one of my insecurity. Why does he have to point out all my flaws and make
me feel like I'm the most ugly human being in this earth? I get teased alot for
being too thin when I was in high school.

"I don't know how to make a sandwich." Nahihiyang sabi ko. Ok now I feel so
useless.

He looked at me surprised. "God, sandwich na lang hindi ka pa marunong? You don't

know anything! What am I going to do with you, Andi?"

I don't know why but I feel like I'm going to cry right now. I basically feel like
an idiot.

"Are you going to kick me out of here?" Basag ang boses na tanong ko.

Nagbago ang anyo niya. His face soften a little bit. "No, I'm not going to do that.
You paid to stay here for a month, remember?" He sighed. "Kumakain ka ba ng instant
noodles?"
"No, daddy said it's unhealthy." Sabi ko.

"Well, you'd have to start eating it. Kasi iyon lang ang dinner natin ngayon." Sabi
niya. He went to the kitchen and started getting instant noodles from the cupboard.
Nag heat siya ng water at nilagay ang noodle dun.Then after a few minutes he took
out the noodles from the boiling water and there you have it... cooked noodles.
Easy peasy. I could probably do that myself.

"Come on, kumain na tayo." Sabi niya habang nilalagay ang noodles sa plato.

We ate together. The instant noodles wasn't as bad as I thought it would be. It's
the first time I've ever tasted this. I'm not maarte naman when it comes to food
but daddy is just really strict with what I eat. Kaya nga siguro naging picky-eater
ako.

"Sorry wala akong pera ngayon kaya ito lang ang dinner natin. I'm broke as fuck.
Kailangan kong ibayad sa landlady yung perang binigay mo sa akin kasi tatlong buwan
na akong hindi nakakabayad ng renta." He said in an apologetic tone of voice.

"It's ok. It's quite good, actually." I smiled.

Sinapo niya sa kamay niya ang kanyang ulo. "Fuck! Hindi pa pala ako nakakabayad ng
electricity at water bills."

Pagkatapos namin kumain I did the dishes cause basically ayun lang ang alam kong
gawin... sa ngayon. I mean, I could learn naman sa mga house chores. I'll try.
Naaawa din ako kay Tristan cause he had to deal with me. I know marami siyang
pinoproblema base sa sinabi niya kanina. He's broke and he has to work hard for
everything he has right now. Tapos magiging pabigat pa ako sa kanya.

"Tristan, sorry I'm useless." Tinabihan ko siya sa couch after ko mag wash ng
dishes.

"Massage mo na lang ako para maging useful ka naman. My back is killing me." Sabi
niya. Then he took of his shirt. Holy mother of Christ! Napatulala ako sa katawan
niya. Damn it! He is so hot. I feel my cheeks burning. Am I blushing?

Dumapa siya sa couch. "My back isn't going to massage itself, you know."

I sat sa gilid ng couch. Para akong nakuryente ng dumampi ang kamay ko sa bare back
niya. Do I really have to do this? This is so embarrasing.

"Igalaw mo yung kamay mo." Utos niya.

"L- like this?" Sabi ko at iginalaw ko ang kamay ko. I pressed his back with my
thumbs.

"Yeah, like that. Do it harder." Sabi nito. I pressed my thumb harder.

"That's good..." He said.

I feel like I'm burning. And right now I'm imagining him doing naughty stuff to me.
Like what heros do to their heroines sa mga romance novels. Lumalalim ang paghinga
ko. Am I getting, what do they call it... um, horny? I bit my lower lips.
Nararamdaman kaya niya iyon? Well, I guess not because I just heard him snore.
Haha. He must be so tired. Lumuhod ako sa may ulunan niya kung saan nakikita ko ng
malapitan ang mukha niya. He's so cute. Ang himbing-himbing ng tulog niya. We've
only been together for two days pero attracted na ako sa kanya. Kahit naman kasi
may pagka-rude siya he still cares for me. Like the time when nadulas ako and when
he cooks food for me. He isn't the romance novel hero type of guy and his poor pero
there's something about him na special.

I went to his room and got his pillow and blanket. Inangat ko ang ulo niya at
nilagay ang pillow dun at kinumutan ko siya. Naupo ako sa sahig sa tabi ng couch.
Ipinatong ko ang ulo ko sa gilid ng couch and just watched his handsome face while
he sleeps. Then I felt my eyelids get heavier and heavier. Hindi ko namalayang
nakatulog na din pala ako.

I woke up na nakahiga na ako sa couch. Agad kong napansin ang yellow thing na
nakaharang sa between ng eyes ko. Kinuha ko iyon. Another sticky note sa forehead
ko.

Do you really have to sleep on the floor? I made you a breakfast. Ginawa na din
kita ng sandwich para sa meryenda mo. Don't forget to eat. -Tristan

PS I'm really serious papalakarin talaga kita ng naka bra at panty sa labas pag
nakita ulit kita.

I smiled as I hugged the sticky note. He really cares about me. I happily ate the
food that he made for me. Then katulad kahapon I took a bath and went outside.
Nakita ko na naman ang mga friends ko.

"Hi ate Andi." Bati ni Tina.

"Hello." I smiled and waved at her. I can't play with them anymore. I have to act
lady-like.

"Laro po tayo." Aya niya.

"Kayo na lang." Nakangiting sabi ko. Tumabi sa akin ang mga bata.

"Pinagalitan po ikaw ni kuya Tristan?" Tanong ni Kim. Hindi ako nakasagot kasi
totoo naman na napagalitan nga ako. "Hindi ka na pwedeng makipaglaro sa akin."

"Ah hindi naman sa ganon. Sabi kasi niya uhm, hindi na bagay sa akin yung mga
ganung laro." Sabi ko.

"Boyfriend mo po ba si kuya Tristan?" Tanong ni Tina. How I wish!

"Hindi. Ikaw, ang bata-bata mo pa kung anu ano na ang tinatanong mo." I tried not
to smile.

"Pero bagay po kayo." Sabi ni Bebang. Talang itong mga batang ito!

"Kayo talaga! O sya, maglaro na ulit kayo. May bibilhin lang ako sa labas." Sabi
ko. Tumakbo na ulit ang mga bata at nagsimulang maglaro ng chinese garter.
Nakakainis! I want to join them pero hindi pwede. I don't want to walk around on my
bra and panties!
Lumabas ako sa compound. Hindi ko pa nalilibot ang lugar na ito. It's very
different sa mga lugar na napuntahan ko. May mga vendors sa gilid ng kalsada. May
mga naka park na trycicle. Maingay ang mga tao.

Then I saw this little kid na gumagapang sa gitna ng kalsada at may trycicle na
dumadating. No one seems to be noticing the kid. I quickly ran to the kid and
grabbed him. The next thing I knew I was lying on the side of the street with the
kid on my arms.

"Maraming salamat!" Tumakbo ang ale para kuhanin ang bata sa akin. At matilim na
tinitigan ang dalaga sa tabi niya. "Sabi ko hindi ba alagaan mo si Erik! Letse ka!
Masasagasaan na yung bata puro katext mo pa rin ang iniintindi mo! Wala ka talagang
kwenta! Makukunan pa ako sa'yo nyan eh!"

I just saved a kid's life! This is the greatest think I've done in my whole life.
I'm so proud of myself.

"Utang na loob ko sa'yo ang buhay ng anak ko." Sabi sa aki ng babae. "Teka, hindi
ba ikaw yung babaeng kasama ni Tristan?"

Oh right! And she's the woman na nagtitinda ng barbeque.

"Opo." Sabi ko.

"Hindi nga nagkamali ang batang iyon sa pagpili sa iyo." Nakangiting sabi niya.
"Halika! Magmeryenda ka muna sa kainan ko."
"Naku! Huwag na po." Sabi ko.

"Halika na! Huwag ka na mahiya. Iniligtas mo naman ang anak ko." Hinili niya ako at
wala na akong nagawa. May kung anu-anong pagkain na nakahain sa isang mesa. It's
kind of like a buffet. Tapos may nakalatag din na mga upuan at mesa.

"Akala ko po barbeque ang tinitinda niyo?" Tanong ko.

"Sa umaga mga meryenda ang tinitinda namin tapos sa gabi naman barbeque naman ang
inilalabas namin." Sagot ng ale. "Mamili ka na kung ano ang gusto mong kainin.
Kahit ano."

"Huwag na po. Busog pa naman po ako." Sabi ko.

"Ano ka ba? Subukan mo lang itong mga tinda ko. Subukan mo itong palabok ko! Naku!
Gustong-gusto ito ni Tristan." Sabi ng ale.

"Pwedeng ibalot niyo na lang po para kay Tristan na lang."

"Ang swerte-swerte talaga sa'yo ni Tristan. Hayaan mo ibabalot ko rin siya nito
pero kumain ka din." Pilit nito. Wala na akong nagawa kung hindi kainin ang
ibinigay sa akin ng ale. Masarap nga ang palabok niya. "Ako nga pala si Beth. Ikaw
ano ang pangalan mo?"

"Andi po. Matagal na po ba si Tristan dito?" Tanong ko. Para kasing kilalang-kilala
niya na ito.
Tumango ito. "Bata pa lang yan nandito na yan. Dati nga namamalimos lang yan.
Binibigyan-bigyan ko na lang ng pagkain. Pero kita mo naman ngayon, kahit paano
nakakaangat na siya."

Si Tristan namamalimos? I suddenly felt bad for him. He must have had a rough
childhood. Matagal din kaming nag-usap ni aleng Beth at marami akong nalaman
tungkol kay Tristan. He's a photographer and he grew up in the street because he
ran away sa bahay-ampunan dahil pinagmamalupitan sila ng mga nag-aalaga sa kanila
doon. I feel like I want to hug him. Ang dami dami niyang dinanas and he had no one
to care for him.

Nagpaalam na ako kay aleng Beth at bumalik sa compound. Then a man got in my way.
Hinarang niya ako.

"Hi miss, anong pangalan mo?" He looked at me like he was undressing me.

"I- I'm Andi." Sabi ko.

"Ang ganda mo naman." Sabi nito. He was the first to say that and I should feel
good but I felt disgusted. Parang may malisya ang pagkasabi niya. "Gusto mong
sumama sa akin?"

Why does he think I would come with him? "No thanks."

Lalakad na ako palayo ng harangin niya ulit ako. "Ang sungit mo naman." Then
hinawakan niya ang ilang hibla ng buhok na nahulog sa tali ko sa buhok at inipit sa
likod ng tenga ko. Now I'm totally creeped out.

Then may umakbay sa akin. I looked up and it was Tristan. My hero just arrived in
time.

"May problema ba Raul?" Tristan said in a monotone voice.

"W-wala naman, nakikipagkilala lang ako." Halata sa mukha nito ang takot.

"Mukhang ayaw magpakilala sa'yo ng syota ko. Sa susunod na makita kitang lumapit sa
kanya babasagin ko mukha mo." Banta nito. Oh my god! Did he just say na girlfriend
niya ako? Di ba ang syota ibig sabihin nun girlfriend? Right?

"Pasensya na. Hindi ko naman alam na syota mo yan." Sabi nito at umalis na.

"Saan ka galing?" Kunot ang noong tanong niya sa akin.

"Sa tindahan ni aling Beth. May dala nga ako sa'yo sabi niya gusto mo daw kasi ng
palabok niya." Itinaas ko ang naka plastic na palabok. His expression changed and
he smiled.

Umakyat kami sa apartment.

"Did you eat lunch?" Tanong nito.

"Oo naman. Pinakain ako ni aling Beth kasi I saved his son from getting hit by a
trycicle." Proud na sabi ko.

Ginulo niya ang buhok ko na parang bata at ngumiti. "Good job."

Napasimangot ako sa ginawa niya. He doesn't seem to treat me like a woman. He

thinks I'm some stupid girl na kailangan niyang alagaan. Well, because I'm stupid
and dumb.

"Are you liking it here?" Tanong niya. Are you kidding? I love it here! I feel like
I truly belong here. I have Tristan, na nag-aalaga sa akin at may nagiging mga
kaibigan na ako. Hindi katulad dati. Libro ko lang ang mga kaibigan ko.

"Yes. I wish I could stay here longer." Sabi ko.

Hindi agad nakakibo si Tristan. After a minute nagsalita siya. "Hindi ka ba

hinahanap sa inyo?"

"I don't want to go back there." Even my own parents betrayed me! Why would I want
to go back there!

"I'm sure nag-aalala na sa'yo ang mga magulang mo. Saka hindi mo ba namimiss ang
buhay mo sa inyo? Mahirap ang buhay dito. Minsan wala tayong makain katulad kagabi
hindi ba instant noodles lang ang dinner natin? Saka walang aircon dito. Sigurado
sa inyo may aircon. Saka minsan napuputulan pa ako ng kuryente." Sabi nito. Is he
trying to convince me na umalis na sabi apartment niya? I must really be a pain in
the ass for him.

"Hindi naman ako nagrereklamo, di ba?" Inis na sabi ko.

"Mahihirapan ka lang dito. Look, I could find some way para maibalik ko sa'yo yung
pera mo. Umuwi ka lang sa inyo." Sabi niya.

Naningkit ang mga mata ko. "You're kicking me out, aren't you?"

"No... no, it's not like that. It's for your own good. Alam kong hindi ka sanay sa
mga ganitong bagay." Sabi nito.

"I could get used to it."

He sighed. "Ok, kung gusto mo talagang mag-stay then fine."

"Are you getting annoyed with me kaya mo ako pinapaalis." I asked.

"Hindi, kapakanan mo lang ang iniisip ko. I don't want to drag you in my miserable
life. Ayokong mahirapan ka din." Sabi nito. Aww that was the most touching thing
someone had ever said to me. It's nice to know that somebody really cares about me.
=================

Chapter Five

I've been living with Tristan for a week now. Hindi niya ako napaalis sa apartment
niya. I'm getting to know him more and more sa bawat araw na nagdaan. I think I'm
having a crush on him. He's so thoughtful and caring kahit minsan alaskador siya.
Pero I get really annoyed lang when he treats me like a child.

So, here I am trying to cook breakfast for him. I cracked the egg on thr frying
pan. This isn't so hard.

"Ouch!" Sigaw ko ng may tumalsik na oil sa akin. I spoke too soon. This is hard and
painful! I tried going near the lutuan kaso nagtatalsikan na yung oil. Oh my god! I
don't know what to do. I quickly grabbed yung takip ng frying pan and used it as a
shield. Lumapit ako sa lutuan pero natalsikan pa rin ako ng oil. Hanggang sa naamoy
ko na nasusunog na ito and the bottom part is turning black.

"Ano na naman ginawa mo, Andi?" Casual ang boses na sabi ni Tristan. Siguro nasanay
na siya sa mga kapalpakan ko kasi hindi na siya nagagalit whenever I do something
wrong. He just got out from the shower. Basa pa ang buhok nito at ang tanging suot
niya lang ay ang tuwalya na nakapulupot sa bewang niya. So hot!

"I can't go near sa lutuan kasi natatalsikan ako ng oil." Sabi ko. Kinuha niya sa
kamay ko ang spatula. He turned off the burner.

"Bakit kasi nagluluto ka hindi ka naman marunong." He said.

"Sorry, ayoko naman kasing maging pabigat sayo." Nakababa ang ulong sabi ko.
"Kainin mo yang itlog mo." Sabi ni Tristan.

"But it's burnt!" Sabi ko.

"Hindi naman ako nagsunog niyan. Sayang yan." Sabi niya.

Kahit ayoko napilitan akong kunin ang burnt sunny side up egg at ilagay sa plato.
He stared at me grinning with his arms crossed. This guy is so evil. Hiniwa ko na
ang egg at tinusok ng tinidor. I stared at him na tila nagmamakaawa na pigilan niya
ako pero binigyan niya ako ng nakakaasar na ngisi. I opened my mouth at ipinasok ko
sa bibig ko ang maliit na piece ng burnt egg. Halos hindi ko na nginuya ito, it
tasted bitter.

"Tama na. Itapon mo na yan." Pigil niya ng aktong isusubo ko pa ang egg. See! Gusto
niya lang akong pahirapan.

"Magbibihis lang ako. Doon na lang tayo sa tindahan ni aling Beth kumain." Sabi
nito.

"May pera ka?" Gulat na sabi ko. He rarely has money.

"Mag-aaya ba ako kung wala." Sabi nito at pumasok na siya sa kwarto niya. Paglabas
niya naka tshirt na siyang puti at naka denim short na umaabot sa knee niya.
Nakapangbahay lang siya so obviously wala siyang pasok. Lumabas kami ng apartment.
"Hi ate Andi." Bati sa akin ng mga bata na naglalaro.

"Ang aga aga niyong naglalaro." Sabi ko.

"Gusto mong sumali?" Tanong nila. Naglalaro sila ngayon ng hopscotch.

"Kailangan muna kumain ng ate Andi niyo. Di ba kayo naaawa, buto't balat na
to." Nakangising sabi niya. Napatawa din ang mga bata. Naniningkit ang mga matang
tinitigan ko siya. Ang lakas talagang mang-asar ng lalaking ito. My biggest
insecurity is my body. Yung ibang babae nagagalit kapag tinatawag silang fat but I
get angry when people call me skinny. Dati kasi madalas akong tinutuksong anorexic
ng mga classmates ko.

"Itong ate Andi niyo sobrang pikon." Umakbay siya sa akin. I shrug his hand off of
my shoulder. He pulled me closer to him. "Ngingiti na yan."

I tried my best not to smile. He's just so sweet. Kahit palagi niya akong inaasar
pag napipikon na ako nilalambing niya na ko. I gave him a sarcastic smile and
rolled my eyes. "Lika na nga! Kumain na tayo. I'm hungry." Kunwaring inis na sabi
ko.

Naglakad na kami papunta sa kainan nila ate Beth. She greeted us with a big
smile. "Magandang umaga sa inyo."

"Good morning." I smiled back. "Kamusta na po si Erik?"

"Ok naman siya. Malikot pa din." Sagot nito.

Umupo kami sa isang table at umorder ng pagkain. I ordered a longsilog - it's a

longganisa and sinangag with egg. I originally wanted bacon and pancake pero
unfortunately wala daw sila nun.

"Ano'ng akala mo IHOP 'to?" Natatawang sabi ni Tristan. "They don't sell pancakes
and bacon here. Karinderya lang ito."

"Hindi naman masama magtanong di ba?" Sabi ko.

"Hayaan mo, ibibili na lang kita ng pancake at bacon pagpunta natin sa palengke
mamaya." Sabi niya.

"You're going to take me to a wet market?" Tanong ko.

He was chewing his food so he just nodded at me. I got really excited because I've
never gone to a wet market before. Nakikita ko lang ito sa mga teleseryeng
pinapanood ko. I have lived a very sheltered life and I rarely left the house. I'm
glad I ran away from home kasi ang dami ko ng natututunan ngayon.

"Marami ka yatang pera ngayon." Sabi ko.

"I just have enough money. Mas magandang bumili na tayo ng pagkain habang may pera
ako, para kapag wala na naman akong pera at least may makakain tayo. Baka bigla ka
na lang kasing mamatay sa malnutrisyon." Sabi niya.
"That's so mean." Nakasimangot na sabi ko. Tumawa lang ito.

After finishing our meal. Sumakay kami sa motorcycle ni Tristan. I like riding on
his motorcycle because I get to hug and smell him. He smells so good but like kind
of a manly smell. It's such a sexy smell. He parked his motorcycle at inalalayan
niya ako pababa.

God, it smells awful here. Dahil siguro sa pinaghalo-halong amoy ng mga tinda.
Nakalapag lang sa mga table at ang mga meat, fish, vegetable at mga fruits. Kaya
pala tinawag na wet market kasi literally basa ang sahig and it's really muddy-ish.
Tristan started buying food at nakikipagtawaran na naman sa mga tindera. He's using
his charm para makakuha siya ng low price. And he did keep his promise. He bought
me bacon and yung powdered pancake na nakabox. But he made me carry lahat ng
pinamili niya. Para talaga akong maid niya.

"I hope may natutunan ka ngayon kasi ikaw na ang mamamalengke sa susunod." Sabi
niya habang pasakay na kami sa motorcycle niya.

"What? You're going to make me go back to this stinky place?" Sabi ko.

"Kailangan matuto ka na. I'm not your servant. You're MY maid." Sabi nito.
Napakunot ang noo niya at napako ang mga mata sa paa ko. "God, you're dirty."

Binaba ko ang tingin sa mga paa ko. May mga talsik ng mud sa back ng calf ko. It
was probably from walking sa palengke. He made me sit sa ibabaw ng motorcycle niya
at inangat ang paa ko. He got out a hanky and wiped it off. It's funny. I'm his
maid and his my servant. Haha.
We went back to his place and watched television.

"Ngayon ko lang na realize na wala pa akong alam tungkol sa personal na buhay mo.
Bakit wala kang alam na gawaing bahay? Saan bundok ka ba galing?" Tanong niya
habang nakapako pa rin ang mata sa tv.

I rolled my eyes. "We have alot of maids sa amin kaya I never got to do yung mga
house chores."

"Mayaman ka pala talaga. Pwede kitang pagkakitaan. I could call your parents and
tell them I kidnapped you." He chuckled.

"You really would do that?"

"Nah." He said. "Pero pag naisipan mo na umuwi sa inyo baka naman pwedeng bayaran
mo ako sa lahat ng utang mo sa akin."

"All you care about is money." Sabi ko.

"Well, sorry. I wasn't born with a silver spoon in my mouth. Hindi mo pa

nararanasan magutom o mamalimos sa kalsada para may makain." He said. I've never
seen him this serious.

"I'm sorry. That was so insensitive of me." Hingi ko ng tawad. "Ate Beth told me
about your childhood. She said you were once a beggar."
"I'm not ashamed of it."

"You shouldn't be. I mean, look at you now. You're no longer a beggar, naangat mo
ang sarili mo from poverty. You did it alone. You should be proud of
yourself." Sabi ko sakanya.

"I did awful things bago ako nakaangat sa kahirapan. That's what I'm ashamed
of." He said looking away.

"Like what?" I curiously asked.

"You don't want to know." He smiled.

"I DO want to know." Sabi ko naman.

"Ipangako mo muna na hindi magbabago ang tingin mo sa akin." Seryosong sabi niya.

Ngumiti ako. "Don't worry. Kahit ano pa sabihin mo, I'd still think of you as a d-
bag jerk na ang hobby ay pagtripan ako."

His face lightened up a bit. Natawa ito. Then he cleared his throat. "I used to be
a call boy and a drug dealer. I was fifteen when I started working as a stripper
and selling drugs at clubs. May mga
para maka-sex ko sila. Tapos naging
aralan niya ako sa isang maganda at
ng kolehiyo. We stopped seeing each
ruined the lives of alot of people,
matronang nag-offer sa akin ng malaking halaga
kabit ako ng asawa ng isang politiko. Pinag-
mamahaling eskwelahan hanggang makapagtapos ako
other when his husand found out about us. I've
Andi."

"Nagbago ka na naman hindi ba?" I said trying to comfort him.

"Oo, rugby at katol na lang ang binebenta ko ngayon." Pabirong sabi niya at tumawa
siya. That's what I admire about him. He doesn't really take everything seriously.
Nagagawa niya pa rin magbiro kahit sa mga seryosong bagay. I guess defense
mechanism niya ang humor niya. Or maybe he just doesn't want to be sad anymore,
maybe he was sad and lonely all his life.

Nawala ang ngiti niya sa labi.

"Siguro iniisip mo ngayon na masama akong tao." Sabi niya.

"No, I would never think na masama ka. You were just lost. I think you're a good
person dahil pinatira mo ako dito sa and you took care of me and you were patient
with me kahit na puro palpak ako."

"Kaya lang naman pinagtitiyagaan kita kasi nakabayad ka na sa akin at saka ngayon
may napagtitripan na ako." Tumawa ulit siya.

=================

Chapter Six
Nasa trabaho na naman si Tristan at katulad ng pangkaraniwang araw nasa loob na
naman ako ng apartment niya. I'm cleaning his room. Ang messy messy kasi room ng
lalakin iyon. He taught me how to make the bed, sweep the floor and alot of
household chores. Unti-unti na akong natututo. At least I'm not as ignorant as I
was before noong bago pa lang ako dito.

His room is all messy. I picked up yung mga pictures na nakakalat sa sahig. He's a
photographer kaya marami siyang photos sa room niya. What I noticed is marami
siyang pictures ng magagandang places. It was breathtakingly beautiful. Meron mga
pictures caves, beaches, cities. Maybe he likes going to different places. Tapos
naka-hang sa wall niya naman mga picture ng Eiffel tower at yung mga white houses
sa tabi ng dagat sa Greece. I organized the pictures at nilagay ko sa desk niya sa
tabi ng kama.

Tapos inayos ko ang kama niya at nagwalis ako ng buong bahay at naglampaso. I'm now
a certified maid. Pagod na pagod akong napaupo sa couch. Pawis na pawis ako from
all the house work I've been doing. My white- I mean Tristan's white shirt turned
brownish na dahil sa mga dumi. Tristan gave me some of his shirt para may
pangbahay ako. I like wearing it. I feel like pagsuot ko ito Tristan is touching my
body.

Napatingin ako sa orasan. My higlight of the day is yung paguwi ni Tristan from
work. I pretend na his my husband in my mind. Oo nga pala, I forgot to take out the
trash baka pagalitan pa ako ng hubby ko. Binitbit ko ang maliit na trash bin at
bumaba sa apartment kung nasaan ang tapunan ng mga basura. I was walking when
someone bumped in to me.. Napaupo ako sa sahig at natapon sa akin ang mga basura.

"Oh God!" Tinanggal ko ang ibang basura na natapon sa shirt ko. This is Tristan's
shirt pa naman! Bwisit.

"Sorry, hindi ako tumitingin sa dinadaanan ko." Sabi ng isang lalaki. I looked up
sa lalaki. He's a tall guy with a cute face. Inabot niya sa akin ang kamay niya
para tulungan akong itayo.

"No, kaya ko na tumayo mag-isa ko." Mataray na sabi ko. Naiinis ako! Why naman kasi
yung shirt pa ni Tristan ang nadumihan. I got up sa floor.

"Sorry talaga, miss." Muli itong humingi ng tawad.

"Kuya, namiss kita! Saan ka nagpunta?" Tumakbo si Kim sa lalaki at niyakap ito.
Siya yung batang babaeng kaibigan ko at nakalaro ko noon.

"Namiss din kita. Pero kailangan ko magtrabaho para sa inyo ni nanay." Lumuhod ito
at yumakap sa bata. Aww! That is so touching. He seems like a nice guy naman kaya
forgiven na siya kahit pa nadumihan shirt ni Tristan ko.

Dinampot ko ang trash bin at isa-isa kong dinampot ang mga basura.

"Ako na ang magdadampot, ako naman kasi may kasalanan kung bakit natapon yan." He
smiled at me. He began picking up the trash. Kinuha niya mula sa akin ang trash bin
at siya na din ang nagtapon ng nito sa basurahan.

"Pasensya na ulit." Sabi niya ng iabot niya sa akin ang empty trash bin.

"It's ok." Sabi ko naman.

"Ako na ang bahala dyan sa tshirt mo. Ibigay mo na lang sa akin." Sabi nito.
Nanlaki ang mga mata ko. Gusto niyang maghubad ako dito at ibigay sa kanya ang
shirt ko. "You're crazy! Hindi ko huhubarin ang damit ko dito!"

Bakas sa mukha nito ang pagkagulat. "H-hindi iyon ang ibig kong sabihin."

"Ate Andi, punta ka sa amin! Naghanda si nanay para kay kuya. May mga damit din si
ate dun." Aya ni Kim.

"N-no thanks. May gagawi-"

"Sige na, ate Andi. Kahit sandali lang. Doon ka na lang samin magpalit ng damit, si
nanay na ang maglalaba niya." Hinatak ako ni Kim.

"Oo nga. Daan ka muna sa amin kahit sandali lang para mapalitan naman yang damit
mo." Sabi naman ng lalaking nakabangga sa akin.

"Kasi-"

"Sige na, ate Andi! Sandali lang naman!" Pilit ni Kim.

"Sige na nga." Pumayag na din ako. Hinila ako ni Kim at patakbong pumunta kami sa
apartment nila.
"Nanay, nandyan na si kuya!" Excited na sigaw nito ng makapasok kami sa loob.

"Hala! Caloy? Ikaw na ba yan? Naging babae ka na?" Nakatingin sa akin ang babae.
She looks like she's on her late 40s na at she's small, hanggang balikat ko lang
yata at medyo chubby ito. But she looks nice naman. "Yan na nga ba ang sinasabi ko
eh! Bakit hindi mo agad pinagtapat sa amin na bading ka?!"

"Nay-" Magsasalita dapat si Kim pero hindi mapigilan ang pagsasalita ng babae.

"Ok lang naman maging bakla anak pero sana yung perang ginamit mo na pagpaparetoke
sa mukha mo at katawan mo, sana ipinadala mo na lang sa amin. May mga bading naman
na lalaki pa rin ang itsura. Alam mo naman kung gaano kahirap ang buhay natin!
Tapos inuna mo pa yan! Anak naman, sana tinulungan mo muna ka-"

"Nay!" Biglang pumasok ang lalaki sa pinto.

"Caloy, anak!" Tumakbo ang babae at yumakap sa anak niya. Nang kumalas ito sa
pagkayakap bigla itong tumingin sa akin.

"Pasensya ka na, akala ko kasi ikaw na si Caloy. Alam mo naman minsan may mga taong
umaalis sa bansa pagbalik babae na." Sabi nito sa akin.

I smiled at her. "Ok lang po."

"Ayan na ba ang girlfriend mo. Kagandang babae!" Tanong nito sa anak niya.
"Nay hindi-"

"Ah alam ko na! Asawa mo?"

"Hindi, nay. Taga-dito din siya nanay." Singit ni Kim. "Kaibigan ko siya."

"Ah ganun pa. Naku pasensya na. Pasensya na din sa pagkamadaldal ko. Ano ba yang
dala mo ineng?" Ngumuso ito sa trash bin na dala ko.

"Ah akin na yan. Ilapag mo muna yan." Kinuha ito ni Caloy mula sa akin at humarap
sa nanay niya. "Nay, nasan na ba yung damit ni Grace? Pahiramin muna natin siya."

"Ah sige, kukuha ako ng damit." Sabi ng babae at pumasok ito sa kwarto.

"Pagpasensyahan mo na si nanay. Ganyan lang talaga yun." Nahihiyang napakamot ito

ng batok.

"It's ok. Nakakatuwa nga siya eh." Natatawang sabi ko.

"Ano nga bang pangalan mo?" Tanong niya.

"Andi." Sagot ko.

"Hindi ko makita yung mga damit ni Grace baka nasa labahan pa, alam mo naman yung
kapatid mong yun ang tamad tamad kahit sarili niyang damit hindi malabhan. Ito na
lang kay Ruben." Inabot ng ginang sa akin ang itim na tshirt na may nakalagay na
'Bad Boy' sa harap.

"Sige na suotin mo na yan at iwan mo na ang tshirt mo dito. Ibabalik ko na lang

sayo pag nalaban na." Sabi ni Caloy.

"Saan ba pwedeng magbihis?" Tanong ko.

"Ay sorry. Dito sa kwarto ko na lang." Binuksan nito ang pinto sa isang kwarto.
Pumasok ako sa kwarto niya at inilock ko iyon. Mabilis ko sinuot ang damit na
ipinahiram nila. It's loose like Tristan's shirt, syempre lalaki din ang may-ari.
Lumabas akong dala-dala ang white shirt.

"Akin na yan." Kinuha ni Caloy ang shirt na hinubad ko.

"Uuwi na ako." Paalam ko.

"Sandali, kumain ka muna dito. Madami naman inihanda si nanay." Aya nito.

"Huwag na lang." Sabi ko.

"Ate Andi, nalagyan ko na ang plato mo." Sabi naman ni Kim.

"Sayang naman kung hindi mo kakainin. Pinaghanda ka pa naman ng bata." Sabi ni

Caloy.

"Sige na nga." Sumuko na ako. He pulled a chair for me. We started eating. May
spaghetti at whole chicken at mga ulam na nakahain sa mesa. Nagsidatingan ang iba
pang mga tao at lahat sila parang sabik na sabik makita si Caloy. Siguro he's been
gone for too long.

"Kuya, sino yang kasama mo? Huwag mong sabihin nag-asawa ka na?" Sabi ng kausap ni
Caloy.

"Hindi, taga-dito siya. Kaibigan siya ni Kim." Sagot nito.

"Ah ganun ba, taga san ka miss?" Tanong ng lalaki. Mukhang bata pa ito, siguro mga
15 years old lang ito.

"Sa fourth floor." Sagot ko.

"Kapit bahay ka pala namin. Bakit hindi ka namin nakikita?" Tanong naman ng nanay
ni Caloy.

"Hindi po ako masyadong lumalabas." Sagot ko.

Oh shoot! Si Tristan! Napatingin ako sa orasan na nakahang sa wall. Hindi ko
namalayan ang oras. For sure, nasa apartment na si Tristan.

"Kailangan ko na pong umuwi. Salamat sa pagkain." Sabi ko.

"Hatid na kita." Sabi ni Caloy.

"Huwag na, malapit lang naman ako." Sabi ko.

"Si kuya oh! Kauuwi lang may pinopormahan na." Tukso ng babaeng kapatid niya.

"Tigilan niyo nga ako. Hatid na kita, Andi." Pamimilit nito. At kinuha ang trash
bin na nilapag niya kanina. "Ako na magdadala nito."

Hindi na ako nakatanggi pa dahil sa pamimilit niya.

"Saan ka ba galing?" Tanong ko sa kanya habang naglalakad kami sa hallway.

"Nagtrabaho ako ng dalawang taon sa Qatar para makatulong kay nanay. Nakita mo
naman kung gaano kalaki ang pamilya namin." Sagot nito.
"Kaya pala mukhang miss na miss ka na nila." Sabi ko.

"Oo nga, eh. Miss na miss ko din naman sila."

"Babalik ka pa dun?"

"Siguro. Pagnakakuha ako ng trabaho dito baka hindi na." Sabi nito.

Malayo pa lang natatanaw ko na si Tristan. Nakasandal ito sa pinto ng apartment.

Nakataas ang isang paa at nagsisigarilyo.

"Dito na ako. Salamat sa paghatid mo." Kinuha ko ang trash bin mula sa kanya.

Lumingon si Tristan at nagtama ang mga mata namin. He looked angry. Marahas niyang
itinapon sa lapag ang sigarilyo at inapakan iyon.

"Saan ka galing? Hindi mo ba alam kung anong oras na?" Lumapit si Tristan sa amin.
Tinitigan nito si Caloy mula ulo hanggang paa. "Sino ka?"

"A-ako si Caloy. Taga-baba ako." He looked intimidated by Tristan.

Walang sabi-sabing hinablot ako ni Tristan sa braso at kinaladkad papasok ng
apartment. Marahas na ibinato niya ako sa couch. I've never seen him this angry
before.

"Ano'ng ginawa niyo? Ha?" Tanong nito.

"Wala. Kumain lang ako sa kan-" Hindi pa ako tapos sumagot ng tanungin niya ulit
ako.

"Kaninong damit yang suot mo?"

Nagbaba ako ng tingin sa suot kong damit. "S-sa kapatid niya yata."

"Tangina! Bakit suot mo yan?" Nagtaas ito ng boses. He's really scary when he's
angry. I've never seen him like this before.

"Kasi natapunan niya yung shirt ko ng basura." Sabi ko.

"Saan ka nagbihis?" Tanong niya.

"Sa kwarto niya."

"Sa harap niya?" Nanlaki ang mga mata nito.

"No! Why would I do that?"

"Bakit sumasama ka sa kung sinu-sino? Paano kung rapist yung gagong yun? You
shouldn't trust everyone, Andi. May mga mapagsamantalang mga tao dyan." Sabi nito.
He's still angry and it's really scaring me.

"Kuya naman siya ni Kim, eh. Saka mabait naman si Caloy." Sabi ko.

"Wala akong pakialam! Huwag na huwag na ulit kitang makitang sumasama kung kani-
kanino. I will kick you out of my house." Pagbabanta nito.

"And that shirt is fucking ugly!" Tinitigan nito ng masama ang shirt na suot ko.
Nagulat ako ng hawakan niya ang ibaba ng shirt at pilit niyang itinaas iyon.

"What are you doing, Tristan?" Gulat na pilit kong ibinababa iyon.

"I'm taking it off." Sabi niya. Pilit niyang inaangat ito.

"Stop it!" Saway ko.

"No!" Matigas na sabi nito. "You have nothing to hide, Andi. Nakita ko na lahat ng
itinatago mo."

"You are such a jerk. Let go!" Pilit kong ibinababa ang tshirt na suot ko.

"Fine! Ayaw mo pahubad sa akin." He suddenly ripped the shirt in half at marahas na
ibinato ito. Now, bra na lang ang suot ko.

I hugged myself para matago ang exposed na part ng katawan ko. "This is borderline
molestation, Tristan."

"Molestation, my ass." Sabi niya bago pumasok sa kwarto niya. Agad din itong
lumabas na may dala-dalang puting shirt. Ibinato niya iyon sa akin at tumama sa
mukha ko.

"Suotin mo yan." Paggalit na sabi niya bago ito muling pumasok sa kwarto niya at
ibinagsak ang pinto. Ang kapal naman ng mukha niya. Siya pa may ganang magalit ako
na nga ang hinubaran niya. Bwisit na lalaking yun!

=================

Chapter Seven

"Tristan." Kumatok ang sa pinto niya. Hindi ito sumagot. Lalo kong nilakasan ang
pagkatakot hanggang sa kalampagin ko na ito.

He opened the door. Salubong ang mga noo nitong humarap sa akin. "Gabing-gabi na
nag-iingay ka pa! Hindi lang tayo ang tao dito, Andi. May mga kapit-bahay tayo."
"Sorry na." Lumabi ako.

BAM! Binagsak nito ang pinto sa mukha ko. Ang lakas ng topak ng lalaking yun. Siya
na nga ang may kasalanan sa akin siya pa ang galit.

"Bakit ka ba nagagalit? Bati na tayo, please!" Sigaw ko sa labas ng pinto niya.

"Shut up! Pagod ako, Andi. Huwag ka nga mangulo." Narinig kong sabi niya mula sa
loob ng kwarto niya.

"Hindi ka pa kumakain." Sabi ko.

"Huwag mo kong pakialaman." Sabi nito.

"Tristan naman!" Kumatok ulit ako sa pinto niya.

"Leave... me ... alone... Ugh!" He sounded like his in pain.

"Tristan, anong nangyayari sa'yo?" Nag-aalalang sabi ko.

"Pakiusap iwanan mo muna akoooo!" Sigaw nito.

Tristan's POV

Napasandal ako sa likod ng pinto pagsara ko. I could feel the temperature rising in
me. Fuck! Hindi mawala sa isip ko ang boobs niya. Pull yourself together, Tristan!
Boobs lang yun, naka-bra pa siya nagkakaganyan ka na.

This is wrong. So fucking wrong! Hindi si Andi ang tipo kong babae. Noooo!
Napahawak ako sa ibabang bahagi ng katawan ko ng maramdaman kong tumigas ang isang
parte sa ibabang bahagi ng katawan ko. This is unbelievable! I'm actually getting a
boner from seeing Andi's bra.

Napamura ako sa sarili ko. Maling-mali talaga ito.

'Kumalma ka.' Sabi ko sa isip ko habang nakatingin ako sa babang bahagi ng katawan
ko. Pero lalo itong nagalit. Argh! I'm giving in to my urge to touch myself. Parang
may sariling isip ang aking kamay at naglakbay iyon papunta sa butones ng jeans ko.
I took my hard shaft out. Kapag hindi ko ito ginawa magdamag na sasakit ang puson
ko.

"Tristan." Tawag sa akin ni Andi at kumatok ito sa pinto.

Mariin akong napapikit. Gusto kong buksan ang pinto at hilahin siya papasok. And
fuck her. Lalong nagalit ang alaga ko sa mga pinag-iisip ko. Patuloy ito sa
pagkatok ng pinto.

Binuksan ko ang pinto at sinungaw ang ulo ko dun. Ang kalahati naman ng katawan ko
ay nakatago sa likod ng pinto. I'm hiding my erection.

"Gabing-gabi na nag-iingay ka pa! Hindi lang tayo ang tao dito, Andi. May mga
kapit-bahay tayo." Sabi ko sa kanya.

"Sorry na." Nagpapaawang sabi niya. That innocent face. Lalo akong tinitigasan.
Nagwawala na ang alaga ko. I quickly shut the door. Tinuloy ko na ang ginagawa ko.
Hinagod ko ng palad ko ang aking pankalalaki habang iniisip si Andi. Tutol ang
isang parte ng isip ko pero iba ang sinasabi ng katawan ko.

Nagsisigaw siya sa labas ng pinto ko habang may ginagawa na akong kababalaghan sa

loob ng kwarto ko. Tumigil na rin ito makaraan ang ilang sandali. Geez! Thank God.
Nagpatuloy ako sa ginagawa ko habang iniisip ko siya at ang kanyang malaking boobs.
Yes, it is big for her slim body. Sumagi sa isip ko noong nakita ko siyang
nakahubad at nakahiga sa sahig. Hindi pa rin nawawala sa isip ko ang pakiramdam ng
hubad niyang likod habang minamasahe ko iyon. Lalo kong binilisan ang paggalaw ng
kamay ko.

"Ahh... Andi..." I groaned. Narating ko na ang sukdulan at napatingala ako sa

kisame. Incredible wave of guilt flood over me. Ano'ng klase akong tao? I lusted
over an innocent girl. I feel like I'm the worst person in the whole world.
Andi's POV

"Good morning, Tristan." Bati ko sa kanya paggising ko. Hindi niya ako pinansin.
Galit pa rin siya sa akin hanggang ngayon.

"Humaharap ka sakin na ganyan ang itsura mo?" Nakabusangot na sabi ko.

"What's wrong with how I look?" Tanong ko. Eh araw-araw naman akong humaharap sa
kanya na bagong gising with messy hair.

"Ang nipis-nipis at ang ikli ng damit mo." Sabi nito.

Napayuko ako at tumingin sa suot ko. I'm wearing a white dress na pantulog. I've
worn it alot of times tapos ngayon lang siya nagrereklamo.

"Lalaki pa rin ako, Andi. Hindi ka dapat humaharap sa akin ng nakaganyan." Sabi
niya. Why is he acting so strange? Wala naman siyang problema dati pag humaharap
akong nakaganito sa kanya.

"I'm sorry." Sabi ko na lang. I don't even know what I'm sorry for. I just don't
want to argue with him anymore. Galit na nga siya sa akin, lalo ko pa siyang
gagalitin.

Nagsimula na siyang magluto ng breakfast. While he was cooking breakfast hindi ako
nakatiis. He is ignoring me and I can't stand it. Lumapit ako sa kanya and gave him
a big hug from behind. "Tristan, sorry na. Bati na tayo."

Parang napasong lumayo siya sa akin. "God, Andi! Don't do that!"

I bit my lower lips. I feel like I'm on the verge of tears. He hates
me. "Sinusubukan ko lang naman makipag-ayos sa'yo. Ayokong nagagalit ka sa akin."

Napabuntong-hininga ito. "Ands, I'm not mad at you. I'm mad at myself."

"Huh? I don't understand."

"I shouldn't have done what I did last night. I'm sorry." Sabi niya.

I smiled. "Apology accepted."

"Ipangako mo sa akin na hindi ka na sasama sa kung sinu-sino." He said.

I raised my right hand. "Promise."

=================

Chapter Eight

"Mukhang pagod na pagod ka." Sabi ko ka Tristan pagpasok niya pa lang sa apartment.
Dumiretso agad siya sa couch at pasalampak na umupo. My heart is

"Ang layo ng nilakad namin. Umakyat pa kasi kami sa bundok para mag-photo
shoot." Sabi niya. "Pero ayos lang. Malaki naman ang kinita ko."

I sat down beside him.

"Put your feet on my lap." Sabi ko.

Kumunot ang noo niya. "Bakit?"

"Foot massage." I answered. Nagkibit-balikat siya at ipinatong ang paa niya sa lap
ko. Kawawa naman kasi siya, he's been working all day. The least I could do is give
him a foot massage. Hinubad ko ang sock na suot niya. Then I started massaging his
left foot.

"Oh God, you're so good, Ands. Saan ka natuto niyan?" Tanong niya.

"Si daddy kasi palagi siyang nagpapa-massage sa akin when he comes home from
work." Nakangiting sabi ko. Biglang nawala ang ngiti ko ng maalala ko si daddy at
si mommy. I really miss them. Siguro they're worried about me. Minsan nga, I cry
myself to sleep.
"What's wrong?" Tanong ni Tristan.

Pinilit kong ngumiti. "Nothing. May naalala lang ako."

"Miss mo na ang pamilya mo, ano?" Sabi niya.

"Yeah... Pero I'm still mad at them." Sabi ko.

"Huwag ka na malungkot. May binili nga pala ako para sa'yo." He reached for his bag
na nasa tabi niya. May kinuha siya doon na square thingy. "Hindi ba sabi mo
mahilig ka sa libro? Napadaan ako kanina sa bookstore kaya binili na kita."

I got very excited. Agad kong kinuha ang librong iyon. I really miss reading books.
Binasa ko ang title 'Sense and Sensebility by Jane Austen'.

"Oh Tristan! Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!" I jumped on him and hug him. He lost
his balance at napahiga siya sa couch at napahiga din ako sa ibabaw niya. Hindi
agad ako nakagalaw sa sobrang shock. Nagkatitigan kami. Parang natutunaw ako sa
kanyang mga titig. Umangat ang ulo niya. Oh my god! Ito na ba yun? Is he going to
kiss me katulad ng mga nababasa ko sa romance novels? Ipinikit ko ang mga mata ko.

"Andi, get off me." Narinig kong sabi niya. Napadilat ako. He quickly looked away
from me. Parang bang ayaw niya akong tignan. Tumayo agad ako.

"I- I'm sorry." Nahihiyang sabi ko. Pinulot ko ang librong nahulog sa sahig at
niyakap iyon. Nahihiya ako and at the same time naiinis ako na hindi niya ako
hinalikan. I wonder how his lips would feel like and how it would taste like. Sana
siya na lang ang first kiss ko hindi yung pervert na Jason na yun.

He cleared his throat. "Gutom na ako."

"Kanina pa ready ang pagkain." Sabi ko. I can feel the awkward tension in the air.

"Ano ang ulam?" Tanong niya.

"Corned beef." Sagot ko.

"De lata na naman. Bumili ka na lang ng totoong ulam sa labas para makakain na
tayo." Sabi niya.

"O-okay." Sabi ko. Pero hindi pa rin ako makagalaw sa kinatatayuan ko. Parang naka-
glue ang mga paa ko doon. Gusto ko na sabihin sa kanya ang nararamdaman ko. That I
really like him.

"I... I like you, Tristan." Mahinang sabi ko.

He just stared at me. Wala ni konting bakas ng emosyon sa mukha niya. Tinitigan
niya ako mula ulo hanggang paa. Bakit pa kasi pinagtapat ko sa kanya ang
nararamdaman ko. Ngayon ako nahihiya sa sinabi ko. Sana lamunin na lang ako ng
lupa!
May ngiting sumilay sa labi nito. Lumaki ang ngiti nito hanggang sa humalagapak
siya sa tawa. Nag-init ang magkabilang pisngi ko. Ahhh! Nakakahiya talaga! I want
to cry!

"Thank you for the good laugh." Natatawa pa rin na sabi nito. "But you're not my
type, Andi."

Kinuha nito ang magazine na may litrato ng mga babaeng halos kita na ang
kaluluwa. "Ganito ang mga type kong babae."

What was I thinking? Alam ko naman hindi ako magugustuhan ni Tristan. I'm a nerd.
He's a hotty. Ang tanga tanga ko talaga!

"Aalis na ako." I tried to sound casual.

"Andi..." He called.

"What?" Pagalit na sabi ko.

"Are you good in bed?" Tanong niya na may pilyong ngiti sa labi. "Pwede na kitang
pagtyagaan kung magaling ka sa kama."

"Yes, I am." Taas noo kong sabi. Lies! I'm a virgin. Gusto ko lang itayo ang
naapakan kong pride. "I may not look hot but I'm a goddess in bed. Baka nga mas
experienced pa ako sa'yo. Hmp!"

Nawala ang ngiti nito sa labi. "Prove it!"

Lumapit ako sa kanya. Tinitigan niya lang ako, hinihintay ang susunod na gagawin
ko. What am I going to do? I don't even know how to kiss!

"So?" Tumaas ang isang kilay nito.

I remember the sex scenes sa mga romance novels na binabasa ko. Itinaas ko ang
shirt niya. I touched his chest. Oh my god, first time ko nakahawak ng dibdib ng
lalaki. Bumaba ang ulo ko para bigyan ng malilit na halik ang dibdib niya. He
sighed heavily. It's working. He's getting turned on!

"Well, I think I've already proven enough to you." I said with a proud smile on my
face. Kinindatan ko siya bago ako tumalikod sa kanya.

Did I just do that? I felt proud of myself pero nahihiya din ako. Paano ko siya
haharapin pagbalik ko. That was really stupid. Gusto ko iumpog ang ulo ko sa pader.
But God, nahalikan ko yung chest niya. Pero ang sakit ng mga sinabi niya. Parang
ang pangit pangit ko naman. Sabagay, hindi naman talaga ako maganda. Hindi naman
ako sexy katulad ng mga babaeng gusto niya. He will never like me.
Tristan's POV

Shit! Tumatayo na naman ang... napatingin ako sa panalon ko. It's growing bigger.
Nararamdaman kong naninikip ang jeans ko. Damn that woman! Inaasar ko lang naman
siya. Hindi ko akalain na gagawin niya yun! Ang sakit sa puson.

Breathe in... breathe out... I tried thinking of something else. Binuksan ko ang tv
para libangin ang sarili ko. Nanood na lang ako ng news. Hindi nagtagal nawala na
ang paninikip sa pantalon ko. Nakahinga naman ako ng maluwag.

Bumalik sa isip ko ang sinabi niya kanina. She likes me... Nahuli ko ang sarili
kong nakangiti habang iniisip ko iyon. Why am I smiling like an idiot? Hindi lang
naman siya ang babaeng may gusto sa akin. Alot of women likes me. At mas magaganda
pa sa kanya. Maganda din naman si Andi kahit manang manamit at madalas nakasalamin
at nakapusod ang buhok but I just can't see myself banging her, she looks too pure
and innocent.

Pero hindi pala siya ganun kainosente. I wonder how good she is in bed. Hindi ko
akalain na meron na pala siyang experience sa sex. Ano kaya ang itsura niya kapag
nag-oorgasm siya? Is she a moaner? Anong favorite sex position niya? Teka, ano ba
itong mga naiisip ko.

Biglang bumukas ang pinto. Bumalik na si Andi na may dalang naka-plastic na

sinigang na baboy. Sabay kaming kumain pero hindi man lang niya ako kinibo.

"Ako na ang maghuhugas ng mga plato." Presenta ko.

"Ako na." Walang emosyong sabi niya.

"Ako na nga." Kinuha ko sa kamay ko sa kanya ang plato.

"Eh di ikaw na." Pagalit na binitawan niya ang plato at dumiretso siya sa kwarto
niya. Unang beses na nagkaganito si Andi. Hindi ako sanay na galit siya sa akin.
Mali naman kasi yung sinabi ko kanina. I didn't mean it. I was just teasing her.

Andi's POV

Pagkasara pa lang ng pinto bumaksak ang mga luha ko. He's the first guy that I
really like. Pinagtawanan niya ako and he even insulted me. Sumubsob ako sa kama
and cried. I'm so embarassed and hurt. Kanina while we were eating, pinipigilan ko
ang umiyak. I can't even look at him.

Tinakpan ko ng unan ang sarili ko to muffle my cry. I heard a knock on my door.

Hindi ko pinansin iyon. I know it's Tristan. Ang tagal niyang kumatok sa pinto pero
hindi ko pa rin siya pinansin.

"Andi, papasok ako ah." Sabi niya. Nagtalukbong agad ako because I don't want him
to see me crying. I heard the doorknob turn. Bumukas ang pinto at narinig ko ang
footstep niya.
"Ands, tulog ka na ba?" He asked. Hindi ako sumagot. Then I heard him sigh.
Pagkatapos ay narinig kong bumukas ulit ang pinto at sumara. Thank God, umalis na
siya. Tinanggal ko ang blanket na nakatalukbong sa akin.

"I knew it! Hindi ka pa tulog." Nakangising sabi ni Tristan. He was standing sa may
pinto.

"What are you doing here ba?" Inis na sabi ko.

Sumeryoso ang mukha niya. Lumapit siya sa akin at umupo sa gilid ng kama ko. "Andi,
umiiyak ka ba?"

"N-no..." Umiwas ako ng tingin sa kanya. He probably noticed na namumula ang mga
mata ko. "Hindi mo ba alam yung word na privacy. I know this is your apartment but
kwarto ko pa rin ito."

"Andi, sorry na. Alam mo naman na inaasar lang kita kanina, di ba?" Sabi niya.
Tumalikod ako sa kanya at nagtalukbong ulit ng blanket.

"Hindi mo talaga ako kakausapin?" He said. Hindi pa rin ako nagsalita. Bigla niyang
hinatak ang kumot ko. Then he tickled me sa sides ko. "Ayaw mo talaga akong
kausapin ah."

"Tristan!" Tili ko. Tumatawa siya habang kinikiliti niya ako. I atarted squirming
and laughing histerically. "N-no... Stop. I can't breath!"
"Ano? Hindi mo pa rin ako papansinin?" Sabi niya while tickling me. I can't breathe
because I can't catch my breath, I can't stop laughing.

"P-please... Stop...!" I said through fits of laughter. This is torture! He finally

stopped and we found ourselves looking at each other's eyes. He slowly leaned down
and kiss me. Nagulat ako nung una. Pero ng makabawi ako I started moving my lips,
ginagaya ko ang paggalaw ng labi niya. I felt sparks everywhere and tingles running
through my body. The feeling of his lips upon mine was pure heaven. Parang yung mga
nababasa ko sa libro. His tongue swipe across my bottom lips and slipped it in my
mouth. I can't help but moan. Huminto ang labi niya sa paggalaw. Why did he
stopped?

"Shit! Hindi dapat nangyari to!" May pagsisisi sa boses niya. Nahilamos niya ang
mga palad sa mukha niya. Tumayo siya sa at walang lingon-lingon na lumabas sa
kwarto. He didn't even say goodbye, he didn't even look at me.

I felt this painful pinch in my heart. Naramdaman ko na naman tumulo ang luha ko.
He regrets kissing me because I'm not attractive enough for him. Kasi hindi ko
kasing ganda at kasing sexy yung mga babaeng nasa magazines.

=================

Chapter Nine

Nakaharap ako sa salamin at tinititigan ang sarili ko. Pangit ba talaga ako? Maybe
kapag tinanggal ko itong makapal na glasses ko I would look better. I removed my
glasses. My nerdy glasses. I've been wearing glasses since I was a kid. I can see
pa rin naman without my glasses pero it's a bit blurry pag sa malayo. Nasanay na
akong nakasuot palagi sa akin iyon and I just feel uncomfortable kapag di ko siya
suot. And my hair... my mom hates my hair. I always wear my hair up in a bun kasi
mas comfortable din ako ng ganito. Tinanggal ko ang tali sa buhok ko at hinayaan
bumagsak ang buhok ko. Kinuha ko ang playboy magazine ni Tristan na nakapatong sa
couch. Tinitigan ko ang mga babae na nasa picture. I wish I was as pretty as these
girls para magustuhan din ako ni Tristan. Pero hindi mangyayari yun.

Lumabas na lang ako ng apartment at naglakad-lakad para malibang. Kaninang umaga

hindi niya ako kinakausap and obvious naman na iniiwasan niya ako. Parang diring-
diri siya sa nangyari last night.
"Hi, Andi." Kumaway si Sasha sa akin kasama niya ang gay friend niya na si Jodie.
Napilitan akong ngumiti sa kanya. Hindi naman kami masyadong close pero we greet
each other. Matagal akong tumitig sa kanya. She wears nice clothes, yung mga sexy
na damit. And marunong siyang mag-ayos ng sarili niya. Maganda pa siya. Ganyan
babae siguro ang magugustuhan ni Tristan. Why can't I be like her? Wait... pwede
naman siguro.

"Sasha!" Tawag ko sa kanya. Lumingon siya sa akin.

"You're so pretty." Sabi ko sa kanya.

"Narinig mo yon, bakla? Ang ganda ko daw!" Pabirong hinampas ni Sasha ang kaibigan
niya sa braso.

Tumaas ang kilay ni Jodie. "Nang-uuto lang yan, naniwala ka naman. Neng, ano bang
kailangan mo?"

"I want to be like you, Sasha. Please, help me." I beg.

"Sabi na eh! May kailangan lang yan." Sabi ni Jodie.

"Paano ba ako makakatulong sa'yo." Tanong ni Sasha.

"Ayusan mo ako. I want to be pretty like you." I said.

"Ay gusto ko yan! Dyan ako magaling." Sasha proudly said. Kinuha niya ang kamay ko
at hinatak ako. Dinala niya ako sa loob ng apartment niya.

"Pagpasensyahan mo na ang gulo dito." Sabi niya.

"It's ok." I smiled at her.

"Upo ka dito." Pinaupo niya ako sa sofa niya. Umupo sa tabi ko si Jodie. Sasha went
inside her room. Pagkalabas niya ng room may dala na siyang mga damit.

"For sure, bagay na bagay sa'yo itong mga damit na ito." Sabi ni Sasha. Binigay
niya sa akin ang damit. "Sa'yo na yan. Napagliitan ko na yan, mapayat ka naman kaya
kakasya sa'yo yan. Suotin mo na."

Napatingin ako kay Jodie. "Right now? In front of him?"

"Ano'ng him? Her ako! Babae din ako no!" Nakasimangot na sabi ni Jodie.

Natawa si Sasha. "Halika sa kwarto."

We went to her room and she made me wear yung mga damit na binigay niya sa akin.
"Maganda itong bra na ito. Push up yan, iniipit niya yung boobs mo para magmukhang
malaki. Nabili ko pa sa ito sa Japan. Sayang nga kasi hindi ko na nagamit, di na
nagkasya sa akin dahil nagpa-breast implant ako." Sabi niya.

I took my clothes off and wore the push up bra she gave me. Then I put on the
really short shorts and halter top. My god! Kahit may damit ako I feel like I'm
naked. Ang ikli ng shorts ko at kita ang cleavage ko. I can't go out looking like
this. Pero ito ang gusto ni Tristan... Siguro naman kaya ko naman.

Lumabas kami sa room niya.

"Wow! Ang sexy mo pala." Sabi ni Jodie ng makita ako. I want to cover my body.
Kahit naman gay siya, he's still a man. Nakakahiya. Gusto kong tumakbo pabalik sa
kwarto. "Pwede siyang magtrabaho sa club mo, Sasha."

"Yan nga din iniisip ko. Mabenta ang beauty niya. Mukhang fresh na fresh." Sabi ni
Sasha. "Gusto mo ba magtrabaho sa amin, Andi?"

"Ano'ng trabaho?" I asked.

"Kakausapin mo lang yung mga customers. Sasamahan mo lang uminom. Easy money, di
ba?" Sagot ni Sasha.

"I'll think about it." Sabi ko. That sounds like an easy job. The problem is I'm
socially awkward. Hindi ko kayang mag-entertain ng mga taong hindi ko naman
kilala.
"Ok, basta sabihin mo lang sa akin kapag gusto mo magtrabaho." Sabi niya. I just
nodded my head.

"Memeyk-up an na kita saka ayusan kita ng buhok para bumagay naman sa suot
mo." Sabi ni Jodie.

"Sino ba ang pinagpapagandahan mo? Huwag mong sabihin nagpapa-cute ka kay Tristan,
my love ko?" Sasha said while Jodie is doing my make up.

"No!" Agad na sagot ko. Well, yes, it's true. I'm doing all this for Tristan. "I
just... I want to look good."

Pagkatapos nila akong ayusin, I thanked them. Nagmamadali akong umalis because I'm
so excited na makita ako ni Tristan. Kanina habang nakaharap ako sa mirror hindi ko
na nakilala ang sarili ko. It's like I'm a different person. Sigurado nakauwi na si
Tristan ngayon. I want him to see me.

Binuksan ko ang pinto ng apartment niya. There were four other guys in his
apartment and all of them are staring at me. Parang gusto kong itago ang katawan
ko. I looked at Tristan and he frowned at me.

"Wow! Hindi mo sinabi na may chicks ka pala dito." I heard someone say. This is so
nakakahiya na talaga. Hindi ko naman alam na his friends are coming over. Tinitigan
ni Tristan ng masama ang kaibigan niya.

"Andi?" Napatingin ako sa lalaking nagsalita. Oh my god! My cousin, Phoenix... I'm

so dead! Malalaman na nila mommy na nandito ako.
"P-phoenix... hi..." Sabi ko.

Lumapit sa akin si Tristan at hinatak niya ako sa braso papunta sa kwarto niya.
Then he closed the door. He looked at me from head to toe.

"What are you doing to yourself? You look like a..." Hindi niya tinuloy iyon.

"Like a what?" I asked.

"You look like a hooker!" Sabi nito. Akala ko ba ito ang gusto niya? Now, he's
saying na I look like a hooker! I want to punch him on the face.

"Burahin mo nga yang make-up mo at magsuot ka ng disenteng damit!" He said.

"No." Pagmamatigas ko. "I'll wear whatever I want to wear!"

Tumalikod ako sa kanya and I marched out of his room. Tinawag niya ako pero hindi
ko siya pinansin. That idiot! How dare he? I did all this for him tapos sasabihan
niya lang na mukha akong whore! Nandun pa rin ang mga friends niya paglabas ko sa
kwarto. Umiinom sila. And my cousin, Phoenix. I need to talk to him. Lumapit ako sa
kanya.

"Can we talk?" I asked.

"Yeah, sure." He said apathetically.

Lumabas ako ng apartment at sumunod siya sa akin.

"Please, don't tell mom and dad na nandito ako." I begged him.

"Why would I tell them? Wala naman akong pakialam sa inyo." Sabi niya.

Ngumiti ako. Wala naman pala akong problem kay Phoenix. "Thank you, cuz."

"I'm just curious. Are you Tristan's girlfriend? Nagtanan ba kayong dalawa?" Tanong
niya.

"No! We met sa party mo at sumama ako sa kanya. I don't want to go back sa amin
kasi ipapakasal nila ako sa manyak na Jason na iyon. So, please don't tell them
where I am." Sabi ko.

He laughed. "Uso pa ba arranged marriage ngayon?"

"My thoughts exactly." I rolled my eyes.

"Pwede ko naman ipahiram sa'yo yung condo unit ko. Hindi ko na gagamitin yun dahil
nakabili na ako ng bahay." He said.

"No, thanks. Kasi, uhm... baka mas madali ako mahanap nila kapag sa condo mo ako
tumira." Dahilan ko. Pero the truth is ayokong malayo kay Tristan kahit pa he's the
biggest douchebag ever! At kahit mahirap ang buhay dito, I'm more happy here.

He shrugged his shoulders. "Ok, your call."

"One more thing. Don't tell him na we're my cousins." Baka ibigay niya na ako kay
Phoenix kapag nalaman niyang he's my cousin.

"Sure." He said. Nakahinga ako ng maluwag.

"Thank you, cuz." Nakangiting sabi ko.

Pagkatapos namin mag-usap bumalik na ulit kami sa loob ng apartment.

"Saan kayo galing?" Tanong ni Tristan. He was staring at me like I did something
wrong.

"Nag-usap lang kami." Sagot ko.

"Tungkol saan?"

"It's really none of your business." Inirapan ko siya. I'm still annoyed with him.
Pagkatapos ko mag-effort na magpaganda para sa kanya sasabihin niya lang mukha
akong whore!

"Dude, you sound like a jealous boyfriend. Akala ko ba wala kayong relasyon?" His
friend said. Tumawa ang mga kaibigan niya at hindi siya sumagot.

"Ako nga pala si Seth." Sabi naman ng isa pa niyang friend. "Ito naman si Wayne at
Axel." Pakilala niya sa dalawa pang guy na katabi niya. The guys waved when their
name was said. They're all good-looking. Para mga Greek Gods.

"H-hi." I shyly waved back at them.

"Here, have a drink." Inabutan niya ako ng isang baso ng alcohol.

"Don't give her a drink. Hindi siya pwedeng uminom." Pigil ni Tristan. Then he
looked at me. "Andi, pumasok ka na sa kwarto mo."

"Ang KJ mo naman, dude. Let her decide for herself." Natatawang sabi ni Phoenix.

Kinuha ko ang baso and I dranked it. Yuck! It taste awful... Parang gustong bumalik
ng ininom ko palabas sa bibig ko. I forced myself na ubusin ang alak sa baso.
Tristan's POV

Nakatingin lang ako kay Andi. Nakaupo siya sa couch sa pagitan ni Phoenix at Wayne.
Tawa ito ng tawa habang nakikipagkwentuhan sa kanila. Napailing ako, nakaka-tatlong
shot pa lang siya ng vodka lasing na agad siya. I want to grab her and take her to
her room. Naaalibadbaran ako sa suot niyang damit at sa ayos niya ngayon. Gusto
kong takpan ang katawan niya. She's showing off alot of skin. Hindi naman ako
conservative pero ayoko talagang nakikita siyang ganon, lalo na sa harap ng ibang
lalaki.

"Cheers para sa birthday boy." Itinaas ni Seth ang baso niya.

"Cheers!" Lahat din sila ay nagtaasan ng baso.

"Wait, wait... s-sino may birthday?" Tumatawang sabi ni Andi.

"Hindi mo alam? Malapit na magbirthday si Tristan. Napaaga lang ang pag-celebrate

namin." Sagot ni Wayne.

"Ikaw, di ka nagsasabi birthday mo pala! Ilang taon ka na ba sa birthday

mo?" Tanong niya.
"Twenty-seven." Sagot ko.

Bigla siyang humalagapak ng tawa. "Matanda ka na pala, you dirty old man."

Tumawa rin ang mga gago at inasar pa ako. Tuwang-tuwa sila kay Andi dahil sa
kakulitan niya. Makalipas ang ilang oras nagpaalam na sila.

"Bye, Phoenix!" Yumakap si Andi sa kanya. Nagtagis ang bagang ko. Gusto kong
hatakin palayo sa kanya si Andi. Sigurado akong magkakilala na sila bago pa man
sila magkita ngayon. Pero ano ba si Phoenix sa buhay niya? Was he her ex-boyfriend?

Kumaway si Andi sa kanila bago niya isinara ang pinto. Dahan-dahan akong lumapit sa
kanya.

"Did you have fun?" Sarkastikong tanong ko. I crossed my arms.

"Yes, I did." Nakangiting sagot niya. Namumungay na ang mga mata niya. That made
her more alluring.

"Halata naman. Sa sobrang enjoy mo nilandi mo na ang kaibigan ko." Sabi ko.

Nawala ang ngiti niya sa labi. "Nilandi?"

"Bakit hindi ba? Dikit ka ng dikit sa kanya. Ano mo ba siya ha? Ex mo ba si
Phoenix?" Hindi ko na napigilan ang magtanong.

"Why do you care? Nagseselos ka?" Tinaas niya ang isang kilay niya. Hindi ako
nakasagot. Tinanong ko rin ang sarili ko. Nagseselos nga ba ako?

Bigla siyang tumawa. "Oo nga pala, why would you be jealous. Wala ka naman gusto sa
akin, di ba? Because I'm not good enough for you. I'm ugly..." Napalitan ang tawa
niya ng iyak. "I... dressed up for you, nag-make-up ako kahit ang kati kati nito sa
mukha! I thought you would like me pero sabi mo I look like a hooker! You're...
you're such an asshole."

"Andi..." Lumapit ako sa kanya at niyakap siya.

"G-get away from me! I hate you." Pilit niya akong itinulak pero lalo ko siyang
niyakap. Hinaplos-haplos ko ang likod niya habang umiiyak siya.

"Halika,... lasing ka na." Bulong ko sa kanya.

"I'm not drunk, you idiot." Humihikbing sabi niya. Binuhat ko siya at napatili
siya. "Put me down!"

Hindi ko siya pinansin at ipinasok ko siya sa kwarto niya. Pagkatapos ay hiniga ko

siya sa kama. Tatayo pa sana siya ng pigilan ko siya.
"Sleep." Sabi ko.

"Stay with me." Hinatak ako ni Andi at napahiga ako sa tabi niya. Sumiksik siya sa
akin at tuluyan ng nakatulog. Nakaharap siya sa akin at pinagmasdan ko ang maamo
niyang mukha. Hinawi ko ang ilang hibla ng buhok na nakatakip sa mukha niya. Hindi
ko maintindihan ang nararamdaman ko. Nagkakagusto na rin ba ako sa kanya o gusto ko
lang siyang protektahan? Naramdaman kong bumibigat na ang talukap ng mga mata ko at
pumikit na ako.

=================

Chapter Ten

My head hurts. I felt like the pain was pounding through my skull. And I don't want
to get out of bed. Hindi ko nga mabuksan yung mata ko. I just want to sleep all
day. Pero bigla kong naramdaman ang mabigat na bagay na nakapatong sa tiyan ko.
Gumalaw ito and it pulled me napasubsob ako sa matigas at mainit na bagay. I slowly
opened my eyes. Nakasubsob ako sa chest ng lalaki. Napaangat ako ng tingin and I
saw Tristan's face. He looks so handsome kahit natutulog siya. I can't stop staring
at him. Oh my god! I can't believe this. Magkatabi kaming natulog. Dahan-dahan
akong napaupo because I don't want to wake him up naman. Pero impossible yatang
magising siya. He is sleeping like a rock.

Hindi ko napigilan ang sarili ko. I ran my fingers through his hair. It's so soft.
Mukhang sobrang himbing naman ng tulog niya kaya sasamantalahin ko na ito. I stared
at his full lips. I want to kiss it so badly. Andi, wala ka na ba talagang self-
respect. Pero hindi naman niya yun malalaman because he's asleep. Isang kiss lang
naman. Just one. I bent my head down and kiss him. His lips are so soft and warm. I
felt it moved against mine. Nagulat ako kaya agad akong napalayo. Nakadilat na ang
mga mata niya ng tignan ko siya.

"Pinagsasamantalahan mo na ako habang natutulog ako." May halong pang-aasar sa

boses niya. I felt my cheeks get hot in embarrasment.

"S-sorry." Nahihiyang sabi ko. I feel like burying my face on my pillow.

He just gave me a smile. "Ang dami mong nainom kagabi. Sumasakit ba ang ulo mo?"

Iniba niya ang usapan. Siguro, to make things less awkward.

"A... a little." I answered.

"Sabi ko naman kasi sa'yo huwag kang iinom masyado dahil hindi ka pa sanay. Buti na
lang hindi ka ulit nagsuka." I could hint a bit of concern in his voice. Pero baka
imagination ko lang yun.

Napansin ko ang mga mata niyang bumaba sa dibdib ko. I realized na nakalabas pala
ang cleavage ko sa suot kong top. Tinakpan ko iyon ng mga kamay ko. Parang napahiya
naman na umiwas siya ng tingin.

He cleared his throat. "Uh... sige, lalabas na ako. Maligo ka na din para mabawasan
naman ang sakit ng ulo mo."

"O-okay." Sagot ko.

Tumayo na siya sa kama at lumabas sa kwarto ko. I tried to remember what happened
last night. May mga natatandaan pa naman ako but some are blurred. Natatandaan kong
uminom ako because Tristan doesn't want me to drink. Gusto kong magrebelde sa kanya
dahil sa pag-reject niya sa akin. I was really hurt! Nag-effort ako ayusan ang
sarili ko para sa kanya pero hindi pa rin nag work.

Bumangon na din ako sa kama at kahit nahihiya akong makaharap ulit si Tristan
lumabas na ako ng kwarto. I'm hungry and my head hurts. Naghanap ako ng food sa
fridge. Kaka-palengke lang ni Tristan kaya maraming pagkain. I don't know what he
wants for breakfast. Tanong ko na lang kaya sa kanya.

"Tristan..." Tawag ko sa kanya sa labas ng kwarto niya. But he didn't answer. So

lumapit na lang ako sa pinto niya. I turned the knob and quietly opened the door.

He is sitting on his bed. Nakasandal siya sa headboard ng kama and his... his male
part. Oh my god! Hawak hawak niya ang male part niya and he's moving his hand up
and down. My eyes grew big as I watch him. Hindi ako nakagalaw sa kinatatayuan ko.
I feel like my feet are glued to the ground and I can't stop watching . Nakapikit
siya and he is biting his bottom lip. It's so sexy. Napababa ulit ako ng tingin sa
private part niya. It's big. Ganyan pala ang hitsura ng thing ng mga lalaki. But
why is he touching it?

"Andi!" Nagulat ako ng tawagin niya ako. Bigla niyang tinakpan iyon ng
unan. Napatingin ako sa kanya and his face is so red. "A-ano'ng ginagawa mo dito?"

"I-I-I'm sorry... T-tatanungin lang sana kita kung..." I can't think straight. I
don't know what I'm supposed to say and I don't know why I'm here. My mind went
completely blank.

"Get out, Andi!" Sigaw niya.

"S-sorry talaga, Tristan." Nahihiyang sabi ko.

"Just leave!" Sabi niya at mabilis kong sinara ang pinto. What did I just see? I
hope hindi galit sa akin si Tristan.
I tried to forget what I saw pero habang nagluluto ako ng hotdog, it reminded me of
his male part.

I heard his door open pero hindi ako tumingin. This is going to be so awkward.

"Andi..." Tinawag niya ako pero I pretended like I didn't hear him. Baka pagalitan
na naman niya ako. I'm so stupid talaga. I should've knocked first bago ko binuksan
yung pinto niya. Kasisimula lang ng araw puro embarrasment na ang nangyayari sa
akin.

"Andi, look at me." Alam kong nasa likod ko na siya. Ibinaba ko ang spatula na
hawak ko. I bit my lower lip. Get ready, Andi. I know sesermonan niya na ako.
Humarap ako sa kanya.

"I'm sorry." Halos magkasabay na sabi namin.

"I'm so stupid. I should've knocked-"

"Shh... you're not stupid. Wala kang kasalanan. Ako nga dapat ang humingi ng tawad
dahil nakita mo pa yun..." Nahihiyang nagbaba siya ng tingin. "It's just that it
has been so long since the last time I had sex."

"Let's just forget about that." Sabi ko.

He smiled and nodded his head.

Tristan's POV

Siguro sexual frustration lang ito kaya mabilis akong ma-turn on. Nakita ko lang
cleavage niya at nadampian lang ako ng halik sa labi kanina bigla na lang tumigas
ang alaga ko. Ilang months na ba since noong huli akong nakipag-sex. Mahigit isang
buwan na. Simula nang dumating si Andi sa buhay ko, hindi na ako masyadong
naglalalabas. Hindi na ako nakikipag-date sa ibang babae. Pagkagaling ko sa trabaho
diretso na ako sa bahay dahil natatakot akong baka pag-uwi ko nasunog na ni Andi
ang buong building ng apartment. Saka naaaliw din ako sa kanya. Hindi ko na
kailangan pumunta sa mga bar para maglibang. She's unintentionally funny,
nakakatawa minsan ang pagiging naive niya.

Katatapos lang namin kumain at pinanonood ko siya habang naghuhugas ng pinagkainan

namin. Mabilis siyang natuto magluto at ng iba pang gawaing bahay. Hindi naman siya
mahirap turuan, noong una oo pero ngayon kahit hindi ko na siya bantayan ok lang.
Siya na halos gumagawa ng trabaho dito sa bahay. I think she needs a break. Wala
naman akong pasok ngayon kaya gusto ko siyang ayain mamasyal.

"Andi, alis tayo." Sabi ko.

Tumigil siya sa paghuhugas ng plato. "Saan naman tayo pupunta?"

"Kahit saan." Sagot ko. Hindi ko rin kasi alam kung saan kami pupunta basta gusto
ko lang siya makasama.
Her face lit up. "Sige, I'll just finish doing the dishes."

I decided to take Andi to the beach. Madalas ako pumupunta dito pagmalungkot ako,
pagkailangan ko makapag-isip o pag gusto ko lang mapag-isa. Itong lugar na ito ay
ang aking munting paraiso. Kami lang dalawa ni Andi ang nasa beach. Medyo tago kasi
ang lugar na iyon kaya bihira lang mapuntahan ng ibang mga tao.

Nakaupo ako sa buhangin habang si Andi naman ay nasa may tubig. May mga pinupulot
ito sa tubig pero hindi ko alam kung ano yun. Maya-maya ay patakbo siyang lumapit
sa akin.

"Tignan mo ito, Tristan! Ang dami kong magagandang shells na napulot." Tuwang-
tuwang sabi ni Andi at ipinakita pa niya sa akin iyon. Pagkatapos ay umupo siya sa
tabi ko. Andi has the innocence of a child. Marunong siyang magpahalaga ng maliliit
na bagay. Mababa ang kaligayahan niya. Maybe that's why I'm so drawn to her. Kasi
wala akong naging childhood. Maaga akong namulat sa kahirapan. Bata pa lang ako,
ako na ang bumubuhay sa sarili ko. Habang ang ibang bata ay naglalaro, ako naman
namamalimos ng konting barya para may makain lang o di kaya nagkakalkal ng kung
anu-ano sa basurahan para maghanap ng pwedeng ibenta sa mga junk shop, nang
magbinata naman ako nagsimula akong mamasukan bilang isang stripper sa club
hanggang sa naging call boy na ako. Dahil doon naging malaki ang galit ko sa mundo.
Parang nakikita ko kay Andi ang lahat ng wala ako. Hindi ko naranasan ang maging
inosente kahit kailan. I love Andi's innocence. That's why I'm so protective of
her. I don't want the world to make her bitter.

"Thanks for taking me here. This place is so beautiful." Sabi niya sa akin. "Kailan
ang birthday mo? Hindi ba sabi ng mga kaibigan mo birthday malapit na daw ang
birthday mo?"
I shrugged my shoulder. "Hindi ko alam."

"Hindi mo alam?"

"Hindi ko alam kung kailan. Gawa-gawa lang yung birthday ko para may maisulat sa
birth certificate ko." I chuckled.

"Then paano ka nagcecelebrate ng birthday mo?" Tanong niya.

"I don't." Sagot ko.

"Today could be your birthday." Sabi niya.

Nagkibit-balikat lang ako. "Hindi ko alam at wala akong pakialam."

Bigla itong napatayo sa kinauupuan at tumakbo palayo.

"Andi, saan ka pupunta?" Sigaw ko sa kanya.

"Sandali lang." Sabi niya habang patuloy sa pagtakbo hanggang mawala na siya sa
paningin ko. Ano na naman bang kalokohan ang gagawin ng babaeng yun.

Maya-maya ay bumalik siya na may dala-dalang cupcake na nakabalot pa. Yung binibili
sa tindahan. Tumabi ulit siya sa akin at binuksan iyon. Naglabas siya ng maliit na
kandila at itinusok yun sa cupcake at sinindihan ang kandila gamit ang posporo.

"Ano yan?" Tanong ko.

"Your birthday cupcake. Binili ko sa tindahan." Nakangiting sabi niya at nagsimula

siyang kumanta ng 'happy birthday to you'.

"Mag-wish ka tapos i-blow mo na yung candle." Sabi niya ng matapos siya kumanta.

"Ayoko nga." Sabi ko. This is stupid.

"Sige na, please." She pouted.

Pinagbigyan ko na siya para manahimik lang siya. Hinipan ko ang kandila. Ito ang
unang beses na naghipan ako ng kandila sa 'birthday' ko. At ang cupcake na iyon ang
una kong 'birthday cake'. Napangiti ako sa simpleng bagay na ginawa niyang iyon.

"Hati tayo dito ah." Sabi ni Andi bago hinati ang cupcake at binigay sa akin ang
kalahati ng cake.
"Mmm... mocha." Sabi niya habang nginunguya ang cupcake. "What did you wish for?"

"Hindi ko pwedeng sabihin sa'yo baka hindi magkatotoo." Sabi ko. Gusto kong
hilingin na sana makasama pa kita ng matagal, sana habang buhay na. Nasanay na
akong nandyan ka, ayoko na mabuhay ng mag-isa. Pero magiging madamot ako kung iyon
ang hihilingin ko kaya hindi na lang ako nag-wish. Hindi kita kayang bigyan ng
magandang buhay. Balang araw, magsasawa ka din at babalik ka na sa palasyo mo.

"Tristan, ano yung ginagawa mo kanina sa kwarto mo? Why are you touching your
private part?" Muntik na akong mabilaukan sa kinakain kong cupcake sa tanong niya.

"Akala ko ba kalilimutan na natin iyon?" Nararamdaman kong namumula na ang pisngi

ko.

"I just want to know. Kasi parang nasasaktan ka habang ginagawa mo yun." Sabi niya.
Is she for real? Akala ko ba may experience na siya sa sex. Why is she asking all
this dumb questions? Her ex-boyfriend must have been a really bad lover. Siguro ang
alam lang nun gawin ipasok ang ano niya kay Andi. Bigla akong nakaramdam ng inis ng
maisip ko iyon. I bet she never had an orgasm.

"No, it doesn't hurt. In fact it feels good. Hindi ba ipinapaliwanag sa'yo ng

dating sex partner mo?" Tanong ko.

"Actually, I... lied. I'm still a virgin. Nasabi ko lang yun kasi I know you don't
like inexperienced girls. You like girls that are good in bed." Sabi niya.

Hindi agad ako nakapagsalita. She's trying to be something she's not just to please
me. I'm such a dumb ass. Kung anu-ano kasing sinasabi ko kay Andi. I don't want her
to change, she's perfect the way she is. I love her black thick-rimmed glasses, I
love her quirky personality, I love how she dresses, how she does her hair, her
smile, her laugh... I love everything about her.

"Tristan..." Tawag niya sa akin.

"Bakit?"

"Hindi mo ba talaga ako magugustuhan?" Tanong niya.

Ngumiti ako at parang batang ginulo ko buhok niya. "Alam mo yung nararamdaman mo
infatuation lang yan. Mawawala din yan."

"Hindi ang nararamdaman ko ang pinag-uusapan natin. Ikaw, ano bang nararamdaman mo
sa akin?" She asked.

"You're an amazing girl, Andi. Makakahanap ka din ng lalaking babagay sa'yo." Sabi
ko. She deserves someone better than me. Hindi ang katulad ko ang nararapat sa
kanya.

Pinilit niyang ngumiti pero malungkot ang mga mata niya. I'm sorry, Andi. I'm doing
this for your own good. I'm protecting you from myself.

Naging tahimik na siya pagkatapos nang pag-uusap naming iyon. Pinanood namin
lumubog ang araw at inaya ko na siya umuwi. Naglalakad na kami papunta kung saan
nakaparada ang motorsiklo ko. Biglang may lumapit sa amin na batang lalaki.
"Kuya pogi, bilhin niyo na po itong bulaklak para makauwi na ko sa amin. Bigay mo
po sa magandang girlfriend mo." Sabi ng bata. May hawak itong mga rosas.

"Magkano ba ang isa?" Tanong ko.

"Sampung piso lang isa." Sagot naman niya.

"Ilan ba yan lahat?"

"Walo na lang ito, kuya pogi."

"Bibilhin ko na lahat yan." Sabay dukot ng pera sa bulsa ko. Binigay ko na sa kanya
ang buong isang daan. "Sa'yo na ang sukli."

"Salamat po!" Nagliwanag ang mukha ng bata sa saya.

"Sige na. Umuwi ka na at baka abutan ka pa ng dilim." Sabi ko sa bata. Nagpasalamat

pa ulit ito bago umalis.

Nakangiti si Andi ng lumingon ako sa kanya. "That was really nice of you."
Hindi ko alam pero bigla akong nahiya sa sinabi niya.

"Baka kasi mapaano pa yun kapag inabot ng dilim." Umiwas ako ng tingin sa kanya.
Inabot ko ang mga rosas. "O, sa'yo na yan."

Kinuha niya naman ito. "Thank you. You're the first guy na nagbigay sa akin ng
roses."

Hindi ko pinansin ang sinabi niya. Nababaduyan ako sa sarili ko. Giving flowers to
a girl is just too sappy.

"Halika na, uwi na tayo." Aya ko. Sumakay ako sa motorsiklo at umangkas naman siya
sa likod ko.

=================

Chapter Eleven

I really want to throw a surprise party for Tristan. It made me sad when he told me
that he never had a birthday party. Gusto ko ma-experience niyang magbirthday. Pero
how can I throw him a party when I don't even have any money? I want to buy him a
birthday cake tapos may mga food. I'm going to invite our neighbors and his
friends. I can call Phoenix, nag-iwan siya ng number niya sa akin.

Then naisip ko yung offer ni Sasha na magwork sa club niya. That's it! I'm going to
work to earn money para sa party ni Tristan! Agad akong nagpunta sa apartment ni
Sasha.

"Hi, Andi." Sumilip siya sa pinto.

I smiled. "Hi. Can we talk?"

"Oo naman. Pasok ka." She opened the door wider. I went inside and she made me sit
sa sofa. "Ano'ng gusto mong pag-usapan natin? May chichika ka ba sa akin?"

"Err.. no. I want to know if I can work sa club mo?" I asked.

"Gusto mo magtrabaho sa club?"

I nodded my head.

"Ay, day! Sigurado akong malaki ang kikitain mo. Palong-palo ang beauty mo!
Virginal." Sabi niya.

"When can I start? Kasi I really need money na eh."

"Pwede ka na magsimula mamayang gabi. Aayusan na lang kita." Sabi ni Sasha.

"Like, what time? Hindi ba pwedeng tomorrow morning na lang kasi kung mamaya
dadating na si Tristan and I have to go to bed na pagkatapos namin magdinner."
"Gaga! Walang club na nagbubukas sa umaga, 'no! Talagang gabi nagbubukas ang club
ko hanggang madaling araw." She said laughing.

Hindi ako papayagan ni Tristan. Ayaw niyang lumalabas ako ng apartment sa gabi.
Paano ako magtatrabaho sa club ni Sasha?

"Ano gusto mo pa ba?" Tanong niya.

"Kasi si Tristan eh. He'll get mad at me paglumabas ako mamayang gabi."

"Eh di tumakas ka. Lumabas ka na lang pagtulog na siya." Sabi ni Sasha.

Yeah... Why didn't I think of that? I'll just sneak out kapag tulog na siya. Saka
kapag naka-earn na ako ng enough money para sa party niya I'll stop na naman.

"S-sige. I'll start mamayang gabi." But why do I feel like it's a bad idea.
Nagpaalam na ako kay Sasha. Mamayang aroung 11pm I'll sneak out and go to Sasha's.
I'm doing this for him naman saka hindi naman niya malalaman. I'll be home bago
siya magising.

I went back sa apartment ni Tristan and continued reading the book he bought for
me. Pagkatapos nagluto na ako ng dinner namin kasi paparating na siya. Yes, I know
how to cook na. I know my mom and dad would be so proud. Marunong na din ako
magwalis saka maghugas ng mga plato at maglinis ng bahay. The only thing na hindi
pinagagawa sa akin ni Tristan is yung paglalaba. He washes our clothes with his
hands. Wala kasi siyang washing machine. I tried doing it pero nagkasugat ako sa
kamay and since then hindi niya na ako pinaglalaba.
Narinig ko na bumukas ang pinto. I'm always excited to see him. Para akong puppy na
naghihintay sa master niya.

"Hi, Tristan. How was your day?" Sinalubong ko siya.

"Ok lang." Sagot niya.

"Good! Luto na ang dinner natin."

"Ano ang ulam?" Tanong ni Tristan.

"Tocino with tomato and itlog na maalat." Sabi ko. Yun kasi yung request niya
kanina.

"Wow! Tamang-tama gutom na ko." He went straight sa dining table. My poor Tristan,
pagod na pagod na siguro siya from work tapos gutom pa siya. Nanggaling pa daw kasi
siya sa Tagaytay para sa wedding photoshoot. Kinuha ko siya ng plate at
pinagsandukan ng kanin. Sabay kaming kumain.

Katulad ng ibang ordinary days, pagkatapos namin kumain naghugas ako ng mga
pinagkainan namin, we talked for a bit, nanood ng tv. Then he went sa room niya at
ako rin sa room ko. Pinag-iisipan ko pa din about sa pagpasok sa club ni Sasha. Ok
I've made up my mind. I'm going to do it na. Hindi naman mahirap ang job ko. Sabi
ni Sasha kakausapin ko lang ang mga customers sa club niya and that's it.

Nang sure na akong tulog na si Tristan dahan-dahan kong binuksan ang room ko at
lumabas. I tried to make as little sound as possible. I know he is going to get mad
kapag nalaman niya ang gagawin ko. He doesn't even want me na lumapit kay Sasha
since nalaman niyang si Sasha yung nagpahiram ng damit sa akin at nag-ayos. Sabi
niya hindi daw mabuting influence siya sa akin, I think she's nice naman.

Nawala na ang kaba ko ng makalabas ako ng apartment. I'm finally out! Magkaka-
birthday party na si Tristan! Yay!

Tristan's POV

Nasa tabi ako ng bintana at humihithit ng sigarilyo. Hindi ko alam kung bakit
nangyayari sa akin ito. Hindi mawala sa isip ko si Andi kahit kaninang nasa trabaho
ako. Siya lang ang naiisip ko. I think I like her. Kahit kailan hindi ako
nagkaganito sa isang babae, sa kanya lang. Pero hindi maaari ito, hindi dapat!

Oo gusto niya din ako pero hindi ko siya pwedeng magustuhan. Hindi ako karapat-
dapat sa kanya. Sana magising na si Andi at bumalik na kung saan man siya
nanggaling para hindi na din ako nahihirapan. Alam mo yung pakiramdam na abot kamay
mo na ang isang bagay na gusto mo pero hindi pwedeng mapasayo, ayun ang
nararamdaman ko araw-araw na magkasama kami.

Natigilan ako sa pag-iisip ng marinig kong bumukas ang pinto sa tabing kwarto ko,
gising pa pala si Andi. Maya-maya narinig kong nagbukas naman ang pinto ng
apartment. Napakunot ang noo ko, bakit naman lalabas ng ganitong oras si Andi?
Nampucha! Baka may magnanakaw na nakapasok dito. Pinatay ko sa ashtray na
nakapatong sa may bintana ang sigarilyo ko. Maingat na lumabas ako sa kwarto. Una
kong naisip ay si Andi di baleng kuhanin niya na lahat ng gamit dito huwag na huwag
niya lang mahawakan si Andi. Binuksan ko ang pinto sa kwarto niya at walang tao sa
loob nun. Ibig sabihin siya nga ang lumabas?
Lumabas na din ako ng apartment ko. Hinanap ko siya sa buong floor pero hindi ko
siya nakita. Damn! Baka nagkatotoo na nga kanina yung iniisip kong sana magising na
siya at bumalik na sa kanila. Siguro sawa na siya sa buhay dito. Parang bumigat ang
dibdib ko. Wala na si Andi. Naalala kong maraming tarantado sa labasan. Baka
mabastos si Andi o di kaya ma-hold up, ang daming pumapasok sa isip ko. Dali-dali
akong bumaba.

Marami pa rin nakatambay sa labas ng ganitong oras. May mga nag-iinuman pa at

nagsusugal.

"Gardo, nakita niyo ba si Andi?" Tanong ko sa mga nag-iinuman. Kilala na nila si

Andi dahil madalas nilang nakikita siyang kasama ko.

"Oo, dumaan kanina dito kasama ni Sasha. Ang sexy nga niya ngayon. Ipinasok mo na
ba sa club, pare?" Tanong nito sa akin. Si Andi sumama kay Sasha?

"Aba, kung doon na magtatrabaho si Andi araw-araw na akong pupunta sa club." Sabi
ng kainuman niya.

"Napagsawaan mo na ba? Sana sa amin mo muna pinasa, magbabayad ako kahit

magkano." Singit ng isa pa. Napakuyom ang mga palad ko. Putanginang ito! Hinablot
ko ang suot niyang tshirt at napatayo siya sa kanyang kinauupuan.

"Gago ka! Huwag mong mabastos-bastos si Andi! Babasagin ko yang mukha mo!" Banta ko
sa kanya.

Tumayo din si Gardo at inawat ako.

"Pare, pagpasensyahan mo na yan. Lasing na yan." Sabi niya. Agad akong bumitaw sa
pagkakahawak sa tshirt niya. Lakad-takbo ang ginawa ko papunta sa club ni Sasha.
Hindi naman kalayuan iyon mula dito. Malilintikan talaga sa akin ang babaeng iyon.

Andi's POV

The dress I'm wearing is so uncomfortably tight at sobrang ikli pa. Pagtinaas ko
feeling ko makikita na ang panties ko kapag naman binaba ko parang lalabas na ang
boobs ko.

"Do I really have to wear this?" Tanong ko kay Sasha.

"Aba syempre! Ganyan ang suot ng lahat ng nagtatrabaho sa club ko." Sabi sa akin ni
Sasha. Habang naglalakad kami, may mga lalaking tumitingin sa amin and some pa nga
nagwiwhistle. I don't know what I'm getting myself into.

"Sexy mo, Sasha." Sabi ng mga guys na nakatambay sa labas. I think they are
teenagers.

Sasha just smiled. "Thanks, boys."

"Pakilala mo naman kami sa kaibigan mo." Sabi ng isang guy.

Nagtago ako sa likod ni Sasha. I'm really embarrased right now, they were all
looking at me.

"Hindi pwede, 'no! Mahal ito!" She answered at naglakad na ulit kami hanggang
makarating kami sa club niya. Medyo madilim sa loob nun, malakas ang tugtog ng
music at maraming mga lalaki na nag-iinuman. Napakapit ako kay Sasha. Parang gusto
ko na umuwi.

"Mr. Magno!" Sasha waved at someone. Hindi ko makita kung sino iyon because it's
really dark in here. May lumapit sa amin na lalaki. I think he is in his 40s, he's
fat and medyo bald na siya.

"Sasha, kanina pa kita hinihintay." Sabi nito.

"Sorry, Mr. Magno. Inayusan ko pa kasi itong bago kong alaga." Sabi ni Sasha and
she looked at me.

"She's really pretty." Sabi naman ng lalaki while looking at me. I stared at the
ground kasi he's stares are really creeping me out. I feel like hinuhubaran niya
ako sa tingin niya.

"Bago pa lang ito, Mr. Magno kaya may kamahalan." Sasha said.

"Name your price." Sabi ng old man. Pakiramdam ko para akong binebentang meat sa
wet market. Gosh! This is so humiliating. I want to back out.

"Twenty." Sabi ni Sasha.

Naglabas agad ng pera ang guy at ibinigay kay Sasha. Then Sasha pushed me to him,
napaatras ako.

"Dear, huwag ka na umarte. Madatong yan. Mag-uusap lang naman kayo hindi ko
hahayaan ilabas ka niya." Pasimpleng bulong niya sa akin. Inilapit niya ako sa
lalaki. The guy smiled at me.

"Halika, magkuwentuhan tayo." Aya niya sa akin. Napilitan akong sumama sa kanya.
Binigyan kami ng table ni Sasha at umupo ako beside him.

"Ano'ng pangalan mo, hija?" He asked.

"A-andi." Sagot ko.

"Andi." Ulit niya. "Ilang taon ka na?"

"Nineteen." Nakayuko lang ako because I don't want to look at him. He creeps me
out.
"Nag-aaral ka pa ba?"

I nodded my head.

Umakbay siya sa akin. Parang kinilabutan ako. I moved my shoulder para ipaalam sa
kanya na I'm not comfortable na yung kamay niya nasa shoulder ko pero hindi niya pa
rin tinanggal iyon.

"Alam mo pwede kitang tulungan makapagtapos ng pag-aaral." Pinisil niya ang arm ko.

"N-no, thanks." Sabi ko.

"Ayaw mong pag-aralin kita?"

I shook my head. I want to get out of here. I'm really scared. I felt his other
hand crawl sa hita ko. I feel like crying. Hinimas-himas niya ang lap ko. Sana
dumating si Tristan dito and save me. Pero he's probably sound asleep right now. I
should've listened to him! I'm so stupid talaga.

"Eh, ano'ng gusto mo? Ibibigay ko sa'yo kahit ano'ng hilingin mo." I can feel his
breath sa neck ko.

Bigla kong naramdaman na may humawak sa braso ko and pulled me away from that man.
Thank God! Napatingin ako kung sino iyon...
"T-tristan!" Nagulat ako ng makita ko siya. He looked really angry. Parang nag-
aapoy ang mga mata niya. Para siyang papatay ng tao. Pabalang na binitawan niya ako
at sinugod niya ang lalaking kasama ko kanina.

Pinagsusuntok niya ang lalaki. The guy tried to fight him off but Tristan was too
strong. Inawat na siya ng ibang mga tao pero hindi pa rin siya nagpaawat. He
continued throwing punches kahit ilang tao na ang umaawat. I was shocked kaya it
took me awhile bago ako nakagalaw sa kinatatayuan ko.

Napayakap ako kay Tristan and I tried to pull him away. Nakahiga na ang lalaki sa
sahig.

"Stop, Tristan! Please, stop! You might kill him." I shouted.

"Talagang papatayin ko yang putanginang yan!" Sigaw niya.

"No... no, please don't." And my tears fell. Agad naman na napatigil si Tristan.
Hinatak niya ako palabas doon hanggang sa apartment. Binitawan niya ako at
napasubsob ako sa sofa. Ang sakit ng left arm ko kung saan niya ako hinatak.

"Ano ha? Gusto mo na ngayon magputa?" Galit na tanong niya.

I can't open my mouth sa takot sa kanya.

Sumigaw siya at napasuntok sa wall. Humarap ulit siya sa akin. "Alam mo ba kung
ano'ng gustong gawin sa'yo ng lalaking iyon? Gusto ka niya ikama! Naiintindihan mo
ba iyon, Andi? Ibebenta mo ang katawan mo para sa konting halaga ha?"

Hindi pa din ako makasagot. Nakayuko lang ako and I'm trying not to cry.

"Where did he touch you?" Pumunta siya sa harap ko.

I was really surprised when he grabbed my boob. "Hinawakan ka ba niya dito?"

Napasinghap ako. I wasn't scared or anything like that, just surprised. Kahit na
I'm wearing a bra I could feel the warmth of his palm. He touched and squeezed it
pero sandali lang iyon. Huminto siya but I didn't want him to stop. It feels good
when he touched me.

He knelt in front of me and open my legs. Yung isa niyang kamay gumapang sa inner
thigh ko. Umakyat ang kamay niya hanggang sa underwear ko. He finger brushed over
my panties. Nakikiliti ako sa ginagawa niya.

"Dito ba hinawakan ka niya?" Tanong niya. Umiling ako.

He is moving his finger up and down and it feels great. I can't explain what I'm
feeling. Basta masarap. I opened my legs wider for him.

"Shit! Ano ba itong ginagawa ko?" Binawi niya ang kamay niya. Noooo! He can't stop!
Kinuha ko ulit iyon at idinikit sa akin.
"Please, Tristan, don't stop." I begged. He didn't move his hand katulad kanina.
Tinitigan niya lang ako na parang nagulat at napalunok siya. So I moved his hand
katulad ng paggalaw niya kanina. Up and down my lady part. I know this is bad. Pero
it feels really good. HE CAN'T STOP NOW!

Kusa na gumalaw ang kamay niya maya-maya. Ang sarap kapag natatamaan ang upper part
ng womanhood ko ng finger niya.

"You're so wet, Andi." He said while looking at my lady part. Napababa ako ng
tingin. It is wet! My panties are wet!

Yung thumb niya nagcircle sa taas ng lady part ko. This feels even better. I can't
believe it's possible to feel something na ganito kasarap. Ito yata yung mga
nababasa ko sa romance novels na nababasa ko.

"Ooohhh... Aaahh..." Sounds escape from my lips. I can't stop myself.

He rubbed me hanggang sa may maramdaman akong something. I don't know how to

explain it. Basta I feel like I'm going to explode.

"Tristaaaan... I'm going to..." I said panting. Hindi ako makaisip ng word for it.
Napapikit ako. I released whatever it is. Naramdaman kong may lumabas sa akin. My
body starts shaking. It's so good. It's the best feeling I've ever felt pero parang
nanghihina ako.

=================

Chapter Twelve
Ito na ang lost chapter. Salamat kay @Kashimz sa pagsend sa akin ng screenshots <3

_____

Tristan's POV

I was kneeling between Andi's legs. Tumingala ako sa kanya at sandali kong
pinagmasdan ang mukha niya. Nakapikit ang mga mata niya at kagat-kagat ang pang-
ibabang labi. She was shaking from the orgasm she just had. Putangina! Ano ba itong
ginagawa ko?! Hindi dapat nangyari ito. Hindi ko dapat siya pinakialaman.

Dinilat niya ang mga mata niya at tumingin sa akin. "Tristan..."

Damn! The way she said my name made my manhood flinch. Pero hindi talaga. Hindi
talaga dapat mangyari ito. Libog lang 'to. Ayokong dumating ang araw na pagsisihan
niya ito.There are other guys who are better than me, someone that really deserved
her. All of her. Hindi ako ang lalaking iyon. Kahit na tutol ang ulo ko sa baba
pilit akong tumayo. I could just finish by myself. Hindi ko gagamitin si Andi para
lang magpakawala ng init sa katawan.

"T-tristan! Where are you going?" Narinig kong sabi ni Andi ng tumalikod ako. Hindi
ko siya pinansin at nagpatuloy ako sa paglalakad. I knew if I looked at her, hindi
ko na mapipigilan ang sarili ko. Nakakailang hakbang palang ako ng bigla niya akong
hinawakan sa kamay para pigilan ako. Anak ng tokwa naman! She's making this harder
for me!

"Tristan, please... I want you to be my first everything. Take my virginity." She

said in a small voice. Napahugot ako ng malalim na hininga. Tangina! Bakit ba
ginagawa mo sa akin ito, Andi?! Bakit mo ako pinahihirapan?

Pull yourself together, man.

Humarap ako sa kanya at pilit umarte ng normal. "You're just a little girl. Hindi
mo alam ang pinagsasabi mo, Andi."

"Of course, I know what I'm talking about! Stop treating me like a little kid dahil
hindi na ako bata!" Tumaas ang boses niya at napahikbi siya. Nangingilid na ang mga
luha niya magkabilang mata. I felt bad but what I was doing is for her own good.

Bigla niyang ibinaba ang tube dress niya at hinayaang bumagsak sa sahig. Tanging
ang kakarampot na telang tumatakip sa maseselang parte ng katawan niya ang natira.
Napaawang ang mga labi ko sa gulat. She was beautiful. I fought the urge to touch
her, the wonderful curves of her body.

"See! Mukha pa rin ba ako little girl sa'yo. I'm a full grown woman!" She said.
Hindi ko inaasahan ang sunod niyang ginawa. Kinabig niya ang ulo ko at hinalikan
ako. Damn! Hindi ako santo, lalaki lang ako. I found myself responding to her kiss.
Nang matikman ko ang mga labi niya, hindi ko na naisip kung ano ang mali at tama.
All I knew was I wanted her. I nibbled on her bottom and she opened her mouth for
me, my tongue went in and explored in it. Para akong nalalasing sa lasa ng mga labi
niya. Alam kong hindi ko na kayang pigilan ang sarili ko. Kahit nga siguro lumindol
ngayon hindi ko magagawang bitawan si Andi.

Naglakbay ang mga kamay ko sa kurba ng katawan niya. Her skin was so smooth, just
like how I imagine it would be like. I carressed the sides of her body at tumigil
ang mga kamay ko sa ibabaw ng dibdib niya. I gently squeezed her breast before
pulling down the cup of her bra. It felt so unreal when I touched her bare breast,
my fingers brushing against her nipple. It fitted perfectly in my hand. I caught
her hard nipple with my fore finger and thumb and I gently pinched it, making her
moan in my mouth.

Huminto ako sa paghalik sa kanya. Tinitigan niya ako ng may magkahalong pagtataka
at kaba sa mukha. I wanted this to be special to her. I wouldn't take her virginity
on the couch in the living room. Kinuha ko ang kamay niya at dinala sa kwarto ko.
"Ayokong pagsisihan mo ito, Andi. Sigurado ka bang ito ang gusto mong
mangyari?" Tanong ko ng nasa kama na kami. I could tell that she was
nervous. "Hindi ako magagalit kung uurong ka."

"I know." Halos pabulong na sabi niya. "I-I really want this."

Maingat ko siyang inihiga sa kama. I stared at her face and she gave me a nervous
smile. I kissed her on the forehead. Bumaba ang tingin ko sa katawan niya. My eyes
went to her beautiful breasts and her pink nipples and moved lower to her stomach
and down to that little cloth that was covering her most intimate part.

I sat by her legs and I pulled her panties down. How I wanted to see that part of
her, touch it, kiss it, worship it... Agad niyang tinakpan ng mga kamay niya ang
pagkababae niya ng mahubad ko ang telang nakatakip doon. Nag-angat ako ng tingin sa
mukha niya na namumula sa hiya.

My shy virgin...

"Andi, can I?" My hand went over her hands that she was using to cover her pussy.
Dahan-dahan niyang tinanggal ang mga kamay niya at nahihiyang nag-iwas ng tingin sa
akin.

"You're beautiful." I said as I ran a finger over her slit. She was already hot and
wet. Narinig ko ang impit na ungol mula sa kanya. "You have nothing to be
embarrased about."

"Kasi naman eh. You're making me feel more embarrased." Sabi niya.
I chuckled. "But you really are beautiful."

Dahan-dahan kong ibinuka ang mga hita nita. It looked so good and tight. I wanted
to bury myself inside her and feel her wrapping around my shaft but that can wait.
Right now, I wanted to focus on giving her pleasure first. Her pleasure over mine.

I positioned myself between her legs, my head between it. I started stroking her,
massaging her wet fold.

"Mmm... Tristan..." Parang musika sa tainga ko ang marinig na inuungol ni Andi ang
pangalan ko. I lowered my head to her.

"Wait, what are you doing?" She said, almost mortified, when she looked down at
me. "No, no the- Oh..." She moaned as I slid my tongue down her slit, tasting her.
It was like tasting a piece of heaven, nothing could compare to the way she tasted.
I licked her between her folds, grabbing her hips and pulling her closer to my
face. I swirled the tip of my tongue around her sensitive nub before sucking on it.
She let out a scream of pleasure.

"Oh God, Tristan!" I slipped a finger inside her. She was so wet but still too damn
tight.

"Ah.... ow!" She mumbled. I pushed my finger in slowly until it was all the way
in. I didn't move it for awhile because I wanted her to get used to it. She was
just so tight. One wrong move and I knew I would hurt her.

Then i slowly pulled it out of her. "Masakit pa ba?" Tanong ko.

Umiling siya. I carefully pushed my finger in and out of her. Slowly at first when
I felt that she was getting used to it my finger went faster. Nang maramdaman kong
malapit na siya, I pulled my finger out. I wanted her to come around me, not my
finger.

I knelt between her legs and pulled my pants and underwear down. My manhood was
throbbing with excitement. Tumingin ako kay Andi, her face was priceless. She was
looking at my shaft with eyes wide in shock.

"It's huge!" She exclaimed. "Are you going to put it inside my..." Bumaba ang
tingin niya sa pagitan ng mga hita niya. I nodded my head. "Like your finger?" May
halong pagkamangha at pag-aalalang tanong niya.

Tumango ulit ako. It took all I had in me not to laugh.

"But it's huge! Kasya ba yan sa... sa ano ko?" Sabi niya.

Hindi ko na napigilan ang matawa na lalo niyang ikinapula. Bumaba ang ulo ko sa
mukha niya at hinaplos ko ang pisngi niya. "Don't worry, it'll fit. Gusto mo bang
subukan natin?"

Matagal siyang hindi kumibo.

"Gusto mo pa bang ituloy ito?" I asked. She was very nervous. Hindi ko siya
pipilitin kung ayaw niya. Kung hindi pa siya handa.
"Yes." She answered, finally.

I positioned myself between her legs again, pushing my shaft in her hole as I
lowered my head to her breast and I started sucking on it.

"Ouch! Tristan, masakit..." Sabi niya. Bumaba ang isa kong kamay sa pagkababae
niya. I started massaging her nub to help ease the pain and relax her a bit.

"It really hurts..." She sobbed. I looked up at her and there were tears running
down her eyes. Umiiyak siya! And damn, it wasn't even half of it... it was only the
head! I quickly pulled out of her and rubbed myself against her slit. A loud groan
escaped my lips. I was so near. I rubbed against her faster. I was going to come. I
needed to come. I released myself and came all over her pussy, her sweet slit
covered with my semen. Kinuha ko ang kumot na nasa tabi at iyon ang pinamunas ko sa
kanya. Matagal kaming hindi kumibo pareho. Kinuha ko ang isang pakete ng
sigarilyong nakalagay sa bedside table at kumuha ng isang stick. I lit it up and
took a breath in.

"Tristan, I'm sorry." Umupo si Andi mula sa pagkakahiga.

Hindi ako kumibo.

"Are you mad at me?" Tanong niya.

Binuga ko ang usok mula sa sigarilyo bago humarap sa kanya. Yes. I was mad. I
wasn't mad because she wasn't ready! Galit ako dahil sumama siya kay Sasha at
nagpa-table siya sa matandang iyon. Who knew what could've happened kung hindi ko
siya pinuntahan? Siguro hinahawak-hawakan na siya at hinahalik-halikan ng matandang
iyon katulad ng ginawa ko sa kanya. Just the thought of that alone made me sick.
"Bakit mo kailangan pumasok sa club na iyon?" Galit na tanong ko.

"I want to throw a suprise party for you and Sasha offered me a job. I-I didn't
know na ganun palang trabaho dun."

I let out a frustrated sigh. She did that for me? Hindi ko alam kung ano itong
nararamdaman ko. This feeling was just so alien to me. Pero mali pa rin ang ginawa
niya!

"That was so stupid, Andi. Huwag na huwag ka na ulit sasama kay Sasha. Hindi ko
kailangan ng birthday party. I don't have a fucking birthday." I said.

"I'm sorry na." Malambing na sabi niya bago yumakap sa akin. "From now on, promise,
hindi na kita susuwayin."

Tinanggal ko ang mga kamay niya na nakapulupot sa katawan ko. I could hear breast
againt my body and it was making me hard again.

"I'm sorry din sa nangyari ngayon. It was so painful... I thought I was going to
die." She said with guilt on her voice. She looked so cute right now and it was
hard for me not to smile. "Promise, next time hindi na ako mag-iinarte. It would be
better next time, right?"

"There won't be any next time, Andi." I said in a cold voice. This wasn't right. I
shouldn't have even gone this far with her. I felt like I had tainted her. "Hindi
na natin ito gagawin ulit."
"N-no, promise sa susunod titiisin ko na yung sakit. I'll do whatever you want me
to. I can be good. Turuan mo lang ako. Fast learner naman ako." She said, almost
desperately. Her voice was quivering with tears.

"Mali ito. Hindi dapat nangyari 'to." I said shaking my head. I had so much respect
for her to just let her be a fuck buddy.

Pinahid niya ang mga luha na nagsimula ng tumulo sa mga mata niya. "Why because I'm
not your type? I'm never going to be good enough for you, am I?"

"Andi..." That was all I could say. Hindi ko talaga alam ang sasabihin ko sa kanya
ng mga panahong iyon. Tumayo siya sa kama at tumakbo palabas ng kwarto. Gusto ko
siyang habulin pero naisip ko na mas maganda na rin ito.

Kung alam mo lang, Andi... You're too good for me. I don't deserve a girl like you.

=================

Chapter Thirteen

Maaga akong nagising. Madalas si Andi ang unang nagigising para magluto ng almusal
pero ngayon ako ang nauna. Paglabas ko sa kwarto ko napatingin ako sa pinto ng
kwarto ni Andi. Sana hindi na masama ang loob niya sa akin.

Nagsimula akong magluto ng almusal. Bumukas ang pinto niya at napalingon ako.
Nagtama ang tingin namin at matagal kaming nagtitigan bago siya nagbaba ng tingin.
"Gusto mo na kumain?" Tanong ko.

Hindi siya sumagot, parang wala itong narinig. Kumuha siya ng kape sa cupboard.

"Nag-pakulo na ako ng tubig." Sabi ko. Hindi pa rin niya ako pinansin at kinuha
niya ang kettle. Naglagay siya ng mainit na tubig sa tama niya at nagtimpla ng
kape. Umupo siya sa mesa at ininom ang kape.

"Gutom ka na ba? Luto na ang pagkain." Wala pa rin. Para akong nakikipag-usap sa
hangin. Ni hindi nga ako tinapunan ng tingin.

"Hindi mo ba talaga ako kakausapin?" Napabuntong-hininga ako. She's giving me the

silent treatment and it's killing me. "Sige ka, mapapanis laway mo niyan." Biro ko
pa. Pero hindi talaga epektibo.

Kumuha ako ng plato at pinagsandukan ko siya ng pagkain at inilapag sa harap niya

ang plato. "Sige, kung ayaw mo ako kausapin, kumain na lang tayo."

Kahit nga ang pagkain na hinain ko sa kanya hindi niya pinansin. Kumain na lang ako
dahil baka ma-late pa ako sa trabaho at mabilis na naligo.

"Andi, alis na ko." Paalam ko sa kanya. Dati hinahatid niya pa ako sa pinto pero
ngayon dedma. Nahihirapan ako sa ganito. Namimiss ko agad ang kakulitan niya.
Namimiss ko yung babatiin niya ako ng good morning paglabas ko pa lang sa kwarto at
kukuwentuhan niya ako kung ano ang napanaginipan niya habang kumakain kami tapos
yung paulit-ulit niyang paalala na mag-ingat ako sa pagmomotor bago ako umalis sa
bahay. Isang araw pa lang niya akong hindi pinapansin nahihirapan na ako.
Hindi ko naman sinasadyang saktan siya. Para rin naman sa kanya iyon. Siguro kapag
nahanap niya na yung lalaking para sa kanya pasasalamatan niya pa ako balang-araw
sa pagtanggi ko sa kanya. Parang hinihiwa ng blade ang dibdib ko ng maisip ko iyon.
Paano nga kapag nakahanap na siya ng iba? Paano na ako?

Nakaalis na ang huling kliyente na nagpakuha ng litrato at pasara na ang photo

studio. Nag-aayos na ako ng gamit at naghahanda na umuwi. Hindi pa rin maalis sa
isip ko na nagtatampo sa akin si Andi.

"Sige, labs. Pauwi na ako. I love you." Narinig kong sabi ni Cholo, ang photo
editor. Kausapin nito malamang ang girlfriend niya. Ibinaba niya na ang telepono
pagkatapos.

"Cholo." Tawag ko sa kanya. Humarap siya sa akin.

"Oh, parekoy? Problema?" Tanong nito.

"Paano ba manligaw?" Ako. Kahit ako nagtataka kung bakit pumasok ang tanong na iyon
sa isip ko.

Ngumisi si Cholo. "Naks! Nagbibinata ka na."

Napasimangot ako at medyo naasiwa. "Kalimutan mo ang sinabi ko."

Tatalikod na ako ng bigla niya akong akbayan. "Unang-una, syempre kailangan mong
bigyan yung nililigawan mo ng mga bulaklak at tsokolate. Tapos, ilalabas mo siya,
ipapasyal mo kung saan-saan. Yan ang mga gusto ng babae."

"May nililigawan ka na? Akala ko ba hindi uso sa'yo ang pakikipagrelasyon? Sino
naman ang maswerteng babaeng nagpatibok ng puso mo?" Naki-epal pa si Ted, siya ang
may-ari ng photo studio na ito.

Tinanggal ko ang braso ni Cholo na nakaakbay sa akin. "Wala. Nagtataka lang kasi
ako kung paano napasagot ni Cholo ang girlfriend niya sa itsura niyang yan. Ngayon
alam ko na, inuto-uto niya lang pala."

"Ulol." Sabi ni Cholo at natawa naman si Ted.

"Sige, kita na lang tayo bukas. Una na ko" Paalam ko sa kanila. Lumabas na ako ng
photo studio at sumakay sa motorsiklo ko.

Habang nasa daan ako may nakita akong tindahan ng mga bulaklak. Parang gusto kong
huminto doon. Titignan ko lang naman ang mga bulaklak, ang gaganda kasi. Inihinto
ko ang sasakyan ko sa tapat nun at agad na may lumapit sa aking ale.

"Sir, bulaklak para sa girlfriend mo?" Tanong nito.

Tumango ako. Akala ko ba titingin lang ako?

"Tingin lang po kayo. Puro magaganda ang mga bulaklak namin." Sabi nito. Napababa
ako sa motorsiklo ko at tinignan ko ang mga nakahilerang bulaklak. May nakita akong
isang dosenang pulang roses na nakalagay sa magandang pambalot. Magugustuhan kaya
ni Andi yan?

"Magkano yan?" Tanong ko at tinuro ko iyon.

"Sir, eight hundred na lang." Sagot nito. Nagulat ako sa presyo. Tangina! Makakain
ba yan?

"Ang mahal naman niyan." Reklamo ko.

"Eh, sir, tignan niyo naman. Mga sariwa yan at sigurado naman akong magugustuhan
ito ng girlfriend mo." Sabi niya.

"Bawasan mo naman, manang. Limang daan na lang." Sabi ko.

Umiling ang babae. "Hindi kaya. Bibigay ko sa'yo seven-fifty."

"Five-fifty." Tawad ko.

"Sige na nga, seven hundred na lang." Napakamot na sa kanyang ulo ang ale.
"Six hundred na lang. Sige na, manang, bigay mo na." Sabi ko.

"Sige na nga. Para makauwi na ako." Sabi nito at ibinigay sa akin ang bulaklak.
Binayaran ko na siya at sumakay na ako ng motorsiklo.

Ano ba itong kalokohang pinagagawa ko? Kahit naka-tawad ako, ang laking halaga pa
rin ng anim na daan para lang sa labing-dalawang pirasong rosas na ibinalot sa
magandang papel. Hibang ka na talaga, Tristan.

Malapit na ako sa bahay ng maalala ko ang tsokolate. Kailangan may tsokolate.

Huminto ako sa isang tindahan. Siguro naman may tsokolate doon.

"Pagbilan." Kinatok ko ang tindahan dahil walang nagbabantay. May lumabas na

dalagang babae.

"Ano po yun, kuya?" Tanong nito.

"Meron kayong tsokolate?"

"Meron po. Meron kaming cloud 9, goya, flat tops saka lala" Sagot nito. Pwede na
siguro iyon. Sabi naman ni Cholo tsokolate lang, wala naman siyang sinabing brand.
Bumili ako ng tig-isa ng mga yun. Ang gastos pala manligaw. Natigilan ako sa naisip
ko. Sandali, manliligaw ako?! Liligawan ko si Andi?
Napabuntong-hininga ako. Ano pa nga ba? May bulaklak at tsokolate na. Aba! Ang laki
na ng ginastos ko para magback out pa ako. Saka ayaw ko na magpaka-impokrito. Gusto
ko si Andi. Oo, gusto ko siya. Kahit ano'ng tanggi ko sa sarili ko hindi ko na iyon
mapapagkaila.

Nagmamadali akong umuwi. Excited na akong ibigay kay Andi ang mga ito. Ipinarada ko
ang motorsiklo at nagmamadaling umakyat sa apartment.

Papalapit pa lang ako sa pinto ng apartment ng bumukas ito. Lumabas ang isang
lalaki.

"Thanks, Caloy." Nakangiting sabi ni Andi na sumunod na lumabas sa lalaki.

"Salamat din. Ang sarap talaga." Abot hanggang tenga ang ngiti ng loko. Ano ang
masarap? Siguro... siguro may nangyari na sa kanila. Siguro nabitin si Andi kagabi
at nagkataon nandoon si Caloy para kamutin ang kati niya. Nagdilim ang paningin ko.
Sinugod ko siya at dumapo ang kamao ko sa mukha niya. Napasubsob ito sa sahig.

"T-tristan..." Gulat na tinitigan ako ni Andi at nilapitan si Caloy.

Hinatak ko ang braso ni Andi. "Lumayo ka sa kanya."

"Ano ba?" Binawi niya ang braso niya at tinitigan ako ng masama. "What is wrong
with you? Why did you punch him? Wala naman siyang ginagawa sa'yo!"
 "Pumasok ka sa loob!" Sigaw ko kay Andi.

"Don't tell me what to do!" Sigaw niya din sa akin pagkatapos ay inalalayan niyang
tumayo si Caloy.

Hinatak ko papasok si Andi sa loob ng apartment. "Ano'ng ginawa niyo dito habang
wala ako?"

"What is happening to you? Kawawa naman si Caloy!" Matalim ang mga matang tinitigan
niya ako.

"Ano'ng sinasabi ng ulol na yun na masarap? May nangyari ba sa inyo? Nabitin ka

kagabi kaya humanap ka ng lalaki-" Hindi ko natuloy ang sasabihin ko ng biglang
dumapo ang palad niya sa pisngi ko.

"H-how dare you say that? You think I would have... have... sex sa kung sinu-sinong
lalaki?" Nagsimulang magtubig ang mga mata niya.

"I only want to do it with you because I love you! What made you think I'd do it
with someone else? Ganyan ba talaga ang tingin mo sa akin?" Napasubsob siya sa mga
palad niya at umiyak.

Nilapitan ko siya at niyakap, hinaplos-haplos ko ang buhok niya. "I'm sorry, Andi.
Nadala ako ng galit... ng selos."

Huminto siya sa pag-iyak at gulat na tumingin sa akin. "What?"

"Oo, nagseselos na ako! Nagseselos ako kapag may kausap kang iba, nagseselos ako
kapag may ibang taong nagpapatawa at nagpapangiti sa'yo, nagseselos ako pag may
taong nagiging malapit sa'yo lalo na pag wala ako. Hindi ako dapat magselos pero
nagseselos ako!" Shit! Ang corny ko na! Ano ba itong lumalabas sa bibig ko.

"Tristan..." Namilog ang mga mata niya.

"Sorry na. Bati na tayo?" Itinaas ko ang bouquet ng bulaklak na binili ko sa kanya.

"I-is that for me?"

Tumango ako. Humugot ako ng malalim na hininga. Sasabihin ko na. "I like you,
Andi."

"Oh my god!" Napatili ito bago kinuha mula sa akin ang bulaklak.
Muli siyang yumakap sa akin at hahalikan niya sana ako sa pisngi ng ilayo ko ang
mukha ko.

"Oops! Wala munang kiss. Conservative ako!" Biro ko.

Para naman napahiyang bumitaw siya sa akin. "S-sorry."

"Nagbibiro lang ako." Natatawang sabi ko. Ikinulong ko sa mga palad ko ang mukha
niya at hinalikan ko siya sa noo.

"Teka, ano ba talaga ang ginawa ng mokong na iyon dito?" Ang tinutukoy ko ay si
Caloy.

"Nawalan kasi ng tubig so I went sa baba para mag-igib. Siya yung tumulong sa akin
na mag-carry ng bucket paakyat dito." Sagot nito.

"Eh ano yung sinasabi niyang masarap?" Sumimangot ako.

"Binigyan ko siya ng sandwich na ginawa ko kanina and he thought it was

masarap." Sabi niya at pinisil ang ilong ko. "Ang dirty kasi ng mind mo. You should
apologize to him."

"I will. Kapag nakita ko siya." Sabi ko. I feel bad for the guy. Tumulong na nga,
nasapak ko pa. Hinawi ko ang ilang hibla ng buhok na nasa mukha niya. Bumaba ang
ulo ko para halikan siya sa labi.
Kaya siguro hindi ko matanggap ang nararamdaman ko sa kanya noon dahil ayaw kong
mahalin siya sa takot na baka balang-araw bigla na lang niya akong iwan. Natatakot
ako dahil baka dumating ang panahon na bigla niyang ma realize na hindi pala ako
sapat para sa kanya at magsawa na siya sa buhay na meron kami ngayon kasi wala
naman akong kayang ibigay sa kanya. Pero kung hindi ko naman susubukan at patuloy
ko siyang itutulak palayo baka mawala din siya sa akin at ang masaklap pa doon wala
man lang akong nagawa.

=================

Chapter Fourteen

Andi's POV

Nanonood kami ni Tristan ng tv. His head is resting on my lap. I gently stroke his
hair and looked at him. He's been really sweet to me simula ng mag-confess siya ng
feelings niya sa akin. Pero I'm not sure kung ano ba talaga kami. We kiss pero
simple and short peck on the lips lang, it's not a passionate kiss we shared noong
night na may nangyari sa amin. Boyfriend ko na ba siya? I don't really know how
relationships work. I've never had a boyfriend before.

"Bakit?" Tristan asked when he caught me looking at him.

"Nothing." I answered. But I really wanted to ask him kung ano na ba status namin.
Pero I don't have the guts. Should I just be contented sa kung anong meron kami?

Binalik niya ang atensyon niya sa tv.

"Tristan, how many girlfriends have you had before?" I asked, out of curiousity.
"Hmm... hindi pa talaga ako nagkakaroon ng girlfriend sa totoo lang." Sabi niya.

"Really?" I'm not convinced. Impossible na hindi pa siya nagkakaroon ng girlfriend.

"Bakit parang hindi ka naniniwala? Hindi pa talaga. Just short flings and casual
sex." Sabi niya. Then napaupo siya at humarap sa akin. "Pero alam mo, Andi, may
nakilala akong babae. Maganda siya at mabait. Gusto ko na nga yata siya eh. Ano sa
tingin mo ang dapat kong gawin para mapasagot siya? Hindi kasi ako marunong
manligaw."

I looked down trying not to cry. God! Meron na pa lang siyang babaeng nagugustuhan.
So all those kisses and hugs meant nothing to him? Am I just one of his flings?

His hand held my chin, forcing me to look at him. My vision were blurry with
tears. "Andi, bakit?"

Inilayo ko ang mukha ko sa kanya at umiwas ng tingin. "W-wala. I got something

stuck in my eye."

"Ah ok. Gusto kong makilala mo siya, Andi. May date kami ngayon at isasama
kita." Sabi niya. What a sadist! He knows naman that I'm inlove with him tapos
gusto niyang iharap ako sa babaeng gusto niya!

"No, thanks. I'll stay here na lang." Sabi ko. Tumayo ako sa couch at lumakad
papunta sa kwarto.
"Saan ka pupunta? Hindi pa tapos ang palabas." I heard him say. I ignored him. Who
gives a darn about the show. I so hate him. Pinaasa niya lang ako. May pa- I like
you I like you pa siya. Yun pala may iba na siyang nagugustuhan.

After a few minutes, kumatok siya sa pinto ko. "Andi, nagtext na siya sa akin.
Papunta na daw siya. Kailangan na natin umalis."

"Then go! I'm not going with you. Ayokong maistorbo ang date niyo." Sabi ko.

"Gusto ka nga niya makilala." Sabi niya. What an ass!

"Ayoko! Dito na lang ako." Sabi ko naman.

He opened the door at pumasok sa kwarto ko.

"Ang rude mo talaga. You can't come into my room!"

"It's not locked."

I crossed my arms. "That's cause it doesn't have a lock."

"Sumama ka na, please?" He begged.

"Bakit ba gusto mo ko isama? Do I really have to be there?"

"Oo naman. You're important to me, Andi. Gusto kong makilala mo ang unang babaeng
nagpatibok puso ko." He said with a big smile on his face. Oh how I envy that girl.
I wish I could make Tristan that happy.

Maybe yung like na sinasabi niya is different sa like na iniisip ko. He just likes
me as a friend? But why does he kiss me? Kasi gusto niya lang? This guy is so
difficult.

Bigla niya hinatak ang isang kamay ko. "Halika na."

"I said I don't want to go!" I shouted. Hindi niya ako pinansin. Hinatak niya ako
palabas ng apartment at bumaba kami at sumakay sa motorcycle niya. Napilitan na
akong sumama sa kanya. We went to this fancy restaurant.

Pinaupo kami ng receptionist sa isang table. I flipped open the menu that was given
to us by the waiter. Ang mamahal ng mga food. Tristan is very frugal hindi siya
gagastos ng ganito kamahal, he must really like the girl.

"Umorder ka na." Sabi niya.

"Nasaan na yung date mo?" Tanong ko.

"Traffic daw kaya medyo mala-late siya. Umorder ka na lang." He said.

Pumili ako ng pinakamahal na food to get back at him. He is such a dickhead for
making come with him sa date nila ng girl na gusto niya!

"I'll have steak and lobster." Sabi ko sa waiter.

"How would you like your steak cooked?" Tanong ng waiter.

"Medium well." Sagot ko.

Humarap siya kay Tristan. "How about you, sir?"

"Ah... tubig na lang ako." Sabi ni Tristan.

Umalis na ang waiter pagkatapos nun.

"Why didn't you order anything?" I felt bad. I'm sure Tristan worked hard for that
money at masasayang lang dahil sa expensive na pagkaian.

"Hihintayin ko pa siya." Sabi niya.

"Oh... okay."

Dumating na ang inorder kong pagkain pero wala pa rin ang date niya.

"Gusto mo?" Tanong ko while digging in to my food.

"Oo ba." Sabi niya. And I shared my food with him. Nagustuhan niya naman iyon.
Mauubos na namin ang pagkain namin pero hindi pa din dumadating ang ka-date niya. I
don't know kung tatawanan ko siya o maaawa ako.

"Are you sure pupunta pa siya?" I asked.

"Sigurado akong pupunta yun."

"Then why isn't she here yet? We've been here for almost an hour."

"Oh nandito na pala siya. Sabi sa'yo dadating yun!" Napangiti siya while looking sa
pinto ng restaurant.

Napatingin dina ko doon. "Where?"

"Ayun oh!" Sabi niya and looked at me.

Ang dami kasing naglalabas-pasok sa restaurant. "What is she wearing?"

"White shirt, jeans, flip-flops, glasses." Sabi niya habang nakatingin sa akin.
Napatingin ako sa suot ko. I'm wearing white shirt, and jeans, and flipflops, and
glasses. Napaawang ang bibig ko.

"Kanina pa pala siya nandito." He said smiling then he took my hand. "Ang tagal
kong naghintay na dumating ka sa akin. Pero hindi ko agad na realize na ikaw na
pala ang hinihintay ko."

I wanted to jump into his arms. All along ako yung binabanggit niyang babaeng gusto
niya?

"Y-you don't know how happy you made me, Tristan." I said.

"Hindi mo rin alam kung gaano mo ako pinasaya mula nang dumating ka sa buhay
ko." He said and kissed my hand.

He paid for the bill and we left the restaurant. Umuwi na kami pagkatapos.

"Tristan, I'm so sorry kasi napagastos ka ng mahal. I know we don't have alot of
money. Dapat nagamit mo yun sa mas important na bagay and nagastos mo lang sa isang
dinner." I bit my lower lips.
"Okay lang yun. Masarap naman eh. Saka first date natin iyon kaya worth it
naman." Sabi niya.

"I did that to get back at you. I was really jealous kasi nung sinabi mong may
gusto kang ibang babae."

He grinned. "Hindi ko alam na selosa ka pala."

Niyakap niya ako at hinalikan sa labi. I knew it was going to be a quick peck on
the lips na naman. Before he could pull his head away, I wrapped my arms around his
neck. I'm ready to give myself to him. I kissed him back passionately. I could tell
that he was surprised because his lips stopped moving. I ran my tongue along his
lips. Nagsimula na ulit gumalaw ang lips niya. He nibbled on my bottom lip and I
opened my mouth for him. He slipped his tongue in my mouth and I could taste him.
He taste so good. I've been craving for this kind of kiss.

Hinawakan ko ang isang kamay niya and brought it to my breast. I want him to touch
me everywhere like he did before. He cupped my breast and gently massaged it. He
caressed it over and over. Then he suddenly stopped. Bumaba ang kamay niya sa tiyan
ko and it went inside my shirt. Tinanggal niya ang hook ng bra ko and his hand went
back to my breast. His hand freely touching my bare breast. He rubbed my nipple
between his fingers and it feels so good.

His lips left mine and traveled down my neck. He sucked and gently bit it.

"Oohh..." I moaned.
I ran my fingers through his hair and grabbed on. Para akong nanghihina and I
needed something to cling on to. Itinaas niya ang shirt ko at bumaba ang ulo niya
sa dibdib ko. He sucked my left breast while his hand massaged my right breast. He
took my nipple in his mouth, lightly biting it. His mouth is so hot and wet.

I was disappointed when he stopped. But then, he took my hand and brought me to his
room. I thought he was going to stop na talaga. Pinahiga niya ako sa kama niya. And
I watched him as he take off his clothes. I stared at his nakedness. Hanggang sa
bumaba ang mata ko sa thing niya! It's so long and thick. I wanted to look away
pero I can't.

"Pwede ka pang magback out." Sabi niya.

"No, I want to do it na."

Sumampa na siya sa kama. "Andi, hindi mo kailangan pilitin ang sarili mo.
Maiintindihan ko kung tatanggi ka."

"I... I want this!" I grabbed his thing with my hand. It was hard. "I really do,
Tristan."

He groaned and I instantly pulled my hand away.

"Oh my god! I didn't mean to hurt you. I'm so sorry." I said, embarrased.

"Hindi iyon masakit. It feels good." Sabi niya.

Ibinalik ko ang kamay ko sa kanya. I got really curious and let my hand explore his
thing. Inalis niya ang mga kamay ko doon.

"Kapag itinuloy mo yan. Maagang matatapos ito." I didn't understand what he meant
pero tumigil na din ako.

He started taking off my clothes too hanggang sa hubad na din ako katulad niya. He
opened my leg and started kissing my tummy down to my private part. He planted
small kisses around it.

"Please, Tristan..." I whimpered. I want him to touch me there. I moaned when his
lips reached my slit. He opened my womanhood hood with his two fingers and licked
it. He found the most pleasurable part. He started licking and sucking it. He
licked it in circular motion, it made my leg tremble.

I felt his finger push inside me. It didn't hurt like before but I felt a slight
discomfort. He started moving it in and out of me hanggang sa sumarap na. He was
going so fast and I wanted to explode. Then slowly slid another finger and I felt a
sharp pain.

"Relax, Andi... I'm trying to loosen you up." He said. He continued moving his
finger, very slowly. Hanggang sa makapasok na ito. He took his finger out and in
again. He was going faster hanggang sa wala na akong maramdaman na sakit.

I felt this sensation in the bottom of my stomach. I need to let it out because if
I don't I feel like I'll explode. My back arched off the bed, I can feel it flowing
out of me. My whole body is shaking.
He stopped licking me and knelt between my legs. He looked at me with his clouded
dark eyes. He spread my legs wide open and pulled me closer to him. His huge thing
brushed along my lady part. I took a deep breath. Here it goes. Andi, please, don't
ruin this! Sa una lang masakit yan, after that hindi na. Just like yung mga
nababasa ko sa pocketbooks.

He pressed against my entrance. He slowly thrust himself in. He moved inch by inch
and bent down to kiss me on the lips. Napakapit ako sa braso niya. His lips
distracted me from the pain. But God, it still hurts. My nails dig into his flesh.

"D-don't stop, Tristan. Just keep going." I whispered.

He started moving a little faster hanggang sa mabawasan na ang sakit. He moved in

and out of me. I felt both pleasure and pain.

"Andi, malapit na ako..." He panted.

And I could feel it again. That pleasant pressure swelling inside me. I let myself
go, my body started to relax. He made one lst huge thrust and I felt a warm, thick
liquid shooting inside me. He rolled off of me and lie down beside me.

"That would be five thousand pesos." He said with his eyes half open.

"Huh?" I stared at him confused.

"May 50% discount ka pa nga. I normally charge ten thousand for sex." Sabi niya.

"I- I don't have money." Sabi ko.

"Ang dami mo ng utang sa akin, Andi. Hindi bale, nakalista na lahat iyon." He
chuckled. I realized that he was just kidding.

He nuzzled his nose into my neck.

"Tristan, what are we?" I can't help but ask. We already had sex yet hindi ko pa
rin alam kung ano ba talaga kami.

"Tao." Pilosopong sagot niya.

"I'm serious." I said.

"Sa akin ka lang at sa'yo lang ako." He answered before giving me a kiss on the
neck.

"So... you're my boyfriend na?"

"Kung sasagutin mo ako." He said.

"My answer is yes." I said, smiling.

"Girlfriend na kita, wala ng bawian. I love you, mahal ko." Sabi niya. I felt
butterflies in my stomach when he said I love you tapos he called me 'mahal ko'. Am
I just dreaming? Kasi kung dream to I don't want to wake up na.

=================

Chapter Fifteen

I was woken up by the warmth of the sun rays on my face. I felt something heavy na
nakadagan sa tiyan ko at sa legs ko. When I tried to move naramdaman ko ang pain sa
buong body ko. I groaned when I felt a sharp pain on my private part.

"Okay ka lang?" I heard Tristan's voice and my eyesautomatically opened. Napatingin

ako sa tabi ko.

"T-tristan..." Oh my god! It wasn't a dream. Tristan and I really did it. And...
and he's now my boyfriend. I can't believe this. I want to jump out of bed at
magtatalon sa happiness na nararamdaman ko ngayon.

"Hoy! Bakit nakatulala ka?" Tanong niya.

"We... we did it." I said in a small voice.

He pulled me closer to him and kissed me on the forehead. "Nagsisisi ka ba?"

"NO!" I quickly answered and I touched his cheek. "I would never regret giving my
virginity to you. I love you... mahal ko. Thank you for being gentle."

He hugged me tighter. "The pleasure is mine. Masakit pa rin ba?"

I pouted and nodded my head.

"Kawawa naman ang mahal ko." He said. Hinatak niya ang kumot revealing my naked
body.

"Tristan!" I screamed and tried covering myself with my hands.

He chuckled. "Ano pa bang pwede mo itago sa akin? Nakita ko na lahat yan... hindi
lang nakita, nahawakan ko pa at nahalikan ko."

I suddenly felt my cheeks burning. Tinanggal niya ang mga kamay ko sa body ko. Then
he went on top of me. "Nagba-blush ang mahal ko."

He gave me a quick kiss on my forehead, and the tip of my nose, down to my lines
and neck and the middle of my chest. My heat started pounding in my chest and my
whole body feels like it's on fire. Katulad ng naramdaman ko kagabi. His lips
traveled down my stomach and down to my...

"T-tristan, what are you going to do?" I asked.

"I-ki-kiss ko ang masakit sa'yo." Tumaas ang isang sulok ng labi niya. He spread my
legs apart at bumaba ang ulo niya doon. He teasingly kissed my inner thigh.

"Ohh..." I moaned when his lips touched my female part. I felt his tongue lick my
folds, moving his tongue up and down. Why does it feel so good? Kahit may
nararamdaman pa rin akong pain, the pleasure overpowered it. He flicked his tongue
on my swollen flesh. And soon enough, naramdaman ko na naman ang overwhelming
sensation na iyon.

"Oh God... T-tristan..." Lalo niyang binilisan ang paggalaw ng tongue niya. He
sucked my swollen flesh until I couldn't hold it any longer. My body started to
shake and tingle. Ahh... I feel like I'm on cloud nine.

Umangot ang ulo ni Tristan. Our eyes met and he sexily licked his lips. "Mahal ko,
ang sarap mo talaga."

Bumaba ang tingin ko sa 'thing' niya. It's already big and hard. Oh my god!
Ipapasok na naman niya sa akin iyan. I bit my lower lip. My female part is still
sore. I know it'll hurt.

"Huwag ka mag-alala di ko ipapasok sa'yo ito." It's like nabasa niya ang isip
ko.Humiga siya sa tabi ko and then he took my hand at dinala niya sa thing niya. He
guided my hand up and down his shaft. Hanggang sa hinayaan niya na akong gumawa
nun.

"Mahal ko, bilisan mo pa..." He groaned. I moved my hand faster just like what he
told me to do. After a few stroke white liquid came out of it. It ran down my hand
and it was sticky and warm.
He stretched his arms. Tumingin siya sa akin and smiled. "Ang ganda ng simula ng
araw ko."

Itinaas ko ang kamay ko, the one that's covered with his sperm. Kumuha siya ng
tissue na nakapatong sa bedside table and wiped them off my hand. "Sorry about
that."

"Tristan?" I called his name.

"Mmm?"

"You said you love me." I softly said.

"Yes, I did. Mahal kita, Andi." Sabi niya. Is this all for real?

"I thought it was just a spur of the moment kind of thing. Kasi you said hindi
naman ako ang type mo. And hindi naman ako maganda, I'm sure maraming pretty
girls-" Sabi ko.

"Sinong may sabing hindi ka maganda?" He frowned. "Palagi kong sinasabi sa iyo na
mukha kang matandang dalaga sa ayos mo... pero hindi ibig sabihin nun hindi ka
maganda. Saka oo nga hindi ikaw ang type ko pero ikaw ang gusto ng puso ko."

That was enough to make me smile. "Kahit I'm not good in bed?"
"We'll work on that. Mahal ko, ako ang magtuturo sa'yo ng lahat ng kailangan mong
malaman. Kahit ano'ng position pa yan." He grinned.

We took a bath together after we got up from bed. I got comfortable na with him
seeing my naked body. We actually spent over an hour in the bathroom. We had our
breakfast after that.

"Magsimba tayo ngayon, mahal ko." Sabi niya.

"This is the first time na nag-aya ka magsimba? Are you sick or something?" Tanong
ko sa kanya. Tristan is not a religious guy, ayun ang pagkakakilala ko sa kanya.

Tumawa siya. "Gusto ko lang magpasalamat sa Diyos dahil sa wakas may nangyari din
maganda sa buhay ko." He took my hand at hinila niya ako palapit sa
kanya. "Dumating ka sa buhay ko. Ikaw lang ang nagmahak sa akin ng buong-buo at
walang pag-aalinlangan at nagpapasalamat ako dahil doon."

My eyes start to fill with tears of joy. I can't believe this is happening right
now. Hindi ko akalain na someone would be thankful for having me in their life. For
a long time, I felt like I was just a minor role in a book but now, now I'm a
heroine. I'm Tristan's heroine.
When we got to the church instead na mass ang maabutan namin, we saw a wedding. May
nagpapakasal sa simbahan and the bride was so lovely wearing her white wedding
gown. Hinatak ko si Tristan papunta sa may dulo ng simbahan so I could watch the
wedding.

"Mahal ko, can we stay here muna? I want to see the wedding." Pakiusap ko sa kanya.

"Sure." Pumayag naman siya.

He wrapped his arms around my waist habang nanonood kami. The bride and the groom
are standing in front of the altar. Ang ganda dress niya at ang mahabang veil niya
na sumasayad sa sahig. I've dreamed of being married all my life to the person I
love.

"I want to get married someday, too." I said smiling dreamily.

"Hindi ba dapat magpapakasal ka na? Bakit ka pa tumakbo kung gusto mo din pala
ikasal?" Sabi niya.

"Syempre ayoko naman kay Jason! I only want to be married to you. Ikaw lang ang
pakakasalan ko." I answered.

"Totoo?"
"Yes." I quickly answered.

"Okay lang sa'yo kahit hindi kita kayang bigyan ng magarbong kasal?" Tanong niya.

"Kahit wala ng wedding gown, I could just wear a simple white dress. Kahit ano'ng
klaseng kasal pa yan, I don't care. Basta sa'yo ako ikakasal." Sagot ko.

"Natatakot akong baka bigla kang mawala sa akin, mahal ko." Humigpit ang hawak niya
na parang may kukuha sa akin.

"Paano naman ako mawawala sa'yo. I'll never leave you." I said.

"Hindi mo rin masasabi. Marami pang pwedeng mangyari. Paano kung dumating ang mga
magulang mo at kunin ka nila? Paano na tayo?" Nararamdaman ko ang takot sa boses
niya.

"Hindi ako sasama sa kanila." I pouted.

"Mahal ko, dadating ang panahon na kakailanganin mong bumalik sa pamilya mo, hindi
pwedeng habang buhay tataguan mo sila. Saka ayoko naman sirain ang magandang
kinabukasan mo." Sabi niya.

"But... but you're my future." I softly said.

"Basta kapag nagkalayo tayo lagi mo lang tatandaan na maghihintay ako sa
iyo." Napaka-sincere ng boses niya.

"You may now kiss the bride..." Narinig kong sabi ng pari. His fingers grasped my
chin at inangat niya ang ulo ko. Then he gave me a peck on the lips.

Lumabas na kami ng simbahan pagkatapos ng wedding. He took me to this kiosk na may

mga itinitinda na fishballs and yung mga pagkain na tinutusok sa stick. I don't
really know most ng mga pagkain doon. Nakikita ko lang ang mga yun but never pa
akong nakatikim, although I have been wanting to try it pero sabi ni daddy madumi
daw iyon.

"Ano'ng gusto mo, mahal ko?" Tanong niya.

"What's that orange round thing?" Tinuro ko sa kanya iyon.

"Kwek kwek, pugo yan na may harina. Masarap yan." Sabi niya.

"I'll have that and fishballs." Sabi ko. I heard kasi masarap daw ang fishballs.

"Manong, fishball nga saka kwek kwek... saka chicken ball na din." Sabi ni Tristan
sa nagtitinda. Nilagay ng nagtitinda iyon sa isang lalagyan tapos nilagyan ng
sauce.

"O, kain na." Inabot sa akin ni Tristan ang stick. Tinusok ko yung kwek kwek ng
stick at kinagat ko iyon. It taste good naman.

"Nagustuhan mo?" Tristan asked.

I gave him a thumbs up while I was chewing. Why does daddy thinks na madumi ito? It
doesn't look dirty! And it's delicious.

"Mahal ko, gusto mo ng chicken ball?" Tanong ni Tristan and I nodded my head.
Inilapit sa akin ni Tristan ang chicken ball para isubo sa akin at binuksan ko ang
bibig ko. Pinatikim din sa akin ni Tristan ang fishball. Lahat naman masarap and I
really liked it all.

"Pasensya na, mahal ko. Wala kasi akong pera ngayon, pinangbayad ko sa upa ng
apartment, sa kuryente at sa tubig kaya di kita nalibre sa masarap na
restaurant." Hingi niya ng tawad. Naglalakad na kami pauwi sa apartment and he's
holding my hand. "Hayaan mo next time. Babawi ako."

"Ano ka ba? Masarap naman yung kinainan natin. You don't have to take me to
restaurants. Sa next date natin, we could eat mami or lugaw diyan sa kanto. Mas
masarap nga yung mga ganun na food." I smiled. Mas nasasarapan talaga ako sa street
foods. I don't know maybe kasi siguro bago sa panlasa ko. I won't ask for more than
this. I won't ask for more than what he can give. I love the life I have with him.
At kung itong buhay na ito ang magiging future ko sa kanya then I would happily
accept it.

Huminto si Tristan sa paglakad. We stopped in front of a man na may table sa tabi

at may nakapatong na jewelries sa table.
Tumingin-tingin si Tristand and picked up a ring. "Magkano 'to?"

"300 lang, boss." Sabi ng lalaki.

"Bawasan mo naman." Sabi ni Tristan. Nagtawaran sila ng lalaki hanggang sa mapunta

na sa 200 ang price at binila na iyon ni Tristan.

Isinuot sa akin ni Tristan iyon. "Mahal ko, ayan lang muna ang maibibigay ko sa'yo
pero pangako bibilhan kita ng pinaka-magandang singsing kapag ikinasal tayo."

"I love it, mahal ko." I couldn't take my eyes off the ring. For me, it's the most
beautiful gift I've ever received. Hindi man ito mahal but he gave it to me with
love. Hindi naman importante sa akin ang mga materyal na baga,ang mahalaga
ipinakikita niya sa akin ang pagmamahal niya.

Pagkatapos namin mamasyal umuwi na kami. Habang naglalakad kami nakasalubong namin
si Caloy.

"Mag-apologize ka na." Mahinang sabi ko.

"Caloy!" Tinawag siya ni Tristan at napatingin siya sa amin. Napaurong si Caloy ng

makita si Tristan. "Pare gusto ko lang humingi ng tawad sa ginawa ko sa'yo."

Parang na relax naman ang mukha ni Caloy. "O-okay lang yun."

Umakbay sa akin si Tristan. "Nag-away kasi kami ng mahal ko nang araw na iyon, alam
mo na LQ. Nagselos ako at inisip kong nagkakamabutihan na kayo. Normal lang sa
relasyon iyon. Pero ok na kami ngayon. Di ba, mahal ko?"

i just nodded my head. He kissed me on the forehead in front of Caloy. Marking his
territory, eh? It's like he's sinasabi niya kay Caloy, by the way he acts, na sa
kanya lang ako.

"Naiintindihan ko." Ngumiti si Caloy. "Pano, may lakad pa ako."

"Sige, pare." Sabi ni Tristan.

"Bye, Andi." Paalam ni Caloy.

"Bye. See you around." Sabi ko sa kanya at umalis na siya.

"Yan na, nag sorry na ko." Sabi ni Tristan.

"Thanks, mahal ko."

"Masakit pa ba?" Tanong niya.

Kumunot ang noo ko. "What?"

"Yung ano mo..." Ngumuso siya sa crotch ko. I could feel myself blushing.

"H-hindi na." Nahihiyang sagot ko.

He grinned. "So, pwede na ulit?!"

"I... I guess so."

"Yes!" Tuwang-tuwang sabi niya at nagmamadaling hinatak ako.

=================

Chapter Seventeen

Andi's POV

"Mahal ko..." Tristan hugged me from the back and started kissing my neck while
making exaggerated 'mwah' sound. "Bango-bango..."

"Stop, mahal ko, I'm cooking dinner." Saway ko sa kanya.

"Huwag ka na magluto. Ikaw na lang kakainin ko." He whispered huskily.

"You're so makulit." I giggled. Nakikiliti ako sa halik niya sa leeg ko. Pwede na
ako ngayon. Tapos na kasi ang period ko. I know how hard it is for him na magkatabi
kami sa isang kama but he couldn't make love to me. Alam ko at nararamdaman ko kung
gaano siya nagpipigil.

Hinarap niya ako sa kanya. "Wala ka ng dalaw ngayon, di ba?"

I nodded.

"Thank God!" Sabi niya. He pushed my boobs together and buried his face on my
cleavage. "Ohh, my babies. Namiss ko kayo."

Natawa ako. Tristan is such a crazy pervert. I kind of got used to him acting like
this. Ganito siya maglambing sa akin. His lips went up my neck and sucked hard on
my sensitive spot. Napahawak ako sa ulo niya and ran my fingers through his soft
hair. Gumapang ang halik niya pataas sa labi ko. He kissed me passionately,
thrusting his tongue inside my mouth. He squeezed both my breasts with his hands.

Natulak ko siya ng maamoy ko na nasusunog na ang niluluto ko. "Oh my god!"

Pagtingin ko sa lutuan umuusok na ito ng maitim na usok. Madaling nakapag-react si

Tristan, he quickly turned of the stove. I sighed with relief ng mapatay iyon.

"You idiot!" Galit na sabi ko sa kanya.

He just laughed and kissed my forehead. "Sunog na ang pagkain natin. Paano ba yan?
Gutom na ako."

He raised his eyebrows and grinned at me. His eyes sparkled in excitement. He
pulled me towards him at ng hahalikan niya na ako inilayo ko ang mukha ko sa kanya.
Tinulak ko siya sa dibdib at tumakbo palayo sa kanya.

"Catch me if you can!" Tumatawang sabi ko.

Hinabol niya ako. We ran in endless loops around the table. Huminto ako and his at
the opposite side of the table. I stuck my tongue out at him.

"Hindi mo ko mahahabol. You're old na kasi. Uugod-ugod ka na." Asar ko sa kanya

while I was giggling like a little girl.

Tumaas ang isang sulok ng labi niya at naningkit ang mga mata niya. "Ah ganon.
Uugod-ugod pala? Humanda ka sa akin kapag nahuli kita. Baka ikaw ang sumuko
mamaya."

Tumakbo ako papunta sa kwarto. He wasn't too far behind me. Bago ko masara ang
pinto ng kwarto hinarangan niya iyon ng katawan niya. Hindi ko na nasara ang pinto
at tumakbo palayo at humabol pa rin siya sa akin hanggang sa mapunta na ako sa
corner ng bedroom. He smiled when he realized na wala na akong matatakbuhan. I
stepped back habang dahan-dahan siyang lumalapit sa akin hanggang sa maramdaman ko
na ang wall sa likod ko. Binuhat niya ako at hinagis sa kama.

He got on top of me and pinned my hands above my hand with one of his. He
smirked. "Ano ulit yung sabi mo kanina?"

"Did I say anything?" Painosenteng sabi ko. I'm scared baka totohanin niya ang
banta niya.

"Oo, may sinabi ka. Sabi mo matanda na ako. Sabi mo pa nga uugod-ugod na
ako." Tumatawang sabi niya.

I faked a gasp and acted suprised. "I said that? Really?"

"Oo, sinabi mo iyon. Patay ka sa akin ngayon! Hindi talaga kita

pagpapahingahin." Sabi niya bago bumaba ang labi niya sa labi ko. Itinaas niya ang
shirt ko with his other hand at pati ang bra ko. He palmed my breast and played
with my nipple with his two fingers.

Bigla kaming napabalikwas ng marinig namin ang sunod-sunod na katok sa pinto.

"Pambihira naman o!" Nakasimangot na sabi niya bago umalis sa ibabaw ko. I sat down
and fixed myself. Sumunod ako sa kanyang lumabas ng kwarto.

He opened the door at bumungad si mang Celso, our next door neighbor. He's carrying
his son.

"Tristan, pwede bang maiwan ko muna sa iyo ang anak ko? Manganganak na kasi ang
asawa ko." He sounded like his in a hurry.
"Ha?" Gulat na sabi ni Tristan.

"Sige na, Tristan! Nakikiusap ako sa'yo. Kailangan ko na dalhin sa ospital ang
misis ko." He begged.

Lumapit ako sa kanila. Nakakaawa naman kasi saka cute naman ang baby. "Don't worry
we'll take care of him."

"Andi!" Sabi ni Tristan pero hindi ko siya pinansin.

Kinuha ko ang baby mula kay mang Celso.

"Maraming salamat, Andi. Nandito na ang diaper niya at saka ang gatas." Inabot niya
ang bag at wala ng nagawa si Tristan kundi kunin iyon. Nagmamadaling umalis si mang
Celso.

"Bahala ka mag-alaga sa bata." Sabi ni Tristan.

"Okay." I answered. And focused my attention on the baby. "Hi, handsome. Ang cute
cute mo naman."

I played with the baby habang si Tristan ay nanonood na lang ng tv show. Sobrang
kulit niya. He crawled and crawled and crawled, sunod naman ako ng sunod sa kanya.
I was crawling sa floor din at tawa siya ng tawa habang sumusunod ako sa kanya.
Nang mapagod ako binuhat ko siya at tumabi na kami kay Tristan.

Kinandong ko siya sa akin at nilaro. Tawa lang siya ng tawa.

"Ano ba yan? Nagseselos na ako ah.

Then he suddenly started crying and I didn't know what to do. Kinantahan ko siya
and I played with him. I tried everything but he still wouldn't stop crying. I
don't know how to handle a crying baby.

"Tristan..." Natatarantang sabi ko kay Tristan.

"Akin na nga." Kinuha siya sa akin ni Tristan. "Puno na ang diaper. Kumuha ka ng
bagong diaper, mahal ko."

Kumuha ako ng diaper sa bag at inabot kay Tristan. Hiniga niya ang baby and he
changed his diaper. I didn't know na marunong din pala mag-alaga si Tristan ng
baby. Naisip ko, paano kaya pagnagka-baby kami. The thought of having his baby made
me smile. I sighed. Maybe, one day...

"Yan! Fresh na ang baby. Puro laro lang ang alam ni ate Andi, eh ano?" Sabi ni
Tristan sa baby at humagikgik iyon. "Kawawa naman ang baby. Hindi marunong mag-
alaga si ate Andi."

Ang cute niyang panoorin habang nilalaro niya ang baby. I didn't expect him to be
so good with babies. I mean, wala sa itsura niya saka kanina parang wala siyang
pakialam sa baby. Nang mahawakan niya na ang baby, hindi niya na binitawan iyon.
I'm sure he would be a good father sa magiging mga anak namin. Hindi lang pala siya
boyfriend material, husband material pa. I'm so lucky.

"Marunong ka pala mag-alaga ng baby." Sabi ko.

"Oo naman. Bata pa lang ako, pinag-aalaga na kami ng mga baby sa bahay-ampunan."

"Papa..." Nakadapa sa dibdib ni Tristan ang baby at nag-crawl ito papunta sa neck
niya at niyakap siya. Then he sucked his thumb.

"Aww... he thinks you're his dad." Nakangiting sabi ko habang nakatingin sa kanila.
I felt this warm, fuzzy feeling inside. I couldn't help but imagine him carrying
our baby.

Kinarga na siya ni Tristan papunta sa kwarto namin. Ginawan niya ang baby ng milk
at pinadede ito habang hinehele. Nakahiga lang ako sa kama habang pinanonood siya.
He really looks like a dad.

"Bagay pala sa'yo maging daddy." I said, smiling.

"Eh di, pwede na pala tayong gumawa ng baby." He grinned.

"Kung gusto mo. I wouldn't mind having a baby with you." Seryosong sabi ko.
"Nagbibiro lang ako. Hindi pa tayo pwedeng magka-baby, mahal ko. Masyado ka pang
bata saka gusto ko kapag nagka-anak na tayo kaya ko na kayong bigyan ng magandang
buhay. Isa pa, ayoko munang may kaagaw sa atensyon mo. Sa ngayon ako na lang muna
ang baby mo." He winked at me.

Nang makatulog na si baby, humiga na siya at ibinaba niya ang baby sa gitna namin.
We're like a family.

"Tulog na ang bata." Sabi ni Tristan.

"So?"

He gave me that naughty smile. "Pwede na natin ituloy."

"No, we can't. May baby dito." Dahilan ko.

"Maswerte ka at nakaiwas ka ngayon. Babawi na lang ako next time." Sabi niya. "Kiss
mo na lang ako, mahal ko. Hindi ako makakatulog ng hindi mo ko hinahalikan."

Nilapit ko ang ulo ko sa kanya and I gave him a kiss on the lips. "Good night,
mahal ko."

"Good night..."
Umaga na and I'm cooking breakfast. Nilalaro naman ni Tristan ang baby. May kumatok
sa pinto at binuksan iyon ni Tristan.

"Maraming maraming salamat talaga, Tristan. Kukunin ko na ang anak ko. Nanganak na
si misis. Lalaki ulit." Masayang balita ni mang Celso.

"Congrats!" Masayang sabi ko. Binuhat na niya ang anak niya. Kinuha ko ang bag na
iniwan niya sa amin at ibinigay kay mang Celso.

"Salamat din sa'yo, Andi." Sabi niya.

"You're welcome." I gave him a warm smile. Hinawakan ko ang kamay ng baby. "Bye
bye, baby."

Nagpaalam na sila at naiwan kaming dalawa ni Tristan. He placed his hand on my

shoulder.
"I think you'll make a good dad." Sabi ko.

"Talaga?"

I nodded my head. Usually, ang mga lalaki walang alam sa pag-aalaga ng baby but not
him. He knows just exactly what to do.

"Balang-araw magkakaroon din tayo ng baby. Sa tamang panahon." He kissed me on the

forehead.

We had our breakfast pagkatapos naligo na siya and he got ready for work.

"Bye, mahal ko." Paalam niya.

"Bye. Take care." Sabi ko and I kissed him. Pinanood ko siya hanggang sa mawala na
siya sa paningin ko. Then I closed the door. I washed the dishes na pinagkainan
namin at nagwalis. Habang naglilinis ako may kumatok na naman sa pinto. Probably
yung landlady na naman, hindi na naman siguro nagbayad si Tristan ng rent.

Binitawan ko ang walis at binuksan ang pinto. My jaw dropped open when I saw my
mother standing in front of me.

My mom hugged me. "Oh Andi, darling. Mommy missed you so much. Pinag-alala mo kami
ng daddy mo. Alam mo bang kung saan-saan ka namin hinanap?"
"Mom..." I said in a small voice and hugged her back. I really missed my mom kahit
na galit ako sa kanila.

Pinapasok ko siya sa apartment at pinaupo sa couch.

"Mom, you want anything to drink?" Tanong ko sa kanya.

"No, I'm okay. My poor darling." She cupped my face with her hands. "Tignan mo ang
itsura mo ngayon. Pawis na pawis ka at mukhang pagod ka na. At tignan mo nga ang
suot mong damit, parang galing sa thrift store! Kinakawawa ka ba nila dito?
Kumakain ka ba ng tatlong beses sa isang araw?"

"Mom, Tristan is taking good care of me." Sabi ko.

Mom paused for a moment before speaking. "Who is this Tristan? Siya ba ang sinasabi
ni Jason na lalaking kasama mo ng gabing umalis ka?"

"Yes, mom. I ran away because I don't want to marry Jason."

"Darling, you're going to marry him. Jason is a good man at galing siya sa isang
magandang pamilya. Napagkasunduan na namin ng mga magulang niya na ipakasal
kayo." Sabi ni mommy.
"But... but I love Tristan." My eyes watered.

"Dios Mio, Miranda!" She exclaimed. Bakas ang galit sa mukha niya. "Ito ba ang
gusto mong maging buhay mo? This place is horrible! Nakita mo na ba ang mga tao sa
labas? Wala silang ginawa kung hindi uminom, magsugal! Patapon na ang mga buhay
nila!"

"Nagsisikap naman si Tristan na-"

"Pera lang ang habol sa iyo ng Tristan na yan!"

I shook my head. "That's not true. Mahal ako ni Tristan."

"Bullshit! He's after your money. Please, darling, umuwi na tayo." Mom begged.

Tumulo na ang mga luha ko. "I-I'm sorry, mom. Hindi ako sasama sa'yo."

"You will come home with me, Andi!" Mariin na sabi niya.

"I can't leave him. I want to be with him." I said, crying.

"Hindi kita pinalaki para masira lang ng hampas-lupang iyon ang buhay mo." Galit na
sabi ni mommy. Parang may kumirot sa puso ko ng marinig ko ang sinabi niya. I was
hurt sa sinabi niya tungkol kay Tristan.

"Kung... kung makikilala mo lang siya you'll see na he's an amazing guy. You'll
like him, mom." Giit ko.

"Wala akong planong makilala siya." Mom said with a straight face. She grabbed my
wrist at hinatak ako. "Umuwi na tayo."

I pulled my hand out of her grip. "No! Dito lang ako!"

"Ito ba ang natutunan mo sa lalaking iyon? You were just gone for almost two months
at ganyan na ang ugali mo."

Tumalikod si mommy at lumabas sa pinto. I thought she was going to leave na.
Pagkalabas niya may pumasok na dalawang bodyguard at kinuha ang magkabilang kamay
ko.

"Nooo...! Bitawan niyo ako!" I screamed. Hindi sila nakinig sa akin at hinatak ako
palabas ng apartment. Nakatayo si mommy at pinanood ako habang kinakaladkad nila
ako.

"Ipasok niyo na si Andi sa kotse." Utos ni mommy.

Sapilitan nila akong ipinasok sa kotse. I tried to opened the door but it was
locked. Pumasok ang dalawang bodyguard, ang isa ay nasa passenger seat at ang isa
ay nasa driver's seat. Sumakay si mommy sa isa pang kotseng nakasunod.
"Please, let me go..." Pagmamakaawa ko sa kanila.

"Sorry, miss Andi. Hindi pwede." Sabi ng bodyguard.

Naiiyak na napatingin na lang ako sa labas ng bintana. I promise, babalikan kita

Tristan... Babalik ako...

=================

Chapter Eighteen

The car stopped in front of the mansion door. Bumaba ang mga bodyguard at binuksan
ng isa ang pinto ng kotse. I still couldn't stop crying. I want to ran back to
Tristan's apartment.

"Miss Andi, baba na po kayo." Sabi ng bodyguard.

I crossed my arms. "Hindi ako baba dito hangga't hindi niyo ako ibinabalik kay
Tristan."

"Oh darling, you're acting like a kid. Get out of the car." Mom rolled her eyes.

"No!" Mariin na tanggi ko.

"Just drag her inside the house." Utos ni mommy sa mga bodyguard bago tumalikod
papasok ng mansion.

Sumunod ang mga bodyguard sa kanya at hinatak nila ako palabas ng kotse. I screamed
and screamed para pakawalan nila ako but they didn't listen. They dragged me inside
the mansion.

"Hey, you're hurting my daughter." Nang marinig nilang sinabi iyon ni daddy
binitawan nila ako. Tumakbo ako kay daddy at umiiyak na napaakap.

"Daddy..." I sobbed. Daddy gently rubbed my back.

"Shh... Don't cry, Andi." Daddy whispered. I missed my him so much. I admit, I'm a
daddy's girl. Nawala ang lungkot ang galit ko ng makita ko ang daddy ko.

"I missed you, dad." Umiiyak na sabi ko.

"I know... I know, sweety. I missed you, too." Sabi niya. Bumitaw siya sa
pagkakayakap sa akin at pinunasan ang mga luha ko.

"Daddy, I can't marry Jason. Tell me you're not going to make me marry him." Sabi
ko.

Bumaksak ang mukha niya. He sighed. "Sweety, you're not supposed to know about that
yet."
"I know na! That's why I ran away. Tell me you're not going to make me marry
him!" I shouted. Oh please, daddy! I know he's not going to make me do something I
don't want to do.

"Listen, Miranda, hindi naman namin kayo ipakakasal agad. Bibigyan namin kayo ng
panahon para makilala niyo ang isa't isa. You'll never know, baka mahulog ang loob
mo sa kanya. Just get to know him. Will you do that for me, sweety?" Malumanay na
sabi ni daddy.

Umiling ako. "No, I can't. I'm in love with someone else. Mahal ko na si Tristan."

"Who is Tristan?" Tanong ni daddy.

Kahit umiiyak ako hindi ko naiwasan ang mapangiti. "Oh, daddy he's a great guy.
Mahal na mahal niya din ako. He took care of me nang umalis ako dito. He's the guy
I want to marry and spend-"

"Stop it, Miranda! I don't want to here anymore of that." Pareho kaming napatingin
kay mommy na galit na galit. "Isa lang ang taong pakakasalan mo at iyon ay si
Jason. Para sa iyo itong ginagawa namin. Ikaw din ang makikinabang dito balang-
araw. Hindi ka kayang buhayin ng Tristan na iyon at hindi niya kayang ibigay sa'yo
ang buhay na nakasanayan mo."

"You don't understand, mom! Hindi man siya mayaman, ginagawa naman ni Tristan ang
lahat para mabigyan ako ng comfortable life. Enough na iyon sa akin." Sabi ko.

"Sweety, bata ka pa kaya hindi mo pa naiintindihan ang mga bagay-bagay. Tama ang
mommy mo." Dad said. I felt like bursting into tears. Pakiramdam ko pinagtutulungan
nila ako. I was hoping na kakampi sa akin si daddy but he didn't.

I marched up my bedroom. Masamang-masama ang loob ko sa kanila. Why can't they

understand na mahal ko si Tristan? I can't marry Jason! Sumubsob ako sa bed ko at
umiiyak na napayakap sa unan ko. If only Tristan was here. I already miss him.
Iniisip ko pa lang na hindi ko na siya makikita, it makes me sick.

Narinig ko ang katok sa pinto ng kwarto ko. Hindi ko iyon pinansin. After a few
minutes, nagbukas ito. I heard footsteps coming towards my bedroom. Lumubog ang
gilid ng kama ko dahil may umupo doon. Then I felt a hand na sinusuklay ang buhok
ko.

"Andi, baby... I know you're awake. Sorry kung nasigawan kita kanina. Huwag sanang
sumama ang loob mo kay mommy. I love you kaya ginagawa ko ito." Mom said.

Hindi ako gumalaw.

I heard her sigh. She kissed me on the forehead and left the room. I kind of felt
bad. Ngayon lang kami nag-away ni mommy ng ganito. Ngayon ko lang siya natiis at
ngayon lang sumama ang loob ko sa kanila. They think they're doing the right thing
for me. Malaki na ako, dapat hinahayaan na nila akong gumawa ng sarili kong
desisyon. They have no rights to choose my life for me kahit pa anak nila ako.

Tristan's POV
Ipinarada ko ang motorsiklo ko at habang naglalakad ako iniisip ko kung ano bang
masarap na pagkain ang niluto ngayon ni Andi. Gusto ko na mayakap at mahalikan ang
mahal ko. At matutuloy na rin ang aming sexy time mamaya. Sana naman wala ng
istorbo. Ilang araw din akong nagtiis!

"Tristan!" Tawag ni Gardo. Tulad ng inaasahan ko, nag-iinuman na naman sila ng

kapwa niya lasenggero.

"Bakit?" Tanong ko.

"Alam mo bang dumatung yung nanay ni Andi kanina at kinuha siya. Ang gaganda ng
kotseng dala nila at ang dami pang bodyguard. Mayaman pala yung chicks mo,
ano?" Sabi nito.

"Halata naman eh. Ang kinis kinis kaya nun." Sabi ng kainunam nito.

Hindi ako makapaniwala sa narinig ko. Umalis na si Andi? Nagmamadaling tumakbo ako
paakyat sa apartment. Gusto kong makasiguro na totoo ang sinasabi nila. Baka lasing
lang ang mga iyon kaya kung anu-ano na ang sinasabi nila. Umaasa pa rin ako na
sasalubungin ako ni Andi pagpasok ko.

Marahas kong binuksan ang pinto. Nakakabinging katahimikan ang sumalubong sa akin.
Binuksan ko ang pinto sa kwarto namin, sa banyo, sa dating kwarto niya... wala nga
siya! Wala ang mahal ko. Nanghihinang napaupo ako sa sahig.

Parang gusto ko ng umiyak. Saan ko hahanapin ngayon si Andi? Hindi ko alam kung
saan siya nakatira o kung ano ang totoong pangalan niya! Dumating na ang araw na
ikinatatakot ko. Iniwan na ako ni Andi. Hindi! Babalikan ako ni Andi, alam ko
babalik siya dito!

Know I haven't slept a week at all since you've been gone and my eyes are kind of
tired from crying all night long. Know I've never been to good at cooking just for
one. It's so lonely here without you baby come back home. Cause I'm half-crazy
feeling sorry for myself. Half-crazy, worried you'd find someone else to love.

Tangina talaga! Ramdam na ramdam ko yung kanta. Parang tumatagos hanggang kaluluwa
ko ang bawat salita. Totoo pala na kapag malungkot ka mas naiintindihan mo ang
lyrics. Ilang araw na ba mula ng umalis si Andi? Pang-pitong araw. Hanggang ngayon
hindi pa rin siya bumabalik.

"Naks! May pinaghuhugutan." Sigaw ni Wayne. Inaya ko ang mga barkada ko dito sa
apartment para mag-inuman. Si Nick lang ang absent sa amin dito dahil may
importante daw siyang pupuntahan. Nakakalungkot kasi pag ako lang ang mag-isa.
Bawat sulok ng kwartong ito, si Andi ang nakikita ko.

"Sige, kanta pa. Ilabas mo lahat yan." Natatawang sabi naman ni Seth. Gagong mga
'to! Hindi ba nila alam kung gaano kasakit ang nararamdaman ko ngayon at nagawa pa
nilang tumawa.

Binitawan ko ang mic. Nawala na ako sa mood na kumanta. "Ayoko na!"

Inabot sa akin ni Axel ang bote ng beer. "Iinom mo na lang ulit ng matahimik ka na.
Nakakarindi na ang boses mo."
Marahas kong kinuha ang bote at tinungga ko iyon ng straight. "Isa pa!"

"Malalasing ka agad sa ginagawa mong 'yan." Sabi ni Wayne. Yun nga ang point! Inaya
ko sila dito para maglasing. Gusto ko yung sobrang lasing na lasing na lasing na
ako para diretso tulog na. Hindi ko na maiisip si Andi.

"Mga dude, may napansin ba kayo?" Tanong ni Axel.

Nagkatitigan si Wayne at Seth. At halos sabay na sumagot. "Wala."

"Wala na si Andi dito ngayon. Siguro kaya ka naglalasing." Sabi ni Axel.

"Oo nga, no. Akala ko ba hindi mo girlfriend si Andi?" Tanong ni Seth.

"Pwede ba huwag niyo akong pakialaman. Uminom na lang tayo!" Sabi ko habang
binubuksan ang isa pang bote ng beer. Nagkibit-balikat na lang ang mga ito at
nagpatuloy sa pagkukuwentuhan.
Andi's POV

"I don't want to go outside." Nakasimangot na sabi ko sa maid namin. Pinatatawag na

ako nina mommy at daddy para bumaba. It's daddy's birthday today. Hanggang ngayon,
hindi ko pa rin sila kinakausap at nagkukulong ako sa kwarto. Miss na miss na miss
na miss ko na ang mahal ko. I hope ganun din siya. And God, sana wala pa siyang
ibang babae. Kapag nakakuha ako ng pagkakataon tatakas talaga ako dito.

"Miss Andi, sabi ng mommy mo kailangan mo daw lumabas. Pagagalitan ako ni ma'am
niyan kapag hindi ka sumunod sa akin." Sabi nito.

"Andi, darling..." Nakatayo si mommy sa may pinto. As usual, she looked stunning in
her cream colored long dress. My mom is a fashionista socialite. Everybody admires
her. Palagi nilang sinasabi na opposite ako ng mommy ko. I don't know how to
socialize with people and I'm definitely not a fashionista. "It's your daddy's
birthday. Kalimutan mo na muna ang galit mo sa amin kahit ngayon araw lang. This
would mean alot to your dad."

Hindi ako nagsalita. I acted like I didn't hear her.

"Hayaan mo na siya, Melani." Sabi niya sa maid namin. "Sweety, bumaba ka na lang
kung gusto mo. Hihintayin ka namin ng daddy mo."

Lumabas na ang maid at isinara ang pinto. My conscience is poking me. Birthday ni
daddy ngayon. Dad would be really upset kapag hindi ako pumunta sa birthday niya.
Maybe tama lang na makipagbati na ako sa kanila. They're still my parents after
all. Pero hindi ibig sabihin nun, ok na sa akin na ipakasal nila ako kay Jason. I
would rather die than marry him.

I jumped out of the bed and went to the bathroom. I took a quick shower at inayos
ko ang sarili ko. Sinuot ko yung dress na iniwan sa akin ng maid. It was a pink
dress that's long in the back and short in the front. It doesn't show too much
skin, alam kasi ni mommy I would never wear it if it does.

Tinali ko sa ponytail ang buhok. Naglagay ng konting powder at lipgloss pagkatapos

bumaba na ako.

"That dress looks beautiful on you, darling." Nakangiting sabi ni mommy ng

makasalubong ko siya. "But you need some makeup. Tanggalin mo din yang ponytail mo.
May mga media sa labas so you have to look really gorgeous. Wait, I'll call Vita!"

Vita is my mom's personal makeup artist at siya din ang pinakasikat sa Pilipinas. I
hate wearing makeup. The only time na ginusto ko magmakeup noong gusto kong
mapansin ako ni Tristan.

"Mom, you don't have to-"

"Darling, you can't go out ng hindi ka perfect." Sabi ni mommy. Tristan things I'm
perfect kahit anong suotin ko o kahit anong itsura ko. Kung nandito siya ngayon,
he'd say I'm the most beautiful girl. I just miss him so much. "Maraming tao ang
nasa party. and it's going to be all over the society pages. You have to look
perfect."

I don't want to argue with her over sa maliit ng bagay. I just shut my mouth up at
pumayag na ako sa gusto niya. She called her hair stylist and makeup artist. Kung
anu-anong ginawa nila sa mukha ko at buhok ko.

"Daddy!" Yumakap ako kay daddy ng makita ko siya. "Happy birthday."

"Thank you, sweetheart." Masayang sabi ni daddy.

Sabay-sabay kaming sumakay sa limousine at huminto iyon sa harap ng sikat na hotel

kung saan gaganapin ang birthday ni daddy. Pagkababa pa lang namin may mga kumukuha
na ng mga pictures. Pumasok na kami sa loob at maraming photographer ang sumunod sa
amin. I don't like all these attention I'm getting. Lumayo ako kina mommy at daddy
para malayo din ako sa mga photographer. I was suprised when some of them followed
me!

"Hi miss Miranda Cordova, you look beautiful." Sabi sa akin ng isang lalaking may
hawak ng microphone.

"T-thank you." Nahihiyang sabi ko.

"What can you say about your father?" Tanong niya.

"Ohhh... my dad's... he's great." I awkwardly answered. Seriously, hindi ako

prepared sa mga ganito.

"Is it true that Mr. Harold Cordova is going to run for vice president next
election?" Sunod na tanong niya. My daddy had alot of experience with politics. He
ran and won as Mayor sa Quezon City years ago.

"I have no idea." I answered, honestly. They asked alot of questions and it's
making me uncomfortable. I excused myself para makalayo sa kanila.
Nakahinga ako ng maluwag ng maiwan na ako mag-isa.

"Hey." Napalingon ako sa nagmamay-ari ng boses na iyon.

"Phoenix!" I smiled when I saw him.

"Bakit mag-isa ka dito?" Tanong niya.

"Oh, ang dami kasing tao doon. I feel suffocated." Sabi ko.

"How are you and Tristan? Kanina tumawag siya sa akin, inaaya nga akong umin-"

"Wait! Oh my god! Hulog ka ng langit!" I jumped out of my seat. Hinawakan ko siya

sa magkabilang balikat. "I need to talk to Tristan, Phoenix! Please help me."

"Sure. Yun lang pala." Inilabas niya ang phone niya from his pocket. He dialed
Tristan's number and gave the phone to me. I want to hear his voice. Kahit boses
niya lang.

"Hello?" Napangiti ako ng marinig ko ang boses niya. I gripped the phone so hard I
could crack it.

"Mahal ko..." My eyes began to water pero hindi pa rin nawawala ang ngiti ko.
"Andi!" Napasigaw siya.

"Mahal ko, I miss you so bad." Humihikbing sabi ko.

"Andi, nasaan ka? Pupuntahan kita." Tanong niya.

"Nasa Manila Hotel ako." Sabi ko.

"Hintayin mo ako d'yan. Pupuntahan kita."

"Tristan, I love you."

"I love you, too." Sabi niya at ibinaba ang phone. Pinunasan ko ang luha ko at
inabot ang phone kay Phoenix.

"T-thank you. Thank you so much!" Napayakap na lang ako kay Phoenix sa sobrang
tuwa.

=================

Chapter Nineteen

After a few minutes tumawag ulit sa phone ni Phoenix si Tristan. Phoenix gave me
his phone so I could talk to him.

"Mahal ko, nandito na ako. Hinatid ako nila Wayne." Sabi niya. Natuwa ako ng
marinig ko ang sinabi niya. "Pero hindi ako makakapasok d'yan sa ballroom. Baba ka
dito."

"Okay, mahal ko. Pababa na ako." Basag ang boses na sabi ko. Ibinaba ko ang
cellphone at nagpasalamat ulit kay Phoenix.

Nagmamadaling nagpunta ako sa pinto palabas baka kasi makita pa ako nila mommy.
Before I could get out of there, hinarang ako ng dalawang bodyguard.

"Miss Andi, saan ka pupunta?" Tanong ng isang bodyguard.

"I'm just going to get some fresh air. I'll be back." I smiled at them.

"Inutos ni ma'am Olivia na sundan ka namin kaya sasama kami." Sabi ng bodyguard.

"This is not fair! Why are you treating me na parang prisoner! I just want some
fresh air!" I complained. I feel like crying right now. I want to see Tristan so
bad.

"Sorry, miss Andi, ginagawa lang namin ang trabaho namin." Sabi nila. Paano kami
makakapag-usap ni Tristan kung nakasunod sila sa akin? Masama ang loob na lumabas
ako sa ballroom habang nakasunod ang dalawang bodyguard. Bumaba ako sa may lobby ng
hotel at nakita ko agad si Tristan. He smiled nang magtama ang mga mata namin. Oh
God, I miss him. Bago siya nakalapit I nodded my head as a sign na hindi siya
pwedeng lumapit. Naintindihan naman niya agad iyon.

Umupo siya sa couch ng lobby. Lumapit ako sa kinauupuan niya and I sat at the other
end of the couch. He's so close yet so far. Nakatayo ang dalawang bodyguard sa
likod ko at binabantayan ako. We have to act like we don't know each other when all
I wanted to do was hug him.

"Excuse me, miss, ano'ng oras na?" Tanong niya sa akin.

Hindi ko naiwasan ang mapangiti when he talked to me. Tumingin ako sa wrist watch
ko. "It's 9:30."

"Ang tagal naman ng girlfriend kanina pa ako naghihintay dito." He said habang
nakatingin sa malayo. I wanted to laugh. Ang galing pa lang umarte ng mahal ko.

"I'm sure dadating din yun. Or baka nandito na siya, hindi lang kayo magkita." I
said.

"Siguro nga. Teka, ako nga pala si Jose... Jose Rizal?" Sabi niya. Hindi ko na
napigilan ang tawa ko.

"O, bakit natatawa ka? Hindi ako nagbibiro. Jose... short for Joseph, Joseph
Rizal." Painosenteng sabi niya. He really is good.

"Okay, Joseph Rizal. Nice to meet you. I'm Miranda Cordova." I held out my hand to
him in offer of a handshake. Hinawakan niya ang kamay ko. His touch sent
electricity bolts through my entire body. God know kung gaano ako nagpipigilan na
yakapin siya. "Babaero ka rin ba, parang si Jose Rizal?"

"Hindi 'no! Mahal na mahal ko ang girlfriend ko at hindi ko siya kayang lokohin.
Saka maghahanap pa ba ako ng iba, eh ang ganda-ganda at ang sexy ng mahal ko." Sabi
niya. Kinikilig ako pero ayokong makahalata ang mga bodyguards. I had to take a
deep breathe. Andi, act normal, act normal!

"You're girlfriend is so lucky to have a boyfriend like you." I said, smiling.

"Ako ang maswerte sa kanya. Bihira ang babae na katulad niya. Biruin mo, sa dinami-
rami ng lalaki sa mundo ako pa ang napili niya." Sabi niya.

I couldn't keep the smile off my face sa mga sinabi niya.

"Ikaw? May boyfriend ka na ba?" Tanong niya.

"Yes. Sayang nga wala siya dito ngayon. I really miss him." I faked a sigh.

He patted my shoulder. "Sigurado ako miss na miss ka na din nito. Kahit ako kung
magkakaron ng girlfriend na katulad mo, palagi kitang mamimiss."

"Ikaw ah! Akala ko ba loyal ka sa girlfriend mo?" I teased.

He grinned. "Sabi ko KUNG ikaw ang girlfriend ko."

"Excuse me, miss Andi. Pinababalik na po kayo ni ma'am Olivia sa ballroom." The
bodyguard interrupted.

"S-sige, I have to go na." Malungkot na paalam ko sa kanya. I don't want to leave

yet but I have to.

Pinilit niyang ngumiti. "Til we meet again."

"Wait for me." I mouthed when the bodyguards weren't looking. Tumango siya.

I got up from the couch at naglakad pabalik sa ballroom and the bodyguards were
still following. Pagkapasok ko pa lang sa ballroom sinalubong na ako ni mommy.

"Darling, Jason and his parents wanted to see you." Sabi ni mommy and she grabbed
my hand. Binawi ko sa kanya ang kamay ko at napaurong.

"Mom... Ayokong makita si Jason." Sabi ko. I don't want to see that asshole.

"Andi!" Pinandilatan ako ng mata ni mommy. "Don't make a scene here!"

Hinawakan niya ng mahigpit ang kamay ko at kinaladkad ako.

"Andi, nauubos na ang pasensya ko sa iyo. Pakitunguhan mo ng maayos si Jason at ang
mga magulang niya." Mahinang sabi ni mommy.

"Olivia, is that Andi?" May lumapit sa amin na isang babae.

Ang kaninang nakasimangot na mukha ni mommy ay napangiti. "Yes, my baby. Andi, this
is your tita Meredith. Say hi to her."

"H-hi." Matipid na sabi ko.

Tinignan ako ng masama ni mommy bago humarap sa lady. "I'm sorry, she's just shy.
Mahiyain kasi yan.

"You don't have to be shy, I'm going to be your future mother-in-law." The woman
said. She and mom both laughed.

"I can't wait for our kids to get married." Sabi ni mommy. I will NOT marry Jason,
over my dead body! Gusto ko isigaw sa kanila iyon. "Nasaan na nga ba si Jason?"

"I'm right here, tita." Naglakad palapit sa amin si Jason. Humalik siya sa pisngi
ni mommy. Then he looked at me, he took my hand and kissed it. Katulad ng ginawa
niya noong una kami magkita.

"Hi, my lady. Good to see you again." Sabi niya sa akin. I'm not you lady! I belong
to Tristan!
 "It took as almost two months na mahanap siya. It turns out nasa rest house lang
pala namin siya sa Palawan." Dahilan ni mommy.

"Salamat naman at walang ginawang masama ang gagong lalaking iyon sa'yo." Sabi ni
Jason. Nagngitngit ako sa galit! How dare he na tawagin si Tristan na gago! Mas
gago siya!

"Siya wala, ikaw meron." Tinaasan ko siya ng kilay.

"Andi, what are you talking about?" Tanong ni mommy.

"Why don't you ask Jason?" I said. Mom looked at him.

"I'm sorry, tita. I must have scared her nang halikan ko siya. That won't happen
again." Hingi niya ng tawad sa mommy ko. Liar! You tried to rape me!

"My Andi is just so innocent." Sabi ni mommy humarap sa akin si mommy. "It's ok na
halikan ka ni Jason. He's going to be your husband anyway."

I didn't say a word anymore. Naiinis ako kina mommy at Jason. I sat at the table
with my mom, Jason's mom and dad and Jason. My dad's busy with his business
partners at sa mga politician na mga friends niya.
Naghihintay sa akin si Tristan sa baba. I don't want to be here. I want to be with
him. Sana matapos na ito.

"Andi, kinakausap ka ng tita Meredith mo." Untag ni mommy.

"Huh?"

"Sabi ko, you should spend some time together with Jason. Para naman makilala niyo
ang isa't isa. Gusto mo bang pumunta sa bahay namin sa Tagaytay? Maganda ang view
doon." Nakangiting sabi ni tita Meredith.

"No, thank you, tita." I politely said. Lumingon-lingon ako sa paligid, looking for
Phoenix. Nakita ko siya with Estella, she's the president's daughter. Agad akong
tumayo sa table. "Excuse me."

"Where are you going, Andi?" Tanong ni mommy.

"Sa powder room." Sabi ko. But instead of going to the powder room, pinuntahan ko
si Phoenix.

"Hey, I hate to bother but I have to talk to Tristan." Bulong ko kay Phoenix.

Tumalikod siya sandali kay Estella. Binigay sa akin ni Phoenix ang phone
niya. "Here, sa'yo muna yan."
"Salamat talaga, Phoenix. Salamat, salamat!" Paulit-ulit na sabi ko. Agad akong
pumunta sa bathroom at tinawagan si Tristan.

"Tristan!" Agad na tawag ko when he picked up the phone.

"Mahal ko, miss na miss na kita. Kanina pa kita gustong yakapin at halikan." Sabi
niya.

"I miss you, too. Pumasok ka sa ladies' room d'yan sa lobby. Pupunta ako d'yan,
ok?" Sabi ko. For sure, hindi ako masusundan ng bodyguards sa loob ng bathroom.

"What? Baka may makakita sa akin." Sabi ni"ya.

"Just hide sa stall. I'll be there."

"Okay, sige. Dalian mo." Pagkasabi niya ay binaba ko na ang phone.

Lumabas ako ng bathroom at pumunta sa exit ng ballroom. As I was expecting sumunod

na naman ang mga bodyguards.

"Miss Andi, saan na naman kayo pupunta?" Tanong ng bodyguard.

"Sa ladies' room." Sabi ko.

"Bakit sa baba pa? Meron naman ditong CR?"

"Maraming tao! I really have to pee na!" Dahilan ko. Wala na silang nagawa kung
hindi sumunod sa akin habang nagmamadali akong bumaba sa lobby. I went to the
ladies' room at walang tao doon.

"Tristan..." Mahinang tawag ko.

Bumukas ang isang stall at lumabas si Tristan doon. He hugged me tight.

"Sobrang na miss kita, mahal ko." Sabi niya habang nakayakap sa akin. "Akala ko
hindi na kita makikita."

Ikinulong niya ang mukha ko sa mga palad niya at hinalikan ako sa lips. It was a
very passionate kiss. We had to stop kissing because we were both gasping for
breath. He put his forehead against mine and looked me in the eyes.

"Ang ganda mo ngayon, mahal ko." Sabi niya.

"You look handsome as always, Joseph Rizal." I giggled.

He pinched my nose. Pareho kaming natawa ng maalala ang nangyari sa lobby kanina.

I stopped laughing and stared at his face. "Make love to me."

"Ngayon?" Gulat na tanong niya.

"Yes... But we have to be quick. Naghihintay sa labas ang mga bodyguard."

Isinandal niya ako sa wall and kissed me savagely. I can feel the longing in his
kiss. I opened my mouth, inviting his tongue in. I moaned as his tongue explored my
mouth. Madaling naibaba ni Tristan ang damit ko and he pulled down my bra cups
revealing my breasts. He caressed my breast and gently squeezed it.

He stopped kissing me on the lips and went down my neck. Napakapit ako sa leeg
niya.

"Oh, Tristan..." I moaned when he pinched my nipple. I can feel his hot tongue on
my neck. Humigpit ang pagkayakap ko sa leeg niya.

His tongue trailed down my breast. He licked around my nipple and took it in his
mouth. Licking and sucking on them while his hand fondles my right breast. He did
that alternately.

Nang magsawa siya, lumuhod siya sa harap ko at pinagapang ang kamay niya pataas sa
hita ko. He pulled down my panties and palmed my womanhood. I bit my lower lip when
his finger traced my slit. I opened my legs wider.

"You're so wet, mahal ko." Tumingala siya sa akin. His eyes were clouded with
desire.

He opened my folds with his fingers. He slid his finger in and out of me while his
thumb massage my swollen bud.

"Oh God! Please, Tristan... Please, please..." I whimpered. I can't take it

anymore. He immediately stood up. Dinala niya ako sa tapat ng sink, pinakapit niya
ako and made me bent over. Itinaas niya ang dress ko at ibinaba ang jeans niya.

H e slowly slid his thick shaft inside me. He began to thrust slowly all the way in
and all the way out. This is torture!

"Faster..." I moaned. He grabbed my hips and pumped in and out of me. Gumapang ang
isa niyang kamay sa harap ko. He played with my clit. He went deeper and faster
with every thrust.

"Ahh... Andi..." He groaned. I can feel that familiar sensation building inside me.
"Come for me, Andi."

All of a sudden I felt this warm, liquid flowing inside me. My body began to shake
and my legs went weak. He pulled out his shaft. Napayakap ako sa sink.

I could feel the hot liquid dripping down my inner thigh. Hinatak ako ni Tristan
patayo at niyakap ako. Then he kissed me on the forehead.
"I love you." I whispered.

"Love you, too."

Nagulat kami pareho sa katok ng pinto. "Miss Andi..."

I rolled my eyes and sigh. "Just a minute! Palabas na ako!" I shouted. Tumingin ako
kay Tristan. "I have to go."

I fixed myself and kissed him one more time bago ko siya iniwan.

=================

Chapter Twenty

Pagkalabas pa lang ng ladies' room I'm already missing Tristan. I wanted to run
from these two bodyguards that has been following me. Hindi ko alam kung paano na
ulit kami magkikita pagkatapos nito. Pasimple kong pinunasan ang nangingilid na
luha sa mata ko. I know he'll find a way, hindi hahayaan ni Tristan na magkahiwalay
kami.

"What took you so long, darling?" Salubong sa akin ni mommy ng bumalik ako sa
party.

"Ang haba kasi ng pila sa powder room." Dahilan ko. Hindi pa ako nakakaupo, lumapit
na sa akin si Jason.
"Wanna dance?" Tanong ni Jason.

I rolled my eyes. "No, thank you."

"Darling, dance!" Sabat ni mommy. She even pushed me kay Jason. "Have fun. Huwag
kang KJ."

Napilitan akong sumama sa kanya. Hinila niya agad ako sa dance floor. He took my
hands and wrapped it around his neck the place his hands on my waist. He looked at
my face and I felt uncomfortable kaya I looked away. God! Sana matapos na ito. I
can't wait to get away from this guy.

"Ang laki ng iginanda mo mula ng huling beses na magkita tayo. That was two months
ago, right?" He asked. It was pretty obvious that he was trying to make
conversation.

"Yes. Thank you." I said with a straight face.

"I guess I owe you an apology. I'm sorry for what happened two months ago. I had a
little too much to drink. Kaya nga mabilis ako napatumba ng lalaking sumuntok sa
akin pero kung hindi ako nakainom, I would have beat that motherfucker's ass." May
halong inis sa boses nito.

I 'accidentally' stepped on his foot. Mahinang napa-aray ito and I apologized. Ang
yabang yabang ng lalaking ito. Hmp! Hindi ka uubra sa mahal ko.
"We should go out sometime. You know, get to know each other. Bago man lang tayo
magpakasal." Sabi niya.

Pakasal, your face! I'll only marry one man and that is my boyfriend. "I'll be
honest with you, ayaw kong magpakasal sa'yo. We don't have to do this, we don't
have to get married."

He laughed. "Kailangan, Andi. Kailangan kong makuha ang mamanahin ko sa mga

magulang ko. Kailangan ko na din bumuo ng sarili kong pamilya at sa tingin ko naman
magiging mabuti kang asawa at ina ng mga magiging anak natin."

"No! I don't love you. We don't love each other..." Sabi ko. Si Tristan lang ang
gusto ko maging husband at maging daddy ng mga anak ko. Iniisip ko pa lang na
ikakasal ako kay Jason gusto ko na umiyak.

"I don't believe in love." Simpleng sagot niya.

"I want to sit na." I coldly said. I can't stand being around him anymore. Kahit
ano sigurong pakiusap ko magmumukha lang akong tanga. Tinanggal ko ang mga kamay ko
sa leeg niya. Instead of letting me go he pulled me closer to him. Magkadikit na
ang katawan namin.

"Ano ba?" I punched his chest.

"I just want the sex and the money." He chuckled.

Oh God! Hindi ako nakapag-react ng halikan niya ako sa labi. I was shocked. Nang
makabawi, mabilis ko siyang itinulak at sinampal ng malakas sa mukha. It caught
other people's attention. I wiped my mouth with the back of my hand.

"Andi..." Lumapit si mommy sa amin. Her face was expressionless. She grabbed my
hand at dinala ako sa sulok kung saan walang tao. "Why did you do that? Nakakahiya
sa tita Meredith mo." Galit na sigaw niya.

"Binastos niya ako!" I shouted back.

"What did he do to you?" Biglang lumapit si daddy.

Sinimangutan ko si mommy at napayakap kay dad. Salamat at may kakampi na ako. "That
jerk kissed me!"

"It's just a kiss, Miranda! Hindi mo ikamamatay iyon. Besides, magiging asawa mo
rin siya." Sabi ni mommy.

"Eh, sa kung ayaw magpahalik ng anak ko. Hindi mo pwedeng madaliin ang lahat,
Olivia." Nagtaas na ng boses si dad.

"I wanna go home, dad." Tumingala ako kay daddy. Gusto ko ng lumayo dito. Kay
mommy, kay Jason. Sumasakit lang ang ulo ko.

Dad took a deep breathe. Tinawag niya ang bodyguard. "Ihatid niyo na si Andi."
"Yes, sir." Halos magkasabay na sagot nila.

Sinundan nila ako palabas ng ballroom. Dumaan kami sa lobby and I saw Tristan
sitting there, still waiting. Nagtama ang mga mata namin, my eyes started to water.
Bumagal ang paglakad ko. I wanted to stop and run to him but I know I can't do
that. Ako na ang unang nagbaba ng tingin. Mabigat ang dibdib na lumabas ako.

Tristan's POV

Wala akong magawa kung hindi sundan lang ng tingin si Andi habang naglalakad siya
palayo. Parang ang lungkot-lungkot ng mga mata niya. Gusto ko siyang yakapan pero
hindi pwede. May mga nakasunod sa kanyang bodyguard. I wish I could do something.

Bumaksak ang balikat ko. Uuwi na naman ako sa apartment ng wala si Andi. Matutulog
mag-isa sa kama. Mabibingi lang ako sa katahimikan sa kwarto ko habang pinipilit
matulog. Nahilamos ko sa mukha ko ang palad ko. Pesteng buhay 'to! Minsan na nga
lang magmahal, ganito pa ang nangyayari!

"Dude!" Napalingon ako at nakita kong papalapit si Phoenix. Nakaakbay sa kasama

niyang babae. Agad kong namukhaan kung sino iyon, paanong hindi eh anak iyon ng
Presidente. Si Estella Buendia.

Tinanguan ko lang siya.

"Si Estella nga pala. Estella, kaibigan ko si Tristan." Pakilala ni Phoenix.

"Hi." Nakangiting sabi nito.

"Nagkita na kayo ni Andi?" Tanong nito.

"Oo, kakaalis lang niya." Malungkot na sabi ko. Napakunot ang noo ko. Magkakilala
sila ni Andi. Pareho sila ng apeylido. Si Andi at Phoenix ay parehong Cordova!
Nabuhayan ako ng loob. Ibig sabihin alam niya din kung saan nakatira si Andi. Pero
may mangyayari ba, hindi naman ako pwedeng pumasok doon? Saka ko na iisipin ang mga
iyon! Ang mahalaga malaman ko kung nasaan ang mahal ko. "Tulungan mo naman ako,
Phoenix."

Kumunot ang noo niya. "Tulungan saan?"

"Alam mo naman siguro kung saan ang bahay nila Andi. Baka naman pwede mo akong
tulungan mapuntahan siya." Pakiusap ko.

Sandaling natigilan si Phoenix. Nagpalit-palit ng tingin sa akin at sa kasama

niyang babae. Maya-maya ay may dinukot ito mula sa bulsa niya.
"Here's the key to my condo. Mauna ka na." Sabi ni Phoenix sabay abot ng susi kay
Estella.

"But, love..." Lumabi si Estella.

"Kung ayaw mo sa ibang araw na lang-"

"Sige na nga, magpapahatid na lang ako sa driver ko. Bilisan mo, hihintayin
kita." Kinuha nito ang susi at umalis na.

"Tara na." Aya niya.

"Salamat, dude." Nakangiting sabi ko.

"Ganyan ka kalakas sa akin. Muntikan pa akong mawalan ng chicks ngayon

gabi." Natatawang sabi niya.

Sumunod ako sa kanya sa parking lot at sumakay sa kotse. Sinimulan niya na paandar
iyon. Ilang minuto pa ay huminto na kami sa tapat ng malaking bahay.

"Bahay na ba ito nila Andi?" Tanong ko kay Phoenix.

Tumango ito.

Tumapat kami sa gate ng malaking bahay, may nagbabanta doon na dalawang guard.
Nilapitan kami ng isa at ibinaba ni Phoenix ang bintana.

"Sir, ano po ang kailangan nila?" Tanong ng guard.

"Pwede bang pumasok? Kailangan kong makausap si Andi." Sabi ni Phoenix.

Napakamot ng ulo ang guard. "Pasensya na po. Mahigpit na ipinagbibilin ni sir at

ma'am na huwag magpapapasok ng bisita ni ma'am Andi."

"Pinsan ko siya." Anya.

"Hindi po talaga pwede, sir. Kung gusto niyo hintayin niyo na lang si sina sir
Harold." Sabi ng gwardya.

Pinaandar ulit ni Phoenix ang kotse at ipinarada sa gilid ng mansyon.

"Na kay Andi pa rin ang phone ko. Tawagan mo kaya siya." Sabi nito.
Mabilis kong kinuha ang telepono ko sa bulsa. Tinawagan ko ang number ni Phoenix at
ang lakas ng kabog ng dibdib ko nang mag-ring iyon. Tatlong beses itong tumunog
bago may sumagot.

"Andi?" Ako.

"Mahal ko." Basag ang boses na sabi niya. Alam kong umiiyak siya ngayon.

"Mahal ko, nasa labas ako ng bahay niyo." Sabi ko.

"Ha?" Gulat na sabi niya. "Ano'ng ginagawa mo dito? B-baka makita ka nina mommy at
daddy."

"Gusto kitang makasama, mahal ko. Miss na kita."

Narinig ko ang paghikbi niya. "I-I m-miss you, too."

Napatingin ako sa bintana ng kotse at tinitigan ang mataas na pader na nakapalibot

sa kanilang bahay. Talunin ko kaya yan. Kaya naman siguro! Basta para ka Andi
kakayanin ko.

"Mahal ko, nasaan ka?" Tanong ko.

"N-nasa kwarto." Sagot nito.

"Nasaan parte ang kwarto mo?"

"Why?"

"Basta sagutin mo na lang."

"S-sa left side."

"Papasok ako d'yan. Sumilip ka sa bintana mo para makita kita agad."

"What?" Gulat na sigaw nito.

"Pupuntahan kita d'yan."

"H-how?"

"Aakyat ako sa bakod niyo. May nagbabanta ba sa labas ng binatana mo?"

"W-wala. B-but what if makita ka nila?"

"Bahala na. Basta hindi ako tutunganga dito at hahayaan kang tuluyan na mawala sa
akin, naiintindihan mo?" Sabi ko.

Narinig ko ang paghikbi niya. "Y-yes. I love you."

"Mahal na mahal kita, Andi." Pagkasabi ay ibinaba ko na ang telepono.

"You would really do that?" Tanong ni Phoenix.

"Oo naman." Sagot ko.

"You're crazy, man." Naiiling-iling na sabi ni Phoenix.

"Ganyan talaga pag nagmahal ka. Kahit ano'ng kabaliwan gagawin mo." Sabi ko.

"Ang baduy mo na." Tumawa ito.

"Parang hindi mo din naranasan ito. Nagkaganito ka rin naman kay Cassie. Mas baduy
ka p-"
Biglang nawala ang ngiti sa labi nito at nag-iwas ng tingin. Bakas ang pagka-irita
nito sa mukha. Oops! Foul... Ayaw na ayaw niyang nababanggit si Cassie, marinig nga
lang niya ang pangalan ng ex niya umiinit na ang ulo niya. Sa lahat ng naka-
relasyon niya, si Cassie lang talaga ang sineryoso niya pero nalaman niyang niloko
pala siya nito. Ilang taon na ang nakakaraan ngunit nakikita ko na hanggang ngayon
hindi pa rin siya maka-move on.

"Pasensya na, dude." Mahinang sabi ko.

Nagsalubong ang kilay niya. "Para saan? Wala na sa akin iyon, tapos na yun."

Tinapik ko siya sa braso. "Salamat, dude. Bababa na ako, kailangan ko na i-rescue

ang prinsesa ko."

Tumango ito. "Good luck!"

Bumaba ako ng kotse at naglakad papunta sa kaliwang bahagi ng mansyon. Tumingin-

tingin muna ako sa paligid. Mahirap na at baka may makakita. Nang masiguro kong
walang tao tumalon ako. Magaling ako sa mga ganito. Aba! Kahit kailan hindi pa ako
nahuli ng mga pulis tuwing may drug raid noong nagbebenta ako ng droga dahil
magaling akong umakyat at magsisiksik kung saan saan. Nakailan talon ako bago ako
nakakapit sa taas ng mataas na pader at pilit kong inangat ang sarili ko hanggang
sa makatungtong na ako. Maingat akong bumaba sa kabilang side.

Nakapasok na ako sa loob at ngayo'y nasa isang malawak na hardin. Agad kong nakita
si Andi na nakatayo sa balkonahe at nakakapit lang sa bakal habang nakatingin sa
malayo.
Dahan-dahan akong lumapit doon at tumingala sa kanya.

"Andi." Mahinang tawag ko sa kanya.

Nagpalingon-lingon siya sa paligid na tila hinahanap ako.

"Dito sa baba." Sabi ko at nagbaba siya ng tingin.

Nagliwanag ang mukha niya ng makita ako. "Mahal ko..."

Paano ba ako makakaakyat sa kanya? Ang taas-taas ng balkonahe. Nagpalinga-linga ako

sa paligid at nakita ko ang puno malapit sa doon.

"Sandali lang."Paalam ko sa kanya.

"Teka, w-where are you going?" May pag-aalalang tanong niya. Hindi ko na siya
sinagot. Lumapit ako sa puno at inakyat iyon. Naupo ako sa sanga ng punong iyon.

Nanlaki ang mata ni Andi ng makita ako. "B-baka mahulog ka."

"Tatalon ako d'yan. Tabi ka." Sabi ko.

"What? No.... no!" Takot na sabi nito. Maingat akong tumayo. "T-tristan, baka
mahulog ka! Tristaaan!"

Tumalon na ako mula sa puno at salamat sa Diyos hindi ako nahulog. Bumagsak ako sa
balkonahe ni Andi. Agad niya akong niyakap at sumiksik sa dibdib ko.

"You idiot! Paano kapag nahulog ka. Hindi ka talaga nag-iisip." Mahina niyang
hinampas ang dibdib ko.

Yumakap din ako sa kanya at hinalikan ang noo niya.

"Baka may makakita sa atin." Bumitaw siya sa pagkayakap at hinatak niya ako sa loob
ng kwarto niya. Ang laki ng kwarto niya, halos kasing laki na yata ng apartment ko.
Pati ang kama niya doble yata ang laki ng kama namin. Punong-puno ng stuffed toys
sa ibabaw nun. Meron pa siyang maliit na sofa at tv. May dalawang bookshelf na
punong-puno ng libro. Dito panigurado ako siya ang pinagsisilbihan. Malayong-malayo
ang buhay na kinalakihan niya sa buhay na ibinigay ko sa kanya noong nasa puder ko
siya.

Humugot ako ng malalim na buntong hininga. Ito ang buhay na mawawala sa kanya kapag
binawi ko siya sa mga magulang niya at ano ang kapalit? Kahirapan. Gusto ko siyang
bigyan ng magandang kinabukasan ngunit kahit gustuhin ko may magagawa ba ako?
Mahirap lang ako. Yumakap siya mula sa likod ko.

"Ano'ng iniisip mo?" Tanong niya.

"W-wala." Sagot ko.

"Bakit ang seryoso mo bigla?" Hinalikan niya ako sa batok.

Umiling lang ako bago ako humarap sa kanya at niyakap siya.

"T-tristan, m-may sasabihin ako sa'yo." Mahinang sabi ni Andi. Parang natatakot
siyang sabihin sa akin.

"Ano yun?"

"K-kanina sa party... Jason kissed me." Sabi niya. Biglang sumimangot ang mukha ko.
Ang walanghiyang iyon! "I... Hindi ko ginusto iyon, I swear. Nagulat ako bigla na
lang niya akong hinalikan sa lips." Halos maiyak na ito habang nagpapaliwanag sa
akin.

Kinabig ko siya palapit sa akin at mahigpit na niyakap.

"Don't be mad at me Tristan. Hindi ko talaga iyon ginusto." Sabi niya.

Hinawakan ko ang baba niya at itinaas ang mukha niya. "Alam ko at hindi ako galit
sa'yo."

"T-thank you, mahal ko." Ngumiti na ito.

Bumaba ang labi ko sa kanya at binigyan siya ng mainit at malalim na halik. Pareho
kaming naghahabol ng hininga ng maglayo ang mga labi namin.

"Sino mas magaling humalik sa aming dalawa?" Tanong ko. Nakaramdam pa rin ako ng
konting selos at insecurity sa kabila ng mga sinabi sa akin ni Andi.

"Ano bang klaseng tanong yan, mahal ko! Syempre ikaw! No contest." Nakasimangot na
sagot niya.

Napangiti ako. "Ang sungit mo. Nagtatanong lang naman."

"I don't want to be kissed by any man other than you." Lumabi siya at isinubsob ang
mukha sa dibdib ko.

=================

Chapter Twenty One

"Gusto ko na umuwi sa atin, mahal ko." I looked up at him and pouted. I really miss
our home. Mas gusto ko doon kaysa dito. Kung nasaan si Tristan, doon din ako. I
don't want to go back to my old life. Mas masaya ako kapag kasama ko si Tristan.

"Sigurado ka na ba talaga?" He asked. I could see the worry in his eyes as he said
it. It's like he's wishing i'd say no.

"Y-you don't want me to go with you?" I'm trying hard not to cry. God, what if he
doesn't want me back anymore?
"Andi, baby..."

"Magpapakabait naman ako, Tristan. Promise! Hindi ko na pasasakitin ulo mo. I can
cook na naman di ba? Saka... saka marunong na din ako maglinis ng bahay. I'll try
to be better in bed."

"Ikaw ang iniisip ko, mahal ko. Tignan mo nga ang buhay mo dito sa buhay natin
doon. Hindi ka ba nahihirapan?"

"Hindi naman ako nahihiharapan. Mas nahihirapan ako kapag malayo ka sa akin. I'm
willing to give up everything makasama lang kita." I sobbed.

"Shhh... mahal ko, tahan na. Ayaw kong nakikita kang umiiyak." He rubbed my back
and kissed me on the forehead. I looked up at him and smiled. Tonight has been an
emotional rollercoaster. I'm just glad I'm in his arms right now. I grabbed his
head and pulled him to my lips. The kiss gets more intense by the second. He moves
his mouth, deepening the kiss.

I felt myself walking backwards hanggang sa mapahiga na ako sa kama. He got on top
of me and crash his lips to mine.

"I want you, Tristan..." I mumbled against his lips. He stared into my eyes and
nodded. He continued kissing me, he pushed his tongue inside my mouth and explores
it. I caught it in between my teeth and sucked on it, he groaned into my mouth. He
tastes of mint and alcohol. Oh god, I could kiss him forever.
Hiniwalay niya ang lips niya sa akin. He lifted the hem of my dress at ibinato ang
damit ko. The he took off his shirt and his pants and underwear. All I could do is
stare at his naked body in awe. His thing, his thing is so big and hard. My throat
went dry. I sat up and carefully took his length in my hands. I kissed the tip of
it and I heard him gasp a little.

"A-andi..." He moaned. I hope hindi ako pumalpak. I just read it sa internet. I

started sucking on his tip, gently. I moved my head, taking more of him inside my
mouth. Oh my god! I don't think kaya ko ipasok ng buo iyon. He's so big! I felt his
hand travel slide down my butt. He massaged it for a moment bago niya ibinaba. His
hand went inside my panties and his fingers played with my slit. I could feel
myself getting even more when. His other hand unhooked my bra and started massaging
my breast. I whimpered as he slips a finger inside me. He pumped it in and out of
me, hard and fast. It felt so good. But it wasn't enough. I want him to fill me up
with this huge thing in my mouth.

"T-t-tama na, mahal ko..." He pulled my head up and kissed me.

I slowly pulled out from the kiss. "Y-you didn't like it?"

"I loved it." He smiled then ibinaba niya ang underwear ko. He pulled me and
ikinandong niya ako patalikod sa kanya. He opened my legs and slowly insert his
manhood inside me. I could feel my walls stretching around him. All I could do was
moan and scream his name. He grabbed the back of my thighs and lifted me up and
down his shaft.

"I'm almost... there..." I moaned.

"Ako din, hintayin mo ko." He whispered in my ear. He licked, kissed and nibbled
the back of my neck. I felt that familiar knot in my stomach.
"Mahal ko, ayan na ako." He moaned. He did one final thrust and I felt his warm
liquid inside me. I released myself around him. Napasandal ako sa kanya, his
manhood still inside me. We were both panting as we tried to catch our breath.

"Andi, honey!" I heard mom's voice. Bago pa ako nakagalaw, the door opened. Shoot!
I forgot to lock the door. Mom was smiling when the door opened pero nawala ang
ngiti niya ng makita kami. Mom's mouth dropped and her eyes widen. It all felt like
a dream... no, a nightmare. Pareho kaming hindi nakagalaw. It took a few seconds
before Tristan pulled the blanket beside us and covered our body. I got off on top
of him at naupo sa tabi niya.

"W-what is this?" Nanginginig ang boses niya when she finally spoke. Her eyes began
to water. "What is this, Andi! Who is he?!" Sigaw niya.

Nagbaba ako ng tingin. I could feel my heart beat against my chest and my body
shaking uncontrollably. Naramdaman siguro iyon ni Tristan kaya kinuha niya ang
kamay ko at pinisil.

"Answer me, goddammit! Who the fuck are you?" Tumingin siya kay Tristan. Her eyes
were raging with anger.

"A-ako po si Tristan, b-boyfriend ako ni Andi." He said, nervously.

Mom places her hand over her forehead. Tears started to fall from her eyes.
Naramdaman kong namasa na rin ang mga mata ko. Lumapit siya sa akin at hinatak ako
patayo sa kama. I clutched the blanket to my naked body. Tumayo si Tristan at
nagmamadaling isinuot ang pantalon.

"Hindi kita pinalaki para maging puta ng lalaking iyan!" Sigaw niya before hitting
me across the face. She grabbed a handful of my hair at paulit-ulit niya akong
sinampal. "Walanghiya ka! Malandi ka! Dito pa sa pamamahay ko. Hindi ka na nahiya!"
Tristan hugged me at inilayo ako kay mommy. Sinalo niya lahat ang mga sampal. "T-
tama na po." Sabi ni Tristan.

"Isa ka pa! Hayop ka! Lumayo ka sa anak ko! Lumayo ka!" Pinagsusuntok niya ang
likod nito.

"Ano'ng nangyayari dito?" Biglang pumasok si daddy sa kwarto.

"Ayan! Tanong mo d'yan sa malandi mong anak at sa lalaki niya!" Umiiyak na sabi ni
mommy bago nanghihinang napasandal sa wall. Napaiyak na lang ako sa dibdib ni
Tristan.

"Ano bang nangyayari? Sino yan?" Tanong ni daddy habang nakatingin sa amin.

"I caught your daughter having sex with that man!" Si mommy.

Sumugod si daddy at itinulak si Tristan palayo sa akin. He punched Tristan in the

face at napasigaw ako.

"Daddy... daddy don't!" I screamed. Sinubukan kong pigilan si daddy pero tinulak
niya ako at napaupo ako sa sahig. Isinandal niya si Tristan sa pader at
pinagsusuntok siya. Tristan didn't fought back.
"Gago ka! Ang lakas ng loob mo! Hindi mo ba alam na kaya kitang ipapatay ngayon
din!" Sabi ni daddy habang walang tigil na pinagsusuntok si Tristan.

"Dad, no! Tama na! Please, tama na!" Pagmamakaawa ko. He didn't stop throwing
punches hanggang sa mapahiga na si Tristan sa sahig. I saw the blood coming out of
his nose and mouth.

Nagpasukan ang mga bodyguard ni daddy sa kwarto dahil sa mga sigawan.

Dad grabbed Tristan's hair at inangat ang ulo niya. "Hindi mo ba alam kung sino ako
ha? Tandaan mo itong mukhang ito, ako ang papatay sa'yo."

"Tama na, dad." Napayakap ako kay Tristan. "Tama na... tigilan mo na siya."

He just laid there coughing up blood. Lalo akong napaiyak at niyakap siya ng
mahigpit.

"Bakit, Andi? Bakit ginagawa mo sa amin ito?" Sabi ni dad.

"I-I'm sorry, dad. I'm so sorry." Humihikbing sabi ko.

"Itapon niyo na yan, hayop na yan." Utos niya sa mga bodyguard. Tumalikod na si
dad.
"S-sasama ako sa kanya." Sabi ko.

Napahinto siya at lumingon sa akin. "Mamili ka, kami o ang lalaking iyan?"

"Dad..." I sobbed.

"Mamili ka!"

"Dad, I'm sorry... sasama ako sa kanya." I said.

"Simula ngayon, wala na akong anak. Kalimutan mo na rin kami at huwag ng huwag ka
nang babalik dito." Sabi ni dad bago tumalikod at lumabas ng kwarto. Mom stared at
me bago sumunod kay daddy.

Naiwan kami ni Tristan. I lifted his head at inuna ko sa lap ko. I put my forehead
on him and started crying.

"S...sorry, A-andi." Hirap na hirap na sabi niya.

Napailing ako. "Don't be. It's not your fault. I love you."
"I-I lo-ve you." Pinilit niyang ngumiti. I cupped his face and kissed him on the
lips. Balang-araw sana mapatawad din kami ni mommy at daddy.

=================

Chapter Twenty Two

Hanggang ngayon I couldn't stop crying habang pinupunasan ko si Tristan. Naaawa ako
sa mahal ko. Puro pasa ang katawan at mukha niya dahil sa suntok ni daddy. Nakahiga
siya sa kama at pinupunasan ko ng basang bimpo ang mukha at katawan niya.

Tandaan mo ito, Miranda. Darating ang araw na gagapang ka pabalik sa amin. Hindi pa
rin matanggal sa isip ko ang sinabi ni dad before he threw us out of the mansion. I
know nasaktan ko din si dad. I understand why he's mad at us. Masakit din para sa
akin itong mga nangyayari. It will be worth it in the end. I know it will.

Napasubsob na lang ako sa dibdib ni Tristan at napaiyak. Gumalaw siya and I heard
him moan. Lumayo agad ako at pinunasan ang luha ko. Tristan opened his eyes.

"Mahal ko." Tawag niya sa akin. I cupped his face and kissed him on the forehead.

"How are you feeling?" I asked.

"Ok na. Kiniss mo na ako eh." Nakangiting sabi niya. Napangiti na rin ako. His fine
now. Nambobola na kasi ulit.

"May masakit ba sa'yo?" Nag-aalalang tanong ko.

"Dito masakit." He pointed at his chest. "Kiss mo din para mawala ang sakit."

I giggled. "You're so naughty."

"Seryoso! Ang sakit talaga. Mamamatay na yata ako eh. Kiss mo na dali!" Hinawakan
pa niya ang chest niya. I rolled my eyes, I decided to play along and kiss his
chest.

"Yan! Better?" Tanong ko.

"Dito pa pala... Saka dito." Tinuro niya naman ang belly niya at ang crotch niya.

Pinalo ko siya ng mahina sa dibdib. Gosh, nabugbog na nga't lahat ganun pa din ka
pervert.

"Aray! Masakit na talaga iyon, mahal ko." Sabi niya habang hinihimas.

"Ikaw naman kasi. Puro ka kalokohan." Tumabi ako sa kanya. He wrapped his arm
around me and pulled me close to his body.

"Hindi ka ba nagsisisi na pinili mo ako?" Seryosong tanong niya.

"Never. Maybe... maybe someday matatanggap din nila tayo. Basta I will never leave
you. Kung nasaan ka, nandoon din ako." My eyes met his.

His eyes were watery but he had a smile on his face. "Ako na ang pinakaswerteng
lalaki sa balat ng lupa dahil ako ang minahal mo. Gagawin ko ang lahat para
mapasaya ka. Hindi mo pagsisisihan na sumama ka sa akin."

We laid together in silence for a long time just staring at each other. He played
with my hair with his fingers. I can hear his heart beat against his chest. I softy
touch his lips. May pasa sa gilid ng lips niya but it didn't make it any less sexy.
He playfully bit my finger and suck on it. He stared at me sexily and I just lay
staring back at him. I'm starting to feel hot all over.

Parang napasong binawi ko ang kamay ko. He just chuckled. Kinabig niya ang ulo ko
para halikan sa cheek. "Ang sarap sarap talaga ng mahal ko." He gave me small
kisses sa cheek pababa sa neck ko.

"T-tristan naman." Nakikiliting sabi ko. I tried to push his head away. "H-hindi pa
m-magaling a-a-ang s-ugat m... Oh god! S-stop nakikiliti ako." I cried when he
licked my earlobe. I pushed him away... and I think I pushed him a little too hard.
Napa-aray siya.

"Ang sakit, mahal ko. Malakas ka rin pala sumuntok parang daddy mo." Pabirong sabi
niya.

I know he was only kidding but everytime I remember his face while daddy was
beating him up naiiyak pa rin ako."I-I'm so sorry, Tristan."

"Hey, don't cry. Nagbibiro lang naman ako." Sumeryoso siya.

"I'm sorry for what my dad did to you." I sobbed.

"Napaka-iyakin talaga ng mahal ko. Tapos na yun. Tahan na." He wiped my tears with
his hands.

"You didn't fight back. Why?" I quietly said.

"Dahil nirerespeto ko si dad. Syempre, future father-in-law ko yun at saka kung

hindi dahil sa kanya wala ka ngayon sa tabi ko." He grinned.

Napangiti na lang din ako. I love that his always so positive. It just fascinates
me... his ability to laugh everything off. He pulled me back to him.

"Good morning, mahal ko." I lightly touch his cheek. Gumalaw siya at umungol
pagkatapos ay tinakpan niya ang mukha niya ng pillow.

"Gising na..." Hinatak ko ang unan at ipinalo sa kanya.

"Ow!" Daing niya. He opened his eyes and looked at me squinty eyed. "Ang ganda ng
panaginip ko ginising mo ako." He said with raspy voice.

"Breakfast in bed." Kinuha ko ang plate na nakapatong sa bedside table at umupo sa

gilid ng kama. Umupo din siya at sumandal sa headboard. Hinati ko ang hotdog at
tinusok ng fork pagkatapos inilapit ko iyon sa bibig niya. "Eat."

Sinubo niya naman iyon. I fed him like a baby.

"Ano bang napaginipan mo?" Tanong ko.

He grinned. "Napaginipan ko may ka-threesome akong dalawang magandang babae. Ang

hot nga eh!"

Napasimangot ako. Padabog kong ibinaba ang plate sa bedside table. Gosh, kahit
panaginip lang niya iyon I couldn't help but feel jealous. "Feed yourself! And I
hope you choke to death."

Bago pa ako makatayo he quickly grabbed me by the waist and pulled me. "Pikon
talaga itong mahal ko. Nagbibiro lang ako." He said laughing before sniffing my
neck. Then he rested his head on my shoulder. "Napaginipan ko ang isang batang
babae na naglalaro sa playground tapos tumakbo siya palapit sa akin habang
sumisigaw na daddy. Kinarga ko siya, lumapit ka sa amin at hinalikan mo ako at ang
anak natin. Tapos yung nga... ginising mo na ako."

"Mahal ko..." Nakangiting sabi ko. Parang may butterflies sa tiyan ko.

"I can't imagine my future without you, Andi. Ikaw ang babaeng gusto ko makasama
habang buhay pati pa sa kabilang buhay." He chuckled. Then he cleared his throat
sumeryoso ang mukha niya. "Mahal ko, pakasal na tayo."
I gasped. "I-is this for real? You're proposing?" Hindi ako makapaniwala sa sinabi
niya.

"Yes, I think I am. Wala pa akong singsing na maibibigay sa'yo pero pangako bibili
ako." Sabi niya.

I turned my head to face him and kissed him on the lips. "I'll... marry...
you..." I said between kisses.

Makalipas ang ilang araw pumunta kami sa munisipyo para kumuha ng marriage license.
I'm really excited. Malapit na akong maging Mrs. Tristan Gonzales. And I'll have
his babies and will live happily ever after. Parang sa mga romance novels na
nababasa ko.

"Miranda!" Napalingon ako sa tumawag sa akin. Si Judge Danilo Ruiz, he is daddy's

good frien "What are you doing here, hija?"

"We went here to get a marriage license." Masayang sabi ko.

Kumunot ang noo niya at tumingin kay Tristan. "Hindi ba ikakasal ka na kay Jason de
Veyra? Who's this guy?"
"H-he's the guy I'm going to marry." Sabi ko at humigpit ang hawak ko sa kamay ni
Tristan.

Napailing siya. "Kailangan muna malaman ng daddy mo ito. I'm going to call him."

"No, please don't tell daddy." Pakiusap ko.

"I'm sorry, Miranda. You're father would kill me kapag nalaman niyang hinayaan
kitang magpakasal ng hindi niya nalalaman." Sabi niya. "Kapag pumayag siya I would
let you have your marriage license."

Pumasok siya sa office niya. Tristan and I waited outside. Hinihintay namin siya
gaya ng sabi niya. Tinignan lang ako ni Tristan at dinala niya ang kamay ko sa mga
labi niya. I gave him a smile. Pagkatapos ng ilang minuto lumabas si ninong sa
office niya.

"I'm sorry, Miranda. Hindi pumayag si Harold." Sabi ni ninong.

"I don't understand, ninong. Nasa legal age na kaming dalawa. Why can't we get
married?" I asked. What was I expecting? Alam ko naman hindi papayag si daddy.

"I don't think you understand how powerful your father is, Miranda." Sabi ni ninong
habang nagpalit-palit ng tingin sa amin. "I better go now. Oh and good luck, you
two will need it."
Hindi pa rin ako sumuko. Nagpilit pa rin kami kumuha ng marriage license but we
were denied. Naiiyak na ako habang lumalabas kami sa munisipyo. Hindi naman
nagsalita si Tristan. He was quiet the whole time.

Huminto kami sa isang simbahan. Nang papasok na kami, he made me stop sa pinto.

"D'yan ka lang, mahal ko." He said smiling. I don't know what's going on in his
mind. Ano na naman ba ang trip ng lalaking ito?

"Boy!" Sinenyasan niya ang isang batang lalaki na nagtitindi ng bulaklak. Lumapit
naman ito. Bumili siya ng tatlong red roses.

"Hawakan mo ito." Utos niya sa akin. Hinawakan ko naman ang mga roses. "Tuloy pa
rin ang kasal natin. Imagine mo na lang may music habang naglalakad ka."

Tumakbo siya sa dulo malapit sa altar. Natawa na lang ako. This is so romantic and
sweet. I slowly walked down the aisle just like a real bride. I imagined I was
wearing a long white gown tapos may music. Nang makalapit ako sa kanya he took my
hand and we went to the altar together.

Dumukot siya sa pocket niya at inilabas ang dalawang singsing. It was made of real
gold at simple lang ang design. My jaw dropped. Hindi ko akalain na may totoong
wedding ring siyang dala.

"Do you, Miranda Cordova, take me, Tristan Gonzales, to be your lawfully wedded
husband?" He said in a serious tone.
"I do." I said, smiling from ear to ear.

"Do you promise to love and cherish me, in sickness and in health, for richer or
for poorer, for better or for worse, for as long as you live?"

"I do." Sagot ko ulit. Binigay niya sa akin ang singsing at isinuot ko iyon sa
daliri niya.

I cleared my throat and tried to keep a straight face. "Do you, Tristan Gonzales,
take me, Miranda Cordova, to have and to hold until death do us part."

"I do. Not even death can do us part." Sabi niya. Then he slipped the ring on my
finger.

"We may now kiss." Nakangiting sabi niya. I wrapped my arms around his neck and
kissed him on the lips.

"I love you." Sabi niya nang magkahiwalay ang mga labi namin.

"I love you, too."

"Hindi natin kailangan ng marriage certificate, papel lang naman iyon. Sapat ng
nangako tayo sa harap ng Diyos dahil mas matibay iyon. Hindi iyon napupunit,
nasisira o nasusunog. You're my wife now." He said.
"And you're my husband!" In my heart he is... forever! Tama ang sabi niya. Mas
matibay ang vow na binitawan namin ngayon sa harap ng Diyos.

"Yes, baby. At ano'ng susunod pagkatapos ng kasal?" Nakangising sabi niya.

"Kainan!"

He sighed. "Fine, smart ass. Saan mo gusto kumain?"

"Sa carinderia nila aling Beth." Sabi ko.

"Let's go." He playfully slapped my butt.

"Oh! Ang naughty mo talaga. Nasa church pa tayo." I reminded him.

Humarap siya sa altar at nag-sorry siya. He grabbed my hand at hinatak ako palabas
ng simbahan.

=================

Chapter Twenty Three

Tristan's POV
Nagising ako na nakayakap kay Andi. Ang sarap talagang magising sa tabi ng mahal
ko. Sinubsob ko ang mukha ko sa buhok niya at hinatak ang hubad na katawan niya
papunta sa akin. Binigyan ko siya ng maliliit na halik sa buhok pababa sa leeg
niya. Hinawi ko ang ilang hibla ng buhok na nakatakip sa mukha niya at hinalikan ko
siya sa pisngi. Maingat akong bumangon at bumaba sa kama. Nagluto ako ng almusal
namin at kumain na ako. Baka kasi mamaya pa magising si Andi dahil alam kong
napagod iyon kagabi, nakailang round ba naman kami kagabi. Tinirhan ko na lang siya
ng almusal at naligo na ako. Pagkatapos maligo pumasok ulit ako sa kwarto para
magbihis. Ang himbing pa rin ng tulog mahal ko. Nagsuot ako ng pantalon at simpleng
puting tshirt. Umupo ako sa gilid ng kama para isuot ang medyas ko.

Biglang yumakap si Andi mula sa likod ko at hinalikan ako sa batok. "Good morning,
husband."

"Good morning, wife." Nakangiting sagot ko bago ko hinarap ang ulo ko sa kanya.

"I love you." Malambing na sabi niya.

"I love you more." Sabi ko.

"I love you most." Humagikgik si Andi.

"I love you times infinity." Syempre hindi ako magpapatalo.

"I love you times infinity plus one." Hinawakan niya ang magkabilang pisngi ko at
hinalikan ako sa labi. Hinila niya ako hanggang mapahiga siya sa kama at mapadagan
ako sa kanya.
"Mahal ko, may pasok ako ngayon." Habol hiningang sabi ko ng maghiwalay ang mga
labi namin. Tinitigan niya ako sa mga at kinagat ang pang-ibabang labi niya. Nilaro
niya ang buhok ko gamit ang daliri niya. Andi is starting to enjoy sex. Minsan siya
pa nga ang nanglalambing sa akin katulad ngayon.

Hindi ko naman kayang tiisin ang mahal
Hinalikan ako ni Andi sa dulo ng ilong
kong dumampi ang mga labi niya sa akin
at naglakbay ang mga kamay ko sa hubad
hita niya sa baywang ko.
ko. Sumisikip na rin kasi ang pantalon ko.
ko at ipinikit ko ang mga mata ko. Hinayaan
pababa sa labi ko. Tinugon ko ang halik niya
na katawan niya. Pinulupot ni Andi ang mga

"Mmm..." Ungol ni Andi ng dumampi ang mga daliri ko sa pagkababae niya. Ibinuka
niya ang mga hita niya upang mas malaya kong mahawakan iyon. It was a quick
lovemaking session. Kahit madalian sinigurado ko naman na nasarapan din siya.
Nagmamadali kong ipinasok ang junjun ko sa loob ng pantalon at tinaas ang zipper.

"Late na ko, mahal ko." I wish I could stay in bed the whole day with her. Kaso
hindi pwede. Kailangan kong magtrabaho para sa kinabukasan namin ni Andi. Sisikapin
ko maging karapat dapat kay para sa kanya. Hindi man ako mayaman sisiguraduhin ko
naman na mabibigay ko lahat ng aking makakaya.

She smiled lazily. "Bye, mahal ko. Ingat ka."

Yumuko ako para halikan siya sa noo. "Tinirhan kita ng almusal."

"Thank you, mahal ko." She said.

"The pleasure is mine." Kinindatan ko siya at ngiti ang isinagot niya. Nagpaalam na
ako at umalis na.

"Tristan, kailangan kitang makausap." Pormal ang mukhang bungad ni Ted sa akin
pagpasok ko pa lang sa studio. Kinabahan ako. Kahit kailan hindi ko nakitang ganito
kaseryoso si Ted. Sinundan ko siya at pumasok kami sa opisina niya.

"Ano'ng problema?" Nag-aalalang tanong ko.

Inabot niya sa akin ang puting envelope. "Ito na ang huling paycheck mo."

"Ano? Nagbibiro ka ba?" Gulat na sabi ko. Ilang taon na ako nagtatrabaho sa studio
na ito at parang nakatatandang kapatid na ang turing ko kay Ted. Bakit naman bigla
bigla yata ang pagsisante niya sa akin. Ang alam ko hindi pa naman na lulugi ang
studio at walang balak si Ted na isara yun.

"Dinagdagan ko na yan. Pasensya na, Tristan." Hindi ito makatingin ng diretso.

Nakayuko ang ulo niya sa sahig.

"Bakit biglaan naman yata?" Tanong ko.

"May mga lalaking pumunta dito noong isang araw. Tinakot nila ako na kapag hindi
daw kita tinanggal sa trabaho susunugin nila ang studio. Nireport ko na nga sa mga
pulis pero ang sabi sa akin sumunod na lang daw ako sa gusto ng mga lalaki para
hindi na ako maperwisyo. Nahihiya ako sayo, Tristan, ang tagal na natin magkasama
pero may pamilya akong binubuhay." Paliwanag ni Ted.

Isa lang ang alam kong pwede gumawa nun. Ang mga magulang ni Andi. Pinilit kong
ngumiti at tinapik ko ang braso niya. "Naiintindihan kita."

"Salamat, pare." Ngumiti na rin siya. Nagpaalam na kami sa isa't isa.

Kinuha ko na ang mga gamit ko at nagpaalam na rin ako kay Cholo.

"Parekoy, huwag mo kong kalilimutan ah." Madramang sabi nito. Yumakap siya sa
akin. "Mamimiss ka namin. "

"Sige na, aalis na ako." Paalam ko at sinubukan kong kumawala sa pagkayap niya.
Lalo lang humigpit ang yakap ni Cholo.

"Ikaw ang pinakamagaling na photographer para sa akin." Sabi niya.

"Oo na, pakawalan mo na ako." Natatawang sabi ko. Bumitaw na si Cholo.

"Basta parekoy, kapag kailangan mo ng tulong alam mo kung saan kami

makikita." Maluha-luhang sabi niya. Pinipigilan kong huwag matawa sa sobrang OA ni
Cholo.

"Good luck sa paghahanap ng bagong trabaho." Sabi ni Ted.

Nginitian ko sila at tumango bago ako tumalikod. Nabura ang ngiting iyon paglabas
ko ng studio. Ginagawa ng mga magulang ni Andi ito para pahirapan kami. Sinuklay ko
ang aking mga daliri sa buhok ko. Kailangan kong makahanap agad ng trabaho. Hindi
sana'y si Andi sa hirap at wala akong balak iparanas sa kanya iyon.

Nagpunta agad ako sa iba't ibang studio para mag-apply. Kung hindi hiring sinasabi
nila na tatawagan na lang nila ako. Magagabi na rin kaya naisipan ko na umuwi.

"Mahal ko." Masayang bati sa akin ni Andi at niyakap ako. I hugged her back
tightly. I didn't want to let go of her. Nawala agad ng takot at pagod ko ng
yakapin niya ako.

"May problema ba?" Humiwalay siya sa pagkayakap at tinitigan ako.

Pinilit kong ngumiti at umiling. "Wala naman."

She smiled back. "Hulaan mo kung ano'ng ulam natin!"

"Ano?"
"Sinigang na baboy! Tinuruan ako ni aling Nelia magluto." Pagmamalaki niya. Si
aling Nelia ay isa sa mga kapit bahay namin na madalas kakuwentuhan ni Andi.

"Baka naman ginawa mo nang kanin baboy yan ah." Biro ko pa.

Tumulis ang nguso niya. "Hindi kaya! Masarap ang luto ko, promise."

"Mas masarap sa akin?" Tanong ko.

"Syempre hindi." She giggled.

"Tikman na nga natin yang luto mo." Aya ko sa kanya. "Mamaya ikaw naman ang
titikman ko." Bulong ko sa tainga niya.

Kinurot niya ako sa pisngi. "Perv!"

Isang buwan na ang lumipas ngunit wala pa rin akong naririnig ni isa mula sa mga
inapplyan ko. Nag-apply na nga ako kahit sa mga fast food restaurants hindi pa rin
ako matanggap-tanggap. Graduate ako sa Ateneo de Manila pero hindi ako matanggap
kahit service crew?! Sigurado na talaga ako na may kinalaman dito ang mga magulang
ni Andi.

Hanggang ngayon din hindi ko pa masabi kay Andi ang totoo. Umaalis ako araw-araw
para maghanap ng trabaho. Nauubos na ang huling sweldong ibinigay ni Ted sa akin sa
pang-araw-araw na gastusin at ang iba ay napunta sa renta ng apartment at bill ng
kuryente't tubig. Hindi ko na nga ginagamit ang motorsiklo ko sa tuwing aalis ako
para makatipid din sa pang gas. Binebenta ko na nga iyon kaso wala pang buyer.
Buong araw ako naglalakad para maghanap ng trabaho kaya pagod na pagod ako pag-uwi
ko.

Lalong lumalaki ang takot sa dibdib ko sa bawat araw na dumadaan. Sanay ako sa wala
pero si Andi hindi. Hindi ko na alam kung ano ang gagawin ko. Hindi ko alam kung
saan ako kukuha ng pera. Minsan hindi ko na maiwasan ang panghinaan ng loob pero
naisip ko hindi pwede. Hindi ko isusuko si Andi. Hindi ko susukuan ang babaeng
kahit kailan ay hindi sumuko sa akin.

"Bakit gising ka pa?" Naalimpungatan na tanong ni Andi.

"Wala. Gusto lang kita panoorin." Sagot ko.

Napangiti siya. Yumakap siya sa akin at muling nakatulog. Dahan-dahan akong tumayo
sa kama at nagtungo sa cabinet kung saan ko nilagay ang natitirang pera. Nilabas ko
iyon at binilang ko. Three hundred pesos. Gaano ba kalayo ang mararating ng perang
iyon? Hindi ko na napigilan ang mapaluha. I'm so fucking mentally exhausted.
Mauubos na ang natatanging perang meron ako at hanggang ngayon hindi ko pa rin alam
kung saan ako kukuha ng pera.

Kailangan ko na sabihin kay Andi ang totoo. Iniiwasan kong sabihin sa kanya iyon
dahil ayokong pati siya mamroblema. Hindi ko na pwedeng itago dahil mauubos na ang
pera namin. Baka lalo siyang magulat kapag isang araw wala na kaming makain.
Katulad ng mga nakaraang gabi, hindi ako masyadong nakatulog ng gabing iyon.

"Good morning. Maaga ka na naman nagising." Nakangiting sabi ni Andi. Hinaplos niya
ang pisngi ko. "You really are getting thinner."

"Imagination mo lang yun." Dahilan ko para hindi na siya mag-alala. Noong mga
nakaraang araw iyon palagi ang napupuna ni Andi sa akin. Paano ba naman buong araw
ako hindi kumakain. Nakakakain lang ako sa tuwing aalis ako ng bahay at pag-uwi ko
sa gabi. Kailangan magtipid at saka wala rin naman akong gana.

"I told you di ba? Kumain ka ng madami." Nakasimangot na sabi niya.

"Kinakain namin kita ng madami ah." I joked.

Kinurot niya ako sa tagiliran. "That's not what I meant. Kumain ka ng food. Ang
dirty talaga ng mind mo."

"Ah ok." Patay malisyang sabi ko. Kinuha ko ang isang kamay niya at dinala sa mga
labi ko. "Mahal ko, may sasabihin ako sa'yo."

"What?"

"Isang buwan na akong walang trabaho." Pagtatapat ko.

Nagulat ito sa sinabi ko at ilang sandaling hindi nakapagsalita. "Then where do you
go pag umaalis ka everyday?"

"Araw-araw akong naghahanap ng trabaho pero kahit saan ako mag-apply hindi ako
natatanggap." Paliwanag ko.

"Bakit ngayon mo lang sinabi?" Tanong niya.

"Ayokong pati ikaw mamroblema. Problema ko iyon kaso... kaso hindi ko akalain na
hahantong sa ganito na wala na halos tayong pera. Akala ko makakahanap din ako ng
trabaho. Kahit saan ako magpunta hindi ako matanggap-tanggap." Sabi ko.

"You're my husband. Your problem is my problem." Sabi niya. "Mahal ko, you should
have told me una pa lang. Tutulong naman ako eh, I'll find a job too."

"Ako ang lalaki, ako dapat ang nagtatrabaho at bumubuhay sa'yo." Sabi ko.

"This is the 21st century." She rolled her eyes.

"Andi, hindi kita isinami dito para pagtrabahuin lang."

"But I want to help."

"Makakahanap din ako ng trabaho."

"Paano pag naubos na ang pera natin?"

"Hahanap ako ng paraan."

"I think dad has something to do with this." Mahinang sabi niya.

"Alam ko."

"I'm sorry." Naiiyak na sabi niya.

"Huwag kang humingi ng sorry. Wala kang kasalanan." Sabi ko.

"I'll talk to him. I'll ask him to stop."

"Hindi!" Mariin na sabi ko. "Hindi ka magmamakaawa sa kanya, Andi. Ipakikita natin
sa daddy mo na kahit anong gawin niya hindi niya tayo masisira."

Matagal siyang hindi nakakibo at parang malalim ang iniisip.

"Kung nahihirapan ka na sabihin mo lang sa akin. Hindi ako magagalit kung babalik
ka sa kanila. Maiintindihan kita. Basta alam mo naman na nandito lang ako hindi
ba?" Nag-init ang sulok ng aking mga mata.

"I'll never leave you! Di ba nag promise tayo... till death do us part." Ngumiti
siya kahit namamasa na ang mga mata niya.

Mas lalo akong naging pursigidong ipaglaban si Andi. Malalagpasan din namin ito.
Magsasawa din ang daddy niya sa panggugulo sa amin. May mga maliliit na trabaho
naman na hindi masyado binibigyan pansin ang resume. Yung mga hindi na kailangan i-
check ang background.

=================

Chapter Twenty Four

Hindi pa rin ako sumuko sa paghanap ng trabaho. Nag-apply na ako sa mga maliliit na
kumpanya, wala naman hiring ngayon. Pagminamalas ka nga naman! Napailing na lang
ako habang naglalakad sa kahabaan ng kalye. Kanina pa ako naglalakad at tinitiis
ang tindi ng sikat ng araw.

Tumawid ako sa kalsada at hindi ko namalayan ang paparaan na kotse. Narinig ko na

lang ang maingay na pagbusina nito at kasunod nun ang pagbunggo sa may hita ko.
Hindi naman masyadong malakas ang pagkabangga sa akin pero masakit. Napaupo ako at
napahawak sa parteng nabangga ng kotse.

"Are you alright?" Tanong ng isang pamilyar na boses. Tumingala ako sa kanya at
hindi agad ako napagsalita ng makita ko kung sino ang may-ari ng boses na iyon.

"Tristan?" Gulat na sabi niya. Ilang taon na mula ng huli kaming magkita.
"Meredith." I said. Ilang taon na ang nakakaraan pero parang hindi pa rin nagbabago
ang itsura niya. Maganda pa rin at mukha pa rin siyang bata sa edad niya.

"Okay ka lang ba?" May pag-aalalang tanong niya.

"Oo." Pinilit kong tumayo at paika-ikang naglakad.

"Sandali, Tristan." Hinawakan niya ako sa isang kamay para pigilan ako. Lumingon
ako sa kanya. "Ihahatid na kita sa pupuntahan mo."

"Maglalakad na lang ako." Bumaba ang tingin ko sa kamay niyang hawak ko. Parang
nahiya naman na binitawan niya ito.

"I insist. That's the least I can do." Sabi niya. Hindi ko na nagawang tumanggi pa
dahil masakit talaga ang hita ko. Siya ang nagdrive ng kotse at umupo ako sa
passenger's seat.

"Kamusta ka na?" Tanong niya habang nakatuon ang paningin sa kalsada.

"Okay naman." Sagot ko.

"That's good. Ang laki ng pinagbago mo. You look even hotter than the last time I
saw you." She giggled.
"Salamat." Iyon lang ang nasabi ko.

"Masyado ka naman pormal. Para naman wala tayong pinagsamahan niyan." Sabi niya sa
akin. "Naglunch ka na ba?"

"Hindi pa." Sagot ko.

"Halika, lunch tayo." Aya niya.

"I think I'll pass." Sabi ko.

"Come on, Tristan. Ngayon lang nga tayo nagkita ulit. Pagbigyan mo na
ako." Malambing na sabi niya.

"Dith, baka may makakita sa atin." Sabi ko. Ayoko na ng gulo. Muntikan na akong
mapatay ng asawa niya ng malaman niya ang relasyon namin noon. Tinakot lang siya ni
Didith na kapag pinatay niya ako ilalabas niya lahat ng baho ng asawa niya sa
publiko kaya heto ako ngayon at humihinga pa rin.

"Hindi naman nila tayo kilala at wala naman tayong masamang ginagawa." Sabi niya.
Iniliko niya ang kotse niya sa isang restaurant na nadaanan namin. Bumaba kami at
pumasok kami sa restaurant.
Nag-order siya ng pagkain.

"Married?" Ngumuso siya sa singsing na nasa daliri ko.

Ngumiti ako. "Yes."

"What a lucky girl." Sabi niya. "May anak na kayo?"

"Wala pa sa ngayon. Ikaw, kamusta na ang marriage mo?" Ako naman ang nagtanong sa
kanya

Parang batang lumabi ito. "Ganun pa din. We don't love each other anymore. I feel
like our marriage is just for show."

"Bakit hindi na lang kayo maghiwalay?" Tanong ko.

Malungkot na umiling si Didith. "He won't let me go."

Madalas niyang sabihin sa akin noon na hindi siya masaya sa asawa niya. Kabi-kabila
ang babae nito at madalas ay napapagbuhatan pa siya ng kamay.

"Enough about me." She forced a smile. "Saan nga pala ang lakad mo ngayon." Pag-
iiba niya.

"Nag-iikot-ikot lang ako. Naghahanap ng mapapasukang trabaho." Sabi ko.

Gumapang ang isang kamay ni Didith sa kamay kong nakapatong sa mesa. "I could help
you with that."

Mabilis kong binawi ang kamay ko. "Hindi iyon ang trabahong hinahanap ko."

"I'm sorry." Nagbaba siya ng tingin.

"Kailangan ko ng umalis." Paalam ko sa kanya.

"Hahatid na kita."

"Hindi na. Malapit lang naman dito ang pupuntahan ko." Tanggi ko.

"Sandali lang." Sabi niya at dumukot siya sa bag niya. "Here's my calling card. I
hope we can keep in touch and be friends."

Kinuha ko ang calling card at pinasok sa bulsa ko. Nagpasalamat ako sa kanya at
nagpaalam na.
Andi's POV

"Hi, aling Nelia." Bati ko ng makasalubong ko ang neighbor namin. Bumili kasi ako
sa labas ng ulam namin para mamaya. Padating na rin si Tristan.

"Nagustuhan ba ni Tristan ang luto mo?" Tanong niya sa akin.

"Opo. Sarap na sarap nga po siya." Nakangiting sabi ko. Napansin ko ang plastic bag
na hawak niya. "Ano po yan?"

"Ah, labada. Magpapalaba sana ako kay mareng Juana eh ayaw naman magpa-istorbo sa
sugal." Kibit-balikat na sabi niya.

"I can do it for you." I said.

"Sigurado ka?"

I happily nodded my head. Ito na ang chance ko para makatulong kay Tristan. I can't
just do nothing habang nagpapakapagod sa paghanap ng trabaho. Binigay sa akin ni
aling Nelia ang bag na hawak niya.

Pumasok ako sa apartment and I started doing the laundry. Tinuruan na ko ni Tristan
na maglaba kaya I already know what to do. Kaso he made me stop nang makita niyang
may sugat ako sa kamay since then siya na ang naglalaba ng mga damit namin. So what
kung magsugat ang kamay ko? I wont die naman ah.

I started doing the laundry. Nilabhan ko talaga ng mabuti ang mga clothes para
walang masabi si aling Nelia. It's really hard pala. Nakakangawit sa kamay at
masakit na ang back ko.

I heard the door open. My face suddenly lit up, I knew it's Tristan na.

"Mahal ko, ano'ng ginagawa mo?" Tanong niya ng makita ako.

"Naglalaba." Sabi ko. Tumayo ako at pinunas ang mga bubble sa damit ko. I walked up
to him and kissed him on the lips. He wrapped his arms around my waist.

"Kalalaba ko lang nung isang araw." Kunot ang noong sabi niya.

"I'm doing aling Nelia's laundry. Binayaran niya ako ng 150 pesos." I said.

Tristan sighed. "Andi, you don't have to do this."

"Di ba I told you I'll help. Magtutulungan tayong dalawa."

"Mahal ko, wala ka bang tiwala sa akin?" Nagtatampong sabi niya.

"Hindi naman sa ganun. I just wanna help. I know nahihirapan ka na, look at you
nangangayayat ka na. Did you eat ba kanina?" Tanong ko sa kanya. Pinagdala ko siya
ng 100 hundred pesos kanina pang kain niya. Nung una ayaw pa niya kunin kasi ayaw
niyang mabawasan ang natitirang pera namin. I'm worried na sa sobrang pagtitipid
niya baka magkasakit pa siya. Gosh, I'm too young to be a widow!

"Oo naman. Basta sabi mo, sinusunod ko." He kissed the tip of my nose. "Nagkita
kasi kami kanina ng kaibigan ko tapos inaya niya akong maglunch."

"Really? Kilala ko ba siya?"

"Nope."

"Girl or boy?" I asked.

"Babae." Sagot niya. Nakaramdam ako bigla ng selos pero hindi ko pinahalata sa
kanya.

"I have to get all these laundry done." Dahilan ko. Bumitaw ako sa pagkayakap. "Eat
ka na. Bumili na lang ako ng pagkain sa labas kanina."
"Nagseselos ba ang mahal ko?" Nakangising tanong niya.

"I'm not jealous." Tumalikod ako sa kanya.

He hugged me from the back. "Wala kang dapat ipagselos dahil ikaw lang ang mahal
ko. Ikaw ang pinakamaganda, pinakasexy at pinakamabait na babae para sa akin."

Kinikilig na napangiti ako at humarap sa kanya. "Talaga?"

"Promise." He smiled and rubbed his nose against mine.

"Okay, I believe you na." I said, giggling.

"Good. Ako na tatapos niyang mga labahin." Sabi niya.

"Kaya ko 'to. You're tired na. Mag-eat ka na and then get some rest." I said to
him.

He took both my hands at tinignan niya iyon. "Tignan mo nga itong kamay ko
nagsusugat na."
"It's reddish lang but wala naman sugat." I took my hand back.

"I'm sorry, mahal ko. Hindi ka dapat nahihirapan ng ganito." His eyes were full of
sadness.

"Stop worrying about me, ok? Hindi ako nahihirapan." I assured him. He should be
more worried about his self. He's abusing his body.

"Basta ako na tatapos ng mga labahin." Pilit niya. I tried to stop him pero mapilit
siya. He did the laundry. Pinagsampay niya na lang ako ng mga damit.

We ate dinner and took a bath together after that.

Nasa room na kami ngayon. Nakadapa si Tristan sa kama exposing his naked sexy butt.
We always sleep naked. I don't bother putting on my pajama anymore, hinuhubad din
naman kasi niya. Tinanggal ko ang tuwalya ko at inilagay sa sabitan.

Umupo ako sa gilid ng kama.

"Massage?" Tanong ko.

"Yes, please." He murmured.

I started his neck and back. Agad naman siyang na relax.

"Sit on my back." He said. I did what he told me to do, I sat astride his back.
Nagpatuloy ako sa pagmassage sa kanya. I could feel the heat of his body against my
female part.

"Oh fuck, you're so wet." Tristan said. Of course nararamdaman niya iyon sa back
niya. I bent my head down and gave him small kisses on his back. I grind myself on
his back soaking him with my juice. Oh God, it feels so good.

"Uh... mahal ko! You're making me hard." He groaned.

Umikot siya at humiga paharap sa akin. Now I'm sitting on his stomach. He was
staring at me. His eyes were dark and intense. "Such a tease." He chucked.

He pulled my head down to his and kissed me on the lips. His warm tongue slowly
penetrated my mouth, flicking against mine. All I could do was moan in
satisfaction. We were gasping for air when our lips parted.

I took his hard shaft in my hand and positioned it at my entrance. He groaned when
I slowly lowered myself on to him. Soft moans escape my lips as I start moving my
hips up and down. He sat up and kissed my lips. His lips traveled down to my neck,
collarbone and to my breast. He licked around my nipple and took it in his mouth.
He grabbed my other breast with his hand and played with it.

"T... tristan." I moaned his name. He sucked harder. I felt that familiar heat
building up in the pit of my stomach. Lalo kong binilisan ang paggalaw. Tristan
thrusted his hips upward. "T-tristan, I'm coming."
"Me too. Come for me, babe." He growled.

We both came together. Tristan collapsed on the bed. Tumabi ako sa kanya at
sumiksik sa side niya. He hugged me and kissed me on the forehead.

I woke up wala na sa tabi ko si Tristan. I feel so dizzy, ang sakit sakit ng buo
kong katawan. I think I'm coming down with something. Gosh! This is the worst time
to be sick. Wala pa kaming pera ni Tristan. I tried to get up kahit nahihilo ako.

Nagsuot ako ng damit at nagpunta sa medicine cabinet kung saan nakalagay ang mga
gamot. Uminom na lang ako ng paracetamol. I was ok naman last night. I don't know
what happened. I just went back to bed again.

Suddeny I felt like I was going to vomit. I quickly got up and ran to the bathroom
as fast as I could and threw up. Hinang-hina ako pagkatapos nun. I was literally
crawling papunta sa bed.

=================

Chapter Twenty Five

Hindi na masama ang pakiramdam ko ng gumising ako. Nag work na siguro ang ininom
kong paracetamol. I found Tristan lying beside me, asleep. Ang aga naman umuwi ng
mahal ko. I touched his face.

He slowly opened his eyes and smiled when he looked at me. "Napasarap yata tulog ng
mahal ko."
"S-sorry, I didn't feel good kanina kaya I went back to bed."

Kumunot ang noo niya at umayos ng upo. "Bakit? Ano bang nararamdaman mo? Masama pa
rin ba ang pakiramdam mo?" Nag-aalalang tanong niya.

"No, I'm ok na." I smiled and hugged him. "Nandito ka na kasi."

"Sabi sayo eh. Huwag ka na ulit tatanggap ng labahin." Sermon niya sa akin.

"Opo, tatay." I said laughing. Kinulong niya sa mga palad niya ang mukha ko at
hinalikan ako sa lips.

"May pera na tayo, mahal ko." Masayang sabi niya.

"Nakakuha ka na ng job?" Humilig ako sa dibdib niya.

"Hindi pa. Pero may bumili na ng motor ko." He started kissing my hair. "Mahal ko,
huwag kang mag-alala hindi ako titigil sa paghahanap ng trabaho. Alam mo naman na
hindi kita pababayaan di ba?"

"Mhm." I answered. Na prove na niya iyon sa akin. Never niya akong pinabayaan kahit
nahihirapan na siya. I love him more because of that. "Thank you for taking care of
me."
"Ako nga dapat ang magpasalamat sayo. Salamat sa pagtanggap sa nakaraan ko at sa
kung ano ako ngayon. Salamat dahil hindi pinaglaban mo ako sa mga magulang mo. At
salamat sa pagmamahal mo."

"And don't forget to thank me for the great sex." I joked and giggled.

Natawa din siya. "Nagiging pilya ka na, mahal ko. I like that."

"You do?" My fingers danced on his chest.

"Hell yeah!" He said before claiming my lips.

Buong araw masama ang pakiramdam ko at masakit ang katawan ko. I don't want Tristan
to worry kaya tinatago ko sa kanya ang nararamdaman ko. Umiinom na lang ako ng
painkiller at paracetamol. Nawawala sandali pero bumabalik naman ulit.

Today is different. It's getting worst. I can barely get out of bed. My whole body
feels so sore. I think may flu na talaga ako. Pinilit kong tumayo sa kama at
lumabas ng kwarto para uminom ng gamot. Hinang-hina akong napaupo sa couch. Para
akong nagrun ng 10 miles.
"Mahal ko, gising ka na pala." Sabi ni Tristan nang makalabas sa bathroom. He was
wearing nothing but a towel around his waist.

I forced a smile. Ni hindi ko magawang magsalita dahil sa nanghihina ako. Kumunot

ang noo niya nang mahalata iyon.

"Okay ka lang ba?" Tanong niya sa akin.

"Yeah."

Lumapit siya sa akin. "You don't look okay."

"I'm fine." Sagot ko.

Tinabihan niya ako at hinawakan ang mukha ko. "Shit! Ang init mo."

"It's just a flu." Malumanay na sabi ko.

"Bakit tumayo ka pa? Halika na, I'll take you back to bed." Sabi niya bago ako
binuhat at dinala pabalik sa kama.

"Magluluto lang ako nang makakain mo tapos pupunta na tayong doktor, okay?" Tristan
said.
"I don't wanna go to the doctor. Baba din itong lagnat ko." Katuwiran ko.

"Huwag ngang matigas ang ulo mo. Pupunta tayong doktor ngayon pagkatapos mo kumain
at uminom ng gamot."

"But-"

"Ayoko nang marinig yang but-but mo. D'yan ka lang magluluto lang ako ng chicken
noodle soup. Tawagin mo na lang ako pag may kailangan ka." Pagkasabi ay lumabas na
siya sa kwarto.

Pagbalik niya may dala na siyang chicken noodle soup at sinubuan niya ako. After I
finished my soup pinainom niya ako ng gamot. Then we went to the hospital. The
doctor just asked me questions and did some check ups on me. He said it was just a
flu. Kailangan ko lang daw magpahinga, uminom nang gamot at maraming tubig.

"See? I told you it's just a flu." Sabi ko sa kanya nang makauwi na kami.

"Mabuti na yung nakakasiguro tayo, di ba?" He said before giving me a small kiss on
the forehead. Inalagaan niya ako buong araw. He treated me like I'm a queen. He did
everything to make me feel better. I feel really lucky for having a loving and
caring husband. There is nothing more I could ask for.
Tristan's POV

Tatlong araw na mula nang dalhin ko si Andi sa doktor ngunit hanggang ngayon hindi
pa rin bumaba ang lagnat niya. Ginawa ko naman ang lahat nang sinabi ng doktor.
Kahapon ko pa siya pinipilit na bumalik sa ospital pero ayaw niya. Naaawa na ako sa
mahal ko. Nahihirapan akong makitang nahihirapan siya. Kung pwede nga lang ako na
lang sumalo ng sakit niya.

Hinawakan ko ang noo niya. Nabahala ako nang maramdaman kong sobrang init niya
ngayon. Inaapoy na siya nang lagnat.

"Mahal..." Tawag ko sa kanya ngunit ungol lang ang naisagot niya. Napamura ako ng
mahina. "Mahal ko, pupunta na tayo nang ospital ha?"

Mabilis akong kumilos at binuhat ang nanghihinang katawan ni Andi. Tumawag ako ng
tricycle para dalhin kami sa ospital. Gusto ko nang umiyak habang nakikita ko ang
kalagayan niya. Para na siyang lantang gulay.

Isinugod ko siya sa emergency room. Inexamine siya nang doktor at kung anu-anong
test ang ginawa sa kanya.

"Ikaw ba ang kasama nang pasyente?" Tanong sa akin nang doktor habang nakaupo ako
sa tabi ng kama ni Andi.

"Opo, doc." Sagot ko.

"Ayon sa resulta nang blood test niya positibo ang pasyente sa dengue. Kailangan na
niyang ma-confine agad sa ICU dahil mababa ang platelet count niya." Sabi nang
doktor.

Pumayag akong ma-confine si Andi sa ICU. Hindi ko maiwasang sisihin ang sarili ko
sa nangyayari sa kanya. Kung naalagaan ko lang siya mabuti hindi mangyayari ito sa
kanya. Kapag may nangyaring hindi maganda kay Andi hindi ko alam kung ano ang
magagawa ko sa sarili ko. I will probably kill myself.

Sa pagconfine pa lang kay Andi nawala na ang perang kinita ko mula sa pagbenta nang
motorsiklo. Hindi ko alam kung saan pa ako pwede kumuha nang pera. Kada-tatlong
oras may pumupunta para i-check ang platelet count niya.

Pangalawang araw na namin sa ospital at wala pa rin improvement sa kondisyon niya.

Sabi nang doktor kapag bumaba sa 30 ang platelet count niya kakailanganin niya na
ng blood transfusion. Malaking halaga na naman ang kailangan para doon.

Iniwan ko muna sandali si Andi sa kwarto at lumabas. Nagsindi ako nang sigarilyo
habang iniisip ko kung paano ako kikita nang pera. Nakailang sunod-sunod na ako ng
stick ng sigarilyo. Hindi ko mapigilan, natatakot ako, kinakabahan... halu-halong
emosyon ang nararamdaman ko.

Mabilis akong tumayo sa kinatatayuan ko ng may makaisip ako nang paraan. Dali-dali
akong umuwi para hanapin ang calling card na binigay ni Meredith sa akin. Pumunta
ako sa tindahan para makitawag.

Nakatatlong ring yata bago may sumagot.

"Hello?" Narinig ko ang boses niya sa kabilang linya.

"Didith, si Tristan ito." Sabi ko.

"Tristan!" Bakas ang pagkagulat sa boses niya. "Bakit napatawag ka?"

"Pwede ba tayong magkita ngayon?" Tanong ko.

"Why, ofcourse." Agad na sagot niya.

Nakipagkita ako sa kanya sa restaurant kung saan kami huling nagkita. Alam kong
hind ito tama at alam ko rin na masasaktan si Andi kapag nalaman niya ito pero
tangina wala na akong choice. Buhay na ni Andi ang nakataya dito.

"So, bakit mo ako gusto makita?" Tanong niya sa akin.

"Kailangan ko nang pera." Diretsang sagot ko.

"Pera lang pala eh. Alam mo naman na marami ako nun." Sabi niya. She lighlty
touched my cheek. "But money doesn't grow on trees, you know?"

"Huwag kang mag-alala, pagtatrabahuhan ko ang perang iyon." Walang bakas ng

emosyong sabi ko.
"Now, you're talking." Ngumiti siya.

"Halika na. May kailangan pa akong puntahan mamaya." Sabi ko.

Lumabas kami nang restaurant at sumakay sa kotse niya. Hininto niya iyon sa garahe
nang isang motel. Matagal ko nag tinalikuran ang trabahong ito, nangako ako noon sa
sarili kong hindi na ako babalik sa ganitong uri nang hanap buhay pero ito ako
ngayon.

Nasa kwarto na kami ngayon at nakaupo ako sa gilid nang kama. Isa-isang tinanggal
ni Didith ang kanyang damit sa harap ko hanggang sa tumambad sa akin ang hubad na
katawan niya. Para pa rin pangdalaga ang katawan niya kahit na may edad na.

"Shower with me." Nang-aakit na sabi niya.

"Susunod na lang ako." Sagot ko.

"Hihintayin kita." Sabi niya bago pumasok sa banyo.

Tinanggal ko na rin ang damit ko at sumunod sa kanya. Patawarin mo ako, Andi.

Nakatalikod siya mula sa pinto at abala sa pagsabon nang katawan. Lumapit ako sa
kanya at hinawakan siya sa magkabilang balikat. Agad naman siyang humarap sa akin
at sinalubong ako nang halik. We had sex in the bathroom and on the bed. Inisip ko
na lang na si Andi ang katalik ko.
"Oh lover boy..." Nakadapa siya sa ibabaw nang dibdib ko at nakatitig sa mukha
ko. "Hindi ka pa rin kumukupas. Yan ang gusto ko sa'yo Tristan, pinaghihirapan mo
ang perang nakukuha mo mula sa akin."

Hindi ako sumagot at nagpatuloy sa paghithit nang sigarilyo. Ngayon ko lang

naramdaman kung gaano kaduming lalaki ako. Andi doesn't deserve a guy like me. She
deserves someone better than me.

Pinatay ko ang sigarilyo sa ashtray at umayos nang upo. "Kailangan ko nang umalis."

"When can we do this again?" Tanong niya sa akin.

Nagkibit-balikat lang ako. Inabot niya ang bag niya at may kinuha ang cheke niya.
Pagkatapos niyang mapirmahan ay inabot niya sa akin iyon.

"It's been a pleasure working with you, Mr. Gonzales." Nakangiting sabi niya at
kinindatan niya ako.

Naligo ulit ako at pilit kong tinanggal sa katawan ko ang mga halik at hawak niya.
Hindi ko alam kung paano ako haharap kay Andi pagkatapos ng nangyari sa amin ni
Didith. Pagkatapos kong maligo, nagmamadali akong nagbihis at umalis sa lugar na
iyon.
"Mahal ko, saan ka nanggaling?" Mahina ang boses na tanong ni Andi. Hanggang ngayon
ay nanghihina pa rin siya.

Umupo ako sa tabi niya. "Kumusta na ang pakiramdam mo?"

Inangat niya ang kamay niya at marahang hinaplos ang pisngi ko. Ipinatong ko ang
kamay ko sa kanya at ipinikit ang mga mata ko. Pinakiramdaman ko ang init nang mga
palad niya.

"I love you." Sabi niya.

"Mahal na mahal din kita." Pinigil ko ang pagtulo nang luha ko nang sabihin ko
sakanya iyon. Dinala ko sa mga labi ko ang kamay niyang kanina'y nasa ibabaw nang
pisngi ko. "Mahal na mahal kita, Andi. Patawarin mo ako." Humagulgol ako sa mga
palad niya.

"Why are you crying?" Tanong niya.

Sunod-sunod akong umiling. Hindi na ko nakapagsalita at hinayaan kong tumulo ang

mga luha ko. Hindi ko pa kayang pagtapat sa kanya ang ginawa ko sa ganitong
kundisyon niya. Ayokong madagdagan ang paghihirap niya.

Bumaba pa ang platelet count niya hanggang sa kinailangan na siyang masalinan nang
dugo. Anim na bag nang dugo ang isinalin sa kanya bago bumuti ang kanyang
kundisyon. Nang tumaas na ang platelet count niya nalipat na siya sa regular na
kwarto.

Harold's POV

Narinig ko ang malakas na sigawan sa opisina ni Edgardo. Nagpunta ako dito para
kamustahin siya at pag-usapan ang ilang bagay tungkol sa nalalapit na eleksyon. Isa
sa mga maimpluwensyang pulitiko ang pamilya ni Edgardo at kailangan ko ang
impluwensyang sa pagtakbo ko bilang bise presidente sa susunod na eleksyon.

"Putangina mong malandi ka! Papatayin ko kayong dalawa ng kabit mo!" Narinig kong
sigaw niya. Sumilip ako sa bahagyang uwang nang pinto at nakita ko si Edgardo na
hawak-hawak ang buhok ng asawa niya.

"T-tama na, Ed. Maawa ka sa akin." Umiiyak na sabi ni Meredith.

Nakita ko ang malakas na pagsampal niya sa asawa niya dahilan para mapasubsob ito
sa sahig. Nagpatuloy ito sa pananakit sa kaawa-awang babae. Wala naman akong magawa
dahil ayokong manghimasok sa personal na buhay nila.

Bumukas ang pinto at dali-daling tumakbo palabas si Meredith. Nakayuko ito at

magulo ang buhok.

"Amigo, kanina ka pa ba d'yan?" Nakangiting tanong niya nang makita ako sa labas ng
pinto. Parang wala man lang nangyari.

"Medyo." Sagot ko.

"Pasensya ka na. Bwisit kasi iyong malanding hinayupak na iyon." May bahid ng galit
sa boses niya. "Pasok ka." Aya niya.

Pumasok ako sa loob ng opisina niya at umupo ako sa upuan sa harap ng desk niya.
Umupo siya sa swivel chair at nagsindi ng sigarilyo.

"Wala ng binigay sa akin ang walanghiyang babaeng iyon kung hindi sakit ng ulo.
Hindi ko lang mahiwalayan dahil papangit ang tingin sa akin ng publiko." Naiiling
na sabi nito.

Napatingin ako sa litratong nagkalat sa ibabaw ng desk niya. Litrato iyon ni

Meredith na may kasamang lalaki. Nakahawak siya sa braso ng lalaki habang papasok
sila sa motel at halatang hindi nila alam na kinukuhanan sila ng litrato. Sa mga
unang larawan hindi masyadong kita ang mukha nito. Pero nang tignan ko pa ang ibang
litrato napakunot ang noo ko. Pamilyar sa akin ang mukha ng lalaking iyon. Hindi
ako pwedeng magkamali. Iyon ang parehong lalaking nahuli naming kasama ni Andi sa
loob ng silid niya.

"Ano ito?" Tanong ko kay Edgardo habang nakatingin sa mga larawan.

"Edi kabit ng asawa ko." kaswal na sabi niya. "Didispatsahin ko na nga ang gagong
iyan eh. Pinagbantaan ko na siya noon, walang takot ang gago. Kapag may nakakita sa
kanilang ibang tao masisira ang pangalan ko."
Sabi na nga ba oportunista ang lalaking iyon. Pinaimbestigahan ko siya at nalaman
kong dati siyang nagtatrabaho bilang call boy. Hindi siya nababagay para sa anak
ko. Inilagay ko siya sa blacklist sa lahat ng kumpanya para hindi na siya makapasok
sa kahit anong trabaho. Naisip ko kasi na kapag walang-wala na talaga sila
mapipilitan nang bumalik sa amin si Andi pero ang gago nakahanap pa rin ng
pagkakakitaan.

Ang inaalala ko ngayon ay si Andi. Baka madamay ang anak ko sa gagawin ni Edgardo.
Hanggang ngayon ay wala pa rin silang alam na sumama siya sa ibang lalaki. Hindi ko
naman magagawang sabihin sa kanya na sumama si Andi sa lalaking nasa larawan na
iyon.

"Siya si Tristan Gonzales, hindi ba?" Tanong ko sa kanya.

"Kilala mo siya?" Naibaba nito ang sigarilyo sa ashtray.

"Malaki din ang atraso ng kumag na iyan sa akin." Sabi ko. "Baka pwedeng ibalato mo
na yan sakin. Ang mga bata ko na ang bahalang magdispatsa sa kanya"

"Iyon lang ba? Bahala ka na sa putanginang yan." Sabi nito.

=================

Chapter Twenty Six

Tatlong araw pa kami nanatili sa ospital bago pinayagan umuwi si Andi ng doktor.
Tuwang-tuwa si Andi nang malaman niyang pwede na kami makauwi. Syempre masaya din
ako dahil mabuti na ang kalagayan ng mahal ko pero hindi ko maiwasan ang makaramdam
ng kaba. Hindi ko pa kasi alam kung paano ko sasabihin sa kanya ang nangyari sa
amin ni Didith habang nasa ospital siya.
 "Mahal ko, kanina ka pa tahimik." Pumulupot ang mga kamay niya sa leeg ko mula sa
likod at isinubsob ang mukha niya sa leeg ko.

"Huh? Ah... masaya lang ako kasi magaling ka na." Humarap ako sa kanya at binigyan
ng mabilis na halik sa labi. Ang totoo niyan natatakot akong magsalita dahil baka
hindi ko mapigil ang sarili ko... ang konsensya ko, at baka masabi ko sa kanya
iyon. "Hindi ko mapapatawad ang sarili ko kung may nangyaring masama sa'yo."

"Hindi mo naman kasalanan iyon." Sabi ni Andi.

"Kasalanan ko dahil hindi kung naalagaan lang kita maigi hindi ka magkakasakit."

"Stop blaming yourself." Malumanay na sabi niya. "Pareho naman natin hindi ginusto
iyon."

"Tinakot mo ako, alam mo ba yun?" Seryosong sabi ko. Naramdaman ko na lang na

nangingilid na ang luha sa mga mata ko. "Kapag may nararamdaman ka, magsabi ka sa
akin. You shouldn't keep anything from me."

"Well, right now... I feel like kissing you." Nangingislap ang mga mata niya habang
nakatitig sa mukha ko.

Naudlot ang pagtulo ng luha ko at napalitan iyon ng ngiti. Kinabig niya ang ulo ko
at hinalikan ako.

"Ikaw talaga. Kagagaling mo lang sa sakit gusto mo na naman?" Nakangising sabi ko.
"Hindi ah." She blushed. "I just missed your kiss."

Walang nangyari sa amin nang gabing iyon. Bumabawi pa ang katawan niya ng pahinga
at nagpapasalamat naman ako doon. Hindi dahil ayokong makipagtalik sa kanya kundi
dahil nandidiri ako sa sarili ko. Nandidiri ako sa ginawa ko at pakiramdam ko kapag
ginalaw ko si Andi marurumihan siya.

Hahanap lang ako ng magandang tiyempo para mapagtapat ko sa kanya ang nangyari.
Ayokong maglihim sa kanya. She's my wife, I owe her the truth. Sana lang
maintindihan niya na para sa kanya ang ginawa ko. Ginawa ko yun dahil kailangan.
Sana magawa niya pa akong mapatawad. Sana hindi niya ako pangdirihan. Iniisip ko pa
lang iyon hindi ko na maiwasan ang mapaluha. Ang dami ko nang napagdaanan pero
kahit kailan hindi ko iniyakan ang mga iyon. Pero pagdating kay Andi, pag siya na
ang involve, ang bilis kong lumuha.

Pinagmasdan ko lang si Andi habang kumakain siya. She looked at me and smiled. "Why
aren't you eating your food?"

"Ang sarap mo kasing panoorin habang kumakain." Sabi ko. Isang linggo na ang
nakakaraan mula ng lumabas siya sa ospital at ngayon ay bumalik na ang dating lakas
niya. We still hadn't made love. Maraming beses na niyang ipinararamdam na gusto
niya pero hindi niya masabi sa akin. Inililihis ko na lang ang atensyon niya sa
ibang bagay. Sobrang pagpipigil na nga ang ginagawa ko.

Ito na ang pagkakataon ko para masabi sa kanya.

"Ands..." Tawag ko sa kanya.

Huminto siya sa pagkain at tumingin sa akin. Matagal akong hindi nakapagsalita.

Bumilis ang tibok ng puso ko at naramdaman ko. Tinaas niya ang mga kilay niya
habang hinihintay akong magsalita.

"What?" Hindi niya na siguro napigilan ang sarili niyang magtanong.

"Noong nasa ospital ka... nakipag-sex ako sa ibang babae kapalit ng

pera." Diretsang sabi ko. Wala ng mas madaling paraan para sabihin sa kanya iyon.
Kahit anong sabihin ko masasaktan pa rin siya.

Nabitawan niya ang hawak niyang tinidor at nahulog iyon sa sahig. Walang mababakas
na kahit anong emosyon sa mukha niya kaya mas lalo akong natakot. Hindi ko alam
kung anong tumatakbo sa isip niya.

Maya-maya ay tumawa siya na labis kong ikinagulat ngunit may namumuong luha sa
gilid ng mga mata niya. "Y-you're kidding, right?"

"Mahal ko." Sinubukan kong hawakan ang kamay niyang nakapatong sa mesa ngunit
mabilis niyang inilayo iyon.

"Tell me this is just a joke!" Tumaas ang boses niya.

"I'm sorry. Hindi ko ginusto iyon. Kinailangan kong gawin iyon para may
maipangbayad ako sa ospital."

"You should've left me to die! Kasi ngayon pa lang pakiramdam ko namamatay na

ako." Umiiyak na sabi niya.

"Mahal ko..." Nanginginig ang boses na sabi ko.

"Who is she?!" Naniningkit ang mga mata niya sa galit.

"Andi-"

"Don't Andi me! Sino siya?" Pilit niya.

"Mahal, siya... siya yung sinasabi kong nagpaaral sa akin noon."

"Is she better than me ha? Mas masarap siya kesa sa akin? Mas experienced siya di
ba? Is she the reason why you won't have sex with me?"

"Andi..." Tumayo ako mula sa kinauupuan ko at lumapit ako sa tabi niya. Bago ko pa
siya mahawakan tinulak niya ako at tumakbo papasok sa kwarto. Para akong nanghihina
kaya napaupo ako sa silya. Sinubsob ang aking mukha sa mga palad ko at hinayaan ko
nang tumulo ang luha ko. Inaasahan ko na ang ganitong reaksyon niya pero ang sakit
pa rin. Yung makita yung pinaghalong galit at lungkot sa mga mata niya.
Nang mahimasmasan ako agad akong nagtungo sa pinto ng kwarto para sana kausapin
siya pero naka-lock iyon. Kahit anong katok at pagmamakaawa ko hindi niya ako
pinagbuksan ng pinto.

"Leave me alone." Sigaw niya mula sa loob ng kwarto.

"Mahal, mag-usap tayo." Sabi ko.

"I don't wanna talk to you right now." Humihikbing sabi niya.

"Yun na lang kasi yung alam kong pwede kong pagkakitaan ng pera." Paliwanag ko sa
kanya. Alam kong nakikinig siya mula sa loob. "Hindi kita masisisi kung magalit ka
sa akin at pandirihan mo ko."

"Please, iwanan mo muna ako." Medyo kumalma na ang boses niya pero alam kong
umiiyak pa rin siya.

Napabuntong-hininga ako. Mas makakabuti nga siguro kung pababayaan ko muna siya
para makapag-isip siya. Bahala na sa kung anuman ang magiging desisyon niya. Kung
aalis man siya at iiwan ako maluwag ko iyong tatanggapin.

Sa sala ako natulog nang gabing iyon. Hindi naman ako nakatulog masyado dahil
hinihintay ko talagang lumabas siya mula sa kwarto. Umaga na ng marinig ko ang
pagbukas ng pinto ng kwarto at agad naman ako napabalikwas mula sa kinahihigaan ko.
Andi looked at me, her eyes were puffy and red. Wala ng bakas ng galit sa mukha
nito pero nandun ang lungkot.
"Mahal, pag-usapan natin ito." Tumayo ako at lumapit sa kanya. Nilagpasan niya lang
ako at sumunod ako sa kanya. Hinaranga ko siya sa pamamagitan ng katawan ko.

"Tristan, bigyan mo muna ako ng space." Kalmanteng sabi niya bago ako mahinang
itinulak. Tumabi na ako at hinayaan ko siyang dumaan. Wala akong nagawa kung hindi
panoorin siya habang ginagawa niya ang daily routines niya.

Buong araw kaming hindi nag-usap. At least hindi niya ako nilayasan. Naniniwala pa
rin ako na mapapatawad niya ako dahil hindi niya pa rin ako iniiwan hanggang
ngayon. Maaayos din namin ito.

"Tristan." Pormal ang mukhang tawag sa akin ni Andi nang makita niya akong papasok
sa kabilang kwarto. Tumingin ako sa kanya. "Dito ka na matulog sa kwarto natin."

Pagkasabi ay pumasok na siya sa loob. Sabi na eh, hindi ako matitiis ng mahal ko.
Hindi ko maiwasan ang mapangiti bago ako sumunod sa kanya. Nakahiga na siya sa kama
ng pumasok ako sa kwarto. Nasa pinakadulo siya ng kama at nakatalikod. It's still
better than sleeping alone. Okay na sa akin yung hinayaan niya akong tumabi sa
kanya ngayong gabi.

Nagising ako ng marinig ko ang malakas na kalampag. Tumama ang pinto ng kwarto sa
dingding sa tabi nito at pumasok ang ilang mga lalaki, puro malalaki ang kanilang
mga katawan. Nananaginip ba ako?
"Sino kayo?" Tanong ko sa kanila. Anak ng puta! Mga magnanakaw yata ang mga ito.

Hindi sumagot ang mga ito. Unti-unti silang lumapit. Agad akong nabahala dahil nasa
likod ko lang si Andi at mahimbing pa rin siyang natutulog. Kapag hinawakan nila
kahit dulo ng daliri ng mahal ko magkakamatayan kami.

"Ano bang kailangan niyo? Kunin niyo na ang gusto niyo at umalis na kayo
dito!" Sigaw ko sa kanila.

"Tristan... ano b- Ahhh!" Tili ni Andi ng makita niya ang mga lalaki. "Sino sila?"

Bago pa ako makapagsalita hinablot ng isang lalaki ang damit ko at isinandal ako sa
pader. "Yan mukhang 'yan ba kinababaliwan ng asawa ni gov?" Tanong ng isang lalaki
at nagtawanan ang mga kasama niya. Tangina! Ang asawa ni Meredith ang may kagagawan
nito.

"Hindi lang asawa ni gov... pati anak ni mayor." Nakangising sabi ng isa bago
hinablot si Andi sa braso. Napasigaw si Andi.

"Putangina niyo! Huwag niyong idamay si Andi dito!" Sigaw ko sa kanila. Pilit akong
nanlaban at kumawala. Binigyan ako ng isa sa mga lalaki ng suntok sa tiyan.

"Huwag kang maangas, ulol ka!" Sabi ng lalaki bago ako inambaan ng suntok sa mukha.

"Bitawan niyo ako!" Sigaw ni Andi. Hawak siya ng dalawang lalaki sa magkabilang
kamay. Sinipa ko ang lalaking humahawak sa akin at nang makawala ako sa kanya ay
mabilis akong tumakbo papunta kay Andi. Bago pa man ako nakalapi kay Andi may
humatak sa akin at hinawakan ako sa leeg.

"Tarantado ka ah!" Naninigkit ang mga matang sabi niya. Hinigpitan niya pa lalo ang
pagkakahawak sa leeg ko hanggang sa hindi ni ako makahinga. Pilit kong tinanggal
ang mga kamay niya sa leeg ko.

"Stop! Please, don't kill him." Humihikbing sabi ni Andi.

"Ilabas niyo na yan. Kami na ang bahalang tumapos sa kumag na 'to." Utos ng
lalaking sinipa ko kanina sa dalawang lalaking nakahawak kay Andi. Bigla akong
nagpanic. Nagpumiglas ako, natatakot ako na baka may gawin silang masama sa mahal
ko.

Pilit kong inabot ang mukha ng lalaking nakahawak sa leeg ko at sinapak siya.

"Putangina mo, hindi ka titigil ha?" Bumunot ng baril mula sa bulsa niya ang
lalaking nasa tabi ko at itinutok sa noo ko.

Narinig ko ang malakas na sigaw ni Andi.

"Don't kill him! Please, nagmamakaawa ako sa inyo. Let us go! Hindi kami
magsusumbong sa pulis!" Naghihisterikal na sigaw ni Andi. Hindi siya pinansin ng
mga ito.

"Ilabas niyo na sabi yan!" Sigaw ng lalaking may hawak ng baril. Nang humarap siya
sa dalawa nagkaroon ako ng pagkakataon para makuha sa kanya ang baril. Hinatak ko
ang lalaking may hawak sa akin at inipit ang leeg niya sa bisig ko habang ang isang
kamay ko ay nakahawak sa baril at nakatutok sa ulo niya.

"Kinangina! Tatanga-tanga ka kasi!" Sigaw ng lalaking may hawak kay Andi sa

kasamahan niya.

"Pakawalan niyo si Andi, kung hindi babarilin ko ito." Banta ko sa kanila,

Nagpalitan ng tingin ang tatlo.

"P're, p-pakawalan n-n-niyo n-na." Nanginginig ang boses ng sabi ng lalaking hawak
ko.

Tumango ang isang lalaki at dahan-dahan naman nilang binitawan si Andi. Agad na
tumakbo si Andi sa akin. Pinagtago ko siya sa likod ko.

"Pakawalan mo na ang kasama namin." Sabi ng lalaki. Hindi ako ganun katanga.
Syempre pagpinakawalan ko yun baka kung ano pang gawin nila sa amin.

"Huwag kang lalayo sa tabi ko, mahal." Sabi ko sa kanya. Dahan-dahan akong naglakad
,patalikod kung saan makikita ko sila habang nakahawak sa akin si Andi, at lumabas
ng kwarto. Sumunod ang mga lalaki sa amin.

Nagmamadaling lumabas kami sa apartment at isinara ko ang pinto nun, naiwan sa loob
ang tatlo. Itinulak ko ang lalaking hawak ko at hinatak si Andi. Mabilis kaming
tumakbo sa hagdan at bumaba.

"Dali, habulin niyo!" Narinig kong utos ng isa sa mga lalaki habang bumababa kami
sa hagdan. Lalo kong binilisan ang pagtakbo at hinigpitan pa ang hawak ko sa kamay
ni Andi ng marinig ko ang mabibigat na yabag ng mga paa nila.

Tumakbo kami ng tumakbo hanggang sa makalabas kami ng compound. Nakakita agad kami
ng tricycle na masasakyan. Nagpahatid kami sa sakayan ng bus.

"Akala ko papatayin ka na nila. I was so scared." Umiiyak na sabi ni Andi.

Niyakap ko siya. "Wala na sila, mahal ko."

"I'm sorry, Tristan. I'm so sorry, I was selfish." Hinilig niya ang ulo niya sa
dibdib ko. "I wasn't disgusted with you. I just- it makes me mad that you had sex
with another girl. But I still love you. Dapat inintindi kita, you only did it
because of me."

"Tapos na yun. Kalimutan na natin ang mga lahat ng nangyari." Sabi ko habang
hinahaplos ang buhok niya at pilit siyang pinapatahan.

Huminto ang tricycle sa bus terminal. Mabuti na lang may konti pa akong pera sa
bulsa ko at nabayaran ko ang tricycle driver. Pero hind yun sapat pangbili ng
ticket sa bus. Napamura ako ng mahina. Paano kami makakaalis ngayon nito?

"Tristan, saan tayo pupunta?" Tanong ni Andi habang nakakapit sa braso ko.

"Kahit saan, basta malayo dito." Sagot ko.

Lumapit ako sa bilihan ng ticket at tinanong kung magkano ang isang ticket. Katulad
ng inaasahan ko kulang na kulang ang perang dala ko.

"Uhm, what if ibigay ko sa'yo itong earrings ko." Hinubad ni Andi ang suot niyang
hikaw sa magkabilang tenga at inilapag sa harap ng nagbebenta ng ticket. "Gold
yan."

Tinignan sandali ito ng babae bago niya mabilis na kinuha at itinago.

"Saang lugar?" Tanong niya.

Nagkatinginan kami ni Andi at pareho kaming napangiti.

"Kahit saan basta yung papaalis na." Sagot ko. Binigyan niya kami ng dalawang
ticket. Sumakay agad kami sa bus at ilang minuto pa ay umandar na ito. Nakahinga
ako ng maluwag. Hindi na kami masusunod ng mga humahabol sa amin. Hinilig ni Andi
ang ulo niya sa balikat ko at yumakap sa braso ko. Maya-maya ay nakatulog muli
siya. Hinalikan ko ang noo niya. Pwede na kaming magsimula ng panibagong buhay sa
pupuntahan namin. Sa lugar na walang nakakakilala sa amin. Hindi na nila kami
magugulo.

=================

Chapter Twenty Seven

"Mahal ko, gising na. Nandito na tayo." I heard Tristan say. I slowly open my eyes.
Nakatigil na ang bus na sinasakyan namin at may araw na. Nang tumingin ako kay
Tristan I noticed the bruise on his face. My poor baby. He was almost killed dahil
sa akin. Dapat ako yung unang nakaintindi sa kanya. Nagawa niya lang yun dahil sa
akin. Pagkatapos ng lahat ng sacrifices na ginawa niya galit pa ang iginanti ko sa
kanya.
"Does it hurt?" Hinaplos ko ang mukha niya. He just smiled and shook his head.

"Baba na tayo." Sabi niya.

"Saan tayo pupunta?" Tanong ko. We don't have any money. Wala kaming kahit anong
dala.

Nagkibit-balikat siya. "Bahala na."

Tumayo na kami. He took my hand and we went out of the bus. I didn't feel any fear
kahit hindi namin alam kung saan kami pupunta. Alam kong kapag si Tristan ang
kasama ko ligtas ako. Hindi niya ako pababayaan.

Wala naman kaming kakilala dito at wala rin kaming alam na lugar na pwedeng
matuluyan. We just walked and walked and walked. Hanggang sa huminto kami sa isang
carinderia.

"Ano'ng gusto mong kainin."

"We don't have any money." Mahinang sabi ko.

"May natira pa kong barya dito." Dumukot siya sa pocket niya.

Pumili ako ng pagkain. Sakto lang ang pera namin para sa isang cup ng kanin at
isang ulam. He didn't buy food for himself.

"Share na lang tayo." Sabi ko sa kanya.

"Huwag na. Sa'yo na yan, alam kong gutom ka na." He said, smiling.

"You have to eat too." I frowned.

"Busog pa ko." Sagot niya.

"No, you're not. You haven't eaten yet. Come on, kumain ka na din." Sinubuan ko
siya dahil alam kong gutom na din siya.

Pagkatapos namin kumain naglakad na naman kami. We didn't have any money left and
we still don't know where we'll go.

"Sorry, mahal ko." Hinalikan niya ang kamay ko na hawak niya. "Nadamay ka pa sa
gulong ito."

"We are going to get through this together, we always do naman di ba?" I smiled at
him.
"Akala ko makakapagsimula na ulit tayo ng panibagong buhay dito kaso di pala ganun
kadali yun. Sa totoo lang, natatakot na ako." His eyes started getting
glossy. "Natatakot akong baka maranasan mo rin ang mga naranasan ko noon. Ayokong
magutom ka, ayokong matulog ka sa kalsada, ayokong-"

"Shh... ano ka ba? It's going to be okay. Makakayanan natin ito as long as we're
together." Pinisil ko ang kamay niya.

Hindi na siya nagsalita pa at parang malalim ang iniisip niya. Nagpatuloy kami sa
paglalakad. Lakad lang kami ng lakad kahit na wala kaming siguradong pupuntahan.
Ilang beses ko rin narinig ang buntong hininga ni Tristan. He didn't say a single
word.

Sa paglalakad namin, napunta na kami sa kalsada na walang tao. Sa gilid ng kalsada

ay puro talahiban na at wala masyadong dumadaan na sasakyan. Siguro isang sasakyan
pa lang ang nakita namin na dumaan doon sa tagal ng paglalakad namin.

Malayo pa lang nakita na namin ang isang kotse na nakatigil sa gilid ng kalsada at
tatlong lalaking nakapaligid sa isang matandang lalaki. I instantly knew something
was wrong. The old man looked scared.

Nagkatinginan kami ni Tristan.

"Mahal, magtago ka." Mahinang sabi niya.

"Hey, what are you going to do?" May pag-aalalang tanong ko.
"Tutulungan ko lang yung lalaki. Basta magtago ka lang d'yan." Pilit niya kong
dinala sa likod ng puno.

"T-tristan... baka, kung anong mangyari sa'yo." Sabi ko.

"May dala akong baril." Sabi niya sabay hawak sa bulsa niya. Dala niya pa pala ang
baril na nakuha niya sa mga lalaking pumasok sa apartment.

"Tristan." Humigpit ang hawak ko sa kamay niya.

Narinig kong sumigaw ang matanda bago sinapak ng isang lalaki at napahiga ito.

"Kailangan ko siyang tulungan." Sabi ni Tristan. Kahit natatakot ako para kay
Tristan dahan-dahan kong binitawan ang kamay niya. Naawa din kasi ako sa matandang
lalaki.

Agad na lumapit si Tristan sa mga lalaki. Nagpaputok si Tristan ng baril at agad

tumakbo ang tatlo palayo. He helped the old man get up. Lumapit na din ako sa
kanila.

"Maraming salamat." Sabi ng matandang lalaki kay Tristan. "Utang ko sa'yo ang buhay
ko. Baka napatay na ako ng mga demonyong iyon kung hindi ka dumating."

Tinanguan lang ni Tristan ang matanda.

"Halikayo sumama kayo sa akin." Aya ng matanda. "Gusto ko kayong pasalamat sa
pagligtas sa akin."

Tumingin sa akin si Tristan and I just nodded my head. He seemed like a nice old
man naman. Sumakay kami sa kotse niya. Sumakay si Tristan sa passenger's seat at
ako naman ay sa likod.

"Ang ulol na yun. Namumukhaan ko ang isa sa kanila. Malaki ang utang ng isa sa
kanila sa akin." Galit na sabi ng matanda habang nagmamaneho. "Kaya siguro gusto na
akong todasin dahil gustong makatakas sa utang niya. Kung hindi ka dumating,
ginilit na siguro ng mga demonyong iyon ang leeg ko."

"Dapat ho i-report na natin sa pulis yan." Sabi ni Tristan.

"Talagang i-re-report ko yun sa pulis." Napailing ang matanda. "Napakawalanghiya

na talaga ng mga tao ngayon. Ikaw na nga ang tumutulong, ikaw pa ang gagawan ng
masama. Buti na lang may katulad mong mabubuti ang loob."

"Ginawa ko lang ho ang tingin kong tama." Sabi ni Tristan.

"Ako nga pala si Jaime. Anong pangalan mo?" Tanong niya.

"Tristan." Sagot niya.

"At ikaw, hija?" Tumingin siya sa akin mula sa rear view mirror niya.

"Andi po."

"Saan ba kayo dapat papunta at nagawi kayo sa lugar na yun?" Tanong ng matanda.

"Galing pa kami ng Maynila. Hindi namin kabisado ang lugar na ito at wala naman
kaming mapuntahan." Sagot ni Tristan.

"Ah, mga bagong salta pala kayo. Wala ka bang kakilala dito?"

Umiling si Tristan.

"Wala rin kayong matutuluyan?"

"Yun nga ho pinoproblema namin." Si Tristan.

"Kung ganon, tapos na ang problema niyo. Huwag kayong mag-alala. Bibigyan ko kayo
ng lugar na matitirhan." Sabi ng matanda.

"Really?" Masayang sabi ko.

"Oo naman." Ngumiti siya sa akin.

"Thank you so much, sir." Sabi ko. Dahil sa excitement ko napayakap ako kay Tristan
mula sa likod niya. "Mahal, did you hear that? Meron na tayong place na
matutuluyan."

Lumingon sa akin si Tristan at ngumiti. Then tumingin siya sa lalaki. "Salamat,

sir."

The car stopped in front of a big wooden gate. Bumusina siya ng dalawang beses and
two guards opened the gate. Pumasok ang kotse sa loob. Makikita sa loob ang malawak
na taniman.

"Good evening, senor." Bati ng guard.

Ngumiti ang matandang lalaki at tinanguan ang mga guard.

Kasing laki yata ng subdivision ang buong place niya. Nadaanan din namin ang mga
cows, goats, horses at kung anu-ano pang mga farm animals. It took us about ten
minutes na pagdrive bago kami nakarating sa dulo kung nasaan ang mansion. We were
greeted by another set of guards.

Hininto niya ang kotse sa harap ng mansion. We got out of the car at pinapasok niya
kami sa bahay niya.
"Daddy!" Tumakbo palapit sa matandang lalaki ang isang babae. She was wearing pink
plaid shirt tied in a knot at the bottom, skinny jeans and brown boots. She really
is pretty and she has the perfect body.

"Hija, I'd like you to meet Andi and Tristan." Sabi ng matandang lalaki. "This is
my daughter Valerie."

She waved at us. "Hello there."

I smiled at her. Tinanguan lang siya ni Tristan.

"Alam mo bang habang nagmamaneho ako papunta dito hinarangan ako ni Elmer at ng mga
kasama niya. Pinababa nila ako sa kotse at tinutukan ng kutsilyo." Kwento niya.

The girl gasped. "Daddy, oh my god! That's so scary. What did he do to you?"

"Mabuti na nga lang wala pang nagagawa ang mga demonyong iyon sa akin dahil
dumating agad si Tristan." He patted Tristan's shoulder.

"Gosh! Thank you so much for saving my father's life." Tumingin ang babae kay
Tristan at niyakap siya. I looked away. I felt a little bit jealous. Sino ba naman
hindi magseselos? A sexy, beautiful woman is hugging my husband. And oh my gosh,
her big boobs... tumatama sa dibdib ni Tristan. I wanted to pull my him away from
her.
"Wala po yun." Sabi ni Tristan sa babae.

"Ano'ng wala. Buhay yun ng ama ko." Nakangiting sabi ng babae. "Thanks so
much." Hinawakan niya ang kamay ni Tristan.

I couldn't help but frown. Talagang kailangan hawakan ang kamay niya
pagmagpapasalamat? Then tumingin siya sa akin. "Andi, right?"

I just noddded my head.

"Magkapatid kayo?" Valerie asked.

"Asawa ko siya." Umakbay sa akin si Tristan. Napangiti ako. Hah! In your face!

"Oh." Valerie nodded her head.

"Halika na, sa mesa na tayo magkuwentuhan. Nagpahanda na ako ng makakain." Aya ng

matandang lalaki.

Sumunod kami sa kanya sa dining room. There were lots of food sa table. Akala mo
may fiesta. We sat at the table and ate.

"Daddy, I think you should hire Tristan na maging bodyguard mo. Para hindi na
maulit ang nangyari sa'yo." Sabi ni Valerie.
Tumango-tango ang matanda. "Yes, that's a good idea. Kung papayag ka, hijo."

"Oo naman, sir. Hindi ko tatanggihan yun." Sabi ni Tristan.

"Now, hindi na ako mag-aalala kasi alam kong may nagbabantay sa'yo." Yumakap si
Valerie sa daddy niya. I sighed, bigla ko tuloy na miss si daddy.

"Tristan, take good care of my daddy, ha?" Malambing na sabi ni Valerie. Ugh! She's
flirting with my husband!

Nginitian lang siya ni Tristan.

"Ano bang trabaho mo dati?" Tanong ni Valerie.

"Photographer ako dati, ma'am."

"Wow, that's so cool." Manghang sabi niya. Oh come on! Ngayon ka lang nakakita ng
photographer. I really wanted to roll my eyes. "Please, huwag mo na akong tawaging
ma'am. Just call me Valerie."

"Okay, Valerie." Sabi ni Tristan.

"That's more like it." She smiled sweetly.

Tanong ng tanong sa kanya si Valerie habang kumakain kami. It's almost like sila
lang dalawa ang magkasama. Halos sila lang dalawa ang nag-uusap. Sa sobrang inis ko
hindi ako nakakain mabuti. I just played with my food. Subukan lang ni Tristan
patulan ang kalandian ng babaeng yan. I swear to God, itutusok ko sa male part niya
itong hawak kong tinidor.

"Ipahahatid ko kayo sa driver ko sa tutuluyan niyo." Sabi ni sir Jaime after we

finished our meal. Ah! Finally, makakalayo na kami Valerie na iyon.

"Daddy, ako na lang ang maghahatid sa kanila." Sabi ni Valerie. Oh god, no!

"Are you sure, hija?" Tanong ng matanda.

"Oo naman, dad. Sa loob lang naman yun ng hacienda." Sagot niya.

"Ikaw ang bahala. Kakausap ko pa ang ninong Dante mo para makapagsampa na ako ng
kaso sa Elmer na yun." Sabi ni sir Jaime bago tumayo sa mesa.

Nagpasalamat kami sa kanya bago siya umalis.

"Halika na, hatid ko na kayo sa bago niyong bahay." Sabi ni Valerie.

Tumayo si Valerie at sumunod kami ni Tristan.

"Mahal, may problema ba?" Umakbay sa akin si Tristan. I brushed his hand off my
shoulder. Inirapan ko siya.

"Bakit ba?" Tanong ni Tristan. Hindi ako sumagot.

"Hop in, guys." Nakangiting sabi ni Valerie bago siya pumasok sa pink car niya.
Kinuha ni Tristan ang kamay ko at hinatak ako. Binuksan niya ang pinto sa likod ng
kotse at pinapasok ako doon. He sat sa front, next to Valerie. Her car smells like
strawberry.

"Oh, you'll like the people there. Mababait silang lahat." Sabi ni Valerie habang
nagda-drive. "Kilala ko silang lahat dahil sila ang kasama kong lumaki."

Tahimik lang akong nakaupo sa likod at naka-cross ang arms ko habang nakikinig ako
sa usapan nila.

I couldn't wait to get out her car. Kaya paghinto pa lang kotse binuksan ko na ang
pinto at lumabas dun.

"Mahal." Hinawakan ako ni Tristan sa kamay. "What's wrong?"

Hindi pa rin ako sumagot.

"Come on, guys." Aya ni Valerie.

He kissed me on the cheek before grabbing me by the wrist. Para kaming nasa isang
maliit na village na may magkakatabing mga bahay kubo. May mga tindahan sa labas ng
bahay, may mga batang naglalaro at mga taong nagkakasiyahan. Everyone knew Valerie
and they all greeted her.

"Pinatayo talaga ito ng daddy ko para sa mga nagtatrabaho dito sa hacienda." Sabi
ni Valerie habang naglalakad kami. "Everybody loves daddy dahil sobrang bait niya.
Minsan nga lang may mga umaabuso."

Huminto kami sa isang bahay. "Tadaaa! Ito na ang bagong bahay niyo."

"Salamat, Valerie. Salamat sa inyo ni sir Jaime." Sabi ni Tristan.

"Kulang pa ito sa ginawa mong tulong sa daddy ko." Sabi ni Valerie. Nagpaalam na
rin siya pagkatapos nun.

Pumasok kami sa loob ng bahay kubo. It's kind of small pero sapat lang naman yun
para sa amin. Tela lang na nakasabit sa paligid ng kama ang tumatakip sa "bedroom",
may maliit na sink din doon na hugasan ng mga plato, sa tabi naman ay meron kalan
at kung lalakad ka ng konti may square na table na gawa sa kawayan at dalawang
upuan.

"Mahal ko..." Yumakap mula sa likod ko si Tristan. "Galit ka ba?"

"She likes you." Sabi ko.

"Eh ano naman? Ikaw ang mahal ko." Sabi niya.

"Maganda siya." Mahinang sabi ko. Yes, I am insecure!

"Mas maganda ka." He buried his face on my neck. "Nagseselos ang mahal ko."

"Baka magustuhan mo din siya." I pouted.

"Hindi mangyayari yun dahil masyado akong in love sa'yo para tumingin pa sa ibang
babae. Mahal na mahal kita, Andi."

I smiled. "Prove it."

"You want me to prove it huh?" His hands went inside my shirt. "How, Andi? Tell
me."

"Make love to me." I said.

His hands slowly made their way to my breasts and squeezed it lightly. "I missed
your boobs."

"Valerie has bigger-"

"Shh! Huwag kang magbabanggit ng pangalan ng ibang babae while I make love to
you." He whispered. "Wala akong gusto sa kanya, naiintindihan mo?"

He squeezed my breasts harder. "Nagkakaintindihan ba tayo?"

"Uh... yes." I moaned.

Tinaas niya ang shirt ko at hinubad yun. He unhooked my bra and let it fall to the
ground. Hinarap niya ako sa kanya at bumaba ang ulo niya sa dibdib ko. He began
sucking my breast while his hand played with the the other. It's been weeks since
the last time we had made love. Napayakap ako sa ulo niya.

Binuhat niya ako at dinala sa kama. Hinubad niya ang shirt niya pati ang pantalon
at briefs niya. Sinunod niya ang pang-ibaba ko at ang underwear ko. He opened my
legs and touched my slit. His fingers rubbed my sensitive spot. I gasped as his
fingers pinched it.

I was about to scream in pleasure when he covered my mouth with his. I whipered
when his tongue pushed into my mouth. I felt him push one finger inside of me, then
slid it out.

"You're so wet..." He murmured against my mouth. And he is so hard. Nararamdaman ko

iyon sa tiyan ko.
He bent me over and positioned himself behind me. He started thrusting in and out
of me. We had never tried this position before and God, it feels so good. I can
feel him deeper than he had ever been.

"Uhh... Andi, mahal ko..." He groaned.

Napasubsob ako sa unan at umungol.

"Mmm... T-tristan..." I cried. My walls clenched around his thick shaft. All I
could do was moan.

"Andi, I'm coming!" He moaned. After a few thrust, he shot his load inside me. I
felt him twitch inside me. We stayed still for a moment before he pulled his shaft
and laid beside me.

"Love you." Malambing na sabi niya bago niya ako hinatak papunta sa dibdib niya.

"I love you, too."

"Hi, ako nga pala si Emma." A middle-aged woman waved at me ng makalabas ako sa
bahay. I smiled at her.

"Hello po. Good morning." Magalang na sabi ko.

"Magandang araw din sa'yo. Kapit bahay niyo ako. Nakatira lang kami d'yan sa tabi
ng bahay niyo." Sabi niya. "Saan nga pala kayo galing?"

"Sa Manila po." Sagot ka.

"Ah, ganon ba. Alam mo nanirahan rin kami ng asawa ko noon sa Maynila pero di namin
kinaya ang hirap ng buhay doon." Kwento niya. "Mas masaya dito. Tahimik, sariwa ang
hangin pati ang mga pagkain."

"Oo nga po." I agreed. Malayo na kami sa magulong buhay namin sa Manila. It's nice
and peaceful here.

"Ano ba ang trabaho ng asawa mo dito sa hacienda?" Tanong niya.

"Bodyguard po ni sir Jaime." Sabi ko.

"Ang swerte niyo. Talagang napakabait ni senor Jaime."

"Eh si Valerie po?" Na curious ako tungkol sa kanya. I wanted to know if dapat ba
akong mabahala sa kanya.

"Hindi naman sa naninira ako ah. Pero may pagkasutil ang batang iyon. Kung ano ang
gusto niya iyon ang masusunod. Anak mayaman kasi kaya spoiled." Sabi ni Emma. "Uy,
satin lang iyon."

Ngumiti ako at tumango.

Lumabas si Tristan sa bahay at umakbay sa akin. Halatang bagos gising siya.

"Good morning, mahal." Humalik siya sa pisngi ko.

"Si aling Emma nga pala, mahal. She's our neighbor." Sabi ko.

"Good morning po." Magalang na bati ni Tristan.

"Bagay na bagay kayo ng asawa mo. Ang gwapo't ang ganda. Swerte ang magiging anak
niyo niyan." Sabi ni aling Emma. "Gaano katagal na ba kayong kasal?"
"Magdadalawang buwan na ho." Sagot ni Tristan.

"Mga bagong kasal pala kayo. Kaya pala kagabi ang ingay-" Napahinto siya sa
sasabihin niya at napahawak sa bibig. Oh my god, they heard us? I can already feel
my cheeks burning. "Ano ba 'tong bibig ko!"

Natawa lang si Tristan. "Pasensya na ho."

"Naku, wala sa amin yun. Normal yun sa mag-asawa." Tinapik ako sa braso ni aling
Emma. "Wala kang dapat ikahiya. Ginagawa din namin yun ng asawa ko."

Pinakilala sa amin ni aling Emma ang lahat ng kapit bahay namin at sobrang friendly
at bait nilang lahat. Inimbitahan pa nga kami ni aling Sonia sa kasiyahan mamayang
gabi dahil birthday niya.

Nang gabi ding iyon, pumunta kami sa kasiyahan. Everybody was there. We sat around
the bonfire. Para kaming nagcacamping. Nageenjoy ang lahat sa pagsayaw at
pagkukuwentuhan. Natahimik ang lahat ng maglabas ng guitar ang asawa ni aling Sonia
at nagsimulang kumanta. Everybody was silent as we listen to him sing.

Ikaw at ako, pinagtagpoNag-usap ang ating pusoNagkasundong magsama

habangbuhay.Nagsumpaan sa MaykapalWalang iwanan, tag-init o tag-ulanHaharapin bawat
unos na mag-daan.

Sana’y di magmaliw ang pagtinginKaydaling sabihin , kayhirap gawinSa mundong walang

katiyakanSabay natin gawing kahapon ang bukas.

Ikaw at ako, pinag-isaTayong dalwa may kanya kanyaSa isa’t-isa tayo ay sumasandal

Bawat hangad kayang abutinSa pangamba’y di paaalipinBasta’t ikaw, akoTayo

magpakailanman.
Kung minsan ay di ko nababanggitPag-ibig ko’y di masukatNg anumang lambingAt kung
magkamali akong ika’y saktanPuso mo ba’y handang magpatawad

Di ko alam ang gagawin kung mawala kaBuhay ko’y may kahulugantuwing ako’y iyong
hagkanUmabot man sating huling hantunganKapit-puso kitang hahayaanNgayon at
kailanmanIkaw at ako.

Tristan's arms were wrapped tightly around me. Sinubsob ko ang mukha ko sa kanya. I
found myself biting my lower lips to keep myself from crying. The song just hits so
close to home. It reminds me of everthing that we had been through.

=================

Chapter Twenty Eight

Tristan and I are getting along with everyone. Hindi kami nahirapan mag-adjust
dahil madali rin naman pakisamahan ang mga bagong kapit-bahay namin. Nakaupo kami
ni aling Sonia sa mahabang silya sa labas ng bahay habang tinuturuan niya ako
magburda para naman may pagkaabalahan ako. Sa di-kalayuan, si Tristan naman ay
nakikipagkuwentuhan sa mga lalaking kasama niya.

Pag-angat ng mukha ko nakita ko ang pink car ni Valerie na paparating. It stopped

in front of us.

"Himala, nandito na naman si senorita." Bulong ni aling Sonia.

Bumaba si Valerie at kumaway sa akin. "Hi, Andie." Nakangiting bati niya.

Napilitan din akong ngumiti. "Hi..."

"Si Tristan?" Tanong niya. Bigla nawala ang ngiti ko. Ano na naman ba ang kailangan
ng babaeng ito sa asawa ko?

She looked around at nakita niya si Tristan. "Oh, there he is!" Tinalikuran niya
ako at mabilis na lumapit kay Tristan. Nang makita siya ng asawa ko, lumapit agad
si Tristan sa kanya.

Naiinis ako nakikita ko pa lang silang nag-uusap. Look at her smiling like an idiot
while she talks to my husband. What are they talking about kaya? And she really
needs to stop touching my man. It's so annoying. Talaga bang kailangan hawakan niya
sa braso, sa cheeks at kung saan-saan parte ang asawa ko habang kinakausap niya?

"Ouch!" Sigaw ko ng matusok ng karayom ang daliri ko.

"Mag-ingat ka kasi. Kung saan-saan ka tumitingin." Sabi ni aling Sonia.

Hindi ko matanggal ang mga mata ko sa kanila. May tiwala ako sa asawa ko pero sa
babaeng yan WALA! Pagkatapos nilang mag-usap lumapit sa akin si Tristan.

"Mahal, pinapatawag ako ni senor Jaime." Paalam niya sa akin.

"Go." I said.

He chuckled. Lumuhod siya sa harap ko at pinisil ang mukha ko. "Kiss mo muna ako
bago ako umalis."
"Ano ka ba? Nakakahiya." Mahinang sabi ko.

"Sige na, isa lang." Pilit niya.

"Ikaw lalaki ka, akala mo isang taon mong hindi makikita itong asawa mo." Tumawa si
aling Sonia.

"Aling Sonia, sabihin mo nga sa masungit na asawa ko na halikan na ako nang

makaalis na." Tristan said with his paawa face.

"O, halikan mo na nga yan ng makaalis na." Sabi ni aling Sonia.

"Tristan, let's go." Lumapit sa amin si Valerie.

Tristan gave me a quick peck on the lips. "Kailangan ko na umalis, mahal ko."

Bago siya tumayo hinawakan ko ang mukha niya. "Be a good boy." Pasimpleng sabi ko.

"Hindi mo na ako kailangan paalalahanan. Good boy naman ako." He smiled. "I love
you, mahal."
"I love you, too." Sabi ko.

Tumayo siya at humarap kay Valerie.

"Let's go?" Sabi ni Valerie at tumango si Tristan. "Bye, Andi. Don't worry ako ang
bahala dito sa asawa mo." She gave me a sweet smile bago siya kumapit sa braso ni
Tristan.

Hindi ako nakasagot. Gusto kong hatakin si Tristan palayo sa kanya pero wala akong
nagawa. Pinanood ko lang sila na sumakay ng kotse at umalis. Ganun ba ka-importante
ang asawa ko sa daddy niya na kailangan siya pa mismo ang magsundo sa kanya? Noong
una iniisip ko na naiinsecure lang ako sa kanya pero ngayon naniniwala na talaga
akong gusto niya ang asawa ko.

"Mukhang masyadong magaan ang loob ni senorita sa asawa mo." Pansin ni aling Sonia.
Hindi lang pala ako ang nakakahalata. Pati pala ibang tao.

Hindi ako mapakali habang naghihintay kay Tristan. Naiinis ako tuwing iisip kong
posibleng kasama niya si Valerie ngayon. Gabi na ng marinig ko ang paparating na
kotse at agad akong dumungaw sa bintana. Ang pink car ni Valerie ang nakita ko.

Bumaba si Tristan at pinagbuksan niya ng pinto si Valerie.

"Salamat, Val." Sabi ni Tristan. Aba! May pa-Val Val na siya ngayon!
"No, problem." She flashed her pearly white teeth. "Pupunta si daddy bukas sa
kabilang bayan, daaanan na lang kita bukas."

"Nakakahiya naman. Ako na lang pupunta sa inyo." Tanggi ni Tristan.

Hinawakan ni Valerie ang kamay niya. "Nahihiya ka pa sakin? Akala ko ba magkaibigan

na tayo?"

"Oo nga pero..." Binawi ni Tristan ang kamay niya. "Ang dami niyo nang natulong sa
amin ng asawa ko. Ayoko naman isipin niyo na umaabuso kami."

"Ano ka ba kahit kailan hindi ko inisip yun. Ako naman ang nag-alok di ba?" She
touched Tristan's face. Hindi na ako nakatiis. I can't just watch and let that
woman touch my husband.

"Mahal ko, nandyan ka na pala." Pareho silang napatingin sa akin nang magsalita
ako. Umalis ako sa bintana para lumabas sa bahay at nilapitan ko sila.

He put his hand around my waist. I grabbed his head and kissed him hard in front of
Valerie. Hindi naman ako pinigilan ni Tristan. Gusto kong ipakita sa kanya na akin
lang ang asawa ko. I heard her clear her throat.

I pulled away from the kiss and looked at Valerie. I gave her a wry smile. "Good
evening, Valerie."

"Good evening." Pilit ang ngiting sabi niya. Tumingin siya kay Tristan. "Well, I
better go now."
"Salamat ulit." Sabi ni Tristan at tumango lang si Valerie bago sumakay sa kotse
niya. Pagkaalis na pagkaalis ng babaeng yun kinurot ko si Tristan sa tagiliran.

"Aray, mahal." Kinuha niya ang kamay ko.

"May Val ka pang nalalaman!" Binawi ko ang kamay ko at lumayo sa kanya.

Narinig ko siyang tumawa bago ako hinatak pabalik sa kanya. "Nagseselos na naman ba
ang mahal ko?"

"Hinahayaan mong hawak-hawakan ka lang ng babaeng iyon." Galit na sabi ko.

"Mahal ko, umiiwas naman ako hangga't maaari." Paliwanag niya.

"Are you with her the whole day?"

"Si sir Jaime ang kasama ko buong araw. Nagsampa siya ng kaso sa mga lalaking
nangharang sa kanya."

I finally calmed down sa sinabi niya. He cupped my face in his hands and looked
into my eyes.
"Wala ka bang tiwala sakin?" Seryosong tanong niya.

"Meron kaso... I'm scared na baka maagaw ka niya sa akin." Pag-aamin ko.

"Hindi mangyayari yun. Sayong-sayo lang ako, mahal ko. Pa-kiss nga." Hinatak niya
ako at hinalikan sa labi.

"Kumain ka na ba?" Tanong ko nang maghiwalay ang mga labi namin.

"Hindi pa. Inaaya nga ako ni sir Jaime kanina kaso ikaw ang gusto kong kasabay
maghapunan."

"Hinintay din kita kaya di na muna ako kumain. Let's go inside na." Aya ko sa
kanya.

"Mamaya, yung dessert ko ah." Pilyong sabi niya.

Tristan's POV
 Nagising ako sa tunog ng cellphone at agad kong inabot iyon mula sa ilalim ng
unan. Pilit kong dinilat ang mga mata ko at sinagot ang telepono. Wala naman ibang
tatawag dun kung hindi si sir Jaime. Binigyan niya ako ng cellphone para di na daw
siya mahirapan kontakin ako kapag kailangan niya ako.

"Tristan." Narinig ko ang boses ng matanda sa kabilang linya.

"Sir Jaime, magandang umaga." Sabi ko.

"Magandang umaga rin sa'yo. Maghanda ka at may pupuntahan tayo ngayon." Sabi niya.

"Opo, sir." Sagot ko naman.

Pagkatapos namin mag-usap ni sir Jaime ay ibinaba ko na ang cellphone. Dahan-dahan

kong inangat ang ulo ni Andi na nakaunan sa braso ko at maingat na ibinaba sa unan.
Gumalaw siya at niyakap ang unan ngunit hindi siya nagising.

Hinalikan ko siya sa noo bago ako pumunta sa banyo at naligo. Ilang linggo pa lang
kami dito at marami na kaming naging kaibigan. Tama nga si Valerie talagang
mababait ang mga tao dito. Tahimik rin ang lugar at walang gulo hindi katulad sa
Maynila. Pwede na kaming manirahan dito habang buhay. Dito na kami bubuo ng
pamilya, magpapalaki ng mga anak namin at tatanda. Hindi kami magugutom dito dahil
nagkalat ang sari-saring tanim ng mga gulay at puno sa buong hacienda.

Pagkatapos kong maligo agad akong nagsuot ng damit. Binigyan kami ni sir Jaime ng
pera pangbili ng mga damit at iba pang mga gamit na kailangan namin dahil nga wala
kaming nadala kahit ano nang umalis kami sa Maynila.

"Mahal, aalis ka?" Bumangon si Andi mula sa kama. Naghagilap siya ng damit at ng
makita niya ang tshirt ko sa tabi ng kama ay sinuot niya iyon.

"Oo, pinapatawag ako ni sir Jaime." Sabi ko.

"Gusto mo munang kumain?" Tanong niya. Lumapit siya sa akin at yumakap mula sa
likod ko.

"Hindi na. Nakakahiya naman kay sir kung paghihintayin ko pa siya." Sabi ko.

"Okay, kumain ka dun ah. Don't skip breakfast."

"Opo, ma'am." Pabirong sabi ko bago humarap sa kanya. "Kailangan ko na umalis."

"Bye, mahal ko. I love you." Sabi niya bago ako dinampian ng halik sa labi.

"I love you, too."

Lumabas na ako sa bahay at naglakad papunta sa mansyon. Ilang beses akong inalok ni
Valerie na magsundo at maghatid sa akin ngunit tinatanggihan ko yun. Ayokong may
masabi ang ibang mga tao, lalo na si sir Jaime at isa pa nagseselos si Andi sa
kanya. Hindi rin naman kalayuan ang mansyon, siguro aabutin lang ng mga sampung
minutong paglalakad lang mula sa bahay hanggang sa mansyon.

"Hi, Tristan!" Malambing na bati ni Valerie. "Ang aga mo."

"Pinatawag kasi ako ng daddy mo." Sabi ko.

"Ah ganun ba? Halika, samahan mo kaming magbreakfast." Hinawakan ako ni Valerie sa
kamay at hinatak papunta sa dining room. Nakaupo si sir Jaime sa dulo ng mahabang
mesa habang kumakain at nagbabasa ng dyaryo.

"Daddy, nandito na si Tristan." Sabi ni Valerie.

Napaangat ng tingin sa akin si sir Jaime at ngumiti. "O, hijo, saluhan mo muna kami
sa agahan."

"Salamat na lang ho, sir." Nahihiyang sabi ko.

"Hindi ka pwedeng tumanggi kay daddy, right dad?" Tumingin siya sa ama.

"Oo nga naman. Maupo ka dito." Sabi ni sir Jaime.

Sinunod ko na lang siya. Umupo ako sa bandang kaliwa ng mesa at umupo naman si
Valerie sa harap ko. Nag-usap kaming tatlo habang kumakain sa mesa. Talagang
napalapit ang loob ko sa mag-amang dahil sa kabaitan nila. Minsan nga lang may
pagka-spoiled talaga si Valerie pero tolerable naman, minsan naman nakakatuwa siya
kasama at kakuwentuhan.

Nang matapos kaming kumain nag-aya na si sir Jaime na umalis.

"Daddy, saan kayo pupunta?" Tanong ni Valerie.

"Sa kumpare kong si Carlos sa kabilang bayan. Inimbitahan niya ako dahil birthday
ng anak niya." Sabi ni sir Jaime.

"Oh, daddy can I come?"

"Hindi na, mababagot ka na naman at mag-aaya ka na naman umuwi." Sagot ng ama niya.

"Daddy, di ako mabobored dahil kasama naman si Tristan. Saka baka mabored din si
Tristan wala naman siyang kilala dun." Dahilan ni Valerie.

"Okay, sige na. Pero huwag ka na magrereklamo o mag-aayang umuwi agad."

"Okay, I'll just get my bag." Sabi niya bago umalis para kuhanin ang bag niya sa
taas.
Pagkaraan ng halos dalawangpung minuto ay sa wakas bumaba na rin ang anak ni sir
Jaime. Nag-ayos pa pala si Valerie. Nagsuot siya maikling palda na kulay puti at
pink na spaghetti strapped na pang-itaas habang dala-dala niya ang pink na bag
niya. Siguro kung kukulayan niya ng blonde ang itim na itim na buhok niya
magmumukha na siyang barbie doll.

"Let's go?" Nakangiting tanong niya pagbaba sa hagdan.

Umikot ang mga mata ni sir Jaime at napasimangot. "Buti naman at naisipan mo pang
bumaba."

"Sorry, daddy. I have to look pretty. Ayokong mapahiya ka sa mga friends

mo." Humagikgik si Valerie.

"O, siya, siya umalis na tayo." Sabi na lang ni sir Jaime.

Lumabas na kami sa mansyon at sumakay sa kotse. Ako ang nagmaneho ng kotse habang
si sir Jaime ay nasa tabi ko at si Valerie naman ang nakaupo sa likod. Huminto kami
sa isang simpleng bahay na may dalawang palapag at malawak na bakuran. Sa bakuran
na iyon ay maraming taong nagkakasiyahan. May mga nagkakaraoke, kumakain at
umiinom.

Ibinaba ni sir Jaime ang bintana ng kotse at lumapit ang isang lalaki. "Jaime,
pare! Buti naman at nakadalo ka."

"Syempre, alam mo naman na hindi ako makaka-hindi sa'yo." Sagot niya. "Kasama ko
nga pala itong si Tristan at ang anak kong si Valerie."
Kumaway sa akin ang lalaki at tumingin sa likod kung nasaan si Valerie. "Yan na ba
ang anak mo? Ang laki na ah. Huling beses na nakita ko yan ang liit pa niya."

"Oo nga, himala ngang sumama sa akin yan dito." Si sir Jaime.

Bumaba kami sa kotse at napilitan makihalubilo sa mga nagkakasiyahan. Inalok kami

ng makakain, kakakain lang namin sa mansyon kaya tumanggi ako ganun din si Valerie.
Si sir Jaime naman ay nakipag-inuman sa mga kaibigan niya.

"Hey, watch it!" Inis na sabi ni Valerie ng mabangga siya ng nagtatakbuhang mga
bata. "Ugh! I wanna get out of here. Umalis na nga tayo dito."

"Hindi ba sabi mo kay sir Jaime hindi ka magpapauwi?" Sabi ko.

"Hindi naman ako magpapauwi. May mall na malapit dito." Ngumiti siya sa akin.

"Tanong mo muna ang daddy mo, baka pag umalis tayo bigla tayong hanapin." Sabi ko.

Lumapit siya kay sir Jaime para magpaalam. Nakangiti siyang bumalik sa kinatatayuan
ko at alam ko na agad na pumayag ang matanda.

"Pumayag na si daddy." Masayang sabi niya.

Sumakay kami sa kotse at ako ulit ang nagmaneho. Itinuro niya sa akin ang direksyon
papunta sa mall.

"Tignan mo 'to, Tristan. Bagay sa'yo ito." Itinapat niya sa katawan ko ang isang
itim na polo shirt. "You want this?"

"Uhm, hindi ko kailangan yan." Sabi ko.

"Sige na, treat ko naman." Pilit niya.

"Huwag na." Kinuha ko sa kanya ang polo shirt at ibinalik sa rack.

"Sige na! Please, pumayag ka na." Pagmamakaawa niya. "Basta, ibibili ko ang shirt
na yun para sa'yo. Dagdag pogi points yun."

"Hindi ko na kailangan yun. Mas gusto ni Andi pag wala akong suot." Biro ko.

"Ay ganun? You're so naughty ah." Natatawang sabi niya. "I can't blame your wife. I
bet you really look good naked."

Tumawa na lang din ako sa sinabi niya. Lumabas kami sa botique na iyon at namasyal.
"You know, Tristan, I really like you." Pag-amin niya sa akin habang naglalakad
kami. "Ang gaang talaga ng loob ko sa'yo una pa lang kitang nakita."

Hindi ako nakapagsalita, Ano ba ang dapat kong sabihin? Sa totoo lang, magaan din
ang loob ko kay Valerie kahit na may pagka-brat siya. Hindi ko naman masasabing
gusto ko siya pero nakakatuwa siyang kasama. Alam kong si Andi ang mahal ko at
kahit kailan hindi magbabago iyon.

"Do you love your wife?" Tanong niya.

"Mahal na mahal." Agad na sagot ko.

"Ang swerte niya naman."

"Ako nga ang maswerte sa kanya. Si Andi lang ang nagpakita at nagturo sa akin kung
paano magmahal." Hindi ko maiwasang mapangiti habang sinasabi ko iyon.

"Gosh! Stop it! Lalo lang kitang nagugustuhan sa mga sinasabi mo." Bumuntong-
hininga siya.

Tumawa ako. "Balang-araw may darating din para sayo... iyon ay kung babawasan mo
ang pagiging mataray mo. Sige ka, baka tumanda kang dalaga niyan."

"Ha-ha!" Sarkastikong sabi niya bago ako inirapan.

Pagkatapos niyang mamasyal at nakapamili na siya ng mga bagong damit ay nag-aya ng
bumalik si Valerie sa daddy niya at tamang-tama naman ang dating namin dahil nag-
aya na rin si sir Jaime na umuwi.

Pag-uwi ko nadatnan ko si Andi na nasa kama at himbing na himbing sa pagtulog. Ang

aga naman matulog ng mahal ko hindi man lang ako hinintay. Humiga ako sa tabi niya
at hinatak siya palapit sa akin. Yumakap siya sa akin at ipinikit ko na ang mga
mata ko.

=================

Chapter Twenty Nine

Andi's POV

Argh! Gosh! Bakit di na magkasya itong shorts na ito. Kabibili lang namin ni
Tristan nito. Tinignan ko ang label sa likod ng shorts baka nagkamali kami ng size
na binili pero tama naman. Twenty four. Pinilit kong isara ang butones pero ayaw
talaga.

"Mahal ko, ano'ng ginagawa mo?" Tanong ni Tristan ng makita ako.

"Hindi kasya sa akin itong shorts." Maktol ko.

Lumapit siya sa akin at sinubukan isara ang shorts ko, "Hiyang na hiyang ka kasi sa
mga pagkain dito kaya tumataba ka na." Natatawang sabi niya. "Yung bestida na lang
na binili natin ang isuot mo."

We both gave up! Hindi na talaga kasya sa akin. Nagsuot na lang ako ng simpleng
dress at sinuklay ang buhok ko sa harap ng salamin. I looked at my body in the
mirror. I DID gain weight. Hindi ko kasi mapigil ang kumain. Ang sarap kasi ng mga
pagkain dito, especially yung mga fruits.

Na concious tuloy ako. I used to be conscious about being too thin. Ngayon, I'm
worried I might get fat. Kasi naman si Valerie, she's so skinny. If I get fat baka
magustuhan ni Tristan si Valerie. No, stop it, brain! Sabi ni Tristan ako lang ang
mahal niya. Sabi niya ako lang ang babaeng mamahalin niya. Naniniwala ako kay
Tristan.

"Mahal, am I really fat?" Tanong ko sa kanya. Nakaupo siya sa maliit na mesa and he
was having his breakfast.

Binitawan niya ang hawak niyang baso na kape at tumingin sa akin. His eyes examined
my body. Matagal niya akong tinignan bago sumagot. "You're the sexiest woman I've
ever seen."

"Binobola mo na ko." I said irritated. Hinatak niya ang isang kamay ko hanggang
mapaupo ako sa kandungan niya.

"Sexy ka nga." Yumakap siya sa akin.

"What if tumaba ako ng tumaba... would you still love me?" Tanong ko.

"Bakit ba conscious na conscious ka sa katawan mo?" He nuzzled his nose against my

neck.
"You can't even answer my question!" Galit na sabi ko. Pilit kong tinanggal ang
kamay niya na nakapulupot sa akin.

Tumawa lang siya at hinigpitan lalo ang yakap. "Hindi ka nga mataba at saka ano
naman kung tumaba ka? Mamahalin kita kahit ikaw ang pinakamatabang babae sa mundo,
because I love you just the 'weigh' you are. Get it? Weigh."

"Mahal ko, ang corny mo talaga." Hindi ko na napigilan ang matawa.

"O, di ba, napatawa kita." He gave me a kiss on the cheek. "Kumain ka na, mahal.
Huwag ka magda-diet ah. Alam mo kahit ano pang kilo mo ikaw lang ang babaeng
titignan ko."

Sinubuan niya ako ng pandesal. I smiled at him before taking a bite.

Pagkatapos kumain napatingin siya sa relo niya. "Mahal, kailangan ko na umalis. May
pupuntahan kami ni sir Jaime."

"Kasama niyo si Valerie?" Hindi ko napigilan ang sarili kong magtanong.

Nagkibit-balikat siya. "Ewan ko. Baka."

Napasimangot ako. I tried to control and ignore my jealousy but sometimes I just
can't help it. It's not that I don't trust Tristan, pakiramdam ko kasi gusto siya
ni Valerie.
"O, yan ka na naman eh." He lifted up my chin with his fingers. "Ilang beses ko
bang kailangan sabihin sa'yo na hindi ka dapat magselos."

"I'm not jealous." Nag-iwas ako ng tingin sa kanya.

"Kunwari ka pa. Ang cute cute talaga ng mahal ko kapag nagseselos."

"I said, I'm not jealous." Inis na ulit ko.

"Okay, hindi na." He pinched my nose. "Ba't ba ang init ng ulo mo ngayon?"

"Hindi mainit ang ulo ko." Sumimangot ako.

He laughed. "Sige, sabi mo eh. Alis na ko, bye mahal."

He gave me a hug and a quick kiss on the lips before leaving.

Tristan's POV

Hindi sumama si Valerie sa pupuntahan namin dahil dumating ang mga kaibigan niya na
galing pa sa Maynila. Bago kami umalis, nagpapitas pa si sir Jaime ng mga bulaklak
galing sa hardin nila. Lihim akong napangiti, mukhang aakyat pa yata ng ligaw ang
matanda.

Tinuro ni sir Jaime ang direksyon sa pupuntahan namin hanggang sa patigilin niya
ang kotse sa harap ng sementeryo. Mataas ang lugar kaya kitang-kita ang kagandahan
ng buong probinsya. Makikita mula dito ang berdeng-berdeng mga burol at kapag
tumingin ka naman sa baba makikita mo ang asul na lawa.

"Hijo, gusto mo bang sumama sa akin?" Tanong ni sir Jaime.

"Sige po, sir." Sagot ko.

Bumaba kami ng kotse at pumasok sa sementeryo. Tahimik ang lugar at walang tao.
Naglakad kami ng konti bago huminto sa isang puntod. Ipinatong niya ang bulaklak
doon at umupo. Rebecca Callanta-Zamora, iyon ang pangalan na nakaukit doon.

"May bagong bisita ka ngayon." Nakangiting sabi ni sir Jaime habang nakatingin sa
puntod. "Kasama ko itong si Tristan. Siya ang nagligtas ng buhay ko. Hindi pa kasi
kita pwedeng samahan d'yan dahil kailangan pa ako ng bunso natin. Hay, Becca, tama
ka nga sa sinabi mo noon na namana ni Valerie ang katigasan ng ulo niya sa akin."

"Ang anak kaya natin na si Dominic, kumusta na kaya siya? Sana naman naging maganda
ang buhay niya. Hindi pa rin ako tumitigil sa paghahanap sa panganay natin. Mabubuo
din ang pamilya natin, hindi ba ipinangako ko sa'yo yun?" Nagsimula siyang magsindi
ng kandila at nagdasal pagkatapos. "Becca, kailangan ko ng umalis. Dadalawin na
lang ulit kita."

Tumayo na si sir Jaime at sumunod ako sa kanya pabalik sa kotse. Nakakatuwa isip na
kahit wala na ang asawa niya hindi pa rin nawawala ang pagmamahal ni sir Jaime para
sa kanya.

Bumalik na kami sa hacienda pagkagaling sa sementeryo.

"Daddy..." Sinalubong agad kami ni Valerie pagkapasok sa mansyon kasunod niya ang
tatlo pa niyang kaibigan na babae.

"Oh my god, he's really hot pala talaga." Bulong ng isang babaeng katabi ni
Valerie. Siniko niya ito ng mahina.

"What is it, sweetheart?" Tanong ni sir Jaime.

"Can we borrow, Tristan? Magpapasama lang kami maghorseback riding."

"Bakit hindi si mang Ernie ang isama mo? Yun ang maraming alam sa mga kabayo. Itong
si Tristan galing ito sa Maynila at wala siyang alam sa mga yan." Sabi ni sir
Jaime.

"Dad, may alam din ako sa mga horses. Kailangan lang namin ng magbabantay sa
amin." Si Valerie.
"Mr. Zamora, please let us borrow Tristan. Para kung may maaksidente man sa amin
nandyan siya, right girls?" Sabi ng isa sa mga kaibigan ni Valerie at um-oo naman
ang tatlo.

Tumingin sa akin si sir Jaime. "Okay lang ba, Tristan?"

Sino ba naman ako para hindi-an ang lalaking tumulong sa amin ni Andi. "Ako na pong
bahala sa kanila, sir Jaime."

Ngumiti siya sa akin. "Salamat, hijo. Aakyat na muna ako."

Pagkasabi ay umalis na si sir Jaime.

"My name's Amy." Pakilala ng isang kaibigan ni Valerie.

"I'm Trina."

"And I'm Venus."

"Ako si Tristan." Pormal na sabi ko sa kanila.

"Yeah, we know. Ikaw kaya bukang-bibig nitong si Valerie simula ng dumating kami
dito." Trina giggled.

"Whatever!" Inirapan ni Valerie ang kaibigan. "Ano ba magkukuwentuhan na lang ba

tayo dito or what?"

Naunang lumabas si Valerie, sinundan ko siya at sumunod din ang tatlong babae sa
akin. Sumakay ulit ako sa kotse, sa driver's seat habang si Valerie ay nakaupo sa
tabi ko. Nasa likod naman ang tatlo.

"Ilang taon ka na Tristan?" Inilapit ni Amy ang ulo niya sa akin mula sa likod.

"Twenty-seven." Maikling sagot ko.

"Single?" Si Venus naman ang nagtanong.

"May asawa na ako."

"Seryoso?!" Hindi makapaniwalang sabi ni Venus.

"Yes." Sabi ko.

"Oh, Tristan, you should've waited for me." Sabi naman ni Amy at natawa silang
magkakaibigan.

Hininto ko ang sasakyan sa harap ng kwadra ng kabayo, nag-unahan tumakbo palabas ng

kotse ang apat na babae.

"Tristan, c'mon." Aya sa akin ni Valerie.

Napabuntong-hininga na lang ako bago napilitang bumaba ng kotse.

"Tristan, help me naman oh." Sabi ni Venus. "Tulungan mo akong umakyat sa kabayo."

"Me first, Tristan." Sabi naman ni Amy.

"Nooo. Ako muna!" Sigaw ni Trina. Daig ko pa yata ang nagbebaby sit ng mga bata.
Gusto kong magsisi kung bakit pumayag pa akong samahan ang mga babaeng ito.

Isa-isa ko silang tinulungan sumakay sa kanilang mga kabayo.

"Ikaw? Hindi ka ba sasakay sa kabayo?" Tanong ko kay Valerie na nakahalupkipkip ang

mga kamay.

"No. Sinamahan ko lang naman sila eh." Sabi niya. "Pasensya ka na pala sa kanila.
Alam kong naiinis ka na sa kanila."
"Hindi naman masyado." Tanggi ko.

"Hindi naman masyadong halata?" Natatawang sabi niya.

"Parang ganun na nga." Sabi ko.

Lumabas kami sa kwadra at pinanood ang tatlong babae.

"Pinuntahan na naman ni daddy si mommy kanina, ano?" Tanong ni Valerie.

"Oo, kala ko nga aakyat ng ligaw si sir kanina dahil may bulaklak pang dala."

Ngumiti si Valerie. "Palagi niyang dinadalan ng bulaklak si mommy. Ano na naman

kinuwento ni daddy kay mommy?"

"Matigas daw ulo mo." Sabi ko at tumawa lang si Valerie. "At sabi niya di pa rin
siya tumitigil sa paghahanap kay Dominic."

"Sana mahanap na nga ni daddy si kuya Dominic."

"Ano nga bang nangyari sa kuya mo?" Hindi ko napigilan ang magtanong.

"Hindi ko pa siya nakikita kahit kailan. Sabi ni daddy, two years old pa lang si
kuya Dominic nang mawala siya. Fiesta daw dito noong nangyari iyon maraming bisita
tapos naaliw daw sa pakikipagkuwentuhan yung yaya ni kuya. Nang maalala siya ng
yaya niya wala na siya." Kuwento ni Valerie. Marami siyang naikuwento sa akin
tungkol sa sarili niya at sa pamilya niya. Papalubog na ang araw ng mapagod ang
tatlong babae at mag-ayang umuwi.

"Tristan, ido-drop off ka na lang namin sa inyo tapos ako na magda-drive papunta sa
mansyon." Sabi ni Valerie habang nagmamaneho ako.

"Okay lang sa'yo?" Tanong ko.

"Sure. Para naman makauwi ka na ng diretso."

"Kung gusto mo doon ka na rin matulog sa mansyon, sa tabi ko." Sabi ni Amy.

"Yeah, Tristan, do you wanna sleep with us?" Tanong naman ni Trina.

"Girls, tigilan niyo na nga si Tristan." Saway ni Valerie.

"No, thanks. Mas gusto kong matulog kasama ang asawa ko." Sagot ko kay Trina.
"Aww..." Sabay-sabay na sabi ng tatlong babae.

"Ang faithful mo naman na husband." Sabi ni Venus. "Pwede akin ka na lang?"

Natatawang umiling-iling ako. Ininterview nila ako ng ininterview hanggang sa

makarating na ako sa tapat ng bahay namin. Hay salamat at makakalayo na ako sa mga
babaeng ito. Agad kong nakita si Andi na nakaupo sa labas ng bahay.

"Buh bye, Tristan!" Paalam nila sa akin. Bumaba ako ng kotse at lumapit kay Andi.

"Bakit nandito ka?" Tanong ko sa kanya.

"Tristan!" Napalingon ako ng tawagin ako ni Venus. Nakadungaw siya sa bintana ng

kotse. "Goodnight! Mwah." Nag-flying kiss pa siya.

Biglang tumayo si Andi sa kinauupuan niya at padabog na pumasok sa bahay. Sumunod

ako sa kanya sa loob.

"Mahal, walang ibig sabihin iyon." Agad na sabi ko.

"Bakit? Nagtatanong ba ako?" Walang bahid ng kahit anong emosyon sa mukha niya.
"Mahal naman." Yumakap ako sa kanya.

Tinanggal niya ang mga kamay kong nakapulupot sa baywang niya at lumayo sa akin.

"Mahal huwag ka naman magalit sa akin." Sabi ko.

Tumingin siya sa akin at humugot ng malalim na hininga. "I'm not mad..."

"Hindi ka galit?" Lumapit ako sa kanya at iniharap ang mukha niya sa akin.

Nagbaba siya ng tingin bago yumuko. Yumugyog ang mga balikat niya at humagulgol
siya. I pulled her to my chest and hugged her. Hinagod ko ang likod niya habang
umiiyak siya. Hindi ko alam kung bakit bigla na lang siyang umiyak.

"Mahal, bakit ka ba umiiyak?"

"I don't know." Humihikbing sabi niya.

"Ano'ng 'you don't know'? Pwede ba yun?" Tanong ko.

Tinulak niya ang dibdb ko at pilit kumawala sa pagkakayakap. "Eh, sa hindi ko

alam!"

Ano ba naman itong babaeng ito? Iiyak tapos biglang magsusungit. Naku, kung hindi
ko lang mahal ang babaeng ito.

"Ano bang nangyayari sa'yo?" Nag-aalalang tanong ko.

"Ikaw kasi, nagutom na ako kakahintay sa'yo." Lumabi siya.

Tumawa ako. Gutom lang pala ang mahal ko kaya tinotopak.

"Bakit ka natatawa?" Salubong ang kilay na tanong ni Andi.

Umiling ako. "Lika na nga, kumain na tayo para mawala na yang init ng ulo mo."

Nakahanda na sa la mesa ang niluto ni Andi na adobo. Kumuha ako ng dalawang plato
at kutsara't tinidor at inilipag ko iyon sa mesa. Nagsimula na kaming kumain.

"Stop it!" Bigla siyang sumigaw habang kumakain kami.

"Stop what?" Tanong ko sa kanya.

"Stop chewing so loud. It's annoying." Nakasimangot na sabi niya.

Ganito naman ako kumain noon pa? Ang dami naman napapansin ng babaeng ito.
Nagdahan-dahan na lang ako sa pagnguya para hindi na siya mainis.

Andi's POV

I don't understand myself. I just feel so tired and cranky all day. Hindi ko
mapigilan hindi mainis kay Tristan. Everything he does irritates me. He isn't even
doing anything wrong and I feel really bad. Kanina hindi pa yata siya nakakain
mabuti dahil nagreklamo ako sa pagnguya niya.

"Mahal..." Nakahiga na kami ngayon sa kama. I scooted closer to him."I'm sorry."

"Sorry saan?" Tanong niya.

"Sorry for being a bitch."

"Okay lang yun. Siguro pagod ka lang kaya magpahinga ka na." He started stroking my
hair.

"You still love me kahit naging mean ako sa'yo?"

"Oo naman. Kahit gaano ka pa ka topakin ngayon hindi mawawala ang pagmamahal ko
sa'yo."

"Huwag kang maghahanap ng ibang girl ah."

"Never."

"I love you." I kissed him on the cheek.

"Dito din." Ngumuso siya.

I giggled before giving him a kiss on the lips. I felt him smile against my lips
and then he grabbed me and pulled me on top of him.

=================

Chapter Thirty

"Naku, Andi, ikaw palagi ang suki ko sa halo-halo." Natatawang sabi ni aling Emma.
Halos araw-araw kasi palagi akong bumibili ng halo-halo dito. I'm always craving
for something sweet. Kapag hindi na satisfy ang craving ko I would get really upset
the whole day.
"Masarap po kasi." I smiled.

"Kaya nga tumataba yan, aling Emma. Ang takaw kasi sa halo-halo." Sabi ni
Tristan. "Halo-halo mo lang nakakatanggal ng init ng ulo niyan."

"Tikman mo kasi, mahal. It taste so good." Nilapit ko kay Tristan ang spoon at
sinubo niya naman. "Mmm... masarap nga."

"See? Sabi sa'yo."

"Tristan, lika't samahan mo kong mag-ani ng gulay." Tawag sa kanya ni mang Ando.

"Sige ho." Tumango si Tristan bago humarap sa akin. "Sandali lang mahal ko. Kukuha
lang kami ng mauulam natin mamaya."

"Okay." Sabi ko. Hinalikan niya ako sa noo bago umalis at sumama kay mang Ador.

Nang maubos ko na ang halo-halo tumayo na ako sa upuan. I felt dizzy again.
Napahawak ako sa mesa.

"Okay ka lang ba, Andi?" Nag-aalalang tanong ni aling Emma. Pinaupo niya ulit ako
sa silya. "Masama ba ang pakiramdam mo?"
"It's so weird. Palagi akong nahihilo, palaging masama ang pakiramdam ko, palagi
akong inaantok, palagi din akong gutom." Sabi ko. I'm really getting sick of this.
Sometimes ok naman ako, pero there are days when I'm just not ok. Like the other
day, I woke up with this weird feeling in my stomach. I thought I was going to
vomit but nothing came out.

"Teka, kailan ka ba huling dinatnan?" Tanong ni aling Emma.

"Dinatnan?"

"Oo, kailan ka huling nagkaroon ng buwanang dalaw?"

Napaisip ako. Kailan nga ba ang huling period ko? Hindi na pumasok sa isip ko yun
dahil sa dami ng nangyari sa amin. But I'm sure I was supposed to have my period
like two or three weeks ago pa.

"Hindi kaya nagdadalang-tao ka
could be right. Baka buntis na
matutuwa si Tristan pagnalaman
comfortable na naman ang buhay
magkaron nga kami ng baby.
na?" Nakangiting sabi ni aling Emma. Oh my god. She
nga ako. Bakit hindi ko naisip yun? I'm sure
niyang magkaka-baby na kami. May trabaho na siya,
namin dito. Hindi na magiging problema kung sakaling

"Hindi po ako sigurado." Sabi ko.

"Tamang-tama, dadalhin ko sa center ang anak ko bukas. Sumama ka sa amin para

masiguro na kung nagdadalang-tao ka nga o hindi. Pero malakas ang pakiramdam kong
buntis ka na nga. Naririnig ko kasi kayo gabi-gabi."
I blushed. We really tried our hardest to keep quiet everytime we do it. Sometimes
I just bite my pillow or make out with him while we do it to muffle the sound.

"Nagbibiro lang ako." Tumawa siya."Basta bukas, sumama ka sa amin para mabigyan ka
na rin ng mga vitamins para sa baby."

"Sige po." Sabi ko.

Nang mawala na ang hilo ko umuwi na ako sa bahay para magpahinga. Hinawakan ko ang
tiyan ko at napangiti ako. I really hope and pray I'm pregnant. I can't wait for
tomorrow, gusto ko na malaman kung buntis talaga ako. Ngayon pa lang ang dami ng
tumatakbo sa isip ko. I'm already imagining how he or she would look like, sana
kamukha ni Tristan. Gusto ko lalaki ang maging first child namin para
mapagtatanggol niya ang magiging little sister niya.

"Mahal ko." Niyakap ko siya pagdating niya sa bahay.

"Sandali lang ako umalis, na miss mo agad ako?" He said, laughing.

I showered him with kisses. "I... love... you... so... much..."

"Ano bang nangyayari sa'yo?" Nakangiting tanong niya. "Minsan ang sungit-sungit mo
ngayon ang sweet mo naman."
"I'm just so happy." Sabi ko.

"Bakit? Ano'ng nangyari habang wala ako?"

"Nothing." I answered. I decided not to tell him muna. I want to make sure na
buntis talaga ako before I tell him. Baka pareho lang kami madisappoint kapag mali
pala ang akala ko. "Masaya lang ako dahil meron akong super understanding, super
bait at super pogi na husband."

"Thank God wala na ang sapi mo." Sabi niya. "Bumalik na ang mahal ko."

"Please don't ever get tired of me kahit minsan nasusungitan kita." Sabi ko. Anak
mo naman ang may kasalanan nito.

"I won't. Alam ko naman konting lambing lang sa'yo okay ka na." He placed his hands
on my hips and pulled me closer to him.

Nakaupo kami sa ilalim ng puno. Nakaupo ako sa pagitan ng mga hita niya at
nakasandal sa dibdib niya.
"Paano pagnagkababy tayo?" Tanong ko sa kanya.

Matagal siyang hindi sumagot.

"Tristan?" Lumingon ako sa kanya. Bigla akong kinabahan. Ayaw niya bang magkababy
kami?

"You think we're ready?" Sabi niya.

"Of course."

"Iniisip ko pa lang yun natatakot na ako." Hestarted playing with my hair. "Paano
kung hindi pa tayo handa? I mean... oo nga, may tinitirhan na tayo ngayon at may
trabaho na ako pero hindi ko alam kung paano maging isang ama dahil lumaki akong
walang ama. I'm scared I'll mess up. I don't want my child to go through the same
hell I did."

"Ang negative mo talaga. Hindi mangyayari yun kasi our child will have the best dad
in the world." I took his hand and kissed his knuckle.

"Teka, bakit ba pinaguusapan natin 'to?" Sabi niya.

"Wala naman. I was just asking." I said smiling.

"Matagal pa naman yun, di ba?" Sabi niya. No, ilang months na lang siguro. I wanted
to say that to him.

"Oo nga pala. Nagpapasama si aling Emma sa akin ngayon." Pag-iiba ko sa usapan.

"Saan kayo pupunta?" Tanong niya.

"Dadalhin niya daw sa center ang anak niya."

"Sige, basta huwag ka lang magpapagabi."

"Yes, sir."

After that we just kept on talking about random stuff. Ganito naman kami palagi.
Kapag hindi siya pinapatawag ni sir Jaime namamasyal kami sa buong hacienda. This
place is so huge. Ilang weeks na kami dito pero may mga lugar pa kaming hindi
napupuntahan.

When we got back, sinalubong agad kami ni Valerie at ang tatlong kaibigan niya. Mga
may pera naman ang mga babaeng ito but why can't they afford clothes that would fit
them? They were all wearing short shorts or skirt.

"Hi Tristan!" Halos magkakasabay na sabi nila.

I clutched onto Tristan's arm, afraid they'll snatch him from me.

"Hi, girls. Ito nga pala ang asawa kong si Andi." Sabi ni Tristan sa mga babae.
They all looked at me nag-hi sila sa akin at bumalik ang atensyon nila sa asawa ko.

"Ano'ng ginagawa niyo dito?" Tanong ni Tristan.

"Babalik na kami ng Manila." Sabi ng isang babae. Huwag na sana silang bumalik dito
pati si Valerie.

"Sabi ni daddy magpahatid daw kami sa'yo." Sabi ni Valerie.

"Ihahatid ko kayo hanggang Maynila?" Gulat na tanong ni Tristan.

"No, silly. Hahatid lang natin sila hanggang sa kabilang bayan." Valerie said,
giggling.

"But if you want pwede ka naman tumira ka na lang sa amin." Sabi ng kasama ni
Valerie. Seriously? Nilalandi niya si Tristan sa harap ko? These girls are so
pathetic. Why don't they just take Valerie with them instead?

"Okay na ako dito." Tristan laughed.

"Mas gusto niya dito sa amin." Valerie playfully stuck her tongue out to her
friends. Nangulit ng umalis ang friends ni Valerie at pumayag si Tristan na ipag-
drive sila hanggang sa kabilang-bayan.

"Aalis muna ako, mahal." Paalam sa akin ni Tristan.

"Ano'ng oras ka uuwi?" Tanong ko.

"Aabutin siguro kami ng hapon kasi magshoshopping pa kami." Singit ni Valerie.

"Yung sinasabi ko sa'yo ah." Paalala ko sa kanya. I always tell him na maging good
boy siya especially around Valerie and her three air-headed friends.

"Oo naman. Hindi mo na kailangan ipaalala sa akin yan." He hugged me and kissed me
on the forehead.

"Don't worry, we will take good care of your husband." Malanding sabi ng isa sa
kaibigan ni Valerie. Tinitigan ko siya ng masama pero mukhang walang pakialam ang
witch na yun.

Nang makaalis na si Tristan dumating naman si aling Emma buhat ang anak maliit na
anak niya. Ipapacheck up niya ang bata sa doktor dahil may sinat. Malapit lang sa
hacienda ang health center na pinuntahan namin. Marami ng tao ang nakapila ng
dumating kami kaya umupo muna kami habang naghihintay.
"Ano'ng sabi ng asawa mo?" Tanong ni aling Emma.

"Hindi niya pa po alam." Sabi ko habang nilalaro si Eman, ang anak niya.

"Bakit hindi mo sabihin?"

"Gusto ko po muna kasing masiguro." Sagot ko.

"Sigurado na yan. Ilang beses na akong nagbubuntis, napagdaanan ko na yan." Sabi ni

aling Emma. Unang tinawag si aling Emma ng doctor. I went to see the other doctor.
Sinabi ko sa kanya ang mga nararamdaman ko at tinanong niya sa akin kung kailan ako
huling nakipag-sex at kailan huling period ko. Dinala niya ako sa Ob-gyne at
pinagtake niya ako ng urine test. After waiting for a couple of minutes tinawag
niya ulit ako.

I sat on the chair in front of her table.

"Congrats, misis, anim na linggo ka ng buntis. Huwag kang masyadong magpapagod at

palagi kang iinom ng vitamins..." Hindi ko na narinig ang iba pa niyang sinasabi.
Basta ang alam ko I'm pregnant with Tristan's baby.

"Thank you so much, doctor." Naluluhang sabi ko.

"First baby niyo?" Nakangiting tanong niya.

"Yes."

"Misis, huwag mong kalilimutan ang monthly check up mo. Para masiguro natin na
healthy si baby." Binigay ng doktor sa akin ang papel kung saan nakalagay ang mga
vitamins na kailangan kong inumin. Nagpasalamat ulit ako sa kanya bago nagpaalam.

"Kumusta na po si Eman?" Tanong ko ng makita ko si aling Emma.

"Maayos naman. Binigyan lang kami ng gamot pampawala ng sinat." Sagot niya. "Ano'ng
sabi ng doktor sa'yo."

"Six weeks na daw po akong buntis." Masayang sabi ko.

"Masaya ako para sa inyo ni Tristan. Biruin mo kakakasal niyo pa lang may baby na
agad kayo. Kami ng asawa ko naghintay pa kami ng ilang taon bago nabiyayaan."

Tristan's POV
Pagkatapos ng isang oras na biyahe huminto kami sa isang mall. Nagpaikot-ikot ang
apat na mga babae at bumili ng kung anu-ano.

"Tristan, huwag mo kong kalilimutan." Humawak si Trina sa braso ko.

"Babalikan kita Tristan." Sabi ni Amy.

"So, babalik ka lang pala dito para kay Tristan?" Nagtatampong sabi ni Valerie.

"Ay ang arte mo, syempre para din makita ka." Bawi ni Amy.

"Hindi ka na welcome sa amin. Next time kung pupunta ka dito kina Tristan at Andi
ka na matulog." Sabi ni Valerie.

"Oo ba. Basta katabi ko si Tristan." Si Amy.

"Sana pagbalik namin single ka na." Sabi ni Venus.

"Malabong mangyari yun." Sabi ko. "Nasaan na nga pala ang magsusundo sa inyo?"

"Ikaw naman, parang pinaaalis mo na kami." Si Venus.

"Hindi naman. Nagtatanong lang."

"Sabi ng driver namin malapit na daw siya." Sabi ni Trina. Good. Dahil gusto ko na
talaga umuwi.

Kumain pa kami sa restaurant pagkatapos nilang magshopping. Inabot na din kami ng

hapon bago tumawag ang driver nila na naghihintay na sa labas ng mall. Hinatid na
namin ang tatlo hanggang sa van.

"Bye, girl." Isa-isang nagbeso si Valerie sa tatlong babae. "Mag-usap na lang tayo
sa skype. Balik kayo dito ah."

"Oh sure." Sabi ni Trina.

"Maghanap ka pa ng mga guys na kasing pogi ni Tristan. I swear, dadalawin ka namin

every month." Sabi naman ni Venus.

"Oo nga. Dapat tatlo, one for me, one for Venus and one for Trina." Sabi ni Amy.

"Sige maghahanap na pa ako. Larga na kayo, lumalakas na ang ulan." Sabi ni Valerie.

"Bye, Tristan." Paalam nila sa akin.

"Bye, girls." Kumaway ako sa kanila.

"Uy, Tristan baka may brother ka sa Manila?" Si Venus.

"Wala eh."

"Alis na." Sabi ni Valerie bago isinara ang pinto ng van. Pinanood namin na umalis
ang van hanggang sa maglaho na ito sa paningin namin. Lalong lumakas ang buhos ng
ulan pagkaalis nila.

"Let's go home." Aya ni Valerie at tumango ako.

Pumunta kami sa parking lot at sumakay sa kotse. Nang makalabas na kami sa parking
lot halos hindi ko na makita ang daraanan ko, hindi na kinaya ng windshield wiper
ang lakas ng patak ng ulan.

"I think we should go back. Patigilin muna natin ang ulan." Sabi ni Valerie. Tama
nga naman siya, baka maaksidente pa kami kung ipipilit kong magdrive. May dadaanan
pa naman kaming bangin kaya delikado.

Bumalik kami sa mall at hinihintay namin tumigil ang ulan ngunit inabot na kami ng
gabi pero lalo lang itong lumalakas. Napagdesisyonan namin na pumunta na lang sa
inn na malapit sa mall na iyon at doon magpalipas ng gabi.
"Two rooms, please." Sabi ni Valerie nang lumapit siya sa receptionist.

"I'm sorry, ma'am. Isang kuwarto na lang ang available." Sabi ng

receptionist. "Marami kasing nagchecheck-in dito dahil sa ulan."

"Fuck!" Mura ni Valerie.

"I'll take the room." Sabi ng lalaki sa tabi namin.

"Hey!" Nakasimangot na sabi ni Valerie sa lalaki.

"Miss, kung ayaw mong kunin edi akin na lang." Sabi ng lalaki.

"We'll take it." Sabi ni Valerie sa receptionist. Nagbayad siya at binigay ng babae
ang susi ng kwarto.

"Halika na." Aya ni Valerie sa akin at umakyat kami sa hagdan papunta sa second
floor. Hinanap namin ang kwartong ibinigay sa amin.

"Okay lang ba sa'yo?" Tanong ko sa kanya habang nakatayo pa rin sa labas ng kwarto.

Lumingon siya sa akin. "At kung hindi okay sa akin saan ka naman matutulog."
"Pwede naman ako sa kotse." Sabi ko.

"I know you're tired, too." Sabi niya. "Don't worry hindi kita gagahasain." Biro
niya.

Pumasok na ako sa kwarto at sinara niya na ang pinto.

=================

Chapter Thirty One

I waited for Tristan the whole night. Antok na antok ako pero hindi naman ako
makatulog sa pag-aalala. I could hear the rain and wind outside. I hope Tristan is
safe. Sana walang nangyaring masama sa kanya. Sana rin wala siyang ginagawang
masama ngayon. He's with four beautiful women! Kanina nga lang kaharap ako
nilalandi na siya ng mga babaeng yun ngayon pa kayang wala ako sa tabi niya.

I looked at the clock, eleven o'clock na wala pa rin siya.

"One hour na lang baby. Kapag wala pa ang daddy mo, matutulog na tayo." Sabi ko
habang hinahawakan ko ang tiyan ko.

One hour has passed, hindi pa rin siya umuuwi. I decided to go to sleep dahil baka
makasama sa baby kung magpupuyat ako. Humiga ako sa kama at ipinikit ko ang mga
mata ko. I tried to sleep. I lang oras akong nakahiga at nag-iisip kung nasaan na
si Tristan at kung anong ginagawa niya ngayon bago nakatulog.

Wala na ang ulan ng magising ako at wala pa rin si Tristan. Hindi ako makakain
mabuti ng breakfast dahil di ako mapakali kakahintay sa kanya. I decided to take a
walk after having breakfast para naman malibang ko ang sarili ko. I don't wanna
worry too much baka kasi makasama sa baby namin.

Nilibang ko na lang ang sarili ko sa pakikipagkuwentuhan kina aling Sonia at aling

Emma. Inabot na ng hapon at wala pa rin siya. Nang makaramdam ako ng antok
nagpaalam na ako sa kanilang dalawa at pumasok sa bahay.

Nagising ako ng marinig ko ang parating na kotse, I quickly got up from bed and
looked out the window. Madalim na, gabi na pala. Huminto ang kotse at lumabas si
Tristan at Valerie. Sandali silang nag-usap, mukhang seryoso ang pinag-uusapan
nila.

Valerie touched Tristan's face and said something. Tristan smiled at him. Tapos
pumasok na si Valerie sa kotse at umalis na. Ano ba ang dapat kong isipin? They
spent the night together, for God's sake! And now, naglalandian sila sa labas. I
tried to hold back my tears.

"Bakit ngayon ka lang?" Nakasimangot na tanong ko pagpasok niya sa bahay.

"Ang lakas ng ulan kaya nagpalipas kami ng gabi sa kabilang bayan." Sagot niya.

"Kaninang umaga pa tumigil ang ulan bakit ngayon lang kayo umuwi?" I crossed my
arms.

"M-may dinaanan pa kami." Nag-iwas siya ng tingin sa akin.

"I see you're getting comfortable with Valerie. Too comfortable." Tumaas ang kilay
ko.

"What are you talking about?" Kumunot ang noo niya.

"Sabihin mo nga sa akin ano'ng ginawa niyo habang magkasama kayo?"

"Wala!"

"Wala? You spent the night together!" Hindi ko napigilan tumaas ang boses ko.

"Andi, please, tigilan mo muna ako. Pagod ako." Mahinang sabi niya. Then I heard
him sigh.

"Bakit? Pinagod ka ba ni Valerie." I said sarcastically.

"Ayokong makipag-away sa'yo ngayon." May bahid ng inis ang boses niya. Pagkasabi ay
tumalikod siya at lumabas ulit. Wala akong nagawa kung hindi panoorin siyang
lumabas sa pinto at pabagsak na isinira yun. Tears start to fall down my cheek.

Hindi ganon ang Tristan na kilala ko. Hindi yun ang mahal ko. Tristan never walked
out on me kahit na madalas ko siyang awayin nitong mga nakaraang araw. Kapag
nagagalit ako sa kanya nilalambing niya ako. Hindi naubos ang pasensya niya sa
akin... ngayon lang.
Maybe he was just tired katulad ng sinabi niya. Maybe he had a rough day. Maybe I
was overreacting. Or maybe kaya napuno na siya sa akin, hindi ko naman siya
masisisi kung iyon nga ang dahilan. Sumilip ako sa bintana at nakita ko siyang
nakaupo sa harap ng bahay at nagsisigarilyo. I think I should apologize to him. Ako
naman kasi ang nagsimula nito.

Lumabas ako sa bahay at nilapitan ko siya. Ang layo ng tingin niya at parang ang
lalim ng iniisip niya. Umupo ako sa tabi niya.

"M-mahal ko..." I touched his shoulder. Mukhang nagulat siya sa akin. Tinapon niya
sa sahig ang sigarilyo at inapakan.

"Ano?" Sabi niya sa malamig na tono.

"I'm sorry." I hugged him and rested my head on his shoulder.

Hindi siya sumagot. Tinanggal niya ang mga kamay kong nakayakap sa kanya at tumayo
siya sa kinauupuan niya. Walang sabi-sabing pumasok siya sa bahay. I don't know
what is happening to Tristan? Ano bang pinakain sa kanya ng Valerie na yun at
nagkakaganon siya?

Sinundan ko siya sa loob.

"Kumain ka na ba?" I asked quietly.

"Tapos na." Maikling sagot niya. Umkyat siya sa kama at humiga.

I wanted to tell him about my pregnancy. Gusto kong sabihin sa kanya na magkaka-
baby na kami. Gusto kong pag-usapan namin yung plans namin for our baby. Gusto ko
ikwento sa kanya kung gaano ako kasaya ng sabihin sa akin ng doctor na buntis ako.
But that didn't happen. Instead, I silently cried myself to sleep.

Wala na sa tabi ko si Tristan ng magising ako. Tumayo ako sa kama at nang hawiin ko
ang tela na nagcocover sa bedroom at nakita ko siya na nasa mesa. May dalawang
empty bottle ng beer sa harap niya at isa naman ay nilalagok niya.

"Why are you drinking so early?" Tanong ko ng makita ko siya. Why is he even
drinking?

Hindi niya ako pinansin at nagpatuloy siya sa pag-inom.

Umupo ako sa tabi niya at hinawakan ang isang kamay niya. "Mahal, I'm so sorry sa
mga sinabi ko kahapon. Bati na tayo." I gave him the puppy eyes look.
Hindi siya kumibo. Katulad kahapon parang malalim ang iniisip niya.

Hinawakan ko ang kamay niya. "Mahal, say something. Simula ng dumating ka dito
kagabi ang tahimik mo."

"You need to go home." Sabi niya.

"Home?" Kumunot ang noo ko. This is my home. OUR home.

"Ibabalik na kita sa pamilya mo." He said flatly.

"W-what?" Hindi ako makapaniwala sa narinig ko.

"Pupunta tayo sa Maynila ngayon at ibabalik na kita sa inyo." Seryosong sabi niya.

"No..." I felt my eyes water as I shake my head. "Ayokong bumalik sa kanila."

"I already packed your things." Sabi niya. Napatingin ako sa bag na nakalapag sa
paanan niya.

"I don't understand kung ano'ng nangyayari? Bakit ba pinaaalis mo ako?" Nanginginig
ang boses na tanong ko. "Tell me, dahil ba ito kay Valerie? May nangyari ba sa
inyo?"

Hindi nagsalita si Tristan. I couldn't keep myself from sobbing. Kung nagkamali nga
siya, handa ko siyang patawarin. Lahat naman ng tao nagkakamali, di ba? He's just a
man and Valerie is a beautiful woman. Hindi ko siya masisisi. Nangyari na eh, tapos
na yun. Mas gusto kong magtanga-tangahan na lang kesa maghiwalaya kami.

"Tristan, I'm willing to forgive you."

"I'm not asking for forgiveness. Hindi mo ba naiintindihan, ayoko na sa'yo!" Hindi
ako makapaniwalang nanggaling ang mga salitang iyon sa bibig niya.

"Is this some kind of a sick joke?!" I said sobbing.

"Mukha ba akong nagbibiro?" He gave me a cold glare before harshly grabbing my arm.
Itinayo niya ako. "Magbihis ka na para makaalis na tayo."

"How could you?" Pilit akong kumawala sa pagkakahawak niya. I lashed out at him and
punched him in the chest. Hindi siya gumalaw sa kinatatayuan niya at hindi niya ako
sinubukang pigilan. "Binigay ko sa'yo ang lahat. I gave up everything for you.
Ngayon itatapon mo na lang ako na parang basahan." Pinagsusuntok ko siya hanggang
sa manghina ako. Napaupo ako sa paanan niya. "A-akala ko ba mahal mo ko? Mahal na
mahal kita, Tristan. Gagawin ko ang lahat ng gusto mo, just don't leave me."

"Get up!" Sigaw niya. "Wala ka na bang respeto sa sarili mo ha? Hindi mo ba narinig
ang sinabi ko? Ayoko na sa'yo. Pinagsawaan na kita. Wala ka ng ginawa kung hindi
maging pabigat sa akin!"
He grabbed my arm and yanked me up. Sapilitan niyang hinubad ang pajama ko. "Kapag
hindi ka pa mag-ayos sa loob ng limang minuto aalis kang nakaganyan."

Kumuha ako ng shirt at jeans pinanood niya lang ako habang umiiyak na sinusuot ang
damit ko. He's face was emotionless. Ok naman kami bago siya umalis, why did he
suddenly changed? What went wrong?

Nang makabihis na ako, he picked up the bag and grabbed my hand. Hinatak niya ako
palabas ng bahay. He didn't say a word habang naglalakad kami. Tumawag siya ng
tricycle para maghatid sa amin sa bus terminal.

"Tristan, ayokong umalis. Dito na lang tayo, huwag mo na akong ibalik kay mommy at
daddy." Naluluhang sabi ko bago kami pumasok sa bus. Walang sabi-sabing hinawakan
niya ako sa braso at sapilitan pinapasok sa bus.

Nasa tapat na kami ng mansyon. Wala ni isa sa amin ang nagsalita. Pagod na akong
makiusap sa kanya at pagod na rin ako sa kaiiyak. I looked at his stone cold face.
Wala man lang akong nakikitang kahit katiting na lungkot or regret. Ganun ba kadali
sa kanya ang itapon ang relasyon namin? Did he really loved me? Gusto kong maniwala
na minahal niya ako pero kung talagang minahal niya ako hindi niya gagawin sa akin
ito. He just used me for sex. At nang makahanap siya ng ibang babae, he just
dropped me like a hot potato.

"Pasensya na, miss Andi. Pinagbilin sa amin ng daddy mo na hindi ka na namin

pwedeng papasukin dito." Sabi ng guard na nasa labas namin.
"Tawagin mo ang amo mo." Utos ni Tristan sa guard.

"Sir kasi-"

"Sabi ng tawagin mo ang amo mo. Sabihin mo ibabalik ko na ang anak niya sa
kanya." Bahagyang nagtaas ang boses niya.

Nagkatinginan ang dalawang guard at tinanguan ng isa ang kasama niya. Pumasok ang
isang guard sa loob ng mansion.

When he came back kasama niya na si daddy.

"D-dad..." My eyes started stinging with tears. Ngayon ko na realize kung gaano
kamali na pinili ko si Tristan kesa sa dalawang taong nagpalaki at nagmahal sa akin
sa loob ng maraming taon. I'm so stupid. Tama si dad when he said I'd come crawling
back to him.

"Ano'ng ginagawa niyo dito?" Galit na tanong ni daddy.

"I'm sorry, dad." Hindi ko na napigilan ang sarili kong tumakbo ako at yumakap sa
kanya. "I'm so sorry... I should've listened to you and mom." Umiiyak na sabi ko. I
was surprised when dad hugged me back. I cried even harder. Lalo akong na guilty sa
ginawa ko sa kanila ni mommy.

"It's ok, sweet heart." Wala na ang galit sa boses niya. He rubbed my
back. "Pinapatawad na kita."

=================

Chapter Thirty Two

Tristan's POV

Tumakbo si Andi sa ama niya at yumakap. Mas mabuting nasa poder na siya ng mga
magulang niya. Nasisigurado kong magiging ligtas siya dito. Hindi ko na kinayang
tignan pa siya, parang dinudurog ang puso ko habang nakikita kong nasasaktan siya
dahil sa akin. Tumalikod ako at kusang bumagsak ang mga luhang kanina ko pa
pinipigilan. Mas pinili kong magalit siya sa akin at kamuhian niya ako para hindi
na siya magdalawang-isip na lumayo sa akin. Alam kong pagsinabi ko sa kanya ang
totong nangyari mas lalo siyang hindi papayag na bumalik sa mga magulang niya.

Hindi totoo ang iniisip niyang may nangyari sa amin ni Valerie. Walang nangyari sa
aming dalawa. Nagkuwentuhan lang kaming dalawa hanggang sa dalawin siya ng antok.
Natulog siya sa kama at naglatag ako ng kumot sa lapag at doon nahiga. Halos hindi
nga ako nakatulog ng gabing iyon dahil nag-aalala ako kay Andi dahil mag-isa lang
siya sa bahay.

Nang dumating ang umaga nagcheck out na kami sa inn at doon din sa mismong inn na
yun nakita ko ang dalawang lalaking nanloob sa amin sa apartment noon. At ang
malala pa ay nakita din nila ako. Hinabol kami ng dalawa lalaki at hinatak ko si
Valerie papunta sa kotse. Sumakay sila sa motorsiklo nila at sinundan nila kami.
Ilang beses nila kaming pinaputukan ng baril at sa awa ng Diyos wala sa aming
dalawa ang natamaan. Ipinaliwanag ko kay Valerie ang nangyayari at kung bakit kami
hinahabol ng mga lalaking iyon. Alam ni Valerie ang pasikot-sikot sa lugar na iyon
itinuro niya sa akin ang daan papunta sa gubat at doon namin niligaw ang dalawang
lalaki. Nang makatiyak na kami na wala ng sumusunod sa amin nagpunta kami police
station at ni-report namin ang nangyari. May nag-escort sa aming mga pulis pabalik
sa hacienda. Nangako si Valerie na tutulungan niya kami pero ayokong pati sila ay
madamay sa gulong ito.
Gulong-gulo ang utak ko ng makabalik ako sa bahay. Pumasok sa isip ko na lumipat sa
ibang lugar kasama si Andi. Ngunit naisip ko din kung gaano kakapangyarihan ang
taong kalaban namin. Mukhang determinado talaga siyang ipapatay ako at kahit saang
lugar pa kami pumunta hahanapin at hahanapin niya kami. Paano kung sa susunod na
makita nila kami ay hindi na kami swertehin? Buti kung ako lang ang sasaktan nila
pero paano kung pati si Andi idamay nila? Pinili ko na lang na ibalik si Andi sa
mga magulang niya para masigurong magiging ligtas siya. Pinagsalitaan ko siya ng
masasakit na salita para maitaboy siya. I hate myself for doing that to her. Sana
balang araw kung magkikita man muli kami mapatawad niya ako sa nagawa ko sa kanya.

Andi's POV

Nakaupo ako sa upuan sa terrace at nakatingin sa labas. Simula ng iwan ako ni

Tristan, palagi akong nandito. Umaasa na makikita ko siya na babalikan niya ako at
makikita ko siyang nakatayo sa labas ng bahay. I'm still holding on to that little
hope that maybe he'll change his mind.

"Honey..." Narinig ko ang boses ni mommy. Napalingon ako sa may kwarto at nakita ko
siyang papasok at may hawak na tray. She smiled when she saw me. "Nagbake ako ng
favorite mong madeleine cookies. Hindi ba gusto mo ito?"

Ibinaba niya ang tray sa table sa harap ko. May isang plato ng madeleine cookied at
dalawang baso ng milk. "Thank you, mom."

"Anything for our princess." Tumabi si mommy sa akin.

"Mom, I'm sorry." Nangingilid ang luhang sabi ko. "I'm a bad daughter. I'm so
sorry."

Hinawakan niya ang mga kamay ko. "It's ok, darling. Nagkamali ka lang. Ang
mahalaga, nalaman mo na kung ano ang tunay na ugali ng lalaking iyon at natuto ka
sa pagkakamali mo."

"I still love him. I miss him so much and I'm so sorry." Yumakap ako kay mommy at
umiyak.

Mom kissed me on the forehead. "Don't worry. You'll be fine. Darating ang panahon
na makakalimutan mo rin siya. Siguro nga sampung taon mula ngayon makakalimutan mo
na rin ang pangalan niya."

I don't think it's possible na makalimutan ko siya. He left me something to

remember him; this baby I'm carrying. Hindi ko pa masabi kay mommy at daddy na
buntis ako. I'm don't know how I'm going to tell them. Ang dami ko nang nagawang
pagkakamali and I'm so scared I'll disappoint them again.

"Tita." I heard a man's voice. Napatingin ako sa may pinto ng terrace at nakita
kong nakatayo doon si Jason.

Mom pulled away from the hug and wiped my tears with her thumb. "Hush now..."

Lumingon siya sa kinatatayuan ni Jason.

"Hi, darling." Mom said smiling. "Halika, samahan mo kaming mag snack."

"Good afternoon, Andi." Sabi sa akin ni Jason. Pinaupo ni mommy si Jason sa tabi
ko.

"Sandali lang. May kukunin lang ako sa baba." Sabi ni mommy at tumayo na siya.

"M-mom..." Tawag ko sa kanya. I don't want to be left alone, in this room, with
this guy.

"Sandali lang ako, hon. Mag-usap muna kayong dalawa." Mom said. Pagkatapos ay
lumabas na siya sa kwarto.

"So, uh... dinalhan kita ng mga books." Inilapag ni Jason ang tatlong makakapal na
libro sa harap ko. "Lahat yan sinulat ng favorite author ko si Haruki Murakami.
Peace offering. Sana magustuhan mo."

"Thanks."

"Sorry again for being an ass to you at your dad's party." Hingi niya ng tawad.

"Ok." I said in a cold tone of voice.

"Kumusta nga pala ang bakasyon mo sa Barcelona?" Pag-iiba niya.

"B-barcelona?" I've never even been to that place kaya medyo nagulat ako ng
tanungin niya ako.

"Oo, sabi ng mommy mo nagbakasyon ka raw sa Barcelona."

"Oh-- ok naman." Sabi ko na lang. Hanggang ngayon pala hindi pa rin nila sinasabi
sa kanila ang totoo. Mom still wants me to marry Jason, that's why she didn't tell
him the truth. Paano kapag lumaki na ang tiyan ko? Sigurado akong aatras sa kasal
si Jason at ang family niya at madidisappoint ko na naman si mommy at daddy.

"Last time na nagpunta ako doon noong college pa ako. Ang ganda ng mga beach dun,
di ba?"

Um-oo na lang ako kahit hindi ko alam. Mula sa beach sa Barcelona napunta ang
usapan namin sa iba't ibang bansang napuntahan niya. Mahilig siyang magtravel,
namangha ako sa galing niyang magsalita ng fluent na French, Italian, Nihongo at
Spanish. Naaliw ako sa pakikipag-usap ko sa kanya. I thought maybe he isn't as bad
as I thought he was.

"Wow, you're so good." Sabi ko sa kanya after niya magrecite ng isang poem sa
french.

"Merci beaucoup." Sabi niya. Meron din naman akong alam na konting french. I took
french class when I was in highscool. Kaya naintindihan ko ang sinabi niya.
"De rien." Sagot ko sa kanya.

He smiled. "You know how to speak french?"

"Mm... not really. Napag-aralan ko lang yun sa french class dati. Pero kung
kakausapin mo ako ng french hindi kita maiintindihan." Natatawang sabi ko.

"Tu es de toute beauté."

"What?" Tanong ko sa kanya ng hindi ko maintindihan ang sinasabi niya.

"It means you're beautiful."

"Oh... merci." Medyo naiilang na sabi ko.

"Hey, don't look down." He lifted up my chin ng yumuko ako.

"Uhm... maganda ba talaga itong book?" Nilayo ko ang ulo ko sa kanya at binaling
ang atensyon ko sa libro.

"Oo maganda talaga yan. Basahin mo."

"I will." Sabi ko.

"Friends?" He held out his hand for a handshake.

Tinanggap ko naman iyon. "Friends." Nakangiting sabi ko.

"I see you two are getting along fine." Napalingon kami kay mommy. "Sorry, I took
so long. Nag-usap pa kasi kami ng dad mo, Jason."

"Ok lang, tita." Sabi ni Jason.

"Bakit hindi niyo kasama si Meredith?" Tanong ni mommy.

"She's... she's out of the country." Sagot ni Jason.

"Oh, tell your mom I said hi when you talk to her." Sabi ni mommy.

"Sure, tita."

Nag-usap pa sandali si mommy at Jason bago siya nagpaalam. Nang maiwan kaming
dalawa ni mommy, she was so happy na nakakasundo ko na kaming dalawa. Pagkatapos ng
araw na iyon madalas ng bumisita si Jason sa amin. Naging close kami but I don't
feel anything special for him. Kaibigan lang ang tingin ko sa kanya.

"Andi, honey?" Nakita ako ni mommy habang nakasubsob ang mukha ko sa toilet bowl at
nagsusuka. She pulled my hair back and rubbed my back. "Ano'ng nangyayari sa'yo?"

Napapadalas ang pagvomit ko tuwing umaga. It's getting worse everyday, minsan pa
nga buong araw lang akong nakahiga sa kama dahil masama ang pakiramdam ko. I would
just lie in bed all day and read books. Sometimes I would read out loud to my baby.
8 weeks na siya ngayon. Minsan nararamdaman ko siyang gumagalaw but that could just
be my imagination. Even though iniwan ako ni Tristan hindi ko magawang magalit sa
kanya dahil iyon sa baby na nasa tiyan ko ngayon. I already love my unborn baby so
much. I really want to tell mom and dad that I'm pregnant but I'm waiting for the
right moment.

"Baka may ulcer ka na, honey. Magpacheck up ka na kaya sa doktor." Sabi niya.

"Na busog lang ako sa kinain ko kagabi." Dahilan ko. Nagmumog ako ng mouth wash
pagkatapos.

"I'll ask yaya to cook you some soup para naman mainitan ang tiyan mo." Sabi ni
mommy. "Gusto ko lang paalala sa'yo na mamaya na ang party ng tito Edgardo mo.
Kailangan maghanda ka na."
"Yes, mom." Sagot ko.

"Kakain ka ba sa baba o ipaaakyat ko na lang dito ang breakfast mo?" Tanong niya sa
akin.

"Dito na lang ako kakain." I answered. I don't feel good today. Nahihilo ako at
gusto kong humiga lang sa kama.

"Ok, padadala ko na lang sa yaya mo ang breakfast mo." Sabi niya.

"Thanks, mom."

"Naka hang na ang damit na susuotin mo mamaya. Gawa pa iyon ng fashion designer na
kaibigan ko sa Paris, you will look beautiful in that dress." Sabi ni mommy bago
umalis.

Bumalik ulit ako sa kama at binasahan ko ang baby ko ng book. Sabi kasi nila
nakakarinig na ang baby kahit nasa tiyan pa lang. The Cat in the Hat by Dr. Seuss,
ito ang pinakafavorite na book ko noong bata pa ako at hanggang ngayon na sa akin
pa rin ito.

I was taking an afternoon nap when mom came to my room and woke me up.

"Andi, honey, come on. You have to take a shower and get dressed. Mamaya nandito na
ang makeup artist at hair stylist mo." Sabi niya sa akin.
I bet marami na naman media kaya nagpapanic si mommy. Everything has to be
beautiful in front of the camera, she would often tell me. No wonder siya ang isa
sa mga hinahangaan na socialite ngayon. According to the magazines she's the
epitome of beauty and grace.

I went to the bathroom and took a bath. Pagkalabas ko ng bathroom sinalubong ako ni
mommy at pinasuot sa akin ang dress na gawa ng fashion designer na kaibigan niya.

Masikip sa akin ang dress kaya inis na inis si mommy habang sinusuot niya sa akin
iyon.

"Andi, you have to watch what you eat." Sabi niya habang pilit niya tinataas ang
damit. "Tignan mo, you're gaining weight."

"Mom... I'm-" pregnant.

"Goddammit!" Sigaw niya. I chewed on my lower lip. "Why won't this dress fit! Ang
laki ng ginastos ko dito!" I can feel the anger in her voice. I knew it was more
than the dress. She knows what I was about to say. She just doesn't want to hear it
yet.

"Finally. Nasuot na rin." Sabi niya. Nasuot nga ang dress pero hindi niya naman
masara ang zipper sa likod. "Suck your stomach in, honey."

"Mom, I can't..." Mahinang sabi ko.

"Come on, Andi. Hindi ko masasara ang zipper kung hindi mo gagawin iyon." Sabi
niya.

Ginawa ko ang sabi niya. Pilit niyang isinara ang zipper ng dress ko. It felt
really uncomfortable sa stomach part ko. Doon talaga ang masikip. And I'm scared
that I might be hurting my baby.

Pinaayusan niya ako sa makeup artist at hair stylist niya. After that umalis na
kami kasama si dad papunta sa party ni tito Edgardo.

"Sweet heart, bakit hindi ka yata mapakali sa kinauupuan mo?" Tanong ni dad. Kanina
pa kasi ako galaw ng galaw sa upuan ko dito sa kotse. Mas lalo kasing sumisikip ang
dress ko kapag nakaupo ako at nakakaramdam ako ng konting pain.

"Don't mind her, medyo masikip lang sa kanya ang dress." Si mommy.

"Then why did you wear it?" Tanong ni dad sa akin.

"Cause it looks beautiful on her." Sagot ni mommy. "Kaming mga babae, we would wear
anything beautiful even if it's a little uncomfortable. Katulad na lang ng high
heels."

"Women." Naiiling-iling na sabi ni dad. Mom just laughed.

I felt so relieved when the car stopped. Agad akong lumabas ng kotse para makatayo.
Si Jason ang unang lumapit sa akin at humalik sa pisngi ko ng makita ako.

"You look stunning." Sabi niya habang tinitignan ako mula ulo hanggang paa.

"Thank you."

Sumunod si mommy at daddy sa akin at binati din sila ni Jason. There were cameras
everywhere. Maya-maya ay isa isang naglapitan sa amin ang mga photographers. I felt
really dizzy, hindi ko alam kung dahil sa sikip ng damit ko o dahil sa flash ng
camera.

"Are you ok?" Tanong ni mom sa akin.

"Y-yeah." Sagot ko even though I'm not ok.

Isa-isa akong pinakilala ni Jason sa mga bisita at sa mga kamag-anak niya. The
photographers keep taking pictures of us. Sunod sila ng sunod sa amin.

Nagsimula ng magserve ang mga waiter ng appetizer. Umupo na ang lahat sa kani-
kanilang upuan. Nasa isang table lang kami ng parents ko, ni Jason at ang dad ni
Jason. Abala ang mga parents namin sa pag-uusap tungkol sa politics at sa mga
businesses nila. I noticed na wala si tita Meredith sa party.

"Where's tita Meredith?" Mahinang tanong ko kay Jason.

Napahinto si Jason sa pagsubo. "May... ano eh, business meeting sa ibang bansa."

"Oh, I see." Tumango na lang ako.

Maya-maya ay tumayo si tito Edgardo sa upuan niya at pumunta sa stage.

"Ladies and gentlemen, may I all have your attention please?" Sabi ni tito Edgardo
sa harap ng microphone. Natigilan ang mga guests at sandaling natahimik.

"Thank you." Sabi niya. "Tonight, I formally announce the engagement of my son,
Jason de Veyra with the beautiful, Miranda Cordova." Nang matapos siyang magsalita
lahat ng tao ay nagpalakpakan. Nagulat ako dahil wala akong kaalamalam that they
were going to announce our engagement. Oh God! I would put my family to shame kapag
nalaman nilang buntis ako at hindi si Jason ang ama.

Hinawakan ni mommy ang kamay ko at pinisil iyon. I looked at her and she smiled at
me. Biglang nagdilim ang paningin ko at sigaw ng mga tao ang huli kong narinig.

"Wala kayong dapat ipagalala,Mr. and Mrs. Cordova, mabuti ang kalagayan ng anak
niyo at ng baby." Narinig kong sabi ng doktor. Dahan-dahan kong binuksan ang mga
mata ko at nakita ko si mommy at daddy na nakatayo sa dulo ng kama at kausap ang
doktor. I closed my eyes again at nakinig na lang ako sa conversation nila.
"Baby?" Ramdam ko ang pagkabigla sa boses ni dad.

"Yes, she's two months pregnant. Iwasan na lang po natin na magsuot siya ng
masisikip na damit dahil baka makasama sa batang dinadala niya. Iyon siguro ang
dahilan kung bakit siya nahimatay." Sabi ng doktor. "Hindi din siya dapat ma-stress
at mapagod."

Sana huwag munang malaman ng iba ang pagbubuntis ng anak ko dahil gusto namin
sanang sorpresahin ang fiancee niya." I heard mom's voice.

"Don't worry, Mrs. Cordova. Confidential ang lahat ng records ng aming mga
pasyente." Sabi ng doctor.

"Thank you, doc." Sabi ni mommy.

Nagpaalam na ang doktor at narinig kong bumukas at sumasara ang pinto sa kwartong
iyon.

"What are we going to do?" Boses ni mommy.

Hindi ko narinig na nagsalita si dad. I wanted to open my eyes to see what's going
on but I was too scared. Naramdaman ko na lang na may pumatak na luha sa gilid ng
mga mata ko.
Harold's POV

"I want that son of a bitch dead! You hear me?" Kausap ko sa telepono ang isa sa
mga tauhan ko. Umuwi ako sa bahay habang si Olivia ay nagbabantay kay Andi sa
ospital.

"Papatayin ko, boss?" Tanong ng kausap ko.

"Tanga ka ba? Hindi mo ba narinig ang sinabi ko?" Sigaw ko sa kanya.

Kahit kailan hindi ako nagpautos na pumatay ng isang tao, ngayon pa lang. Wala
naman talaga akong balak na patayin ang tarantadong iyon gusto ko lang maibalik ang
anak ko sa akin. Ngunit nang malaman kong buntis ang anak ko sa anak ng tarantadong
iyon gusto ko siyang burahin sa mundong ito. Ano na lang ang mukhang ihaharap ko sa
mga tao pagnalaman nila ang kalagayan ni Andi? At anong mukha ang ihaharap ko sa
pamilya ng amigo ko?

"Yes, boss. Narinig ko." Sabi ng lalaki sa kabilang linya. "Kami na ang bahala sa
kanya."

"Gusto kong makita ang katawan niya pagkatapos niyong gawin ang trabaho niyo." Sabi
ko.

"Yes, boss."
Ibinaba ko na ang telepono at pabagsak na umupo sa couch. Hinilot ko ang nananakit
na sentido ko. Kailangan mawala ang lahat ng problema ko.

=================

Chapter Thirty Three

I've been home from the hospital for a week now. Kahit kailan hindi sila nagbanggit
o nagtanong tungkol sa pagbubuntis ko. I know they're having a hard time accepting
the fact that I'm pregnant. Hindi ko naman sila masisisi. Malaking eskandalo ito
kapag nalaman ng ibang tao lalo na ngayon na alam na nilang engaged ako kay Jason.

Palaging bumibisita dito si Jason. Of course, he doesn't know anything about it

yet. Hindi ko alam kung bakit kailangan ko pa itong itago. Why don't they just tell
them the truth and break off the engagement? Bakit kailangan pang patagalin? Sooner
or later it will show. Lalaki din ang tiyan ko at malalaman ng lahat na buntis
ako.

Bumukas ang pinto ng kwarto ko. Mom popped his head through the door. "Andi,
honey."

"Mom?" Ibinaba ko ang librong binabasa ko.

"How are you feeling?" Pumasok si mom sa kwarto at umupo sa gilid ng kama.

"Good." Sagot ko.

"Get dressed, okay? May appointment ka sa doctor ngayon." Sabi niya.

"I'm not sick. Why do I need to see the doctor?" Tanong ko.

"Para sa... baby." Tumingin siya sa tiyan ko and quickly looked away.

I smiled. At least kahit paano concerned sila health ng baby ko. Does this mean na
tanggap na nila ang kalagayan ko? Sana nga.

"Thank you, mom." I hugged her.

"O-ok, get dressed na. I'll wait for you downstairs." Bumitaw si mommy sa
pagkakayakap at nagmamadaling lumabas ng kwarto.

Pagkalabas ni mommy agad akong bumaba sa kama at pumunta sa closet. Namili ako ng
damit na susuotin. After I got dressed I went downstairs. Nakaupo si mommy sa
living room at naghihintay sa akin.

Sumakay kami sa kotse at siya ang nagdrive. Hindi nagsasalita masyado si mommy
habang nagdadrive siya. Which I find really weird dahil hindi ako sanay na tahimik
siya. She always has something to say.

Makalipas ang ilang minutong biyahe nakarating na kami sa hospital. Pumasok kami sa
loob ng ospital at sumakay sa elevator. Bumaba kami sa 5th floor at nilakad namin
ang mahabang hallway. Huminto si mommy sa harap ng pinto sa pinakadulo. Kumatok
siya at pinagbuksan kami ng isang babae.
"Good afternoon, Mrs. Cordova." Nakangiting bati nito sa kanya.

"Good afternoon." Pormal na sabi ni mommy.

"Please, come in." Sabi ng babae.

Pumasok kami sa loob ng kwarto.

"Dad?" I was surprised when I saw dad sitting in front of the doctor's desk.
Natigilan siya sa pakikipag-usap sa doctor at tumingin sa akin. Why is he here
too?

"Sweetheart, come sit over here." Tinuro niya ang upuan sa harap niya. Lumapit ako
at umupo doon.

Tumayo si mommy sa likod ng upuan ko at ipinatong ang kamay niya sa braso ko.

"Hello, Miranda. I'm Dr. Hall." Sabi ng doktor.

"Hi." Sabi ko.

"Okay, let's have a look at your medical record." Binuksan niya ang isang folder na
nakapatong sa desk niya, "You are... 9 weeks pregnant. Everything looks healthy."

Sinara niya na ang folder. "So, before we start I'll explain what will happen in
the abortion."

"Abortion?!" My eyes widened in shock. I can't believe what I just heard.

Nagkatinginan si dad at si Dr. Hall. Then dad looked at me.

"Andi, anak, mas makabubuti ito para sa'yo." Sabi ni dad.

"Mom..." Lumingon ako sa kanya para humingi ng tulong. But she looked away. I felt
my eyes burn with tears. Pakiramdam ko pinagkaisahan nila ako. I shook my head. "I
won't have an abortion."

"You're 19 years old. You are not ready to be a mother." Sabi ni dad.

"Kahit ano pang sabihin mo I won't let you kill my baby." Tears rolled down my
cheeks.

"A fetus is not a baby. It is just a-"

"Shut up!" Sigaw ko sa Doktor.

"Andi, ako ang ama mo kaya ako ang masusunod." Mariing sabi ni dad.

"No." I looked at him in disgust. "How could you even think about killing an
innocent baby?"

"You are going to get rid of that... parasite and that's final." Sabi niya.

This man in front of me is not my father, he is not even a human being, he is a

monster! Hindi ako makapaniwala sa mga nangyayari. I can't believe this is
happening.

"This parasite is your grandchild." Sabi ko habang nakatingin ng masama sa kanya. I

roughly wiped my tears away. "I'm getting out of here."

Tatayo na ako ng bigla akong pinigil ni mommy. She pushed my shoulders down. "Andi,
listen to your dad. This is for your own good."

"How is this for my own good?" I stared at her with disbelief. "You are a woman,
mom. Dapat nga naiintindihan mo ako."

I shrugged her hands off my shoulder at tumayo para umalis na. Bago pa ako
makarating sa pinto, hinawakan ako ng babaeng sumalubong sa amin kanina at
nakaramdam ako ng kirot sa braso ko. I knew she had done something to me at hindi
nga ako nagkamali. When I looked at my arm nakita kong may nakaturok na injection
doon.
"What are you doing?" Tanong ko sa kanya.

"I'm sorry, ma'am." Sabi niya.

Bumigat ang mga mata ko. My body went limp at agad akong nasalo ng babae. I could
feel myself slowly slipping into unconsciousness. I didn't want to fall asleep
but...

I opened my eyes and looked around. I'm in my room. Was it all just a... nightmare?
I felt a sharp pain on my stomach when I tried to sit up. Kinapa ko ang tiyan ko.
May baby pa rin ba dito? I started to panic. I felt so anxious, Oh God! Did I lose
my baby? Natuloy ba ang abortion?

"Ma'am, kumusta na ang pakiramdam mo?" Tanong ng babaeng nakasuot ng puting scrub
suit.

"Who are you?" I asked her.

"Ako nga po pala si Cynthia, ang private nurse mo." Sabi niya.
"W-what happened! Tell me I'm still pregnant!" I demanded.

"M-ma'am, you need to calm down."

"I need to know..." My vision became blurry with tears. "I need to know what
happened to my baby. Tell me they didn't take my baby!"

Hindi sumagot ang nurse. The answer was written all over her face. I wanted to cry.
I wanted scream. I wanted to hurt someone. My baby is gone.

Sinubukan kong tumayo sa kama at tiniis ko ang sakit. I was hurting all over, both
physically and emotionally.

"Ma'am, huwag mong bibiglain ang katawan mo." Pinigilan ako ng nurse.

"Get out of my way!" Tinulak ko siya at napaupo siya sa sahig.

Tumakbo ako palabas ng kwarto ko.

"Dad!" Sigaw ko. Hawak ko ang tiyan ko habang naglalakad papunta sa library. Walang
tigil ang pag-agos ng luha ko.
Lumabas si dad mulq sa pinto ng library. "A-andi, kailangan mong magpa-"

"You killed my baby!" I was filled with intense anger. I ran over to him and
started punching him in the chest. "How could you do this to me? How could
you..." I sobbed uncontrollably. "That baby you killed is your granchild. Ano'ng
klaseng tao ka!"

"Shh..." Dad hugged me. "I'm sorry, I had to do it."

"No..." I shook my head. "I will never forgive you. I will never... You're a
devil!"

Tristan's POV

"Hi, handsome." Lumapit sa akin ang isang babae. Hindi ko siya pinansin at
nagpatuloy ako sa paginom ng alak. "Wanna dance?"

"Leave me alone." Sabi ko.

"Geez, you don't have to be an asshole." May halong inis sa boses niya pagkatapos
ay umalis na siya. Ilang linggo na mula ng ibalik ko si Andi sa kanila. Nilulunod
ko na lang ang sarili ko sa alak para makalimutan ko ang sakit na nararamdaman ko.
God knows how much I miss her.

Bumalik na ulit ako sa apartment na inuupahan ko noon. Buti na lang at wala pang
kumukuha ng kwartong iyon at hindi nagalaw ang mga gamit ko. Binayaran ko ang upa
sa landlady gamit ang perang naipon ko sa pagtatrabaho kay sir Jaime. May natitira
pa akong pera ngunit malapit na ring maubos iyon.

"Dude." Umakbay sa akin si Wayne. "You alright, man?"

Nagpatuloy ako sa paginom na parang walang naririnig. Ayokong makipag-usap sa kahit

sino ngayon.

"Mula ng dumating ka galing sa outerspace nag-iba ka na." Sabi ni Wayne. "Ano ba

ang ginawa nila sa'yo? Did they torture you?"

"Isang shot pa nga." Sabi ko sa bartender at agad naman akong binigyan.

"Man, you're here to have fun, not get drunk!" Si Wayne. "Tignan mo si Phoenix, si
Axel at si Seth. They're having fun."

Wala akong pakialam.

Bumuntong-hininga siya. "Okay ka pa ba? Hindi na kita makausap ng matino. Bakit
ayaw mo magsalita?"

"Wala naman akong sasabihin." Sagot ko.

"Ok. Ayaw mo talaga magjoin sa party?" Tanong niya.

"Dito na lang ako." Sabi ko.

"Magpakalunod ka sa alak. It's on me." Pagkasabi ay bumalik na siya sa grupo.

Nagpatuloy ako sa paginom. Putangina! Bakit hindi magpakita ngayon ang mga
humahabol sa akin ngayong wala na si Andi? Bakit hindi na lang nila ako barilin ng
matapos na itong paghihirap ko. Na balewala lang ba ang pagsauli ko sa kanya sa mga
magulang niya? Ang masaklap pa doon kinamumuhian niya na ako ngayon.

Napahigpit ang hawak ko sa baso. Hanggang ngayon sa tuwing maaalala ko ang mga
ginawa at sinabi ko kay Andi bago ko siya ibalik sa mga magulang niya nagagalit ako
sa sarili ko. Sinaktan ko ang babaeng mahal ko.

After a few drinks I decided to go home. Lumapit ako sa mga kaibigan ko para
magpaalam.

"Mga dude, uuwi na ako." Sabi ko sa kanila.

"Uuwi na rin ako." Sabi ni Nick. "Sabay na tayo."

"Oooh... gusto mong magsimula ng maaga, huh?" Sinimulan halikan ng babaeng kasama
ni Phoenix ang leeg niya.

Inilayo ni Phoenix ang sarili sa babae. "Sorry, sugar, sa ibang gabi na lang.
Kailangan kong gumising ng maaga bukas dahil may business loan presentation ako."

"Aww." Disappointed na sabi nito.

"Don't worry, babe. You can join us later." Sabi ni Axel.

Sabay kaming lumabas ng nightclub at sumakay sa kotse niya. Inistart niya ang
engine at sinimulang patakbuhin ito.

"Ano'ng nangyari sa inyo ni Andi?" Tanong ni Phoenix habang nagmamaneho.

Tumingin ako sa gilid ng bintana ng kotse. Marinig ko lang ang pangalan niya
pakiramdam ko maiiyak ako. "Tapos na kami."

"Alam mong engaged na siya ngayon?" Sabi niya.

Hindi ako nagsalita ngunit nakaramdam ako ng kirot sa dibdib ko ng marinig ko iyon.
Tinignan ko ang singsing na na nakasuot sa daliri ko. Our wedding ring. Hindi man
kami kinasal sa legal na paraan, we're married in our hearts. Sana hindi iyon
makalimutan ni Andi.

Pagkaraan ng ilang sandali huminto ang kotse ni Phoenix sa harap ng compound.

"Salamat, dude." Sabi ko sa kanya bago ako lumabas ng kotse.

"No problem." Sagot niya.

"Good luck sa presentation mo."

"Thanks."

Isinara ko na ang pinto ng kotse niya at umalis na siya. Pumasok ako sa compound at
umakyat sa apartment ko. Lalo lang akong nalulungkot kapag mag-isa ako dito sa
apartment. Naaalala ko si Andi kahit saan akong sulok tumingin.

Tinitigan ko ang malaking picture ni Andi na nakasabit sa dingding. Lumapit ako at

hinawakan ko iyon. Miss na miss na kita, mahal ko. Iginuhit ko ang daliri ko sa
kanyang mala-anghel na mukha pababa sa leeg niya at sa kanyang likod. I wonder if
she misses me as much I miss her.
Bumuntong-hininga na lang ako at pumasok na sa kwarto. Hinubad ko na ang tshirt
kong amoy yosi at alak. Huhubarin ko na rin sana ang pantalon ko ng makapa kong
nawawala ang wallet ko sa bulsa ko. Kapag minamalas ka nga naman. Wala na nga akong
pera. Baka naman nahulog lang sa kotse ni Phoenix.

Dinampot ko ang phone ko at tinawagan si Phoenix.

"What's up?" Bungad niya sa akin.

"Nandyaan ba ang wallet ko?" Tanong ko sa kanya.

"Wallet mo? Saan mo ba nilagay?"

"Tignan mo sa inupuan ko."

"Ah, ito ba yun? Yung Hello Kitty ang design?" Natatawang sabi niya.

"Gago." Natawa rin ako.

Narinig kong bumukas ang pinto sa labas ng kwarto ko. Napakunot ang noo ko. Kasunod
nun ay ang mabibigat na yabag ng mga paa. May mga sinasabi pa si Phoenix ngunit
hindi ko na iyon naintindihan dahil pinakikinggan ko ang ingay. Naririnig kong
papalapit na sila dito hanggang sa bumukas na ang pinto ko.
Fuck! Not again! Lima silang lalaki, malalaki ang kanilang mga katawan. Pasimple
kong nilapag ang telepono sa likod ko ngunit hindi ko iyon ibinaba.

"Ano na naman ang kailangan niyo?" Tanong ko sa kanila.

"Aba! Matapang ka." Sabi ng pinakamalaking lalaki. Lumapit siya sa akin at

hinawakan ako sa panga. "Pinahirapan mo kami sa paghahanap sa'yo. Pahihirapan ka
rin namin bago ka namin patayin."

Sinapak niya ako sa mukha at napahiga ako sa sahig. Parang naalog ang utak ko sa
sapak na iyon. Pinilit kong tumayo. Katatayo ko lang ng bigla ulit akong suntukin
ng isa pang lalaki. Nakatanggap ako ng suntok sa bawat isa sa kanila. Sa mukha, sa
dibdib, sa tiyan, kahit saan tumama ang kamao nila. Hindi ko na nga mabilang kung
ilang suntok na ang natanggap ko. Halos hindi na ako makatayo ng tumigil sila.

"Sabihin mo nga sa amin masarap ba ang anak ni Cordova ha?" Sabi ng isang lalaki at
nagtawanan silang lahat.

"Oo nga, ishare mo naman sa amin. Masikip ba siya?" Sabi naman ng isa.

Napakuyom ako ng palad. Tangina nila. Gawin na nila ang lahat sa akin huwag lang
nilang babastusin si Andi. Nag-ipon ako ng lakas para tumayo at sinuntok ko ang
huling nagsalita.

"Putangina mo ah!" Mura ng lalaking sinuntok ko. Sinipa niya ako sa tiyan at
napahiga ulit ako sa sahig. Paulit-ulit niya akong pinagtatadyakan at dinuraan ako
ng mapagod siya katatadyak.
Phoenix's POV

Naririnig ko ang boses ng ibang mga lalaki sa kabilang linya ng phone. Naririnig ko
rin ang ginagawa nila kay Tristan at ang mga sigaw ni Tristan. Sunod sunod akong
napapamura habang naririnig ko ang mga nangyayari. Nagpunta ako sa pinakamalapit na
police station at humingi ng tulong sa kanila.

Nagpadala sila ng limang pulis at sinundan nila ang kotse ko papunta sa compound.
Nagmamadali kaming umakyat sa apartment niya at dahan-dahan nilang pinasok iyon.
What I saw shocked me. Nakahiga si Tristan sa sahig, duguan ang ulo at katawan. May
lalaking nakatayo sa tabi niya at nakatutok ang baril sa kanyang ulo.

"Ibaba mo ang baril mo." Tinutukan siya ng mga pulis ng baril. Dahan-dahan ibinaba
ng lalaki ang baril sa paanan bago tumayo at itinaas ang mga kamay.

"Kayo, ilabas niyo ang baril niyo." Ang isa namang pulis ay tinutukan ang apat
pang lalaki.

"W-wala kaming baril." Sabi ng isang lalaki.

Lumapit isang pulis habang tinututukan sila ng isa pang pulis para kapkapan.
Pagkatapos ay pinosasan silang lima.
Lumapit ako kay Tristan.

"Tristan!" Inalog alog ko ang balikat niya ngunit wala itong naging epekto. Akala
ko patay na siya. Nang icheck ko ang pulso niya tumitibok pa naman iyon kaya medyo
nakahinga ako ng maluwag. Nagpadala ang mga pulis ng ambulansya at agad nilang
kinuha si Tristan.

Sumama ako hanggang sa ospital. Dinala si Tristan sa ER at ilang oras akong

naghintay bago lumabas ang doktor.

"Ikaw ba ang kasama ng pasyente?" Tanong ng doktor.

"Yes, doc."

"The patient is in coma. Nagkaroon siya ng internal hemorrhage sa ulo at madali

naman namin napigilan ang pagdurugo ngunit hindi natin masisigurado kung kailan
magigising ang pasyente. O kung magigising pa siya o hindi na."

=================

Chapter Thirty Four

The party was packed. Loud music was blasting through the stereo. People were
dancing and grinding on each other. Some were just chilling around... drinking,
smoking, making out.

"Mmm..." Nakarinig ako ng ungol sa tabi ko. I turned and saw Aiko making out with
the guy she met earlier. I suddenly felt hot breath at the side of my neck.
"Kurt..." Nakiliti ako at inilayo ko ang leeg ko sa kanya.

I heard him chuckle before wrapping his arms around my waist. He pulled me closer
to him and nuzzled his face on my neck. "Oh, God, Miranda... you smell like
vanilla."

"I do?" I asked laughing. Kinuha ko ang isang baso ng vodka na nakalapag sa mesa at
ininom iyon. Pinabayaan ko siyang halikan ako sa leeg.

"Yes... I wanna fuck you so hard, baby." He moaned on to my neck. I secretly rolled
my eyes. I had been dating this guy for a week and he was already trying to work
his way into my pants. Nagkakilala kami sa isang fashion show kung saan ako
nagmomodel. Kurt is a famous hollywood star. He wasn't the first celebrity I dated.
Marami na akong naging boyfriend na celebrity. In fact, he was the second guy this
month. Now, the media portrays me as some sort of a man eater that would sleep with
anything that has pulse. But it doesn't bother me a bit. Negative publicity is
still publicity. Unti-unti ng nakikilala ang pangalan ko dahil doon.

"Kurt, no!" Pinigilan ko ang kamay niya na papunta na sa dibdib ko.

"Why not, baby?" He asked huskily, placing kisses on my shoulder.

"We're in public." I reminded him.

"Then let's get out of here." Before I could say anything he grabbed my wrist and
rush me out of the club. We were greeted by paparazzi, flashing their cameras.
"Kurt, kurt! Where's Alison?" Sigaw ng isang paparazzi. Alison is Kurt's ex
girlfriend. They just broke up when we started going out. Kaya ang akala ng mga tao
ako ang dahilan kung bakit sila naghiwalay.

"Are you dating each other?"

"Why are you dating that slut, Kurt?"

Halo-halong sigaw ng mga tao.

"Fuck off." Sigaw ni Kurt. Nakayuko siya habang hatak ang kamay ko at nagmamadaling
naglalakad papunta sa kotse niya. He opened the passenger side door for me. I
hopped in as he close the door after me. Then he walked around to the driver's
seat.

"Kurt..." Ipinatong ko ang kamay ko sa hita niya. He groaned when I stroke his
thigh. I smiled when I saw his erection through his pants.

"Oh, fuck, Miranda. Touch me!" He moaned. I rub the inside of his thigh with my
hand. "Baby, touch my cock." He said in a raspy voice. I continued teasing him. I
started kissing him on the neck while I rub his thigh.

Hininto niya ang sasakyan sa tabi ng kalsada kung saan walang kotseng dumadaan. His
lips crashed mine and he kissed me savagely. He used his tongue to force his way
into my mouth and roam around inside. I wrapped my arms around his neck.
His lips abandoned mine as he trail down my jawline and to my neck. I closed my
eyes and a familiar face flashed through my mind.

Tristan

"What?" Huminto si Kurt at napaangat ng tingin sa akin.

"N-nothing." I shook my head. Bumaba ulit ang ulo niya para halikan ang leeg ko.
He works his way down to my exposed cleavage. I put my hands on his shoulders and
pushed him away. "Let's go to my apartment." Mahinang sabi ko.

"I'm so fucking hard right now! I want to be inside you! I'll make this quick. Just
let me come." He reached for the button of my jeans. Agad kong pinigilan ang kamay
niya.

"Let's just continue this when we get to my apartment." Sabi ko.

Umayos siya ng upo at sumandal sa upuan. I heard him cuss under his breath. I know
he's so turned on right now. He started his car and drove as fast as he could.

He parked his car in front of my apartment. We entered the building and went
directly to the elevator. He started kissing me again when we got in the elevator.
Finally, after eternity, the elevator stopped on my floor. We walked down the
hallway to my apartment. Kinuha ko ang susi sa bag ko at binuksan iyon. Pumasok ako
sa loob.
"I'm sorry, Kurt. I have an early photoshoot tomorrow. Goodnight." Sabi ko sabay
sara ng pinto ng apartment ko.

"Miranda!" He furiously shouted while banging on my door. "Open the fucking door.
Don't fucking play games with me."

"Good night, Kurt!" Malambing na sabi ko sa kanya.

"You're a fucking cock-teasing little bitch!" Sinipa niya ang pinto ko bago ko
narinig ang yabag ng mga paa niya palayo.

I took a deep breath and walk and walked to the kitchen. Kumuha ako ng isang baso
at isang bote ng wine. Dinala ko iyon sa loob ng bathroom. Pinuno ko ang bath tub
ng tubig at nilubog ko ang katawan ko.

Three years had past... They say time heals all wounds. But why am I still hurting?
I don't deserve this. I don't fucking deserve this! Walang gabing hindi ako umiyak
sa loob ng tatlong taon. I picked up my wine glass and took a sip. Pagkatapos kong
malaman na wala na ang batang dinadala ko sa sinapupunan ko pumayag akong
magpakasal kay Jason. Pumayag ako dahil gusto kong umalis sa lugar na iyon,
pakiramdam ko kasi mababaliw ako habang araw-araw kong nakikita ang mga taong
pumatay sa anak ko. We went to New York and got married. Nanatili si Jason sa New
York at lumipat ako dito sa Los Angeles.

"Mommy... mommy..." Tumatakbo palapit sa akin ang isang batang lalaki. Binuhat ko
siya at niyakap. My baby...

"I love you." Sabi ko.

"If you really love me then why did you let them kill me?" Malungkot na sabi ng
maliit na boses niya.

I pulled away from the hug and looked at him. The little boy's face was covered in
blood, it was everywhere. All I could do was scream and cry hysterically.

I woke up from a terrible nightmare in a cold sweat, gasping for air. Napayakap ako
sa unan sa tabi ko at umiyak. Kasalanan ko din ito. I should've fought harder. I
shouldn't have let them kill you. I'm so sorry, baby. I'm so sorry. My tears
eventually turned to sobs. I swear I'm going to make them pay. I'm going to make
them pay for what they've done to you. Si Harold, si Olivia at si Tristan.
Magbabayad sila.

=================

Chapter Thirty Five

Pinagmasdan ko ang magazine na nakapatong sa coffee table. Nakita kong binabasa ng

secretary ko ito kanina at ang nakaagaw ng pansin ko ay ang cover ng magazine.
Nakaupo si Andi sa couch ng nightclub habanag nakasubsob ang mukha ng lalaking
katabi niya sa leeg niya.

Kurt Bennett caught kissing model Miranda de Veyra.

Just days after announcing his split from fiance, Alison Brandt, Kurt Bennett was
spotted partying at a nightclub in Los Angeles with Miranda de Veyra. The pair was
snapped with various photos of them getting intimate.

Wala na akong nagawa kung hindi mapailing na lang habang binubuklat ko ang mga
pahina at tinitignan ang mga larawan niyang kasama ang aktor. Two weeks ago lang
yata ng makita ko sa internet ang picture niya kahalikan ang isang sikat na singer
sa beach. Kung ako nga nagngingitngit sa galit habang tinitignan ang mga larawang
iyon, ano kayang nararamdaman ng asawa niya? Hindi ba niya alam ang mga ginagawa ni
Andi? Wala ba siyang pakialam? Maybe, Jason didn't love her enough kaya naghahanap
siya ng pagmamahal sa ibang lalaki. I would kill to be in his place. Hindi niya ba
alam kung gaano siya kaswerte kay Andi?

We really loved each other. Malas lang nga dahil minahal namin ang isa't isa sa
maling panahon at pagkakataon. Kung ngayon kami nagtagpo ang landas namin magiging
madali na siguro ang lahat para sa amin. Hindi na ako mahirap, kaya ko na siyang
buhayin at siguro matatanggap na ako ng pamilya niya.

Nagising ako sa malalim na pag-iisip ng marinig kong tumunog ang door bell. Tumayo
ako para buksan iyon.

"Tristaaaaaan!" Yumakap si Valerie sa akin. "Surprise! Surprise!"

"What are you doing here?" Tanong ko sa kanya.

"Why? Ayaw mo ba ako dito?" Lumabi siya na parang bata. Pumasok siya sa unit ko at
tumingin sa paligid. "Hmm... siguro meron kang kasamang babae, no?"

"Loko loko!" Pabirong ginulo ko ang buhok niya.

"Tristan naman! Kakagaling ko lang ng salon." Maktol niya.

"Yan ang bagong hairstyle ngayon. Bed hair look." Biro ko.
She made a face. "I hate you." Sabi niya habang inaayos ang buhok gamit ang daliri
niya.

"Magpapa-salon ka lang pumunta ka pa dito sa Manila?" Tanong ko sa kanya.

"Nakipagkita ako sa mga friends ko dito so dinaanan na din kita." Pasalampak na

umupo si Valerie sa couch. Kinuha niya ang magazine sa ibabaw ng coffee table at
tinignan ito. "Inii-stalk mo na naman si Andi." Naiiling na sabi niya habang
nakatingin sa magazine.

"Hindi. Nakita ko lang yan sa secretary ko." Sabi ko at umupo ako sa tabi niya.

"Oh my god, she's dating Kurt!" Tili ni Valerie. "I thought she was dating Dash
Stonem? Divorced na ba sila ng asawa niya?"

"No. She's still using Jason's last name." Sagot ko.

"Updated na updated ka kay Andi." Sabi ni Valerie. "Magmove on ka na. It's been
years. Mukha naman masaya na si Andi sa buhay niya and you deserve to be happy
too."

"I am happy." Really? Bakit kahit ang sarili ko hindi ko makumbinsi.

"You should start dating again."

"I tried but..." Napailing ako.

"Huwag mo kasi silang i-compare kay Andi. Kahit i-date mo lahat ng babae dito sa
Pilipinas wala kang mahahanap na katulad niya."

"Hindi ko sila ikinukumpara kay Andi. I just haven't found the right person." I
shrugged. I already did... pinakawalan ko lang. "Kumusta na nga pala si dad?" Pag-
iiba ko sa usapan.

"He misses you. Hindi ka ba bibisita sa hacienda?" Tanong ni Valerie.

"Maybe, some other time. Abala kasi ako sa trabaho. Aayain ko na lang kumain sa
labas si dad next weekend." Sabi ko. Minsan lang akong dumadalaw sa hacienda at
sandali lang. Hindi ko kayang magtagal sa lugar na iyon. Naaalala ko lang lalo si
Andi.

"Okay." Kibit-balikat na sabi niya.

Nang magising ako sa dalawang buwan na pagka-coma meron na akong pamilya. Meron na
akong kapatid at ama. Ako na si Dominic Zamora. It feels like I'm living someone
else's life. Parang lahat ng nangyari sa buhay ko noon ay isa lang panaginip.

Sinabi ni Valerie kay sir Jaime ang nangyari sa bayan. Nag-alala si sir Jaime sa
amin ng malaman niyang umalis na kami sa hacienda kaya kumuha siya ng private
investigator para hanapin kami. Doon na niya nalaman ang lahat ng tungkol sa akin.
Nalaman niyang galing ako sa isang bahay-ampunan. Dalawang taon gulang daw ako ng
may lalaking nagdala sa akin doon. Nakita daw nila ako sa likod ng truck kasama ng
mga gulay na idedeliver nila sa Maynila. Hindi niya alam kung saan ako ibabalik
kaya dinala niya na lang ako sa bahay-ampunan. Tristan ang pangalan na ibinigay
nila sa akin. Nagtutugma iyon sa impormasyon na nakuha nila sa paghahanap kay
Dominic Zamora. Kinutuban na si sir Jaime na baka ako ang nawawalang anak niya.

Siya ang unang taong nakita ko nang magising ako sa paka-coma. Niyakap niya ako at
naluluhang ipinaliwanag sa akin ang mga nalaman niya tungkol sa pagkatao ko. Sinabi
niya na may posibilidad na ako si Dominic. Pumayag akong magpa-DNA test at nang
lumabas ang resulta, doon na nag-iba ang buhay ko. Ako na ngayon si Dominic Zamora,
ang anak ng isang mayamang haciendero.

Andi's POV

I woke up to the sound of my phone ringing. I groaned and looked at the clock on
the bedside table. It's 5 o'clock in the fucking morning. And it's Sunday! Who the
hell calls someone at five in the morning? I yawned before reaching over for my
phone. I glanced a the screen and frowned when I saw it was from an unknown number.
Nag-isip pa ako kung sasagutin ko ba ito o hindi. Since naistorbo niya na ang tulog
ko sinagot ko na ang phone. This better be good.

"Hello?" I said while rubbing my eyes.

"Andi, anak..." I heard the familiar voice on the other line. I gritted my teeth
and gripped the phone tightly. I wanted to scream at her! Gusto ko siyang murahin.
How dare she call me anak? At ang kapal ng mukha niyang tawagan ako. Pinigilan ko
ang sarili ko at ibababa ko na sana ang phone ng marinig ko siyang umiyak.

"What do you want?" I asked in an angry tone.

"You're dad... had a heart attack." She said in between sobs.

I stayed silent for a few minutes. Hindi ko alam kung ano ang dapat kong sabihin at
maramdaman.

"Palagi kang hinahanap ng daddy mo, anak. We miss you so much." Umiiyak na sabi
niya. "Umuwi ka na dito. Daddy wants to see you."

Ang kapal ng mukha nila. Pagkatapos ng ginawa nila sa akin at sa anak ko may gana
pa silang tawagan ako at pakiusapan umuwi sa Pilipinas. Paano ko patutunguhan ang
mga taong pumatay sa anak ko? Am I just going to pretend that everything is ok just
because that old man is sick? To hell with them!

Walang sabi-sabing binaba ko ang phone. I tried to go back to sleep. Sinubukan kong
kalimutan ang sinabi ni Olivia. But I couldn't get myself back to sleep and ended
up tossing and turning. Umupo ako sa kama. I know there's a part of me that still
does care and I hate it.

Hindi na ako nakatiis and I tried to call my dad's brother, uncle James. Sa kanya
ako nagtanong. Nasa stable condition na daw si Harold. Why should I even be
worried? Nakalimutan kong matagal mamatay ang masamang damo.
Huminto ang taxi sa harap ng ospital kung saan naka-confined si Harold. Dumiretso
na ako dito galing sa airport. I glared outside the car window and a wry smile
formed on my lips. Harold and Olivia will surely be surprised when they see me. May
pasalubong pa ako kay Harold, I hope he likes it. I heard his doing better now.

Bumaba ako sa taxi at pinakuha ko sa driver ang bulaklak na binili ko kanina sa

nadaanan naming flower shop.

"Pakidala na lang yan." Sabi ko sa driver.

Naglakad ako papasok sa ospital at sumunod sa akin ang driver na hawak ang
bulaklak.

"Ma'am, dadalhin ito sa loob ng ospital?" Nag-aalinlangan na sabi ng driver nang

nasa harap na kami ng ospital.

"Yes." Maikling sagot ko.

Bago kami nakapasok sa ospital hinarang kami ng security guard. He gave the driver
a weird look.

"Is there any problem?" Tanong ko sa security guard.

Napakamot siya ng ulo. "Bawal po yan dito."

"Bawal magdala ng bulaklak sa ospital?" I looked at him skeptically.

"Eh, bulaklak po yan pangpatay." Sagot ng guard.

"I'm asking you, bawal bang magdala ng bulaklak?" Nakataas ang kilay na sabi ko.

"H-hindi po." Sagot niya.

"Hindi naman pala eh." I rolled my eyes at him. Nagpatuloy kami sa paglalakad.
Everyone was staring at the taxi driver. They were all probably wondering kung
bakit may siya may dalang bulaklak ng patay.

I went up to the front desk and asked the nurse what room Harold Cordova is in.
Binigay niya ang room number at pumunta ako doon. Pabilis ng pabilis ang tibok ng
puso ko habang papalapit ako sa kwarto. After three years, makakaharap ko na naman
ang demonyong pumatay sa anak ko. I took in a deep breathe and reached for the door
knob.

Binuksan ko ang pinto. Harold was in his bed, he looked... different. He looked
like he had lost some weight, he was pale and he had gray streaks in his hair. He
looked so weak and helpless, malayo sa itsura noon. Nakaupo sa tabi niya si Olivia
at mukhang natutulog ito.
"Andi..." He said in a raspy voice. His eyes began to water. Gusto kong tumalikod
at umalis na pero parang napako ang mga paa ko sa kinatatayuan ko. "Anak, I missed
you so much."

Nag-angat ng ulo si Olivia at tumingin sa akin. A shocked look crossed her face.
"Andi?" Napatayo siya sa upuan at lumapit sa akin. She hugged me. Napakuyom ang mga
palad ko. I tried as hard as I could to fight back my tears.

"Oh my god. You should've told as na babalik ka dito sa Pilipinas. Sana

napaghandaan namin." Sabi ni Olivia.

"Ma'am, saan ko ito ilalagay?" Napatingin siya sa taxi driver. I heard her gasp.

I smirked. "Ipasok mo dito."

"Andi, what is this?" Tanong ni Olivia.

I looked at her with hate before smiling. "Pasalubong ko."

Ipinasok ng taxi driver ang bulaklak sa kwarto. Nawala ang ngiti sa mukha ni
Harold. He had pain expression in his eyes.

"Thanks, manong." Sabi ko sa driver bago binigay ang bayad ko. Binigyan ko siya ng
malaking tip at tuwang-tuwa naman siyang umalis.
"Nagustuhan mo ba... dad?" I said sarcastically with my arms crossed. Hindi siya
sumagot.

"Andi," Tawag ni Olivia. "Ano'ng ibig sabihin nito."

"Hindi niyo ba nagustuhan?" Nagpalit-palit ako ng tingin sa kanila.

"Please, Miranda, don't do this. Not now. May sakit ang daddy mo." Pakiusap ni
Olivia.

"I can see that." I smiled as I look at Harold. "That's what you call karma and you
deserve so much worse than this."

"Noong nalaman kong inatake ka sa puso, alam mo bang pinagdasal kong huwag kang
mamatay. Death is too easy for you." My jaws clenched. "I'd rather watch you suffer
first. Gusto kong makitang naghihirap ka. Gusto kong maramdaman mo ang sakit na
naramdaman ko."

He looked down. His shoulders were shaking and tears drip down his face. "Patawarin
mo ako, anak. Pinagsisisihan ko ang ginawa ko."

I felt a lump in my throat. I couldn't hold my tears anymore kaya tumalikod ako. I
don't want to cry in front of them. I don't want to show my weakness. Hindi na ako
ang dating Andi.
"Andi." Olivia said, her voice cracking. Hinawakan niya ako sa balikat. I shrugged
her hands off my shoulder and walked away.

Tristan's POV

Bumaba ako sa kotse at naglakad papasok sa bar. I just need a drink or maybe a few.
Galing ako sa trabaho at gusto kong magrelax. Ayoko naman pumunta sa nightclub.
Masyadong maingay doon at magulo.

Umupo ako sa bakanteng stool sa pinakadulo ng bar counter.

"One scotch on the rocks." Sabi ko ng lumapit ang bartender sa akin. Maya maya pa
ay inabot niya na sa akin ang order ko.

I took a sip of my scotch. Ibinaba ko ang baso. I swirled it around a bit. Maganda
na ang buhay ko ngayon kumpara dati. May pamilya na ako, may trabaho ako, may pera
ako at nabibili ko lahat ng gusto ko. Pero pakiramdam ko may kulang pa rin sa buhay
ko. May kulang naman talaga.

I took a deep sigh. I would give anything to have her back. Ang mahal ko. Wala sa
sariling napangiti ako ng maalala ko ang tawagan namin noon. Kumusta na kaya si
Andi? Sana masaya na siya at sana napatawad niya na ako. Naiisip niya rin kaya
ako... kahit minsan lang? Mahal ko pa rin siya, hindi nawala iyon kahit kailan. I
tried to move on. Nakipagdate ako sa ibang mga babae pero hindi nagwork. Hindi ko
kayang ibigay sa kanila kahit konti ng pagmamahal ko para kay Andi.

"Can I have an appletini?" Narinig kong sabi ng babaeng umupo sa tabi ko.

Hindi ko siya masyadong binigyan pansin at nagpatuloy ako sa pag-ikot ng baso ko.
Nakatingin ako sa yelong umiikot sa loob ng baso. I took another sip.

I heard her sniff and it turned to muffled sobs. She's crying. Hindi ko na
napigilan ang sarili ko at tumingin ako sa kanya. I blinked a couple of times. Ni
hindi ko pa nga nauubos itong isang baso ng scotch. Sigurado akong hindi ako
lasing.

"A-andi?"

Tumingin siya sa akin...

=================

Chapter Thirty Six

"Andi?"

Tumingin siya sa akin. She stared at me blankly for a few seconds, I stared back at
her. Bumilis ang tibok ng puso ko. Gusto ko siyang yakapin at sabihin sa kanya kung
gaano ko siya na miss pero para ako makakilos. Her expression quickly changed from
shocked to anger. Marahas niyang pinunasan ang mga luha niya. Tinapunan niya ako ng
masamang tingin bago tumalikod.
Tumayo siya sa upuan at nagmamadaling naglakad palabas sa bar.

"Andi, sandali!" Humabol ako sa kanya. Hindi siya lumingon sa akin, lalo niyang
binilisan ang paglalakad.

Nakalabas na kami ng bar ng makahabol ako sa kanya at agad kong hinawakan ang kamay
niya para mapigilan siya.

"Ano ba?!" She tried to get out of my grip.

"Andi..." Naluluhang sabi ko bago ko siya hinatak papunta sa akin. I hugged her
tight in my arms. Mabilis na nagbagsakan ang mga luha sa mga mata ko. Hindi siya
gumalaw ng ilang segundo bago niya ako pilit tinulak at pinagsusuntok sa dibdib.

"Let me go!" Sigaw niya habang pilit na kumakawala sa bisig ko. Lalo ko lang
hinigpitan ang yakap ko. "Let me go for fuck's sake!"

Tinulak niya ako ng malakas at nakawala siya sa pagkakayakap. Biglang dumapo ang
mga palad niya sa pisngi ko at tumakbo. Sinubukan ko siyang habulin ulit, pumara
siya ng taxi at nagmamadaling sumakay.

Napasipa ako sa maliit na bato sa harap ko. I fist my hair in frustration. I took a
deep breathe and wiped my tears away.
Andi's POV

Inis na inis ako sa sarili ko becuase I couldn't stop crying. He is not worth my
tears, not a single drop. He used me for sex and dumped me. I gave him everything.
I loved him and what did I get in return? A broken heart.

It was his fault kung bakit nawala ang baby namin! He abandoned us. Pare-pareho
sila ni Olivia at Harold. They all killed my baby. I slammed my body on the bed and
buried my face in my pillow. I had to live with it every single day. Sana pinatay
na lang nila ako kasama ang baby ko. I just don't want to feel the pain anymore.

When I look at other children, palagi kong naiisip ang baby ko. Iniisip ko kung ano
kaya ang itsura niya kung nabuhay siya, kung kamukha ba siya ni Tristan o kamukha
ko siya. I want so badly to hold, to kiss and to hug my baby. Sana ngayon may
tumatawag na sa akin na mommy.

Tumunog ang phone ko. Ayoko sanang saguting pero nakita ko ang pangalan ni Aiko. I
picked up the phone and collected myself before pressing the answer button.

"Thank God, sumagot ka rin." Sabi ni Aiko. "Girl, I've been looking all over for
you. Wala ka sa apartment mo at dalawang araw mo na hindi sinasagot ang phone mo.
Akala ko nga na murder ka na. Where the hell are you?"

I cleared my throat so it didn't sound like I'm crying. "Nasa Philippines ako
ngayon."

"What? You're in the Philippines?" Gulat na sabi ni Aiko.

"Yeah." I said in a small voice.

"What are you doing there?"

"My... dad." I wanted to vomit nang sabihin ko ang word na dad. "had a heart
attack."

"Oh Gosh, I'm sorry. Is he alright?" Concerned na tanong niya. Kahit na matagal na
kaming magkaibigan ni Aiko I never opened up to her. Hindi niya alam na galit ako
sa mga magulang ko at hindi niya rin alam ang tungkol sa pagkawala ng baby ko.
Iniiwasan kong pag-usapan namin ang personal life ko.

"Yeah, he's fine."

"Well, alam mo bang kinukulit ako ng manager mo? Gosh, ang dami mong projects na
iniwan kung pwede nga lang ako na gumawa ng iba. And you will not believe this,
girl, gusto kang kunin ng Victoria's Secret na model. Ikaw ang magiging kauna-
unahang Filipina VS model." She squealed. "You really need to get your ass back
here."
I sighed. "Ayoko munang tumanggap ng kahit anong project. I need a break."

"What?! You must be out of your mind! Victoria's Secret iyon!" Tili niya.

"I gotta go, Aiko. Tatawagan na lang kita, okay?" Sabi ko sa kanya.

"Mirand-" Pinindot ko na ang end button. Sumubsob ulit ako sa pillow. I don't want
to talk with anyone right now.

Ilang araw na akong nandito sa Pilipinas. Wala akong ginawa kung hindi magmukmok
dito sa hotel room ko. My phone was constantly bombarded with texts and calls from
my manager and Harold and Olivia. I didn't want to talk with any of them so I just
turned off my phone. It's been days since the last time I've had a conversation
with a human being.

I decided to go to the club tonight. I wore a black strapless sweet heart dress,
tied my hair into a ponytail and put on a light makeup. Lumabas ako ng hotel at
tumawag ng taxi. The taxi driver dropped me off at some club.
I entered the nightclub and went straight to the bar. Kakaupo ko lang sa stool nang
may nilapag ng bartender ang isang cosmopolitan cocktail sa harap ko.

"I didn't order this." Sabi ko sa kanya.

"Pinabibigay ng lalaking yun." The bartender pointed at the guy sitting five seats
away from me. He waved at me and I smiled at him. He got up from his seat and
walked up to me.

"Hi, I'm Drake." He held out his hand. Tinitigan ko lang iyon at parang napahiyang
ibinaba niya ang kamay niya.

"Hi." I looked at him from head to toe. He is kind of cute. I raised my glass at
him. "Thanks for the drink, Drake."

"No problem." Umupo siya sa tabi ko. "Have we met before. You look familiar."

"I don't think so." I answered before taking a sip of my drink. God, I hope hindi
niya ako makilala.

"Oh that's right, I just realized you look like my future girlfriend." He chuckled.
Ew, I've heard it a thousand times. Meron pa palang lalaking gumagamit ng ganun ka-
cheesy na pick-up line.
"I'm married." I said flatly.

"Why aren't you wearing a wedding ring?" Tanong niya habang nakatingin sa kamay ko.

"I lost it." I shrugged. Well, hindi ko naman talaga nawala ang wedding ring namin
ni Jason. Nang mapunta ako sa LA konti lang ang perang dala ko so I had to sell our
wedding ring. The funny thing is nakatago pa rin ang wedding ring namin ni
Tristan.

"Where's your husband? Bakit mag-isa ka lang dito?"

"He's in New York."

"I don't believe you because if I were your husband hindi ako papayag na malayo
sa'yo kahit isang araw lang." Sabi niya.

I rolled my eyes. I wish he would just leave me alone. God, hindi ba talaga ako
makakakuha ng matinong kausap dito? I'm so tired of being hit on. Kilala ko na ang
mga katulad niyang lalaki. He just wants someoene to fuck.

"Can you pleas-" Nahinto ako ng mag-angat ako ng ulo at nakita ang isang lalaking
nakaupo sa likod ni Drake.He was staring straight at me. I quickly looked away and
pretend I didn't see him.

"Can I please, what?" Tanong niya.

I plastered a fake smile. I leaned over him and whispered. "Dance with me."

"Sure, love." He said with a smile on his face. I grabbed his hand and lead him to
the dance floor. I took his hands and wrapped it around my waist. Sinilip ko ang
kinauupuan ni Tristan. He was still staring at us. I smiled. Gusto kong makita niya
na masaya na ako sa buhay ko. I don't need him. I could have any man I want.

I put my hands around his neck. We started dancing.

"I still don't know you're name." Bulong niya sa akin.

"Take a wild guess." I winked at him.

"Kitty." He said playfully and pulled my body against his. "I think I'll just call
you Kitty."

I started to feel dizzy. Napayakap ako sa kanya dahil pakiramdam ko matutumba ako.
His hand slid down my bottom and gently squeezed it. I tried pushing him away but
he kept on grinding against me. I could feel something hard poking at my stomach.

"Bitawan mo ako." I told him.

"You're not having fun, Kitty?" He started to nibble on my earlobe. Why do I feel
so hot? My body became more and more sensitive to his touch.
"I wanna go home." Sabi ko.

"Okay, Kitty, we'll go home." He wraps one arm around my waist and drag me out of
the club.

"Just get me a cab."

"Hahatid na kita." Sabi niya habang pinapasok ako sa kotse niya. He closed the door
and ran to the driver's side. Sumandal ako sa window ng kotse. I feel like a fire
is spreading all over my body.

He started the car and drove off. I felt his hand sneaking up my thigh. Oh fuck! I
moaned out loud. It felt so good.

"Feels good, Kitty?" He asked, grinning. He moved his hand higher under my dress.
Pinigilan ko ang kamay niya.

"Don't." Mahinang sabi ko. This is so wrong. I'm so horny but I'm not cheap! Mamaya
kung ano pang sakit ang makuha ko sa lalaking ito.

"You know you want it."

"No. Please, don't touch me." I begged. He didn't listen. His hand went around my
inner thigh. I grabbed his wrist and yanked it away from me.

"Fuck you!"

"Later, Kitty." He said with a smirk. Oh God! I wanted to jump out of the car.
Sinubukan kong buksan ang pinto ng kotse ngunit hindi iyon mabuksan. He just
laughed.

Tristan's POV

Sinundan ko ang kotse ng lalaking kasama ni Andi. Hindi ko maiwasan mapamura sa

galit. I wanted to kill the guy when I saw him touch Andi's ass. Lalo kong
binilisan ang takbo ng kotse. Putangina! Wala na akong pakialam kahit magalit si
Andi sa akin. I won't let her sleep with that guy.

Huminto ang sasakyan sa parking lot ng condominium building. I saw the guy get out
of the car. Umikot siya papunta sa passenger's side at binuksan iyon. He grabbed
Andi's arm and pulled her out of the car.

Nakita kong nagpupumiglas si Andi. Napakunot ang noo ko. What the hell is going on?
Lumabas ako sa kotse at patakbong lumapit sa kanila.

"C'mon, Kitty." Sabi ng lalaki.

"Uuwi na ako." She tried to get out of his grip. "Let me go, you bastard!"

"Kita mong ayaw sumama sa'yo di ba?" Sabi ko. Pareho silang napatingin sa akin.

"Mind your own business." He snarled.

"Tristan!" Sigaw ni Andi.

Nilapitan ko ang lalaki at hinawakan ko sa kwelyo niya. Hinampas ko siya sa pader.

"Tristan..." Hinawakan ako ni Andi sa braso. "Hayaan mo na siya."

I looked at Andi and my face instantly softened. Dahan-dahan kong binitawan ang
lalaki. I grabbed Andi's hand at hinatak ko siya papunta sa kotse ko.

"Are you okay?" Inalalayan ko siya sa paglalakad dahil mukhang nahihilo siya. Ungol
lang ang isinagot niya sa akin. Maingat ko siyang isinakay sa kotse at umikot sa
may driver's seat. Ini-start ko na ang kotse.

"It's so hot." Sabi niya. Napailing na lang ako ng lumingon ako sa kanya. That
fucker must have put something in her drink.
"Where do you want me to drop you off?" Tanong ko.

Hindi siya sumagot. Kinuha niya ang kanang kamay ko na nakahawak sa steering wheel
at dinala sa hita niya.

"Touch me." Nangingislap ang mga matang sabi niya. I cussed under my breath. Tama
nga si Andi, it IS hot in here. Her skin is so soft and smooth, just like how I
remember it. Umakyat ang kamay ko sa loob ng dress niya. My hand went between her
legs and my fingers touched the fabric of her underwear. She opened her legs wider.
I started rubbing her through her panties. And damn! It's soaking wet. She moaned
and groaned loudly.

Nag-red ang stoplight sa harap. Hallelujah!

Nang ihinto ko ang kotse agad niyang hinila ang ulo ko papunta sa kanya at
hinalikan ako sa labi. Hindi pa rin nagbabago ang lasa ng mga labi niya na
hinahanaphanap ko sa ibang mga babae. How I missed her sweet lips. Kung panaginip
lang ito sana hindi na lang ako magising.

I moved her panties aside and circled her clit. She buck her hips against my
finger. Bigla kaming natigilan ng bumusina ang kotse sa likod namin. I realized the
light turned green. Umayos ako ng upo and I hit the gas pedal.

Sandali akong napalingon kay Andi. She pulled her underwear down. Fuck! Nawawala
ang concentration ko. Hindi ko alam kung sa kanya ako titingin o sa kalsada. She
took my hand again ang brought it between her thighs.

I plunged two fingers inside her. Napasinghap siya.

 "You're so tight." I groaned. She was so tight and warm. My shaft was hard and
throbbing inside my jeans.

"More... Oh God, more..." She panted. I moved my fingers in and out slowly. She let
out a grunt. Kinuha niya ang kamay ko at kinontrol iyon. She slid my fingers all
the way in and out of her. Pabilis ng pabilis. Shit! I think I'm going to come in
my pants.

Sinubukan kong magconcentrate sa pagmamaneho habang ginagamit niya ang kamay ko na

parang sex toy. Pagkatapos ng parang napakahabang biyahe ay nakarating din kami sa
parking lot ng condo.

Andi moaned in protest ng bawiin ko ang kamay ko. I quickly got out of my car at
binuksan ko ang pinto sa passenger's seat. Nahihilo pa rin si Andi kaya hinawakan
ko siya sa baywang at inalalayan habang naglalakad.

Pumasok kami sa condo building at sumakay sa elevator. We started making in the

elevator. Naglakbay ang kamay niya sa jeans na suot ko. She palmed my buldge
through my pants. Humiwalay ang labi niya sa akin at lumuhod siya sa harap ko. She
unbuttoned my pants and pulled my shaft out. The tip was dripping with pre-cum and
she licked it.

"Andi, you don't have to do this." Sabi ko sa kanya. My eyes widen as she took me
in her mouth. She's giving me head in the elevator. I can't believe this girl
kneeling in front of me is my Andi.

Huminto ang elevator at agad ko siyang hinatak patayo. Inayos ko ang pantalon ko at
lumabas kami sa elevator. Nagmamadaling kaming pumasok sa condo unit. She
immediately took her dress off. I stared at her beautiful naked body. Halos wala pa
rin nagbago. Namumungay ang mga mata niya at ngumiti siya sa akin.
We started kissing again. She pushed me down onto the couch and sat on my lap. She
grinded her pussy against the bulge in my pants. I bent my head down to lick her
hard nipple. I took it in my mouth and gently sucked it. She moaned and tugged on
my hair.

I felt my manhood twitch. I groaned and thrusted my hips forward. I rubbed myself
against her and after a few moments, I finally reached my climax and came. I
fucking came in my pants. Napasandal ako sa couch at niyakap ko ng mahigpit si
Andi. My whole body was shaking.

Maya-maya pa ay tinulak niya ako pahiga sa couch. She straddled my head with her
legs. Oh shit!

"Eat me!" She said as she lower her pussy to my face. I started to lick her wet
folds. I missed this so much. I missed her smell and taste. I gently bit and sucked
on her flesh. My tongue went inside her and pushed it in and out.

"Ahh... Jason, I'm coming..." She moaned. Jason? What the fuck? She moaned another
man's name while I'm eating her out. She came in my mouth and collapsed.

Binuhat ko siya papunta sa kwarto ko at hiniga sa kama. Tinakpan ko ng kumot ang

hubad na katawan niya bago ko siya hinalikan sa noo. I stared at her face and tears
started flowing out of my eyes. Hindi ka na nga pala sa akin. Pagmamay-ari ka na ng
iba. Losing you was the biggest mistake I ever made. I wish we were back to the way
we were.

=================

Chapter Thirty Seven

I woke up with a pounding headache. I felt something heavy around my stomach. I

gasped and sat right up when I heard someone breathing beside me. Napaupo ako at
napasandal sa headboard. Napatingin ako sa tabi ko. Si Tristan. I suddenly
remembered what had happened last night.

"Good morning." Tristan said with half open eyes. I pulled the blanket up to cover
myself.

He sat up next to me. Tatayo na sana ako ng bigla niya akong hawakana sa braso. I
tried to get my arm away from him. He pulled me to his body at napasubsob ako sa
dibdib niya. I pushed him away but he refused to let me go.

"I've missed you so much." He sobbed. I stopped fighting to get free. I hate him. I
hate him so much! But God, I've missed him too. He kissed me on the forehead and I
closed my eyes trying not to let the tears out. I don't want to cry, not in front
of him.

He cupped my face with his hands and kissed me on the tip of my nose and on the
lips. It was a gentle but passionate kiss. I found myself wrapping my arms around
his neck. He sucked on my lower lips seeking entrance. I opened my mouth for him
and he slipped his tongue in.

His hand cupped my breast and squeezed it a little bit. I moaned in his mouth. He
took my nipple between his two fingers and started rubbing it. His lips trailed
down to my neck, biting, nipping and sucking it. I tangled my hands in his hair and
moaned. His lips moved down to my breast. He teases me by kissing me around my
nipple before finally taking it in his mouth while his hand play with my other
breast.

I felt his other hand on my stomach sliding down to my womanhood. He slides his
finger over my slit and I let out a sigh. He started playing with my clit, rubbing
it between his two fingers.
"Ohh... mmm..." I moaned. "More! I want more."

Nag-angat siya ng ulo at tinitigan niya ako. "Say my name."

His fingers teased my entrance making me even more wet. I moaned and bucked my hip
against him.

"Goddammit! Put your fingers in my pussy." I demanded.

"I want to hear you say my name." He said, hoarsely.

"Tristan... Please, Tristan." I cried. He pushed two fingers in me, penetrating

slowly while his thumb rub my clit. I closed my eyes and threw my head back.

"Look at me, Andi. I want you to look at me." He said and I opened my eyes. He
stared into my eyes. "Who's finger fucking you right now?"

"You are..." I answered.

"Say my name."

"Tristan, oh God, Tristan!" I screamed in ecstasy. He pumped his finger into me

even faster and harder.

"Ayokong marinig mula sa bibig mo ang pangalan ng ibang lalaki." He nuzzled his
head on my neck. "Hindi ako si Jason." He said, his voice broke.

I know... I knew it was him who was pleasuring me last night. I did it on purpose.
I wanted to hurt his ego because he fucking deserves it. Gusto kong malaman niya na
nakalimutan ko na ang mga hawak at halik niya.

He spread my legs apart and got right in between. He pulled me to him and our sex
were touching. He rubbed the tip of his manhood around my clit, teasing me. I bit
my lower lip and arched my back. This is driving me crazy. He slid it up and down
my slit before sliding himself inside me.

I felt a little pain as he move. I can feel myself clamping on him. I pulled him to
me and crashed my lips to him.

"Fuck! You're so tight..." He murmured against my lips. I opened my eyes and saw
the sweat bead on his forehead. I gently bit his lower lip as he move further
inside. "I don't think I can last much longer." He said.

I wrapped my legs around his waist. I hate to admit it but I had missed his body so
much, his kiss, his touch, everything about him. I felt an overwhelming feeling of
nostalgia, it made me feel like I belong to him.

I couldn't help but dig my nails on his back and he didn't seem to feel anything.
He broked the kiss to look at me.
"Who's inside you?" He stared into my eyes.

"Tristaaaan!" I pulled him closer with my legs.

"That's right, baby, scream it. Scream my name until the neighbors know who I
am." He said breathing heavily. He lifted one of my legs up on his shoulder and it
made him go even deeper, his balls slapping against my ass.

I repeatedly scream his name as he thrust in and out of me. I could feel my walls
tighten around him.

"Tristan, I-I'm going to come." I cried out.

"Then come." He said. I felt a burst of warm rush throughout my body. I came around
his manhood, squeezing him. Then I felt him release his warm fluid inside me. We
were both panting heavily trying to catch our breath.

I placed my hands on his chest to push him and he rolled over next to me. Tumalikod
ako sa kanya. He put his hand around my waist and scooted closer to me. I closed my
eyes and felt his lips on my hair before I sat up and slide at the edge of the bed.

"Mahal ko." I heard him say.

"No. Don't call me that." I said without looking at him. Hearing that made my chest
feel like it was being stabbed. It just hurts too much.
"Ands, I'm sorry..." Mahinang sabi niya. I gritted my teeth. Mababalik ba ng sorry
mo ang baby natin? Saying sorry won't change anything.

I pulled the blanket and wrapped it around my body. I stood up and walked out of
the room. He followed me and grabbed my arm and spun me to face him.

"Andi, I'm so sorry I didn't mean to hurt you." His eyes started to water.

"It's okay. Nagpapasalamat pa nga ako sa ginawa mo. I'm glad I ended up with a
decent guy and not some opportunistic former male prostitute. " I looked at him
with disgust. "I wonder how many rich girls you had to sleep with para mabili ang
lahat ng ito?" I looked around his unit.

Nagbaba siya ng tingin. His grip loosened. I suddenly wanted to take what I said
back. But then I remembered what he did to me and what happened to my baby. I
wanted him to fall apart like I did.

He took a deep breath before speaking. "I just want you to know that Valerie and I
never had a relationship..."

"I don't care. Wala na akong pakialam sa'yo. I don't need your explanation." I said
before turning away from him. BULLSHIT. I found my dress lying on the floor near
the door. I picked it up and put it on. I tried finding my underwear but I
remembered I left it in his car. The thought of what happened in his car made me
blush. I immediately shook it away from my mind.

"Ihahatid na kita." Narinig kong sabi niya while I was putting my shoes on.
"No, thank you. Kaya kong umuwi mag-isa." I said.

"Please, Andi." Pilit niya.

Hindi ko siya pinansin. I went out the door and hurridly walked to the elevator. I
tried my best to hold my tears. I just want to be happy and get the fuck over him.
I thought I was done with this. God, why does it still hurt? I wish I could just
erase every memory of him. He had messed me up. He had no idea how bad he had
messed me up.

=================

Chapter Thirty Eight

"Hi mom, hi dad. Miss me?" I said in a cheerful voice. Naabutan ko sila ni Olivia
sa veranda na nag-aalmusal. They turned their heads and their eyes lit up when they
saw me.

"Andi." Dad smiled from ear to ear. I tried my best not to roll my eyes. "I'm so
happy to see you, sweetheart."

"From now on, you'll see me everyday, dad. I'm staying here." And I'll make your
life a living hell. I had to literally bite my tongue to keep those words from
spilling out of my mouth.

"Andi, Anak..." He got up from his seat at inalalayan siya ni Olivia. They both
walked towards me and hugged me. Ugh! I wanted to push them away from me, these
people are murderers, I had to remind myself that this is all for the show. I had
to do this.
 "You don't know how happy I am." Dad cupped my face and kissed me on the
forehead. "Sana mapatawad mo na ako. Pinagsisi-"

"I've already forgiven you, dad, mom. Let's just forget about what happened." I
managed to say with a smile. Although saying that felt like acid burning in my
throat. It still hurts to talk about it.

"Oh darling..." He hugged me again. When Harold broke out of the hug, si Olivia
naman ang lumapit sa akin.

"We're so sorry. We love you so much, sweety." She looked at my face before giving
me a hug.

"I'm s-sorry din sa inasal ko sa ospital."

"No, baby. It's okay, we understand." Olivia said.

I joined them for breakfast. And I had to actually have a conversation with them. I
was having a conversation with the people who killed my child. The two of them were
so happy, little did they know that I only came back to ruin their lives. Just like
how they ruined mine. After finishing my breakfast, I excused myself and went to my
room.

Pag-akyat ko sa kwarto ko nandoon na ang mga luggage na ipinaakyat ko kanina sa

maid. Wala pa rin halos pinagbago ang kwarto ko. It was left the way I had seen it
before I went to New York. Umupo ako sa gilid ng kama at biglang tumunog ang phone
ko.
Kinuha ko ang phone ko from my pocket. Jason's name appeared on the screen. I
clicked the answer button. "Hello, husband."

"Wife." I heard him chuckle on the other end. "Oh Andi."

"Bumalik na ako sa mansyon." Sabi ko.

"Good." He said.

"But, God, Jason, I can't stand breathing the same air as them." I complained.

"It will all pay off in the end."

I rolled my eyes. "Easy for you to say."

"Don't worry, Andi. Once I finish all my work, babalik ako d'yan sa Pilipinas para
matulungan kita sa plano mo."

We talked for a few more minutes before ending the call.

"Hi, Phoenix!" We hugged when we saw each other. This is the first time we've seen
each other again after so many years. He called me the other night and asked me to
go to the company's social event with him and I said yes. Now, he is here to pick
me up.

"Hi." He said while staring at me from head to foot. "You look great, Andi."

I'm wearing a long burgundy dress with deep v-neck and high-thigh slit. I've worn
it at a photo shoot before and I just loved it so much I had to beg the designer to
let me keep it.

"Thank you." I smiled. "You look handsome in that tux." I patted his shoulder and
he laughed.

He opened the car door for me and he went to the driver's side.

"Alam mo bang masayang-masaya si uncle Harold habang magkausap kami at sinabi niya
sa akin na bumalik ka na dito sa Pilipinas." Phoenix said while driving.

I just shrugged. I didn't say a word.

"Anyway, salamat at pumayag kang sumama sa akin. You don't know how much this means
to me." Sabi niya.

"You know I can't say no to you."

When we got to the event, I immediately was three familiar faces. Si Wayne, Si Axel
at si Seth. May mga nagkukumpulang mga babae sakanila. Nang makita nila kami they
headed straight towards us. Binati nila akong lahat.

"And laki ng pinagbago mo. Why aren't you wearing your big dorky glasses?
Nakakapanibago." Wayne said with a laugh.

"I'm wearing contacts."

"I've seen you on the cover of Cosmopolitan." Sabi ni Axel.

"Dude, you read cosmopolitan?" Seth looked at him, weirded out.

"That's so gay." Wayne commented.

"No, I do not read it. One of my girls happened to have a collection of

Cosmopolitan magazines. " He said.
After chatting with them for a few minutes bumalik na sila sa mga girls nila.
Phoenix got me a glass of champagne. Tumingin ako sa paligid. May isang nawawala sa
kanila. And then I saw him. Papalapit siya sa amin at may babae siyang kasama na
nakakapit sa braso niya. I gripped the glass I'm holding tightly.

"Hey Phoenix, hey Andi." Bati ni Tristan. Next to him is a beautiful girl wearing
an elegant black evening dress that complimented every curve in her body. She has
long wavy black hair, a pair of big, brown eyes that made her look innocent and
thin lips. She really is beautiful. I have met girls more beautiful than her but,
God, I've never felt so insecure in my whole life.

"Hey." Phoenix said while staring at the woman. His eyes were focused on her, only
her. She was looking at Phoenix, too. Their eyes were locked with each other.
Something is going on between the two of them, I can feel it. I felt a sense of
relief at the thought of that.

"Andi, this is Cassie." Tristan placed one arm around her shoulder. I tried to
shrug off the annoyance building up inside me. "Cassie meet Andi."

I put on a fake smile. "Nice to meet you, Cassie."

"Nice to meet you, too." She said, smiling back at me.

Dumating ang tatlong lalaki; si Wayne, si Axel at si Seth. They were surprised to
see Cassie and they asked Tristan if he and Cassie are dating. Tristan said they
aren't and that made me hate her less. Narinig ko rin na ex pala ni Phoenix si
Cassie kaya ganun na lang ang tinginan nila sa isa't isa. We went to sit at a table
together. Cassie and Tristan are sitting across from us. Cassie kept looking at us,
hindi mapalagay ang babae. There was a hint of jealousy in her eyes as she looks at
us. Nang makita niyang nakatingin din ako sa kanya, she quickly looked away. She
probably thinks I'm his girlfriend. I couldn't help but smile. This is getting
interesting.
"Hey, Phoenix." Humarap ako sa kanya.

He turned to me and put his arm on the back of my chair. "What?"

"Can I ask you something?" I said, almost whispering.

"What is it?" Tanong niya. He leaned in closer to me.

"Closer." I told him. Lalo niyang nilapit ang mukha niya sa akin.

"Do you think I look like Jessica Rabbit in this dress?" I asked.

He laughed. "God, Andi, that question was so random. Akala ko naman kung ano ang
itatanong mo."

Out of my peripheral vision, I can see Cassie frowning. She isn't paying attention
to Tristan or anyone. Her eyes were glued to Phoenix. I felt so guilty when I
looked at her, hurt evident in her eyes.

They started talking about Phoenix and Cassie's past. Inaasar nang mga lalaki si
Phoenix kay Cassie at agad na nagbago ang mood niya. His face hardened. Iginigiit
nila na mayroon pa siyang nararamdaman para kay Cassie and Phoenix started saying
mean things.

"I never loved her. Nasaktan lang ang ego ko dahil sa tagal kong nagtiyaga sa kanya
pero ibang lalaki ang nakina-" He suddenly stopped mid-sentence. Wala ni isa sa
amin ang nangahas magsalita. Lahat kami ay nagulat sa sinabi ni Phoenix. At that
moment, I wanted to slap the living shit out of him. I kind of wish Cassie would
slap her or grab the glass of water in front of her and throw it on him.

I looked at the poor girl. Her face paled. Her eyes started to water. I could tell
that she was trying her very best not to cry.

"E-excuse me." She said, her voice quivering, as she got up from the table.
Nagmamadali siyang naglakad palayo.

There was an awkard silence after that.

"This is all your fault." Axel whispered to Wayne, but all of us can hear it.

"Woah, dude, don't blame it on me. Nakisali rin naman kayo." Naiiling na sabi
Wayne.

"You started it." Sabi naman ni Seth. Para silang mga batang nagsisisihan.

"Shut the fuck up, all of you." Mahina pero mariin na sabi ni Phoenix.
"Way to go, asshole. Way to go." Tristan said, sarcastically. Nagtitigan sila ni
Phoenix. After a few seconds, Tristan got up from his seat and walked away. Oh God!
Pupuntahan niya si Cassie. I know it isn't right pero naiinis ako. Cassie is the
damsel in distress and Tristan is playing the knight in shining armor.

Isa-isang nagtayuan ang tatlong lalaki. Hanggang sa kami na lang ang naiwan ni
Phoenix. He stayed quiet and seemed to be in deep thought. I could see the pain and
regret written all over his face.

"Phoenix, you should apologize to Cassie." I finally broke the silence.

He just shook his head. "I can't."

" What do you mean you can't? What you did was wrong. You embarrased her in front
of your friends and me." Sabi ko sa kanya.

Without saying a word he stood up and walked away. I followed him. Nakita namin si
Cassie at Tristan na nag-uusap sa balcony. Lalapit sana namin sila but we both
froze when we saw them kiss. Phoenix and I exchanged glances. I wanted to grab that
bitch's hair and throw her off the balcony. Phoenix's eyes were cold and burning
with fury.

Tumakbo si Cassie papasok at sinundan siya ni Phoenix. I saw him grab her and drag
her out of the party.

Bumalik ang tingin ko kay Tristan and he was looking at me. I gave him a cold glare
before turning away from him.
"Andi!" I heard him call me. He grabbed my wrist and turned me around to face me.

"Don't touch me." I said in a low voice.

"Andi, what you saw-"

"I don't fucking need your explanation." I said pulling my hand away from his
grip.

I hurridly ran out of the room and to the elevator. Tristan was running after me. I
quickly pressed the close button but before the elevator door completely close, he
reached out his hand so the door opens again. He got on the elevator and door
closed.

"Ah, the elevator." He said shaking his head while smiling.

I blushed when I remembered what happened the night I got drugged by the guy I met
at the club and he brought me to his condo. Does he really have to remind that? I
tried to pretend I was unaffected.

I finally breathed out, like I was holding my breath the whole time, when the
elevator stopped at the lobby. Lumabas ako sa hotel and he was still following me.I
hailed a taxi and Tristan, pinigilan ako ni Tristan.
"Ihahatid na kita." He said.

Hindi ko siya pinansin at tinawag ko ang pansin ng taxi na parating. The taxi
stopped in front of us. I was about to open the door when he slammed it close.

"What the fuck is wrong with you?" I faced him and gave him an angry look.

"There is no way in hell am I going to let you ride a taxi at night in that
dress." His eyes scanned my body.

"Huwag mo akong pakialaman."

Just as I was about to open the taxi door again it drove off. Tinitigan ko siya ng
masama. "Please, leave me alone."

"Andi, ayan ka na naman. You're going to put yourself in a dangerous situation.

Paano kung rapist ang driver ng masakyan mong taxi. Or worse, serial killer." He
said calmly. "Come on, I'll drop you off your house."

"You're impossible." I said, shaking my head.

Dahil sa pamimilit at dahil wala naman akong dalang kotse at umalis na si Phoenix
kasama si Cassie pumayag na akong ihatid niya ako. We went to his car. A red
Bentley. How the hell did he afford to buy such an expensive car? I wonder where he
got all his money. I bet he whored himself to a rich widow and he probably killed
the widow to get her money or something like that.
He opened the passenger door for me and I went in. He closed the door and jogged
around to the driver's seat. Hindi ko na kailangan ituro sa kanya ang direksyon
nang mansyon dahil alam niya na. Nakapunta na siya dati doon and he almost didn't
make it out alive, he joked. I felt this strange bitter nostalgia when I remembered
what happened years ago. When we were so in love with each other, or at least I
thought he was in love with me, too. We fell silent. Both of us lost in our
thoughts.

Huminto ang kotse sa harap ng gate ng mansyon. Lumapit ang guard sa amin and when
he saw me he let us in. I'm sure Harold and Olivia are already asleep by now.

"Would you like to get inside and have some coffee?" Tanong ko.

He looked at me puzzled. I just smiled at him, waiting for his answer. Oh yes, this
will be perfect. So perfect.

"Uh, sure." He answered, hesitant.

We both got out of the car and went inside the mansion. It was dark inside because
everyone was fast asleep. I walked to the kitchen to make him a cup of coffee and I
handed it to him.

"Thanks." He said.

"Sure." I smiled at him.

He drank his coffee but immediately spat it out. "What the hell did you put in my
coffee?"

"Mouthwash." I answered. "I will not let you kiss me after you've kissed another
woman without washing your mouth."

I cupped his face and kissed him hard. I delved my tongue inside his mouth and he
groaned. His arms wrapped around my waist, one hand slowly sliding down to my
exposed leg. He lifted my leg up so he could rub his hardness against my crotch.

His hand went inside the slit of my dress until he got to my underwear. He rubbed
his palm above my panties and I was grinding myself against him. His other hand
slid up to my exposed cleavage and caressed it, slowly making its way inside. I
wasn't wearing a bra, his fingers easily found my nipple and pinches it.

His mouth traveled down my neck. Nibbling and sucking my sensitive skin and all I
could do was moan. His hand went inside my underwear, tracing his finger on my wet
folds. Rubbing it up and down repeatedly. He pulled aside the cloth that covered my
breast with his other hand and lowered his head to suck it.

"Oh God, Tristan." I moaned as he suck my nipple and play with my clit. I gasped
when he pulled at my nipple with his teeth.

I wanted to protest when he took his hand out of my panties and he stopped sucking
my breast. But before I could do so, he turned me around and made me bend over the
counter. He lifted my dress up to my stomach.

"Shit." I heard him cursed, silently. I knew why. I was wearing a lacy thong that
barely covered me. He fondled my exposed butt cheek before giving it a not-so-hard
slap. "Your ass is so sexy."

"You're so wet, baby." He said as he rub his fingers over my panties.

"Oh, Tristan! I want you."

"I know. And I want you, too. So bad." He said hoarsely. He knelt down and started
licking me through my panties, running his tongue on my slit. I clutched the edge
of the counter tightly, moaning and panting.

He finally pulled my thong down to my knees. His tongue flicked at my clit and I
moaned even louder. I felt his finger tease my core making me wiggle. He slowly
inserted one finger in and out, in and out, repeatedly. And he added another one.
And another one. Soon enough, my legs began to shake and I orgasmed. He licked up
all my juice not leaving a single drop. I can't believe this. I just had an orgasm
in my parents' kitchen.

He stood up and I hear him unzipping his pants. Then I felt a warm, thick thing
rubbing against my slit. I was still sensitive from the orgasm I just had. I
screamed out his name, not caring even if the whole house hears it, when he entered
his thick shaft inside me. Both his hands went to my breasts and started playing
with it. He started by massaging and fondling it, then his fingers went to my
nipples and pinched, twisted and pulled it. He rammed himself into me so fast and
so hard, again and again.

I could feel another orgasm coming on and I welcomed it. After a few thrust, he
shot his hot, sticky cum deep inside me.

"Oh God, Andi, you feel so good." His semi-hard shaft is still inside me while he
kisses my nape. He pulled out and I sighed at the emptiness. I could feel his cum
dripping out of me when he pulled my thong up and my dress down.

"Thank God, your mom didn't catch us this time." He chuckled.

I turned to face him and he smiled. He hugged me and kissed me on the lips. I could
still taste myself on him.

"Goodnight." He whispered in my ears before breaking the hug.

"Sleep with me tonight." I said.

"Are you joking?" He looked at me skeptical. I shook my head. "But your parents..."

I rolled my eyes at him. "Don't worry about them."

We went upstairs to my room and had sex again. After three hours of sex, Tristan
finally fell asleep. I snuggled in his warm chest. I've really missed sleeping next
to him, just listening to his heart beat. I closed my eyes pondering off to sleep.
"Good morning, mom. Good morning, dad." I cheerfully said as I walk to the dining
room.

"Good-" Nahinto sila pareho ng mag-angat ng tingin. Olivia's eye widened and Harold
stiffened up. Lumingon ako sa likod ko at kinuha ang kamay ni Tristan.

"G-good morning, Mr. and Mrs. Cordova." Tristan said while staring at the ground.
He couldn't look at them straight in the eyes. Ayaw nga niyang bumaba at pinilit ko
lang siya.

"Dito natulog si Tristan kagabi and he's going to join us for breakfast. I hope you
don't mind."

Hindi sila sumagot. So I just pulled Tristan and we sat at a vacant chair next to
each other. I secretly smiled. This is like a fucking reunion. Reunion ng mga taong
sumira sa buhay ko. It was a really awkward breakfast. I was the only one doing all
the talking. They couldn't look at each other.

=================

Chapter Thirty Nine

After the awkward breakfast, nagpaalam na si Tristan. I kissed him on the lips in
front of my parents. And it wasn't a quick peck on the lips. I wrapped my arms
around his neck and gave him a long deep kiss. He pulled away after a few seconds.
Then he looked at my parents, who were both staring at us, with apologetic eyes.
He politely said goodbye to them. Olivia just gave him a nod and Harold didn't even
look at him. Umalis na si Tristan. I watched him go with my arms crossed across my
chest and smiled. Dad got up from his seat and went out of the room. It was just me
and Olivia.

She stayed quiet and just looked at me.

"May gusto ka bang sabihin?" I asked her.

"You know about your father's condition, Miranda. Please don't upset him." She
said softly.

"Hindi ba ako pwedeng magdala ng kaibigan dito?" I asked innocently.

"What you're doing is immoral. You're a married woman. You shouldn't be fooling
around with other men. Paano kung malaman ito ng asawa mo?"

"Immoral? Well, isn't that a bit rich coming from you?" I chuckled. She looked away
with guilt on her face. "I can easily get away with it. Jason believes all the lies
I tell him."

"What if..." She said in a small voice. "What if you get pregnant again?"
 I glower at her. How dare she? How dare she even bring that up? My hand
unconciously clenched. I wanted to scream at her but instead I closed my eyes and
took a deep breathe to calm myself. "Wala ka nang pakialam doon. Stay out of my
business." I said through gritted teeth.

"I'm sorry." I heard her say.

A week after nang unang sexual encounter namin ni Tristan nagpatingin ako sa
doctor. We didn't use protection and I was scared I might be pregnant. The result
came out negative. I felt relieved but a little part of me was disappointed. I
don't want to get pregnant again because I'm scared of losing another baby. Since
then, I started taking birth control pills. I had a feeling that it will happen
again and I was right.

I went upstairs and checked my phone to find 3 missed calls from Aiko. I called her
back immediately.

Tristan's POV

Seven days. It's been seven days since the last time I've seen Andi and I miss her
so bad. What we did was wrong. But if right means losing her then I'd rather be
wrong. I really wish I could have done things differently before. Sana humanap ako
ng ibang paraan, sana hindi ko na siya ibinalik sa mga magulang niya pero gulong-
gulo ang isip ko at nabalot ako ng takot ng mga panahong iyon. And now, she's
married to another guy.
Hindi ko naman matanong si Phoenix tungkol kay Andi dahil galit siya sa akin dahil
sa nakita niya noong social event. Sa tuwing makakasalubong ko siya binibigyan niya
ako ng matalim na titig. I wanted to explain to him but I know he wouldn't listen.
Matagal na kaming magkaibigan ni Phoenix kaya kilala ko siya. Paniniwala niya lang
ang gusto niyang paniwalaan.

"Hi, Cass." Bati ko sa kanya ng makita ko siyang naglalakad sa lobby.

She gave me a faint smile and she sped up her walk, avoiding eye contact with me.
Cassie isn't usually like that. Siguro naiilang siya dahil sa paghalik niya sa akin
noong nasa party. Phoenix was being an asshole to her at nasaktan si Cassie sa
pinagsasabi niya. She probably did it to make him jealous. It did work, didn't it?

Phoenix is still in love with Cassie. And I think Cassie loves him, too. They're
just both far too stubborn to admit it. I shook my head. Bakit ba pinoprobelma ko
ang love life ng dalawang iyon? I have my own problem. Si Andi. I really want to
see her, and talk to her, and hug her, kiss her, make love to her. God, I miss her
so much. Pakiramdam ko mababaliw ako kapag hindi ko siya nakita.

Hindi ko naman kayang pumunta sa mansyon ng mga magulang niya. Hindi naman ganun
kakapal ang mukha ko. I don't know why Andi did that. Bakit hinarap niya ako sa mga
magulang niya at bakit wala man lang nagreact sa kanila. I know they didn't want me
there but why didn't they do anything? Nagulat pa ako ng halikan ako ni Andi sa
harap nila bago ako umalis at hindi man lang nila kami pinigilan.

Pagkatapos kong matapos ang trabaho sa opisina ay dumiretso ako sa club ni Wayne. I
was hoping to see Phoenix there. I needed to talk to him and explain what happened
at the party.

"Hey."
Napalingon sila sa akin. Nawala ang ngiti sa labi ni Phoenix. Lahat ay natahimik.
He gave me a cold glance before walking pass me.

"Saan ka pupunta?" Tanong ni Wayne kay Phoenix.

"Kailangan ko na umuwi." Sagot niya.

"But you just got here." Si Seth.

"C'mon guys, you two better sort your shit out." Sabi naman ni Axel.

I took a deep breathe and looked at Phoenix. "Alam mo kung may problema ka sa akin
sabihin mo."

He glared at me and then smirked. "Bakit mo naman iniisip na may problema ako
sa'yo?"

"Yung nakita mo sa party. Iyon ba ang kinagagalit mo?"

"Why would I be mad about that?" His eyes narrowed on me.

"Because you still love her."

He laughed. "I don't love Cassie. She's just some pussy I fucked. If you ant, you
can have my leftover."

"You're a fucking coward." I shouted at him. Nagalit talaga ako sa sinabi niya
tungkol kay Cassie. She's a nice woman and she doesn't deserve to be treated like
this. "Cassie doesn't deserve you cause you're a coward. Ngayon alam ko na kung
bakit ka niya pinagpalit sa ibang lalaki noon kasi-"

Bago ko pa matapos ang sasabihin ko ay naramdaman kong dumapo sa pisngi ko ang

kamao niya. Napaatras ako habang sapo ang mukha ko. Nang makabawi ako ay agad ko
siyang sinugod ng suntok. It turned into a full on fist fight.

Axel, Seth and Wayne were trying to stop us. Seth grab a hold of me and pulled me
away from Phoenix. Hinawakan naman siya nina Wayne at Axel. Pilit kumawala siyang
kumawala sa pagkakahawak ng dalawa at sinubukan akong sugurin ulit.

"Huwag kayong manggulo dito!" Sigaw ni Wayne. "Kung gusto niyong magpatayan dun
kayo sa labas."

They dragged us out of the club.

"Ayusin niyo yan." Bulong sa akin ni Wayne. He patted me on the shoulder before
going back to the club.

I looked at Phoenix and he's looking right back at me like he wanted to kill me.
"I didn't mean what I said. I'm sorry." Sabi ko. His face changed from angry to
confuse. "I was only trying to knock some sense into you. Do you realize what
you're doing? You're letting the woman you love slip away from you because of your
goddamn pride. Huwag mo na hintayin may dumating pang iba bago mo ma realize yan.
Don't wait until it's too late."

Tumalikod na ako sa kanya at sumakay sa kotse.

Pagkalipas nang ilang araw ay tumawag sa akin si Phoenix. He wanted to meet up with
me. Nagkita kami sa isang coffee shop.

"Hey." He nodded. I sat at the chair across him.

"Hey." I said back to him.

He cleared his throat. "I'm sorry for what happened at the club." Sabi niya.

"It's okay. Kasalanan ko rin naman iyon. I provoked you."

"Let's just forget it, ok?"

Tumango ako.

"Pero bago natin kalimutan ang lahat I'd like to make something clear. Cassie is
mine, you understand?" He said with a straight face.

I grinned and nodded my head. May bahid ng inis sa mukha ni Phoenix ng ngumisi ako.

"And the kiss. It never happened, ok?" He shot me an annoyed glare.

I smiled even wider. "Ok, got it. It never happened. Never."

Naging okay na ang lahat pagkatapos nun.

"Dude, kumusta si Andi?" Tanong ko sa kanya.

"I don't know I haven't seen or talked to her since that event."

I slumped back into my seat and sighed.

"Please, dude, help me. I want to see her so bad." Kung hihilingin niyang lumuhod
ako sa harap niya para tulungan niya ako gagawin ko. I'm that desperate.

"You do know she's already married, right?" Tanong ni Phoenix.

"Yeah." Mahinang sagot ko at tumango-tango ako.

Andi's POV

I lined up with the other models as the music start. The models in front of me
started walking out onto the runway. My turn comes up, I took a deep breath and
stepped out. And I saw his face. Akala ko namalik-mata lang ako. I looked at him
again and I knew I wasn't imagining it. He smiled at me and I knew it was real. I
tried to ignore him and focus on my walk.

What the hell is he doing here? When I reached the tip of the runway I striked a
pose and turned to walk. Our eyes met again. He smiled at me and the pace of my
walk fastened. Oh my god! Oh my god! Oh my god! Was all I could think of as I walk
back to the backstage.

Hindi ko na siya tinignan nang lumabas ulit ako sa runway. But I could feel his
stare.
"Are you ok?" Tanong sa akin ni Aiko pagpasok ko sa backstage.

"Y-yeah." I tried to smile.

I flew to New York para sa fashion week. I had to do this because I already signed
a contract with Calvin Klein. After this fashion show, meron pa akong photoshoots.

"Oh my god, Miranda. You will not believe this." Nakangiting sabi ni Aiko habang
nakatingin sa magazine na binabasa niya. We're both getting our makeup done.

"What?"

"Miranda de Veyra, the new sex goddess. The icon of sex and fantasy." She read the
article out loud. "This is like the biggest joke of the century." Aiko laughed. "Is
it possible to be a sex goddess and be sexless? A sexless sex goddess. Ironic,
huh?"

I rolled my eyes at her. Sexless? I wanted to laugh.

After the fashion show, nagbihis na ako ng ordinaryong damit. I started to pack up
my stuff.

"Miranda, I have to go. My boyfriend's waiting for me outside." Paalam ni Aiko.

"Okay, bye." Sabi ko. We hugged each other and she left. I met her boyfriend when
she picked me up at the airport days ago. He's name is Eric, a lead vocalist of an
indie band, they met at a bar a month ago. He seemed like a nice guy. I wonder how
long they'll last. Two more weeks, maybe? Wala naman nagtatagal kay Aiko.

Si Aiko ang unang naging kaibigan ko dito sa States. She used to work as a
reception at a restaurant and that's where we met. Nag-apply ako bilang waitress sa
restaurant na iyon. Naging malapit kami sa isa't isa dahil siguro pareho kaming
Filipina. Then we decided to share apartment because I couldn't afford my rent
alone. She used to tag me along to parties at siya rin ang nagtulak sa akin mag-
model.

"Andi." I froze as I heard that familiar voice.

I slowly turned around and saw him. He had a bouquet of flowers in his hand. Inabot
niya sa akin ang bouquet. I slung my bag over my shoulder and walked past him. He
followed me out of the room.

"Andi, kailangan kitang makausap." He said.

"Leave me alone." I said with a straight face.

"I thought we were ok."

"You think we're ok just because I had sex with you?" I laughed sarcastically. "It
was just sex, plain fucking sex. It's not going to change anything. You're not the
only guy I had sex with. And to be honest, you're not that good in bed."
"Mag-usap naman tayo. Pakinggan mo ako." Hinarangan niya ang dadaanan ko. I tried
pushing him and he pulled into him and hugged me. "I'm sorry Andi. I'm so sorry.
Hindi ko ginustong iwan ka. I love you."

"I hate you. I hate you so much." I choked a sob and closed my eyes. I felt the
sincerity in his voice but i can't let myself trust him again and I won't. He's
such a good liar. Naniwala na ako sa kanya noon and look what happened!

"I know." He said with a sad voice.

But tonight, I wanted to forget everything. Just for tonight. I cupped his face and
kissed him. We hurriedly got out when the cab pulled up.

As soon as the front door shut he kissed me torridly. His hands roamed all over my
body. I unbuttoned his jacket and slid it off, still kissing him.

He carried me to my room and layed me on my bed. We started undressing each other

until we were both fully naked. He lowered his head, his mouth latched onto my
right nipple and started sucking it har like a hungry baby. His one hand went down
to my stomach and to my tingling and moist flesh. I arched my back so it would
press more against his hand.

We both froze when we heard the doorbell ring.

"Shit!" I pushed him off of me.

"Sino yun?" He asked.

"Si Jason." I answered. Nagdilim ang mukha niya.

Tumayo ako sa kama at hinanap ang robe ko. My phone started ringing and the
doorbell rang repeatedly. Hinatak ko si Tristan at ipinasok sa closet.

"D'yan ka lang.Huwag kang lalabas." I said before closing the door.

Lumabas ako ng kwarto at binuksan ang pinto.

"What took you so long to open the door?" He asked as his eyebrows furrowed.

"I-I was in the shower so I didn't hear the doorbell ring."

He smiled and hugged me.

Tristan's POV

Pagkaraan ng 30 minutes ay narinig kong bumukas ang pinto. I peered through the
small crack of the louvered closet door. Pumasok si Andi at may sumunod sa kanya.
Si Jason. He wrapped his arms around her waist from the back. He gave her small
kisses on her neck. I felt my jaw clenched and my hands formed into fists. Gusto
kong lumabas sa closet at hatakin palayo si Andi mula sa kanya. He moved the robe
off her shoulder and started kissing her there.

I closed my eyes not wanting to see her being kissed by another man. I swallowed
the lump in my throat and my eyes stung with tears that were threatening to spill.
Hindi ako nakatiis. I opened my eyes again and I saw them on the bed. He was
kissing her on the lips. Her arms wrapped around her neck. His hands were running
up and down the side of her thigh.

And that was it. Hindi ko na nakayanan. Lumabas ako sa closet at hinatak ko siya sa
likod ng shirt niya.

"What the fuck?" Kunot ang noong tumingin siya sa akin.

"Tristan!" Narinig kong sigaw ni Andi.

I was about to throw a punch at him nang bigla akong pigilan ni Andi. She slapped
me across the face.

"Get out!" She pushed me. "Get out of my house!"

"Andi." I tried to get closer but she stepped back.

"Aalis ka dito o tatawag ako ng pulis." Sabi ni Jason.

"Umalis ka na dito!" Mariing sabi ni Andi.

I gave her one last look before I said I love her and walked out. My chest
tightened with tears as I try to hold it back. I took a deep breath.

=================

Chapter Forty

Nag-uunahang tumulo ang mga luha ko habang naglalakad ako sa gilid nang kalsada.
Hindi ko na pinansin ang malamig na hangin na dumadampi sa balat ko. Alam kong si
Jason ang mas higit na may karapatan kay Andi dahil kasal sila pero hindi ko
napigilan ang sarili kong sugurin siya kanina. Hindi ko kayang masikmurang panoorin
si Andi na hinahawakan at hinahalikan ng ibang lalaki na katulad ng paghawak at
paghalik ko sa kanya.

I can still see Andi's angry face when she she slapped me across the face and told
me to get out of her house. Pakiramdam ko parang pinipiga ang puso ko. It hurts so
much that it almost felt like physical pain. Humugot ako ng malalim na hininga para
kahit paano ay mabawasan ang paninikip ng dibdib ko. The cold air when through my
lungs and I exhaled it. I wonder what they're doing right now. Are they already
fucking their brains out? My hands clenched inside my pocket. The thought of that
made me want to hit something or someone, specifically, Jason.

I strolled down the street of New York. Pilit kong nilibang ang sarili ko. Ayokong
isipin ang posibleng nangyayari ngayon kay Jason at Andi dahil baka iyon pa ang
ikabaliw ko. I stopped in front of a bar. I should just probably drown myself in
alcohol before I lose my sanity. Pumasok ako sa loob at umupo sa isang stool sa
harap ng bar counter. I called the waiter and ordered something to drink.
"Hey." Napalingon ako sa nagmamay-ari ng boses na iyon. It was from a blonde-haired
woman sitting beside me. She smiled at me and winked at me and I smiled back at her
before downing a shot of whiskey I had in my hand. "I've never seen you here
before. You're not from around here, are you?"

I shook my head.

"So, where are you from then?"

"I'm from the Philippines."

"I've never been there but I've heard alot about it." She said. I'm not really in
the mood to talk to anyone right now. I wish she would just leave me alone. "Oh by
the way, I'm Loise. And you are?"

"Tristan." I said without looking at her. I want to be left alone and I want to
stop thinking. I just want to drink and forget about what happened earlier. I want
to numb this pain I'm feeling.

"So, Tristan, what brings you to the big apple?" She asked.

"It's a long story." I replied with a sigh.

Ngumiti siya sa akin. "I have plenty of time."

Napilitan akong ikuwento sa kanya ang mga nangyari. Ang pagsunod ko kay Andi dito
at sa nangyari kanina. We drank and talk and she let me vent out my feelings. After
awhile Loise started getting flirty and touchy-feely with me. I felt her hand
stroking my thigh. When I looked at her she gave me a suggestive wink. She then sat
on my lap and kissed me. I didn't try to stop, I torridly kissed her back.

Hell! I'm not going to sit here and mope while she's having sex with her husband.
That's not fucking fair. We got out of the bar and went to my hotel room. Before I
knew it, we were lying on the bed making out and undressing each other.

Andi's POV

Dinampot ko ang jacket na naiwan ni Tristan kagabi. Something fell out of the
pocket and I picked it up. A hotel key card and a piece of paper that had his room
number on it. He's staying at a hotel near here. Last night, I did the same thing
he did to me years ago. Pinagtabuyan ko siya katulad ng ginawa niya sa akin noon. I
should feel better dahil nakaganti na ako sa ginawa niya. But I don't. I feel
horrible.

Hindi ko naman talaga pinlano ang nangyari kagabi. I didn't know na uuwi pala nang
gabing iyon si Jason, I thought he was going to be spending the night at his
friends house dahil iyon ang paalam niya sa akin.
I unconsciously bit my lower lips, hindi ko makalimutan ang sinabi niya bago siya
umalis. He said he loves me. I shook my head and pushed that thought out of my
head. I'm not buying that bullshit anymore. The old stupid Andi was long gone.

"Good morning, wife." Jason came out of the kitchen holding a coffee mug.

"Morning." I said, giving him a slight smile. Jason can be cocky sometimes but he's
really a great person. You just have to give him a shot. I thought when I married
him my life would be miserable but I was wrong. He had always been there for me
when I needed someone, kahit ngayon nandito pa rin siya sa tabi ko para tulungan
ako. He helped me put myself back together again.

"You look tired, did you sleep at all?" Tanong niya.

"Of course, I did." I answered. Nagkibit-balikat na lang siya.

"I've already booked our flights for tomorrow." He said, enthusiastically.

"Great!" I tried to sound excited. Gusto kong magdalawang-isip sa gagawin namin.

Kaya ko pa bang ituloy ang plano kahit na may sakit si Harold. But then I thought,
kulang pa ngang kabayaran iyon sa kinuha nila sa akin. They took my baby's life.
Hindi ko alam kung ano ang dapat kong gawin. Nagtatalo ang isip ko. I just need to
get some fresh air and think. "I'm just gonna go our for a walk."

I left the house and walked down the street for a few minutes until I found myself
hailing a cab and asking the cabby to drive me at the hotel Tristan was staying at.
What the hell am I doing? Tanong ko sa sarili ko habang nakaupo sa likod ng cab.

The taxi pulled up in front of the hotel. I made my way into the building and
stepped into the elevator. Huminto ang elevator sa floor na pinindot ko. I strolled
down the hall and looked for his room number. I slid the key card into the lock and
quietly opened the door. Nakasarado ang ilaw at ang kurtina kaya madilim sa loob ng
kwarto. Kinapa ko ang switch at binuksan iyon.

I went to his bed and sat on the edge of it. I pulled the covers off him and was
shock to see a naked girl lying beside him. For a moment, I saw complete red. My
chest heaved up and down really fast.

"You son of a bitch!" Dinampot ko ang unan sa tabi niya at hinampas sa kanya.

"W-what the-" He opened his eyes, looking confused and disoriented. He blinked a
few times bago namilog ang mga mata niya. "Andi, a-ano'ng ginagawa mo dito? Paano-"

That bastard! He was having sex with another woman habang hindi ako makatulog
kakaisip sa kanya kagabi. I felt my eyes burning. I tried my best to hold my tears
back, I wasn't going to let him see me cry. I am so stupid. I can't believe I
almost believed his lie!

"What's going on?" The blonde haired slut lifted up her head. She looked at me
confused before looking at Tristan. "Who is she?"

Hindi niya pinansin ang babae. He sat up and tried to touch me pero mabilis akong
tumayo sa kama. I looked at him with intense anger.
"Andi... I..." He paused, probably thinking of another lie to tell me. I guess wala
na siyang maisip when he sighed and cursed.

"You're a fucking liar. May pa- I love you, I love you ka pa! Walanghiya ka."

"I... I think I better go." I heard miss Blondie said before getting up from the
bed and picking her clothes up.

I tried to regain my composure. I turned around ready to leave when he grabbed me

by the wrist. "You are not going to leave. Mag-uusap tayo."

I tried to free myself from his grip but he wouldn't let me. Hinawakan niya ako
hanggang makabihis si blondie at makalabas.

"Is she a prostitute? Did you pick up a prostitute last night?!" My voice boomed
all over the room. "Ang cheap mo talaga! Sabagay, dati ka naman call boy kaya
bagay na bagay kayo." I couldn't contain my anger and those words just came pouring
out of my mouth before I had the chance to even think about it.

"So what if she's a prostitute? Ano bang ikinagagalit mo? Wala naman tayong
relasyon. I can have sex with whoever I want." He said in a low, dark voice.

I just stood there, dumbfounded for a moment. I didn't know what to say dahil tama
naman siya. I don't have the right na magalit dahil wala naman kaming relasyon. But
God, hearing that from him hurts so much.
"Why are you here, anyway? Pumunta ka ba dito dahil hindi ka mapaligaya ng asawa
mo?" He said with a smirk. "Tell me I fuck you better than your husband."

Namilog ang mga mata ko. I slapped him across the face for the second time since
last night. He pushed me up against the wall and looked at me intensely in the
eyes. I placed my hands on his chest and tried pushing him but he wouldn't budge.

"Tristan..."

My eyes grew bigger when I felt his hardness pressing against my stomach. I looked
down and there it was, standing proudly. I started to get that tingling sensation
in the pit of my stomach. I want that buried inside me. But I suddenly remembered
that he slept with a prostitute, I felt my anger coming back and the sensation
fading away.

Sinubukan niyang halikan ako sa labi but I turned my head and his lips landed on my
cheek.

"Get off me." I whispered, half-heartedly. His hot tongue licked my cheek and I had
to bite mine to supress a moan. His one hand cupped my right breast as he began
trailing small and light kisses on my cheek.

"Tristan, stop." I said when I felt his lips brushed my earlobe. He then started
sucking and nibbling on it and a stifled moan escaped my lips. His hand kneaded my
breast while the other one started making its way down. He rubbed me through my
jeans causing wet heat to pool in my panties.

"I'm just scratch for your itch, aren't I?" He whispered in my ears with a hint of
pain in his voice. His hands went on the button of my jeans and he undid it.
Ipinasok niya ang kamay niya sa loob. I bit my lower lips to keep myself from
moaning as he touch my wet folds. He traced his finger along my slit over and
over. "Is this want you want? Your husband can't get you off?"

A soft moan left my mouth when he placed his finger on my clit and slowly rub it.
His lips went down to my neck and sucked on it. I wanted to get lost in his touch
but God, he slept with another woman last night. Hindi mawala sa isip ko iyon. I
took a deep breath gathering enough strength to push him away.

"Don't you ever touch me again!" I said in a loud shaky voice. Before he could come
near me again, tumakbo ako palabas ng hotel room. I heard him calling my name but I
ignore him. I ran to the elevator and I pressed the down button. The thirty seconds
it took for elevator door to open felt like an eternity. Pinigil ko ang mga luha
ko. No, I'm not going to cry for him. I shouldn't cry for someone who isn't worth
it.

_________

I'm sorry it took me awhile to update and I'm so sorry for this short and crappy
update. Stupid writer's block :/

=================

Chapter Forty One

I turned my head to look at Jason dahil kanina pa ito walang kibo. Parang halos
wala akong kasama. He had a very anxious look on his face. I took his hand and he
looked at me.

"Are you alright?" Tanong ko sa kanya.

He slowly nodded his head. "I guess so... yeah."

I know how hard it is for him na umuwi dito sa Pilipinas pagkatapos ng nangyari
three years ago. That was the reason why he decided to move to New York with me and
get married. We both wanted to leave our old lives and start anew. Forget
everything bad that's ever happened in the past and just move on. Ngunit hindi pala
ganoon kadali iyon. Hindi ko kayang kalimutan na lang ang lahat.

"You'll be fine." I gave his hand a squeeze of assurance and a smile spread over
his lips.

Agad namin nakita ang driver ni Harold pagkalabas ng airport. He took our luggage
and loaded it in the trunk. We climbed into the backseat and drove off. Nanatiling
walang imik si Jason sa biyahe. Huminto ang kotse sa harap ng mansyon at agad
kaming sinalubong ni Harold at Olivia pagbaba namin.

"Welcome back, sweetheart." Harold gave me a tight hug but I quickly broke it off.
Olivia looked at me with slight hesitance before giving me a hug. Agad akong lumayo
sa kanila at tumabi kay Jason. He puts one arm around my shoulder and I wrapped my
arms around his waist.

"We're so happy to see you again, hijo, after such a long time." Sabi ni Harold kay
Jason. They made some small talk bago pumasok sa mansyon.

Naghanda sila ng pagkain and we all ate together.

"Hijo, how long are you planning to stay here in the Philippines?" Harold started
the conversation while we were eating.
Nagkatinginan kami ni Jason bago siya tumikhim. "Just a couple of months."

"Ayaw mo bang manatili na lang dito sa Pilipinas? Bakit nga pala hindi ka pumasok
sa pulitika? Ikaw lang ang nag-iisang anak ni Edgardo, ipagpatuloy mo ang nasimulan
ng inyong pamilya." Sabi ni Harold.

"Madalas akong kulitin ni dad tungkol sa bagay na yan noon but I just don't see
myself ever entering politics." Sagot ni Jason bago sumubo.

"Kung ayaw mong pumasok sa pulitika pwede ka naman magtrabaho sa kumpanya ng mga
Cordova, hindi ba, Harold?" Singit ni Olivia.

"Yes, of course. You're a smart, young man. Any company would love to have you.
Kung gusto mo ay kakausapin ko si James." Sabi ni Harold. James is his older
brother and Phoenix's father.

"Mas makakabuti kung dito na lang kayo sa Pilipinas. Life in America is too fast-
paced and busy. No wonder hindi kayo makabuo ng baby. Gusto ko na rin magkaroon ng
apo." Si Olivia. The last sentence ruffled my feathers. Meron na nga dapat. But
they killed my baby and now she's saying she wants to have a grandchild. What the
fuck is wrong with these people? Hindi ba nila apo ang pinatay nila years ago?

"Oh you do, mother?" I asked with a sarcastic tone and a bitchy smirk. Nag-iba ang
ekspresyon ng mukha niya. Nawala ang ngiti sa mga labi niya at nagbaba ng
tingin. "I thought you didn't want-"

"So, Jason, what do you say?" Pag-iiba ni Harold. He was trying to hide the panic
in his voice. "
"I'll consider it, dad." Sagot niya.

After that, we all fell silent. Tahimik kaming kumain at hindi na sila nagsalita
pa. Pagkatapos namin kumain ay agad kaming umakyat sa kwarto ko. I started
unpacking my clothes while Jason sits cooly on the reclining chair in the corner of
the room.

"You have to get him to trust you." Sabi ko. "Kapag nakuha mo na ang tiwala niya,
magagawa na natin ang plano natin. Kaya mo bang gawin iyon?"

"It'll be a piece of cake." He said. "Ako na ang bahala doon."

"Have you talked to a lawyer already?" Tanong ko.

"Yes, I did. Actually, I already scheduled a meeting with the lawyer."

"Good. I know I can count on you." I said with a smile.

"Anything for my lovely wife."

After unpacking all my things, lumabas ako ng kwarto. I remembered na kailangan ko

pa lang kausapin si Phoenix. That idiot!
"Andi..." While I was walking palabas ng bahay ay nakasalubong ko si Harold.

I turned to face him. He smiled at me but his eyes were sad. "I'm so happy you're
back."

"May sasabihin ka ba? I have to go somewhere." I said in a bored tone.

"Yes." He said before clearing his throat. "Alam kong hindi mo pa ako napapatawad
sa ginawa ko. Alam kong hindi ganun kadali iyon. Hindi na nga ako umaasang
mapapatawad mo pa ako. But, darling, you deserve peace of mind. You have nothing to
blame yourself for. I just want to see my baby girl happy again."

I swallowed the lump forming in my throat. How I wish it's that easy. I think I'll
only have my peace of mind kapag nakaganti na ako sa inyo.

I regained my composure. "Like I told you before nakalimutan ko na iyon. You were
right, it still wasn't a baby. It was only... only a lump of cells." My voice broke
a little. I'm sorry, baby. I felt really bad sa sinabi ko. I have to convince
Harold na wala na akong galit sa kanila. He opened his mouth to say something but
before he could get out the words I turned my back on him and walked away.
I opened the door to his office. I saw Cassie and Phoenix sitting on the couch,
their faces were only inches from each other. Agad silang nagulat sa pagbukas ng
pinto at napalingon sa akin. They were both startled. That little whore! Ngayon
wala si Tristan, si Phoenix naman ang nilalandi.

I tried to keep my cool and smiled. "Hi, Phoenix."

"Andi!" Tumayo siya at lumapit sa akin.

"Missed me?" I hugged him and he hugged me back.

"Of course, I did." He answered.

"May kasalanan ka sa akin." Mahinang sabi ko habang nakangiti. He furrowed his

eyebrows in confusion. "Anyway, I went straight here from the airport. I'm still
kind of hungry right now." I said to him before looking at Cassie.

"Why don't we just eat out for lunch?" Tanong ni Phoenix.

"No, I don't feel like going out." I said before looking at Cassie. "You're his
secretary, right?"

"Yes." Sagot nito.

"Then why are you slacking off? You don't get paid to stand around." I was already
in a bitchy mood since makaharap ko si Olivia at Harold. Lalo lang nadagdagan ng
makita ko itong babaeng ito. I could feel my blood boiling. God, she's such a
flirt. Ano bang nakita ni Tristan at Phoenix sa kanya? "Go get me something to
eat." She has to go! I want to talk to him na wala ang malanding iyan dito. He is
so going to get a piece of my mind. Nakuha naman agad iyon ni Phoenix.

"Why don't you buy her something to eat, Cassie." He said softly to her. She stared
at him for a few seconds before nodding her head. Maya-maya ay umalis na ito.

"You know, you could be a little nicer to her." He calmly said but I noticed how
annoyed he was.

I shook my head, rolling my eyes. "You are pathetic. Akala ko ba wala kang pakialam
sa kanya?"

Hindi siya sumagot. I could tell that it was making him uncomfortable. He folded
his arms and shrugged. For fuck's sake, that whore cheated on him. At ngayon ay
kalandian niya pa nito si Tristan, his own friend! Walang delicadeza. I can't
believe this.

"Ikaw ang nagsabi sa kanya kung nasaan ako." I looked at him sharply.

"What are you talking about?" Kunot ang noong tanong niya.

"You know what I'm talking about. You told him about the fashion show kaya
pinuntahan niya ako." Nabanggit ko iyon kay Phoenix noon. Wala naman akong maisip
na magsasabi kay Tristan tungkol doon kung hindi siya lang.
"Nagkita pala kayo." He said.

"God, Phoenix! Why did you do that? Wala kang karapata na gawin iyon. Alam mo naman
na may asawa na ako, hindi ba?" I couldn't help but raise my voice.

"Sabi niya gusto ka lang niya makausap. Wala naman masama dun." Sabi niya. Oh we
did more than talk! I'm just glad na dumating si Jason bago pa may nangyari sa
amin. Ang walanghiya, may nahanap agad na babae after we almost had sex. I hope he
catches std from that girl he slept with and his dick falls off.

"Ayoko siyang makausap. I don't want anything to do with him." Mariin na sabi
ko. "You know what, you're desperate! Itinutulak mo sa akin si Tristan so you can
have Cassie all to yourself! Huwag niyo akong idamay sa love triangle niyong
tatlo."

"Hindi iyon ang intensyon ko. Gusto ko lang talagang makapag-usap kayo ng maayos"
Phoenix said.

"Wala na kaming dapat pag-usapan dahil matagal na kaming tapos."

"Sa'yo siguro tapos na but not for Tristan. He could never get over you." Seryosong
sabi niya. There is silence for a few seconds. I wanted to believe but how could I?
He could never get over me? Right! That's why he went around screwing another girl
in New York.

"Do you love your husband?" Nagsalita ulit si Phoenix.

"O-of course... of course I do." I said trying to sound convincing. "I wouldn't
marry him if I don't. What kind of questions is that?"

Nagkibit-balikat siya. "I'm just asking. Look, I'm sorry for meddling. I know it
wasn't my place but I just thought you two needed to talk. Maybe he just needs
closure. Maybe that would be enough for him to realize that he needs to get over
you and move on."

Get over me? Move on? Hindi ba matagal na niyang ginawa iyon. Noong ipinagtabuyan
niya ako dahil pinagsawaan niya na daw ako. He left me and now he wants me back?
I'm not a toy he could play with whenever he feels like it. Iiwan niya ako tapos
babalik siya ngayon. Did he honestly expect me to wait for him?

"You don't know anything." I said quietly but harshly.

"That's why I'm sorry. I'm really sorry." He apologized sincerely.

I just sighed and decided to let it go. Inaba ko na lang ang usapan. I don't want
to think about Tristan anymore. I don't want to talk about him. Out of sight, out
of mind. I promised myself I would never let him affect my feelings anymore.

Phoenix told me he was going to Malaysia to meet up with investors who's interested
in funding his business project. He was planning to open a branch in Kuala Lumpur.
I want to go with him. I've never been in Malaysia. I feel like I need to go
somewhere or do something, anything to keep my mind off of things.

Dumating si Cassie na may dalang pagkain. I'm not really that hungry. I just wanted
her to leave kanina so I could talk to my cousin without her around.
"Finally! What took you so long?" I said slightly irritated. Phoenix gave me the
look and I rolled my eyes at him.

"I'm sorry. Traffic kasi saka maraming tao sa restaurant." She said in a low voice.
She handed me a paper bag na may laman na Italian salad na nakalagay sa take out
container.

"Whatever." I said, sounding annoyed and bored at the same time. "Come on, Phoenix.
Let's it na."

"No thanks. Ikaw na lang. I'm not hungry." Sagot niya.

"Come on. Ayokong kumain mag-isa." Pilit ko sa kanya.

"Really, I'm not hungry. Baka nga kulang pa sa'yo yan." He joked. Cassie was
already back, sitting at her desk. But I could feel her staring at us. Pa simple
akong tumingin sa kanya. And she really is looking at us. There was a hint of
jealousy flickering in her eyes. What a greedy little bitch. She can't have all the
men in the world. Bagay nga sila ni Tristan, they're both cut from the same cloth.

I decided to up the ante. I got malambing kay Phoenix just to make her even more
jealous. "Fine. I'll just have to force you to eat."

I dug my fork into the salad and nilapit ko ito sa kanya. "Eat..." I said in a very
malambing tone of voice while I give him the just-play-along look.
He looked at me a bit confused but then he finally got it and just laughed.
Napailing siya bago nagsalita. "Damn. You know I can't say no to you."

"That's because you love me." I said in a playful, childish voice.

He laughed again and playfully rolled his eyes. "Yeah, cause I love you."

"Bukas ka na aalis papuntang Malaysia, hindi ba?" I asked him.

He nodded his head. "Yeah, why."

"I wanna come with you. Can I?" Tanong ko sa kanya. I don't want to stay sa mansion
ng mga Cordova. I need to get away from that hell hole. Bahala na muna si Jason. He
knows what he's supposed to do naman.

He paused for a minute before answering. "Sure."

"Yay! I'll pack my things na mamaya."

After chatting with him for a few more minutes nagpaalam na ako. I just unpacked my
stuff kanina, and now I'll have to pack again. Pag-uwi ko sa bahay, Jason and
Harold were already bonding. They were at the veranda and they looked like they
were drinking alcohol. Lumapit ako and I hugged Jason around the neck from behind
and kissed him on the cheek.

"Baby..." Lumingon siya sa akin. He took my head and brought me in front of him.
And then, he kissed the back of my hand before I sat down at the chair next to
him. "Ang bilis mo naman. I thought you would take long so Dad and I decided to
have a drink."

"It's okay, babe. Pinuntahan ko lang ang cousin ko, si Phoenix." I said.

"I haven't talked to him for awhile. How is the boy doing?" Tanong ni Harold.

"He's fine, dad." Sagot ko. "Actually, pupunta nga siyang Malaysia for a business
trip tomorrow. And I'm going to come with him."

"Paano na si Jason? Iiwan mo ang asawa mo?" Harold asked.

Jason and I exchanged looks before answering. "Well, marami pang kailangan gawin
dito sa Pilipinas. He'll be really busy. Hindi ba, babe?"

"Yeah. Aayusin ko pa ang kaso ni mama." Sabi ni Jason.

Meredith was convicted for killing her husband, Jason's father, three years ago.
That's the reason why Jason decided to go to New York with me. He'd tried to forget
everything that had happened but the past keeps haunting him. The truth is, walang
kasalanan si Meredith. He told me he was the one who shot his father. Nakita niyang
sinasaktan ni tito Ed si Meredith at tinutukan niya ito ng baril. Jason tried to
get the gun from him but accidentally fired, shooting his father in the chest.
Sinalo ni Meredith ang kasalanan ni Jason. He still carries the guilt of
accidentaly killing his father. And I carry the guilt of not being able to do
anything to save my baby. Maybe that's why we understand each other, we both share
the same pain.

I promised him na kapag nagawa na namin ang plano ko. I'll help Meredith get out of
jail. I would do everything I can para makalabas siya sa kalungan.

After that, I went upstairs to my room to pack some of my clothes up para bukas.

Kinabukasan ay nagkita kami ni Phoenix sa airport. I was surprised when I saw

Cassie with him.

"Good morning." He greeted smiling. "Coffee?" Itinaas niya ang isang cup na coffee
na hawak niya.

"No, thanks." I said.

Tumingin ako kay Cassie. I eyed her distastefully. She didn't even bother to look
at me. She seemed sort of spaced out.

"Carry my luggage." I said handing it to her. I had to repeat it to her before she
snapped out of her trance. Kinuha niya ang luggage ko at dinala iyon. Kinawit ko
ang kamay ko sa braso ni Phoenix at naglakad kami. Cassie was walking behind us.

"You better stop that, Andi." Phoenix said in a low, warning tone.

"Stop what?" I asked innocently.

"Stop bossing her around."

"It's her job." I said matter-of-factly,

"Hindi niya iyon trabaho. She's not your slave." He said in a slightly angry tone.

I smiled mockingly. "Teka, teka... don't get too worked up. Luggage lang pinabuhat
ko sa kanya, hindi dalawang sakong bigas."

Napalingon kami when we both heard Cassie scream followed by a loud slam. Nakita na
lang namin si Cassie na nasa sahig. I rushed to her. Stupid bitch.

"Oh God! My Louis Vuitton luggage. This cost a fortune!" I shrieked. Phoenix threw
me a spiteful look. He looked like he wanted to skin me alive. I helped Cassie get
up bago pa ako mapatay ng pinsan ko. This bitch doesn't deserve him. God, she
cheated on him! And she might be fucking Tristan. My cousin is so stupid. I guess
it runs in the family. Naalala ko when I was willing na magtanga-tangahan, just so
he wouldn't leave me. I was so stupid back then. I should've kicked him in the nuts
or chopped his dick off or something like that.
Mabilis lang naman ang flight. It only lasted 3 hours. The plane landed on Kuala
Lumpur. A limousine was already waiting for us outside of the airport to take us to
the hotel. Bumaba sila sa hotel but I asked the driver to take me to the mall. I
got a credit card na linked sa account ni Harold. It's time to shop til I drop! I
bought bags, shoes, clothes and just about just about anything in sight. That's
like a huge fuck you to him. Well, not really. Hindi naman talaga makakaapekto sa
kayamanan niya ang shopping spree ko. Simula pa lang ito. Mapupunta din sa akin
lahat ng kayamanan niya and he would have nothing.

After hours of shopping, nakita ko si Cassie and Phoenix. They were together. We
decided na sabay na bumalik sa hotel. Gusto ko pa sana mag-explore but I was too
damn tired. Cassie went to her hotel room and Phoenix and I went to the bar sa
hotel.

Nagpaalam na ako sa kanya after a few drinks and went to my hotel room. I quickly
fell asleep. When I woke up, I decided to go for a swim. Meron kasing pool sa baba
and the weather was good. I put on the swim suit I bought yesterday.

I was getting ready to get in the pool. Nakaupo ako sa pool lounge chair and I was
putting on sunblock. I saw them again, Cassie and Phoenix. They sat at the table
beside the pool. Nilapitan ko sila.

"Good morning." I greeted them. I hugged Phoenix before sitting beside him. He had
a wide smile plastered on his face. Which is really weird dahil sanay akong
nakasimangot siya. "You have 'I got laid' written all over your face." I joked.

"Cassie's pregnant with my child." Phoenix proudly said. I was shocked for a
moment.

"Really?" I asked. Cassie nodded her head.

"Oh my god. You guys had sex." Well, that was a stupid thing to say. Of course, in
order to make a baby you have to have sex. But how sure is he na sa kanya yung
bata? I mean, if she also had sex with Tristan- I gasped at the thought of that.

"Andi!"

"Akala ko ba matagal na kayong hiwalay. And what about Tristan?" I asked.

"What about him?" Phoenix frowned at me.

"I thought they were dating. I saw them-- we saw them at the event. They were
kiss-"

"Andi, enough!" He raised his voice at me. He sounded really mad. "There is nothing
going on between Cassie and Tristan."

Why do I feel like crying? I felt a rush of... some sort of envy. It was a
bittersweet kind of feeling. Of course, I'm happy na magkakaron siya ng baby but
there's a part of me that ached. I ached for the baby I lost. I kind of miss him or
her even though I never got to see or hold my little angel. I felt robbed of
motherhood.

"I heard my name." A very familiar voice coming from my back said. And I just
froze.
"Tristan, c'mon, join us for breakfast." Aya ni Phoenix.

"Why is he here?" My eyes narrowed at him.

"I need him here. He is a part of this business as much as I am. " He answered.

"Is there any problem, Andi?" Tanong ni Tristan. Yes! You're the fucking problem!
Tumayo ako sa upuan ko.

"I think I'll go for a swim now. Congratulations on your pregnancy, Cassie." I said
in a flat voice. And before I could get away, Tristan gripped my wrist.

"Andi..." Nagmamakaawa ang boses niya.

"Get your filthy hand off me!" Sabi ko bago ko pilit na tinanggal ang kamay niya. I
pushed him and ran. He ran after me, calling my name. We were both panting for air
nang tumigil ako. Isinandal niya ako sa wall and he cornered me with his arms.

"Leave me the fuck alone." Sabi ko sa kanya.

"Please, Andi, just listen to me. I'm so sorry for what happened in New York.
Nadala lang ako ng selos." There was sadness in his eyes. "You don't know how
painful it is for me to see you kissing another guy. Ang masakit pa dun, siya ang
may higit na karapatan na gawin iyon sa iyo. I almost lost my sanity that night."
"You know what's painful than that? Ang ipagtabuyan ka ng taong mahal mo. Naranasan
mo na ba iyon, Tristan?"

"Andi..." His eyes watered.

"I guess not." I managed to smile despite the pain I'm feeling.

"Sa maniwala ka man o hindi, hindi ko ginusto iyon. I got scared." His voice
broke. "Nasundan tayo ng mga humahabol sa atin. Natakot akong baka may gawin silang
masama sa'yo kaya pinili kong ibalik ka sa mga magulang mo."

I looked at him in disbelief. "And you expect me to believe that? Huwag mo akong
gawin tanga, Tristan!"

"Mahal ko, I swear to God, I'm telling the truth." There was desperation in his
voice. Lies, lies, lies.

He clearly said na pinagsawaan niya na ako kaya he wanted to get rid of me. Na
pabigat lang ako sa buhay niya. Hindi ko makakalimutan lahat ng sinabi niya ng araw
na iyon. And now he's telling me a whole different story.

"Hindi na ako ang uto-uto na Andi noon. Tigilan mo na ako!"

He buried his face into my neck. "Mahal ko, please believe me... I love you, I
never stopped loving you."

God, he's so good at lying. I really wanted to believe him but I just don't.
There's too much damaged done. Hinding-hindi na ako maniniwala sa kahit ano man ang
sabihin niya.

I pushed him away from me. And then I ran again, umakyat ako sa room ko at
nagkulong doon. I spent the whole day inside my hotel room. I opened a bottle of
wine and drank it. Kung hindi niya ako binalik sa mansyon, the abortion wouldn't
have happened. I lost a baby dahil sa desisyon niyang iwan ako.

Nang mag gabi na ay lumabas ako sa hotel room dala-dala ang isang bote ng wine. I
went to the pool area. Wala nang tao doon. I sat on the edge of the pool with my
feet in the water. Hindi ko maiwasan ang mapaiyak as I thought about my little
angel. My baby never even got a chance to live.

"Are you okay?" Napalingon ako sa nagmamay-ari ng boses. Cassie was standing beside
me.

"Cassie..." I was kind of startled ng makita ko siya. She sat down beside me.

"Ano'ng problema?" May pag-aalalang tanong niya.

I forced a smile as I shook my head. "Nothing. I-I just needed a good cry." I
poured wine in the empty glass and offered it to her. "Want some?"
"No, thanks."

"Oh sorry, I forgot. Buntis ka nga pala." I laughed, I knew I was already drunk. It
was the wine. After a while my laughter died down and my tears began spilling out
of my eyes again. "You're so lucky, do you know that? You're lucky to have that
baby. Kayo ni Phoenix."

She gave me a smile.

"He isn't as cold-hearted as you think he is. He cares about you, Cassie. He cares
about you so much." I said before taking a sip of wine. "Sorry for the way I
treated you."

"Alam mo, kalimutan na natin iyon." She gave me a warm smile.

"Ilang months na ba siya?" Tanong ko.

"We're still not sure."

"I'm so excited na makita ang pamangkin ko. I've always wanted to have a baby." I
told her. Hindi ko mapigilan ang bibig ko. I shouldn't tell her this but I think
it's the alcohol working. "You know, I got pregnant once."

"So, may baby ka na?"

I shook my head. I feel like I'm about to cry again. "Wala." My baby's an angel
now.

"I'm sorry, I'm such a mess." I laughed despite the tears that were flowing down my
cheeks. Marahas kong pinunasan iyon. Tumayo ako at pumasok na sa hotel.

I felt really dizzy from all the alcohol. Napakapit ako sa wall habang naglalakad
pabalik sa room ko. And then I felt a hand on my waist. Napalingon ako, it was
Tristan.

"Mahal ko, lasing ka na." He said softly.

"Leave me alone..."

"Ihahatid na kita sa kwarto mo." He pulled me towards him. Wala na akong lakas para
lumaban sa kanya so I just let it be. He lifted me off the ground and carried me.

Tinanong niya ang room number ko at sinabi ko iyon sa kanya. And then I gave him my
key card. Hiniga niya ako sa kama pagpasok sa kwarto.

"What are you doing?" I asked him when I felt him lift my shirt up.

"Huwag kang mag-alala. Hindi kita pagsasamantalahan." He chuckled. He took my shirt

and my jeans off. Pagkatapos ay kinumutan niya ang katawan ko.
"Tristan..." I called him when I felt him get off the bed.

"Yeah?"

"Tabihan mo ako."

And then I felt his weight on the bed again. He pulled me closer to him.

"Tell me hindi mo anak ang dinadala ni Cassie."

"What?" There was a mix of surprise and amusement in his voice.

"It's not your baby, right?"

"No!" Agad na sagot niya. "It's not mine. Walang nangyari sa amin ni Cassie. Wala
kaming relasyon."

I smiled nang marining ko iyon mula sa kanya. Kung magkakaron siya ng baby, it
should only be ours. He can't give his sperm to other women. Only me.
I felt him kiss my forehead. "I love you, mahal ko." That was the last thing I
heard before I drifted to sleep.

_______________________________

Guys, sorry talaga sa bagal ng update. I know I promised na mag-uupdate ako ng

madalas sa sembreak pero hindi ko nagawa. I'm so sorry. Please don't hate me. lol

=================

Chapter Forty Two

I woke up with my head on Tristan's chest while one of my legs were wrapped around
his waist. I slowly lifted my head off his chest and sat up carefully, trying not
to wake him up. Hinatak ko ang kumot when I realized I was wearing nothing but
panties. But he was fully clothed. I remembered what happened last night. I drank
alot last night and I could barely walk pabalik sa room ko. Tristan saw me and
carried to my room. He stirred a little when he probably felt me pull the blanket.
Nagulat ako ng gumalaw ang mga kamay niya and he wrapped it around my waist. He
scooted closer to me at ipinatong ang ulo niya sa lap ko.

I stared at him for a moment. He looked so beautiful sleeping. I couldn't help but
run my finger through his hair and admire him in his sleep. I used to always do
that when we were still together. Gustong-gusto kong tinititigan siya habang
natutulog. He actually looked even more handsome than before. His already sharp
features became sharper and more define, and his body- Oh dear, his body was
absolutely stunning. Just one look at him and I could tell that he's been working
out, hard.

No wonder madami kang nalolokong babae. Parang napaso ang kamay ko ng pumasok sa
isip ko iyon at agad kong inilayo sa kanya. Nabuhay na naman ang galit ko. How
could I let myself forget, even just for a minute, what he did to me?
I was surprised when he took my hand and brought it to his lips. Tumingin ako sa
kanya and his eyes were already open and they were looking at me. He slowly smiled
at me. A lazy, sexy smile.

"Ge-get off me." I said in a small voice before pushing his head away from my lap.

He sat up and looked at me with a wide grin on his face. "Did you really think
Cassie is pregnant with my child?"

Hindi ako nakasagot. I couldn't think of anything good to say.

"Nagseselos ba ang mahal ko?" Malambing na sabi niya. Like the way he used to talk
to me kapag nagseselos ako kay Valerie noon.

"Me? Jealous?" I laughed sarcastically. "Ang kapal ng mukha mo! Bakit naman ako
magseselos?"

"Because you still love me. Nararamdaman ko."

I frowned at him. "Well, nagkakamali ka sa nararamdaman mo. I don't love you."

"Really?" He flashed a naughty smile that made my heart skip a beat.

"Tristan!" I shrieked in surprise when he grabbed my ankle and pulled me at
napahiga ako sa kama. He was sitting in between my legs and he wrapped it around
him, making our crotch touch. Kahit na may suot siyang pants I could feel his
hardness pressing against me.Shit! I could feel my panties getting moist. My body
wanted him badly, my whole body ached for him to fill me. No... no, no, no! This
isn't supposed to be happening! I wiggled, trying to get away from him. Kinuha niya
ang dalawang kamay ko gamit ang isang kamay niya ang pinned them above my head.

"Now, tell me you still love me." He leaned over, staring right into my eyes.

I tried to squirm out of his grip but he held me too tight. "I don't love you! I
love my husband."

"I am your husband."

"No, you aren't! Jason is my husband. Kasal ako sa kanya" Sigaw ko sa kanya.

"Sa batas, oo. Pero gusto kong ipaalala sa'yo na sa akin ka unang ikinasal. We made
a vow before God." He said before kissing me on the forehead, and then the tip of
my nose. "You don't love him, Andi. Ako ang mahal mo."

"No..." I said in a small, shaky voice.

He pressed his lips to mine. "I love you, Andi..." He murmured against my
lips. "Alam kong mahal mo pa rin ako. Please, say you love me too. I need to hear
it from you."
I shook my head, keeping my lips tightly closed as he kiss me. No, I won't give him
the satisfaction that he wants. I felt both his hands cup my bare breasts. He
palmed and squeezed it. I fought really hard to keep my body from responding to his
touch. But when he pinched my nipples, I totally lost it. I let out a moan and he
took the opportunity to slip his tongue in my mouth. I wrapped my arms around his
neck and kissed him back. I once again, felt him rubbing his hardness against me.
Oh God, I wanted him inside me so bad. I wanted him to fill me up so bad, stretch
me. I wanted to feel his hot cum inside me again. Just imagining that made me even
more wet.

He broked away from the kiss and looked into my eyes. "Sabihin mong mahal mo ako."

I shook my head again. Hate, yun ang dapat na maramdaman ko sa kanya. I don't want
to end up falling in love with him again. That would be really stupid. I've learned
already the hard way.

He lowered his head again to my breast. I felt his warm mouth around my hard nipple
sucking it hard. I panted and cried his name. I wrapped my legs around him tighter,
pressing him against me harder. I moved my hips up and down his hardness and I
heared him groan against my breast. I wanted to protest and pull his head back to
my chest when he stopped.

"Please, say it. Mahal, please say you love me." He begged, he sounded as if his
life depended on it. I froze for a few seconds. "Say it..." His fingers pinched my
nipple.

"No..." Pabulong na sabi ko. I will never say what he wants to hear. He pinched it
even harder and I let out a loud groan. I covered my breasts with my arms. "Stop
it!"

"I- I don't love you anymore. Kahit anong gawin mo hindi na kita mamahalin. Si
Jason na ang mahal ko." I looked at him with hate in my eyes. "Don't mistake this
as love. This... this is just lust. No matter how many times we fuck, I will never
love you again." Why does it hurt to say that?

His eyes were clouded with sadness and I just have to look away because it hurts. I
didn't want to him to see na nasasaktan din ako. I'm not supposed to feel this way.
Hindi dapat ako masaktan.

He rolled off me and layed down beside me. Hindi siya nagsalita, he was just
staring at the ceiling. He actually looked hurt. There was a long silence between
us.

"Umalis ka na." I broked the silence.

"Wala ka na ba talagang nararamdaman kahit konti para sa akin?" Puno ng lungkot ang
boses niya. I almost couldn't take it. The pain in his voice kills me inside.

"Wala na." I tried to sound matter of factly, as if it wasn't affecting me. I had
to close my eyes really tight para hindi tumulo ang mga luha sa mata ko.

"Masaya ka ba sa kanya?" Tanong niya.

"Yes." I answered almost in a whisper.

"Kung masaya ka talaga sa kanya, pipilitin ko rin na maging masaya para sa'yo.
Kahit na masakit. Hindi na kita guguluhin pakatapos nito." Sabi niya. My heart felt
like it dropped in my stomach when he said those words. He turned his head to look
at me. Hindi ko pa rin siya magawang tignan. "Pero pagbigyan mo sana ako, gusto
kong makasama ka ng isang buong araw. Kalimutan mo muna natin na may asawa ka.
Kalimutan natin ang nakaraan kahit ngayon lang. Just one day with you. That's all I
ask."

Pumayag ako sa gusto niya. I wanted to forget everything even just for a day. I
didn't want anything to matter kahit ngayong araw lang. Just him and me. No past
memories or anything.

Pinuntahan niya ako sa room ko pagkatapos kong mag-ayos. I found out his room was
actually right next to mine.

"Ready?" Tanong niya sa akin when I opened the door.

I nodded my head. He took my hand in his and we began to walk out of the hotel. I
missed this. I missed holding hands with him while we walk. I missed the warmth of
his palm against mine. It brought me back to the old days when everything was
simple. Back when I was happy and so madly in love with him before I knew the
person he really was. But now everything's changed.

Sa itsura pa lang niya marami nang nagbago. He used to always wear ripped jeans and
a simple white shirt. Now he wears expensive designer jeans, buttoned shirts and
shoes worth so many hundreds. He left me for all these. He left me so he can live
the life he wanted. Hindi siya nakuntento sa akin and what we had. I tried to
ignore the heavy feeling in my chest. Ayoko munang isipin ang nakaraan. I don't
want to ruin the moment.

Nahuli niya akong nakatingin sa kanya and he smiled at me. "Okay ka lang, mahal?"

"Yeah, I'm fine." Sagot ko.

"I can't believe this is happening." Nakangiting sabi niya. He looked at me and his
eyes softened. "I never thought this would happen again. I never thought I'd have
this moment with you. Thank you, Andi."

Inangat niya ang kamay ko na hawak niya and he kissed the back of my hand. He
didn't take me to a fancy restaurant. Instead, he took me to one of those food
stalls na nakahilera. There were chairs and tables set out on the pavement. Parang
yung mga kinainan namin dati ni Tristan kapag tapos namin magsimba or gusto lang
namin kumain sa labas. It brought back such bittersweet nostalgia.

He ordered our food and drinks. Iba nga lang ang mga street foods but it still
tasted good.

"Naisipan kong dito ka dalhin kasi alam kong gustong-gusto mo kumakain sa mga
ganito." He said while we were eating. Honestly, mas natutuwa pa nga akong dito
niya ako dinala kaysa sa mga fancy restaurants. "Nagustuhan mo ba?"

"Of course! This is so good." I said while chewing. He just laughed. And then he
took something out of his backpack. A camera. He started taking shots of me.
"Tristan!" Saway ko sa kanya. I blocked the lense with my hand. Gosh! Hindi pa rin
siya nagbabago. He used to always take stolen shots of me. Kahit bagong gising ako
or even when I'm in my underwear. I wonder if he still has those photos.

"Don't tell me you're still camera shy?" He said, laughing. "C'mon, you're a
model."

Inirapan ko siya. "Well... I don't pose for free!"

"Dati, you only pose for me." Sabi niya. He was still smiling but his voice and
his eyes were sad. "You were mine alone."

"Things are different now." Mahinang sabi ko.

"I know." He let out a forced chuckle.

"Are you dating someone?" Tanong ko sa kanya. I just want to know. Bakit meron pala
siyang girlfriend na hindi ko alam. I thought Cassie was his girlfriend or his
casual fuck buddy.

"No, I'm single."

"No, um... casual hookup?"

Umiling siya.

"What about that blonde girl you slept with?" Tumaas ang kilay ko. It still pisses
me off kapag naaalala ko iyon. I wanted to know kung may contact pa rin siya sa
babaeng iyon.

"Wala yun. It was just a one night stand." He answered. "And we didn't even have
full blown sex. She just gave me head."

I covered my ears. "Ew, ew, ew! I don't want to hear that."

Tumawa siya ng malakas with his head thrown back.

"It's not funny!" Nakasimangot na sabi ko.

"Nagtanong ka, sinagot lang kita." He said smiling like an idiot. "You gave me head
once. No, twice."

"It was only once. And I was drugged pa!" I can feel my cheeks burning in
embarrasment. But I tried na itago iyon.

"The first time you gave me head was the night your mom caught us in your room,
remember?" He grinned. I could feel my face turning even more red.
"No, I don't remember!" I rolled my eyes at him and he laughed even louder.

"Why don't you ask your mom. Baka natatandaan pa niya." He was still grinning, the
horribly annoying kind of grin. If there's one thing na hindi nagbago sa kanya iyon
ang pagiging alaskador niya.

"Isa pa, Tristan! I swear to God, aalis na ako!" Inis na sabi ko.

"Okay, okay... I'll stop. Pikon ka pa rin pala." He chuckled, his laugh dying down.
Maya-maya ay nawala ang ngiti niya sa labi.

"I heard you dated alot of guys? Mga hollywood stars." Nagsalita siya ulit.

"Yes, I did." Sagot ko.

"Why?" He asked.

"Why what?" Tanong ko.

"Why do you date other men if you really are happy with your husband? Why do you
have sex with me? Wala ba siyang pakialam?" He asked exasperated.
"Hindi mo naiintindihan ang relasyon namin." I said calmly but firmly. "Palagi
siyang wala sa tabi ko. Palagi kaming magkalayo at alam niya ang pagkukulang niya.
He knows I have needs."

"He's an idiot. He doesn't know how to keep his woman happy." Naiiling na sabi
niya.

"Well, at least he never left me." I didn't even bother to try to hide the
bitterness in my voice.

Nagbaba siya ng tingin. "I didn't want to do leave you, I had to."

I shrugged. "Let's not talking about it. Hindi ba sabi mo kalilimutan muna natin
iyon?"

He just nodded his head. I don't want to hear any bullshit lies from him. Hindi ako
pumayag na sumama sa kanya para lang marinig ang mga kasinungalingan niya. I just
wanted to be with him and forget everything.

Tristan's POV
We're sitting on the grass in the park. Pagkatapos namin mamasyal we decided to go
here. Andi was sitting in between my legs with her back leaning against my chest.
The sun was already starting to set. Everything's just so perfect. How I wish we
could just stay this way forever but like every good thing in life. It has to end.
Naramdaman kong nag-iinit ang sulok ng mga mata ko sa pagpigil ng mga luha. This is
all I want, to be with her just one more time and I will let her go.

Masaya na akong nasilayan ko yung dating Andi na minahal ko. I got to see her
smile-- her warm genuine smile. I got to hear her adorable laugh. I got to see her
eyes light up with happiness. Ayoko pang matapos ang araw na ito. I would give
anything to stop time right now.

Hinalikan ko ang buhok niya. "I love you." I whispered to her. I'll always will.
That will never change. I know I will never be completely over her. I will always
wonder what might had happened kung hindi ko siya pinakawalan noon. Kung humingi
ako ng tulong kay Jaime. Siguro masaya kami ngayon. Siguro may mga anak na kami.
Isang lalaki at isang babae. Because that's what she had always wanted. She will
always be my what if.

"Tristan..." Narinig kong sabi niya.

"Mm?"

"Stop saying you love me. I don't want to hear it." Sabi niya. I felt a new hurt.
It was like a fist had closed around my heart squeezing it.

We we decided to go back to the hotel. Pareho kaming tahimik habang nakasakay sa

cab pabalik sa hotel. Every minute, every second... it fel like she was slipping
away from me like water through cupped hands. Paano kaya kung hindi ko na siya
ibalik? Paano kung pahintuin ko itong taxi at kidnapin ko na lang siya? Kung anu-
anong pumapasok sa utak ko. I just don't want to let her go yet.
The cab stopped in front of the hotel. I guess this is goodbye. Mabigat ang paang
bumaba ako sa sasakyan. Hinatid ko siya hanggang sa kwarto niya.

"Goodnight." Pinilit kong ngumiti. Nasa labas ako ng pinto niya. She didn't say
anything, tinitigan niya lang ako. After a few seconds of silence I decided to
leave.

"Tristan..." Napahinto ako sa paghakbang ng marinig ko ang boses niya. "Ako naman
ang pagbigyan mo. Stay with me tonight."

Humarap ako sa kanya. She wrapped her arms around my neck and pulled me inside the
room. Hinalikan niya ako. It was a rough hungry kiss, I kissed her back with the
same intensity. Bumaba ang kamay niya sa butones ng shirt ko at isa-isa iyong
tinanggal.

Bumaba ang halik niya sa leeg ko. She sucked on my neck and bit it softly. She
probably even left hickeys all over my neck but I don't really mind. My hands
started to roam all over her body. Her sweet hot lips left my neck and she sucked
on my nipple, gently nibbling it. She moved to the other one and did the same.
Damn! She hasn't even touched my dick and I feel like I'm already on the verge of
orgasm. Lumuhod siya sa harap ko na ikinagulat ko.

"Mahal ko..." Paos ang tinig na sabi ko. She looked up at me and gave me a naughty
smile.

"I can do it better than her. I could make you feel so good." Sabi niya bago
tinanggal ang butones ng suot kong pantalon. She pulled my pants down with my
boxer. Her eyes widened as she stared at my dick. She took it in her hand and began
to stroke it.
"Ahh... Andi..." Napahawak ako sa balikat niya at napapikit. And then I felt her
hot little mouth around my dick. She started sucking the head while stroking my
shaft. This is fucking heaven. Ibinaba ko ang strap ng dress niya pati ng bra niya.
I massaged her breast eagerly. She moaned, her lips vibrating against my dick.
Napasinghap ako sa sarap ng sensasyon na iyon. I began rolling her nipple between
my thumb and forefinger and she moaned even more.

We just started and I'm already so close. She stroked it even faster and sucked it
even harder. Then she slowly slid it in her mouth. Inch by inch. I moaned loudly
when I felt her mouth around my shaft. It's so warm, soft and wet. It felt so good.
Her head moved back and forth, taking as much of my length as she could. I felt my
dick hit the back of her throat and she gagged a little.

"A-andi, you don't have to force yourself." Paos ang tinig na sabi ko. I attempt to
pull away but she wouldn't let me. She grabbed my ass and pulled me farther into
her. Shit! I don't think I will be able to hold it any longer. I squeezed her
breast a little tighter.

"I'm going to come, Andi... God, I'm coming." I groaned and I released myself in
her mouth. My come spilled out of her mouth and ran down her chin. It's the most
erotic thing I've ever seen. I could feel my shaft getting hard again.

She pulled my dick out of my mouth. Napaluhod ako sa tabi niya. I took off my shirt
and used it to wipe my come from her face.

"You didn't have to do that." Sabi ko habang pinupunasan siya.

"But you did like it?" She asked with a faint smile.
"Yes, that was so good."

"Pervert." She giggled. "Now, you go down on me."

I lifted her dress and pulled her panties down. Dumapa ako sa pagitan ng mga hita
niya. I lowered my head to her pussy and started licking her. She was already wet,
her come taste so good. I spread her pussy with my fingers and plunge my tongue
into her hole.

"Tristan..." She whimpered.

My tongue darted in and out of her until she bucked and grab onto my shoulders. It
didn't take long for her to reach her orgasm.

Nahiga na kami sa kama pagkatapos nun. Pareho kaming napagod sa pamamasyal at

nakatulog agad kami.

We're on our way to the airport. Hindi na kami nag-usap ni Andi simula kaninang
umaga. I quietly left her room and went back to mine. There was an awkward
atmosphere around us. Kahit si Cassie at Phoenix ay hindi nagkikibuan. Phoenix
looked like he woke up on the wrong side of the bed. Kanina pa mainit ang ulo niya
kaya hindi ko siya magawang makausap.

Sumakay kami sa eroplano. Dapat si Andi ang katabi ko at si Phoenix at Cassie ang
magkatabi ngunit nakipagpalit si Andi kay Phoenix.

"Something wrong?" Tanong ko sa kanya.

"I proposed to Cassie." He said before gulping down his glass of wine.

"And?" Kunot ang noong tanong ko.

"She fucking rejected my marriage proposal." Pigil ang galit na sabi nito.

"I'm sorry, dude." I said symphatetically.

He looked at me and gave me the 'I don't fucking need your pity' look. "Kaya ko
lang naman gustong pakasalan siya dahil ayokong maging bastardo ang magiging anak
namin."

Lumapag ang eroplanong sinasakyan namin sa Manila. Naghihiwalay na kami nang

makalabas kami sa airport. Nakita kong sinalubong ni Jason si Andi. They hugged
each other. I wanted to look away because it hurts to see her in the arms of
another man but I couldn't. Parang pinipiga ang puso ko habang pinanonood ko sila.
Andi cupped Jason's face and kissed him on the lips. Pagkatapos ay tumingin siya sa
akin. Pinilit ko ang sarili kong ngumiti nang mapatingin siya sa akin bago nagbaba
nang tingin at tumalikod na.

=================

Chapter Forty Three

If there's anything that makes me feel better it's children. I love children. I
love being around them and playing with them. I love just about anything that has
to do with children. I used to volunteer at an orphanage in California, it's really
depressing to see all those beautiful kids who had been abandoned by their parents.
Everytime I look at all those children I see my baby in them. And just by spending
some time with the children pakiramdam ko parang nakasama ko na din ang anak ko.
It helped me cope with losing my baby at nakakatulong pa ako sa mga bata.

"Mga bata, ito si ate Andi ninyo." Pakilala sa akin ni sister Cecilia. Siya ang
namamahala ng bahay ampunan na ito. Dinala niya ako dito sa art room kung saan
abalang-abala ang mga bata sa pagdrawing. They all look so adorable. Nakakalungkot
na may mga magulang na kayang iwanan ang mga anak nila. Naalala ko na may mga tao
din na kayang pumatay nang mga bata, katulad ni Olivia at Harold. Those are the
worst kinds of people. A poor excuse for a human being.

Awtomatikong nagsi-tayuan ang mga ito. "Magandang umaga, ate Andi."

I couldn't help but smile at their cuteness.

"Siya ang makakasama natin ngayon araw kaya behave dapat kayo, ok?"

"Yes, sister." Sagot nila.

"May regalo nga pala ako sa inyo." Sabi ko. Their eyes lit up with excitement. A
week ago, nagpunta ako dito sa orphanage na ito para paghandaan ang pagbisita ko
dito. I asked sister Cecilia to ask the children what presents they wanted. Binigay
niya sa akin ang listahan ng mga gusto nilang matanggap na regalo at binili ko ang
lahat nang iyon para sa mga bata. "Gusto niyo na bang matanggap ang regalo niyo?"

"Ooopooo!" Sabay-sabay na sabi ng mga bata.

Binubuksan pa lang namin ang box kung saan nandun ang mga regalo nila ay kitang-
kita na ang tuwa sa mga mukha nila. The room got quiet as I took the first gift out
of the box. It seemed like everyone was holding their breath. It was wrapped in
pink paper. Binasa ko ang pangalan na nakalasulat doon. "Sino si Maggie?"

"Ako! Ako po!" A little girl, raising both her hands and waving them, squealed.
Tumakbo siya sa akin and I handed the gift to her.

"Thank you po, ate Andi!" She hugged me.

"You're welcome, sweetheart." I said as I hug her back.

Kumuha ulit ako ng isa pang regalo sa box. "Ito naman para kay Paulo."

Lumapit ang isang batang lalaki sa akin at kinuha ang regalo niya. Katulad ni
Maggie, he thanked and hugged me. Isa-isa kong inabot sa kanila ang mga regalo. It
was so fun to see the excitement and happiness on their faces as they unwrap their
presents.

Nakita ko ang isang batang yakap-yakap ang teddy bear na regalo ko sa kanya. Natuwa
ako at nilapitan ko siya.

"Hi, baby. Ano'ng pangalan mo?" Tanong ko.

"Isabelle po." Nahihiyang sabi niya. Umupo ako sa tabi niya at pinalapit ko siya sa
akin. I sat her on my lap.

"Isabelle, ang ganda naman ng pangalan mo. Bagay sa'yo. Ilang taon ka na?" I asked
as I tuck a piece of her behind her ears.

She looked at her hand and she showed it to me with three fingers raised.

"Three years old ka na?" Nakangiting sabi ko.

She shook her head. "Four na po ako."

"But that's only three." Natatawang sabi ko. Kids are just so adorable. Itinaas ko
pa ang isang daliri niya. "Ayan four na."

She looked at her hand again. and counted her fingers "One, two, three... FOUR!"

"Wow, marunong ka na pala magbilang." Sabi ko.

"Tinuruan po ako ni kuya pero hanggang ten pa lang ang alam ko." Sabi niya habang
nilalaro ang teddy bear niya.
"Don't worry. You'll learn how to count up to one hundred. Do you want me to teach
you?" I slightly pinched her cherub cheek. I couldn't help but wonder what would it
be like to hold my own child. Ang anak namin ni Tristan. Everytime I hold another
child, palaging iyon ang pumapasok sa isip ko.

I sighed. I've thought of adopting a kid but I still want to have one of my own.
With Tristan. I want it to be his. Ours. I feel like he owes me a baby because I
blame him for what happened to our first child. I want it to be a part of him like
my little angel. Of course, it wouldn't replace the one I lost even if I were to
conceive another. Kahit ilan ang maging anak ko siya pa rin ang panganay ko.

I started taking the pill because I wasn't sure if I was ready to get pregnant. I
would probably go crazy kapag nawalan ulit ako ng anak. I almost did when I lost my
little angel. I'm torn between wanting a baby and the fear of what would happen.
Kung magkaka-miscarriage ako o kung ano man ang mangyari kung magbubuntis ulit ako
I don't think I will be able to take it.

Well, now hindi ko na dapat isipin iyond dahil wala na siya sa buhay ko. He is out
of my life! I suddenly felt a hole in my heart. There it is again. I hate that
feeling. I need to stop thinking about him. I've been trying to not think about him
at all. Hindi siya kawalan. I don't need him... or his sperm. I could have a baby
with another guy. Silly me, what was I thinking. It doesn't have to be Tristan's.

Inaya ko ang mga bata na maglaro sa garden. Naglaro kami ng langit-lupa. This is
also why I love being with kids, I get to be a kid myself. I feel carefree,
weightless, without a care in the world.

"Ate Andi, taya ka na!" Agnes giggled when she finally got me. They all ran in
different directions.

"Nandyan na si kuya Tristan!" Sigaw ni Paulo. Biglang huminto ang mga bata sa
pagtakbo. I froze when I heard his name. It couldn't be him. Hindi lang naman siya
ang may pangalang Tristan sa Pilipinas. There was a part of me that was hoping it
was really him. I turned around to look and my heart started beating really fast
when I saw Tristan.
Si Phoenix ang nagrecommend sa akin ng orphanage na ito. I'm sure he has something
to do with this. He definitely knew Tristan was going to be here too. Maybe they
even planned this.

"Kuuuuyaaaaaa!" All the kids ran up to him and hugged him.

"Kumusta na kayo?" Ginulo niya ang buhok ng isang batang lalaki.

"Binigyan kami ng regalo ni ate Andi." Sabi ni Isabelle na karga-karga ni Tristan.

"Talaga? Nagustuhan niyo ba?" Tanong niya.

"Opo, ang ganda nga po." Sagot ng bata.

"Ate Andi, halika papakilala kita sa kuya namin." Kinuha ni Ron ang kamay ko at
hinatak ako palapit kay Tristan.

"Ate Andi, ito nga po pala ang kuya Tristan namin." Sabi ni Ron. He looked at me
but he quickly looked away. Itinuon niya ang atensyon niya sa mga bata.

"Nagpasalamat ba kayo sa kanya?" Tanong niya sa mga bata. Sabay-sabay silang

sumagot ng opo.
"Kuya Tristan, ang ganda po ni ate Andi ano? Parang yung prinsesang kinukwento mo
samin." Sabi ni Maggie.

Bahagyang natawa si Tristan at tumingin ulit sa akin. We stared awkwardly at each

other for a few seconds before I looked away. "Oo nga, 'no"

"Kuya, ituloy mo na yung kwento mo! Pleeeeeease!" Sabi ni Charmaine.

"Oo nga po, kuya! Ano'ng nangyari sa prinsesa at sa prinsipe?" Sabi naman ni
Lenlen.

"Mamaya na, pinapapasok na kayo ni sister. Kakain na daw."

"Pero kuya, magkukuwento ka ah." Sabi ni Lenlen.

"Oo pagkatapos niyo kumain." Sagot niya. The kids all seem to love and adore him.

Dala ko ang isang tray na may laman na mga sopas. Isa-isa ko itong binigay sa mga
bata sa mga table nila. Hindi ko maiwasang mapatingin kay Tristan, he was doing the
same thing as me. Binibigyan niya ng pagkain ang mga bata. He was laughing and
fooling around with the kids. Halatang komportable na sa kanya ang mga bata.
Bumalik ako sa kitchen para kumuha pa ng sopas. Nilagay ko isa-isa ang mga bowl sa
tray. I stiffened when I saw Tristan walk inside the kitchen door. He just walked
past me without looking in my direction. It's like he doesn't see me, it's as if I
was invisible. He's completely ignoring me! And It hurts.

But isn't this what I wanted?

I picked up the tray and hurriedly left the kitchen. I couldn't stand us ignoring
each other's presence. But it looks like he's perfectly fine with it. It seems like
it doesn't bother him a bit and that pisses me off. How can that son of a bitch be
so unaffected while I'm so frustrated and bothered?

"Hindi ka ba kakain, hija?" Lumapit sa akin si sister Cecilia. I sat in the corner
pagkatapos ko magbigay ng pagkain sa mga bata. I was watching them eat.

"I'm not hungry po." Sagot ko. Napatingin ako kay Tristan. He was busy feeding the
children. It's cute how he's so caring and good with kids. "Sister, madalas bang
nagpupunta dito si Tristan?"

"Palagi yan bumibisita dito. Parang pamilya na nga ang trato niya sa mga bata kaya
mahal na mahal siya ng mga yan." Nakangiting sagot niya. "Alam mo, kung hindi
ipinatayo ni Tristan itong bahay-ampunan malamang nasa kalye pa rin sila."

"Siya ang nagpatayo nito?" I asked surprised.

"Oo, nanggaling lahat sa kanya ang perang ginamit sa pagpapatayo nito." Sagot ni
sister Cecilia.
Well, at least may magandang napuntahan ang perang nakuha niya from whoring himself
to rich women. That's the only good thing about it.

After eating, the children went outside to play. The kids pulled me outside at
inaaya nila akong maglaro ulit.

"O, huwag muna kayong magtakbuhan, kakakain niyo lang." Tristan reminded the kids.

"Kuya Tristan, magkwento ka na lang." Sabi ng mga bata.

"O sige, magkukuwento na ako." Sabi niya, umupo siya sa sahig. The children sat
around him waiting for him to tell a story.

"Ate Andi, halika magkukuwento na si kuya Tristan." Isabelle took my hand at

hinatak niya ako. We sat on the ground right in front of Tristan and she sat on my
lap. Our eyes locked for a moment, I got uncomfortable and looked down and started
playing with Belle's hair.

"Nasaan na ba tayo?" Nag-iisip na tanong ni Tristan.

"Yung ibinalik ng prinsipe ang prinsesa sa palasyo niya." Sabi ni Lenlen.

"Yun na nga, binalik ng prinsipe ang prinsesa sa palasyo niya dahil alam niyang mas
ligtas ang prinsesa doon. Hindi siya maabot doon ng dragon na gustong kumuha sa
kanya dahil napakataas ng palasyong iyon." Sabi ni Tristan. Tutok na tutok sa
pakikinig ang mga bata. "Iniwan niya ang prinsesa at naglakbay siya sa malayong
malayong lugar para hanapin ang dragon. Napakadilim ng pinuntahan niyang lugar at
nagsisimula nang matakot na ang prinsipe pero sa tuwing iniisip niya ang kanyang
prinsesa nawawala ang takot niya at lumalakas lalo ang loob niya. Kailangan niyang
mahanap ang dragon at mapatay iyon para masiguro ang kaligtasan ng prinsesa niya."

"Galit na galit ang dragon ng makaharap niya ito. Mabilis na hinugot ng prinsipe
ang espada niya at nakipaglaban siya. Pero dahil mas malakas at malaki ang dragon
natalo ang prinsipe. Namatay siya?"

"Ano?! Namatay ang prinsipe?" Sabi ni Belle. She sounded so upset.

"Oo, pero hindi pa tapos yun! May nakakakita sa prinsipe, isang lalaking may
kapangyarihan na manggamot. Kinuha niya ang walang buhay na katawan ng prinsipe at
ginamot nito ang mga sugat na natamo niya sa pakikipaglaban. Ilang araw at buwan
ang lumipas bago tuluyang gumaling at nagising ang prinsipe. Pinilit niyang mabuhay
dahil kailangan niya pang bumalik sa prinsesa niya. Dahil mahal na mahal niya ang
prinsesa niya at ayaw niyang maiwan itong nag-iisa."

"Nang magising ang prinsipe ang unang hinanap niya ay ang prinsesa niya. Bumalik
siya sa palasyo kung saan niya iniwan ang prinsesa niya ngunit nalaman niyang wala
na ito doon. Umalis ang prinsesa niya at pumunta na sa malayong malayong kaharian."

There was a long pause and the children waited for him to say something.

"Edi sinundan niya ang prinsesa niya sa malayong lugar?" Hindi na nakatiis si Ron.

Umiling si Tristan. "Hindi niya na sinundan ang prinsesa niya dahil nalaman niyang
nagpakasal na ang prinsesa niya sa ibang prinsipe."
 It hit me that the story he was telling was about us. That's why it sounded so
familiar. It was a story about us laced with bullshit! He wouldn't tell the kids
what really happened. That the prince left the princess because he decided she
wasn't good enough for him. Well like they say, no one is a villain in their own
mind.

"Ha? Bakit ganun? Hindi na ba mahal ng prinsesa ang prinsipe niya?" Malungkot na
sabi ni Agnes.

"Hindi ko alam." Mahinang sagot ni Tristan. "Pero hindi na mahalaga iyon, ang
mahalaga sa prinsipe masaya ang prinsesa niya. Iyon lang naman ang gusto niya, ang
makitang masaya ang prinsesa. Masaya na rin ang prinsipe kahit hindi sila
nagkatuluyan ng prinsesa dahil nakasama niya at naging bahagi ng buhay niya ito.
Hindi lahat ng tao nabibigyan ng pagkakataon na katulad nun."

"The prince was an ass." I didn't even realize those words slipped out of my mouth
until Tristan looked at me. Nasabi ko na, paninindigan ko na. There's no turning
back. "Sarili niya lang ang iniisip niya. Wala siyang pakialam sa nararamdaman ng
prinsesa. He just left her! What if the princess wanted to fight the dragon with
him? Hindi niya ba naisip yun? He never thought about it, did he? Dahil naisip
niyang pabigat lang ang prinsesa sa kanya that's why he left her!"

"Hindi totoo yan." Sabi niya. "The prince loves the princess so much. Ayaw niyang
malagay sa panganib ang buhay ng prinsesa. He did it for the princess"

"No, he did it for himself! Paanong nakakasiguro ang prinsipe na hindi malalagay sa
panganib ang buhay ng prinsesa habang nasa palasyo siya. The princess could've died
of sadness. Or someone could've climbed up the castle and kill her. The princess
isn't going to wait for him forever, she had to save herself. She had to save
whatever was left of her."

"I'm sorry." He said. I've heard him say it a hundred times! Kahit ilang sorry pa
ang sabihin niya I won't forgive him. His sorry won't change the past!
"You should be because it was a really stupid story! I'm so glad princess married
another prince and didn't end up with that stupid prince."

"Galit ka po ba, ate Andi?" Tanong ni Belle.

I had to force myself to smile and calm down. "No, sweety. Hindi ako galit."

"Kung may prinsipe na ang prinsesa dapat humanap na din ng ibang prinsesa ang
prinsipe para hindi na nalulungkot ang prinsipe. Para masaya na ang
lahat." Charmaine said innocently.

Tristan smiled faintly. "Siguro nga tama ka. Kailangan niya na nga sigurong humanap
ng ibang prinsesa. Kailangan niya na tumigil sa kaaasang babalik pa sa kanya ang
prinsesa niya."

He left without saying a word after that. He didn't even say goodbye to the kids.
Hinanap nila ang kuya Tristan nila but he already left. What if he does find anothe
girl? Psh. What do I care? He can do whatever the fuck he wants. That's what I'm
telling myself but I can't pretend it doesn't hurt, I can't pretend I don't care.
Just thinking about him finding another girl kills me.
"Giiiiiiiiirl!" Aiko screamed and ran to me with her arms wide open. "I missed
you!" She gave me a hug.

"I missed you too." I hugged her back. She just called me last night to tell me to
pick her up at the airport. She was sent here to model for a famous local clothing
line.

"We have alot of catching up to do! And you have to take me to the hottest club
here in Manila." She exclaimed excitedly. Of course! Clubs are her home. She lives
and breathes party.

"I will. But, girl, you have to get some rest. You're probably jet lagged." I said.

"Yeah, you're right. I have to get my beauty sleep. May photoshoot pa ako
tomorrow." Sabi niya. We put her luggage in the trunk of my car. I got in the
driver's sit and Aiko hopped into the passenger's.

"May dadaanan lang ako. Okay lang ba sa'yo?" I asked her while driving. I looked at
my wrist watch. Phoenix texted me this morning to meet up with him at the boutique.
Kung ihahatid ko pa si Aiko, I will never make it on time.

"Sure, saan ba tayo pupunta?" She asked.

"I just need to get my measurement taken. Ikakasal na kasi si Phoenix at kinuha
nila akong matron of honor." I answered.
She let out an exaggerated gasp. "Phoenix? Phoenix Cordova? Your cousin? No way!"

"Yes way." I was so surprised too when he told me he was going to get married.

"Really? Sayang naman. Ikakasal na pala siya." She pouted like a disappointed
child. " I was so excited to meet him pa nama because I've heard alot of good
things about him. A girl he slept with told me he had a big cock and that he's a
monster in b-."

"Ew, Aiko! Stop it. That's disgusting. He's my cousin!" I said trying to
suppressing a chuckle.

"Do you know any hot single guys who I can have fun with?"

"Don't tell me you broke up with the band guy."

"I did. I got tired of him. All he talks about is music. And the sex was bad, I do
all the work. I must have sucked him a hundred times but he never went down on me,
ever."

"TMI, Aiko. Too much info." I said with a laugh. She's very open and blunt about
her sex life. But we've been friends for years and I'm pretty used to it.

"So do you know any hot single guys who are good in bed?" She grinned.
"Well, I know a few hot guys but I don't know if they're good in bed." Sagot ko.
Phoenix's group of friends are hot as fuck.

"Introduce them to me and I'll find out." She giggled.

I parked my car in front of the boutique. Bumaba kami ng sasakyan at pumasok sa

loob. We were greeted by the assistant. I saw Phoenix seating on a single seater
sofa and reading a magazine.

"Hi Phoenix." I said with a smile. He lifted his head up from the magazine and
smiled. He got up at lumapit sa amin. He gave me a quick hug. I looked around the
room and noticed Cassie wasn't here."Where's Cassie?"

"She's still inside. Sinusukatan pa." Sagot niya.

"Oh my god. He's so hot." Aiko whispered to me through her teeth.

"Oh by the way, this is my friend, Aiko." I introduced her to him.

"Hi Aiko, nice to meet you." He said with a smile.

"Nice to meet you, too." Aiko replied.

We sat all sat on the couch and talked. Cassie stubbornly wants a black wedding
dress. I know modern na ngayon at kung anu-anong kulay na ang sinusuot ng mga
bride. But black is just too much for a wedding dress. I tried to convince Phoenix
na pilitin si Cassie na ibahin ang kulay ng wedding dress niya pero ayaw niya. He
said he doesn't want to ruin Cassie's dream wedding.

"Na late ba ako?" Napalingon ako ng marinig ko ang boses ni Tristan.

"No, you're just in time." Phoenix answered.

"Oh my god! Ang hot din niya. Is he single?" Bulong ni Aiko sa akin.

I was tempted to say that he isn't so that she wouldn't make a move on him.

"Is he?" She repeated.

"I... I don't know." I finally answered.

"Hindi mo ba siya kilala?" Tanong ni Aiko. Oh I know him and I know every inch of
his body.

"I know him but we're not close or anything. We're just acquaintances." I said,
hoping she'd stop asking about him. And she did but she started talking to him.
"Hi!" Sabi ni Aiko when Tristan sa beside her.

"Um, hey." Sabi ni Tristan.

"I'm Aiko." She said holding her hand out to him.

He smiled and took it. Gusto kong paghiwalayin ang mga kamay nila.

"Tristan." He said with a warm smile. I hate how he smiles at her and how he looks
at her. And I hate that he doesn't even look at me when I'm sitting beside Aiko.

Lumabas si Cassie mula sa isang kwarto. She sat down next to Phoenix. I said hi to
her but she ignored me. She sat next to Phoenix. Cassie was always warm kahit na
sinusungitan ko siya dati but now she rarely smile or talk to me. Sabi ni Phoenix
ganun din daw sa kanya si Cassie at baka naglilihi lang daw. Naiintindihan ko naman
siya. It's probably just hormones. Ganun din ako noong nagbubuntis ako.

Ako na ang sumunod kay Cassie. Tinawag ako ng designer para sukatan. Kahit na nasa
parehong kwarto si Cassie at Phoenix hindi ko pa rin mapigilan ang mag-alala. I
want to hear every bit of their conversation, I want to see what they're doing.

"Miss Andi." Tawag ng assistant sa akin.

Tumayo na ako at pumasok sa kwarto. The designer took my measurements and she
showed me a few sketches of some of the dress styles. Nag-uusap pa rin sila
paglabas ko.

"Come on, we need to go." Sabi ko kay Aiko.

"I'll call you later." Tristan said. I've only been gone for about ten minutes and
they already exchanged numbers?

"I'll be expecting that call later, Tristan." She said in a flirty voice with a
giggle. I could feel myself getting annoyed.

Nagpaalam na ako kay Cassie at Phoenix at umalis na kami.

"You gave him your number?" I asked when we got in the car.

"Yeah, why?"

"You don't know him, Aiko." I rolled my eyes at her.

"I know he's single." She squealed. "That's why I gave him my number so we can get
to know each other better."
"There are alot more better guys than him out there." I said.

"I think I like him. He's so handsome and nice and sweet and... he's just
perfect." She said smiling dreamily.

"Girl, you just met him. Lahat naman ng lalaki ganyan sa simula." I said irritated.

"Nuh-uh! Hind lahat ng lalaki handsome sa simula." She joked.

"My point is you don't know anything about him other than he is single. What if
he's terrible in bed?" Which he isn't. "Or what if he has a small dick?" His dick
is far from being small. "Or what if he's a violent asshole who beats
women?" Definitely not.

"Gosh! You're such a downer, Miranda!" Inis na sabi niya.

"I'm just being realistic. Anyone can be a wolf in sheep's clothing."

"I still want to get to know him though. I'm going to find out if he's terrible bed
and if he has a small penis. And I don't really mind being beaten in bed, I think I
might even like it. He can be my Christian Grey anyday." She giggled. I know Aiko
is my friend but right now I just want to put her inside her luggage, drive her to
the airport and send her back to Los Angeles.

=================

Chapter Forty Four

Aiko wouldn't shut up about Tristan since she met him. I hate to how she talks
about him and everything they do. She kept telling me how much she likes him, how
perfect and sexy he is and how she wanted to do him. I don't want to hear it.
What's worse is I had to pretend it doesn't affect me when it really does. I felt
so fake listening and smiling while she gushes about how hot Tristan is when inside
I just want to duct tape her mouth shut. Sa dami-rami ng babaeng pwedeng landiin ni
Tristan. Why her? I feel like sinasadya niya ito!

"So he called me last night again. We talked for like three hours about everything.
You know, he isn't just a handsome face. He's something more... " I tried my hard
not to roll my eyes. Aiko kept babbling on and on while I pretend to listen.

She paused when her phone rang and her face lit up with a smile. She scrambled
through her bag searching for her phone. She took it out from her bag and looked at
me with eyes open wide. "Oh my god, it's him... it's him!"

"Tristan!" She said squealing a bit when she answered the phone. I suddenly tensed
and sat up straight and leaned forward. I want to hear what they're going to talk
about. "I'm with Miranda. We just finished shopping and now we're eating at a
restaurant... No! No, I'm totally free tonight..." Oh my god! Tristan is going to
ask her out and she'll definitely say yes! Hindi ako mapakali sa upuan ko. "YES!
Tonight at 7 would be great!" Kinikilig na tumingins sa akin si Aiko. I felt my
shoulders slump. I took a deep breath, desperately trying to hide the turmoil I'm
feeling. Well... he moves on fast.

"Oh my god! I can't believe this, Miranda! He just asked me out to dinner!" Sabi
niya pagkababa ng phone.

I forced myself to smile. I never knew it was so painful to smile until now. I felt
queasy and I couldn't speak.

"Hey, are you ok?" She asked with her brows furrowed.
I nodded my head. "Yeah... yeah, napagod lang ako."

"Let's head back to my condo. I need you to help me pick a dress for tonight." She
said excitedly.

We went to her condo. She tried on some of her clothes and showed it to me. I was
sitting on her bed while she was standing in front of a full-length mirror looking
at herself.

"What do you think of this?" She asked turning side to side.

"I think... I think we should just go to the club tonight." I said, playing with my
hands. "Hindi ba I promised you I'll take you to the hottest club."

"That can wait another time." She smiled at me in the mirror. "Besides, I'm not in
the mood to party tonight. I just want to have a nice dinner with Tristan."

I swallowed what felt like a dagger down my throat. Wala na akong maisip na pwedeng
gawin para mapigilan siya. It's going to happen. They'll meet for dinner and end up
having sex! Oh god! No. I don't even want to think about it.

"So, maganda ba?" Tanong niya. She was wearing a black lace backless dress that
ended mid-thigh. She looked reallt stunning. This is what Tristan would be seeing
tonight. Thinking of him looking at her on that dress just doesn't sit well with
me.
"Yeah, but don't you think it's a bit too revealing for a first date." Sabi ko sa
kanya.

"Oh god! You are so manang talaga!" She rolled her eyes, laughing.

"I just think he might get an impression that you..." I chewed on my lower lip.

"That I what?" She raised her brows, waiting.

"That you want to have sex with him."

She giggled. "Really? Well then, he's going to get the right impression. I really
do want to have sex with him."

"No! No, you don't!" I exclaimed. "You have to be careful, Aiko! What if may STD
siya!"

"Oh, hun, I think he's clean naman." She said. "And we'll use protection."

"No, please don't have sex with him!" I knew it sounded like I was begging but I
couldn't help it. She looked at me with a weirded out look. I tried to think of
something to say so I wouldn't sound to obviously desperate. "He... he might think
you're easy! Baka pagkatapos ng date niya hindi ka na niya tawagan kasi nakuha niya
na ang gusto niya!"
She slowly nodded her head. "You're totally right."

"Of course, I'm right!" I said, letting out a sigh of relief. "Kapag inaya ka niya
sa bahay niya, huwag kang papayag."

"My god, Miranda! You're starting to sound like my mother." Natatawang sabi niya.

Tristan is going to pick her up kaya umalis na ako bago pa siya dumating. Ayokong
magkita kami. That would be really awkward. Hindi ako mapalagay nang makauwi ako. I
couldn't stop thinking about them together.

Kanina pa ako paikot-ikot sa kwarto while Jason was busy in front of his laptop.

"Hey, kanina ka pa hindi mapakali d'yan." Sabi ni Jason. Napahinto si Jason sa pag-
type sa laptop niya. "Is something bothering you?"

"Aiko is on a date with Tristan." Sabi ko.

He looked up at me and raised his eyebrow. "And why does that bother you?"

"Because he's a user! He's just using Aiko!" I exclaimed.

"Iyon lang ba talaga ang dahilan o dahil may nararamdama ka pa rin sa kanya?" He
asked in a flat tone.

"Wala na akong nararamdaman para kay Tristan. Nag-aalala lang ako para kay Aiko." I
said. Jason opened his mouth to say something but the phone rang. I quickly picked
it up.

"Miranda!" I heard Aiko's voice on the other line of the phone.

"Aiko..." I tried to put on a cheerful voice. "So, how did the date go?"

"It was perfect! I had so much fun with him, Tristan is just so wonderful. ' She
squealed.

"Oh good... did you... did you two..." I couldn't finish the sentence. I was
choking on my own words.

"Have sex?" She chuckled a little.

"Yes... did you?" I asked. My heart felt like it was pounding out of my chest.

"No, he's a real gentleman. He didn't even try to get in my pants." Sabi niya.
Nakahinga ako ng maluwag sa sagot niya. "Iba siya, Miranda. I feel like he's the
one."
"You just met him..." I said quietly.

"I know, pero mararamdaman mo naman iyon di ba? I've dated alot of men but I've
never felt this way about any of them before." She said with a serious tone. I shut
my eyes tight and tightened my grip on my phone.

"Miranda?"

I took a deep breath before answering. "Yeah?"

"I said he asked me to be his date for your cousin's wedding." Masayang sabi niya.

"Oh... um, Aiko, I need to go. Bye." I didn't even wait for her to say anything.
Ibinaba ko na ang phone. Ayoko ng marinig kung ano ang nararamdaman niya para kay
Tristan, kung ano ang mga ginawa nila o kung ano ang pinagusapan nila. Hindi ko
kaya.

It's Cassie and Phoenix's wedding day. Dinaanan ko kanina si Cassie bago ako
pumunta dito sa simbahan. Nasunod ang gusto niyang black wedding dress and I
thought she looked elegant on it. Pero mukhang hindi siya masaya. She was
emotionless like she didn't even care that this is her wedding day. I thought that
was weird. I mean, what bride isn't happy on her day?! Well, I wasn't really happy
on my wedding day but that was a different story. Iba ang sitwasyon namin sa
kanila.

I saw Phoenix standing outside the church looking all tensed and nervous while
waiting for his bride. Nilapitan ko siya para i-congratulate and he just gave me a
faint smile. He didn't look happy either. What is wrong with the two of them?

"Miranda!" Napalingon ako ng marinig ko ang boses ni Aiko. She waved her hand. She
had her other hand placed on Tristan's arm while they were walking towards us.
Seeing them together made me feel sick to my stomach.

Jason automatically wrapped one arm on my waist and pulled me closer to him.

"Hi, Jason!" Bati ni Aiko.

"Hi." Pormal na sabi niya.

I glanced at Tristan and he was looking at me so I quickly looked away.

"Wow, you look beautiful on that dress, Miranda." Sabi ni Aiko.

"Oh my wife looks beautiful on everything, even in her underwear." Jason chuckled
before giving me a peck on the cheek. I caught Tristan subtly clench his jaw from
the corner of my eyes.
"So naughty." Aiko giggled.

Natigilan ang lahat ng dumating na ang bridal car. We were soon lined up to walk
down the aisle and I was paired with Tristan who was the best man. He was standing
beside me looking straight ahead with a stoic expression on his face. Ni hindi niya
ako tinignan. I don't why but it annoyed me.

The music started playing and the groomsmen and bridesmaids began walking down the
aisle. When it was finally our turn, he offered his arm to me and I took it
awkwardly.

"Tigilan mo na si Aiko..." Hindi ko napigilan sabihin sa kanya as we walk down the

aisle. "Stop using her to make me jealous. It's not working."

He coldly glanced at me without moving his head. "I am not using her. I really like
Aiko."

I felt a stabbing pain in my heart. I took a deep breath to ease the pain in my
chest but it didn't work. "Liar." I whispered softly, scared my voice would crack.
Hindi niya ito pinansin. Dumaan kami sa harap ni Aiko who was smiling, waving and
taking pictures of us. I tried to smile back at her.

We finally reached what felt like a mile long aisle and seperated. Cassie started
walking down the aisle with a tall, young good-looking guy. The guy doesn't look
like her dad. He's obviously too young to be her father. Tumingin ako kay Phoenix,
he wasn't smiling or anything. His face was stoic.

We all watched as Cassie of the aisle. They stopped in front of Phoenix. Kinuha
agad ni Phoenix si Cassie mula sa lalaking katabi niya. Hindi ko man lang nakitang
ngumiti si Cassie or si Phoenix. Baka parang nagluluksa silang dalawa. Is this a
funeral or a wedding?

Everyone took their seats and the ceremony began. Pumunta kami sa reception
pagkatapos ng kasal. We were assigned to sit at the same table as Tristan and Aiko.
Why is Phoenix doing this to me? God, I want to kill him.

Jason pulled a chair for me and I sat down. Umupo si Jason sa tabi ko. Tristan was
casually resting his arm behind Aiko's chair while they were talking. Nakisali rin
si Jason sa usapan nila.

"Aiko when are you going back to Los Angeles?" Tanong ni Jason.

"I still don't know. Nagsisimula pa lang akong mag-enjoy dito sa Pilipinas." She
looked at Tristan with sparks in her eyes.

"Pwede rin kitang bisitahin sa LA minsan." Sabi ni Tristan.

"Really?" Her face brightened up with happiness.

"Oo naman." Tristan answered with a smile. Aiko was smiling from ear to ear and she
was looking at Tristan with twinkles in her eyes. Napapikit ako ng mariin. It's so
fucking hard to watch.

"Kayo? May plano pa ba kayong bumalik sa America?" Tanong ni Aiko.

"We want to stay here for good. Gusto na namin bumuo ng pamilya at magka-baby,
hindi ba, babe?" Jason asked.

I nodded my head. "Y-yeah."

"Sabagay, three years na kayong kasal. It's about time." Sabi ni Aiko. Napatingin
ako kay Tristan, he was looking at me with an icy stare. I stared back at him with
my head high.

"Wala ka pa bang balak magpakasal?" Jason asked.

"Who am I going to marry? I don't even have a boyfriend." Aiko said with a laugh
before turning her head to Tristan. Fuck! I hate it when she looks at him like
that. Tristan looked back into her eyes and smiled, their faces were just inches
from each other. Nagbaba ako ng tingin.

I couldn't take it anymore so I excused myself. I feel like my heart is ripping

into pieces and I just can't stay anymore. Tumayo ako at naglakad palayo. I don't
even know where I was going to go. I just don't want to see them. Lumabas ako sa
reception.

Habang naglalakad ako ay may humawak sa braso ko. Napalingon ako at nakita ko si
Tristan.

"Bitawan mo ako!" I tried to shake off his grip. Walang sab-sabing hinatak niya
ako. He dragged me to the hallway. Binuksan niya ang isang pinto sa pinakadulo ng
hallway, sa fire exit at pilit niya akong pinasok doon. He shut the door behind
him.

He looked at me with desire burning intensely in his eyes. "Andi..."

"Stay away from me." I started walking backwards. I didn't want him to get too
close to me. I was scared... I was scared because I knew I want him. I hit the wall
behind me and he trapped me with his arms.

He bent down and kissed me on the lips. I tried to push him away but he was
stronger than me. He suddenly turned me around so I was facing the wall. His hands
cupped both my breast. He started fondling it and I could feel my nipples getting
hard.

"W-what are you doing?" I asked with a shaky voice. I could already feel his
manhood starting to get hard on my back. I took a sharp breath when he pulled down
my strapless dress to my stomach, revealing my breasts. He cupped my breast again
and started playing with my nipples, pinching and pulling them while he rub himself
against me. Fuck! This is so wrong. Someone might come in here and see us.

"Tristan, st-op!" Pilit akong kumawala sa kanya. He pressed me harder against the
wall. His other hand went down and lifted my dress up. His hands touched my sex and
I could feel his fingers rubbing on my slit through my panties.

"You're so wet, Andi. Is it for me?" He whispered in my ear. Only for you.

"Oh my god, Tristan! Just let me go!" I screamed. I know if I don't stop him right
now, hindi ko na siya mapipigilan sa gusto niyang mangyari.
He pushed my panties aside and his fingers found my clit. I squirmed and a soft
moan escaped my lips when he massage it.

"Do you still want me to stop?" He asked in a hoarse voice, his fingers moving
faster against my clit.

I just shook my head, unable to talk.

"Then tell me you want this." Sabi niya. "Tell me, Andi. Tell me or I'll stop."

Huminto sa paggalaw ang daliri niya.

"Oh god, Tristan..." I moaned while thrusting myself against his fingers, trying to
find release but it wasn't found. "Tristan, I want you. Please, Tristan..." I
sobbed.

He stared massaging my clit again and I felt him push a finger inside me, slowly
until it was all the way in. He added another one and began finger fucking me hard
and his thumb was rubbing my clit. I was panting and moaning and crying out in
ecstasy. I was so close. He kept moving his fingers in and out of me until I
exploded. I came all over his fingers. He didn't move his hand, he kept his fingers
inside me as my orgasm subsided.

He finally pulled out his fingers and licked them clean. He unzipped his pants and
pulled it down along with his boxers. I groaned when I felt him rub his dick
against my slit. He pulled my panties down to my knees and positioned himself
behind me. He slowly inserted himself inside me. He turned my head to face him and
covered my lips with his, I opened my mouth for him and our tongues grind and swirl
aganst each other. He started thrusting in and out of me, gently and slowly at
first. His hands were busy playing with my breasts. He thrusted harder and faster
and I was moaning in his mouth. Suddenly I felt his warm liquid shoot inside me,
filling me up. He stopped kissing me and let out a loud groan. He didn't move at
first, he just stayed inside me. We were completely silent after that, just feeling
our bodies together.

I felt him slide out of me and small streams of his cum ran down my thighs. I
quickly pulled my panties up. I was so embarrased, I can't believe we just did it
in a public place. Inayos ko ang sarili ko at nagmamadaling lumabas. I went back to
the reception and saw Jason sitting alone on the table.

Umupo ako sa tabi niya.

"Saan ka galing?" He asked.

"Sa labas lang nagpahangin." I answered trying to sound casual.

He just nodded his head and took a sip of his whiskey. Maya-maya ay lumapit si Aiko
sa amin.

"Girl, have you seen Tristan?" Tanong niya sa akin.

"Uh... no, sorry." I suddenly felt a wave of guilt rushing over me. I know how in
love she is with Tristan but I still let him fuck me. This is all so wrong.

She looked around absently. "Nasaan na kaya siya?" Her face lit up when she saw him
walking through the door. "Oh there he is!"
Lumapit sa amin si Tristan.

"Where have you been? I've been looking all over for you. Bigla ka na lang
nawala." Sabi ni Aiko.

"Nagpahangin lang." He said before glancing at me.

"Magkasabay ba kayo nagpahangin. Nakita ko kasi kayong dumaan sa fire exit." Sabi
ni Jason.

I looked at Jason with eyes wide open in surprise. Nakita niya kami? My face
flushed red in embarrassment.

"Nagkasabay kaming bumaba fire exit. Sira kasi yung elevator kaya doon kami
dumaan." Dahilan ni Tristan.

"C'mon, Tristan, let's dance!" Aya ni Aiko. Tristan looked at me one more time bago
siya sumunod kay Aiko.

"Umuwi na tayo." Mahina pero mariin na sabi ni Jason. He got up and walked away,
sumunod ako sa kanya. Sumakay kami ng elevator pababa sa parking lot.

"You saw us having sex?" I asked him when we got in the car. I felt kind of nervous
and embarrassed

He shook his head. "No but I heard everything you were doing with him."

"Hindi mo ba siya kayang kalimutan?" His voice sounded angry. My brows furrowed
with confusion.

"Ano bang nangyayari sa'yo?" Tanong ko.

He turned and looked at me. "I think I'm in love with you Andi."

I felt myself tensed. Hindi agad ako nakapagsalita. I didn't what to say. Hindi ko
alam na ganun na pala ang nararamdaman niya sa akin. I just don't feel the same way
about him. "I... I'm sorry, Jason." I shook my head and he understood.

=================

Chapter Forty Five

Hindi na kami madalas nag-uusap o nagkikita ni Aiko. She's always busy with
Tristan. I don't know what's the real score between them since I never bothered to
ask but I do know they've been seeing each other a lot. Naisipan kong bisitahin
siya. I wanted to know what's going on between the two of them. I hope it's nothing
serious.

I got in my car and went to her condo. I pressed the doorbell and waited for
someone to open the door but no one did. So I turned the doorknob and I found out
it wasn't locked. Gosh! Napakaburara talaga ng babaeng iyon. She always forgets to
lock her door. Paano kung may pumasok na magnanakaw dito? I called her but no one
answered so I just welcomed myself in.
"Aiko?" Tawag ko ulit sa kanya. I heard her voice from her room but I didn't
understand what she was saying. Akala ko alam niya nang nakapasok ako sa condo
niya. Lumapit ako sa kwarto niya and the door was slightly opened. I peeked inside
and what I saw made my heart drop.

I was frozen for a moment, my jaw dropped in disbelief and my eyes widened in
shock. My head was spinning and my heart was aching. I slowly took steps back and
hit something behind me. Nahulog ang vase na nakapatong sa mesa sa tabi ng sofa. It
made a loud crashing sound as it hit the floor and shattered into tiny pieces. I
wanted to run from this place but my feet felt like it was stuck to the ground.

"What was that?" I heard Aiko said. Lumabas si Tristan mula sa kwarto. We just
stared at each other for a few seconds. I could see the shock in his face when he
saw me. His face went from shock to emotionless. Lumapit si Aiko kay Tristan and
wrapped her hands around him from behind.

"Oh hi, Miranda." She said with a smile.

"I-I'm so sorry." Napayuko ako. I was trying so hard to hold back my tears. Damn
it, Andi, don't cry. Sabi ko sa sarili ko. "Sorry talaga nabasag ko pa itong vase
mo."

"It's okay. I hated that vase anyway." Aiko giggled. "Kanina ka pa ba nandito?"

"K-kararating ko lang. I'm so sorry." I said, trying to keep my voice steady. I

didn't want to look at them so I kept my eyes on the ground.

"Don't worry about it. Bakit ka nga pala nagpunta dito?"

"I just... uh... dropped by to say hello." Sabi ko.

"Guess what?" She said with a huge smile on his face before looking at Tristan with
twinkling eyes. Tristan averted his eyes from mine to Aiko's. They were both
staring at each other and I knew what Aiko was going to say. I knew she was going
to say the words I dreaded to hear. Binalik ni Aiko ang tingin niya sa
akin. "Boyfriend ko na siya! He asked me to be his girlfriend kanina." Aiko said
happily. Umakbay si Tristan sa kanya and he kissed her on the side of her head.
Watching them was torture.

I felt physically sick. I had to inhale deeply to keep the tears at bay. I didn't
even know how I managed to smile. "Oh... I'm so happy for you guys." I tried to
sound cheerful but my voice slightly cracked. Good thing they didn't notice it.

"I-I need to go." Sabi ko. I didn't know how long I could hold my tears.I could
feel myself slowling losing control.

"Already? But you just got here." Sabi ni Aiko.

"May pupuntahan pa kasi ako. Dumaan lang ako dito." Dahilan ko.

"Oh ok. See you when I see you." Sabi niya.

I answered her with a smile before turning around. Nagmamadali akong lumabas sa
condo ni Aiko. I was half running, half walking. I just wanted to get out of that
place. I found myself crying in the elevator. Hindi ko na napigilan ang pagbuhos ng
emotion ko. I couldn't believe it. I don't want to. They probably continued doing
it pagkalabas ko sa condo. It hurts so bad thinking of him kissing another girl,
touching her in intimate place... just like he does to me. What's worse is sa best
friend ko pa niya iyon ginagawa.

I still couldn't stop crying while I was driving. I still couldn't stop my tears
when I got out of the car.

"Hey, what's wrong?" Tanong niya ng makasalubong ko siya.

"Nothing..." Mahinang sagot ko while I was looking at the floor.

"No, you don't cry about nothing." Sabi niya. Napayakap na lang ako sa kanya at
umiyak. He rubbed my back while I cry. He brought me to our room and tried to
comfort me.

"Si Tristan ba ang dahilan?" He asked. I didn't answer. "What did he do to you?"

"Sila na ni Aiko." I couldn't contain my sobs.

"So you still love him huh?" He said in a low voice.

"I don't want to but I do." Pag-aamin ko.

"He's the guy who left you three years ago. Are you forgetting that, Andi? You
shouldn't love him. Hindi ba kaya ka bumalik dito para gumanti sa ginawa niya
sa'yo." He said with frustrated tone in his voice. I didn't say anything I just
kept crying. He cupped my face and kissed me on the forehead. "Stop torturing
yourself. You've had enough. You deserve to be happy... Tigilan mo na ang mga
ginagawa mo. Maybe if you let go of your hate for him, you'll finally let go of all
the feelings you have for him."

He lowered his head to me and kissed me on the lips. I was shocked at first. We
never kiss when we're alone. His eyes were closed so I closed mine too and kissed
him back. We've kissed before but it was all fake. It was all for the show. Noong
nasa New York kami and I hid Tristan in the closet. Nung sinundo niya ako sa
airport... It was all fake.

And now that its real, it felt wrong. It always feels wrong when I'm kissing
another guy other than Tristan. I hated it. I dated alot of guys but I couldn't
bring myself to sleep with them. Siya palagi ang naiisip ko and right now I just
want to stop thinking about him. I kissed Jason harder trying to make it feel
right. He gently pushed me down and I felt my back touch the bed. I opened my
eyes.

I suddenly pulled away from the kiss and he looked at me confused. "What's wrong?"

"I just- I can't... I'm sorry." Sabi ko sa kanya. Hindi ko kaya.

"No, I'm sorry." He whispered.

Jason had been there for me when no one else was and he understood how I felt.
Sometimes I wish I could love him back.
Tristan's POV

I just watched her walk away. I was just standing, watching her leave. I didn't do
anything. Every step she took was like a stab in my heart. I wanted to ran after
her but I couldn't. I guess I've accepted that we just couldn't be together again.
It's not that she's not worth the fight anymore. She said she didn't want me
anymore. Ito naman ang gusto niya hindi ba? She was the one who asked me to let her
go.

"Babe..." Naglalambing na sabi ni Aiko paglabas ni Andi sa pinto. I closed my eyes

tightly and inhaled a deep breathe. I didn't even know if I made the right
decision. I didn't do this to hurt Andi. I really do like Aiko... but I love Andi.
Hindi na magbabago iyon pero sinusubukan ko naman na siya kalimutan. Masaya na siya
kay Jason at nangako akong hindi ko na siya guguluhin pa. I broke that promise at
Phoenix's wedding. I lost control. Nagseselos ako habang nakikita ko silang
magkasama ni Jason. Naiinis ako sa tuwing hahawakan niya si Andi. I felt like I
should be the only one touching and kissing her. Ngayon tutuparin ko na ang pangako
ko sa kanya. I'm going to try to move on. Hindi ko na guguluhin ang relasyon nila.

"Tristan." She said trying to get my attention. I woke up from my thoughts and
looked at her.

"Come on..." She smiled teasingly. She took my hand and pulled me back in the room.
I took her out to dinner at inihatid ko siya dito. Next thing I knew she was
kissing me and leading me to her bed. And before we could do anything Andi came.

She bit her lower lip seductively and looked me in the eye while unbuttoning my
shirt. Pinigilan ko ang kamay niya when she got to the fifth button.
"I don't think this is a good idea." Sabi ko sa kanya.

"Why?" She looked at me puzzled.

"I don't have any protection with me." Sabi ko. I would never be stupid enough to
have sex with a girl without protection. I use protection with every girl I've been
with. Except Andi. We never used condom once. I love feeling her raw insides. When
we were still together, we always use pull out method but most of the time I forget
and come inside her. She was too young at that time and I thought it would be
selfish if I get her pregnant. Pero kung sakaling mabuntis siya ng mga panahong
iyon I would be the happiest guy. Deep down I was secretly wishing she would get
pregnant. Now she and her husband are planning to have a baby together. It hurts
like hell to even think of her carrying another man's child.

"May convenience store sa labas." Sabi ni Aiko.

"I'm sorry, Aiko. I'm tired." Sabi ko sa kanya. "I think I'll just go home."

"Tristan." She pouted.

I smiled faintly and kissed her on the forehead. "Goodnight."

=================

Chapter Forty Six

"Is he gay?" Aiko said out of nowhere while we were watching American Psycho.
Tinawagan niya ako kanina para samahan siyang magshopping. Ilang beses niya na
akong inayang lumabas at palagi ko siyang tinanggihan. This time wala na akong
maisip na dahilan and I didn't want her to think na iniiwasan ko siya. Naisip ko
rin na I shouldn't let Tristan affect our friendship. Just because boyfriend niya
na si Tristan, it doesn't mean we can't be friends anymore.

After shopping, pumunta kami dito sa condo niya at nanonood ng movie like we always
do when we hang out. We spent the whole day together and surprisingly she never
mentioned anything about Tristan. It was weird because she used to talk about him
non-stop.

I turned my head from the tv to her and gave her a weird look. "Patrick Bateman?
No, I don't think he's gay..." Sabi ko sa kanya. I reverted my eyes back to the tv
and took a popcorn from the bowl.

"Not him. Si Tristan, is he gay?" She asked.

I almost choked on the popcorn in my mouth and started coughing. Tristan? Gay?
Hindi ko alam kung matatawa ako o ano. I never thought I'd hear Tristan and gay
together in one sentence. We've lived together, we had GREAT sex... kahit kailan
hindi pumasok sa isip ko ang idea na iyon. He is every inch a man at maraming beses
niyang napatunayan iyon.

"What made you think that?" I asked with my brows furrowed.

"We've been dating for almost a month and we still haven't... you know." She sighed
and frowned. "He's always making up excuses not to have sex with me. Oh I didn't
bring any condom, I'm tired, I'm not in the mood." She rolled her eyes and popped
popcorn in her mouth.

"So you mean, you guys never did 'it'? I asked surprised. She shook her head as an
answer. "But I saw you... you were with him... on your bed... and you two were
kissing."
"Nothing happened, he left right after you did. Sabi niya he didn't bring
protection." Lumabi siya.Nothing happened between them... they never had sex? It
made me pause for a moment. Nothing. Happened. It took some time for my brain to
process what she said. "Is something wrong with me? Am I not attractive enough?"

"No, no... there's nothing wrong with you, you're beautiful pero ikaw na nga ang
nagsabi na he's different. Maybe he respects you enough and he just wants to take
it slow." Sabi ko sa kanya.

"You think so?"

"Uh-huh." I said. "Are you happy with him, Aiko?"

"Of course, I am. I love him." Sabi niya.

"Paano kapag bumalik ka na sa LA?" I asked. She only had two more weeks before she
goes back to California. Tatlong buwan lang siyang puwede magstay dito sa Pilipinas
dahil may mga trabaho pa siyang naiwan sa Los Angeles.

"Sabi niya pupuntahan naman niya ako doon." She answered.

"You think it'll work out?" Tanong ko. "What if you find another guy in LA or what
if he finds someone else. Mahirap ang long distance relationsip."
"Bakit kayo naman ni Jason, you're still together." Sabi niya.

"I dated other guys, Aiko." I reminded her.

"Oo nga, pero hindi ka naman seryoso sa kanila. You were faithful to Jason." Sabi
niya and she furrowed her brows. "Why don't you like Tristan?"

"It's not that I don't like him." It's just that I'm in love with him and I can't
bear seeing him with you. And I know she's only going to get hurt in the end. "I
just don't want you to end up getting hurt."

"Why would I get hurt?" She looked at me puzzled. "Is there something I don't
know?"

"Nothing." Sagot ko. Nothing except that he was a former con artist male prostitute
and also he's my ex-boyfriend. "Long distance relationship just isn't easy. What if
he fools around with other girls when you go back to LA?"

"Tristan, would never do that." She shrugged and turned her attention to the tv. We
went back to watching the movie again. After a few minutes, nag ring ang doorbell.
Aiko got up to open the door.

"Oh hi, Jason. Hey Miranda, it's your husband." Sigaw ni Aiko habang nakatayo sa
pinto. I turned my head to the door where she was standing. I knew it was him.
Tumawag siya kanina sa akin bago kami manood ng movie, he said he was going to pick
me up dito. She opened the door wider. "Come in."
Jason stepped inside and Aiko closed the door.

"Make yourself comfortable." Si Aiko.

Tumayo ako at sinalubong si Jason. He hugged me and gave me a peck on the

cheek. "Hey, beautiful." He said. I smiled at him, we have to play the sweet couple
in front of other people.

"Aw, how sweet." Aiko said, looking at us.

"Let's go, wife?" Si Jason.

"Okay, we have to go, Aiko." Sabi ko sa kanya.

"Oh, before you leave I just wanted to know if you guys would maybe want to come to
dinner on Sunday? Nothing fancy, just a simple, quiet supper." Aiko said.
Nagkatinginan kaming dalawa ni Jason and he nodded his head.

"By all means, we'd love to." Sumagot si Jason.

"Great!" She said before giving me a hug. "Bye, Miranda." And then, she turned to
Jason and gave him a cheek to cheek kiss. "Bye, Jason. See you on Sunday!"
Jason pressed the doorbell and we waited for someone to open the door. After a
couple of second the door opened and it was Tristan. We stood silent for the first
few seconds awkwardly exchanging glances. Tristan turned his eyes to Jason at
nagsukatan sila ng titig. I squeezed Jason's arm to make him stop.

"Come in..." Said Tristan in a cold voice. Tumalikod siya at naglakad papunta sa
kitchen at sinundan namin siya.

"They're here, Aiko." Sabi ni Tristan. She was standing in front of the oven
wearing an apron over her casual baby blue dress. Aiko turned her head to us and
smiled.

"You guys came just in time. The salmon is almost done." Sabi ni Aiko.

The timer on the oven started beeping frantically. She put on her mitts and turned
to the oven. The delicious smell filled the room as she took the pan out from the
oven.

"Careful, babe. Baka mapaso ka." Sabi ni Tristan kay Aiko. Hearing him call her
babe irked me.

"Don't worry about me." Nakangiting sabi ni Aiko. Nilapag niya ang pan sa counter
top. "Ako na ang bahala dito. Asikasuhin mo na lang si Miranda at Jason."

"Okay." Kibit-balikat na sabi niya.

"Thanks, babe." She said before giving him a quick kiss on the lips. I looked away,
not wanting to see it. I knew it was going to be a long night. God, I'm going to
watch them be all lovey dovey and kissy faced all night. Kaya ko ba ito?

"Why don't you guys sit down while I prepare our dinner." Sabi ni Aiko. We followed
Tristan to the dining room and Jason pulled a chair for me. The table was round and
it was decorated beautifully with white linen, lit candles and flowers. Tristan sat
down next to me, across from Jason.

There was an uncomfortable silence between the three of us and I could feel them
staring at each other with intense dislike. Lumabas si Aiko mula sa kusina na dala
ang pagkain. Saka lang naghiwalay ng tingin ang dalawa.

"Dinner is ready." She said as she put it down on the table. "Baked salmon with
cream cheese mayo."

"That smells so nice." Sabi ni Jason. "And you set a nice table here, Aiko."

"Oh, Tristan did it. He told me he used to work as a waiter kaya magaling siya sa
mga ganyan." Sagot ni Aiko.
"Where? At a strip club?" Jason chuckled. I saw Tristan threw him a nasty look and
Jason smirked at him and his eyes flickered with a hint of malice.

"Oh, Jason, you're such a joker." She giggled, oblivious of the tension around
her. Aiko sat down on the vacant chair between Tristan and Jason and we started
eating.

Aiko took out a bottle of alcohol and we sat in the living room after dinner. I
glanced at Tristan and Aiko who were cuddling on the other end of the couch. His
arms were wrapped around her and she was resting her back on his chest. I felt a
sharp pang in my chest but fought it back and tried to ignore it.

Jason put his arm around my shoulder and pulled me into him. I caught Tristan
looking with his eyes narrowed. I didn't look away and neither did he. For a few
moments it was like a staring contest. Aiko started giving him small kisses on the
cheek and I lost when I looked away.

"Let's make this night interesting, why don't we all share how we lost our
virginity." Sabi ni Aiko. Parehong natawa si Jason at Tristan and I shrugged.
Nagpalit-palit ang tingin niya sa aming tatlo. "What? Nothing bonds like sharing a
secret."

"Okay, why don't you go first." Jason grinned.

"Fine, I'll go first." She rolled her eyes, smiling. "I lost my virginity when I
was 16 to my first boyfriend at the back of his car." She said giggling.
"My first experience was with a friend when I was 14. We did it in her room while
her parents were downstairs. They thought we were doing our homework together but
we were actually doing each other." Si Jason.

"A friend?" Aiko laughed. "You two must have been very close."

"You bet! We knew each other from the inside and out. I've been inside so many
times." Natatawang sabi ni Jason. Tumawa din si Aiko.

"How about you, Miranda?" Tumingin sa akin si Aiko.

"How about me what?" I asked innocently I knew what she was asking... I was just
hoping I could get away with answering it.

"C'mon don't be a prude. We've told our stories, it's your turn." Aiko said. "How
and when did you lose your virginity?"

"I..." I looked at Tristan and he was looking right back at me. His lips formed a
smug smile and there was a hint of pride on his face. Jerk! "I lost it when I was
19, he was so small I didn't even feel it go in. It was nothing special... actually
it sucked." Of course, I was lying para saktan ang ego niya.

Jason's laughter boomed through the room. I gave Tristan a sideway glanced and
smirked as his smug smile disappeared. It did work!

"It was that bad?" Natatawang tanong ni Aiko.

I nodded my head before taking a little sip of vodka and making a face as I
swallow. Vodka isn't really my thing. It's just too strong for me. I usually drink
fruity alcohol drinks.

"Ikaw naman, Tristan." Sabi ni Aiko.

"I was 16, it was at a motel with a woman twice my age." He said with a shrug. He
clearly looked like he didn't want to talk about it. Naalala ko ang ikinuwento niya
sa akin dati. May isang babaeng lumapit sa kanya at sinabing tutulungan siya.
Binihisan siya nito, pinakain, binigyan ng maayos na tutulugan pero may kapalit
pala lahat ng iyon. She exploited Tristan. He was just a young, naive teenage boy
na gustong makaahon sa kahirapan. He didn't want to go back to living in the
streets kaya pumayag siya sa lahat ng gusto ng babaeng tumulong sa kanya. She
forced him into prostitution para mapagkakitaan. I remember crying habang
kinukwento niya sa akin iyon. Naninikip pa rin ang dibdib nang maalala ko iyon
ngayon.

"Oohh... so you like older, experienced women huh?" Aiko said giggling. Tristan
answered him with a shrug.

"How much is your rate?" One corner of Jason's lips curled higher. I gave him a
squeeze on the leg to shut him up.

Tristan's eyes narrowed to Jason. "I'm sorry?"

"I mean sa motel. How much is the rate? I've never been to a motel before." Sabi ni
Jason. I knew he was subtly insulting Tristan at alam kong alam din ni Tristan
iyon.
"I can't remember, that was a long time ago." He answered in a cold tone.

"Need help?" I almost dropped the dish I was washing when I heard his voice from
behind me. Pinagpatuloy ko ang paghuhugas ng plato and didn't bother to turn
around.

After awhile of drink, everyone got drunk well... except me. I only had two shots
of vodka. Hinatid na ni Tristan si Aiko sa kwarto niya and I left Jason sleeping on
the couch. Pumunta ako dito sa kusina at naisipan kong ligpitin na lang ang
pinagkainan namin sa mesa.

"No, I'm good." I answered. I felt him took a step closer to me and my heart
started beating fast with anticipation. Napasinghap ako when he pressed his hot
body against my back. I started to move but he blocked me with his arms. He placed
his hands on the counter on each side of me, trapping me. I could feel his warm
breath on my neck sending shivers down my body. He traced a line with his nose from
my neck to my cheek and gave me a single kiss. "God, Andi, I want you."

Napapikit ako ng mariin. Alam kong hindi ito tama. We're in Aiko's condo at nasa
kabilang kwarto lang siya, drunk as hell. But I also knew I could never resist him.
No matter how hard I try hindi ko siya kayang hindi-an. And he knows it, he knows I
want him as much as he wants me. Gumapang ang isang kamay niya sa pisngi ko at
hinarap niya ako sa kanya. He pressed his lips against mine hungrily and I could
taste alcohol. Alam kong marami din siyang nainom.
I felt his other hand on the side of my thigh, slowly making its way up my skirt. I
felt that familiar heat building up between my thighs. I wanted to stop this before
it's too late, before I lose complete control but it was so hard. How can I stop
something I want to happen?

"This is so wrong." I managed to murmur against his lips.

"I know, baby." He said breaking the kiss. Bumaba ang halik niya sa leeg ko, he
slowly slid his hand up my skirt and palmed me through my underwear. His other hand
cupped my breast, squeezing it gently. He stopped massaging it after awhile and
used that hand to unbutton his pants. Then I felt his hardness brushing on my inner
thigh. He began stroking it up and down on my thigh, he was getting harder and
harder every second and it excites me. I could feel myself getting wet already with
anticipation.

He started rubbing his dick on the outside of my underwear. I moaned and rocked
myself back and forth on his long length. He chuckled before pushing my panties
aside and he pushed himself inside me. Filling me inch by inch, stretching me so
good. It's been more than a month since the last time we did this and I could feel
my tightness wrapping around him.

"Do you feel it now, Andi?" He whispered in my ear in a hoarse voice.

"Yes, oh god, yes!" I began moving my hips, wanting him to go deeper in to me.
Hinawakan niya ang magkabilang baywang ko para pigilan ako.

"Small?" He asked teasingly.

"No..." I said in a small voice. He still couldn't get over what I said about his
penis being small.
"Can you feel how tight you are around me, babe?" He asked.

"Yes..." I whimpered and he finally started moving. He thrusted into me deep and
slowly.

"Andi!" My body froze when I heard that voice. It wasn't Tristan's, I was sure it
wasn't him. Natigilan din si Tristan sa paggalaw.

He quickly pulled himself out of me and fixed my skirt. Pareho kaming napalingon sa
likod namin nagmamay-ari ng boses na iyon. It was Jason, nakatayo siya sa may pinto
ng kusina. I heard Tristan cuss under his breath.

"J-Jason..." I said, still in shock. I felt like a deer in the headlight.

Lumapit sa akin si Jason at hinawakan ako sa braso at marahas na hinatak."Let's go

home!" He said in an angry voice.

"You're hurting her." Mariin na sabi ni Tristan.

"Huwag kang mangingialam dito." He snarled. Binitawan niya ako at humarap kay
Tristan.
"Jason, please, let's go home." Pakiusap ko sa kanya. Sinubukan ko siyang ilayo kay
Tristan para hindi na lumaki ang gulo but he wouldn't budge.

The two of them stared at each other with burning hatred in their eyes. They looked
like they wanted to kill each other so I got in between them.

"Tristan please..." I turned to him, pleading with my eys asking him stop because
Jason wouldn't listen to me.

"How much do I have to pay you for pleasuring my wife?" Kumuha siya ng pera mula sa
bulsa niya at itinapon sa mukha ni Tristan. He didn't move, he just stared at Jason
with eyes full of fury. "Kulang pa ba sa'yo yan?"

"Stop it, Jason!"

"Hindi ko kailangan ng pera mo." Mariin na sabi ni Tristan. "I'm fucking richer
than you are now. Kayang-kaya kitang bilhin kung gusto ko, Jason."

"Oo nga naman." Jason laughed sarcastically. "Mayaman ka na nga pala ngayon. Pero
ang basura, kahit bihisan mo basura pa rin. Aalingasaw pa rin ang amoy. Katulad mo,
kahit bihisan mo pa ang sarili mo ng ginto, ugaling iskwater ka pa rin, wala ka pa
rin pinagaralan, isa ka pa rin call boy."

Tristan lost his cool. Nasa aktong susugurin ni Tristan si Jason ng pigilan ko
siya. "Please, stop it you two!" Sigaw ko sa kanila. Natatakot akong baka magising
si Aiko, I don't know how I'll explain to her what had happened.
Sapilitan kong inilabas si Jason sa condo unit para umuwi na.

"Ano bang meron siya na wala ako, ha?" Sigaw niya sa akin pagkalabas namin.

"Please, Jason, calm down." Malumanay na sabi ko. I knew he was drunk and it was
the alcohol making him act like this.

"Ganyan ka ba talaga ka-cheap, Andi? Game na game ka kahit saan. Wala ka na ba

talagang hiya sa katawan, nagawa mong gawin iyon sa boyfriend ng bestfriend mo sa
sarili niyang pamamahay." He said. "You can't get enough of his dick? Meron din ako
nun! Kaya kitang paligayahin katulad ng ginagawa niya."

"Jason!" I stared at him in disbelief. I couldn't believe all the words that are
coming out of his mouth right now.

"You know what you are? You're a slut! A dirty slut, Andi, that's what you are!"

I slapped him across the face. He looked at me shock for a moment. Realization of
what he said began to dawn on his face. "I... Andi, I'm..."

Tumalikod ako sa kanya at naglakad palayo.

He cussed loudly. "I'm so sorry, Andi. I didn't mean what I said." I heard him say
as I was walking away.
Sumunod ako sa airport para magpaalam kay Aiko. Of course nandun din si Tristan. I
tried to ignore his presence at lumapit ako kay Aiko.

"Miranda, akala ko hindi ka na pupunta." Sabi ni Aiko nang makita ako.

"I'm sorry, I was stuck in the traffic." Sabi ko and then I hugged her. "I'm going
to miss you."

"Babalik pa ako, no!" She said laughing. "Bantayan mo ang boyfriend ko habang wala
ako." She whispered before breaking the hug and looked at me. "Okay?"

I slowly nodded my head.

"Thanks, bestfriend!" She said,

I suddenly felt guilt gnawing inside me nang maalala ko ang ginawa namin ni Tristan
noong nasa condo niya kami. Sa akin niya pa pinagkatiwala si Tristan. He cheated on
her with me. He cheated on my bestfriend with me and I feel ashamed. God, I don't
even deserve to be called her bestfriend.
"Oh they're calling my flight. I have to go na." Sabi ni Aiko, grabbing the handle
of her luggage trolley.

Lumapit siya kay Tristan and she kissed him on his lips. "I love you, baby."

"I'll miss you." Sagot ni Tristan.

"I'll be back." Aiko smiled.

She cupped his face and kissed him again. His arms wrapped around her. I felt a
stab of pain in my chest as I watch them.

They broke from the kiss and Aiko waved her hand to me. "Bye, Miranda."

Kinuha niya ulit ang luggage na at naglakad papasok sa airport. She turned around
one more time and waved her hand to us. Tumingin sa akin si Tristan ng makapasok na
si Aiko. Tinalikuran ko siya at naglakad na palayo.

_______
Author's Note

Hey guys, sorry sa matagal na UD. I won't lie, I've been stalling lol. So
sorry. Happy new year sa inyong lahat. Susubukan ko talaga na magupdate na ng
madalas. I'll try to be more active on here, yun kasi ang new year's resolution ko
haha. Anyway, thank you for patiently waiting for this chapter. Love you guys! :*

=================

Chapter Forty Seven

Nililibang ko ang sarili ko sa mall when I saw Phoenix and Cassie, who was very
pregnant, he had his arm around Cassie's shoulder at masaya silang nag-uusap. I
just had to stare at them for a little while. Phoenix seemed so happy and contented
and Cassie was glowing from her pregnancy. She looked really beautiful and radiant,
pregnancy suited her well. Napangiti ako ng makita kong halikan ni Phoenix si
Cassie sa noo. He's so obviously in love with his wife and they looked so good
together.

My heart constricted painfully when my I lowered my eyes to her belly. I was happy
for them, I really was but I couldn't help but be jealous. There's always a twinge
of sadness and jealousy when I see pregnant women.

"Hey, Andi!" Narinig kong sabi ni Phoenix nang makita niya ako.

I smiled at him at lumapit ako sa kanila. "Hey, what are you guys doing here?"

"We're just looking around for things for the babies." Phoenix said with a wide
smile on his face.
Napatingin ako kay Cassie at sa tiyan niya. She looks like she's ready to give
birth anytime soon. I really envy her. I wished it was me. She's just so beautiful
and happy with her gorgeous bump. Kailan ko kaya mararanasan ang maging isang ina?
Will I ever know what it feels like to have a baby growing inside me?

"Ilang months na?" I asked Cassie while looking at her tummy.

She smiled faintly. "Seven."

"Now, you only have to wait two more months." I said with a smile and sighed. They
were having twins. Phoenix was so happy when he told me the news. He was so excited
he told everyone, he was such a proud daddy-to-be and I think it was cute. Kung
sinabi ko kaya kay Tristan noon na buntis ako, ano kaya ang magiging reaction niya.

"I know. Ngayon pa lang excited na ako. I can't wait to meet them." Masayang sabi
ni Phoenix as he gazed fondly at her bump. The look on his face everytime he talks
about the babies was priceless.

"Am I gonna have nieces or nephews or both?" Tanong ko.

"Actually, we don't know the gender of the twins yet. We want it to be a

surprise." Sabi ni Phoenix.

"Oh!" Napahawak si Cassie sa tiyan niya. Pareho kaming napatingin kay Cass.

"Hey, are you ok?" I asked.

 What's wrong, Cass?" Nag-aalalang napahawak si Phoenix sa tiyan ng asawa niya.

Cassie smiled and put her hand on his. "Nothing. I just felt a kick." She moved
Phoenix's hand around. "Did you feel that?"

Napangiti din si Phoenix at tumango. "Yeah, yeah I did."

Tumingin sa akin si Cassie. "They're getting more and more active everyday. Minsan
nga nagigising ako ng madaling araw dahil nararamdaman ko silang gumagalaw sa tiyan
ko."

"Oh there it is again!" Phoenix said excitedly. "I have a feeling that we're going
to have soccer players."

Natawa si Cassie sa sinabi ng asawa.

I bit my lower lip. "Can I... can I touch it too? I want to feel it move." I asked
shyly.

"Sure, of course." Agad na sagot ni Cassie.

I put my hands on her bump and felt it slightly move. My eyes grew big and I felt
like crying. I couldn't explain how I was feeling right now. I felt so overwhelmed
with joy and longing. So this is what it feels like? Sana naranasan ko rin ito. I
wish I got to feel my baby move too.

"T-thank you." My voice was shaking and my eyes stung with tears. I removed my
hands from her stomach.

Cassie smiled at me with sympathy. She probably noticed I was getting teary
eyed. "Hey, someday magkakaroon ka rin ng baby and that child will be lucky to
have you as a mother."

"Thanks, Cass." I tried to smiled. Nagpaalam na ako sa kanila pagkatapos cause I

know if I stayed any longer, they would probably see me cry.

I was sitting at a press conference for a clothing line I was endorsing.

Napapalibutan ako ng mga cameras at microphones. Nagsimula silang magtanong ng mga
tanong na may kinalaman sa clothing brand na ineendorse hanggang sa mapunta na sa
personal na buhay ko.

"What made you decide to get in to fashion and follow you mother's footstep?" One
of the journalists asked.

"Well, it's just kind of happened. I never planned on being a model. I really
thought I was going to end up being a kindergarten teacher or something like
that." Sagot ko.

"Totoo bang maghihiwalay na kayo ni Jason?" Tanong ng isa pa.

"No, it's not true." Maikling sagot ko.

"Babalik ka pa ba sa States or are you going to stay here for good?"

"My husband and I are planning to stay here for good. He's actually thinking of
putting up a business with my dad." Sagot ko.

"Would you be willing to pose nude for a magazine?"

"Maraming nag-ooffer sa akin ng nude photoshoot projects, I turned them all down
but now I think I'm ready." Sabi ko. "But I want to work with someone I'm
comfortable with. Someone I know. Si Tristan Gonzales, he's my bestfriend's
boyfriend and he's a brilliant photographer. I want to work with him."

"Hey." Napaangat ako ng tingin mula sa librong binabasa ko. Jason was standing in
front of me with his hands in his pocket. We haven't really talked since nung
gabing nag-away kami sa condo ni Aiko. I've been avoiding him since that night.

"Hey." I said before bringing my eyes back to the book I was reading and
pretending to be busy. He sat beside me.

"Can I talk to you?" He asked.

I put the book down and looked at him. "About what?"

"I just want to apologize. Gusto kong humingi ng tawad sa mga nasabi ko sa'yo." He
said. "I was so drunk that night and... and jealous. I'm out of control when I'm
drunk. Hindi ko nakontrol ang emosyon ko. You know how I feel about you right? I
know I've told you this before but I'll say it again, I'm in love with you Andi."

"It's alright, I forgive you." Sabi ko and then I took a deep breath. "Naging
mabuti ka sa akin at marami kang naitulong sa akin and I'm really thankful for
having a friend like you but we can't be more than that. Sorry, Jason."

He nodded his head. "Yeah, I know that. Siya pa rin hindi ba?"

I didn't say anything I just looked at him but somehow I knew that he knows the
answer.

He forced a smile. "I will always have your back, Andi. I'll always be here for you
when you need me."
"Thank you, Jason." I smiled and hugged him.

Tristan's POV

"Sir, nandito po ang isa sa mga editor ng The Gentlemen magazine. He wants to know
if he could talk to you?" Narinig ko ang boses ng sekretarya ko mula sa intercom.
It's not really new to me. Maraming magazine ang nag-iinterview sa akin kadalasan
may kinalaman sa negosyo.

"Does he have an appointment?" I asked while my eyes were still on the computer
screen.

"No, sir. I checked and wala po kayong appointment ngayon araw." Sagot ni Jean.

"Well then, I can't talk to him. I'm pretty busy right now. Tell him that he'd have
to set up an appointment." I said.

Pinagpatuloy ko ang trabaho ko at dumating ang lunch break. I usually have lunch
with Phoenix at the company's restaurant pero ngayon hindi na masyado. Palagi kasi
siyang ginagawan ni Cassie ng baon. Sometimes he'd still come with me to the
restaurant but he won't order anything, instead he'd eat the food that Cassie made
for him.
Paglabas ko sa opisina agad akong nilapitan ng isang lalaki. "Hi, I'm Carlos
Mendoza and I work for The Gentlemen magazine."

"I'm sorry, Mr. Mendoza, I'm on a-"

"Please, I need to talk to you. This won't take long." Sabi nito.

I sighed. "Fine."

"I know you're a very busy man ngunit gusto ko lang magbaka sakali kung tatanggapin
mo ang offer namin sayo na maging photographer para sa isang photoshoot
project." Sabi nito.

"I'm sorry, marami akong pinagkakaabalahan." I said, walking away.

"But it's with Miranda de Veyra." Sabi nito. I paused mid-step when I heard Andi's
name. "She said she wanted to do a photoshoot project with you. Papayag lang daw
siya kung ikaw ang photographer."
As I was fixing my camera, pumasok si Andi sa kwarto suot ang puting silk robe.
Nag-angat ako ng tingin at nagtama ang mga mata namin. She slowly took her robe
off, revealing her lingerie to the whole room. She was wearing black lace bra and
thong that exposed her butt cheeks with garter belt and stockings. All eyes were on
her. Pati ang mga lalaking nagseset-up ng ilaw ay napatigil. I cursed silently,
wanting to kill everyone in the room for seeing her in (almost) all her glory. And
this is a fucking nude photoshoot! Makikita rin nilang nakahubad si Andi!

"Well are we going to start or what?" Andi raised a brow at me.

I blinked a couple of times before clearing my throat and gesturing her to the bed.
Sumampa si Andi sa kama at nagsimulang magpose. Lumapit ang isang lalaki kay Andi
para ayusin ang pose niya. His name was Leo, he works for the magazine and he's
gay. Hell, I didn't care that he was gay, he needs to get his hands off her.

"Don't touch her!" I blurted. Parang napasong binawi nito ang kamay mula sa
pagkakahawak sa braso ni Andi. Everyone stared at me weirdly. "Let her do her own
pose. I want the photos I take to be natural." Dahilan ko.

"O-okay..." Leo said reluctantly bago bumalik sa kinauupuan niya sa gilid.

I started taking a couple of shots of her with different poses.

"Okay, take off your bra na, Miranda. Let's do the topless shot!" Sabi ni Leo while
I was in the middle of taking her photos. I suddenly frozed. Her. Topless. In front
of them. Iniisip ko pa lang gusto ko na magwala.

I looked around the room, all these fuckers are going to see her bumpers! There
were 7 guys in the room and 3 women. There's no way in hell am I going to let those
guys see her boobs! Not on my fucking watch.

"Everyone, get out of the room!" Sigaw ko bago pa man maabot ni Andi ang hook ng
bra niya sa likod. Andi furrowed her brows.

"What?!" Leo stood up from his seat. "Bakit kailangan namin lumabas?"

"Can't you see? She looked tensed. Hindi siya komportable." Sabi ko. "We want this
to look natural, don't we?"

"But-"

"Look, I'm the photographer here, I know what I'm doing. Kung hindi niyo kayang
sundin ang simpleng pakiusap ko, ikaw na lang ang kumuha ng shots." Sinubukan kong
iabot sa kanya ang camera.

Tinitigan niya lang ito bago tumalikod sa akin at humarap sa mga kasama
niya. "Labas muna tayo!"

Lumabas ang lahat at naiwan kaming dalawa ni Andi. I looked at her and she was
staring at me.

"Why did you make them leave?" Kunot ang noong tanong niya.
 "What? Did you want all those men to look at your..." Bumaba ang tingin ko sa
dibdib niya. Hindi pa nga siya nakahubad naglalaway na ang mga lalaking iyon
kanina. It really pissed me off.

"Just take off your bra so we can get started." Sabi ko. She looked right into my
eyes and a naughty smile appeared on her lips. She reached for her bra hook behind
her back without taking her eyes off me, and slowly unclasped it releasing her pink
perky nipples. I shifted in my seat, feeling my erection rise. I've seen her body
hundreds of times before but it still had the same effect on me.

"How do you want me to pose, Mr. photographer?" She said with a seductive tone on
her voice. My pants was getting really tight. She did all the pose I asked her to
do. Though it's a 'nude' photoshoot, I took photos showing as little of her as
possible. I didn't like the thought of having other men seeing her intimate parts
on the magazine, drooling over her, wanting her... like I do right now.

"Now lie on your back, slightly bend one leg and fold your arms to your chest a
little." Sabi ko sa kanya habang kumukuha ng shots.

"Why don't you come here and show me what to do." Mapanuksong sabi niya, biting
lower lip. I suddenly stopped taking photos and looked at her, dumbfounded. I felt
my throat dry and I had to gulp. She raised her brows, hinihintay na gumalaw ako.
Binitawan ko ang camera na hawak ko at lumapit sa kanya.

I moved her arm to her chest and accidentally brushed a finger on her nipple. I
heard her gasp a little. Fuck! The sexual tension between us was killing. I could
feel my shaft getting really painfully hard inside my pants.

While I was fixing her position, she suddenly reached and cupped my crotch. I made
a small growl when she slightly squeezed it. "What is this, Mr.
Gonzales?" Tumingala siya sa akin. She was looking at me innocently. "Is this a
boner? Are you getting hard for me? This is so unprofessional."
"A-andi..." I said in a raspy voice. Her hands went to the button of my pants and
she undid it. "Andi what are you doing? There are people outside."

"So? They're outside naman eh." She said as she pulled my pants down along with my
underwear. She took my desperately hard length in her hand lightly stroking it. I
couldn't help but moan.

"God, Andi!" I groaned as she stroke me. Pagkatapos ay hinatak niya ako sa kama
dahilan para mapadagan ako sa kanya. She wrapped her arms around my neck and we
started kissing passionately... hungrily. It felt like drinking water from an oasis
in the middle of a burning desert. My hands started to wander around her body,
feeling every part of her. One of my hand stopped on her bare breast and I kneaded
it softly. She moaned against my mouth when I took her nipple between my fingers
and started squeezing it.

Soon she was on top of me, lowering herself on my length. I watched as my shaft
disappear in her. She was so small and tight like the last time I had her. How did
she managed to be this fucking tight and wet at the same time? I pulled her upper
body down to me and started sucking one of her breast. Andi let out a loud moan
when I began thrusting myself, she started bouncing up and down meeting my thrust.
Napakapit siya sa buhok ulo ko, her fingers digging into my hair. Her breath became
deeper and more rapid, her pussy tightening around me and I knew she was going to
come. I sucked her breast harder, my tongue flicking furiously over her nipple
inside my mouth at binilisan ko ang paggalaw. I was getting close to coming too.

"Tristaaan... Ohh f-faster, I'm almost there..." She said with a hoarse, out of
breath voice. I thrusted in to her fast and hard, trying to give her as much
pleasure as I could. My entire body suddenly tensed, I moaned against her breast as
I felt my come spurt inside of her. She collapsed on top of me, my dick still
inside, throbbing and I could feel her throbbing around me too. Napadapa siya sa
dibdib ko, still trying to catch her breath.

Nang makabawi kami pareho ay pinagpatuloy namin ang photoshoot. Nang matapos namin
iyon, we ended up going to my condo unit where we made love again and again. I've
lost count of how many times.
"Hindi ka ba hinahanap sa inyo, mahal ko?" Tanong ko sa kanya. We were lying on my
bed, both tired and sated, her head resting on my arm while my fingers idly stroke
her back. Hindi ko maiwasan maalala ang nakaraan, we used to be like this when we
were together. I missed cuddling with her after a passionate love making. Ginagawa
din ba nila ni Jason ito? Pumasok sa isip ko ang tanong na iyon ngunit agad ko iyon
pinalis. Hindi ko dapat iniisip iyon. Ang importante nasa tabi ko siya ngayon, sa
akin siya ngayon... hanggang ngayon lang. She isn't mine anymore. She's someone
else's wife. Ako ang nakikihati at nakikisawsaw sa relasyon nila ni Jason. Wala
akong karapatan kay Andi.

"Bakit? Gusto mo na ba akong umalis?" She said, burying her face in my side.

"Hindi naman sa ganun. I really wish you could here stay in my arms forever." Sabi
ko sa kanya, I started playing with her hair. "Pero hindi ka ba hahanapin ng asawa
mo?"

"I'll tel l him I slept at a friend's house." She answered lazily.

"The night your husband caught us, what happened after that? May ginawa ba siya
sa'yo?" Tanong ko sa kanya. Although I was drunk that night, I could still remember
how angry Jason was when he saw us. I would be angry to if I were in his place.
Inaamin ko na mali ang ginawa kong iyon. Bukod sa nandun ang asawa niya, nasa
pamamahay pa kami ni Aiko. I was so jealous seeing them together. Nagseselos ako
kapag nakikita ko sila ni Jason, nagseselos ako kapag hinahawakan at hinahalikan
siya ng asawa niya. Alam kong girlfriend ko na si Aiko ngunit hindi ko pa rin
maiwasan ang magselos dahil sa totoo lang hanggang ngayon higit na mas matimbang
ang nararamdaman ko para kay Andi.

"Wala." Sagot niya. "He was so drunk that night, nakalimutan niya na ang nangyari
nung nagising siya."
"Bakit mo ginagawa ito, Andi?" Hindi ko napigilan ang itanong.

"Ang alin?"

"May asawa ka na who can satisfy your needs. Why do you still sleep with me?"

"Because it's more exciting. Nakakasawa din ang iisang sex partner lang." She said.

Natigilan ako. She really did changed alot. It was almost like every bit of her was
gone. That innocent, childish and naive girl that I love was gone. She came back a
different person and it was all my fault. I could feel the corner of my eyes
sting.

"Mahal ko." I whispered before giving her a kiss on the forehead.

"Bakit mahal ko?" She asked. I thought she was already asleep.

"Huh?"

"Why do you call me mahal ko?"

I remembered she doesn't like me calling her mahal ko. "Sorry, old habits die
hard."
"I mean, bakit ba mahal ko ang naging tawagan natin." She looked up at me, her eyes
half-open.

Bakit nga ba? Kasi mahal ko siya. Ganun kasimple. "Why? Is something wrong with
it?"

She crinkled her nose and smiled. "It's so baduy."

"Baduy?" Natawa ako. "Tinatawag mo din akong mahal ko noon."

"Yeah, but I just realized it's baduy." She chuckled.

"What do you mean baduy? It's sweet and unique." Depensa ko. "I didn't want to call
you something generic like babe. That's too generic it could almost mean nothing at
all."

"Yeah but mahal ko?" She started laughing.

"It could be worse you know."

"It could?" Dumapa siya sa dibdib ko at tumingin sa akin.

"Mm-hm... I could've called you labidabs." I joked.

She laughed. "Yun yung tawag ni mang Celso sa asawa niya." Si mang celso ay ang
kapit bahay namin noon nung nakatira pa kami sa apartment.

"You used to love it when I call you mahal ko. Don't you dare try to deny it."

"Sinasakyan ko lang ang kabaduyan mo, no!" She giggled.

"I don't believe you." I smiled, trying to surpress a laugh.

"You don't?" Nilapit niya ang mukha niya sa akin. Our face were only centimeters
away from each other.

"Nah." I said shaking my head. She cupped my face and gave me alot small kisses on
the lips, then those little kisses became long and passionate.

She got on top of me and we started kissing again. I guess we're up for another
round. I shifted position so I was on top now and she was lying on the bed. My lips
went down to her neck and to her breast, kissing it alternately... to her stomach,
she automatically opened her legs for me when I licked the smooth skin below her
stomach. I planted small kisses on her inner thigh, teasing her.
"Tristan, please..." She whispered. My lips moved to her slit, kissing her there.
We were both startled when the phone rang. Inangat ko ang ulo ko at tumingin sa
kanya.

"Just answer it, it might be important." Sabi niya. Umupo ako at inabot ang
telepono. Tinignan ko ang caller id, si Aiko.

"It's Aiko." Sabi ko kay Andi. Umiwas siya ng tingin sa akin. I cleared my throat
before answering the call. "Aiko."

"Hi baby, I'm missing you so bad right now." Sabi niya sa kabilang linya. "Ano'ng
oras na ba dyan sa Pilipinas?"

"It's three in the morning." Sabi ko.

"Oh I'm sorry, did I wake you up?"

"No, I was just getting ready for bed. May... may tinapos lang akong
trabaho." Sagot ko. I felt so aweful for lying to her.

"Bigla lang kasi kitang naisip." She said. "Is Miranda doing a good job?"

Pakiramdam ko nanigas ang buong katawan ko. What the fuck? How did she know?
Tumingin ako kay Andi at kumunot ang noo niya. She probably sensed that something
was wrong.
"W-what do you mean?" I asked, trying to sound as innocent as I could.

"I asked her to look after you while I'm gone para masiguradong hindi ka
nangbabae." She laughed.

"Oh..." I breathed a quiet sigh of relief. But fuck, I feel so guilty right
now. "Well, um, Andi and I saw each other today. Ako ang photographer sa photoshoot
project niya."

"Wow, that's so nice. I can't wait to see the photos." Excited na sabi niya. "I'm
sure you and Miranda did a fantastic job. Well, I need to go na, baby. I'll call
you later."

"Okay, goodnight. Mag-ingat ka d'yan." Sabi ko.

"You, too. I love you, baby. Bye." Sabi niya bago ibinaba ang phone.

Lumingon ako kay Andi. She was looking down, guilt evident in her eyes. Napasandal
ako sa headboard. This is so fucking wrong. Kapag nalaman ni Aiko ang nangyayari sa
amin dalawa ni Andi baka masira pa ang pagkakaibigan nila. I feel so goddamn awful.

=================

Chapter Forty Eight

Hinintay ko siyang matulog bago ako umalis. When I was sure he was already asleep I
gently took his arm off my waist and placed it beside him as I sat up on the edge
of the bed. I hope my plan works out in my favor. Sana mabuntis na ako pagkatapos
nito. I did everything the doctor told me to do, I already stopped taking birth
control pills months ago and I was sure I was fertile before we had sex. I was
desperate. Really desperate for a baby. It was all I wanted more than anything else
in the world. It never left my mind since the day I touched Cassie's pregnant belly
and felt the baby move under my hand. It was a great feeling. Paano pa kaya kung
anak ko na ang maramdaman kong gumagalaw sa loob ng tiyan ko?

I promised to myself that this would be the last time na gagawin namin ito. We made
love all night long and all those times he came inside of me. Sana talaga magwork
ang plano ko. I glanced at Tristan who was still peacefully sleeping. I knew I
exhausted him as much as he did to me. I still felt sore between my thighs but it
was in a good way. I carefully got out of bed, put my clothes on and quietly left
his condo unit.

Kung sakaling magbunga ang ginawa namin I would go back to Los Angeles, I would
give birth and raise my baby there. Hindi malalaman ni Tristan ang tungkol dito.
Wala siyang karapatan. Kinukuha ko lang ang dapat na sa akin noon pa man.

He called and texted me numerous times after that night but I ignored it all. I was
tempted to answer, of couse. I really missed him but I thought mas maguguluhan lang
ako kung gagawin ko iyon. I kept telling myself na nakaya ko naman na wala siya sa
buhay ko ng tatlong taon and I would do fine without him. I didn't want to
complicate things between us anymore. I didn't want to get my stupid emotions
involved. I was just after his sperm.

Three days ago pa mula ng umuwi si Aiko galing sa Los Angeles. That's how I knew
how serious she was with Tristan. That was so not Aiko. She wouldn't go out of her
way for a guy but she went out of her way for him. She was head over heels in love.
Hindi ko siya nasundo sa airport nang dumating siya, in fact we still haven't seen
each other. Umiiwas lang ako kay Tristan, I knew he was going to be there too kaya
hindi na lang ako nagpunta. She wanted to meet up with me today.

Nakaligo at nakabihis na ako ng makalabas ako ng bathroom. Nagkasalubong kami ni

Jason at nagkabangga. He quickly caught me by the waist before I could hit the
ground. I just felt so weak these days. Maybe it was because I had been eating so
little. Palagi akong walang gana dahil siguro I was still upset about the negative
pregnancy test. Yes, I took a pregnancy test about a week ago and it came up
negative. I did cry over it and I've been crying alot about it.

"Hey, are you alright?" Tanong sa akin ni Jason at dahan-dahan inalalayan at inupo
sa kama.

"Yeah, I just got a little dizzy." Sabi ko.

"You've been acting weird these past few days. Sigurado ka bang ok ka lang?" He
asked in a worried tone.

"Don't worry about me, I'm fine." I said with an assuring smile.

"Aalis ka ba ngayon?" He asked and I nodded my head.

"I'm going to meet up with Aiko." Sabi ko. I couldn't bail out on her, magtatampo
na talaga sa akin iyon.

"Ihahatid na kita." Sabi ni Jason.

"No, no... you don't have to." I said. Ayaw kong maabala pa siya.

"Makikipagkita rin ako kay attorney kaya sumabay ka na lang sa akin." Sabi niya.
Hindi na ako tumanggi pa. I didn't know if I could drive or even function right
now. I've been feeling under the weather this week. I couldn't pinpoint anything
specific that made me feel crappy but I just do.

Jason dropped me off at the mall where Aiko and I were supposed to meet.

"Ano'ng oras kita susunduin?" He asked before I got out of the car.

I smiled at him. "I'll just take a cab home."

He shook his head. "No, I'm going to pick you up."

"Really, Jason, it's okay. You don't have to." Sabi ko.

"But I want to." He said with a warm smile. "Hindi ba sabi ko naman sa'yo babawi
ako sa kasalanan ko."

I smiled back at him. He maybe an asshole sometimes, especially when intoxicated,

but the more I got to know him, the more I realized that it was all just an
exterior, his assholeness. He was really a nice guy. It would be so much easier
kung sa kanya akong na in love instead of Tristan. Siya naman talaga ang dapat na
naging asawa ko noon pa man. I wonder what might have happened if I had never met
Tristan... if I didn't ran away with him that night. I think I would have
eventually fallen in love with Jason. Hindi naman kasi siya mahirap mahalin.

"Andi?" He raised his brows, waiting for an answer. I snapped back from my thought.

"Huh?"

He chuckled. "What time am I going to pick you up?"

"Oh, um..." I looked down at my wrist watch. Wala naman din akong planong magtagal.
I'll just have lunch with Aiko at uuwi na rin ako. I wasn't really in the mood para
mamasyal. "Siguro mga three o'clock."

"Ok, got it." He said with a wink. I thanked him for dropping me off at nagpaalam
na siya at umalis.

Habang naglalakad ako napahinto ako sa isang drug store. I thought of taking
another pregnancy test. Maybe mali lang yung unang result. Maybe I really am
pregnant kaya siguro palaging masama ang pakiramdam ko. Okay, I was still indenial.
Hindi ko pa rin tanggapin na hindi ako buntis! But it wouldn't hurt kung susubukan
ko ulit.

So, I found myself in front of the cashier asking for a pregnancy test kit. Nang
mabayaran ko iyon ay agad akong nagpunta sa isa sa rest room. I took the pregnancy
test kit from the box, peed on the stick and got myself ready for another
disappointment. Five minutes. I had to wait five minutes for the result to show up.
Biglang tumunog ang phone ko at sinagot ko iyon.

"Where are you?" It was Aiko. "I've been waiting for you for, like, forever!"

"Papunta na ako." I said.

"Nasaan ka na ba?" Tanong niya. "Please hurry na, there's a creep following me!"

"Okay, okay, geez." I said shaking the pregnancy test. Damn it! Bakit hindi pa
lumabas ang result? I decided to put it back in the box and just shove the box
inside my bag. Lumabas na ako ng rest room at pinuntahan ko siya.

"Mirandaaa!" Sinalubong niya ako ng yakap ng makita ako. I hugged her back. "I
missed you girl."

"Aw, I missed you, too." Sabi ko.

"Thank God, you're here. There's this weird guy following me around." She said as
we release from the hug.

I laughed. "Maybe, he's just a fan."

"Whatever, he's creeping me out." She shrugged. "Let's have lunch. I'm really
starving."

Pumasok kami sa isang restaurant at umorder ng pagkain. Aiko had ordered a clam
chowder in a bread bowl while I had lasagna. We had our usual chit-chat but she did
most of the talking. I just stayed silent, maybe because I was afraid something
would slip out of my mouth. Something like, 'hey I had sex with your boyfriend
because I wanted him to get me pregnant'. This guilt was eating me up inside. I
sighed, playing with my food.

"Are you okay?" Tanong niya sa akin.

No, I feel shit. I smiled anyway, "Yeah."

"Are you sure? Kanina ka pa matamlay." She asked in a worried tone.

"Okay lang ako, don't worry about me." Sabi ko.

She shrugged her shoulders and went back to eating her food. I got up and excused
myself to the ladies' room. As I was walking back to the table where Aiko was, a
hand grabbed me. Hinatak niya ako sa may gilid ng restaurant na nahaharangan ng
pader. I was going to scream when he covered my mouth.

"Sshh... It's just me." The sound of his voice scared me even more than I already
was. Dahan-dahan niya akong binitawan at iniharap sa kanya. We stared at each other
for awhile. "Andi..."
I shut my eyes tightly, trying to hold back my tears. "Tristan, what are you doing?
Nandyan lang si Aiko!"

"Bakit hindi mo sinasagot ang mga tawag at text ko?" He said, hurt in his voice.

"Dahil wala naman tayong dapat pag-usapan pa." I said, trying to keep my voice from
cracking. "May asawa ako at may girlfriend ka. What we had was just sex."

"Shit, Andi! Hindi na kita maintindihan. You keep running hot and cold on me!" His
voice was low but I could tell he was trying his best not to shout. "If I end it
with her now, iiwanan mo ba si Jason, sasama ka ba sa akin?"

I slowly shook my head. "Mahal ko ang asawa ko."

The hurt in his eyes lanced through me. Tumalikod na ako sa kanya. I couldn't bare
seeing it. Iniwan ko siya at naglakad pabalik sa kinauupuan namin ni Aiko. Hindi ko
alam na nasa likod ko lang pala siya at nakasunod sa akin.

"Hi, baby." Tumayo si Aiko sa kinauupuan niya at yumakap kay Tristan. I watched as
she hugged him tight. His eyes were fixed on me as he hug her back. I had to look
down, trying to ignore the pain in my chest. It seemed so long since the last time
I was in his arms. "I know this was supposed to be our date pero ininvite ko na ang
boyfriend ko. I hope you don't mind."

"N-not at all." I said, trying to keep my voice steady.

Umupo si Tristan sa tabi ni Aiko at ako naman ay sa harap nila.

"I know your secret..." Aiko said, one corner of her mouth curled slightly up. I
suddenly dropped the fork I was holding and looked up at her. I could feel myself
pale in shock... I didn't know how to react, what to say or what to do. Tumingin
ako kay Tristan, halos pareho kami ng reaksyon.

"A-aiko... I-"

"Oh my god, Miranda!" She squealed. "I'm so happy for you!"

"H-ha?"

"Why didn't you tell me you're pregnant!" She said. I became even more confused.
Inilabas niya ang pregnancy test. "Nahulog kasi yung bag mo kanina and this fell
out of your bag."

"Oh..." My mind buffered for a few seconds. Wait, what? Buntis ako? Kinuha ko sa
kanya ang pregnancy test at tinignan. Two pink lines. Totoo ba ito?

"Congratulations, you're going to be a mommy." Masayang sabi niya.

I felt an urge to cry out of happiness. I couldn't believe it. I'm pregnant...
Then, I remembered that Tristan was there, too. I looked up at him. His eyes were
glazed, nakakunot ang noo niya and he looked spaced out. I couldn't help but
wonder what he was thinking.
"Alam na ba ni Jason?" Excited na tanong ni Aiko.

"O-of course, siya nga ang unang nakaalam." I lied.

"I'm so happy for you, guys." Nakangiting sabi ni Aiko. Pinilit ko rin ngumiti. But
really, I didn't know what to feel. My emotions were running wild.

Tumunog ang phone ni Aiko. She excused herself from the table to answer the call. I
felt a sense of panic nang kami lang dalawa ni Tristan ang naiwan sa mesa. Hindi
ako mapakali sa kinauupuan ko. I wanted to get up from my seat.

"Andi." He called my name and I hesitantly looked at him. "That baby could possibly
be mine." He softly said.

"NO!" Mariin na tanggi ko. "Kay Jason ito!"

"Paano ka nakakasiguro? We never used protection!" Tumaas ang boses niya.

"Can you keep your voice down? Baka marinig ka ni Aiko!" Inis na sabi ko sa kanya.
"Hindi sa'yo itong dinadala ko. Katawan ko ito kaya alam ko!"

"How could you possibly know?" His eyes narrowed.

"Minsan lang yung nangyari sa atin. My husband and I have sex every night."

"Pero may posibilidad pa rin na sa akin yang dinadala mo." Sabi niya. "If that's
really mine, I want to be in my child's life as his or her father!"

No...

"You know what? Drop it! Ayoko na makipagtalo sa'yo!" I said giving him a glare.
He opened his mouth and was about to say something nang bumalik si Aiko... with
Jason.

"Yeah, I know, I still can't believe I'm going to be a father." Narinig kong sabi
ni Jason kay Aiko habang palapit sila. I bit my lower lip.

"Your baby daddy is here to pick you up, Miranda." Sabi ni Aiko.

"J-jason..." I looked up at him from my seat. He smiled at me faintly.

"Ready to go?" He asked. I nodded my head before taking my bag. I quickly glanced
at Tristan who was quietly looking at us. His face was dark and unsmiling. I swung
the bag on my shoulder at nagpaalam na kay Aiko.
Tahimik na nagda-drive si Jason at nakaupo ako sa passenger's seat at nakatanaw sa
labas ng bintana. There was an uncomfortable silence between us. I couldn't read
any emotions on his face. Was he mad at me?

"Um, kumusta ang meeting niyo ni atty. Gutierrez?" I asked, just to break the
unsettling silence between us.

I heard him took a deep breath and sighed. "Okay naman."

"Oh..."

"Why didn't you tell me?" He asked, his voice was calm but cold. Napalingon ako sa
kanya. "Bakit kailangan sa iba ko pa malaman?"

"I didn't think you would want to know." I said quietly.

"Of course, I would want to know. I'm your husband." He said.

"I'm sorry, ngayon ko lang din nalaman."

There was a short silence and then he sighed again. "Does he know?"

"Yes, he knows I'm pregnant." I answered.

"Does he know he's the father?"

"Sinabi ko sa kanyang sa'yo ito..." I fidgeted with my hands on my lap. "I'm sorry
kinailangan ko lang talaga sabihin sa kanya iyon kasi-"

"Andi, that baby is mine, ok?" Sabi niya. "Hindi niya malalaman na sa kanya ang
batang dinadala mo."

"Jason..."

"I'm your husband." His hand snaked to mine and he squeezed it. "Ibibigay ko sa
kanya ang pangalan ko, ako ang tatayong ama sa batang dinadala mo. I would treat
the child like my own. Totohanin na natin ang pagiging mag-asawa natin."

=================

Chapter Forty Nine

I took my hand from his. "Jason, hindi ganun kadali iyon."

I felt horrible pero ayokong umasa siya sa wala. He was everything a woman could
ask for in a man and I'm not close to the possibility that I might fall in love
with him. Gusto ko si Jason, I was starting to like him more than a friend but not
enough as a lover. But I needed to be sure of how I feel about him, I don't want to
end up hurting him. I didn't want to be with him and think of another man.

He nodded his head and forced a smile.

"I'm willing to wait until your ready, Andi." He said in a sincere, sad voice.
"I'll wait even if it takes years."

"Ano ito?" Harold asked when Jason handed him a folder.

"It's just some documents you need to sign to make our partnership official." Sagot
ni Jason. Harold opened the folder and scanned through the papers. Jason and I
exchanged a look and he knew exactly what to do. He cleared his throat and started
explaining what was written in the documents para hindi na mabasa pa ni Harold ang
buong nilalaman nun.

I handed him a pen nang matapos magpaliwanag si Jason. "Here you go, dad."
Kinuha ni Harold ang pen mula sa akin at pinirmahan ang mga papel. Jason and I
looked at each other and smiled. Akala niya para iyon sa negosyong matagal na
nilang pinaguusapan ni Jason. The poor old man didn't know he was signing his
downfall. I've waited so long for this and all those years of waiting will finally
pay off. Makakaganti na rin ako sa kasalanan nila sa akin at sa anak ko. Suddenly,
a small pang of guilt when through me but I tried ignored it. I told myself that he
deserved it. Kulang pa nga ito sa kinuha nila sa akin. They took a life away from
me.

Harold looked up from the paper after signing it. He smiled at me and for a brief
moment, I saw in that smile the man that used to be my hero. The first man I loved
before I even knew what love was. The man I used to look up to. The memories stung,
I sighed and shook the thought away. He wasn't my father anymore. He was the devil
that killed my baby.

"Ibig sabihin ba nito hindi na kayo babalik sa Amerika?" Masayang tanong ni

Harold.

"Yes, dad." Sumagot si Jason. "We're staying here for good. Naisip namin na tama
nga kayo, mas makakabuti kung dito na lang kami sa Pilipinas lalo na ngayon na
magkaka-baby na kami."

I saw shock in Harold's eyes as he stared at me, bumaba ang tingin niya sa tiyan
ko. "You're... you're pregnant?"

I slowly nodded my head. His shock turned into a smile. He then got up from his
seat to come and hug me. I unconsciously clutched my stomach and stepped back just
as he was about to throw his arms around me. I didn't want him near me or my baby.
I knew he couldn't hurt the baby anymore pero hindi pa rin nawawala ang takot na
iyon sa dibdib ko. His smile faded and he put his arms down. His eyes were soft and
sad and guilt was written all over his face. Dapat lang makonsensya siya sa ginawa
niya noon!

"I'm- I'm so happy for you, Andi." Pilit siyang ngumiti.

I tried to force a smile but I was sure it looked fake. Nakarinig kami ng katok
mula sa pinto bago pumasok si Olivia sa library. She was holding a tray with three
glasses and a pitcher of juice.

"Time for your medicine, old man." Olivia chuckled habang ibinaba niya ang tray sa
coffee table sa harap ng couch. "Dinalhan ko rin kayo ng maiinom." sabi niya ng
humarap siya sa amin.

"We're going to have a grandchild, Olivia." Sabi ni Harold.

Olivia paused for a moment, taking what he said in, before her eyes widened and her
jaw dropped. "Oh my god, Miranda, is that true?"

"Yes..." Mahinang sagot ko.

"Buntis ka?" Hindi pa rin makapaniwalang tanong niya. I nodded my head. Ngumiti
siya at lumapit para yakapin ako. "My God, I can't believe I'm going to be a
grandmother." I pulled away from the hug and she looked at me, teary
eyed. Hypocrites. "Oh sweety, I know you'll make a good mom. I'm happy for you."

"It seems like yesterday I was holding her in my arms. Now, our little girl is
having a baby." Harold said smiling. Napakuyom ang mga palad ko. Gusto kong masuka
sa pinapakita nila ngayon. Now, they're acting like excited grandparents! It made
me sick! They were the same people that got rid of my first baby like it was
nothing... They told me it was just a piece of lump.
I felt like I wanted to cry. Jason put his arm around my shoulder, probably sensing
it.

"Thanks for signing the papers, dad." Sabi ni Jason. He was already holding the
folder in his other hand.

"Young man, take care of my daughter and my grandchild." Sabi ni Harold kay Jason.

Jason nodded his head. "I will, dad."

He kissed me on the forehead and I looked up at him. A cruelly cryptic smile

playing on his lips. I knew exactly what his smile meant. Now it's time I get my
revenge.

Narinig ko na ang kotse ni Harold sa labas ng mansyon. Kanina ko pa sila

hinihintay. Their things were already packed. Pinaayos ko na ang mga gamit nila sa
mga maid habang wala sila para pagdating nila dito aalis na lang sila. Ngayon akin
na lahat ng kung anong meron si Harold. This mansion, his other houses, his cars,
even his bank accounts. Wala akong ititira sa kanila. They'd be leaving here with
nothing but their clothes.
Bumukas ang pinto at nagtatawanan na pumasok si Olivia at Harold. Tignan natin kung
makakatawa pa kayo pagkatapos nito.

"Olivia, Harold..." I said with a smile. Pareho silang napatingin sa akin, They
were both obviously shocked that I called them by their first name.

"A-andi, honey, is their a problem?" Olivia sounded worried and nervous.

I smirked at her. "Wala nang problema. I'm getting rid of it."

"Sweetheart... I don't understand what you're talking about." Sabi ni Harold.

"Nakita niya yun?" I pointed at the plastic bag that was sitting on the floor. Yes,
that's where I put all their things. I thought it would be a funny sight to see.
The high and mighty Harold and the classy and elegant Olivia Cordova, leaving the
mansion with nothing but their clothes in a plastic bag. "Iyon lahat ang mga damit
niya. Kunin niyo na yun at umalis na kayo dito."

They both looked at me confused.

"Ano'ng ibig sabihin nito, Andi?" Tanong ni Harold.

"Ang ibig sabihin nito pinapaalis ko na kayo dito." I answered.

"You can't do that." Olivia shook her head. "Hindi mo kami pwedeng paalisin dito."

I chuckled. "I own this mansion now. Harold gave it to me, didn't you... dad? He
also gave me all his properties, his bank accounts and everything he owns."

"Andi, sweetheart..." Olivia said in a small, broken voice as her eyes welled up.

Humarap ako kay Harold. "Remember the documents you signed? Transfer of ownership
iyon." Sabi ko sa kanya. "Ibig sabihin akin na lahat ng pagmamay-ari mo."

He still didn't say anything. I could feel his distress, his fear but he kept a
stone cold expression as a way to make it seem like he wasn't upset. He was too
proud to let any emotion show.

"You were stupid to trust me, Harold! Did you really think I could just forget
about it when I came back?" My voice raised in anger. "You killed my child, you
monster!"

Harold turned his head to look away, hurt and guilt washed through his face.

"No, don't you dare look away! Look at me!" I grabbed him by the jaw and made sure
he looked me in the face. "You disgust me and I will never forgive you for what you
have done!" My voice cracked at the end.

"Andi, sweety, tama na." Pakiusap ni Olivia.

I shot her a glare. "Isa ka pa! You're a selfish, narcissistic, manipulative bitch!
You don't deserve to be called a mother!"

"Andi, I'm so sorry..." She said in a tear-clogged voice.

"Sorry?" I chuckled sarcastically. "You're sorry won't change anything, you

muderer."

"What is happening here?" Tanong ni Jason pagpasok niya sa mansyon. Agad na lumapit
si Olivia sa kanya.

"Oh God, buti na lang dumating ka. Pinapaalis na kami ni Andi. Please, help us,
Jason." Sabi ni Olivia. He looked at me and smiled grimly.

"Oh, shall I assist you out, then?" Jason said with a mocking tone. Olivia started
shaking her head in complete shock.

"Hindi na kailangan. Aalis na kami dito." Harold finally spoke in a hard voice. He
glanced at me with his sad icy eyes before he walked to the door and left. Agad na
sumunod sa kanya si Olivia. I gazed down as I felt my face softened and tears began
pouring out of my eyes uncontrollably.

"Andi..." Lumapit sa akin si Jason at mabilis akong lumayo sa kanya. I didn't want
him to see me cry. God, why was I crying? I should be happy dahil nakaganti na ako
sa kanila.
"It's... it's just hormones." Sabi ko bago tumakbo paakyat sa kwarto ko. I heard
him calling my name but I ignored it.

I went to the bookshelf and took out the book I used to always read to my little
angel on my first pregnancy. It was a children's book that I love when I was a kid.
Ito lang ang natitirang alaala niya sa akin. They probably threw the fetus in the
garbage like some trash after taking it out of my body. Hot, angry tears flew down
my cheek as I clutch the book to my chest. I fell to my knees and started sobbing.

I got the revenge my little angel deserved.

I didn't know Jason followed me to my room. I only realized he was there when he
pulled me into his arms.

"Jason..."

"Shh... it's okay. Cry all you want." He whispered. And I did, I cried against his
chest while he comforted me.

Tristan's POV
It had been days but I still couldn't stop thinking about Andi and the baby she was
carrying. Pwedeng akin ang batang dinadala niya. How I wish it was mine and not
Jason's. Andi and I had sex and we didn't use protection. Kahit na minsan lang iyon
nangyari, kahit maliit ang posibilidad... hindi iyon imposible. I was holding on to
that little possibility.

Kung akin nga ang bata gusto kong maging parte ng buhay niya. Hindi ko hahayaan na
lumaki siya na iba ang kinikilalang ama. Gusto kong maging parte ako sa buhay ng
anak ko bilang ama niya. Pero paano ko malalaman na akin nga iyon?

I was deep in my thought when my phone started to rang. I picked it up and saw
Aiko's name on the screen. Sinagot ko iyon.

"Hello?"

"Tristan, pwede ba tayong magkita ngayon?" Her tone of voice was serious.

"Ngayon na?" I asked. She knew I was at the office right now. Kapag alam niyang
nasa opisina ako hindi naman niya ako tinatawagan at bigla-bigla na lang
makikipagkita sa akin. Mukhang importante ang sasabihin niya.

"Yes, now." She answered. Sinabi niya sa akin ang lugar kung saan kami magkikita.
We decided to meet at a restaurant near the office.

Agad ko siyang nakita nang pumasok ako sa restaurant. She was sitting at a table
next to a window but she wasn't alone, she was with two other people. Nakatalikod
ang dalawa pang kasama niya mula sa kinatatayuan ko.
"Hey." Lumapit ako sa mesa kung saan sila nakaupo. Aiko got up from her seat and
gave me a quick peck on the lips. Tumingin sa akin ang mga kasama niya at agad ko
silang nakilala. Sila ang mga magulang ni Andi.

"Hi, baby. I don't know if you've met them but this is Olivia and Harold. They're
Andi's parents." Sabi ni Aiko.

I politely nodded my head and smiled. "Good afternoon."

Hindi kumibo si Harold and Olivia answered with a forced smile. I didn't understand
what was going on? Why were they here? They weren't the kind of people Aiko would
hang out with. Bigla akong nakaramdam ng kaba ng maisip ko si Andi at ang bata. May
kinalaman ba ito sa kanila? I was hoping and praying na sana walang masamang
nangyari sa kanila.

Pareho kaming umupo ni Aiko sa silya sa harap ng mga magulang ni Andi.

"Naisip kong tawagan ka kasi ikaw lang naman ang kilala kong makakatulong sa
kanila." Sabi ni Aiko.

My brows furrowed in confusion. Why would they want help from me?

"Ano bang maitutulong ko?" Tanong ko.

"Pupuntahan ko dapat si Andi kanina para bisitahin pero nakita ko silang dalawa sa
labas ng mansion. I found out na pinalayas sila ni Andi sa sarili nilang
bahay. Andi tricked his dad into signing transfer of ownership papers kaya lahat ng
ari-arian ni Mr. Cordova sa kanya na napunta." Sabi ni Aiko. I couldn't believe
what I just heard. Hindi ako makapaniwalang magagawa ni Andi iyon. Why would Andi
do that to her own parents?

"Wala kaming pera at wala kaming matutuluyan ngayon. I don't know what will happen
to us." Naiiyak na sabi ng ginang. Aiko took her hand and tried to comfort her.

"I could call Phoenix and-" Ang akala ko gusto nilang kausapin ko si Phoenix para
tulungan sila.

"No!" Mariin na sabi ng ama ni Andi. "Ayokong malaman ng mga Cordova ito..." He
took a deep breath before looking down and shaking his head. "Forget it. Salamat na
lang sa tulong niyo." Tatayo na sana si Harold sa kinauupuan niya ng hawakan siya
ni Olivia sa kamay upang pigilan.

"Mr. Cordova, please don't go." Pakiusap ni Aiko.

"Harold, wala na tayong mapupuntahan." Pakiusap ni Olivia. "Kalimutan mo muna yang

pride na yan."

"It has nothing to do with pride, Olivia. Ayokong malaman nila ito dahil ayokong
magalit sila kay Andi. Ayokong isipin nilang masama si Andi dahil alam natin pareho
na hindi totoo iyon. Hindi masama ang anak ko. This is all my fault. Kasalanan ko
kung bakit nagkaganun si Andi. " Sabi ni Harold.

"But Harold..." Olivia's voice weakened. She was slowly letting go of his arm. I
knew I couldn't just sit there and watch them leave. Wala silang matutuluyan. They
didn't have any money and they didn't have any place to stay. Harold was just too
dignified to ask anyone for help. Siguro nga mas pipiliin niya pang matulog sa
kalsada at mamatay sa gutom kaysa ang humingi ng tulong.
"Mr. and Mrs. Cordova, I have an extra room at my place. You're welcome to stay
there if you want." I politely offered.

"Ito ang magiging kwarto niyo." Binuksan ko ang pinto sa guest room at ipinakita sa
kanila ang kwarto. I have this room regularly cleaned even though no one sleeps in
here. Buti na lang nalinis ito ng housekeeper noong isang araw.

"Salamat." Sabi ni Olivia. I answered her with a smile.

I glanced at Harold, wala pa rin itong imik. He nodded to me. A thank you, I guess.
Still no emotion in his aristoctaric looking face.

"I'll leave you two alone. If you need anything I'll be in the library."

Tumalikod na ako para pumunta sa library. Alam kong hindi na naman ako makakatulog
ngayon gabi kaya dinadala ko na ang trabaho ko sa bahay. I've been burying myself
with work so I won't have anytime to think about anything else. Ayokong isipin si
Andi at ang ipinagbubuntis niya. I think I'd just go crazy.
I sighed as I sat in front of my computer screen. Everything's just crazy right
now. I couldn't believe I would be living under the same roof with Andi's parents.
Hindi rin ako makapaniwala na magagawang palayasin ni Andi ang mga magulang niya.
That was not the Andi I knew. I sighed again. Hindi ko na nga pala siya kilala.
Ibang tao na siya. Pero yung narinig ko kanina sa restaurant na sabi ni Harold siya
ang may kasalanan kung bakit nagkaganun si Andi. It never left my mind. Did he
really do something that bad to make her hate them so much? It was so frustrating
to have all these questions inside my head and not be able to ask them.

I heard a knock on my door.

"Come in." Sabi ko. Bumukas ang pinto at pumasok si Olivia na may dalang tasa.
Lumapit siya sa akin at ibinaba iyon sa harap ko.

"I made you a coffee." Sabi niya. "I went ahead and used your kitchen, I hope you
don't mind."

"Thank you but you don't need to do this, ma'am." Sabi ko.

"Just call me Olivia." She said with a warm smile.

"Thank you, Olivia." Sabi ko.

"I, um, just want to apologize for everything that happened in the past. The way we
treated you. Hindi ko akalain na sa dinami-rami ng tao sa mundo, ikaw pa ang
tutulong sa amin. Pambihira talaga ang tadhana." Her eyes were soft and sad but she
forced a smile on her face. "I didn't want you for Andi because you were poor. I
judged you even before I got to know you. I was wrong about you. I'm so sorry,
Tristan."
I smiled at her. "You don't need to apologize. Naiintindihan kita, you only wanted
the best for her. Let's just leave it in the past where it belongs."

=================

Chapter Fifty

"That's the sac that carries your baby." The doctor moved the probe around looking
for a good angle. My eyes were glued on the monitor. It showed nothing but a circle
on a grainy black and white screen but that was enough to make me smile. "At itong
maliit na spot na ito." She pointed at the tiny dot in the middle of the
circle. "Ito ang baby mo. Masyado pang maliit ang baby para makita natin pero
siguro sa susunod na appointment mo makikita na din natin siya."

I could feel my eyes water. That was my baby, I really was going to be a mother.
I'd never felt this genuinely happy for a long time. I wished I had someone to
share this feeling with. Bigla pumasok sa isip ko si Tristan. I felt a tinge of
sadness, a part of me kind of wished he was here to see our baby. I quickly brushed
it off. I don't need him, my baby doesn't need him either. Napahawak ako sa tiyan
ko. It'll be just you and mommy, honey.

The doctor took the probe out of it me. She said I was almost 5 weeks pregnant from
the size of the sac. Wala naman daw siyang nakitang problema. I was already excited
for my belly to grow bigger and feel the baby move inside me.

"How was your appointment with the doctor?" Tanong ni Jason pag-uwi ko. He was
sitting on the living room couch when I got home.
"It was great." Masayang sabi ko sa kanya. I sat down next to him. I guess I was
just so excited to share it with someone. "Sabi ng doktor five weeks na daw siya. I
have some ultrasound photos, do you want to see it?"

He smiled and nodded his head. "Sure."

I reached into my bag and took out the photos. Inabot ko iyon sa kanya. His brows
furrowed as he looked at the pictures.

"Where's the baby?" He asked.

I giggled. "It's in the sac, the baby is still too small to be seen. My next
appointment I get to see my baby."

"I'm sure it will be a beautiful baby, just like the mother." He said with a big
smile on his face. "If it's a boy, it'll be as handsome as me."

What he said made me pause. I tried to imagine what would it be like to hear those
words from Tristan. Siya ang ama nitong dinadala ko. Hindi ko paaakuin kay Jason
ang anak namin ni Tristan. Jason told me he wanted the baby to have his name ngunit
hindi ako pumayag. I would raise this baby alone.

The doorbell saved us from the awkward silence.

"I'll get it." I said as I stood up. I opened the door and it was Aiko. I've been
ignoring her calls and avoiding her. I didn't want her to confront me and I knew
she would. Alam niyang pinalayas ko si Olivia at Harold dito sa mansyon.

Tristan's POV

It was a rough day today. I had a meeting with a big investor today and Phoenix
only came at the last minute. Kapapanganak lang kasi ni Cassie kaya hindi niya
maiwan agad ang asawa niya. Masaya niyang ibinalita kanina sa akin na nagsilang si
Cassie nang isang babae at isang lalaki. Sabi ko sa kanya na bibisita na lang ako
kapag nakalabas na sila sa ospital. Ayoko muna silang istorbohin dahil alam kong
kailangan magpahinga ni Cassie mula sa panganganak

Phoenix was nothing short of a proud father. Habang nagkukuwento sa akin si Phoenix
tungkol sa anak nila ni Cassie, isa lang ang pumasok sa isip ko, si Andi at ang
batang dinadala niya. If the child was really mine gusto ko rin maranasan ang mga
naranasan ni Phoenix. I want to be by her side all through her pregnancy and watch
our baby grow inside of her, I want to be there when Andi gives birth to our child,
I want to know what it feels like to hold our baby for the first time. Ayokong si
Jason ang makaranas lahat nun sa sarili kong anak. It felt like a hard blow to the
chest, it hurts so much just to think about.

The house was quiet when I got home. Siguro nagpapahinga na ang mag-asawa sa kwarto
nila. Si Olivia lang ang madalas kong makausap dahil palaging nakakulong si Harold
sa kwarto. Olivia and I were getting along fine, she even insisted on doing the
house chores para daw makabayad sila sa pagpapatuloy ko sa kanila dito but I didn't
let her. May pumupunta naman housekeeper dito araw-araw para maglinis. I tried to
reach out to Harold but he was always cold and distant.

Binuksan ko ang pinto sa library at nakita ko si Harold na nakatayo sa tapat ng

isang bookshelf.
"Pasensya na at nakialam ako dito." He said, sounding like a kid caught with his
hand on the cookie jar. "Nababagot na kasi ako kaya naisip kong tumingin nang
mababasa dito."

I gave him a smile. "Pwede ka naman tumingin at kumuha nang libro dito kahit kailan
mo gusto."

He quickly took out a book and headed to the door. Bago pa siya makalabas nang
library napahinto siya sa harap ng isang malaking larawan. It was a picture of Andi
hanging on the wall. Sa larawan, nakadapa siya sa kama at natutulog. She was
covered with a sheet from the waist down with only her naked back was showing.
Natatamaan nang sinag nang araw mula sa bintana ang hubad na likod niya at ang
mukha niya habang nakayakap siya sa puting unan sa tabi niya. It gave her a
heavenly glow. She looked like a sleeping angel that fell from her cloud bed in
heaven, captivating in her natural beauty.

"Is that my Andi?" He asked, not looking away from the picture.

"Yes." I answered reluctantly. "I took that picture three years ago."

"It's beautiful." Nagulat ako nang sabihin niya iyon.

"She is beautiful." Sabi ko bago lumapit sa kanya at tumayo sa tabi niya. Hindi ko
napigilan ang mapatingin din sa larawan.

"You know, I hate you." He said. I was caught off guard once again. I didn't know
how to respond to that. It was no secret that he hated me. Muntik niya na nga akong
mapatay noon nang mahuli nila kami ni Andi sa mansyon. But I just didn't expect to
hear that from him. "You took my baby girl from me. She was just a shy, timid girl
before she met you. You made her a woman."

I turned my head to him. A bittersweet smile touched his lips. "You came and I was
no longer the only man in my daughter's life. Dumating pa nga sa puntong mas pinili
ka niya kaysa sa amin. My daughter really loved you."

"I know..." Mahinang sagot ko. "I loved her too, more than my own life. I still
do."

Hindi siya nagsalita. The longer the silent grew, the more I felt the need to
explain to him.

"You probably don't believe me dahil sa nagawa ko noon sa kanya. Hindi kita
masisisi, hindi rin siya naniniwala sa akin. Nagawa ko siyang ibalik sa inyo hindi
dahil hindi ko na siya mahal. I've done things I'm not proud of in desperate times.
I used to be a male escort and I had an affair with a politician's wife." I felt
uncomfortable telling this to Harold but I felt like I had to. I looked at him to
see his reaction but he didn't seem disgusted, shocked, or surprised at the least.
Tumingin siya sa akin na tila ba naghihintay na magsalita ulit ako. "Nang
makapagtapos ako sa pag-aaral, tumigil na ako sa ganung trabaho. Hindi ko itinago
ang nakaraan ko kay Andi. She knows everything about my past. Noong nawalan ako ng
trabaho nagkataon naman na nagkasakit si Andi at kinailangan ko siyang dalhin sa
ospital. Wala na kaming pera kaya napilitan akong lumapit sa kanya. I guess her
husband found out dahil pagkatapos nun may mga lalaking humabol sa amin. Lumipat
kami sa ibang lugar pero nasundan pa rin nila kami."

The memories made me tear up a little bit. "Natakot ako na baka may gawin silang
masama kay Andi. I wouldn't be able to forgive myself if something bad happened to
her. I felt so helpless because there was nothing I could do, I couldn't protect
her. Ibinalik ko siya sa inyo dahil alam kong mas ligtas siya doon."

He dropped his gaze to the ground. "Tristan, malaki ang kasalanan ko sa iyo... sa
inyo ng anak ko. I sent those men to get you. Ginawa ko iyon dahil gusto kong
bumalik sa amin si Andi." Sabi ni Harold. My heart dropped to the pit of my
stomach. Siya ang nagtangkak magpapatay sa akin?

"Buntis si Andi nang iwan mo siya sa amin, alam mo ba iyon?" Nagsimula ulit siyang
magsalita nang hindi ako kumibo. This was all too much for me to take in and
process. My head felt like it was going to explode. I felt numb.

"May... may anak kami?" I asked, my voice shaking. Harold shook his head and I
cursed quietly. Bumalik sa isip ko lahat ng sinabi at ginawa ko kay Andi bago ko
siya ibalik sa mga magulang niya. Hindi ko mapapatawad ang sarili ko kapag nalaman
kong ako ang dahilan kaya nawala ang anak namin. "What happened to our baby?"

Matagal siyang hindi sumagot. I felt like my heart stopped beating. "Harold?" I
demanded, my voice stronger this time.

"I had the baby aborted against her will." His voice cracked at the end. Tears
started flowing from his eyes. "Galit sa akin si Andi dahil ako ang pumatay sa anak
niyo. I'm so sorry."

I closed my eyes tightly and I could feel tears running down my cheeks. When I
opened my eyes, I saw red. No words could describe the pain, guilt and anger I feel
right now. I wanted to kill him so bad that I could feel the itch in my fingertips.
I took him by the collar and shook him. "You son of a bitch!" Rage filled me as I
slammed him to the wall. "Mapapatawad ko pa ang ginawa mo sa akin pero hinding
hindi ko mapapatawad ang ginawa mo sa anak ko at kay Andi."

I held my fist up and got ready to punch him straight in the face. The old man shut
his eyes and looked away. He flinched when my fist landed on the wall beside him,
it made a huge crack. I couldn't do it. He was weak and helpless. If I did it, I'd
be as low as him. Dahan-dahan ko siyang binitawan at napaurong ako palayo sa kanya.
He fell to the ground sobbing.
"Ano'ng klase kang tao?" I said, still shaking with anger.

"Pinagsisisihan ko na ang ginawa ko. Patawarin niyo ako." Umiiyak na sabi niya.

"Walang kapatawaran ang ginawa mo." Sabi ko bago tumalikod sa kanya at

nagmamadaling lumabas. I needed to talk to Andi. I couldn't help but blame myself.
Kung hindi ko siya binalik sa kanila hindi mawawala ang anak namin. Kasalanan ko
ang lahat ng ito.

I let out a few tears as I drove. Nang marating ko ang mansyon, ang malaking gate
ang humarang sa akin. I got out of my car and yelled for Andi. I knew I was going
berserk but I didn't care. Right now, I'm ready to kill anyone who stands in my way
to her. I shook the gate, trying to open it but to no avail.

Nag-isip ako ng ibang paraan. I got back in my car.

"Goddammit!" I yelled before stepping on the gas and hitting the gate. Nang hindi
pa rin iyon bumukas, inatras ko ang kotse at inulit iyon. The gate finally broke
open. Pinaharurot ko ang sasakyan papasok.

Nakita kong lumabas si Jason mula sa pinto. Bumaba ako sa kotse at mabilis akong
hinarang ni Jason bago pa ako makapasok sa mansyon.

"What the hell is your problem?" Galit na sabi ni Jason.

"Kailangan kong makausap si Andi!" Sabi ko. I tried to get in but he stopped me.
"Hindi mo ba kami titigilan, ha?" He tried to shove me away. Nagpilit pa rin akong
pumasok. When he blocked me again I punched in the face and knocked him to the
ground. He got up and tackled me. He tried to punch me but I blocked it and punched
him as hard as I could, letting all my anger out on him. He threw back a few
punches and kicks too.

"Ano'ng nangyayari-" Lumabas si Andi at natigilan siya nang makita ako. "Tristan...
what are you doing?"

He grabbed the back of my shirt at itinulak akong palayo. Umupo siya sa tabi ni
Jason. It somehow hurt seeing her worried about him.

"Jason, are you alright?" Inunan niya ang ulo nito sa hita niya. He nodded as an
answer. Andi looked up and glared at me. "Umalis ka na dito." She said in a hard
steel like tone. Inalalayan niyang tumayo si Jason.

"Andi, alam ko na ang lahat. Alam ko na ang ginawa sa'yo ni Harold at sa anak
natin." I choked on my sob. I raked my fingers through my hair out of
frustration. "Bakit hindi mo sinabi sa akin?"

"May mababago ba pag sinabi ko sa'yo? Mababalik ba nun ang buhay ng anak ko?" She
said in an angry, shaky voice. "Kung ano man ang meron tayo noon, tapos na iyon..."

"Hindi pa tapos iyon hangga't hindi natin iyon napapag-usapan. Makinig ka naman sa
akin kahit ngayon lang." I said, desperately. "Ilang beses ko bang sasabihin sa'yo
na hindi ko gustong iwan ka sa magulang mo. Ginawa ko iyon para sa kapakanan mo.
Ano bang kailangan kong gawin o sabihin para maniwala ka sa akin?"
"Huwag mo na kaming guluhin." Sabi ni Jason. "Magkakapamilya na kami."

"That baby she's carrying could me mine." I growled. Tumingin ako kay
Andi. "Sabihin mo sa asawa mo ang totoo. Tell him that you slept with me, Andi!
Hindi lang isang beses..."

"You cheater!" Biglang sumulpot si Aiko. She lashed out on me and started hitting
me on the chest with her fist. "Manloloko kayo... Pinagloloko niyo ako!"

"Aiko..." Narinig kong tawag ni Andi.

"Whore!" Lumingon si Aiko kay Andi. She was about to grab her hair ngunit mabilis
kong napigilan. Hinarang naman ni Jason ang sarili kay Andi. "Mga manloloko kayo.
Akala ko kaibigan kita!" She harshly pulled her hand away from my grip.

"Aiko, I'm sorry." Andi's voice cracked.

"Ipinagkatiwala ko siya sa'yo, ikaw pa pala ang aahas sa boyfriend ko!Kung

malalaman nang anak mo kung anong klaseng babae ang ina niya, I'm sure that baby
would rather die than have a whore for a mother." She furiously wiped the tears out
of her eyes.

"Tama na, Aiko..." Mahinang sabi ko sa kanya

"Aiko, I'm so, so sorry." Naluluhang sabi ni Andi.

"Tama na?" She faced me again and slapped me in the face. "Kulang pa ito sa
panloloko niyo sa akin."

Tumalikod na si Aiko at galit na umalis. I didn't know if I should go after her or

stay.

Andi shot me a glare.

"Andi, please... mag-usap tayo." I said with desperation in my voice. She ignored
me, inalalayan niyang papasok si Jason at pabagsak na isinara ang pinto.

=================

Chapter Fifty One

It had been three days since what happened at the mansion and I found myself
standing at Aiko's door. Ngayon lang ako nakapag-ipon ng lakas ng loob para
makausap siya. I wasn't exactly sure what to say but I planned on just being
honest. Ipagtatapat ko sa kanya ang lahat lahat tungkol sa amin ni Tristan.

I took a deep breath before pressing the doorbell. I gathered every courage I had
for this moment. I knew I needed to fix this. It took awhile before Aiko opened the
door. There was a blank expression on her face when she saw me.

"What are you doing here?" She asked in a stiff voice.

I had to swallow past a dry throat to get my voice out. "W-we need to talk."

"We have nothing to talk about. Narinig ko na ang lahat ng dapat kong marinig." She
was about to close the door when I blocked it.

"Please?" I begged.

She sighed and rolled her eyes before opening the door wider. Aiko turned her back
on me and walked inside. I noticed the opened luggage on the floor at the living
room and it was already half filled with clothes.

"Aalis ka na?" I asked.

"I'm going back to LA." She said before crossing her arms over her chest. "Now,
talk."

"I'm sorry for hurting you. Hindi ko sinasadya..." I said in a small voice.

"Hindi mo sinasadya?" A mocking smirk appeared on her lips. "Did you just
accidentally sat on his dick and made him come?"

"No..." I shook my head. "Hindi ko sinasadyang pati ikaw madamay dito. I didn't
mean to hurt you."
"But you already did." She said with a hard edge on her voice.

"Hindi ko na kayo guguluhin ni Tristan. I promise."

"Huwag mo na akong gawin tanga. Tristan never loved me. It was always you, only
you." Her voice started to crack. "I'm not stupid, Miranda. Hindi rin ako manhid. I
can see it in the way he looks at you, the way he talks to you, the way his face
lits up everytime I mention your name. I just chose to turn a blind eye because I
loved him."

I took a deep breath, trying to fight my tears. "I should've told you this noon pa.
Tristan was my first love. Three years ago, I ran away with him because I didn't
want to marry Jason. I got pregnant with his child but before I could tell him
ibinalik niya ako kay Olivia at Harold. He left me for another woman, he discarded
me like a piece of trash." I didn't know when I started crying but I was already
sobbing when I realized that. "Harold still wanted me to marry Jason, he forced me
to have an abortion. Hindi ako pumayag so they drugged me and aborted my baby."

It was too painful just to tell the story. It was more than just remembering, it
felt like I was reliving that nightmare all over again, a nightmare I had to live
with everyday of my life.

There was a long silence between us bago siya nagsalita ulit.

"At gusto mong makaganti sa kanila kaya sinasaktan mo sila?" She asked.

I nodded my head.
"Masaya ka na ba ngayon? You finally got what you wanted. Nasaktan mo si Harold, si
Olivia at si Tristan."

I paused for awhile and I found myself asking the same question. Was I happy ngayon
nakaganti na ako sa kanila? I thought I would be but I wasn't. It didn't make any
difference. I was still miserable.

"I pity you, Miranda. You're living a life of anger and bitterness." Sabi
niya. "Kahit ano pang gawin mo, kahit saktan mo pa sila ng saktan hindi mo na
mababago ang nangyari. You have to forgive them for yourself and move on."

"Hi, cutie." I played with Nicholas' tiny hand. I was thinking about what Aiko
said... about forgiving. I didn't know if I could do it.

I snapped out of my thought when the baby reached out and grasped my finger.
Nicholas looked alot like Phoenix, he had the same hazel eyes as his dad, the same
nose and the same lips. Just a few more months and I'll have my own baby too. It
made me wonder what mine would look like. Will he or she look more like me or
Tristan? Or maybe a beautiful mix of us. Sabik na sabik na akong makita siya.

I looked up at Phoenix, he was sitting on the rocking chair looking out the window
with Audrey in his arms.
"Any news about Cassie?" I couldn't help but ask. Bigla na lang naglaho na parang
bula si Cassie pagkatapos niyang manganak. Ni hindi nga niya hinintay na makalabas
ng ospital She stole five million pesos from Phoenix and ran away with her lover.

"Don't ever mention that whore's name in front of my children." Nagtagis ang mga
bagang niya.

"And don't ever use that language in front of them." I rolled my eyes at him.

Phoenix inhaled and exhaled deeply and then he kissed his daughter's forehead. He
really loved Cassie. Unlucky for him, Cassie only loved his money. Bakit ba ang
malas namin sa mga taong minamahal namin? Tinuon ko na lang ulit ang atensyon ko
kay Nicholas.

I decided to stop at a restaurant before heading home. I parked my car on an empty

space in front of it. Bumaba ako ng kotse at mula sa bintana ng restaurant nakita
ko ang pamilyar na mukha. It was Tristan and he was with a woman. Namukhaan ko agad
ang babaeng kasama niya. How could I forget the face of the woman who ruined our
relationship? That homewrecker! Tumalikod ako para bumalik sa kotse pero agad
nagbago ang isip ko.

I went inside the restaurant and walked straight to their table.

"Andi!" Tristan looked surprised when he saw me.

I glared at him. "My god, you still whore yourself out to this slut? How much does
she pay you everytime you fuck her?"
Everyone started turning their heads to our direction.

"Excuse me?!" She said in shock as her brows furrowed.

"Andi, it's not what you think." Sabi ni Tristan. "Val is my-"

"Your sugar mama. Sa kanya nanggaling ang lahat ng meron ka ngayon, hindi
ba?" Tumingin ako kay Valerie. "What will you give him next? Another condo unit, a
brand new car?"

"I don't know what you're talking about." Sabi ni Valerie.

I took the glass of water on the table and splashed it on her pretty face. She
gasped at the shock of it. "Now, do you know what I'm talking about, you
homewrecking skank?"

"How dare you?" She stood from her seat, ready to attack me. Tumayo si Tristan at
pumagitna sa aming dalawa.

"Val, please... She's pregnant." Pigil niya kay Valerie. She glowered at me and
harshly wiped her face with a napkin. I turned and started to walk away. It hurts
to see him with the woman who ruined our relationship. He grabbed my wrist to try
to stop me. "Makinig ka sa akin. You need to believe me that there is nothing going
on between me and Valerie, there never was."
I yanked my hand back and slapped him across the face. "Don't ever touch me again.
Nandidiri ako sa'yo!"

"Andi, please, Let me explain." He said blocking my way. I tried to push him but he
wouldn't budge.

"Get out of my way, damn you!" I started punching him on the chest and he hugged
me.

"Wala kaming naging relasyon ni Valerie." He whispered. "Hindi kita ipinagpalit sa

kahit sino o ano. Ikaw lang ang minahal ko."

"Stop lying! You never loved me. Sarili mo lang ang minahal mo. I needed you more
than anything and you got rid of me so you could have the life you wanted! You got
your dream while I'm stuck with the reality!"

The painful memories came back like a bullet train hitting me in the heart and
head. I felt my heart constricted in my chest and that horrible lump in my throat
telling me I wanted to cry but I was holding it back. I stopped when I felt a sharp
pain on my stomach. Napahawak ako sa tiyan ko. I took a deep breath to try to ease
the pain but the pain only got worse. Then I felt my panties dampen. My legs felt
weak at napahawak ako sa upuan sa tabi ko.

"Andi!" Tristan grabbed me by the waist.

I felt a warm stream of liquid ran down my thigh and I started to panic. "Oh god,
my baby!"
"Shit!" Narinig kong sabi ni Tristan bago niya ako binuhat. Nagmamadaling inilabas
niya ako sa restaurant and Valerie was already right behind us. He brought me to
his car. Valerie opened the backseat door and Tristan laid me down. I was a
panicking mess. God, I couldn't bear if I lose another baby. No, please God, no.

"Mahal ko, please calm down..." He kissed me on the forehead.

"This is all your fault! I hate you!" I sobbed. I saw pain flicked through his
eyes. Agad siyang tumalikod sa akin a humarap kay Valerie.

"I'll drive and you sit in the back with Andi, okay?" I heard him say. Pumasok si
Valerie sa kotse at umupo sa tabi ko. Tristan ran to the driver's side and slid
behind the wheel. He quickly started the car and drove off.

"I can't lose another baby. I can't..." I hysterically cried.

"You won't. Relax, Andi. Stress will only do worse." Valerie stroked her hand
through my hair, trying to calm me down. After just a few minutes, the car stopped
in front of the hospital and he carried me to the emergency room.

"I hate you! I hate you!" I started slapping his chest with with every strength
left in me as I cry even harder. "Put me down! I don't want you near me! Ikaw ang
may kasalanan nito!"

He didn't say a word. I looked up to his face to see tears falling. The was the
last thing I saw before everything went black.
I woke up disoriented an confused. I was in an unfamiliar white room. I gazed
around and saw Valerie sitting on the couch on with Phoenix. Nagbalik sa isip ko
ang nangyari bago ako nawalan ng malay. I felt panic rise up inside me again.

"My baby!" Napahawak ako sa tiyan ko. Lumingon silang dalawa sa akin. "I-is my baby
alright?"

Lumapit si Phoenix sa tabi ko. "Calm down, the baby is fine. Malakas ang kapit ng
bata."

Nakahinga ako ng maluwag sa narinig ko. I was so scared, I thought I lost my baby.
Thank God, walang nangyari sa kanya. I wouldn't be able to take it kapag may
nangyari sa kanya.

"W-what happened? Why did I bleed?"

"You had threatened miscarriage." Valerie answered before Phoenix could.

"Why are you still here?" I said in a cold tone. Gusto ko siyang sugurin but I knew
I was too weak.
"Andi, mali ka ng iniisip mo." She got up from her seat at lumapit sa akin. Then
she sat on the chair next to my bed. "Nagsasabi ng totoo si Tristan, wala kaming
relasyon. He's my brother."

Did she really expect me to believe that?

"Huwag mo nga akong pinagloloko." I said. I wanted to slap her across the face but
I had to keep calm for the sake of the baby in my womb. "You can have him! He's all
yours. Pero please lang huwag na kayong magpapakita sa akin. Maawa naman kayo sa
batang dinadala."

"She's telling the truth, Andi." Singit ni Phoenix.

"Pati ba naman ikaw?" I said, almost in tears. I didn't know what to believe at
that moment. I felt like it was some kind of a sick joke they were playing on me.

"I know it's hard to believe but she's telling the truth." Phoenix said.

"I think you need to see this." Valerie handed me a brown envelope. I looked at it
for a second before hesitantly taking it.

"Open it." She said and I did. There were pictures and medical documents inside.
Isa-isa kong tinignan iyon.

My heart sank to my stomach when I saw the pictures. "Oh God!" I said in a choked
up voice. I could hardly recognize the man in the picture but I knew it was
Tristan. His face was all black and blue and he had bruises everywhere.
"What happened to him?" I looked up to them, my eyes watering.

"He was beaten up and went into a coma for two months." Sabi ni Phoenix.

"Oh my god!" I threw my hands to my mouth.

"Nasundan kayo ng mga lalaking humahabol sa inyo noon. Noong araw na hindi siya
nakauwi sa iyo, we were chased by those men. Nang maligaw namin sila bumalik na
kami sa hacienda. Sinabi ko naman sa kanya na tutulungan ko kayo pero kinabukasan
umalis na kayo." Sabi ni Valerie. "He was scared for your safety. Sinabi niya iyon
sa akin. Sinabi niya na hindi niya alam ang gagawin niya kapag may nangyaring
masama sa iyo kaya siguro iniwan ka niya sa mga magulang mo."

My tears fell on the picture I was holding.

"Pinahanap kayo ni daddy pero ng mahanap na namin siya he was already in coma.
Yung mga lalaki din iyon ang nagtangka sa buhay niya. Dad started digging through
his life and found out he grew up in an orphanage. Sabi ng babaeng nag-iwan sa
kanya sa orphanage when he was only 2 years old, nakita nila sa likod ng truck nila
si Tristan. Galing sila sa probinsya namin at pumunta sila dito sa Manila para
magsupply ng mga gulay. They didn't know how he got there and where he came from so
they decided to leave him at the orphanage. Doon na nagkahinala si dad na Tristan
could possibly be my lost brother. Nang ipa-DNA siya ni dad we found out he really
is my brother. Hindi kami nagkaroon ng relasyon ni Tristan. Hindi ka niya
ipinagpalit para sa akin. Maybe I did like him noong una pero siguro dahil
nararamdaman ko noon pa lang na magkapatid kami."

I bit my lower lip to keep myself from sobbing. My poor Tristan. I thought the
worst of him. I was so wrong.
Tristan's POV

This is all your fault. I hate you.

The words kept shouting loudly over and over in my head like a broken record. Ako
ang may kasalanan kung bakit nawala ang unang anak namin. Dahil din sa akin,
nandito ngayon sa ospital si Andi. I hoped and wished she and the baby was safe.
Hindi niya ako mapapatawad kapag may nangyari sa bata at hinding-hindi ko din
mapapatawad ang sarili ko.

Andi had been in the ER for almost an hour now. I found myself going to the chapel
and getting on my knees to pray to God, any God there was. I wasn't a religious
person but I prayed harder than I ever had.

Tinanggap ko lahat ng pagsubok na ibinigay mo. Hindi ako umangal, hindi ako
nagreklamo. Ngayon lang ako hihiling sa'yo. Don't take away our child. Please, not
our baby. Ako na lang, huwag ang anak ko.

I didn't realize I was already crying. Deep down I always knew that baby was mine.
I just knew. Maybe this was karma dahil sa panloloko namin kay Jason at kay
Aiko. Mabuhay lang ang bata hahayaan ko na sila kay Jason. Hinding hindi ko na sila
guguluhin. Hahayaan ko na siyang tumayo na ama ng bata kahit masakit para sa akin.
Please, just let the baby live.

Nang makalabas ako sa chapel, nakita kong kausap ni Valerie ang doktor. Nilapitan
ko silang dalawa.

"How's Andi?" I asked.

"We had to sedate her to calm her down." Sabi ng doktor. "We successfully stopped
the bleeding at maayos na ang kundisyon niya. Nagpapahinga na siya ngayon sa loob."

"And the baby?" Tanong ko.

"I just performed a pelvic exam and her cervix is closed. But we still have to run
a few tests to make sure the baby is in there."

Pumasok ako sa loob kung saan nakahiga si Andi sa isa sa mga kama. She was
unconscious and pale. I took her hand and kissed it. Huwag naman sana, pero hindi
ko alam kung paano niya tatanggapin kapag nalaman niyang wala na ang bata sa
sinapupunan niya. I would give up my life for our baby if I could. I spent a few
minutes just watching her. I had caused her so much pain to protect her but what
good did it do? I only ended up putting her through more pain.

"I love you." I kissed her on the forehead and left. I didn't want to stay long
enough to hear what the doctor had to say. Natatakot akong marinig na wala na ang
bata. Natatakot ako sa magiging reaksyon ni Andi. I wasn't prepared to deal with it
yet.

Lumabas ako ng kwarto at sinalubong ako ni Valerie.

"Ikaw muna ang bahala kay Andi. I already called Phoenix and he's on his way.
Please, don't leave her." Pakiusap ko sa kanya. I would've called her husband if I
knew his number but I didn't kaya si Phoenix na lang ang tinawagan ko.

"Where are you going?" She asked.

I didn't answer. Nagpatuloy ako sa paglakad. I just wanted to leave this place. I
didn't want to see Andi break. I would lose it.

I got in my car and just drove, I didn't know where I was going and at this point,
I could care less. I just knew I had to get away. I still couldn't wrap my head
around what had just happened. Hindi pa ako nakaka-recover sa nalaman ko tungkol sa
unang anak namin and now this happened. It was all too much to take in.

My eyes stung with tears and my heart felt like it was squeezed. I felt like I was
losing my mind. Hindi ko na alam ang gagawin ko. I was so lost in my thought and
everything was a blur. Hindi ko napansin ang truck na sumulpot sa harap ko.

I tried to step on the break but it was too late. My whole life flashed before my
eyes in a matter of seconds. Thirty years in only a couple of seconds. My life at
the orphanage, my life in the street, the first night I met Andi, the day I had to
let her go. It was like a movie on fast forward. The last thing that entered my
mind was her, my Andi. I closed my eyes, ready to face death as my car hit the 18
wheeler truck.

_______

Author's Note
Guys, may sariling story na si Valerie, ang kapatid ni Tristan. Ruthless Seduction
ang title. Here's the link in case you want to read it.
http://www.wattpad.com/story/9323019-ruthless-seduction (click on the external
link)

=================

Chapter Fifty Two

I didn't listen, I didn't believe him. I was really unfair to not listen to his
explanations. I blamed him for the longest time. I blamed every single thing that
went wrong on him. All he had ever done was try to protect me. Keep me safe. He
didn't leave me because of another woman or because he was tired of me.

I felt Valerie's hand on my shoulder as I cried.

"Where is he?" I looked up at her with tears still in my eyes.

"He was here ealier while you were unconscious." She answered. "He didn't tell me
where he went. Bigla na lang siyang umalis. He thought you lost the baby. I've seen
my brother injured and half dead but I've never seen him so... broken."

Gusto ko siyang makausap. I wanted to ask him a lot of things. I wanted to know why
he didn't tell me the truth. Why he had to hide it from me.

I was about to ask Valerie to call him but before I could, her phone rang. I was
hoping it would be Trstan. I wanted to talk to him so bad kahit sa phone lang. She
digged through her bag and took out her phone.

"Is it Tristan?" I asked, my voice full of anticipation.

She looked at her phone screen and shook her head. "Hindi ko alam kung kaninong
number ito." Sabi niya. "Excuse me, I'll just answer this call." She stood up and
got out of the room.

I looked at Phoenix, who was standing quietly next to my bed with his hands in both
his pockets.

"Nahuli ba ang mga gumawa sa kanya nun." I asked him.

He nodded his head.

"Why did they do it to him? What did they want?"

He shrugged his shoulders. "Kahit anong pilit namin ayaw nilang sabihin kung bakit
nila ginawa iyon o kung sino ang nag-utos sa kanila na gawin iyon."

"Bakit hindi mo sinabi sa akin?"

Kumunot ang noo niya. "I did. Nagbigay ako ang sulat kay uncle Harold para ipadala
sayo sa New York."

"I- I never got any letter."

"You wrote back."

"No, I didn't." I said, almost whispering. Si Harold... siya ang sumagot ng sulat.
I shouldn't be surprised. He would do everything para mapaglayo lang kami ni
Tristan. I didn't realize I was already clenching my fists in anger. "What did I
say in the letter?"

"Na kinasal na kayo ni Jason at wala ka ng pakialam kahit mamatay pa si

Tristan." Sabi ni Phoenix.

"It wasn't me. I would never say that!" I shook my head, my voice coming out
harsher than I intended to. Naiiyak ako sa galit kay Harold at sa awa kay Tristan.

Pareho kaming napalingon sa pinto ng pumasok si Valerie. Her face pale and covered
with tears.

"Tristan got in a car accident." She said in a dead voice.

When I heard what she said I felt as though my world collapsed. I heard Phoenix ask
if he was okay and Valerie said he was in a critical condition. It all sounded far
away, like I was listening to a movie in a low volume. I wanted to pinch myself,
hoping this was just a horrible dream. But it wasn't...

"Mahal ko..." It was the first word that came out of my mouth when I saw him.
Saying it felt like home to me. God, it felt so good to say that again. I lightly
touched his bruised face. He was so still and silent that he barely seemed alive.
My heart felt lke it was being torn into tiny pieces seeing him like this. There
were tubes attached to him, bandages wrapped around his body and head, his hearbeat
was being monitored on the screen. I knew it was bad, being as how many things were
attached to him.

His car was smashed against a truck. Dahil sa lakas ng impact ng pagtama ng kotse,
his body was thrown out of his car through the window and landed on the road like a
ragdoll. The doctor was honest with us. She didn't give us much hope. She said the
blow was severe and it was a miracle he wasn't killed on the spot.

"I'm sorry I lied to you." My voice was quievering from the tears that were
threatening to spill over. "The baby I'm carrying is yours, ours. I lied to you. I
know everything now. I'm sorry I didn't believe you."

Hindi ko na napigilan ang mapaiyak.

Why does it have to be him? Why? It's not fair...

"You have to wake up for our baby, for me, for everyone. Don't leave me again,
please... Tristan, wake up." I tried to shake him awake, I pleaded for him to wake
up but it was all in vain.

Marami pa tayong kailangan ayusin. You can't leave me again. Not now, not ever...

"Andi." I didn't know how long I've been staring at his face when I felt a hand on
my back. Nang maubos na ang mga luha ko, all I could do was stare at him. I turned
my head and saw a familiar face of a man. Jaime. Hindi ko alam na nandito pala
siya. Hindi ko na napapansin ang mga taong naglalabas-masok dito. Nagdatingan ang
mga kaibigan niya kanina but I didn't care. He was all I could see, he was all I
cared about... ang mahal ko.
His eyes were sad but he tried to smile. "Good to see you again, hija."

I hugged him and cried in his arms a little. He gently patted me on the back to
comfort me. When we broke the hug tumingin siya kay Tristan. His face full of
sadness.

"Hindi ako makapaniwalang nangyari ulit ito." He said in a broke voice, trying to
hold back his tears. "My son has already been through alot, and now for this to
happen again..." He shook his head.

Nagkuwento si Jaime tungkol kay Tristan. How he was when he was still little, how
they lost him. Kinuwento niya sa akin ang parehong storyang kinuwento ni Valerie.
He told me how they found out Tristan was his son, he told me I was the first
person he looked for when he got out of coma.

"It's already late. Hindi ba sabi ng doktor mo kailangan mong magpahinga?" Sabi ni
Valerie. I ignored her. I didn't want to leave him. I wanted to be the first person
he sees when he wakes up.

"Come on, ihahatid na kita." Narinig kong sabi ni Phoenix.

"Dito lang ako. I'll wait for him to wake up."

"You need to go home and take a rest." Si Valerie.

I shook my head. "I just don't want to leave him. He needs to wake up."

"You almost had a miscarriage, Andi. Kung hindi mo aalagaan yang sarili mo baka
kung mapano yang ipinagbubuntis mo." She gently said. "Hindi matutuwa si Tristan
niyan kapag may nangyari sa baby niyo."

"Kami na ang bahala kay Tristan. Hindi namin siya pababayaan." Jaime gave me a
faint smile. "He's going to be fine. My son will wake up. He has gone through this
before and he will get throught it again. I know that he's going to wake up."

"Dad's right. Makakaya ni Tristan ito. He's a tough guy just like his little
champ." Her gaze lowered to my stomach. "Saan pa ba magmamana yang baby niyo kundi
sa kanya din, di ba?"

It had been a month since he got into coma. Naghilom na ang mga sugat sa katawan at
mukha niya ngunit ganun pa rin ang kundisyon niya. He wasn't making any progress.
He was still asleep. I, on the other hand, was just trying to live. I sit in the
hospital for 14 hours everyday. Just holding his hand, talking to him, whispering
sweet nothings and asking him to wake up.

I sat next to him quietly and watched him as I stroke his hair. I used to do that
all the time, watch him sleep, take in the feel of his breath, the rise and fall of
his chest. He was just so beautiful but I would rather he be awake this time. I
would give anything to see his eyes open again.
"Alam mo ba kung anong araw ngayon, mahal ko? It's your birthday." I smiled. I
always talk to him as if he could hear me. I really wish he could. I didn't want
him to feel lonely wherever he is right now. I wanted him to know na nasa tabi niya
lang ako palagi. "Do you remember when you took me to the beach, sabi mo hindi mo
alam kung kailan ang birthday mo kaya bumili ako ng cupcake at ng candle sa
tindahan at kinantahan kita ng happy birthday."

"Well, I brought a cupcake today." I said. Tinanggal ko ang balot ng cupcake at

nilagyan ng kandila sa ibabaw. I started singing happy birthday to him, by the time
I finished the song my eyes were clouded with tears. "Ako na ang magwiwish para
sa'yo." I closed my eyes and wished for him to wake up before blowing the candle. I
took his hand in mine and entwined my fingers with his. And then I kissed the back
of his hand.

"I really miss you. Remember when life was simple? When it was just you and me. Our
life wasn't perfect back then but it was perfect for me because I had you in
it. Nung iniwan mo ako, those three years without you was hell. Don't do that
again. Don't leave me. I don't know what I would do without you." Idinantay ko ang
ulo ko sa kamay niya.

"Siguro kaya ayaw mo na gumising kasi napapagod ka ng intindihin ako. Maybe you got
tired and you couldn't take anymore pain." The tears I've been holding back began
to ran down my face. "You loved me even when I didn't deserve it. I've hurt you so
much and I'm sorry for that. I'm sorry I blamed everything on you. I'm sorry I said
those horrible things to you. Kapag nagising ka, I promise I will make it up to
you. I will take care of you, I will love you every single moment, and I will
always trust and believe in you. Gusto ko ulit marinig na tinatawag mo kong mahal
ko. I lied when I told you I hated it. You don't know what I would give to hear you
say it again. So, please come back. I need you and our baby needs you. You have to
live." Yumakap ako sa kanya. I buried my face on his neck and sobbed
uncontrollably.

It gets harder and harder to prentend to be strong everyday. Nahihirapan akong

makita siyang ganito. Natatakot akong baka hindi na siya magising. I thought about
the last time I saw him awake. I told him I hated him and I wish I could take it
back. I didn't really hate him. I wish I never said that. I wish I told him how I
really felt. That I was scared and I didn't want him to leave me. Sana hindi siya
naaksidente, sana wala siya ngayon dito.
"I love you, mahal ko. I love you..." I whispered against his neck.

I hired a private investigator para alamin kung nasaan na si Olivia at Harold. It

was time to make peace with myself. I knew I needed to let go of my anger, my
hatred, and my guilt. I needed to let go of the things I don't have the power to
change. I was ready to forgive them. It doesn't mean that what they did was okay
and I would welcome them in my life again. Hindi ko makakalimutan ang ginawa nila
sa anak namin ni Tristan pero tama si Aiko, kahit ano pang gawin ko hindi na
mababago ang mga nangyari. I had made a monster out of myself because of this
hate.

The place where Tristan and I used to live was far more better than this. Marumi
ang lugar, masikip, mabaho, maingay, magulo. The houses were made of old woods or
built with thatched roofs. Parang kahit kailan bibigay na ang mga iyon. Pumasok
kami sa masikip na eskenita at huminto sa isang pinto na halos sira-sira.

"Sigurado ka bang dito sila nakatira?" I asked the private investigator. I couldn't
believe that they would live in a place like this.

He just nodded his head. I hesitantly knocked on the door. It took a few seconds
before the it swung open. Olivia's eyes widened when she saw me. I was surprised
too. Malayong-malayo ang itsura niya sa Olivia na kilala ko. I had never seen her
hair this messy because she had always been vain about it. Her designer clothes
were replaced by a worn out oversized shirt and a long skirt. And she was only
wearing cheap flip flops instead of high heels. She was no longer the elegant
Olivia.

"Andi, honey..." There was genuine happiness in her eyes. She hugged me and I
didn't move. I just stood there like a log. Bumitaw siya sa pagkakayakap sa akin
pagkatapos ng ilang sandali at tinitigan ako. "Halika, pasok kayo."
"Maghihintay na lang ako dito sa labas." Sabi ng kasama ko. Tumango lang ako bago
pumasok sa loob.

"Pagpasensyahan mo na itong bahay namin." She said, embarrassment in her voice. I

looked around the small room. The woods in the room was in bad shape, the sofa on
the left side of the wall looked old and dirty, across from it was a small sink and
a table. Hindi ako makapaniwalang nakatira si Olivia at Harold sa lugar na ito.

"Sit down." She said with a smile as she gesture her hand at the sofa. Umupo ako
doon at tumabi siya sa akin. "Kumusta ka na? Hindi ka ba nahihirapan sa pagbubuntis
mo?"

I shook my head, I couldn't talk around the growing lump in my throat.

"Sino yang kausap-" Lumabas si Harold mula sa kwarto na natatakpan lang ng tela. He
stopped mid-sentence when he saw me. "Andi."

He looked thin, pale and weak. Malaki ang ipinayat niya mula ng huli ko siyang
nakita. Tumayo ako at lumapit siya sa akin para yumakap.

"Akala ko hindi na kita makikita ulit." He said breaking the hug and cupping my
face. Nangingilid ang mga luha sa mata niya. "Salamat sa pagpunta mo dito, anak."

"I just came here to give back what is yours." I said in a stiff tone. Inabot ko sa
kanya ang brown envelope na naglalaman ng dokumento ng mga ari-arian niya. I'm
giving back what I took from him.
He stared at it for awhile before taking it. "Thank you but more than anything I
just want your forgiveness. Naiintindihan ko kung bakit nagalit ka sa akin. I hope
you can forgive me for what I did, maybe not now but someday. "

"I have forgiven you but I don't want you to be a part of my life anymore."

Tumango-tango si Harold. There were tears at the corner of his eyes. "Your
forgiveness is what's important to me."

Tumalikod na ako at nagsimulang maglakad.

"Do you want to visit your baby?" Tanong ni Harold sa akin. What he said made me
stop. What did he mean?

Harold took me to a cementery and we stopped at one of the graves.

"Hanggang ngayon hindi pa rin ako pinatatahimik ng konsensya ko sa ginawa ko." He

said, his voice cracking. "I saw it. It was a baby, it was tiny but it was a baby.
It was my grandchild."

Baby Cordova. I traced the name on the tombstone and let out a sad smile. At least
now I know my wasn't thrown away like garbage, na may maayos siyang libingan. Pero
hindi pa rin nababawasan ang sakit sa dibdib ko.
"Hi, baby." I choked out as my eyes got watery. "You know I love you, right? I love
you even though I never got to meet you. I wanted you from the moment I knew you
were with me. There's never a day when I'm not thinking about you. I always wonder
what you would grow up to be like. How you would look like. Would you look like
your daddy or me? Would you have his eyes or mine? How would your laugh sound? I
wish I could've felt your kicks and heard your heartbeat. I wish I could've seen
your face and snuggle you against my chest. I wish I could've hold you and tell you
how much I love you." My tears were like were like waterfalls, neverending.

"Right now I want to be at peace with your loss. Lalo na ngayon na magkakaron ka na
ng kapatid. But no matter what, even after the baby comes you will always be my
first baby. You were the one who first grew inside me and that will never change."

=================

Chapter Fifty Three

CHUPEPAY- Thank you sa bagong cover ng TSGFL :)

______

"Sorry natagalan ako. Pinuntahan ko pa ang baby natin, mahal ko." I caressed his
cheek with the back of my hand. He looked so calm and serene yet it hurts to see
him like this. I wanted to see his eyes open. I wanted to hear his voice. I wanted
to feel his touch again. "They had him buried... we could visit him when you wake
up. You know, I always thought he was a boy when I was still carrying him." I
smiled, remembering the little time I had him inside me. "I imagine him looking
like you, handsome as his daddy."

"Three years old na sana siya ngayon. I'm sorry I haven't told you anything about
him yet so I will now. I was six weeks pregnant when I found out about him. I guess
that's why I was so moody. Palagi akong naiinis sa'yo pero palagi mo rin akong
nilalambing." I let out a small gigle. I remember getting annoyed with him for the
littlest things and I remember being insecure about everything. He would always
hug and kiss me until I feel better. He would always try to make me laugh when I'm
in a bad mood. He had the patience of a saint with me. He understood me even when
he didn't understand.
"You were with Valerie that day. I waited for you the whole night... I was so
excited to tell you that we were going to have a baby." I choked out. "But when you
came back the next day, you weren't the same. Gusto kong sabihin sa iyo ang
tungkol sa baby natin pero ayaw mo akong kausapin. I'm not mad at you anymore,
Tristan, I know everything now. You pushed me away to protect me."

"My biggest regret is I didn't tell you about our baby. Hindi mo man lang nalaman
ang tungkol sa kanya nung nasa tiyan ko pa lang siya. If you knew about him, I know
you would've loved him too." Kung nabuhay ang panganay namin alam kong magiging
mabuti siyang ama. Hindi pa naman huli ang lahat. I knew he would love the baby I
was carrying. He could still be a good father... if only he would wake up.

As the weeks went on, my stomach grew bigger and bigger. I still visit him
everyday, I talk and talk to him. I talk about everything. I read books to him. I
tell him how much I miss him, love him, need him. If I had to do it everday of my
life, I would. I will never get tired of taking care of him just like how he never
got tired of loving me.

"Hello, my beautiful wife." Nakaupo si Jason sa harap ng mini bar pag-uwi ko galing
ospital. There was a bottle of alcohol in front of him and an empty glass. He
poured himself another drink and down it in one gulp. He was about to pour himself
another one when I took the bottle from him.

"Why are you drinking again?" I asked, looking at him angrily. Ito na ang
pangatlong beses na naabutan ko siyang umiinom o lasing sa loob ng isang linggo. It
wasn't good for him. Jason used to be an alcoholic. It worries me that he might
slip back to his old habit.

He shrugged his shoulders. "To celebrate our divorce." And then he chuckled. Last
week I gave him the divorce paper to sign and he still haven't given it back to me.
I already gave him his share that I promised. Inaayos na rin ang kaso ni Meredith
para makalaya ito sa bilanguan. Wala ng dahilan pa para manatili kaming kasal. "Did
you ever love me, Andi? Even just a little?"

Hindi ako nakasagot. I only loved one man my whole life and that was Tristan. Our
marriage was just out of convenience. Pinakasalan ko siya dahil gusto kong makalayo
sa mga magulang ko, pinakasalan niya ako para makuha niya ang mana na iniwan sa
kanya ng dad niya.

He laughed like a madman. "Of course, you never did!" I was startled when he threw
the glass he was holding at the wall in front of him. He turned his head to me, his
eyes angry but full of hurt. "You never fucking did!"

I never thought he would take it like this dahil kahit kailan naman hindi kami
nagsama bilang totoong mag-asawa. I was scared by his reaction but I pity him at
the same time.

"Jason, please, calm down." I gently said.

"Ako ang nasa tabi mo nung kailangan mo ng karamay. Where the fuck was he when you
needed him! Wala, di ba?! Iniwan ka niya!" He shouted angrily. "Iniwan ka niya!
Nakalimutan mo na ba yun?"

"He didn't leave me. You don't understand..." I shook my head.

"What don't I fucking understand, Andi? What?!" He growled and slowly walked
towards me. I swallowed in fear when he grabbed both my arms. "You threw everything
we've worked for out of the window because of all that forgiveness bullshit!
Tristan left you! He left you for another woman and your parents killed your child!
I was the only one there when you needed someone. I'm even willing to father that
child... kahit kinamumuhian ko ang ama niyang dinadala mo!"
"Jason, let me go..." I whimpered, trying to pry myself from his grip. I was scared
he might hurt me. Natatakot ako hindi para sa sarili ko kung hindi para sa batang
dinadala ko.

"Alam mo kung anong klaseng lalaki si Tristan! He's a dirty gigolo! How could you
love a man like him?" Jason shook me.

"Jason, ano ba?! Nasasaktan ako!" I pushed him away, finally freeing myself.
Umurong ako palayo sa kanya. "You don't know anything about Tristan!"

"Siya ang may kasalanan kung bakit nakakulong ang ina ko at kung bakit namatay ang
ama ko! Siya ang sumira ng pamilya ko." He said through gritted teeth, tears
forming in the corner of his eyes. I wanted to comfort him but I didn't know how.

"He had no choice. Hindi niya ginusto iyon." I said in a small voice. I knew
everything about Meredith and Tristan. I knew Tristan used to be Meredith's lover.
I also found out na kay Meredith niya kinuha ang perang ibinayad niya sa ospital
noong nagkasakit ako. Kay Phoenix ko nalaman iyon. Ang hinala ng mga pulis, iyon
daw ang dahilan kung bakit siya pinagtangkaang patayin noon. It was because of me.
He chose to put his life in danger to save me. "He did it for me... I'm sorry. I'm
so sorry." And I told Jason what I knew.

"Binibilog lang nila ang utak mo..." He said shaking his head.

"I'm so tired of hating, Jason... It's exhausting. I know you're tired too.
Makakalaya na si Meredith. You can start a new life with her." Lumapit ako sa
kanya. He was already sobbing. I cupped his face and looked at him in the eye. "I
know you're a good person. I know who you really are. You don't deserve a life like
this. You deserve to be happy. Makakahanap ka din ng taong mamahalin mo at
magmamahal sa'yo."
He left after that night. Nag-iwan siya ng sulat at iniwan niya rin ang divorce
papers na may pirma niya. Sabi niya sa sulat babalik na daw siya sa New York kasama
si Meredith pagnakalaya na ito.

The doctor said I was already five months and two weeks pregnant. Pwede na din daw
malaman ang gender ng baby pero ayoko munang alamin. I didn't want to find out our
baby's gender without Tristan being there.

I excitedly went to his room after my check up. Idinikit ko sa pinboard nakasabit
wall sa ulunan niya ang sonogram ng baby namin. Nandun ang ultrasound picture niya
mula nung one month siya hanggang ngayon na five months na siya. I wanted to show
it to Tristan when he wakes up. I'll tell him everything about our baby. The
morning sickness, the changes in my belly, the first kick... everything. If only he
was here to experience all those things that happened. I let out a deep sigh and
tried to brush that depressing thought away. I knew the baby can feel my emotions
kaya iniiwasan kong malungkot.

I sat on the chair next to the hospital bed. I gave him a kiss on the lips and
stared at his handsome face. "The doctor said our baby is perfectly healthy." I
said, stroking his hair like I always do. Kinuwento ko sa kanya ang mga sinabi ng
doktor sa akin. That our baby was almost a pound and it already looks like a mini
baby.

I moved my fingers down his face and felt his familiar features, running my it
across his brows and tracing his eyelids. "You know what I love about you? Your
eyes. The way you look at me and the way they look right into mine. I hope our baby
will have your eyes. They're beautiful." I brought my fingers down to his lips and
slowly traced it. "And those lips... your smile, the way you kiss me, all the sweet
things you say to me. There's not one thing I don't love about you."
"It's been so long... Kailan ka ba gigising? I really miss you." Nung una siyang
na-coma, they said he woke up after two months. Bakit hanggang ngayon hindi pa rin
siya nagigising? "You know you have to wake up. You will, right? Your gonna be a
daddy... Kailangan ka namin ng baby natin. Kailangan niya ng tatay."

I inhaled deeply, fighting back the tears. It hurts and it was hard but I need to
hold myself together for my baby, for him. I couldn't imagine my child growing up
fatherless. I always thought I could do it without him but now I realize how wrong
I was. I need him and I'm scared of not being with him.

"Oh..." I felt the baby moving
took Tristan's hand and placed
Suddenly, our baby gave a hard
made me gasp. I had never felt
napangiti.
inside me, it probably felt what I was feeling. I
it on my stomach. I wanted him to feel it too.
kick under his hand and the surprise and discomfort
the baby move this strong before. Dahan-dahan akong

"You're trying to wake daddy up, aren't you?" Bumaba ang tingin ko sa tiyan ko. I
stroked Tristan's hand that was still placed on my stomach. "Naramdaman mo ba yun,
mahal ko? Pati ang baby natin ginigising ka na."

And then I felt his fingers flinch. For a moment, I forgot how to breathe. I was
shocked. I couldn't believe it. Did I really just felt Tristan's fingers move or
was I just imagining it? A flash of hope shot through my heart.

"Tristan..." I looked at him. His face was still the same, his eyes closed. But I
felt him move... I really did.

"Can you move again for daddy?" I asked. I was praying it would move again, baka
pag naramdaman niya ang baby namin magising na siya. It was hope against
hope. "Please, baby, wake him up."
And it was like the baby understood what I just said. It shifted inside me,
pressing against his hand.

"Oh my god!" Tears began to form at the corner of my eye when I felt his fingers
tightened on my belly. And I knew I wasn't imagining it. This was all real. He
really moved!

=================

Chapter Fifty Four

I stared down at Tristan, his mouth slighty opened and a soft groan mingled with
his breath came out of it. I felt my heart thumping wildly against my chest. I knew
this day would come, I knew he'd wake up. So many emotions ran through me and I
didn't know what to do with them.

"Tristan, do you hear me? Please, open your eyes." I desperately begged him.

His eyes slowly opened in a slit and quickly closed. Fear struck through me, I
didn't want him to close his eyes. Natatakot ako na baka hindi niya na idilat ulit
iyon.

"Mahal ko." I called him as I took his hand in mine and squeezed it. He slightly
opened his eyes again and looked at me but he didn't seem to take me in fully.
There was a glazed and confused look on his face, he looked disoriented. For a
moment, he darted his eyes around the room. Then he blinked as though trying to
focus.

"Tristan." A smile spread across my lips as tears continued to blur my vision. I

was trembling with anticipation and happiness. He was finally awake. I knew he
would never leave me again. Hindi niya magagawang iwan ako at ang anak namin. He
knew how much we needed him.

His eye flickered to mine, holding my gaze. A flood of warmth flooded my chest as I
look back at those familiar pair of eyes that made me fall in love every single
time. I felt him softly squeeze my hand back sending a rush of all kinds of
emotions.

"A... Andi..." He said weakly forcing it out of his mouth. I smiled even wider when
I heard him say my name, making my eyes water more. Tears of happiness came
streaming down them. I was happy to be there when he woke up, I was happy I was the
first person he saw when his eyes opened, I was happy he could talk and that he was
alive.

"I'm here." I leaned down to his face and cupped it in my hands. "Nandito lang ako,
mahal." I said before I kissed him on the forehead, the tip of his nose and finally
his lips. I looked at him after giving him kisses, he gave me a weak smile and
lifted his hand up to touch my cheek and wipe away my tears. I closed my eyes and
nuzzled my face against his palm, feeling his warmth. I had missed him so much, his
kiss and his touch. "I knew you wouldn't quit." I sobbed. I didn't let go of his
hand as I kept telling him I love him.

He tried to sit up but couldn't. A pained moan escaped his lips. I gently pushed
his shoulders down, not wanting him to hurt himself.

"Don't move, just lay down." I calmly said to him. "I'll call the doctor."

I reached for the intercom button next to his bed to call his doctor. I told the
nurse on the end of the intercom that Tristan was finally conscious. Two doctors
and three nurses quickly came to check him up.
"Do you remember how you got here?" Tanong sa kanya ng isa sa mga doktor.

He shook his head and tried to talk in a dry, weak voice. "I... I don't..."

"It's okay, don't force yourself to talk. You got in a car accident and sustained
serious cranial fractures." The doctor explained.

Habang tinitignan siya ng mga doktor tinawagan ko ang ama niya, si Valerie at ang
mga kaibigan niya para sabihin sa kanila na gising na si Tristan. Kauuwi lang ni
Jaime kaninang umaga para magpahinga dahil siya ang nagbabantay kay Tristan sa
gabi. He takes over during the night so I could go home and rest. Even though I
wanted to spend every hour of everyday with him I didn't want to abuse my body
because it wasn't mine alone anymore, I had to take care of myself because I was
carrying his child. Si Valerie naman ang madalas kong kasama dito sa ospital at
madalas kong nakakausap, we became close. Palagi din bumibisita ang mga kaibigan
niya sa kanya, even though they were busy with their own lives they never forget to
visit and check up on him. Sigurado akong matutuwa sila kapag nalaman nilang
nagising na si Tristan.

Pagkaalis ng doktor ay muli akong umupo sa tabi niya. I took his hand and kissed
it. He was looking at me now. I had so much I wanted to tell him but I was lost for
words. I didn't know how and where to start.

"The doctors said you're doing good." Sabi ko sa kanya, nagsimula na naman magtubig
ang mga mata ko habang nakatingin sa kanya. It was our baby that woke him up, what
happened was like a miracle. I couldn't believe he was looking back at me right
now. "You were gone for almost 4 months. I still can't believe you're finally
awake. I missed you so much."

Dahan-dahan bumaba ang tingin niya sa mata ko at bakas ang pagkagulat sa mukha niya
ng makita ang tiyan ko.
"It's... it's big." He said in a ruff and breathy voice, not leaving his gaze on my
round belly.

"Yes, I'm already five months along." I said smiling despite the tears. Kinuha ko
ang dalawang kamay niya at inilagay sa ibabaw ng tiyan ko. "Our baby woke you up...
You moved when you felt it kick..."

"Our?" He looked up at me with amusement and confusion. "Mine?" His eyes went back
on my belly.

"Yes, it's yours. It's our baby. I'm sorry I lied and told you it's Jason's." My
voice croacked. "You're the only man I've given myself to, I know it's hard to
believe but I'm telling the truth. I only married him because I wanted to get away
from my parents. I couldn't give myself to any man other than you because you're
the only one I've ever loved."

"Andi..." His eyes were soft and gentle.

"I know everything now, Tristan. They told me everything. I know why you had to
leave me and I'm sorry for not listening to you." More tears fell from my eyes. I
felt horrible. Kinailangan niya pa maaksidente para maniwala ako sa kanya.

"No..." He shook his head and tried to lift his arms to hug me but I could tell,
after being in coma for months, they were weak and limp. I leaned down and hugged
him, resting my head on his chest. This was where I belong...

"Can you forgive me?" I asked.

"Nothing... to... forgive..." He was still having a hard time talking. I looked up
at him, his eyes glistening with tears. Inangat ko ang ulo ko at ikinulong ko ang
mukha niya sa mga palad ko. I kissed him on the lips and he responded, slightly
moving it. Oh how I missed his kisses, his warm lips against mine.

The door opened and I quickly pulled away. Wayne was the one who opened it, he
grinned when he saw us.

"Finally, our sleeping beauty has awoken." He chuckled a bit as he smiled. Lumapit
siya kay Tristan at sandaling niyakap ito bago parang batang ginulo nito ang buhok
niya. "Glad to have you back, dude. We all missed you."

"Welcome back, buddy." Phoenix hugged him too and patted him on the shoulder.
"Malalaki na ang mga inaanak mo, magpagaling ka na dahil gusto na nilang makita ang
ninong Tristan nila." He was talking about his lovely twins, my beautiful niece and
nephew. Coco, as I fondly call Nicholas, and Audrey. They were both beautiful.

Patakbo namang lumapit si Valerie kay Tristan at niyakap ito. He winced at the
tight grip and she quickly let him go. "I'm sorry..." She giggled. "I'm just so
happy to see you awake!"

"Hey." Dahan-dahan na lumapit si Axel sa kanya, his hands in both his pockets.
Tristan faintly smield at him. Axel went to him and gave him a pat in the
back. "You fucking scared us again."

Next was Seth. "Dude, you've used up two lives. I know you still have seven lives
left but you gotta be careful next time."

Everyone laughed.
Naluluhang lumapit si Jaime sa anak. He lovingly patted his cheek before hugging
him.

All he could do was smile at them but I knew he was happy to see everyone.

After a week of staying in the hospital he was finally getting back in shape, he
had put on some of the weight that he lost while he was in coma. He was finally
returning to his old self again. Noong mga nakaraang araw palagi siyang tulog, the
doctor said it was normal because his body was still recovering. Now he doesn't
sleep as much as before. Whenever he was awake I tell him all the things I had told
him when he was still unconscious and he eagerly listens to me.

Now I was telling him how our baby woke him up. I smiled and looked at Tristan who
was sitting on his hospital bed and listening quietly like how a father would
listen to his child. I would never get tired of telling that story over and over
again. Balang-araw ikukuwento ko rin iyon sa anak namin. Someday, when our baby is
old enough I would tell our child how he or she woked his or her daddy up from his
deep slumber. Some may think it was a coincidence but I think it was more than
that.

Tristan smiled warmly at inabot niya ang tiyan ko. He wrapped his arms around my
waist and rubbed my pregnant belly. I put my arms around his neck. "Ikaw pala ang
dahilan kung bakit nagising ako. Thank you baby and I'm sorry I missed seeing you
grow this big." He said stroking my stomach. My hand went up to his hair and I ran
my fingers through it. Napangiti ako habang kinakausap niya ang baby namin.

"You have so much to tell me." I said quietly. "I want to know everything from you.
Tell me what happened." I had heard his dad, Phoenix and Valerie's story but I
still wanted to hear it from him. There were still so many things I didn't know.

He looked up at me. Sandali siyang natahimik bago siya nagsalita. He started

telling me the story that I had heard from Valerie. "I got scared for you. Natakot
ako na baka may gawin silang massama sayo kapag nalaman nila kung nasaan ka. The
only thing on my mind at that time was to keep you safe. I knew I couldn't do that
on my own and I felt helpless. Akala ko magiging ligtas ka kapag binalik kita sa
mga magulang mo..." His eyes were full of regret and sorrow. I leaned down and
kissed him on the forehead.

"Bakit hindi mo sinabi sa akin ang totoo noon pa lang? Why did you have to lie?" I
asked.

"I know how hard headed you are, Andi. Hindi ka makikinig sa akin kapag sinabi ko
ang totoo. Hindi ka papayag na ibalik kita sa kanila. I wanted you to hate me para
hindi ka humabol sa akin." Sabi niya. Well, what he said was true. I would've
stayed with him no matter what. Whatever happened good of bad, hindi ko siya iiwan.

"Who did it to you?" Tanong ko sa kanya.

He trailed off, almost as if he didn't want to tell me.

"Tristan?"

"Your... your father." His voice was soft but I heard it loud and clear, those
words exploded like a bomb in my ears. It felt as if my whole world had come
crumbling down. He wasn't even half as bad as I thought he was. He killed my child
and he tried to kill my child's father! How could he do this to us? "Inamin niya sa
akin ang lahat sa akin, ang tungkol sa anak natin at ang pagtangka niyang pagpatay
sa akin."
"Why?" My voice was weak to the point of tears.

"He wanted you back." He said. "at siguro natatakot siya na baka bumalik ka ulit sa
akin kaya sinubukan niya akong ipapatay."

And I coudn't hold the tears any longer. He had sarcificed so much for me. All
those times, I blamed him... it was actually my fault. Ako dahilan kung bakit
naranasan niya lahat ng paghihirap na naranasan niya noon. "I'm sorry... I'm so
sorry. It's my fault. I'm so sorry. Kung di dahil sa akin... kung hindi mo ko
nakilala hindi mangyayari lahat sayo yun."

"Shh... I don't want to hear anymore of that. It wasn't your fault..." He cupped my
face and looked me in the eyes. "Having you in my life is the best thing that ever
happened to me. If I have to go through it all over again, I would if it guarantees
a lifetime with you. I would die and live for you again and again. There's nothing
I won't do for you.."

He gently wiped my tears away and pulled my face to him.

After a few more days of staying at the hospital the doctors told us that he could
be released. Pagkalabas na pagkalabas niya pa lang sa ospital he said the first
thing he wanted to do was visit our first baby's grave.

We were sitting on the grass next to his grave. Nagsindi kami ng kandila at
inilagay ni Tristan ang baby blue teddy bear sa ibabaw nito. He talked to our baby.
He told him how much he loved him and he cried a little. Hinaplos-haplos ko ang
likod niya habang umiiyak siya.
We were ready to forget the pain of the past. We knew we had each other to lean on.
I was just thankful that we could still have a new beginning, a new day when so
many didn't... just like our little angel. I'm sure that was what our baby wanted.
He had taught us to forgive. Forgive ourselves, forgive each other and the people
who had hurt us in the past.

"He doesn't have a name yet." I said as I stroke his hair. Tristan was lying on the
grass with his head on my lap next to the grave. "What should we name him?"

"I know whatever you name him would be perfect for him." He said looking up at me.

"What do you think of Mr. Darcy?" I snickered. It was the hero from one of my
favorite book.

Kumunot ang noo ni Tristan at agad na sumagot "No."

"How about Rhett?" I asked, another hero from a book.

Sandali siyang nag-isip bago umiling.

"Tristan Zamora, Jr.?" My very own hero...

He smiled and nodded his head in agreement.

Nagising akong may nakapulupot na kamay sa tiyan ko. I felt Tristan's breath on my
hair, he was sound asleep next to me, spooning me. There was no better feeling than
waking up next to the man you love. I shifted to face him. He moaned and cuddled me
closer until my head was buried on his bare chest. I inhaled the familiar smell of
him. Mine. He is all mine.

I felt him kiss me on the forehead. "Morning." He said in that voice... that sexy
morning voice that I so much missed.

"Good morning." Sabi ko. I looked up at him and was greeted by a pair of beautiful
sleepy eyes. "May appointment ako sa doctor ngayon. Do you wanna come with me?"

"I wouldn't miss it for the world." He said with a smile. "Can I have my morning
kiss?" He said puckering his lips.

I gave him small kisses on his lips over and over. We both got up and took a shower
together and then we ate together. It felt so good doing all these things with him
again just like we used to a few years ago.

"It's a healthy baby boy." Sabi ng doktor sa amin. Tristan was sitting next to my
bed, he flicked his eyes from the monitor to me. This was the first time he had
seen his child live and he obviously had hard time tearing his eyes from the
monitor.

"We're having a boy." Masayang sabi ko sa kanya.

He looked at me with a combination of amusement, shock and happiness. "God, Andi,
thank you. Thank you for having my son." He kissed my forehead and I giggled. His
eyes went back to the monitor. "He's beautiful." He said in awe. I could see tears
forming on the corner of his eyes. I knew he would be a good father... and a loving
husband.

Pagkagaling namin sa check up dinala ko siya sa beach. The beach where he took me
for our 'first date'. He was surprised when I took him there. I already had it all
planned before we left the house earlier.

He sat on the sand and watched the waves with me, my back resting on his chest. I
was thinking of what I was going to say and how I should say it. When I gathered
enough strength, humarap ako sa kanya.

"Tristan Gonzales, Dominic Zamora, Tristan Zamora o kahit sino ka pa... mahal na
mahal kita. You are the only thing and everything I need in my life." I knelt down
in front of him and opened a small box. "Will you marry me?"

"Mahal ko..." Hinawakan niya ako sa braso at maingat na hinatak pagkatapos ay inupo
niya ako sa kandungan niya. He wrapped his arms around me and rested his hands on
my belly. I turned my head to him and he kissed me.

"So, will you marry me?" I asked him again when we broke from the kiss.

"Hmm..." He wrinkled his forehead like he was thinking hard. I just stared at him
nervously while waiting for him to answer. "Pwedeng bang pag-isipan ko muna?"

He had a second thought on marrying me? I frowned and hit him in the chest. "Forget
it!"

I tried to stand up from his lap but he held me down. Tawa lang siya ng tawa habang
sinusubukan kong kumawala sa kanya.

"Let me go!" Inis na sabi ko. "Pagkatapos mo kong buntisin..."

"Pinipikot mo na yata ako eh. Hindi ba gusto mo naman magpabuntis sa akin? You
practically stole my sperm from me." He grinned that annoying sexy grin.

I felt my face flush in embarrassment and anger. "I did not steal anything from
you! You gave it to me! Kung ayaw mo akong pakasalan, di huwag! Hindi naman kita
pinipilit!"

"Ok fine, I'll marry you." He said as if he was doing me a favor.

"Huwag na, nakakahiya naman sa'yo." I rolled my eyes.

"Nagtatampo na naman ang mahal ko." Malambing na sabi niya. He buried his face on
my neck and I shrugged it.

"Ito talagang nanay mo matampuhin eh ano, baby?" He said rubbing my stomach.

"Kasi yang tatay mo nakakainis." I said looking down at my tummy.

He chuckled. "I was supposed to be the one asking you to marry me. Naunahan mo lang
ako." He reached for something on his pocket and took it out. Iniharap niya iyon sa
akin at binuksan.

"Do you remember the first time I proposed to you and I didn't have any ring to
give you? Hindi ba ipinangako ko sa'yo noon na bibilhan kita ng singsing?" He said
taking out the ring from the box. It was beautiful, it was a white gold band with a
perfectly round diamond on the center. He took my hand and he paused just as he was
about to slip it on my finger. I was already wearing a simple gold wedding ring.
Ang wedding ring namin. Nothing could be more beautiful than this ring on my
finger.

"You've kept it." He said, sentimentally. A smile slowly spread across Tristan's
face and then he pulled the necklace he was wearing out of his shirt. Nakabit ang
parehong singsing sa kuwintas niya. Hinubad niya iyon at kinuha ang singsing.

"Gusto kong isuot mo ulit sa akin ito." He said, giving me the ring.

I took it from him and slipped it on his finger and I knew from that moment there
would never be any other person for me. He was my first love, my last and my only.

=================

Chapter Fifty Five

"Inalagaan ng prinsesa ang prinsipe hanggang sa isang araw muli siyang nagising sa
mahimbing na pagkatulog." Sabi ni Tristan. Nasa orphanage kami ngayon at
nakapalibot sa kanya ang mga bata habang nagkukuwento siya. They were all sitting
on the grass, I was about to call them inside for lunch but I didn't want to
interrupt their fun. I decided to stay and listen to Tristan's story about the
prince and the princess. Our story. "Naisip ng prinsesa na hindi na siya
makakahanap ng kasing kisig, kasing gwapo at kasing bait ng prinsipe niya kaya
pinikot niya ang prinsipe bago pa maagaw sa kanya sa kanya ito ng ibang babae."
I frowned and couldn't help but say, "Hindi kita pinikot!"

"Nandyan ka pala, mahal ko." He turned his head to me with that boyish grin. Kinuha
niya ang kamay ko at hinatak niya ako paupo sa harap niya. He made me sit between
his legs and he wrapped his arms around me.

"Ikaw kung anu-ano sinasabi mo sa mga bata. Ang yabang mo talaga!" I said, acting
annoyed but smiling at the same time.

Tumawa lang siya bago idinantay ang ulo sa balikat ko. "O sige na nga, di na
pinikot ng prinsesa ang prinsipe. Nagpropose ang prinsesa sa prinsipe pero bawal
tumanggi ang prinsipe."

"Alam niyo, hindi naman pinipilit ng prinsesa ang prinsipe magpakasal sa kanya.
Kung ayaw niya, pwede pa naman siyang umatras." Sabi ko sa mga bata.

"Pero syempre, di yun gagawin ng prinsipe kasi mahal na mahal niya ang prinsesa.
Hindi niya na hahayaan magkalayo pa sila ng prinsesa niya lalo na ngayon na," He
looked down my stomach and fondly carressed it. "magkakaron na sila ng sariling
prinsipe."

"Ano ba yang nasa tiyan mo, ate Andi? Bola po ba yan?" Inosenteng tanong ni
Isabelle habang nakatingin sa tiyan ko.

"Hindi, nasa loob ng tiyan niya ang prinsipe namin." Natatawang sagot ni Tristan.
Nanlaki ang mata ni Isabelle. "Kinain niya po ang prinsipe?!"

Everyone started to laugh, including me.

"Maiintindihan mo din yan paglaki mo." Tristan answered, when his laugh subsided.

"Si ate Andi po ba ang prinsesa sa kwento?" Carol asked, bemused.

"Oo, siya ang prinsesa ko." Sabi ni Tristan. He held my chin between his fingers
and turned my head to him to kiss me on the forehead. The kids started making the
ayieee sound. Natawa lang kami pareho ni Tristan.

"Eh di ikaw ang prinsipe ni ate Andi, kuya Tristan?" Si Maggie.

"Wala ng iba." He said with a smile.

"Pinatatawag na pala kayo ni sister sa loob para kumain." Sabi ko sa kanila ng

maalala ko kung bakit ako lumabas dito.

"Masamang pinaghihintay ang pagkain. Pumasok na kayo." Sabi ni Tristan. Mabilis

naman sumunod ang mga ito at tumayo na para pumasok sa loob hanggang sa kami na
lang dalawa ang naiwan.
"Paano kung ganyan kadami ang anak natin?" He asked looking at the children.

"Okay lang, basta ikaw ang magbubuntis at manganaganak." I answered.

He just chuckled and started stroking my hair. We sat in silence for a few
minutes.

"I know what I want to name our baby." I said, breaking that silence.

"What?" Tanong niya.

"I want to name him after St. Ivo of Kermartin, he protected the poor and the
orphans. Yvo Zamora. What do you think?" And I want him to live up to that name
because his father was once a poor orphan too.

"I think it's perfect." He said.

We were lying in bed, my head rested on his bare chest while he drew random
patterns on my arm. It was a weekened morning and I just wanted to cuddle with my
husband. A smile spread across my face as I remember what happened last night. We
made love. Kind of. We didn't go all the way because I was already on my third
trimester and he was scared he might accidentally hurt me or the baby. But we found
other ways to pleasure each other.

He moved and layed down on my legs. Kinausap niya ang baby namin katulad ng palagi
niyang ginagawa. Our baby seemed to already recognize his voice because everytime
Tristan talks to him I could feel him move.

"Baby Yvo, excited na kaming makita ka." He said, stroking my belly. I looked down
at his hair and slowly ran my finger through it as he talked to our baby. "Alam mo
ba na ang nanay mo ang pinakamagandang babae na nakilala ko. I fell in love with
her the first time I saw her."

"I don't believe you. You never even wanted to take me with you the first time we
met." I pouted.

"But I did, didn't I?"

"Yeah, after I gave you a thousand pesos." I rolled my eyes. "Ayaw mo pa nga akong
pasakayin sa bulok mong motorcycle hangga't di ko binibigay sayo yung one thousand
pesos."

He let out a small laugh. "Kailangan ko kasi ng pera noon dahil mapuputulan na ako
ng kuryente. Why do you have to ruin the moment? I'm trying to be sweet here!"

"Okay, I'm sorry." I said, trying not to laugh.

"Pero seryoso, I found you cute with your dorky glasses, your messy bun and silly
personality." Tristan looked at me, his smile not leaving his face. "I didn't even
understand how I felt at that time kasi ikaw pa lang ang unang babaeng nagparamdam
sa akin nun. "

I felt that fluttery feeling in my stomach. God, I was already pregnant with his
baby but he could still make me feel like a schoolgirl with a crush.

"Ang galing mo talaga mangbola." Nakangiting sabi ko.

"Hindi kita binobola. I love you." He took my hand and kissed it. "Ikaw lang ang
babaeng mamahalin ko."

"Puro ka ganyan. Baka mamaya mangbabae ka na dahil hindi na ko sexy."

Tumawa siya ng malakas. "You're still the sexiest woman for me and the only girl
I'll ever love as much as you would be our future daughter."

The phone rang and we both tried to ignore it. It kept on ringing until Tristan was
forced to get up and answer the phone.

"Hello?" Maya-may naging seryoso ang mukha niya at tumingin siya sa akin.

"It's Olivia." Sabi niya sa akin. "Gusto ka niyang makausap."

I shook my head. "I don't want to talk to her. Ibaba mo na yan."

"Something happened to your dad." He said. I just stared at him for awhile with a
blank expression. I've already cut ties with them. I didn't know if I should care
or not. "Mahal, kausapin mo na siya." Pakiusap ni Tristan. Paulit-ulit siyang
nakiusap hanggang sa napilitan na akong kunin iyon.

"Miranda?" I hard Olivia's voice.

"Ano'ng kailangan niyo?" I asked in a cold tone.

"Gusto kang makita ng daddy mo. He had a heart attack again. He thought he wouldn't
make it and he told me to tell you he loves you." Her voice sounded like she had
been crying. I took a sharp breath of air as I felt my chest getting heavy. It was
impossible for me not to care. He was still my father, no matter what he did. Agad
kaming sa ospital pagkatapos kong makipag-usap kay Olivia.

"Sweety." Olivia forced a smile when she saw us but I could see clear sadness in
her eyes. She hugged me and I felt her need for comfort. I found myself hugging her
back and after a moment I pulled away.

"How is he?" I asked. She told me that he had been diagnosed with an incurable
heart disease and the doctor gave him no more than a year to live. I felt a gut
wrenching feeling in my stomach. Tristan squeezed my hand, silently comforting me.

Pinapasok nila ako sa loob ng kwarto at naiwan silang dalawa.

I slowly walked to him and my eyes started to sting. For the first time in a long
time, I saw my daddy. Not the monster that killed my child but the father I've
loved. It was my daddy who was the first to wake up on Sunday mornings to teach me
how to ride a bike. He was the one who reads me bedtime stories everynight as he
stroke my hair. He was the one who'd give me piggyback rides when he came home from
work and he was the one who would always tell me how pretty and loved I was. He was
the one who never missed any school plays or parent-teacher conferences. Hindi siya
nagkulang sa pagiging ama sa akin. He had been a good father to me and then he made
that one great mistake.

"Daddy..." My chest tightened and I felt a knot in my throat. He opened his eyes
and when he saw me his eyes started to water.

"Andi, anak?" His voice sounded strained.

I nodded my head.

"Salamat sa pagbisita mo. You don't know how happy you've made me today." His eyes
started to water. I threw my arms at him and hugged him. I let out a sob as tears
pour down.

"Daddy..." I cried.

"Don't cry. Baka makasama sa apo ko." He cupped my face and wiped my tears. "I
missed my baby girl." He was smiling an honest,eye crinkling smile as he looked at
me. "I heard you and Tristan are getting married, he's a good man."

I nodded my head. "He is, daddy."

"I wish I had known that earlier." Guilt and shame flashed across his face. "Ang
dami kong kasalanan sa inyo. Maybe this is my punishment... this isn't even enough
for what I've done to you and Tristan.

"I'm not afraid to die, Miranda. Pero alam mo ang kinakatakot ko? Natatakot ako na
pagnamatay ako makaharap ko ang apo ko at itanong niya sa akin kung bakit ko iyon
ginawa sa kanya. I'm afraid to tell my gandchild that I did that because I'm a
horrible, selfish man." His voice was shaking as tears flooded down his
face. "Araw-araw kong pinagsisisihan ang ginawa ko." He started sobbing. Now, the
strongest man I knew was crying. I never saw him like this before. "When I see my
grandchild, sasabihin ko sa kanya na mahal na mahal mo siya. He would have been
lucky to have you as a mother."

I put my head on his shoulder and I wrapped my arms around him like I used to do.

Everything was forgiven. Magkakaron na kami ng anak ni Tristan. I wanted to be

truly happy and I know I'll never will if I kept living in the past. I didn't want
the past to continue haunting my present. Some things will leave heavy marks on us.
It may take a while to fade away but eventually, It will. And everything will be
good.

The wooden church door opened and I almost teared up when I saw Tristan standing at
the end of the aisle. There he was, my first love, looking at me with the same look
he gave me years ago while he stood at that very same spot. The look in his eyes
made me feel as if I was the most beautiful girl in the universe. I hugged mom and
stood next to my dad who would be the one to walk me down the aisle.

I took a deep breath when the music played and we slowly started walking, I never
took my eyes off Tristan. I remember walking down this same aisle years ago. I
vividly remember the sight, the feelings and thoughts I had at that time. Those
memories will always stay fresh in my mind. I remember feeling like I was floating
in pure bliss and having this same tingly sensation in my stomach. I remember
seeing Tristan in his white shirt and tattered jeans with a proud smile on his face
as I walk towards him. He was still wearing that same smile today. This was exactly
how I pictured our wedding in my mind back then. Naramdaman ko na lang ang
pagbagsak ng mga luha ko habang iniisip ko iyon. We've made it. We've kept our
promise to each other. Sa kanya lang ako at sa akin lang siya. That will never
change. I will always be his and he will always be mine.

It doesn't matter how long it takes, whatever happens or who you've become, in the
end you will always find your way back to the person you were meant to be with. I
was glad I finally found my way back to him. Something pulled us back together,
something bigger than ourselves, and I will forever be thankful for that. They say
everyone gets a miracle in life and he happened to be mine.

Finally, I've reached the end of the aisle. It was kind of funny, ang dating
humadlang sa kasal namin noon ang siya ngayon naghatid sa akin kay Tristan.

"Take care of my daughter." Dad said.

"I will, sir." Sabi ni Tristan. Dad gave him a pat on the shoulder before passing
me to him. His eyes were misty as he looked softly at me. Sandali niya akong
tinitigan na parang tinatanong kung totoo ba ang lahat ng ito. I laughed through my
tears and he hugged and kissed me on the forehead.

"I love you." He said in a hush whisper, wiping away my tears.

"I love you, too." I said.

He knelt down and kissed my stomach, where our future son was. Tumayo siya, kinuha
niya ang kamay ko at sabay kaming naglakad papunta sa altar. A couple of years ago
we made our vows here. Sabi niya noon hindi importante ang marriage certificate
dahil papel lang iyon. I knew in my heart he was already my husband and no piece of
paper could solidify it but I was happy that we were finally going to make it
official in front of all the people we love.

Nagsimulang magsalita ang pari at natuon ang atensyon ng lahat sa kanya. Hindi
binitawan ni Tristan ang kamay ko sa buong seremonya.

"Miranda Cordova, do you before these witnesses take this man to be your lawfully
wedded husband and do you promise that from this day forward you will be his
faithful wife, for better or worse, for richer or poorer, in sickness and in
health, to love him and to cherish him, till death do you part?"

"I do." My eyes were starting to water again.

"Tristan Zamora, do you before these witnesses take this woman to be your lawfully
wedded wife and do you promise that from this day forward you will be her faithful
husband, for better or worse, for richer or poorer, in sickness and in health, to
love her and to cherish her, till death do you part?"

"I do." Sagot niya.

"You may now kiss the bride."

Ipinikit ko ang mga mata ko ng bumaba ang ulo niya sa akin. He kissed me and in
that kiss I tasted forever.

=================
Chapter Fifty Six - Final Chapter

"Tristan..." Nagising ako sa impit na ungol ni Andi. I opened my eyes and saw her
writhing in pain next to me. Agad nawala ang antok ko at napaupo ako sa mula
pagkakahiga.

"Is it time?" I asked her as I wiped the beaded sweat from her forehead. I could
see the agony on her face and I tried hard not to freak out.

"I- I think so." She said in a shaky voice, gripping on my wrist and squeezing it
as if she was trying to stop the pain. "Ang sakit, Tristan. It hurts so bad."

She was already on her ninth month and when we went for a check up last week the
doctor said she was ready to give birth anytime soon. Now was the time. My heart
was pounding so loud that I could almost feel it jumping out of my chest. I didn't
know what to do to comfort her. Hindi ko alam kung paano ko pahihintuin ang sakit.
Kung pwede nga lang ako na ang sumalo nun.

I tried to calm myself down and got up from bed. We already packed the things we
needed for the hospital weeks ago. Kinuha ko ang bag kung saan nakalagay ang mga
gamit ng baby at mga damit ni Andi at sinabit sa katawan ko.

"Kaya mo bang tumayo?" I asked her.

She nodded. "Yeah... It just hurts so bad. I just want it to stop." She said in a
wince. I hate seeing her in pain like this, if there's only something I could do to
take it away. Andi carefully rolled to the side of the bed and sat up. Hinawakan ko
siya at inalalayan sa pagtayo. I wrapped my arm around her waist and held her wrist
in the other hand as I guided her downstairs. She looked at me and I smiled hoping
it would hide the turmoil and panic I was feeling inside.
Maingat ko siyang inupo sa passenger's seat at sinuotan ng seatbelt. Then I
hurridly ran to the driver's seat. I was so excited but at the same time I was
scared, worried, panicking. I had no idea how to handle things like this.

"Masakit pa ba?" Kinuha ko ang isang kamay niya habang nagmamaneho ako. I just held
and stroked it, wishing it would ease the pain she was feeling.

She just nodded as an answer. I didn't let go of her hand hanggang makarating kami
sa ospital, that was the least I could do for knocking her up and putting her
through this kind of pain. Agad na may sumalubong na nurse sa amin pagpasok namin
sa ER. Namumutla na si Andi sa sakit ng makarating kami doon. They made her lie on
the bed and the doctor checked her.

"The patient is in active labor. Eight centimeters dilated." Sabi ng doktor. The
doctor told me it wouldn't take long before she gives birth. I already wanted it to
end. Nahihirapan akong makitang nahihirapan siya. It was almost like I could feel
her pain.

"You'll be fine. It's going to be ok." Bulong ko sa kanya habang hawak ko ang kamay
niya at hinahalik-halikan ko siya. I did my best to stay calm and try to comfort
her.

She smiled faintly at me. "I'm so excited to see him."

"Ako din." I smiled back at her and kissed her on the forehead. I stroked her hair
as I whispered things to her. Anthing to get her mind off the pain. We waited and
waited until she was finally ready to give birth. At that moment I never wanted to
get her pregnant again even though we were planning to have two children. If it
means she'd have to go through this pain again then I think I'd pass.
"Anak, huwag mong pahirapan ang nanay." Sabi ko habang marahang hinahaplos ang
tiyan niya.

"TRISTAAAAAAAAAAN!" She screamed on the top of her lungs as her fingers dugged on
my wrist. After about an hour of labor, our baby was ready to come out.

"Misis, relax lang po." Sabi ng nurse. Andi's face was red, she was breathing
heavily and sweating like hell.

"It's okay... Nandito lang ako." Sabi ko sa kanya habang hawak ko ang kamay niya.

"Okay, misis, push." The doctor instructed her and she did. It took her several
push before the baby came out. Tears automatically fell down my eyes when I heard
our baby's cry. Tumingin ako kay Andi. She looked exhausted, her eyes half open but
happiness was radiating from her face. I kissed her on the lips and thanked her for
putting up with the pain and for bringing my son in this world.

Pinahawak ng doktor sa akin ang bata. His warmth and his cry were overwhelming, I
couldn't believe I was holding my child for the first time. He was so beautiful.
Everything went quiet the moment I held him. It was as if time stood still for me,
as if the universe allowed me to have this moment with my child. A moment that
would last forever. All I could feel was pure happiness, so much happiness that it
made me cry. He was worth it.

"He has your eyes and your lips." Nakangiting sabi ni Andi habang karga si Yvo.
The sun was just starting to rise and we were in our private suite. Sandali kong
pinagmasdan ang mag-ina ko at napangiti. Motherhood really suited her.
Andi looked heavenly as the morning rays of sun shined lightly through the window
highlighting her face and hair and glowing her skin. It gave her an almost
otherwordly glow. She looked like an angel with an angel baby in her arms. It was
the most beautiful sight I've ever seen. My heart swelled with pride and joy that I
felt like it could burst. This woman is my wife and the child in her arms is our
son. I felt like I was the luckiest guy on earth.

"Isn't he cute?" Andi looked up at me with her beautiful smiling face.

"He's perfect." Sabi ko bago nagbaba ng tingin sa anak namin. "He has your nose and
the shape of your face. He's the perfect combination of us."

Pagkaraan ng ilang sanadali ay nagsimula ng umiyak si Yvo. I watched as she pulled

her hospital gown to reveal one of her perfectly round and full breasts. Inilapit
niya ang anak namin sa dibdib niya. Yvo quickly latched on her nipple and suckled
on it. I was wrong about what I said earlier. This was the most beautiful sight
I've ever seen. It looked so pure, so serene, it filled me with some form of peace.
I didn't know how to explain it but it was close to the feeling you get while
watching the ocean or a beautiful sunset. Only a hundred times better.

I reached over and carressed Yvo's cheek with one, single finger as he sucked on
Andi's breast.

"You're a lucky little man, do you know that?" Sabi ko habang pinanonood
siya. "Those used to be mine."

Andi chuckled. "Nagseselos sa'yo ang tatay, baby." Then she looked at me. "From now
on, you'd have to share me."

"I know." I said, faking a pout before kissing her on the lips. "Thanks for having
him, Andi. I love you."
"I love you, too."

"How are you feeling?" Tanong ko sa kanya.

"How am I feeling?" She said as if she didn't understand what I just asked her.

"Yeah, you just gave birth a few hours ago. Are you okay?"

She noddded her head and smiled. "Yeah, I'm just a little tired."

"Pagkatapos mong magpadede matulog ka na. Ako na ang bahala kay Yvo." Sabi ko.

Once Yvo was done, I took her from Andi and I burped and rocked him to sleep. It
wasn't long before the two of them were sleeping peacefully. I sat on the chair
next to Andi and rested my head on the bed. I hadn't realize I fell asleep too
until a small knock on the door woke me up. Tinignan ko ang mag-ina ko na mahimbing
pa rin na natutulog bago tumayo para buksan ang pinto.

Bumungad sa akin ang mommy at daddy ni Andi. Tinawagan ko sila kanina para sabihin
sa kanila na nanganak na si Andi. Napatawad ko na sila sa ginawa nila. He had
already paid for his past mistake. Masakit pa rin ang nangyari sa unang anak ko
pero kailangan na namin isara ang bahaging iyon ng buhay namin. For me, forgiveness
was part of the healing process. And who was I to not forgive?
"Congratulations, Tristan, you're now a dad." He happily said, giving me a pat on
the shoulder.

"Thanks, dad. Come in." Aya ko sa kanila.

"Where's our grandson?" Tanong naman ng mommy ni Andi at naglakad papasok sa

kwarto. She stopped in front of the hospital bassinet where Yvo was. "What a
gorgeous baby. Harold, tignan mo, he looks just like our Andi when she was little."

Lumapit si dad at sinilip ang sanggol. "Hello there, little guy."

Yvo started to move and began making small noises.

"Aw, you woke him up." Mom said with a giggle.

Lumapit ako sa kanila at maingat na kinarga si Yvo para mahawakan nila. "Anak, may
bisita ka. Nandito ang lolo at lola mo." I softly whispered to my son.

"Oh no, I'm too young to be a lola. That just won't do." She said while playing
with my son's hand, he caught her finger and cluched on it. Dad rolled his eyes
smiling and I grinned back at him. Then he turned his attention to Yvo.

"Do you want to carry him?" Tanong ko.

"Sure." Excited na sabi ni mom. I handed my son to her. "Harold, parang kahapon
lang buhat buhat ko si Andi. Ngayon ang baby natin may baby na."

"Yeah." A nostalgic smile appeared on his face while fondly looking at his
granchild. Nag-angat siya ng tingin sa akin. "You better enjoy him everyday. He'll
change and grow so fast it will make you crazy."

I smiled at him and nodded my head. Pinanood ko lang sila habang nilalaro nila si
Yvo. They were both mesmerized with our little cherub.

"Mom... dad..." Napalingon kami kay Andi ng marinig namin siya. She was finally
awake and smiling while staring at us.

"How's my baby?" He asked in a concerned tone while stroking her hair.

"I'm fine, daddy."

"Yvo looks exactly like you when you were little." Sabi ni dad kay Andi.

"How are you feeling?" Tanong naman ni mom. I took Yvo from her para maasikaso niya
si Andi.

"I feel great." Andi said with a wide smile on her face.
"You know, after I gave birth to you I felt like crap. Twelve hours yata akong
naglabor noon." mom chuckled.

"Buti nga hindi niya ako masyadong pinahirapan. And Tristan made it alot easier for
me." She looked at me lovingly.

"Isn't it cute? Two fathers taking care of their babies." Sabi ni mom habang
nagpalit-palit ng tingin sa amin. Andi reached out her arms to me at lumapit ako sa
kanya. She took our son in her arms and held it gently. Hinalikan ko siya sa noo.
Just when I thought it was impossible to love her more than I already do, she
proves me wrong.

That afternoon my father and Valerie came to see Yvo too. Tuwang-tuwa si dad ng
makita niya ang unang apo niya at ganun din si Valerie.

The years had flown by so quickly and so much had happened. Yvo was now four years
old. Harold died peacefully after Yvo's first birthday. We made the best out of his
remaining time and I believe that he died happy. Olivia opened her own orphanage at
doon niya inilaan ang oras niya. Inimbitahan namin si Aiko at Jason noong binyag ni
Yvo bilang ninang at ninong, akala ko nga hindi sila dadating but they did. Naayos
na ang lahat sa pagitan namin, napatawad na nila kami. We even became good friends.
Nagkamabutihan silang dalawa hanggang nauwi din sa kasalanan. Yes, Aiko and Jason
got married. Who knew they'd end up together? Nang ikasal sila inimbitahan nila
kami sa New York at ginawang ring bearer si Yvo.

"Pew! Pew! Pew!" I shot him with a water gun, he ran away from me and I pretended
to miss him. Then he squirted the water gun he was holding to me. We were at our
backyard playing like any other ordinary day.
"Aaaaahhh!" Ipinatong ko sa dibdib ko ang palad ko, kung saan niya ako natamaan ng
tubig at nagkunwaring nasaktan. I dropped to the ground and just layed there. I
slightly opened my eyes and saw him walking towards me.

"Tatay..." He shook my shoulder.

Bigla ko siyang niyakap pahiga at tumawa siya. "Drop the gun and surrender
yourself!"

"No!" He laughed, shaking his head.

"Tristan... Yvo..." Narinig kong tawag ni Andi. Natigilan kaming dalawa at

nagkatinginan.

"Naku, lagot tayo sa nanay mo." Sabi ko sa kanya. Agad kaming tumayo at nagtago sa
likod ng puno. We watched from there as Andi walked outside. Luminga-linga siya sa
paligid na parang hinahanap kami. Yvo covered his mouth, trying to surpress a
laugh.

Nagkatinginan ulit kaming dalawa ng anak ko. "Okay, on the count of three babarilin
natin si nanay. One... Two... Three..."

Lumabas kami sa pinagtataguan namin at binaril ng water gun si Andi.

"Ahhh! No! Stop it, you two!" She held up her hands as if to shield herself. "Kayo
talagang mag-ama kayo!" She grabbed my water gun and started shooting both of us.
Kinarga ko si Yvo at tumakbo, he started shooting her while he laughed.

And then her gun ran out of water and when I realized it, she quickly dropped the
gun and ran away from us.

"Bwahahahaha! Victory is ours!" Sigaw ko habang hinahabol ko siya at binabaril siya

ni Yvo. We chased her until she was trapped.

"Barilin mo si nanay." Sabi ko kay Yvo.

"No! Yvo!" She pleaded.

He aimed the gun at his mother. "One, two, three. Fire!" And he shot her. Andi
squealed as we squirt her with water. By the time the water gun ran out of water
she was already soaking wet.

"Okay, enough! Come on you two, time for a bath!" Sabi ni Andi.

"Tatay!" Yvo said as if complaining.

"She's the boss." Sabi ko sa kanya.

"I don't want a bath." He said, pouting his cute little lips.

"You don't want to take a bath?" Hinawi ni Andi ang ilang hibla ng buhok na
nakatabing sa mukha ng anak namin. "You're way too dirty. At saka basa ka na, baka
magkasakit ka."

"We'll take a bath together. How does that sound?" Sabi ko sa kanya.

"Mmm..." He paused for a moment, as if he was thinking about it. "Okay!"

Pumasok na kami sa bahay at umakyat sa kwarto namin ni Andi papunta sa banyo. Andi
already had a warm water ready in the tub. We both got in and I watched as Yvo
played with his boat toy. Andi sat on the side of the tub and shampooed his hair.
She was the best mother and wife anyone could ever ask for.

When we were all finished cleaning ourselves and getting dressed we decide to visit
Junjun, our first baby and Andi's dad. Magkatabi lang ang libingan nila. Yvo knew
about his 'big angel brother'. Madalas sabihin sa kanya ni Andi na may kapatid
siyang anghel and that he was looking after him.

"When will I get to play with kuya Junjun?" Tanong ni Yvo habang nakaupo kami sa
harap ng puntod ng kapatid niya.

"You can't because he's in heaven." Sagot ni Andi.

"Where's heaven? Pwede ba tayong pumunta dun?" He asked, innocently.

"No, baby, heaven is too far away." Sagot ko. "May kalaro ka naman dito, yung mga
pinsan mo at saka yung mga kaibigan mo sa orphanage."

"But I can't play with them all the time." He pouted.

Nagkatinginan kami ni Andi. Maybe Yvo wanted a sibling. I wonder if she was
thinking the same thing.

Andi's POV

Nasa kwarto ni Yvo si Tristan, he was reading our son a bedtime story when I left
them. It became our ritual, every night we'd sit next to him in his bed and read
him bedtime stories. Iniwan ko muna ang mag-ama ko para makapag-shower. I put on a
really sexy nightdress and waited for my husband. I decided I wanted to get
pregnant again and I was going to tell Tristan.

I positioned myself when I heard the door open, laying myself on the bed with my
elbows propped. He had a tired look in his eyes when he came in the room but when
he saw me his eyes immediately lightened up. I guess he wasn't so tired for this
after all.

"Report for duty, my soldier of love." I seductively said as I opened my legs. I

was only wearing an almost see through nightdress with no underwears. He stared at
me for a moment and a smile formed on his lips when his eyes lowered between my
legs.
Without saying a word, he jumped on me and attacked my lips. I answered his kiss
with the same intensity. And that night we made hot, passionate love.

I woke up to the feeling of his fingers running down my belly to my groin.

My husband was so instiable. We just made love last night and here he was again
trying to get his morning fix.

Oh, who was I kidding?

I was just as bad as him.

I opened my legs wider to give him better access. He ran his finger through my
slit, stopping on my clit to massage it. I let out a soft, lazy moan as I felt
myself getting damp and him hardening on my back. His other hand went to my breast
and started teasing and lightly pinching my nipple. I turned my head to him and he
crashed his lips to me. The kiss started out slowly and grew to a hungry,
passionate one. I let out another moan in his mouth when i felt him slip a finger
inside of me and pumped it in and out. It made me wreathe in pleasure and I could
already feel the familiar heat pooling in my stomach. I was getting close to orgasm
and he knew it. He slipped another finger inside and rammed faster and harder again
and again.

"Tristan!" I cried out as I felt the heat exploding between my legs, pulsing and
throbbing. My body limped against him, my orgasm subsiding. He pulled his fingers
out of me and sucked the juices of it.
"Mmm... what a great way to start the morning." He said in a husky voice. Humarap
ako sa kanya at pinagmasdan siya sandali. I could never get used to waking up next
to him.

"Sundan na natin si Yvo." I said, breaking the silence between us. "I want to have
another baby, mahal."

"So do I." He smiled.

"Well then." I rolled on top of him, straddling his torso. "Fuck a baby inside me."

I took his rock hard shaft in my hand and lowered myself to him without breaking
our gaze. I could see the need burning in his eyes and I knew my eyes were the same
too.

=================

Epilogue

Author's Note

Guys, gusto ko lang kayong pasalamat lahat sa pagsuporta sa mga story ko. Ito ang
pangalawang story na natapos ko. Hindi ako makapaniwala na isang taon na mula ng
matapos ko ang unang story ko dito na Sleeping With My Rapist kung saan unang
nakilala ng iba sa inyo si Tristan, Andi at pati na rin si baby Yvo at ngayon ito
naman The Sex Goddess' First Love ang natapos ko. ^_^ Sobrang salamat talaga sa
pagsuporta niyo mula umpisa noong nagsisimula pa lang ako dito sa wattpad hanggang
ngayon. Dumami pa kayong mga readers ko dito! Pasensya na sa bagal ng update ko
dahil naging busy talaga ako. Gusto ko rin sabihin sa inyo na mapupublish na ang
TSGFL! YAY! Hindi mangyayari yun kung hindi dahil sa suporta niyo! Salamat po sa
inyong lahat! I really appreciate everyone of you and the love you have shown for
my stories.
Sana patuloy niyo pa rin pong suportahan ang istorya ng mga barkada nila Phoenix at
Tristan. <3

_______

Today,we were having a picnic with Tristan's friends. Nagbabarcue ang mga lalaki at
abala naman ang mga babae sa pag-aayos ng mesa. And all the kids were happily
running around, playing. The place was beautiful. It was a lush, grassy area next
to a lake.

I was holding Phoenix's newborn baby girl in my arms. Her name was Veronica and we
call her Ronnie. She was as cute as her older sister, Audrey. She had pretty dark
eyes and a round angel face with red cherub cheeks. Siya yata ang pinaglilihian ko
ngayon.

"Excited na ako magka-baby ulit. Sana babae naman ngayon." Sabi ko habang
nakatingin sa baby. I was already three months pregnant. Yes, after a few months of
trying to conceive nabuntis ulit ako. Tristan and Yvo were so happy when we found
out we were having another baby. Yvo wanted it to be a boy and it didn't really
matter to Tristan, he said he just wanted our baby to be healthy. Ganun din naman
ako pero malakas ang pakiramdam kong babae ang baby namin. I just knew it was a
girl.

"Madali na lang yang 6 months. Before you know it, you're already holding your
baby." Nakangiting sabi ni Cassie. Phoenix was sitting next to her with his arm
around her shoulders.

"Hindi na nga makapaghintay ang mag-ama ko. Ngayon pa lang, nag-iisip na sila ng
ipapangalan sa baby namin." I said as I played with Ronnie's cute little hand.

"Kain na tayo! Luto na ang pagkain." Sigaw ni Wayne sa amin. Tumingin ako sa mga
lalaking nakapalibot sa grilling area. There were only three of them now. Hinanap
ng mga mata ko si Tristan pero hindi ko siya makita.
"Nanay!" And then I saw Yvo running towards me, only wearing a red swim trunks. I
knew it! Tinakasan na naman ako ng mag-ama ko. Pagkarating pa lang namin gusto na
nilang lumangoy sa lake.

"Bakit ganyan ang suot mo?" I asked him.

"Sabi ni tatay magswimming kami. Gusto mo sumama?" Tanong niya.

"Pasaway talaga kayo ng tatay mo. Di ba sabi ko pagkatapos nang kumain?" I said
before turning to Cassie and handing baby Ronnie to her. "Tatawagin ko lang ang
asawa ko."

She nodded her head. I stood up and took Yvo's hand. "Nasaan na ang tatay mo?" I
asked him as we were walking.

"Over there!" He pointed at Tristan who was already in the water.

"Tristan!" I called him.

"Mahal ko." He smiled, waving at me.

"Get over here!" Sabi ko. He quickly got out of the water. Naglakad siya papunta sa
amin. He stood in front of me. His hand slid gently to my belly and he wrapped the
other around my waist.

"Kumusta ang baby namin?" He asked in a gentle voice as he carresed my belly.

"Don't try to distract me." I said, trying to surpress a smile. "Hindi ba sabi ko
mamaya na kayo magswimming at kakain pa tayo."

"I was just trying the water." His lips lifted in a smile.

"Your son said you two were going for a swim." I frowned.

"Anak." He looked down at Yvo and carried him in one arm. "Di ba sabi ko secret
lang natin yun?"

"Sorry, I forgot." He giggled that 5-year-old sunshine of a giggle.

"It's okay." Tristan smiled and kissed him on the forehead. "Halika na! Kumain na
nga tayo baka gutom na ang baby natin."

"Oh she is!" Sabi ko. "And it's her tatay and kuya's fault."

"She?" Kumunot ang noo ni Tristan

"She's a she." I smiled.

"How did you know?" He asked with brows furrowed.

"I just know."

"Nanay, if it's a boy can we call him Optimus Prime?" Yvo asked, innocently.

"Optimus Prime? Magandang pangalan yan. I like it!" Nakangiting sabi ni Tristan
bago itinaas ang kamay niya. "High five!"

And Yvo high-fived his tatay.

"Hindi naman transformer itong baby natin." I rolled my eyes and couldn't help but
smile. He had such a bond with his tatay because they always do "boys stuff". I
couldn't wait to have a baby girl so I could do girly stuff with her. "No one's
gonna name our baby Optimus Prime!"

"What about Thor?" Sabi ni Yvo.

"Thor is a good name, too. " Tristan grinned sheepishly. "If it's a boy we'll name
our baby Thor."
"No!" Mariin na sabi ko. "This is why I never let you name Junjun and Yvo."

"Okay, here's the deal if it's a boy we get to name him. If it's a girl you name
her." Sabi niya.

"She's a girl." I confidently said. "And we'll name her Dominique."

"Thats my name. You want to name our daughter a guy's name?"

"No, the feminine version of it. Iba din spelling."

"Fine! If it's a boy, it's Thor. If it's a girl, it's Dominique." He said wrapping
an arm around my shoulders while still carrying Yvo on this other arm. "Halika na,
kumain na tayo baka nagugutom na si Thor."

"Dominique." I corrected.

He let out a hearty laugh before kissing the side of my head.

=================

The Sex Goddess' First Love BOOK

Hi guys! Sa wakas, published book na po ang TSGFL. You can finally grab your copy
at all bookstore nationwide for 195php. Available din po siya sa digital bookstore
na Buqo.

May special chapter akong idinagdag sa book.

Thank you po sa patuloy niyong pagsuporta sa story ni Andi at Tristan. Salamat sa

mga bumili ng book at mga bibili pa. :)