Heart of Darkness

by heartlessnostalgia

Lost Island #3:

"Some people have no idea how beautiful the darkness is."

Winter Andromeda Almedarez is in danger. Her father believes that, she really is in
danger but does she? She says, yes but can handle herself.

She knows how to defend herself, she wasn't even afraid of the threats for her from
her father's political enemies because she knows she can handle it just fine but
her father, who is scared for her safety hired a bodyguard without her knowledge at
first.

Major Warrion Adelram Alcantara, a former military officer was assigned to her.
Just one glance and she knows her heart will be in real danger this time.

In a heart filled with darkness, painful truths and secrets, can love shine and
give light to sorrows, forgiveness and chances?

Book 3 of Lost Island Series

Cover by: Yui Sandejas

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Heart of Darkness

Lost Island Series #3:

Welcome to the island where the love that was once lost was found again.
Heart of Darkness
"Some people have no idea how beautiful the darkness is."
Winter Andromeda Almedarez is in danger. Her father believes that, she really
is in danger but does she? She says, yes but can handle herself.
She knows how to defend herself, she wasn't even afraid of the threats for her
from her father's political enemies because she knows she can handle it just fine
but her father, who is scared for her safety hired a bodyguard without her
knowledge at first.
Major Warrion Adelram Alcantara, a former military officer was assigned to her.
Just one glance and she knows her heart will be in real danger this time.
In a heart filled with darkness, painful truths and secrets, can love shine and
give light to sorrows, forgiveness and chances?
Book 3 of 5
Disclaimer:
THIS IS A FILIPINO LANGUAGE STORY.
This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, businesses, songs, places, events
and incidents are either product of the author's imagination or used in fictitious
manner. Any resemblance to actual person, living or dead or actual events are
purely coincidental.
PLAGIARISM is a crime √
All rights reserved 2019
©heartlessnostalgia (Chennie Ann Cerro)

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Simula

Simula
"Alam mo, kabaligtaran ng pangalan mo ang sex life mo." I stopped sipping on my
champagne when I heard Elena speaking.
"What?" My forehead creased, looking at her weirdly.
"Winter pangalan mo pero tagtuyot ka." She spatted.
My mouth fell dramatically, tumaas ang kilay ko sa kanya at nagsalita.
"Excuse me?!" Eksaherada kong sabi. "A-Anong tuyot?! I am living my best
life--"
"Hindi best kapag walang sex, Winter!" She spatted. "That was the most
important and exciting part of being a person. Sex!"
I almost shivered with what she was saying but I rolled my eyes at her instead.
Too much information!
"Alam mo, Macarena..."
"Elena!" She exclaimed and her eyes widen. "Elena 'yun, Winter! You bitch!"
"Pasosyal!" Umirap ako at sumimsim sa champagne, pinakialam ko ang cherry na
naroon rin at pinagkross ang hita.
"Busy ako sa trabaho," I said. "That's why I am not flirting. Inaayos ko ang
future ko."
"Asus!" She rolled her eyes. "Ilang taon mo nang inaasikaso ang future mo!
Ilang taon ka na, twenty-eight? May sapot na 'yang ano mo!"
"I'm gonna slit your neck, bitch!" I hissed at her. "Shut up! Nakakahiya sa
nakakarinig!'
"Alam mo, Winter Andromeda Almedarez, freelance model ka lang at pwede nang
pagsabayin ang trabaho at paglandi sa panahon ngayon." Aniya. She raised her hand
dramatically and imagined something above her.
"It's called trabahoe." Aniya at bigla akong natawa at iniangat ang wine glass
ko.
"At pwede rin isabay sa working, quoted as whoreking." I said.
Sabay kaming natawa pero syempre classy para hindi kami mukhang loka-loka. We
clinked on our glass and chuckled.
"Pero bitch, akala mo lang. Wala akong jowa pero marami akong kalandian." I
said.
"Sus, when was the last time I saw you flirted?" Nag-isip s'ya. "Years ago na,
Winter!"
"Akala mo lang kasi, hindi mo ako nakikita palagi but I never got ignored by
boys, no!" I said. "Tita na ako pero malakas pa rin ang karisma ko!"
"Weh?" She eyed me from head to toe. "Sige nga, flirt someone there." She
pointed the dancefloor.
"Sige ba," I said, competitive. Tumayo ako at hinawi ang mahaba at kulot kong
buhok papunta sa likod.
"Well," I shrugged and fixed my shining, little black dress and looked at her.
"Let the shpw begin, shall we?"
I winked. Humagalpak naman ng tawa si Macarena at pumalakpak sa akin.
"Go, girl!" She cheered.
I smirked, ipinalibot ko ang tingin sa paligid at napatango. Well, maraming
gwapo but not my type of guys.
I saw a lot of people dancing in the middle with their partners, the dancefloor
is wild, the lights flickering in different colors.
Sa isang paglingon ko palang ay kaagad na tumigil ang hininga ko nang makita
ang isang lalaking nakaupo sa isang stool.
The man is wearing a dark blue button down long sleeves that was folded until
his forearm and black pants. Malinis ang pagkakagupit ng buhok n'ya, not the usual
haircut for my type of boys.
It was Ivy League cut with high fade if I am seeing it right. Seryoso lang s'ya
sa pagsimsim ng alak sa baso at pinaglalaruan ang iniinom, making the ice clinched
each other.

I noticed the women looking at his direction but didn't

even dare to come close to him.
I gasped and noticed his tight grip on the glass, his muscles protruding. I
swallowed the lump on my throat.
This man is seriously different from my other men. He has this serious, dark
and matured aura surrounding him.
Parang sa iba nalang ako maghaharot?
I took a glance at Elena pero pinalakihan lang ako ng bruha ng mata kaya
tumikhim ako at bumalik ang tingin sa lalaki.
I slowly made my way towards him, nanginginig man ang hita ay kinaya ko.
I sat beside the empty stool next to him and spoke.
"Hi," Malamyos na boses kong sinabi.
I was expecting the man to look at me but he didn't even took a glance! Jerk!
I cleared my throat at spoke, marahan akong humarap sa kanya at kinagat ang
labi.
"Hello," Ulit ko.
He looked at my direction, halos malaglag naman ako sa stool nang makita ang
kabuuan ang mukha n'ya.
His deep smouldering green eyes got me in just a glance! Halos magwala ang puso
ko roon. He has pointed nose and stubborn jaw! A thin stubbles is on his chin!
Oh...gosh.
"Yes?" His deep voice said, his bored and uninterested eyes glance at me.
"Uhm, I just want to introduce myself..." I said, almost shaking. "I-I'm
Winter--"
"Not interested," Parang wala lang na sabi n'ya. I bit my lip, halos magwala na
ako sa sagot n'ya.
"E-Excuse me?" I stammered.
"Leave me alone, Miss." Aniya.
Oh... He fucking ignored me!
"No... I won't do anything bad, gusto ko lang makipagkilala--"
"No, go away." Tipid n'yang sinabi at umigting ang panga.
Nakakainis, gwapo sana masama lang ang ugali!
"Uhm, I just--"
"Go away," Sumulyap s'ya sa akin, blangko ang mata n'ya.
"Bakla ka ba?" I spatted out. He stopped, mas tumiim ang tingin n'ya sa akin, I
grinned when I hit that spot.
"Oh, gay?" I asked.
"What do you think?" He raised his thick brows at me, probably annoyed of my
presence.
Definitely not a gay. Pero diba...mga bakla ngayon ang ga-gwapo!
"Bakit ayaw mo akong pansinin kung ganoon? Only a gay would probably ignore my
beauty--"
"You're not my type, Miss." He smirked at me.
"Excuse me?!" I exclaimed. "Nang-iinsulto ka ba?!"
"Facts only," He licked his lips sensually and shook his head, a slight grin
forming on his lips.
I laughed sarcastically at him.
"For your information, I am an international model, I posed for magazines,
billboards--"
"Get lost," He hissed.
I stood from my seat, natigil s'ya, marahang naglakad ako palapit sa kanya
habang taas ang noo.
He remained serious, his green deep eyes bore like I was a statue, walang
pakialam pa s'ya.
I saw the gap in between his parted legs, walang pagdadalawang-isip akong
naglakad papalapit roon.

He froze, I saw how his eyes shifted to an unknown emotion

as he stare at me.
Kahit na nakatayo na ako sa pagitan ng hita n'ya, nakaheels at nakaupo s'ya
pantay pa rin ang mukha namin.
I really hate that he looks serious and matured than my type of boys. It annoys
me!
I stared at his eyes and he stared back at me, cold and stiff.
"I like you," I said, well lied.
Kumunot ang noo n'ya, bumaba naman ang tingin ko sa manipis at natural na
mapulang labi n'ya.
Hindi s'ya nagsalita at tumitig sa akin pabalik. Halos manghina ako at manginig
but I remained serious.
Tapangan mo, Winter!
"You easily like boys in first sights, huh?" His husky voice said, smirking.
"S-So?" My brows raised.
"Not a good behavior, brat." He stared at my lips. "Not good."
I took a deep breathe when I felt his calloused hand on my bare back, pulling
me more softly.
Nagtitigan kami, I felt my stomach churning, my heart beating rapidly, almost
convulsing.
Inilapit n'ya ang mukha, I almost ran out of oxygen when our nose touched, he
smells liquor and musk.
Fuck!
I moved closer, nang magdikit ng bahagya ang labi namin ay nagwala ang puso ko.
He stared at my eyes and planted a small kiss on my lips and when I craved for
more, he smirked and spoke.
"I'm sorry but I'm not into woman like you." He said and stood, leaving me
dumbfounded and crazy.
Pagbalik ko kay Elena ay tumitili s'ya, congratulating me for a job well done
and the kiss but I am not happy!
The man left me and he stopped when I craved for his kisses! Who would dare
reject me?! No one!
Nakasimangot ako at salubong ang kilay habang pumapasok sa elevator pababa sa
parking.
I can't believe he rejected me!
"Sexy," I stopped reminiscing when I heard the man talking beside me, staring
at my butt.
Hindi ako umimik, I folded my arms on my chest and he whistled.
Ngumuso ako, I saw from my peripheral vision how he moved closer to me, I felt
his shoulder against mine but I remained serious.
"Hi, Miss, pauwi kana?" The pervert asked.
Hindi ako sumagot at hinayaan s'ya.
"Miss... Sabay ka na sa akin." I almost gasped when I felt his hand on my butt.
"Gusto mo, sama ka na rin sa hotel ko."
Napatalon ako nang sumagi muli ang kamay n'ya. Lumayo ako, I looked at him,
bored and irritated.
"Don't touch me." I hissed.
"Arte mo naman, Miss." He smirked. "Parang hawak lang--" He attempted to touch
me again when he suddenly screamed when I pulled his hand reaching for my butt and
twirled it.
"Tangina!" Sigaw n'ya.
"I warned you." I hissed.
"Aba't--" Akmang hahawakan nanaman n'ya ako ay nakuha ko ang kamay n'yang iyon
at inikot kagaya 'nung ginawa ko sa isa.
He screamed in pain. Tumalim ang mata ko at mabilis na pinulupot ang kamay ko
lalo sa braso n'ya.
"Fuck! Tangina!" He exclaimed.
I hissed, mabilis kong hinila ang kamay n'ya patungo sa akin. I smacked my
forehead on his and he screamed in pain.
I smirked, pulled him and lifted my feet, aiming the thing in between his legs
until he screamed in pain.
"Tangina! Fuck!" He groaned. Natawa ako, mabilis na nasapo n'ya ang pantalon at
tumalon-talon sa sakit pero sa kabila nito ay sinubukan pa rin n'ya akong labanan
kaya gumanti ako.
I swirled his hand, put it on my shoulder as I used my force to slammed him
forcefully in the elevator's floor.
Nang matumba s'ya ay ang saktong pagtunog at pagbukas ng elevator ang nakita
ko. I shook my head, stared at him briefly and spoke.
"Tinatamad pa ako n'yan, huh? I bet you'll crawl on your way home if I was in
the mood to fight." I said, leaving him inside the elevator while screaming and
cursing me.
I went home annoyed and tired. First, I was ignored by that man and second, I
was harassed! Swerte n'ya at wala ako sa wisyo, kung maayos ako ay paniguradong sa
ospital na s'ya susugurin!
The next morning, I woke up with the maid telling me my father wants to see me.
I let my hair fall on my back with my smudge eyeliner and tired face. I don't
care about my looks, it's just my father, he'll love me anyways.
Wearing a thin satin lingerie and and a pink cotton robe to cover my body,
bumaba ako habang suot ang bunny slippers ko.
I saw my father talking to some men, nakapormal nanaman ang suot at
napapalibutan ng mga bodyguards n'ya.
I was confused but went down to greet my father.
"Daddy!" I whinned like a spoiled brat, napalingon naman sa akin ang Daddy at
ang istriktong mukha ay naging maamo.
"Darling," He called and spread his arms. Kaagad ko s'yang tinakbo at niyakap,
humalik naman s'ya sa noo ko at ngumiti.
My poor Daddy, kita ko na ang kunot sa noo n'ya at ang wrinkles na naroon. Bata
pa s'ya but stress made him look older.
"Hija, uminom ka nanaman kagabi? Look at you!" Pagalit n'yang sabi pero
humalakhak lang ako sa kanya at napailing.
"You know me, Dad! That's my past time." I chuckled. "Alam mo naman, atsaka
Dad, gusto ko lang pala sabihin na napagdesisyunan ko nang magboyfriend."
He sighed, natawa s'ya at hinilot ang sentido.
"Hay naku, Winter. Eighteen ka palang pinayagan na kitang magboyfriend, ikaw
lang itong walang maipakilala sa amin!"
Ngumiwi ako, humagalpak naman s'ya ng tawa at hinawakan ang braso ko.
"Anyway, anak." He said. "I have assigned a bodyguard for you--"
"Dad!" I exclaimed. "Diba sabi ko, ayokong magkabodyguard!"
"Winter," He sighed. "We can't risk--"
"I know how to defend myself!"
"Hindi iyon," He sighed. "Mapanganib, hindi mo masasabi kung mayroong may galit
sa akin at mapahamak ka."
"Dad..." I whinned.
"This man is a trusted person, Winter." Aniya at inilahad ang kanyang kamay.
I followed his hand and my mouth fell when I saw who he was referring to.
Kumalabog ang puso ko ng mabilis, bumilis ang paghinga ko ang pinagmamasdan ang
lalaki sa harapan ko. Kagaya kagabi ay wala itong emosyon at tahimik na nakatayo sa
harapan namin, all on his cold and serious face.
"Winter, meet Warrion Alcantara, your bodyguard." He said.

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Kabanata 1
 Hindi ko natiis😂
Enjoy!
xxx
Kabanata 1
Major Warrion Adelram Alcantara.
Thirty years old. Former military officer, a military doctor. Resigned from
work two years ago. Single.
"Pangalan palang yummy na," I murmured softly and scrolled the google search.
He's a son of billionaires, brother of Caspian Alcantara, a rich hotelier and
CEO with different branches worldwide.
I heard a small purr below my feet and a smile left my lips when I saw my pet,
a sphynx cat, moving around my feet.
"Oh, hello there my beautiful baby." Masuyong sabi ko sa pusa at marahang
binuhat ito.
She meow-ed, kinarga ko s'ya at marahang hinaplos ang balat n'ya at hinalikan.
"Have you eaten yet, piglet?" I asked my cat softly and she purred again kaya
napangiti ako ng malambing.
"Good girl, kiss Mommy." Sabi ko pero tinitigan lang ako ng pusa ko. She meow-
ed again, bored kaya mas napangiti ako.
"Ang sweet naman ng piglet na 'yan," I giggled and lowered her on the ground.
"Come on, let's eat downstairs."
I walked to the vanity mirror and checked myself first before going out of the
room. My cat is sophisticatedly walking behind me, her tails wiggling softly on the
air.
That's why I like cats, maldita, classy, just like me.
I was halfway on the stairs when I noticed a man walking behind us. Pasimple
akong lumingon at halos manlaki ang mata ko nang makita 'yung super hot na pa-
bodyguard sa akin ni Daddy!
And this is the man I flirted with last night! Damn it, hindi na siguro ako
naalala nito, ano?
I swallowed the lump on my throat, saglit akong sumulyap sa lalaki sa likuran
at umayos ng tayo.
"Uhm, hindi naman ako aalis. I'll just feed piglet." I told him.
He remained standing there behind me, unmoving. I saw took a glance at my cat
and creased his forehead.
"Yeah, she's a cat but it's piglet para unique." Paliwanag ko pa sa kanya.
Bumalik ang tingin n'ya kung saan, nasa likuran ko pa rin. Umawang naman ang
labi ko sa gulat dahil wala s'yang reaksyon sa sinabi ko.
"Share ko lang," I spatted.
Hindi pa rin s'ya umiimik kaya sumama na ang tingin ko. I stomped my feet,
nakita kong sumulyap s'yang muli sa akin kaya nagmartsa ako pababa ng hagdanan
habang nakasunod ang pusa ko.
Walang pakiramdam! Manhid! Bato! Yelo!
Nakasimangot ako habang naglalakad patungong kusina. I feed my gorgeous cat and
sat on the stool while watchong her eat.
Kagat-kagat ko ang labi ko at nakahalukipkip lang roon habang nakamasid kay
Warrion na nakatayo lang roon sa may kusina.
He was tall, I guess six feet and some inches, hmm, I think two inches. He's
wearing a black suit with his white long sleeves dress shirt and deep, black tie.
He's also wearing slacks and shiny leather shoes, that fits beautifully on his
body.
Is he serious? He's a bodyguard? Like really? He doesn't look a bodyguard for
me on his suit! He looks a lot like a rich CEO going to his office for a board
meeting!
He is lean and well built, mukhang batak ang katawan sa training, since he was
a former military officer. His muscles are placed in all the right places, his jaw
is clenching as he stared coldly at somewhere, his green eyes are too broading and
dark that I can feel my body weakening with just a second looking at it.

His lips were on the thin line, reddish and definitely

sweet. I still can't believe I tasted it last night.
He has stubborn jaw, pointed nose and his hair was clean cut that highlights
his sharp features more. He's clearly outlined, efforlessly arrogant and neat.
And can you believe he's also a doctor? Damn, that fast? How can he train and
study at the same time then quit that fast?
What's your reason then, Warrion?
Tumayo ako mula sa pagkakaupo sa stool at nagtungo kau Warrion na nakatayo roon
at wala manlang kagalaw-galaw.
I went infront of him and placed my hand on my chest, pinasadahan ko s'ya ng
tingin at pagkatapos ay ngumiti.
"Hi, I'm Winter." Pakilala ko sa kanya.
He shifted his gaze at me, halos maghabol ako ng hininga nang masalubong ang
kanyang mga mata at kinagat ko ang labi.
"U-Uhm you are?" Inilahad ko ang kamay.
"Miss Almedarez," My breath hitched with the sound of his baritone voice.
"Y-Yes?"
"Let's take everything professionally. I am here to work for you." Sabat n'ya
sa akin.
Dahan-dahan kong ibinaba ang kamay ko at tumikhim sa kanya.
"Well, anyway, hindi mo naman ako kailangang bantayan. I can protect myself. My
father is just overreacting." I told him.
Hindi s'ya sumagot, I saw him staring blanky at me kaya tinaasan ko s'ya ng
kilay.
"If you were awkward about what happened last night, forget it. We're two
matured adults, pagpasensyahan mo na, ganun lang talaga ako palagi sa mga bar." I
said.
I saw how his green eyes darken, his lip twitched and looked at me
disapprovingly.
"Really, huh? Kissing someone you just met?" Nang-uuyam n'yang sabi sa akin.
I scoffed and rolled my eyes. Pinagtaasan ko s'ya ng kilay roon.
"So? Pakialam mo? Let's forget anything about last night." With confidence ko
pang sabi.
"I wasn't thinking of it," Aniyang malamig sa akin, wala pa ring emosyon.
My mouth almost parted but I stopped myself. Tumikhim ako sa kanya, hinawi ang
buhok ko at nagmartsa pabalik sa kusina kung saan nakahilata na sa sahig ang pusa
ko.
"Piglet, come on! Let's swim!" I said and my cat stood, she purred and followed
me at habang naglalakad ako ay nararamdaman ko ang pagsunod sa akin ni Warrion kaya
hinarap ko s'ya.
"Bakit mo ako sinusundan? I can handle myself!" I exclaimed and looked at him.
"Pupunta lang akong kwarto, you're overreacting!"
As usual, wala manlang s'yang reaksyon.
"I'm not following you." He said.
"You're following me! Nakasunod ka nga sa akin!" I exclaimed.
Napansin kong parang naaasar na s'ya sa akin, his jaw clenched, sa muling
pagharap ay muling nagsalita.
"I'm going out," Mahinahon n'yang sabi at may tinuro kung saan, I followed his
gaze and my mouth parted when I noticed it's the same way as the door.
Tumikhim ako, mabilis na umirap sa kanya at padabog na umakyat sa kwarto ko
para magpalit ng swimsuit.
That jerk! Akala ba n'ya ang gwapo n'ya? Oo, kagabi gwapo s'ya pero hindi na
ngayon!
I changed my clothes to a deep red plunging two piece swimsuit and called my
friend.
 "Hey, Winter, what's up?"
"Macarena," I sighed.
"Damn you, Winter! Stop calling me like that!" She scoffed. Napangisi naman ako
at napailing.
"Okay, Elena." Natawa na ako. "Come here at my house."
"Oh, bakit? May problema ka?"
"I have something to tell you," I pouted.
"What? Tungkol kanina? Sa mga insecure na girls? O lalaki?" Tumawa s'ya. "I
guess, it's the first one, wala ka namang boylet."
"Bastos ka, Macarena." Sumimangot ako. "It's about a boy, okay?"
"Oh?!" Natigilan s'ya bigla roon at matagal na nakasagot. "OMG! For real,
Winter?!"
"Oo nga," I scratched my head.
"Shit! Sige, sige! I'm thrilled and curious, Winter!" She exclaimed. "Nandyan
na ako in one hour!"
Nang namatay ang tawag ay napabuntong-hininga ako at nagsuot ng cover up bago
marahang naglakad palabas ng kwarto. Piglet followed me on my way to pool at kaagad
akong natigilan nang makitang nakatayo roon sa may gilid si Warrion kausap ang
driver namin.
He was smiling at him, samantalang sa akin!
I loudly cleared my throat, napalingon ang driver sa akin at ngumisi.
"Good morning, Ma'am!" He greeted, smiling.
"Good morning, Kuya." Ngisi kong hilaw at sumulyap kay Warrion na nakatiim ang
bagang at seryosong pinapasadahan ng tingin ang katawan ko.
Nang magsalubong ang mata namin ay inirapan ko lang s'ya at iginalaw ang
balakang patungo sa gilid ng pool.
I saw my inflatable swan pool float at the side for me. Nakita kong umalis na
si Kuya at naiwan roon si Warrion na nakatayo lang.
"Hindi ka ba napapagod?" I called his attention. Lumingon s'ya sa akin saglit
at malamig na nagtapon ng tingin.
"I mean, you're always standing. Why don't you sit?" I said. "Tara, let's
swim."
"No, thank, Miss Almedarez." Sabat n'ya at nanatiling nakatayo lang roon.
My lips protruded, nagmartsa ako patungo sa isang bench na puti para kunin ang
sunblock ko at pinahiran ang braso ko.
Saglit akong sumilip sa kanya at nakitang wala manlang s'ya reaksyon kaya
nairita ako.
Am I not that irresistable aymore? Does my charm really faded with my age?
Mabilis akong tumayo, dahang-dahang ibinaba ang suot kong cover up hanggang sa
ang matira nalang sa akin ay ang aking bikini.
I then looked at him and saw him staring, his jaw clenching and his green eyes
in darker shade.
Kinuha ko ang sunblock ko at marahang lumapit sa kanya, I saw him looked away,
mukhang iritado sa akin.
"Hey, Warrion, mind if you put sunblock on my back? Hindi ko kasi maabot."
Marahang sinabi ko sa kanya.
"I can call a maid for that," Aniya at tumingin sa akin.
"Ikaw na," I gave him the sunblock.
"I can--"
"Ikaw na! I want you!" I whinned and stomped my feet.
His lip twitched, I smiled cutely when I saw hin took the sunblock from my
hand.
"Tara, dun sa may bench." I said and walked near it.
He followed me, nang maupo ako ay mabilis kong hinawi ang aking buhok, exposing
my back on him.
 "Miss Almedarez, I can let the maid do this. This isn't on
my job description." Malamig n'yang sabi.
"Job description, my ass." I murmured. "Yan lang, arte mo naman!"
"Brat," I heard him mumbled kaya nanlaki ang mata ko.
"Anong sabi mo--"
"Nothing," He took a deep breath.
Narinig ko ang pagbukas ng sunblock ko at napangisi na rin ako roon.
I can make you drool all over me, Mr. Alcantara. No one can resist my charm,
including you. No one.
I felt a hand on my back, gently massaging and spreading the lotion on my back.
I purred a little, napapangisi pa roon.
"Ayan, idiin mo pa..." Maarteng sabi ko at natigilan lang nang may narinig na
boses.
"Ang halay n'yo naman po, Ma'am Winter." A woman's voice said.
I froze, mabilis na lumingon at nanlaki ang mata nang makita si Ate Linda sa
likuran ko.
"Ate?!" I exclaimed. "B-Bakit ka nand'yan?"
"Uh, e, ihahatid ko sana 'yung lemon juice mo tapos tinawag ako ni Sir."
Napalingon ako sa likuran ng bench at halos magsalubong ang kilay ko nang makita
ang taong yelo roon at nakatayo na.
"Aba't--" My mouth parted and eyed him seriously.
The brute even has the guts to gave me a mocking look! His lip twitching as if
he won a battle!
"Sige," I scoffed and looked at Ate Linda. "Salamat, Ate. Nasaan ang juice?"
"Nasa lamesa po, sige, Ma'am, una na ako." Tumango lang ako at nang umalis s'ya
ay halos mag-ngitngit ako sa inis kay Warrion.
"Jerk," I hissed quietly at him.
Naiiritang kinuha ang lemon juice sa may lamesa at inilagay sa gilid ng pool.
Sinuot ko ang shades ko at hinila ang swan roon sa gilid at walang hirap na sumakay
roon.
I sat there, crossing my legs, my porcelain skin shining with the sun
reflecting it. Inabot ko ang lemon juice roon sa gilid at pasimpleng sumimsim
habang nakahiga sa swan at palutang-lutang sa pool.
I just stared at Warrion behind my sunglasses. Seryoso s'ya sa may kausap sa
earphone na nasa tenga n'ya.
Nakakainis, sa lahat ng ipinilit na bodyguard sa akin ni Daddy, s'ya ang
pinakagwapo! It's annoying!
Nang wala na s'yang kausap ay pinagmasdan ko lang s'ya. I saw him tilting his
head, stretching it, marahang hinila n'ya ang tie sa kanyang leeg at tinanggal bago
ipalibot sa kanyang kamay and halos mabuga ko ang lemon juice at gumulong sa pool
nang buksan n'ya ang butones ng dress shirt n'ya!
"H-Hey, Warrion." I called him.
Nakita ko ang malamig n'yang tingin sa akin.
"Saan ka pinaglihi ng Mommy mo noon?" I asked him. Hindi s'ya umimik roon at
nanatili lang ang tingin sa akin, malamig at walang reaksyon na kahit ano!
Naiinis nanaman ako, inubos ko ang lemon juice at inilapag sa gilid ng pool
bago tinanggal ang sunglasses ko.
"Siguro sa yelo no? Ganyan ka ba talaga, walang sinasabi?" I asked him,
annoyed.
He just stared intently at me and shrugged at halos masabunutan ko na ang buhok
sa frustation sa mga ginagawa n'ya.
This man!
"Bakit ang lamig mo?" I hissed. "H-Hindi ka naman gwapo!"
"Really?" Suddenly, he spoke.
"O-Oo!" I groaned. I saw his lip lifted for a smirk, umiling pa s'ya at binasa
ang pang-ibabang labi n'ya at mapang-uyam na tumingin.
"Hindi talaga!" Bumaba ang tingin ko sa pang-upo n'ya.
 "Matambok lang pwet mo!" I said bluntly and he froze, I saw how his forehead
creased at that.
Bigla namang nag-init ang pisngi ko at walang pagdadalawang-isip na bumaba sa
pool at lumangoy roon.
Damn you, Winter! Ano bang pinag-iisip mo?!
Hindi ako mapalagay roon habang lumalangoy patungo sa kabilang dulo ng pool. I
took a deep breath and when I touched the concrete ay mabilis akong umahon sa
tubig.
I dried the water on my face, opened my eyes and froze on the spot when I saw
who was leaning on the side of the pool.
My eyes widen when I saw Warrion towering over me, nakasquat s'ya sa gilid ng
pool at inaantay ang pag-ahon ko.
"I should be thankful to my butt, then?" He scoffed darkly and my heart thumped
like crazy.
"I-I mean..." I stuttered.
"Ma'am Winter!" Mabilis akong napabaling sa likuran n'ya at nakitang naroon si
Ate Linda.
Mabilis na tumayo at lumayo si Warrion, nagwawala naman ang puso ko habang
nakamasid kay Ate Linda.
"Andyan na po si Ma'am Elena, kasama po si Sir Max." Aniya at humagikhik sa
akin.
"O-Oh?" I gulped.
"Opo, Ma'am! May dala nga pong bulaklak si Sir Max! Para ata sa'yo!" She
giggled at napatango ako kaagad.
"Sige, papasukin mo muna sila, aahon lang ako." I said and went to the stairs
of the pool. Marahang umangat ako roon, ang tubig ay nalaglag pa mula sa akin
buhok.
Sumulyap ako kay Warrion at nakitang nakaigting ang kanyang panga at madilim
ang mukha.
I cleared my throat, sinuklay ko ang buhok ko gamit ang daliri at naglakad
patungo sa pintuan papasok sa bahay nang may humigit sa kamay ko.
Sa gulat ko ay hindi ako nakagalawa.
I then, felt a large, white towel on my shoulder and heard a voice.
"Magbihis ka." He said coldly.
Mabilis na nahawakan ko ang twalya at lumingon sa kanya na seryoso pa rin at
mukhang galit.
"H-Huh?"
"Magbihis ka," He commanded at wala sa sariling napatango ako at bumaba ang
tingin sa kamay kong hawak n'ya.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Kabanata 2

I honestly finished this is one and half hour! Kalurkey

kasi! Ginanahan ako sa comments nyo sa Kab. 1! Enjoy, goodnight♥
xxx
Kabanata 2
"Winter! Ang kaibigan kong tagtuyot!" I almost rolled my eyes when my friend
greeted me the moment I walked down the stairs.
"Macarena," I greeted back.
Nawala ang ngiti n'ya, ang akmang pagyakap sa akin ay nauwi sa hampas at sama
ng tingin.
"You, woman! It's Elena!" Irit n'ya. I rolled my eyes, hinila ko ang buhok n'ya
at napasinghap s'ya at hinila rin ang buhok ko.
"Ipokrita, may kwento ako!" I groaned kaya napabitaw kami ng buhok.
"Uhm, hi, Winter." Nawala ang tingin ko kay Macarena at natigilan nang makita
si Max.
"Hey, Max." I smiled at him. He cleared his throat, nagulat ako nang may i-abot
s'ya sa aking pumpon ng bulaklak na dali-dali kong inabot at inamoy.
"These are beautiful, thank you!" Ngiti ko.
"I'm glad you liked these," He shyly scratched his head. Nang lingunin ko ang
kaibigan ko ay nanliliit na ang kanyang mata, inaasar ako.
"Uhm, tara, let's sit." I said softly and let them sit on the sofa. Inilagay ko
ang buhok ko sa aking likuran at tinawag si Ate Linda para sa snacks at juice.
"Uhm, napadaan ka pala?" Baling ko kay Max.
He looks great today, deep black hair and eyes, reddish thin lips and his soft
features.
"I saw Elena on my way, sinabi n'yang pupunta s'ya kaya sinabay ko na." He
said.
I nodded a little, pasimpleng kinukurot ang kaibigan kong humahagikhik sa tabi
ko.
"No more tagtuyot days," Bulong ng babae sa akin kaya nanlaki ang mata ko at
hinampas ang hita n'ya.
"Macarena!" I hissed quietly, my eyes widening.
"You alright?" Bumaling ako kay Max at mabilis na ngumiti.
"Wala... Wala naman." I chuckled awkwardly.
"So... Kumusta na pala ang pangangampanya ni Tito?" He mentioned my father.
"Uhm, doing great. He has a big chance of winning, kasama n'ya si Mommy at
nangangampanya sila." I said and smiled a little.
My father is serving the public for almost sixteen years, he's running for
senator again like the usual dahil tapos na ang kanyang term.
"That's good to see, ikaw, kumusta? How's your security? Have you been
receiving threats again?"
"I'm doing good, Max." Sumulyap ako kay Macarena na nilalantakan ang cookies
roon habang nang-aasar at ngumiwi ako.
Mabilaukan ka sanang gaga ka!
"I can handle threats now and uhm, I know how to save myself at times when I'm
in danger." Sagot ko naman.
"Do you have bodyguards?" He asked.
Oh, oh, bodyguard! Where is my handsome bodyguard?!
Inilibot ko ang aking paningin at napanguso nang hindi makita si Warrion roon
sa paligid.
That ice! Naligo at nagbihis na nga ako kasi utos n'ya! O ayan, I'm nice and
pretty again! Nasaan na s'ya?
"Winter?"
"Uh, yeah." Bigla akong bumaling kay Max.
"Mayroon naman," I said softly.
"Great, hindi na ako matatakot kapag nasa labas ka." He smiled at me.

Ngumisi lang ako ng hilaw at nailang na bigla roon. Nang

ganoon kadali!
"Uh, ganun ba?" I chuckled. "Oh, sige, kumain ka muna." Inabutan ko s'ya ng
juice at inagaw ang plato ng cookies sa kaibigan ko para ilahad kay Max.
"Thanks, Winter." He smiled genuinely and took the cookies and the juice.
Nang kumain si Max ay pasimple akong tumingin kay Macarena at sumimangot pero
ngumisi lamang s'ya sa akin.
"Excuse me lang muna, Max, I'm gonna talk to Macarena." I said and he nodded.
Hinila ko patayo si Macarena na tatawa-tawa sa tabi ko at paulit-ulit ko s'yang
iniirapan. Nang marating namin ang kusina ay iritadong kinurot ko s'ya at tumawa
nanaman s'ya ng malakas.
"Inaano kita?" She laughed.
"Damn you, bakit kasama mo rito si Max?" I hissed.
"E, nakita nga ako. Nalamang pupunta ako rito kaya sumama!" Aniya sa akin.
 "Paano ko na kakausapin 'yan? I feel so awkward!" I pouted.
"Sus, akala ko ba dati crush mo 'yan?" Aniya at humalukipkip.
"Oo, crush lang naman because he's cute and charming!" I answered.
"Gwapo pa rin naman hanggang ngayon a? Ano yun, di mo na type?"
"He's a good friend, alright, he treats me well. He's handsome pero walang
spark e, alam mo 'yun?"
"Anong sparks? Hoy, lalagpas ka na sa kalendaryo, sparks sparks ka pa d'yan.
Ayun o, sa labas, may poste ng meralco, yakapin mo baka may sparks!" She exclaimed
and I stomped my feet at that.
"Macarena!" I groaned.
"Hay naku, Winter. May sapot na 'yang ano mo wala ka pa rin lalaki." Sikmat
n'ya.
"I do like him noon, sobra but..."
"Pero nung nagustuhan ka na, nawala na?" Tinapos n'ya ang sasabihin ko.
Napatango naman ako at napabuntong-hininga.
"Learn to open your heart kasi, ang mahirap sa'yo mabilis kang magsawa e." She
commented and crossed her arms on her chest.
"Baka naman kasi hindi ko pa talaga nahahanap ang the one?" I murmured.
"Anong the one, kakanuod mo 'yan ng rom-com e, hoy, Winter, there's no such
thing as the one like that of the movies. Lalagpas ka na sa kalendaryo, mamingwit
ka na ng boylet."
"E, sa wala nga akong magustuhan!" I sighed.
"Pero maraming nagkakagusto sa'yo, choosy ka lang kasi, Winter." Aniya.
"O baka naman panget na talaga ako?" Sumulyap ako sa salamin roon sa gilid at
kumurap-kurap bago kumindat.
"Ay, maganda pa rin pala." I murmured softly.
Napasapo sa noo ang kaibigan ko at inirapan ako.
"Max is a good choice. Mabait 'yung tao, pwede na 'yun, Winter. Sagutin mo na
kasi."
"Ay... Nanliligaw ba?" Nanlaki ang mata ko at hinampas ako sa braso ng kaibigan
ko.
"Yes! Ano ka ba, manhid ka? Walang pakiramdam?"
"He never told me he'll court me! Basta binibigyan n'ya lang akong flowers." I
said.
"Manhid ka lang talaga." Aniya sa akin.
"But you know, I still believe in happy endings. I'm a sucker for it, I want a
love like Mom and Dad. Gusto ko ang pakakasalan ko ay mahal ko." I said softly.
"Maarte ako, siguro oo, pero I can't help but to think if there is something wrong
with me."

"There is nothing wrong with you, Winter." Ani Macarena at

pinisil ang kamay ko.
"Ipinanganak kang maganda, may talent, mayaman, may perfect family, sexy, lahat
na! Samantalang ako, ipinanganak lang." She sighed.
Nagpigil ako ng tawa at umiling sa kanya.
"Atleast, may love life ka!" I whinned. "And you're really pretty, Macarena!
Isang sayaw nga d'yan!"
Pabirong kumendeng s'ya sa harapan ko kaya napatawa ako at nag-apir kami.
"Anyway, ano nga palang agenda mo sa pagtawag mo sa akin rito?" Aniya.
"Uhm..." I cleared my throat and looked around the house. "Have you seen a new
familiar face around?"
"Huh?" Takang tanong n'ya.
"Sabi ko, may nakita ka bang pamilyar sa paligid? Like a man na nakita mo na?"
"Wala naman," She answered.
Ngumuso naman ako at tumingin sa paligid. Nasaan na ba 'yun?
Warrion! Where are you, ice man?
"Kasi, magugulat ka kapag nalaman mo kung sino ang bodyguard ko!" I said
excitedly.
"Huh? Sino? Lalaki, diba? Gwapo ba?" Halos magliwanag ang mata n'ya.
"Oo!" I exclaimed. "Basta, nakakagulat kapag nalaman mo kung sino."
"Sige, nasaan ba?" Aniya.
Nakita ko si Ate Linda roon sa gilid kaya kumaway ako at tinawag s'ya.
"Ate, si Warrion?" I asked her.
"Ay, hindi ko napansin, Ma'am." Aniya. "Silipin mo sa garden at baka naroon."
I nodded at her and smiled. Hinila ko si Macarena sa back door patungo sa
garden at nanliit ang mata ko nang wala naman s'ya roon.
"Nasaan?" Macarena asked curiously kaya nakaisip na ako ng paraan.
"Saktan mo ako, Macarena." I said.
"Huh? Gaga ka ba?" Gulat n'yang sabi sa akin.
"Sige na!" I said excitedly.
"Bakit?" Gulong sabi n'ya.
"Bilis, saktan mo ako! Tulak mo ako, ganun!" I said.
"Hala, Winter, look gwapo!" Tumuro s'ya kung saan kaya lumingon ako at
napasigaw sa gulat nang bigla n'ya akong itulak.
Sa gulat sa ginawa n'ya ay napalakas ang pagbagsak ko at tumama ang tuhod ko sa
nakaangat na tiles roon.
It scratched my knee and it bled but nobody came for my rescue!
"Shit! Winter!" Nakita kong nagpanic si Macarena at napasinghap. "Dumudugo!
Gaga ka!"
Nakaawang lang ang labi ko at sumulyap sa tuhod kong dumudugo.
"Ayan! Sabi mo kasi itulak kita!" She groaned, panicking.
Suddenly, maybe out of nowhere, I saw a man walking towards me, he's serious
and looks irritated.
"Ayan, Winter--" I saw how my friend froze on the spot when he saw the man
walking for my aid. She was in awe and amazement while he looks mad.
"What the hell are you doing?" Napasinghap ako nang galit s'yang nagtungo sa
harapan ko.
Tulala lang ako at mabilis ang pintig ng puso. I almost jumped when he held my
feet amd extended it a little to see my wound.
"O-Ouch!" I groaned a little.

"Y-You..." Nakita ko ang pagturo ni Macarena kay Warrion na

hindi manlang s'ya binalingan at chine-check lang ang tuhod ko.
I saw him took a glance at the bloody tiles and his jaw clenched, his forehead
creased as he stared coldly at me and spoke.
"Why are you so stubborn?" Mariing sinabi n'ya.
"I'm not!" I exclaimed. "Nadapa nga lang ako! Hindi ko naman intensyong
magkasugat--"
"Really, huh? Cause I heard you cheering excitedly while asking your friend to
push you." Mariing sikmat n'ya.
"T-Talaga?" Umawang ang labi ko. "N-Nasaan ka ba?"
Iniangat n'ya ang tingin sa mababang terrace ng second floor kaya nag-angat ako
ng tingin roon at napakurap.
"A-Ang bilis mo naman makababa." I murmured.
"I jumped," Parang wala lang na sambit n'ya at napasinghap ako nang walang
sabi-sabing iniangat n'ya ako sa ere.
I hugged his nape, he put his strong, calloused  arms around me, his other hand
at the back of my knee and the other one on my back.
He then looked at my still amazed friend and spoke.
"Can you find the first aid?" Aniya at mabilis na napantango ang kaibigan kong
tulala.
"Sure...sure!" She exclaimed and looked at me.
"Winter, mukhang madidiligan ka na nga talaga!" She exclaimed and before I
could even say something ay tinakbo na n'ya ang back door.
 I can feel the heat of Warrion's body as he held me closer to his chest. I
noticed he changed his clothes from a formal suit to a simple white shirt and a
dark camouflage cargo pants.
His scent invaded my senses, his smells mint and body shower, natural and musk,
addicting.
Hindi ko na napansing nakarating na pala kami sa sala ng bahay at marahan n'ya
akong iniupo sa sofa at nagulat si Max nang makita ako.
"Winter?!" Bigla s'yang napatayo at pumunta sa harapan ko at nagulat nalang ako
nang hawiin s'ya ni Warrion at pumalit sa tapat ko, kunot ang noo.

"Here's the kit, pogi!" Ani Macarena na kaagad na inabot ni Warrion at

napasinghap ako nang lumuhod s'ya sa harapan ko at marahang hinawakan ang hita ko.
I shivered with that, parang may nagkagulo sa sikmura sa kanyang ginagawa.
"Ako na! I can clean her wound!" Presinta ni Max na nakiluhod rin sa tapat ko
at pilit na inagaw kay Warrion ang panglinis ng sugat kaya mukhang iritado ang isa.
"I can do it," Mariing sabi ni Warrion, nakasimangot at malamig ang tingin.
"I can too! Ako na ang maglilinis--"
"I'm a doctor," Malamig na turan ni Warrion na nagpatahimik kay Max at
nagpasinghap kay Macarena.
"I know what I am doing kaya ako na." His lips formed a thin line, looking so
annoyed and mad. "Ako na, ako."
Oo, ikaw na.
Nagtago ako ng ngiti, pasimpleng sumulyap kay Macarena na namamangha pa rin at
ngumisi sa kanya.
Nang sumulyap ako kay Warrion ay iritado ang tingin n'ya sa akin kaya ngumiwi
ako bigla at dinama ang sugat ko.
"A-Aray, sobrang sakit!" Inarte ko.
"Really?" Max panicked and I almost jumped when I felt his hand on my leg.
"Where, Winter?"
"U-Uhm..." Napalunok ako.

"Miss, can you give me a pillow?" Malamig na turan ni

Warrion at mabilis na kinuha ni Macarena ang pillow at inabot kay Warrion.
I was starled when Warrion pulled my dress down to cover my leg, pasimpleng
tinapik ang kamay ni Max at mabilis na ipinatong ang unan sa hita ko.
"Pinch the pillow if it hurts," Aniya at wala sa sariling tumango lang ako.
I was amazed looking at him as he quickly and softly cleaned my wounds. Masakit
man ay mas kaunti ang naramdaman ko hapdi sa kanyang ginawa roon.
He cleaned my wound expertly and covered it with bandage at namamangha lang ako
roon habang pinagmamasdan s'yang tapusin iyon.
He then stood when he's done fixing me and clicked his neck. He closed the kit
and stared coldly at me kaya nakagat ko ang labi.
"T-Thanks," I murmured softly and smiled but he didn't gave me one.
Instead, he looked away and without saying anything, clenched his jaw and
turned his back at me, seriously annoyed and walked away.
Masungit pero my heart was so pleased and soften with his kind move.
Pinagmasdan ko s'yang maglakad palayo at halos magsikantahan ang mga anghel sa
paligid ko habang tinititigan ang kanyang katawan and oh, that booty, ang tambok.
"Ayos ka na?" Natauhan lang ako nang kumustahin ako ni Max at kinikilig na
pinalo-palo ako ni Macarena habang tumatabi sa akin.
I spent my day bonding with my friends, Macarena at Max. We watched a couple of
movies at hindi naman makagala dahil nga sa sugat sa aking tuhod.
Hindi ko na rin nakita pang muli si Warrion pero alam kong nasa paligid lang
s'ya at nagmamasid.
"I have to go, Winter." I noticed the sadness on Max's voice.
"Ingat, Max. Thanks for coming over." I smiled at little.
"Welcome, magpagaling ka, okay? If I have time tomorrow, I'll come and visit
you." Aniya.
I nodded and smiled, sumulyap ako kay Macarena na nag-aayos na rin ng bag dahil
pinasasabay ko na kay Max para hindi umuwi ng mag-isa.
Nang sumulyap s'ya sa akin ay ngumisi ako. She rolled her eyes. Natawa ako at
marahang lumapit s'ya at bumulong.
"Hoy, bruha. Ang dami mong utang na kwento. Tatawag ako mamaya pag-uwi!" Aniya
at natatawang tumango ako.
"Sige, kwento ko." I winked at her at natatawang kumaway s'ya at humalik sa
pisngi ko.
I waved at them as I watched them leave the house and I sighed when they were
gone.
Paano na ako ngayon?
"Ma'am Winter, dinner na!" I heard Ate Linda calling me from the kitchen.
"Opo, Ate! Andyan na!" I exclaimed back and brushed my hair.
Marahang humawak ako sa gilid ng sofa at tinulak ang sarili patayo at napangiwi
sa sakit ng tuhod ko.
Parang bigla akong nagsisi sa kalokohan ko, huh?
I sighed, kumapit ako sa sofa at ika-ikang nagtungo sa kusina nang may humawak
sa baywang ko.
I jumped in shock, mabilis akong lumingon at natigilan nang makita si Warrion
na hawak ang baywang ko at inaalalayan ako sa paglalakad.
"W-Warrion," I murmured.
He didn't say anything nor took a glance at me, walang imik na inalalayan n'ya
ako patungong dining at ipinaglahad ako at inalalayan paupo.

"Oh, Sir, kain ka na rin!" Ani Ate Linda kay Warrion.

I took a glance at Warrion and saw him shake his head with a small smile.
"I'm good," Aniya.
Naghain si Ate Linda ng pagkain at napasulyap ako kay Warrion na tahimik na
nakatayo lang sa gilid.
"Kain tayo," Anyaya ko.
He looked at me, still with his blank face and shook his head a little.
"I'm good, thanks." Aniya at nakagat ko ang labi at tumango.
Sumulyap ako sa pagkain ko sa hapag at katabi si Ate Linda ay sabay kaming
kumain.
"Ate, si Daddy at Mommy ba mamaya pa?" I called her attention.
"Oo ata, Ma'am, gagabihin po siguro, sa kabilang probinsya kasi sila
nangampanya." Aniya.
I slowly nodded and ate my food, simply staring at the motionless man at the
side.
Bakit kahit walang kang ginagawa, ang gwapo mo?
When I am done, I slowly stood from my seat, marahang humawak ako sa upuan at
naglakad ng marahan at paika-ika at mamaya'y naroon nanaman s'ya sa tabi ko at
hawak ang baywang ko.
My heart thumped rapidly again, nakagat ko ang labi nang maramdaman ang malalim
n'yang paghinga at ang init ng palad n'ya sa baywang ko.
He assisted me in sitting again on the sofa and took the remote and opened the
television for me.
"Uh, sa balita nalang." I said and he changed the channel.
Sumulyap ako sa kanya at ngumiti bago tinuro ang sofa sa tabi ko.
"Upo ka muna, tabi tayo." I said and he did not say anything. Naupo s'ya sa
tabi ko at tahimik na nakinuod ng TV kaya pasimple akong susulyap.
You're so mysterious, Warrion.
"Uh, thank you nga pala kanina." I said softly.
I saw him took a glance at me and nodded a little.
"Don't do stunts like that next time," Malamig n'yang sabi.
"Gusto ko lang i-try kong darating ka." I murmured.
 "Still, don't do something like that. Hindi lahat ng oras mabilis ako para
saluhin ka." Aniya at nanahimik ako.
"Sorry na nga e," I whinned.
He stayed silent, still watching the TV. Nakita kong matiim s'yang nakikinig
roon at napapasimangot na ako.
Why don't you look at me? May dyosa kang katabi, hey!
Nakaisip ako bigla ng kung ano, mabilis akong tumayo sa sofa at dahan-dahang
naglakad at wala pang ilang segundo ay nasa tabi ko nanaman s'ya at inaabot ang
baywang ko.
"Saan ka pupunta?" I almost shrieked when his breath touched my ear.
"Kuha ice cream..." I said. When I noticed he's coming with me ay napangisi
ako.
Ganun pala, huh?
When we reached the refrigerator ay s'ya ang nagbukas ng ref, hawak ang baywang
ko. Inabot ko ang cookies 'n cream roon pero inagaw n'ya mula sa akin ang lagayan
at s'ya na ang humawak.
"Let me," Malamig n'yang sabi at isinara ang ref.
I almost screamed in happiness when I felt his hand on my stomach, supporting
me as I walk dahil isang kamay nalang n'ya ang nakaalalay sa akin.
Nang makabalik sa sofa ay inilapag at binuksan ko ang ice creama at nang
maalala ang kutsara ay tumayo nanaman ako.
"Where are you going?" His forehead creased.
"Spoon," I said.
"Sit there, ako na ang kukuha." Aniya kaya umiling ako.
"No, gusto ko ako." I said stubbornly.
He sighed, wala na s'yang nagawa at hinawakan nanaman ako para alalalayan at
napangisi nanaman ako.
There, Warrion. That's what I like to do.
We reached the sofa back in no time at naupo ako at kumain. Inaya ko pa sya
pero kaagad na tumanggi kaya kumain din ako mag-isa.
Habang kumakain ay parang gusto kong magbanyo kaya tumayo ako nang walang
paalam at halos mapatawa sa tagumpay nang mabilis n'ya akong nahawakan.
"Where is it?" He said seriously.
"I wanna pee," I murmured at tumango lang s'ya at humawak sa baywang ko at
inalalayan ang braso ko.
We reached the restroom at bumitaw na ako sa kanya para pumasok sa banyo pero
pinigilan n'ya ako.
"You think you can manage there alone?" Seryoso n'yang tanong sa akin.
"Yeah," I chuckled. "Unless you wanna pull down my panties for me."
He stopped and I stopped to when I realized what I just said. Nag-init ang
pisngi ko at napalunok at mabilis s'yang nag-iwas ng tingin. I saw how his jaw
clenched at that kaya hiyang-hiya ako.
"Charot," Pahabol ko at nagmamadaling sinara ang pinto.
Boba ka, Winter! Hindi ka nag-iisip. As if he'll pull your panties down for
you! May sapot ka na nga e!
Pilit akong nagseryoso palabas ng banyo at nakita kong seryoso na rin s'ya.
Walang-imik kaming bumalik sa sofa at nanuod ng palabas at pasimple akong sumulyap
kay Warrion na nakaupo lang sa tabi ko.
Does he even like me? Is he somehow... Kahit kaunti, na may gusto? Nakuha ko ba
ang atensyon n'ya?
I was bored again and wanted to feel his heat kaya tumayo nanaman ako, medyo
maayos na ang tuhod ko pero nagkunwari akong nasasaktan pa at nagtungo sa hagdan
patungong second floor.
"Where is it this time?" I heard his large intake of breath before wrapping his
arms on my waist to assist me while I go up the stairs.
"Kwarto," I said and a silly smile left my lips.
Got ya, Warrion!
I almost danced in victory. Kumapit pa ako sa braso n'ya at pasimpleng umamoy
habang nangingisi ng malaki.
 Saglit akong sumulyap sa kanya at nahuling nakatitig s'ya sa akin kaya nanlaki
ang mata ko at nawala ang ngiti. Mabilis akong ngumiwi nang manliit ang mata n'ya
sa akin.
"A-Aray! Ouch!" I acted and held his strong arms, kunwari ay nanghihina.
"You're doing this on purpose, don't you?" He murmured, amused.
Napasulyap ako sa kanya at ngumuso at nakita ko ang pagpikit n'ya ng mata ng
mariin at ang pagsinghap sa tabi ko.
"Jesus...unbelievable!" He groaned, humigpit ang hawak sa baywang ko.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Kabanata 3

Di pa kasi posted and Paper Planes so, ito muna in-update

ko hahaha! Enjoy😉
xxx
Kabanata 3
"Ma'am Winter! Okay ka na?" Nakasalubong ko si Ate Linda pagkalabas ko ng
kwarto kinabukasan.
"Naman!" I giggled and placed my hand on my waist. "Super ayos!" Kumendeng pa
ako sa harapan n'ya.
"Saan ka galing, Ate?"
"Ay, naglinis lang ng guestroom at may tutuloy." Aniya at tumango nalang ako,
nagtataka.
May bisita?
"Ay, s'ya nga pala, Ma'am, nasa baba na ang Mommy at Daddy mo." Aniya at
nanlaki ang mata ko at na-excite.
"Oh my God! Thank you!" I giggled happily and almost ran downstairs.
Nasa hagdan palang ako ay rinig ko na ang boses ni Mommy at Daddy na nag-uusap.
Lumaki ang ngisi ko, taas noong bumaba sa hagdan at papunta na sana sa kusina nang
mahuli ng paningin ko si Warrion na nakasandal sa hamba palapit sa hagdan na
mukhang kanina pa ako pinagmamasdan.
He was wearing a plain white shirt with his dog tag on his neck, nakamaong na
pantalon rin s'ya at ang berdeng mga mata ay malamig ang tingin.
I saw him took a glance at my knees and I froze, my poise faded, biglang
nagkunwari akong nanakit ang tuhod at kumapit sa pader.
"A-Aray... Hindi pa pala ako magaling." Parinig ko.
Pasimple pa akong sumulyap sa kanya na nakatingin lang at walang-imik.
Nang masalubong ko ang mata n'ya ay mabilis akong nag-iwas ng tingin at
tumikhim.
"Grabe... Sobrang sakit talaga." Tikhim ko pa at pinaringgan s'ya.
"Your parent's there, eat." He said timidly, not minding my pretending.
"Yeah, medyo ano e..." I pouted. "Medyo masakit ang tuhod ko, hindi ako
makalakad, can you help me?"
His brow raised at me. "I saw you almost jumped down the stairs."
"Because my knees hurt!" I insisted.
"Stop it, go eat." Aniya.
Ngumuso ako at humalukipkip.
"Mommy o--" Sumbong ko sana pero hindi ko na natuloy nang nakasimangot s'yang
lumapit at anabot ang braso ko.
I grinned, paika-ika akong naglakad habang hawak n'ya at pasimpleng inamoy
s'ya! He smells aftershave and fresh! I even noticed his wet hair.
"Ay, hala, Ma'am Winter, masakit ulit ang tuhod mo?" I froze upon hearing Ate
Linda's voice.
Oh...God! No! No!
Nanlaki ang mata ko nang magtungo s'ya sa harapan namin kaya natigil kami ni
Warrion.
"Hala, e, Sir Warrion, maayos na 'yan kanina si Ma'am, kumekendeng pa nga e."
Aniya at nanlaki ang mata ko.
Warrion cleared his throat, pinanlakihan ko naman ng mata si Ate Linda pero
hindi n'ya ako napansin at ngumisi-ngisi pa.
"Naku, ganyan talaga 'yan si Ma'am. Wala kasing boypren kaya naghahanap ng mga
haplos at aruga." Aniya.
Bigla akong naubo, I heard Warrion cleared his throat and I saw him glance at
me kaya nag-iwas ako ng tingin.
"Ate Linda! Hanap ka na ni Mommy!" I exclaimed and she panicked.
"Ay, oo nga pala!" Dali-dali s'yang tumakbo papasok sa kusina at nang mawala
s'ya ay saglit akong sumulyap kay Warrion na pirmi lang ang labi.

"Nakakatawa s'ya 'no? Galing mag-joke." I laughed

awkwardly. "Ganyan 'yan si Ate Linda, joker."
He sighed, took my arm and softly placed his hand back on my waist and assisted
me again.
"I don't know what to do to you, woman." He snorted and I looked at him
innocently.
"Wala naman akong ginagawa," Malambing kong sabi at saglit lang s'yang umiling.
Halos tumalon ang puso ko nang makita ang Mommy at Daddy na kumakain sa hapag
pagpasok namin.
"Mom! Dad!" I cheered happily.
I saw how their gazes shifted on me, my Mom with a happy smile on her face and
my Dad with his confused one.
"What happened?" Nakita ko ang pagkunot ng noo ni Daddy.
"Winter? What happened, dear?" My Mom shifted her gaze on my knees.
"I'm hurt," I pouted.
Warrion assisted me and let me sit beside Mom, humawak sa aking braso si Mommy
at inalalayan rin ako paupo.
"Thank you," I said, smiling to Warrion.
He nodded slowly, walang reaksyon at marahang inusog ang upuan ko para maging
maayos.
"What happened, Winter? Why are you hurt?" Masuyong sabi ni Mommy at hinaplos
ang buhok ko.
"I...lost balance, Mom. Tumama ang tuhod ko sa tiles and it bled, mabuti nalang
nand'yan si Warrion. He helped me." I said and took a glance at him.
"Salamat, hijo!" My Mom smiled sweetly. "Come here, sit, eat."
"I'm good, Tita." He smiled a little.
My eyes widen at that.
Tita?
"Come on, hijo. Eat with us, Tessmarie will be mad at us if we starve you." Ani
Daddy at napakurap ako sa gulat.
"I ate earlier, Tito. Thanks, anyway." Warrion answered politely and I gasped.
Tito? Tita? What is happening?
"No, we insist. Come on, hijo. Eat." Ani Mommy at nakita ko ang pagtango ni
Warrion at ang paglapit n'ya sa amin.
I was still confused, nang maupo si Warrion sa may tabi ni Dad na nakaupo sa
kabisera ay doon na nagsalita si Daddy.
"Warrion is the son of your Ninang Tess and Ninong Arthur." Ani Mommy and my
mouth parted in shock.
"H-Hindi nga?" I murmured and glance at Warrion who was just listening.
"Yes, so, treat him well, Winter. He'll protect you too so, be good, okay?
H'wag pasakitin ang ulo." Ani Daddy.
I was still starled at that.
"Warrion is a military officer before, you're a Major, right?" Baling ni Mommy
kay Warrion na tipid lang na tumango.
 "And he's also a doctor!" Ani Mommy na mukhang masaya roon. "Diba, perfect
package? Mabuti nalang at pumayag itong bantayan ka."
Sumulyap ako kay Warrion na tahimik na kumuha ng tinapay at sumimsim ng kape.
I bit my lip.
"And... He's a bodyguard? E, ang yaman nila Tita Tess, huh?" I said.
"My parents are, not me." Ani Warrion na sumandal sa upuan at sumimsim ng kape.
I saw him staring at me while sipping, halos mabulunan naman ako sa kinakain ko
roon.
"Then...why bodyguard?" I asked.
"Sideline," Aniya at nagkibit-balikat.
My parents laughed at him, nakita ko namang tumaas ang sulok ng labi ni Warrion
at pilit itinago ang ngiti.

"Weh?" I said. "Crush mo ako 'no?"

Biglang natahimik ang pamilya ko. Even Warrion's smirk faded and my father
cleared his throat and my Mom sipped on her tea.
Nag-init ang pisngi ko sa nasabi at halos i-umpog ang ulo sa lamesa.
Tanga, Winter! Tagtuyot ka na nga, tuyot pa ang utak mo!
"I...mean..."
"Pagpasensyahan mo na, hijo." My Mom said, chuckling. "No boyfriend since birth
kasi kaya ganyan--"
"Mom!" I hissed.
"Perhaps, you know someone we can pair with my Winter?" Ani ng malisyosang
nanay ko kaya ngumiwi ako at sumulyap kay Warrion.
Nakakahiya!
"We actually tried setting her with blind dates," Ani Daddy na mukhang
komportable kay Warrion. "But she easily ignores them, after the blind date then
boom, goodbye."
"Because they weren't interesting!" I said. "Ang daldal, I'm annoyed. Puro
pabida sa sarili. I prefer boys who's listening, may thrill, quiet. Who will hear
your thoughts first before boasting about themselves." Nguso ko.
Nang sumulyap ako kay Warrion ay nakita ko ang matiim n'yang tingin. I saw his
blazing green eyes, cold and unmoving, just staring at me. His jaw clenched a bit
and then licked his lower lip.
"Ayan, walang ganyan sa totoong buhay, Winter Andromeda, sa libro lang 'yan."
Ani Daddy kaya napaiwas ako ng tingin at sumimsim ng juice.
"Anyway, Warrion, ikaw, may kakilala ka ba?" Ani Mommy sa kanya.
"No," Tipid nitong sabi at muling sumulyap kaya kumibot nanaman ang puso ko.
"Si Caspian? Ang Kuya mo? Maybe we can set her up?"
"Kuya's old." He said at natawa si Daddy at Mommy sa kanya. "And he has
Polaris, you know, her long time girlfriend."
"Cousins?" Ani Daddy.
"Yes!" My Mom exclaimed happily. "Sina Wave, hijo? You're close with your
cousins, right? Vioxx, Lucian?"
I saw how Warrion's forehead creased, I saw his lips twitched and his brows
met, looking like he disagrees a lot.
"I am not close with them, Tita." Ani Warrion at binasa ang labi at sumulyap sa
akin, walang ngiti.
"You don't talk to them?" My Dad asked.
"Not really, I barely see them. I just know them but not that close." Sagot
n'ya at pinaglaruan ang tasa.
"Oh, too bad!" My Mom pouted. "Hindi bale, hija..." Hinaplos ni Mommy ang buhok
ko. "You'll attend the reunion! Mangongotrata tayo roon ng mga kaibigan ng pinsan
mo--"
"Mom! Ayoko ng reunion!" Sumimangot ako. "Tatanungin nanaman ako kailan ako
magpapakasal!"
Nagtawanan nanaman sila at ako'y sumimangot lang.
 Macarena called and my friends will come here today for lunch. Kaagad akong
naligo at nag-ayos ng sarili para sa pagpunta ng mga kaibigan ko.
I wore a simple navy blue spaghetti strap dress and flats, inilugay ko ang
aking buhok at inayos ang damit ko na hanggang hita lang.
I put on powder and liptint first and put some blush on. Nang makontento sa
itsura at tinawag na ako ni Ate Linda ay lumabas na ako ng kwarto.
I looked around the hallway to look for Warrion but he is nowhere to be found
kaya umayos ako ng tayo. I confidently and staightly went down the stairs and
smiled at my Mom and Dad who's on their way to another campaign.

"Mom, Dad, take care." I said softly and kissed their

cheeks.
"Take care too, dear. Will be back later tonight, sabay tayo magdi-dinner,
okay?" Mommy caressed my hair.
"Okay, Mom."
"And hija, Warrion will stay with you today, alright? Don't mention anything to
your friends about him, they can't know he's your bodyguard, okay?"
"Why?" I asked, confused. "I already told Macarena about it."
"It's Elena, hija. My God, kaya iritado ang kaibigan mo sa'yo!" My Mom laughed.
"Elena is good, we know her since she's a kid, we trust her, 'yung iba lang, hija.
Keep this a secret."
"Okay, Mom, Dad." I kissed them again when they left.
Pagkaalis nila ay naabutan ko si Ate Linda at ang iilang kasambahay na
nagdadala na ng makakain sa pool side.
Naglakad ako patungo roon at nakita mula sa malayo ang nagkakagulo kong mga
kaibigan.
They were six of them outside, Macarena, my super bff kasi sarap sakalin
minsan. Lindsay, Steff, Justine, Julian and Max, my suitor.
Binuksan ko ang sliding at kaagad akong sinalubong ng sariwa at malamig na
hangin sa labas.
Nagkakatuwaan na sila roon, the boys were laughing, ang mga babae naman ay
nagbubulungan at naghahagikhikan. I saw them staring at somewhere and will laughed
again kaya nangunot ang noo ko.
Bahagya akong lumabas, sinundan ang kanilang tingin at halos matigilan nang
makita si Warrion na tahimik na nakaupo sa may bench sa lilim ng isang puno malapit
sa pool.
My mouth parted and my breath almost hitched the moment I saw him, just sitting
there alone, tapping on his phone. Seryoso ang tingin sa telepono at nakita ko ang
pagkakadepina ng kanyang katawan.
Damn, Warrion. How can you be this hot?!
Maybe, he noticed my stares kaya mabilis n'yang nahuli ang mga mata ko sa
pagtingin n'ya. I gasped, bigla kong naalalang masakit pala dapat ang tuhod ko kaya
bigla akong naglakad na parang ika-ika.
Damn you, Winter! Mukha kang tanga!
I saw how Warrion stood from his seat while looking at me kaya nangingisi na
ako but it all faded when I felt something on my waist and to my shock, I saw Max
holding me.
"M-Max?"
"Hey, let me help you." Malambing n'yang sabi at hinawakan ang daliri ko at ang
baywang ko pahapit sa kanya.
Kinabahan ako, mabilis akong sumulyap kay Warrion na nakatayo na roon at
nakapamulsa, malamig ang tingin. I saw his jaw clenched, his lips thinned and
avoided my gaze.
Pagkarating ko sa mga kaibigan ko ay kaagad nila akong binata. The girls kissed
my cheek and the boys hugged me tightly. Isa-isa ko silang binati bago naupo sa
tabi ni Macarena at Max.
On my seat, I can clearly see Warrion sitting there, unmoving and alert.
Nakamasid lang s'yang tahimik sa akin at nang ngumiti ako nang mahuli ang kanyang
mata ay wala s'ya reaksyon.
Hmp! Sungit!
"Who's that man over there, sis?!" Nanlalaki ang mata ni Lindsay nang sabihin
iyon.
"Uhm," I cleared my throat and bit my lip.
"Oo nga, I noticed him when we got here! Ang gwapo naman!" Ani Steff na mukhang
kinikilig.
"Babe," Justine warned her kaya napahagikhik si Steff at ngumisi.
"Joke lang," She said.
"Yeah, I noticed it too. Who was that man, kahapon pa 'yan dito, diba?" Biglang
tanong ni Max na lumapit sa akin.

I felt his hand on mine, nakita ko ang ngisi ng mga

kaibigan ko at ngumuso lang ako.
"Uhm, a family friend." Saglit ko lang na sagot.
"Oh?" Biglang lumingon sa akin si Macarena kaya hinampas ko ang hita n'ya.
"Brutal ka talaga, Winter!" Iritang sabi n'ya at pinanlakihan ko lang s'ya ng
mata.
I talked to them and had fun as we ate our lunch. Pasulyap-sulyap ako kay
Warrion na tahimik lang sa pagtipa ng phone n'ya.
Gutom na kaya s'ya?
"Sorry to say, Winter but Mom called. I have to go after lunch." Max leaned in
and whispered softly on my ear.
"Really? That's too bad." I whispered back.
"I don't want to be away from you this fast but I really have to, babawi nalang
ako." Aniya at mas lumapit. I felt his lips touched my ear, medyo nagulat pa ako
roon pero ngumiti rin pagkaraan.
"Okay, it's alright." I smiled at him.
Habang kumakain ay nagke-kwentuhan lang kami tungkol sa nalalapit na ramp. They
were my model friends, minsan ay isinasama ko sila rito sa bahay para magbonding
kagay noon.
Max often tells me something, about random things, making me laugh. Bumubulong
s'ya sa akin at mas lumalapit ako kapag hindi ko s'ya naririnig.
"Uh-oh... Someone's looking like a mad ape." Natigilan ako sa biglang kurot sa
akin at hagikhik ni Macarena.
"Huh?" Gulong sabi ko.
"Si gwapo! Look!" Aniya at ngumuso kaya nagtaka ako. Sinundan ko ang tingin
n'ya at natigilan nang makita ang seryosong mukha ni Warrion.
He was eyeing Max who was playing with my fingers, his face dark and his jaw
clenching.
"Uh-oh, mabibinyagan ka na ata, Winter. Bye-bye, tagtuyot days!" Macarena
whispered in a sing-song kaya mabilis kong kinuha ang kamay ko mula kay Max at
tumikhim.
"Uhm, tapos na ang lunch, baka hinahanap ka na." I called his attention.
"Uh, yes." Biglang natauhan si Max at tumango. "Sige, Winter, I gotta go. I'll
see you again, babe." Aniya at natigilan ako nang patakan n'ya ng halik ang pisngi
ko.
I blinked, nagsitilian ang mga kaibigan ko at inasar ako. While I was starled,
Max was blushing and chuckled at that.
"Alagaan n'yo ang Winter ko, pakakasalan ko pa 'yan." Aniya at ginulo ang buhok
ko.
Tinulak-tulak naman ako ni Macarena sa kilig n'ya at halos hampasin ko s'ya
nang mawalan ako ng balanse. My friends teased me but I keep on shaking my head,
laughing.
Nakaalis na si Max pero patuloy pa rin ang kanilang pang-aasar. Halos sabunutan
na ako ni Macarena pero panay ang sulyap ko kay Warrion na tahimik lang roon at
matiim ang tingin kung saan, halatang iritado.
Gutom siguro? Hindi s'ya naglunch.
"Kailan mo sasagutin?" Julian asked me, teasing.
"I don't actually know," I shook my head. "I am not ready."
"Pa rin? You've been readying yourself for twenty-eight years now, Winter." Ani
Steff.
"I just..." I sighed. "I don't know, ang hirap-hirap kasing magstay ng feelings
ko. You know I liked him a  lot in the past, right? But then, when he liked me
back, I will lose interest." I sighed heavily. "What's the problem with me?"
"May ganyan talaga." Ani Lindsay. "You can only solve that by yourself, maybe
think of it. Consider his good deeds, it might stay. Max is a good person."

"I agree," Julian answered.

"Nawawalan kasi ako ng gana kapag mga ganun. You know, I easily lose interest,
I don't find someone interesting anymore if I already know them really well. I am
annoyed sometimes of my attitude. I felt like I am losing the thrill."
"Ayoko kasing sagutin si Max na wala akong nararamdaman, baka mas masaktan lang
s'ya." I sighed.
"Ang sabihin mo, gusto mo lang 'yung mga lalaking galing sa army tapos matambok
ang pwet!" My bitch of a friend, Macarena, exclaimed kaya nanlaki ang mata ko at
mabilis s'yang tinulak.
"Macarena!" I exclaimed. Mabilis akong natigilan at napatikhim bago sumulyap
kay Warrion na natigilan rin roon.
"Aray! Winter!" Reklamo n'ya nang bumagsak s'ya sa lapag sa tulak ko.
"Shut up!" Kinurot ko s'ya bago bumaling kay Steff na malisyoso ang tingin sa
akin.
"What is it, Winter? May natitipuhan ka na?" Aniya na nang-aasar kaya ngumuso
lang ako at umiling.
"Wala! Uhm, ano ba kasi, diba sabi mo may ibibigay kayo?" I said, trying to
lure them out of the topic at mukhang nagtagumpay naman ako.
"Oh! Yes!" She cheered happily. "Here," Naglabas s'ya ng envelope at isa-isang
inilabas para ibigay sa amin at nang mabasa ko iyon ay nanlaki ang mata ko.
"You're?"
"Yes! We're getting married!" She said happily, embracing Justine kaya
napapalakpak ako sa pagkamangha.
"Oh my God! Congratulations!" I exclaimed happily and hugged them both.
We discussed about their motifs, their plans and the gowns.
"Ikaw nalang ang naiwan, Winter! Kami ni Just, ikakasal na, si Julian, marami
namang babae 'yan, si Lindsay at Elena may love life na rin!" Steff said.
"FYI, mukhang sasamahan ko muna sa pederasyon si Winter. LQ." Ani Lindsay roon
kaya natigil kami.
"Again?" Macarena sighed.
"Yeah,"
"But still... Atleast my love life. It's alright, kompara sa akin diba? Isipin
mo atleast ikaw may lovelife kaya may problem e, ako? Life lang walang love."
Simangot ko kaya nagsitawanan sila.
"Make up your mind na kasi, girl! You have to have a relationship, real quick!"
Steff clapped her hand.
"Alam n'yo, tanggap ko na." Monologue ko. "Tanggap ko na tatanda akong mag-
isa."
"Mag-aaral nalang akong mag-gantsilyo, magtatahi ng kurtina, mangongolekta ng
donasyon sa simbahan, mangongolekta ng hulmahan ng leche plan--"
"Gaga ka!" My friends bursted out laughing and I shook my head.
"Basta, huh! Ninang na ako ng mga anak n'yo! When you all got wed, ako na ang
Tita ng taon!" I giggled.
"E, ano bang balak mo? Hindi naman pwedeng tumanda ka ng dalaga. You have to
bear a child, walang mag-aalaga sa'yo pagtanda!"
 "Alam n'yo," I said. "Madali nalang 'yan, edi maghahanap ako ng sperm donor o
kaya papabuntis ganun!"
Wala sa sariling napasulyap kay Warrion at nanlaki ang mata ko nang makitang
kunot ang noo n'ya at matalim ang tingin sa akin.
Naubo ako bigla, ramdam na ramdan ko ang riin ng titig n'ya at nang sumulyap
ako kay Macarena ay nanliliit ang mata n'ya sa akin.
I know that look!
Sa muli kong pagsulyap kay Warrion ay napansin kong kausap n'ya si Ate Linda
bago tumango at umalis kaya ngumuso ako.
Saan kana, Warrion?

Sinundan ko ng tingin ang papaalis na si Warrion at kinagat

ang labi. Ang tambok talaga! Kagigil!
When my friends but their goodbye, inihatid ko sila sa gate, pagkaalis nila ay
kaagad ko napansin ang isang itim na SUV roon at iilang mga gwapong lalaking may
dalang gamit na pumapasok sa bahay ay nagtaka ako.
"Ate Linda, anong meron?" I asked her.
"Ay, gamit po iyan ni Sir Warrion, dito s'ya titira." Aniya at umawang ang labi
ko.
"P-Po?"
"Kasi sabi ni Daddy mo, mas maganda dito si Sir Warrion para mabantayan ka,
s'ya iyong sa guest room na nililinis ko kanina."
My eyes widen, halos magtatatalon na ang puso ko at mabilis na umakyat sa
second floor para makiusyoso sa lipat-bahay ni Warrion!
I was grinning ear to ear, sumilip ako sa guestroom at nakita ko ang dalawang
lalaki roon kasama ni Warrion na may dalang gamit.
"Fuck you, Warrion. Para kang si Caspian, daming raket." Tawa ng isa roon.
Ang ga-gwapo naman nila!
"Go out," Malamig na sabi ni Warrion.
"Wala manlang thank you? With kiss?" The man asked.
"Go out, Vioxx, Lucian. You two." Simangot nito.
"May nakita kaming maganda kanina, 'yung babantayan mo, pakilala mo naman--"
"Fuck you, go out." Ani Warrion at halos ipagtulakan ang dalawa palabas kaya
mabilis akong tumakbo sa kwarto ko para sumilip at napangiti ng wala sa sarili.
Warrion is here! He's living with us!
Napasayaw ako sa tuwa roon.
I slept for atleast an hour when I got to my room, nagising lang ako nang
maramdaman ang sakit ng tuhod ko kaya napaupo ako at napanguso.
Ayan, kakagalaw mo 'yan, Winter!
My wound is bleeding a little, naipit ko, kita ko ang dugo sa bandage kaya
napabuntong-hininga ako. Ang sakit ba naman kasi 'nung tiles, si Macarena kasi,
wagas makatulak!
I sighed, tried looking at my wound but I just shook my head and groaned.
Hindi ako marunong maglinis ng sugat!
Napatingin ako sa pintuan ko at biglang may naisip, mabilis akong tumayo,
sinubukang umayos ng lakad pero totoong masakit na ang tuhod ko kaya napahawak ako
sa pader.
I slowly went to the guestroom and took a deep breath and knocked. Then
suddenly, the door opened.
I saw Warrion on his messy hair, mapupungay ang berdeng mata at bagong gising,
his reddish lips slightly parting. Bumaba ang tingin ko sa katawan n'ya at umawang
ang labi ko nang makitang wala s'yang pang-itaas.
His chest is exposed on my sight with a metal dog tag on his neck, his strong
arms is freely shown for me. His triceps were too much to bear and oh, that iron
clad chest and abs! He's only wearing his loose maong pants and he's barefoot!
Oh my God! Oh my God!
"Yes?" He said in a husky voice.
 "Uh...eh, h-hi, doc." I almost whimpered.
Nagsalubong ang kilay n'ya at kita ko ang pagtataka sa mukha n'ya.
"Uh," Tumikhim ako. "K-Kasi papatulong lang sana ako," Bumaba ang tingin ko sa
tuhod ko at nakita kong sinundan n'ya iyon ng tingin.
"My wound is bleeding and I don't know what I should do." My lips protruded.
Sa muli kong pag-angat ng tingin sa kanya ay kita kong kunot ang noo n'ya
habang nakatingin sa tuhod ko at tumango.
"Come here," Aniya at halos mapasinghap ako sa paghawak n'ya sa baywang ko para
alalayan ako papasok sa kanyang kwarto.
He locked the door and assisted me on his bed, nang maupo n'ya ako roon ay
mabilis n'yang kinuha ang kulay itim na shirt at mabilis na isinuot sa harapan ko.
Wala kang puso, Warrion! Wala akong jowa tanang-buhay ko at magbibihis ka sa
harapan ko! Wala akong lakas sa temptasyon!
"Wait here," He said and went to the bathroom at ako'y inilibot ang tingin sa
paligid.
Amoy-Warrion. Ang bango-bango!
Nang bumalik s'ya ay may hawak na s'yang emergency kit, nakanguso lang ako
habang pinagmamasdan s'ya at nangiti nang makita ang pagluhod n'ya sa paahan ko.
I smiled secretly, pinagmasdan s'ya ng tahimik at maya-maya'y nagsalita.
"Uh, 'nung nasa army ka, nagme-medschool ka?" I suddenly asked him.
I saw him froze for a while before nodding quietly and removed the bandage off
my wound.
I saw him took a cotton from the kit and hold my feet firmly and extended my
feet.
"Warrion," I suddenly called while looking at him.
"Yeah?" He said and my heart skipped a beat. Inabot ko ang buhok n'ya at
marahang hinaplos at natigilan s'ya pero walang sinabi at hinayaan lang ako.
"Ganyan ka ba talaga? Tahimik? Mysterious? Mas gusto lang nakikinig?" I asked
him curiously.
Like usual, he didn't answer, akala ko ay hindi na talaga nang bigla kong
marinig ang boses n'ya.
"Hmm, not really but if I talk much," His green eyes stared at me. "I won't be
interesting anymore."

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Kabanata 4

Kabanata 4
Maaga palang ay gising na ako, hindi man naliligo ay mabilis at halos tumakbo
ako sa banyo para maghilamos at magsepilyo.
I was grinning and almost dancing while staring at myself in the mirror and
combed my hair.
Ang ganda-ganda ng umaga! Ang ganda-ganda ko!
Hindi ko alam pero sobra ang energy ko ngayong araw, pagkatapos kong mag-ayos
ay sinuklay ko ang buhok gamit ang daliri ko at naglagay ng manipis na liptint. I
even put powder on my face and put a light red tint on my cheek too para mas mamula
s'ya but all in all, it looked natural.
Nang makuntento ako ay mabilis akong lumabas ng banyo at inayos ang suot na
spaghetti strap at shorts. Sinuot ang tsinelas at chineck ko muna ang benda ko bago
muling sumulyap sa salamin.
I slightly ruined my hair, kumurap-kurap sa salamin bago mabilis na lumabas sa
kwarto.
The moment I went out of my room, I eyed Warrion's room, muli akong sumulyap sa
tuhod ko at naglakad patungo sa tapat ng kanyang kwarto para kumatok.
I heaved a deep sigh when I heard footsteps from inside the room, I panicked,
hindi ko alam ang pose ko dapat kapag bubuksan n'ya ang pinto!
 I was giddy! Hindi ko alam kung sasandal ba ako sa pintuan, mamamaywang, magpa-
pout, beautiful eyes?
I gasped when I saw the door knob twisting, mabilis kong itinukod ang kamay ko
sa pintuan at s'ya ring pagbukas n'ya ng pinto.
My heart fasten its pace the moment my black eyes met his green, fascinating,
dark ones. I saw how his forehead creased when he saw me, he's just wearing a black
shirt, maong pants with his dark hair still damp from the shower.
He didn't say anything, he just raised his eyebrow at halos hindi na ako
magkandaugaga sa sasabihin ko.
"Uh... Masakit kasi 'yung sugat ko." I murmured.
I saw him took a glance at my knee and back on my face.
"It's been a week, Miss Almedarez." He said. "It shouldn't hurt that bad."
"But it is!" I insisted. "Masakit talaga."
I saw his lips protruded a bit, his jaw clenched. Pinasadahan n'ya ako ng
tingin at itinaas ko ang kamay ko.
"Come on, bebe, gamutin mo ako." I whinned but then stopped when I realized
something.
Muling kumunot ang noo n'ya sa sinabi ko.
"What?" He spatted.
"Bebe...Bebele ke neng food." Tumikhim ako at umayos ng tayo. "Gutom na ako e,
may pagkain ka ba d'yan?" I pretended to be looking at his room pero mahina ko nang
sinisinghalan ang sarili ko.
What actually was that, Winter?!
"What are you doing here?" He asked me timidly.
"K-Kagigising ko lang tapos masakit s'ya kaya pumunta ako kaagad sa'yo."
"Kagigising mo lang?" His brow raised, pinasadahan n'ya ako ng tingin at
tumango ako at inayos ang buhok ko.
"Yes!" I smiled at him. "This is my just woke up look. Mukhang nag-ayos 'no?
Fresh kasi talaga ako kapag umaga." I said and grinned.
He looks confused, tila hindi naniniwala sa sinabi ko kaya ngumiwi nalang ako
at ngumuso.
"Come on, Warrion, help me." I said softly and I saw him clenched his jaw. Muli
akong pinasadahan ng tingin at inabot ang braso ko.
"H'wag kang lalabas ng ganyan." Simangot n'ya at ngumisi ako bago tumango-tango
at kumapit sa kanya.
Pwede na akong award-an ng best actress award sa Oscars! Kagaya nitong mga
nakaraan ay inalalayan n'ya ako paupo sa kanyang kama bago muling umalis para kunin
ang medicine kit.

I was silently smiling and sniffing his scent. That guy is

so lovely, tahimik pero concern. I noticed his tactics, kunwaring walang pakialam
pero sa loob n'ya ay tutulungan rin ako.
He's been mending my wound for a week now, wala naman akong masyadong ganap sa
buhay so it's good, I always just stay here in the house. Answer emails, managing
social media accounts for my father's campaign multimedia posts.
The only person that excites me while I'm in the house is Warrion, tho, hindi
naman talaga kami sa nag-uusap but I like his presence.
Kapag susungitan n'ya ako ay idadahilan ko ang sugat ko kaya hindi na s'ya
nakakaala. If I have one good thing when I'm with him is pissing him off.
I'm good at pissing that cold, handsome man everytime and it's good.
I smiled cutely when he went out of the bathroom with the kit on his head. Nang
lumapit s'ya ay excited kong in-extend ang paa ko at mas lumaki ang ngiti.
He lowered his body. Marahang lumuhod s'ya sa lapag matapos ilagay ang kit sa
kama at inabot ang paa ko.
Like what I always do, I lifted my hand and caressed his hair while he was
removing the bandage. He stopped and glanced at me but then didn't say anything and
removed the bandage completely.
 "Ang bango ng shower gel mo," I murmured and combed his hair with my fingers.
"Anong brand? Para makabili ako?"
"Don't know," He said.
"Oh?" I pouted. "Sige na, come on, tell me the name. I wanna buy one too,
parang mas bet ko 'yung iyo kaysa sa shower gel ko. I was kinda getting bored with
that strawberry scented gel."
Hindi s'ya umimik at inabot ang kit at binuksan.
"Warrion... Come on, please?" I murmured.
"No."
"Please, please, please?" I pleaded and I saw him took a glance at me and his
lips lifted for a sly smirk.
"You smell great, I like your scent." Aniya at natigil ako.
He cleared his throat and shook his head, tila pinipigilan ang sarili na hindi
ko maintindihan at nagwala naman ang puso ko.
"R-Really?" I blinked.
"Your wound is good," Pag-iiba n'ya kaya napasulyap ako sa sugat ko na magaling
na nga ata talaga.
"Hindi pa 'yan magaling," I said.
"It is good," Aniya at inayos ang paa ko. "Let's not bandage it, let it expose
in air. Mas madaling mawawala ang sugat nito."
"Pero masakit pa," I almost whinned, sumulyap ako sa sugat kong hindi naman na
sobrang kalala at maayos na. "Doktor ka diba, hindi dapat tayo nagpapakasigurado.
Malay mo may impeksyon pa sa loob or something--"
"It's good," Aniya. "The scar will fade too after that, don't worry."
"Kainis naman," Humaba ang nguso ko nang tumayo s'ya sa harapan ko at
sinulyapan ko ang sugat ko. "Bakit ang bilis mo gumaling? Huh?" I murmured and
groaned.
"Nung nakaraan ko pa sinabi sa'yong hindi na kailangang ibenda." Aniya kaya
nag-angat ako ng tingin sa kanya.
"Pero kailangan kasi," I said. "Kasi baka may hidden infection. Kasi diba, sabi
sa commercial 'yung mga antiseptic halos 99.9% lang ng germs mawawala, paano pala
kapag yung 0.1% nakaligtas?"
Bigla s'yang natawa, natigil ako ng bahagyang lumiit ang mata n'ya sa pagtawa
at napatakip ako ng bibig ko.
Oh my God! Warrion just laughed!

He was almost smirking, nakita kong kinagat n'ya bigla ang

kanyang labi at nang makita ang titig ko ay unti-unting humupa ang ngiti n'ya at
nagseryoso.
"You..." I murmured and pointed him. "You laughed!" I exclaimed and laughed
happily.
He cleared his throat, his cheeks almost flushed but I smiled at him and spoke.
"You looked more handsome when you laugh," I murmured softly and bit my lip.
"Anyway," He said and lowered his gaze on my knees. Lumuhod s'yang muli sa
harapan ko at inabot ang hita ko habang nangingisi lang ako roon. "Okay na 'to, you
don't have to wrap it on a bandage."
"Hindi nga okay," I sighed.
"Kulit mo," Aniya at napasinghap ako sa pagpitik n'ya sa tuhod ko.
"Warrion!" I groaned when it stung at nasipa ko s'ya roon kaya napatawa s'yang
muli at inilapag ang paa ko sa lapag, binasa ang labi n'ya bago tumayo sa harapan
ko at sinuklay ang buhok n'ya.
"Go, woman, change your clothes, take a bath. I don't want you running around
the house with that..." Sumulyap s'ya sa spaghetti strap ko. "Half-naked."
"So?" Tumaas ang kilay ko. "Mababait naman tao rito."
"They have a new employee there, may iba ring kasamang mga kandidato ang Daddy
mo sa ibaba. Change your clothes. Baka masilipan ka."
Tumayo ako at humalukipkip sa harapan n'ya bago ngumisi.
 "Afraid men might take advantage?" I teased.
Hindi s'ya umimik. His broading shoulder looks touchable and so...so manly.
Bagsak ang kanyang buhok sa kanyang noo kaya pinagmasdan ko ang mukha n'ya.
I stared at his lips, it looks edible. It was slightly parting and was in
natural red color. I can still remember the taste of that lips that night in the
bar where we first met.
Napalunok ako, I froze when I noticed him staring at my lips too at kinagat ko
ang labi ko at nagsalita.
"You? Won't you...take advantage of me?" I said softly and his eyes went up on
my eyes. Seryoso iyon at madilim, I saw his brow lifted and stared at my face.
Halos malunod ako sa kanyang titig at bahagya akong lumapit. Our chest touched,
I saw how his eyes sharpen at my aggressive move.
I tiptoed, sa ginawa kong iyon ay halos magtama na ang ilong namin at nagwala
ang puso ko roon. Bumilis ang paghinga n'ya, I saw how he gulped, his lips parted.
"I...wanna kiss you, Warrion." I murmured softly and that's when he snapped
back. Sa gulat ko ay marahang hinawakan n'ya ang braso ko at bahagya akong inilayo
sa kanya.
"No..." He breathe, looking lost. "I won't take advantage of you."
My mouth parted, napakurap ako nang umalis s'ya sa harapan ko at maya-maya pa
ay naramdaman ko ang malaking itim na robe sa balikat ko.
Napahawak ako roon at maya-maya'y nasa harapan ko na s'ya at napakurap lang ako
nang kalabitin n'ya ang ilong ko.
"Go, I'll cook you breakfast. Change your clothes, woman." Aniya at mas nagwala
ang dibdib ko roon.
"T-Talaga?" I murmured. "Sa...Sa sunod ikaw naman lulutuan ko, I lost a reason
why I should bother you so...there, lulutuan nalang kita."
"Okay," Tumango s'ya at inayos sa balikat ko ang robe n'ya.
"Thank you," I said softly.
He nodded, his green eyes twinkling with the sunrays escaping from the white
curtains.

Nakagat ko ang labi ko nang magtungo s'ya sa pintuan para

lumabas kaya mabilis akong sumunod sa kanya, nangingiti.
Binuksan n'ya ang pinto at handa na sana akong magsalita nang marinig ko ang
boses ng kaibigan ko.
"Winter! Ang kaibigan kong tagtuyot!" She was almost screaming her lungs out at
bago ko pa man masigawan ang gaga ay nakita kong nakita n'ya sa Warrion na palabas
ng kwarto.
"Uy! Hi, gwapo! Kita mo 'yung friend kong tuyot?" Ani Macarena roon at bago pa
man makasagot si Warrion ay napasinghap ako at tinawag s'ya.
"Macarena!" I hissed and I saw how her eyes widen, her mouth dramatically
parted when he saw me behind Warrion's back, wearing his robe.
"Oh...my..." She stared at me, back at the cold Warriom and me again. "You
two..." Tinuro n'ya kami.
"Macarena! It's not what you're--"
"Oh my God!" Halos pumalakpak ang kaibigan ko at nagtungo sa harapan ni
Warrion.
"Finally! Diniligan mo na ba ang tuyot na hardin?!" She exclaimed happily at
Warrion's face and I saw how his forehead creased in confusion.
"Macarena!" Nanlaki ang butas ng ilong ko at hinila ang kaibigan ko.
"Bakit?" Takang sabi n'ya.
"Tara!" I hissed and looked at Warrion and flashed a small smile. "Uh, sige,
Warrion, pasok lang ako..."
"Ay, nadiligan ka nga--"
"Macarena!" Kinurot ko ang kaibigan ko at tinulak s'ya papasok sa kwarto at
maliit na ngumiti kay Warrion at halos magtatatalon pagpasok ko roon.
"Macarena!" I hissed at her.
 "What?" Malisyoso kang tumingin sa akin. "Ikaw, huh... Kunwari ka pa, anong
feeling? Sarap 'no?"
"Walang nangyari, okay? Manahimik ka nga!" I groaned.
"Oh?" Tumaas ang kilay n'ya. "E, bakit suot mo ang robe n'ya? And why are you
on his room early in the morning?"
"Kasi nga, nagpagamot ako ng sugat!" Ngumuso ako at umupo sa tabi n'ya sa kama.
"And the robe?"
"He let me wore it!" I said at ngumiwi s'ya.
"Bagal mo naman, cyst! May gagamba na 'yang ano mo, wala ka pa ring kilos.
Galaw-galaw rin minsan 'no!" Irap n'ya. "Na-excite pa naman ako, akala ko may
diligang naganap na!"
"Wala, okay?" I rolled my eyes. "But honestly," I sighed. "We...were about to
kiss."
"Oh my God!" She exclaimed happily. "And? Make out? Kiss?"
"That's the thing," I sighed and brushed my hair. "He looks tempted, but then,
he softly pushed me away and said he doesn't want to take advantage of me."
Akala ko ay may bad comment ang kaibigan ko pero mabilis syang napangisi at
napatili. Nagulat pa ako nang hampasin n'ya ang braso ko at sumigaw.
"Oh my God! He respects you!" She exclaimed.
"Y-You...think so?" I blinked, a smile left my lips.
"Yes!" She said excitedly. "Oh gosh! I can't believe this! He's into you!"
"P-Paano kung ayaw n'ya lang talaga? Kasi hindi n'ya ako gusto?"
"He likes you, Winter. I swear, I can feel it!" Aniya at inalog ang balikat ko.
"Galingan mo na ang kilos sa susunod, okay? Tunawin mo ang yelo! Tapos galingan mo
sa paggiling minsan! Bongga 'yun kapag nagkataon, feeling ko bratatat sa kama!"

My eyes widen in horror at hinampas s'ya kaya humagalpak

s'ya ng tawa roon.
"Yes! This is what I am looking forward! Finally, maisusuko mo na ang perlas ng
silanganan sa isang banyaga!"
"Macarena!" Halos takpan ko ang tenga ko para manahimik s'ya.
"Finally! Madidiligan na ang mga tuyot mong orchids--"
"Macarena!" Hinampas ko s'ya ng unan at grabe ang halakhak n'ya sa kama at
tinakbo ko ang banyo para manahimik s'ya.
I take a bath and wore mg father's campaign shirt, he's in red team and I am
wearing a red shirt for that and a maong fitted pants.
Sa paglabas ko ay wala na roon si Macarena at paniguradong nakikipag-usap na
roon kina Daddy at Mommy sa ibaba. I wore a black ankle boots, blow dried my hair
and took my small black purse.
Ngayon kasing araw na ito ay naka-schedule kaming mag-iikot sa iilang barangay
na malapit para mangampanya para kay Daddy bilang isang senador.
My father's team mates were here too, with us. Habang inaayos ko ang buhok ko
at naglalakad sa hallway patungong hagdan ay natigil ako nang makita ang paparating
na si Warrion.
He was still wearing his shirt earlier, malinis na ulit ang buhok n'ya at
habang naglalakad ay sumasabay ang dog tag sa kanyang leeg.
"Warrion!" I called and waved my hand. He stopped walking, walang reaksyon
s'yang tumingin sa akin at ngumisi ako at inilahad ang suot ko.
"Does my outfit looks good? You...think it's okay?" I said softly at him.
I saw him took a glance at my clothes and firmly nodded.
"Sama ka sa campaign?" I said and smiled at him.
"Yes," Ani at binasa ang labi n'ya. "Your breakfast's at the table inside the
kitchen."
My heart swelled at his action and I nodded happily at him.
"Thank you so much, Warrion! I can't wait to eat breakfast!" I said and almost
jump in glee. "What did you made for me?"
"Uhm," He licked his lower lip again and stared at me. "I didn't see any actual
food in the kitchen so I cooked you fried egg and hotdogs. Is it okay?"
"Of course!" Ngiting-ngiting sabi ko. "I love breakfast mostly if it's from
you!"
His lip lifted a little, tumango s'ya sa akin at pinagmasdan ko s'yang nagtungo
sa kanyang kwarto.
I was all smiles as I made my way downstairs, kaagad akong humalik sa wonderful
parents ko at nagmano sa mga kaalyado ni Daddy. I kissed the women and shook hands
to the men. Binati nila ako at pinuri at nagpasalamat lang ako sa kanila sa sobrang
atat makakain ng breakfast.
I saw Macarena hanging out with my Mommy and laughing together.
"Winter, darling..." Bumaling ako nang lumapit si Mommy at humalik sa pisngi
n'ya.
"Morning, My."
"Morning, Winter. Your suitor is in the kitchen." Aniya at sumulyap sa kusina.
"Suitor?" Gulong sabi ko.
"Max," Aniya at bumilog ang labi ko roon.
"Kailan pa?" I asked.
"Kanina lang." She said. "He brought you food, I guess. Go, puntahan mo na,
nang magkalove life ka na."
Sumimangot ako kay Mommy. Natawa naman s'ya at humalik sa pisngi ko bago ako
pakawalan kaya nagtungo ako sa kusina at naabutan nga si Max na naroon at naghahain
sa lamesa.
"Max?" I called him kaya napasulyap s'ya akin at lumakit ang ngiti.
"Winter!" He smiled. "Good morning!"
"Good morning," I smiled a little at lumapit sa kanya sa lamesa. "What are you
doing here?"
"I just brought you food. Come here, eat. Mabuti nalang ay nagdala ako, our
family chef cooked really great food today." Aniya at wala sa sariling tumango lang
ako at sumulyap sa mga pagkain sa lamesa.
Nasaan na 'yung itlog at hotdog ni Warrion?
Bigla kong nangiwi sa naisip ko.
I saw nothing there but the foods Max brought kaya hinarap ko s'ya na
naglalagay ng kanin sa plato ko roon.
"Max, have you seen eggs and hotdog here?" I asked him at tumango s'ya sa akin.
"Oh, yes, yun ba?" Aniya at tinuro ang lababo. "I threw those away, hindi
healthy para sa agahan, here, may dinala naman ako galing sa luto ng chef--"
"Y-You what?" Nanlaki ang mata ko roon.
"It's in the sink," Kumunot ang noo n'ya. "Tinapon ko, hindi kasi healthy--"
"Shit!" I cursed hardly and ran towards the sink. Nang marating ay halos
manlumo ako nang makitang kasama na ng maruruming tira ng pagkain ang niluto ni
Warrion para sa akin!
Bumigat ang puso ko sa sama ng loob, mabilis akong humarap kay Max at nagmartsa
palapit sa kanya.
"What have you done?" Mariing sabi ko ay pinigilan ang galit.
"What?" He looks confused.
"Why did you throw the food?" I said calmly but I am frustated and mad!
"It's not healthy, Winter. Ano bang problema roon? It's just eggs and
hotdogs--"
"It isn't just hotdogs and eggs, Max!" I hissed quietly. "Kahit ano man 'yun,
it's food! You are not supposed to throw foods! Paano naman 'yung mga batang walang
makain?!"
"Winter, hindi rin naman sila makakakain kahit kumain ka--'
"But the point is, it's food! You know I've been to a homeless children
charity! I can't tolerate this while people are dying in starvation!" I groaned
frustatedly.
"Sorry..." He sighed, I saw how he was starled with my reaction. "Hindi ko na
uulitin, I just... Come on, may pagkain naman akong dala."
Pero wala sa kanya ang atensyon ko, natulos ako sa kinatatayuan nang makita si
Warrion na papasok sa kusina at kumalabog ang puso ko.
 Damn it!
Diretso lang s'yang naglakad papasok at nakita kong bumaling s'ya sa lamesa at
nakita ang hinanda ni Max. He looks confused and I was about to say something when
he moved passed us.
Sinundan ko s'ya ng tingin at nakitang kumuha s'ya ng baso at kumuha malamig na
tubig bago uminom at nagtungo sa sink.
"No... No..." I murmured and my heart quickened.
He took the sponge to clean the glass and I saw how he froze when he noticed
the foods he cooked on the trash!
"Winter, come on, kumain ka na. This food is far more healthier than those
foods kanina. This is made by an international chef--"
Nakita ko ang padabog na paglagay ni Warrion sa baso na katatapos n'ya lang
hugasan kaya napatalon ako.
My heart hurt, I saw how his eyes darken, his face void with any emotion.
Walang-imik s'yang naglakad kaya kumalas ako kay Max at sinubukang lumapit.
"W-Warrion..." I called but he didn't took a glance at me, sinubukan ko s'yang
abutin pero hindi ko nagawa nang umiwas s'ya at hindi ako tinapunan ng tingin at
lumabas.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Kabanata 5

Kabanata 5
"Winter, come on, you should eat." Habol sa akin ni Max pero nanatili akong
walang-imik at nakahalukipkip.
"Winter," I felt Max touched my arm kaya pumiksi ako at sumulyap sa kanya.
"I'm not hungry, Max." I sighed. "Thank you for the food, I'll eat it later, I
just...wala lang akong gana sa ngayon."
"Is it about that?" His forehead creased.
"Wala lang 'to," Iwas ko at kinagat ang labi ko. "It's just that wala akong
gana sa ngayon, I'll eat if I'm hungry. Thank you for the food."
He nodded, nang pakawalan n'ya ang braso ko ay tahimik ko s'yang iniwan at
nagtungo sa kaalyado ninaa Daddy para bumati.
"Anong ganap?" Biglang hawak ni Macarena sa braso ko at sumulyap sa kusina.
"Anong meron kay Max?"
"Wala naman," I sighed. "He brought food kaso wala lang ako gana."
"Oh? Then, why is your hottie bodyguard looked mad? I saw him entered the
kitchen tapos paglabas, mukhang inis." Takang sabi n'ya at napanguso lang ako at
marahang hinila s'ya para kausapin.
"Kasi ganito 'yun," I sighed. "Warrion cooked me breakfast."
Nanlaki ang mata n'ya, I saw how excitement filled her eyes as she tugged my
arm for more informations.
"He cooked me hotdog and eggs." I said. "But then, when I went down to eat, I
saw Max with the foods on the table, nagdala s'ya ng agahan ko, he said it was
cooked by their chef. I looked for the foods Warrion cooked but it turns out, he
threw it."
"What?" I saw how horror filled her eyes. "Then? Oh my God! Why would we he
throw food?!"
"That's my point, the food was untouched yet he threw it like it doesn't matter
at all. Ayoko ng ganun, Macarena, it annoys me that he have to do it, telling me
that isn't healthy and what he brought me is."
"There's a lot of people out there, starving! That is unacceptable." Kita ko
ang irita sa kanya.
Isa kaming dalawa sa mga volunteer sa mga homeless shelter kaya alam namin ang
kalagayan ng mga taong mahihirap kaya hindi talaga katanggap-tanggap iyon.
"What about Warrion?"
 "Unfortunately, Warrion entered the kitchen to drink water, bago ko pa man s'ya
mapigilan, he saw the foods he cooked on the sink!" I said sadly.
"No way!" Kumunot ang noo n'ya at frustated na sinuklay ang buhok. "Hindi ako
papayag na masira ang ship ko! Hashtag WinterRion forever!"
"Huh?" My forehead creased. "Ano 'yan?"
"Ship ko! Love team n'yo ni fafa Warrion! Winter plus Warrion, WinterRion! O,
kaya hashtag W²!" She said at nag-init ang pisngi ko.
"W-squared? Nababaliw ka na ba, Macarena?"
"Kasing dalawang W! Kaya squared, duh! Sabi na nga wala ka sa sarili 'nung
algebra ng college."
"Tricky," I murmured at maya-maya'y ngumisi. "But I like it." Kindat ko at
nagtawanan kaming dalawa at nag-apir.
"Magpaliwanag ka nalang kay Warrion mo, he might misunderstood it. Alam mo na,
hindi natin palalagpasin ang tyansang pagdidilig sa tuyot mong hardin--"
"Macarena!" I slapped her arm at humagalpak s'ya at pareho kaming natahimik
nang dumaan bigla sa harapan namin si Warrion, walang-imik.
Pinanlakihan ako ng mata ni Macarena at nginuso si Warrion at nakagat ko ang
labi.
"Nahihiya ako!" I whispered.
"Bilis!" Aniya at sumimangot. "Magpaliwanag ka! Babaeng 'to, kapag 'yang ano mo
nag-kagagamba bahala ka!"

Lumunok ako at muling sumulyap sa papalayong bulto ni

Warrion bago humugot ng hininga at naglakad palapit sa kanya
"Go! Go! Go!" My friend exclaimed exaggeratedly, mimicking an artist tone while
I was walking at napakagat ako sa labi sa kaba.
"Warrion!" I called when I reached him, humawak ako sa braso n'ya at nakita
kong natigilan s'ya.
I almost gasped and catched for my breath when his green, cold eyes stared at
me. Napalunok ako at umayos ng tayo, hawak pa rin ang braso n'ya.
Wala s'yang imik habang malamig ang tingin sa akin kaya lumunok ako at
tumikhim.
"About..." Hindi ko pa man nasasabi ang kailangan kong sabihan ay may humawak
sa baywang ko kaya naiwan sa ere ang boses ko.
"Winter, Tito is calling you." I heard Max's familiar voice kaya mariin akong
napapikit.
"Later, Max." Lingon ko kay Max but he looks persistent.
"Come on, babe, he's calling you. Important matters." Aniya kaya napasulyap ako
kay Warrion at kita ko ang dilim ng mga mata n'ya.
He looks pissed and irritated, his jaw clenched and his lips thinned.
"Warrion..."
"Come on, Winter." Tawag sa akin ni Max. "Mamaya na 'yan," Iritadong sabi n'ya.
"Excuse me," I froze when I heard Warrion spoke at umatras s'ya mula sa hawak
ko.
My mouth parted at that, mabilis na nag-iwas ng tingin si Warrion bago
nagpamulsa at umalis samantalang si Max ay humawak sa kamay ko at marahan akong
hinila paalis.
Damn it, nandun na e!
Halos mapapadyak ako sa frustration roon. Pagkarating namin sa sala pabalik sa
mansyon ay nagpupulong na sina Daddy tungkol sa gagawing kampanya ngayong araw.
"Pagpunta natin sa Masinag, kanino ka makikisakay Winter?" My Dad asked me
while I was listening kaya natigil ako.
"Uhm," Sumulyap ako sa paligid at kay Macarena pero kaagad na sumabat si Max
kaya natigil kami.
"She can ride with me, Tito." Ani Max roon.
"Uhm, ako nalang sasabay sa'yo, Max!" Sabat ni Macarena roon kaya nagtaka rin
ako. "Sabay nalang si Winter kay Warrion."
 Palihim akong napangisi sa diskarte ni Macarena.
"No, Elena. It's okay na makisabay sa akin si Winter. You two can ride with
me." Ani Max roon.
"Sasakyan ko si Warrion!" I said at halos matutop ang bibig sa lumabas roon.
Napuno ng katahimikan ang bahay, I saw how my Mom's eyes widen in horror at
nangunot ang noo ni Dad.
"I-I'll ride with him, I mean." Paliwanag ko pa.
"Sa akin ka nalang sumabay," Giit ni Max.
"Mas maganda kung kay Warrion s'ya sasakay," Pagdagdag ni Macarena. "Alam n'yo
na, mangangampanya si Tito, mas mabuting..." My friend gave Mom a stare at mukhang
nakuha ni Mommy 'yun.
"Oh, right!" Parang may naalala s'ya. "It's safer if Winter will ride with
him."
"But Tita--"
"It's okay, Max, makikita mo rin naman si Winter roon." Ani Mommy kaya
natahimik naman si Max at halos mapasayaw ako sa tuwa at pasimpleng kinurot si
Macarena na tatawa-tawa sa tabi ko at pasimpleng bumulong.
"Oplan: Diligan si Winter." Bulong n'ya kaya hinampas ko ang hita n'ya at
napatawa s'ya.
Ayaw pa akong pakawalan ni Max nang matapos ang meeting, he told me his father
and mother will be at Masinag too to support my father kaya nagpasalamat ako sa
kanya.

My heart was thumping as I watched Warrion's car from the

distance, alam kaya n'yang sasabay ako?
"Winter, if you want, you can still go with me." Ani Max sa akin pero umiling
ako at ngumiti ng maliit.
"I'm great, Max." I said. "Kaya ko na."
"Oo nga, Max. Kaya na ni Winter 'yan." Singit ni Macarena at hinawakan ako para
hilahin palayo.
Sinubukang humabol ni Max pero kinausap s'ya ng isang tumatakbong konsehal kaya
hindi n'ya na kami nasundan.
"Thank you, Macarena." I said and pinched my friend.
"Oo naman, discount coupon lang sa derma, keri na." Ani sa akin kaya natawa ako
at tumango sa kanya.
When we were nearer Warrion's car, humarap ako kay Macarena, I motioned my face
at tumango s'ya at ngumisi sa akin.
"You looked great, Winter!" She giggled. "Teka," She fixed my hair and winked
afterwards.
"There, great!" Ngisi n'ya at nagthumbs-up kaya humugot ako ng hininga at
naglakad patungo sa pintuan ng sasakyan ni Warrion.
I knocked softly, sinusubukang tignan s'ya kaso ay masyadong tinted ang
sasakyan kaya ngumuso lang ako at kumatok sa bintana.
"Tao po, papasok ang maganda." I said at nang tumunog ang lock ay dali-dali
akong pumasok at kaagad na ngumiti nang makita ang kunot na noo ni Warrion.
"Hello again," I said and smiled at him.
"What are you doing here?" He asked, confused and I just smiled and answered.
"Sabay ako sa'yo," I said.
His brow raised, confused and I pouted and stared at him.
"Can I?" I murmured. "Please?"
"Sumakay ka dun sa manliligaw mo," Bulong n'ya pero narinig ko.
"Pero mas gusto kitang sakyan!" I groaned at sumimangot s'ya. I almost whinned,
nang ayusin n'ya ang seatbelt ay ginaya ko s'ya.
"About the food, magpapaliwanag ako." I said and he didn't say anything, nakita
kong nakamasid s'ya sa mga sasakyang papaalis kaya napabaling rin ako roon.
"The vixen has entered the car safely," Buo at malalim ang boses na
pumainlanlang sa kotse kaya kaagad kong nilingon si Warrion.
 "Yes," I saw him listening on his ear buds. "I'll follow the lead."
Nang mawala na sa gate ang mga sasakyan ay kaagad na umandar ang kotse ni
Warrion kaya nagsalita ako.
"I was always being called by the codename but...can you say it again?" I said
at nakita kong binasa n'ya ang labi n'ya at hindi umimik.
Ang sungit-sungit!
My father has been called the Reynard, or a male fox, my mother didn't want to
be called like that and decided they'll just call her as the Lady so, the codename,
Vixen, meaning a lady fox was given to me instead.
Halos lahat ng bodyguards ng pamilya ay alam iyon, they've been calling me that
but Warrion...saying Vixen is quite new, it sounds sexy and hot!
"Warrion," Tawag ko at kinalabit s'ya. I saw his lips protruded a bit, his jaw
clenched a bit as he looked straight on the road pagkalabas namin sa gate.
"Say Vixen again," I said at wala s'yang imik, mukhang iritado pa rin sa akin.
"Sungit, papaliwanag nga ako e. It was never my intention to throw the foods,
promise."
"In fact, I was excited going down to eat the foods you cooked." I confessed.
"Pagkababa ko, nakita ko si Max roon, he brought food for me for breakfast, said it
was from a chef pero hinanap ko pa rin 'yung niluto mo."

I noticed him listening but stayed quiet, ngumuso ako at

muling sumulyap sa mga nauunang sasakyan sa amin at napansing huli pala kami.
"I looked for it, but turns out, Max threw it. I was mad at him for doing that,
hindi ako nagsasayang ng pagkain and that was the foods you cooked for me! Kung
iniisip mo na wala akong pakialam sa niluto mo, meron. I would love to eat your
hotdogs and egg!" I exclaimed and I saw him froze and tilted his head.
My mouth parted when I saw his cheeks blushed. Napakurap ako at marahang
kinalas ang seatbelt para silipin ang mukha n'ya at napapalakpak.
"Oh my God! Did you just blushed?" I said and his forehead creased, nang
subukin kong hawakan ang pisngi n'ya ay umiwas s'ya at sumulyap sa akin.
"Seat properly, woman! Wear your seatbelt!" Aniya at natawa ako bago dali-
daling inayos ang seatbelt ko.
"I saw you blushed, Warrion!" I giggled. "Ganun ba talaga dapat kapag sinabi
kong masarap 'yung hotdog...na niluto mo?"
Marahas s'yang tumikhim at mas lalong namula kaya napahagalpak ako.
"Nahihiya si Warrion! Ngingiti na 'yan!" I teased him and I stopped when he
eyed me teasingly and raised his brow.
"Ganun na ba talaga katuyot?" Sumulyap s'ya sa pagitan ng hita ko kaya nalaglag
ang panga ko at mabilis na tinakpan ang hita ko at tumili.
"Pervert!" I screamed and nakita kong tumaas ang sulok ng labi n'ya at
napailing sa akin.
"Coming from you?" He licked his lip at humalukipkip ako at sinamaan s'ya ng
tingin.
"Sabi-sabi lang 'yun! I may looked single but I have flings!" Bida ko. "Marami
akong lalaki, Warrion!"
He gave me a dull look and shrugged.
"Hmm, I heard." He said with mocked sarcasm kaya napasinghap ako at mas humaba
ang nguso.
"Totoo!" Kumbinse ko. "I have men--"
"Stop convincing yourself, Miss Almedarez." Aniya at mas napasimangot ako.
"Call me Winter! May name naman ako, puro ka Miss Almedarez, woman, Vixen. I
prefer it more if you call me baby." I even winked after I said that at napahugot
s'ya ng hininga roon.
"Tuyot nga talaga," He murmured at naiinis na pinalo ko ang braso n'ya at
iritadong ngumiwi at nagsalita.
"Naiinis ako sa'yo pero gusto kong magbati na tayo." I sulked.
"For?"
 "Kasi inis ka sa'kin, gusto ko naman talaga 'yung niluto mo. I will choose it
over Max's food. Mas nauna kang nagluto so, I woudn't just ignore it."
"His food might taste more great," He said, I saw how his arms moved as he
maneuvered the car, the veins on his arms protruding a bit, his thin hair covering
it.
"I bet yours are great," I murmured.
"It's alright, it isn't healthy, anyway." He murmured and my heart sunk.
"I'm sorry, Warrion." I murmured at tahimik lang s'yang tumango hanggang sa
wala nang nagsalita sa amin.
While in the middle of the road, I suddenly feel hungry, napahawak ako sa t'yan
ko at sumulyap sa daan.
Wrong timing naman, bakit ngayon pa ako nagutom?
I sighed, hinaplos ko ang tyan ko at kinagat ang labi ko.
"Hungry?" Napabaling ako sa kanya nang magsalita s'ya.
"Huh? No..." I answered.
"What does the food he brought tastes like?" Aniya kaya umiling ako at mas
sumandal.

"I didn't eat it. Nawala ako ng gana." I said at nakita ko

ang pagkunot ng noo n'ya.
"Wala ka pang agahan?" He spatted, annoyed at tahimik akong tumango.
"Yeah, pero hindi naman ako gutom--" Kasabay ng sinabi ko ay ang pagtunog ng
sikmura ko kaya napangiwi ako at narinig ko ang mariing mura n'ya at nagulat ako ng
biglang isinibad n'ya ang kotse pakaliwa, taliwas sa direksyon ng mga sinusundang
sasakyan kaya nagulat ako.
"Warrion..." I murmured and I heard him cursed. Napalunok ako.
Tahimik ko s'yang pinagmasdan, nakita kong may kinausap s'ya sa kabilang linya
na hindi ko na nakuha dahil nakita ko ang isang kainan sa malapit.
Nang tumigil roon si Warrion ay napasulyap ako sa kanya at mabilis n'yang
kinalas ang seatbelt at lumabas ng sasakyan. I saw him went on my side kaya dali-
dali kong kinalas ang seatbelt ko.
He opened the door for me, nang ilahad n'ya ang kamay ay kaagad ko 'yung
tinanggap at bumaba ako sa sasakyan.
"What are we doing here?" Tanong ko.
"You have to eat," Aniya kaya napangiti ako.
I felt something warm touched my heart, nang naglakad s'ya ay mabilis akong
sumunod at kumapit sa braso n'ya.
Nakita kong sumulyap s'ya roon pero walang sinabi kaya nangiti ako. When we
entered the place, I saw the women looking at his direction, tila mangha at gulat.
I grinned secretly at that. Nang makakita ng upuan malapit sa may bintana sa
itaas na palapag ng kainan ay nangiti ako at doon kami naupo.
"What do you wanna eat?" He asked, brushing his hair with his fingers.
"Ikaw bahala," I smiled at tumango s'ya sa akin. "Thank you, Warrion."
Nang umalis s'ya ay napabuntong-hininga ako at napahawak sa dibdib kong mabilis
ang tibok, sinundan ko ng tingin si Warrion at kinagat ang labi ko.
Do I have a crush at him? I like him, I think I do. He's gentleman, mysterious,
caring and thoughtful.
Inayos ko ang damit ko at mabilis na kinuha ang maliit kong salamin sa pouch
para tignan ang itsura ko sa salamin. Nagdagdag ako ng tint sa aking labi at nang
makita ko sa salamin na paakyat na s'ya ay dali-dali konh ipinasok sa bag ko ang
salamin at ngumiti.
"Thank you," Malambing kong sabi at pinagmasdan s'yanh inilagay ang pagkain sa
tapat ko.
My lips protruded when I saw the foods, nakangusong tinignan ko s'ya at tumaas
lang ang sulok ng labi n'ya sa akin.
"Healthy foods," He smirked at me, referring to the vegetables on my dish.
"Healthy but it doesn't mean it must be full of veggies!" Inarte ko at umiling
s'ya ar inilapag ang bote ng delight sa tapat ko.
"Walang coke?" I said.
"Healthy," He said and shook his head. "Come on, woman, eat. Papagalitan na ako
ni Tito kapag nagtagal tayo."
Inayos ko ang pagkain at sumulyap sa kanya na sumisimsim ng tubig.
"Hindi ka kakain?" I asked, sumubo ako at sumulyap sa kanya.
I saw him raised his brow, nasa labi pa rin ang baso at nakapatong ang isang
braso sa lamesa.
"No," He said.
"Kumain ka na?" Kausap ko pa sa kanya at tumango s'ya at hindi na umimik.
Nang makalahatian ko ang pagkain ay napansin kong nakamasid lang s'ya habang
pinaglalaruan ang bunganga ng braso.

I noticed how sharp his features are, his clenched, squared

jaw. His aristocrat nose, red lips and those captivating green eyes would never
cease in making me feel fuzzy all the time.
"K-Kain?" I offered when I noticed how fast I am eating!
Gutom na gutom?
His green eyes brightened as the light outside reflected on it, his lips curved
for a small smile.
"I'll just watch you," He said in deep baritone that I almost cough in shock.
Nag-iwas ako ng tingin, nag-iinit ang pisngi. Pinaypayan ko ang sarili para
maikalma ang naghaharamentadong puso.
"Super init no?" I said and stared at the window. "Buti nalang cold ka."
"You woman," I saw him bit his lip kaya nagbaba lang ako ng ulo at patagong
ngumiti.
I felt full and energize the moment I am finished eating, walang-imik si
Warrion nang hawakan ko ang braso n'ya at pinagbuksan n'ya ako papasok sa kotse
para umalis.
I was happy the whole ride, kahit walang-imik si Warrion ay hinayaan n'ya akong
buksan ang salamin ng sasakyan para malanghap ang sariwang hangin.
I saw tall coconut tress on the side, ang simoy ng dagat sa hindi kalayuan ay
amoy ko na. I saw a few people with goats on their hands, tila nagpapastol and I
realized I woudn't trade my life here in the life in the city. I love fresh air and
oceans more than the city lights in Manila.
Kahit ilang beses naman na akong nagbabalik-balik roon para sa mga photoshoots
at commercial ay dito pa rin ako uuwi.
"Ang ganda dito 'no?" I suddenly asked, bahagyang lumayo sa bintana at inayos
ang shades ko.
"Yeah," He answered. I saw him wearing his sunglasses too kaya humagikhik ako.
"Feeling ko, meant to be talaga tayo." I suddenly said. "Nakashades ka tapos
ako rin, isn't it destiny?"
"You should really stop watching romance movies, woman." He said and his arm
moved a bit.
"Call me Winter, please?" I pouted. "You're too formal."
"I'm your bodyguard," He said non-chalantly. "I am not supposed to call you
that."
Tinanggal n'ya ang shades at tinabingi ang ulo.
Itinigil n'ya ang sasakyan sa paradahan at nakitang inaayos na nila ang truck
na gagamitin para sa kampanya.
"But still..." I murmured. "I wanna be friends with you, ayoko ng mga bodyguard
na hindi ko nakaka-close--"
I said but my eyes widen when he clicked his seatbelt and in a blink of an eye,
our faces are only inches apart from each other.
I met his green, dark eyes. Bumilis ang pintig ng puso ko at s'ya ring pagtaas
ng sulok ng labi n'ya at tumitig sa akin.
I felt his hand on my waist, his minty breath touching my nose. Nakagat ko ang
labi at bumaba ang tingin ko sa kanya nang mapansin ang titig n'ya sa labi ko.
I moved my face until our nose touched, bumilis ang paghinga ko at nakuyom ang
kamay roon.
"Is it close enough, then?" He said huskily and before I could even speak ay
binulabog kami ng katok sa bintana na nagpatalon sa akin.
I heard a click on my seatbelt at sa pagsulyap ko kay Warrion ay mukha s'yang
iritado, wala na ang mapaglarong mata at sa paglingon ko sa bintana ay nakita ang
pamilyar na lalaki.
"Winter!" Max called while knocking kaya mariing naipikit ko ang mata ay hindi
na nakapagpaalam at dali-daling bumaba ng sasakyan.
"Saan ka nanggaling?" Aniya at hinawakan ang braso ko. "I was waiting for you,
akala ko, kung saan ka na dinala ng lalaking 'yan."
Sa paglingon ko ay nagulat ako nang makitang nasa may tabi ko na si Warrion at
nakapamulsa, his face void with emotion again, malamig na tingin lang ang ibinaling
kay Max na mukhang galit.
"May binili lang kami..." I told him.
"I told you, Max." Biglang dumating si Macarena na may ngisi at malisyosong
tingin sa akin. "May ginawa lang si Winter, di naman mapapahamak 'yan."
"But still, I'm worried about my girl, Elena." He said.
Woah... What?
"Max..." I called.
"Nag-aalala ako kung nasaan ka na, ang sabi ko kasi sa'yo sa akin ka na
sumabay. Bakit kasi mas gusto mong sumabay sa lalaking 'yan?" Iritadong sabi n'ya
at sa gulat ko ay lumapit s'ya kay Warrion at napansing kong magkasingtangkad sila.
"Sino ka ba? Huh?" He asked Warrion who looks irritated but decided not to say
anything.
"Answer me! You just can't take Winter with you! Sa akin s'ya sasabay! Back
off!" Inilingan ko si Macarena nang magsimula nang umigting ang panga ni Warrion at
mukhang papatol na kay Max.
"Exciting nga," Hagikhik ni Macarena. "Nag-aaway sila kung sino ang tunay na
didilig sa'yo--"
Kinurot ko s'ya kaya ngumisi s'ya.
"Go away!" Taboy ni Max kay Warrion at sasabat na sana ako para pigilan sila ay
natigil ako sa naging sagot ni Warrion.
"I won't." I heard restrain on his voice. "I will stay with her and you...can't
stop me." He spatted, cold and irritated na nag-ani ng tili kaya Macarena.
Max = 0
Warrion = 1
Halos mapatalon ako sa kilig roon at muntik nang mapapalakpak.
Go, bebe ko!
But then, all my happiness faded as a mere sound of a gunshot.
Nawalan ng kulay ang mukha ko nang makarinig ng sigawan, hindi ako nakagalaw sa
pwesto at tsaka lang ako bumalik sa sarili nang mapunta sa harapan ko si Max pero
kaagad na nawala nang itulak ito ni Warrion at mabilis na hinawakan ang kamay ko at
mabilis na hinanap ang mata ko.
"Winter," His baritone voice said and hid me on his back. "I'll keep you safe."

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Kabanata 6

Kabanata 6
"We have to calm down, Winter!" My sister's voice filled the whole room.
"N-No... I can't!" My body started shaking, my eyes began soaking in tears.
"M-Maililigtas tayo." She convinced me, touching my hand.
"P-Paano kapag wala na pala?" I looked at her and saw how scared her eyes was.
Kita ko ang takot roon pero ginagawa ang lahat ng makakaya para maging matatag sa
aming dalawa.
"Meron," She gasped, cupping my cheek. "I promise you, we will be safe."
I whimpered and cried on her shoulder, mabilis naman n'yang niyakap ako at
pinakalma.
"Shh, it's okay, Winter. M-Makakawala rin tayo." She whispered, calming me
down.
"It's my f-fault, Ate Summer! If I just listened to you--"
"No," She said firmly and dried my tears. "You listen to me, Winter. Hindi mo
kasalanan, I followed you because I'm worried."
"P-Pero kung hindi ako nagpumilit..."
"Shh, don't blame yourself." I saw the fear on her eyes. "M-Makakawala tayo
rito, okay?"
I nodded and sighed hard, I was about to speak when I heard the door opening.
Halos masilaw ako sa liwanag na mayroon sa labas at mas nanginig ang buong katawan
ko.
I closed my eyes, adjusting my sight to the sudden light at halos marinig na
ang malakas na pagkalabog ng puso.
I saw unfamiliar, bulky and scary men. Nagsumiksik ako sa Ate at kaagad s'yang
pumunta sa unahan ko, itinatago n'ya ako sa likuran na tila pinoprotektahan.
"Gago, mukhang masasarap 'to, a?" I almost puked at that. Tumulo ang mga luha
sa aking mata at napahagulgol pero pinisil ni Ate ang kamay ko at mas itinago ako.
"A-Anong kailangan n'yo sa amin?!" Ate Summer's strong voice filled the place
pero sa halip na matinag ang mga lalaki ay mas lalo silang natawa at nanuya.
"Palaban, gusto ko itong isa. Iyakin 'yung nasa likod, nakakairita kapag alam
mo na." Hagalpak nito.
"Mas gusto ko itong nanlalaban, malakas siguro sumigaw 'to, makikipaglaban
sa'yo pero malakas ring uungol--"
"What do you need?! Let us go!" Malakas na sigaw ni Ate na nagpatahimik sa mga
lalaki.
"Wala naman," Ngisi nito. "Pakialamera kasi kayo. Volunteers kayo diba? Para sa
mga sundalo roon? Sana nanatili nalang kayo pero nakikialam kayo!"
"You were harassing women! We can't just let you do that!"
"Englishera!" Tawa nung kalbo. "Mayaman."
"Uh-huh?" The man with dark eyes said. "Ayos lang kung pakawalan mo sila,
atleast, nakuha namin kayong dalawa. Mas masarap."
"Akin nalang 'yung iyakin, busalan mo lang bibig n'yan hindi na
makakapaglaban."
"Fuck you! Let us go!" Ate Summer screamed and I gasped in shock when the man
slapped her on the cheek harshly.
"No!" I screamed, mabilis na tinulak ang lalaki at hinila ang Ate ko.
"Don't hurt her!" I screamed.
"Aba't palaban ka!" The man was about to slap me when my sister pushed him away
and protected me.
"Don't you dare hurt my sister, you asshole! Don't touch her!"
"Itali n'yo 'yung isa, ibigay mo sa akin 'yang lumalaban." My eyes widen and I
screamed when two men pulled me by my arm.

"A-Ate!"
"Winter!" My sister screamed, nakita ko ring may humawak sa kanyang braso at
hinila rin s'ya, pilit na pinaghihiwalay kami.
"Don't touch my sister!" Pagwawala ng Ate at nagpumiglas pero malakas ang mga
lalaki at mas hinatak s'ya.
"N-No! No! Ate!" I cried harder, trying to push the men away but they were too
strong for me, hindi ako makalaban, napahagulgol ako nang makitang pilit ring
lumalaban ang Ate.
"H'wag n'yong sasaktan ang kapatid ko!" I screamed desperately. Pilit na
inaabot ang kapatid kong hinihila palayo sa akin.
 "I-I will come back to you!" My sister cried, her piercing black eyes staring
at me, tears falling on her cheek. "B-Babalikan kita!"
I sobbed, clutching my chest. Itinulak nila ako nang mawala na ang mga tao
papasok sa isang mas maliit na kwarto at napasigaw ako nang tumama ang balakang sa
matigas na papag.
"S-Saan n'yo dadalhin ang Ate ko?!" I exclaimed.
"H'wag ka mag-alala, Miss. Pagkatapos ng kapatid mo, ikaw naman ang
masasarapan!" Tawa nito at hindi na ako nakagalaw nang isarado nila ang pinto at
napuno ng kadiliman ang lugar.
My lips quivered in fear and my body started shaking with the mere sight of
darkness, covering my being, altering my sanity and blocking all my senses, with
only fear left inside me.
"Winter! Winter, come back!" I heard a faint voice on my ear.
"Winter! Damn!" Anothed gunshot was heard at napatungo ako at tinakpan ang
tenga ko.
"Hey..." Isang hawak sa aking braso ay kaagad akong bumalik sa sarili at
napakurap bago napansin ang matiim na titig ni Warrion sa akin.
"W-Warrion..." I murmured.
"Are you alright?" Inabot n'ya ang baywang ko at mabilis akong pinrotektahan.
"Y-Yes..." I gasped and nodded, tears began forming my eyes.
I saw how confusion and fear left his eyes. Mabilis n'yang hinila ako paupo sa
tabi ng kotse at mabilis na sinapo ang mukha ko.
"Hey," His husky voice said, hinahanap ang mata ko. "Look at me, Winter. Look
at me."
Mabilis na hinanap ko ang mata n'ya at may kung anong ginhawa ang lumukob sa
puso ko nang makita ang berde n'yang mga mata.
"Calm down," He murmured and I nodded, sighing.
Halos mapasigaw akong muli nang marinig ang iilan pang palitan ng bala, mas
bumilis ang paghinga ko at umiwas sa mata ni Warrion.
"Winter," He called my name again kaya napabaling ako at mas bumilis ang kabog
ng puso. "Calm down..."
"I-I can't..." My voice broke.
"Look at me," He lowered his gun and slowly cupped my cheek, caressing it a
little. "It's gonna be alright, I will keep you safe."
"I-It's my fault," I whispered.
"What?" Nakita ko ang pagtataka n'ya roon pero pilit akong kinakalma. "I'll
protect you, you just have to trust me."
"K-Kasalanan ko," A tear escaped my eyes.
"No, it isn't." He retorted. "Wala kang kasalanan, I promise to keep you safe.
Your parents are safe too, your friend is safe too. We just have to get away from
here."
"P-Paano ka? L-Lahat ng gusto protektahan ako napapahamak, a-ayokong..."
"Quit it," He said. "I will protect you, you understand me? Do you trust me,
Winter?"

Nanatili akong nakatitig sa mga mata n'ya at nakita ang

pangako roon. I saw his desperation on his eyes, trying his best to convince me.
"Do you trust me?" Ulit n'ya nang makita ang alinlangan ko at nang tumango ako
ay malalim s'yang napahinga at sabay kaming natigilan nang tamaan ng bala ang
nakakalat na lata sa may pwesto namin.
"Fuck!" In instant, I saw how Warrion expertly took his gun and stood, itinago
ako sa kanyang likuran at sumilip sa siwang ng kotse at pinaputukan ang lalaking
nagpaputok sa aming pwesto.
"The vixen is with me." I heard him listening on his earphone. Kumapit naman
ako sa damit n'ya at pilit na ikinakalma ang sarili sa malalakas na tunog ng baril.
"Two down, one to go." I heard him say. "Activate the sniper and shoot this man
near us."
 Inilibot ko ang tingin at nakitang may nakitang sugatan na mga guard sa isang
gilid at ang mga tao ay kandidato ay nakatago sa malaking truck.
I saw my friend looking scared, sa tabi n'ya ay si Max na nakatingin sa akin,
bakas ang takot. May dalawang bodyguard rin malapit sa kanila.
"M-My Mom..." I murmured.
"She's safe," Nilingon ako ni Warrion. "She's with your father, my men got
them. They're safe."
Nakahinga ako nang maluwang at nakita kung paanong ekspertong kinalas ni
Warrion ang magazine ng baril at mabilis na kumuha ng panibago sa kanyang bulsa sa
likuran at mabilis na ibinalik, wala pang ilang segundo.
"Lower your head," Warrion whispered and I softly lowered my body on the car.
Nang makitang maayos na ang pwesto ko ay napasinghap ako sa gulat nang bigla s'yang
lumayo sa akin.
"W-Warrion!" I exclaimed in horror and gasped when I saw how he expertly glided
on the ground and in just a single gunshot, narinig ko na ang daing ng lalaking
nagwawala kanina pa.
Nakarinig ako ng sirena ng pulis, sa paglingon ko sa gilid ng daan ay nakita
kong may mga nakauniporme roon at mabilis na lumapit sa lalaking nakahiga at
dumadaing sa gitna.
"Thank you, Sir." I saw Warrion stood and nodded at the police at kaagad na
nagtungo sa akin ang tingin.
I saw him glance at the police and lifted his hand for a salute before going to
my direction.
"Hey," I lifted my head and felt his warm hands on my shoulder. Marahan n'ya
akong inalalayan patayo at hinanap ang mata ko.
"Are you okay?" Umiling ako roon at nakita ko ang pagbuntong-hininga n'ya. I
saw him brushed my hair and placed it behind my ear.
"It's alright, you're safe now." He said softly and I bit my lip, nararamdaman
pa rin ang takot sa puso.
"C-Can I hug you?" I said hopefully and stared at me for a while before he
nodded, nang makita iyon ay dahan-dahan konh iniikot ang aking kamay sa kanyang
baywang at nagsumiksik sa dibdib n'ya.
I felt the warmth of his body, making me calm. Ang payapang tibok ng puso n'ya
ay nagpakalma rin ng akin at mas gumaan ang pakiramdam ko nang marahang humawak at
haplusin n'ya ang likod ko, kinakalma ako.
"Hindi pa ako tapos sa inyo! Hindi ako papayag na manalo kayo! Mga kurakot!"
Kaagad akong kumawala kay Warrion nang makarinig ng sigaw at napasinghap nang
makita ang nagwalang lalaki.
It was the number one supporter of another group of candidates, isa sa
pinakamahigpit na kalaban ng partido ni Daddy.
"Hindi pa ako tapos sa inyo!" He exclaimed harshly and I saw the police pushing
him towards the car with chains on his hand.

"Winter!" Nawala ang atensyon ko sa lalaki nang takbuhin ni

Max ang pwesto ko at sa gulat ay hinila n'ya ako palayo kay Warrion at mahigpit na
niyakap.
"N-Nasaktan ka ba?" Max squeezed me and slowly cupped my cheek, catching my
eyes. "Are you hurt? N-Nagkasugat ka ba?"
Nawala ang aking atensyon sa kanyang sinasabi at sinubukang sumulyap kay
Warrion at malamig na nakatitig sa amin.
I saw his cold, piercing green eyes, his jaw clenched and his lips protruded a
bit.
"Winter, babe, hey..." Napabaling ako kay Max na hinaplos ang braso ko at
muling hinuli ang mata ko.
"I'm worried! I should be the one protecting you! Hindi ang lalaking 'yun!" He
exclaimed. "Kung hindi ka lang n'ya inagaw sa'kin--"
"A-Ayos lang ako, Max." I cut him off.
 "H'wag ka nang lalayo sa akin, okay? I will protect you." He said and I just
nodded, bahagyang lumayo sa kanya at nagsalita.
"Excuse me, Max." I said and slowly shifted my gaze to my friend who looks
eager to talk to me.
Just one look at mabilis ko na s'yang tinakbo at niyakap.
"Winter," Macarena whispered and hugged me back. "It's alright, it's not your
fault. It will never be."
"I-It is my fault," I whispered, acid dripping my voice. "W-Wala akong
nagawa..."
"Should we go see a therapist again?" Bulong sa akin ni Macarena pero umiling
lang ako at sumubsob sa balikat n'ya.
"A-Ayoko..."
"Okay," She said calmly and caressed my back. "Do you want me to stay with you
tonight in your room? In case, you're afraid?"
"I-I'm alright," I murmured softly and hugged her tightly. "T-Thank you,
Elena..."
Nang lumayo ako sa kanya ay pinisil n'ya ang kamay ko at sabay kaming
napabaling kay Warrion na nanatiling tahimik lang at nagmamasid.
I saw how confusion was written on his eyes but he remained quiet.
"Winter, ihahatid na kita sa Daddy mo." Biglang lumitaw si Max sa tabi ko at
humawak sa kamay ko kaya gulat akong napatingin sa kanya.
"A-Ayos lang ako," I murmured softly and slowly pulled my hand away from his
grip. "U-Umuwi na kayo at magpahinga, kaya ko na pumunta kina Daddy."
"Ihahatid kita," Ani Max at kumunot ang noo, muling tinapunan ng tingin ang
tahimik na si Warrion.
"Ayos lang ako," I said and shook my head. "I'm all good."
Muli akong sumulyap kay Macarena na concern na nakatingin sa akin kaya ngumiti
ako sa kanya at tumango.
"I'll be alright," I said and she nodded, not convinced.
"Uuwi na ako, sasabay ako kay Papa. Call me if you need anything, okay?"
"Okay," I said and smiled. "Salamat, Elena."
"There," She groaned. "Kailangan pa talagang matakot ka para tawagin mo akong
ganyan." Biro n'ya kaya mas nangiti ako at niyakap s'ya.
"Take care, thank you."
"You too," Aniya at humalik sa pisngi ko bago sumulyap kay Warrion at marahang
tinulak ako patungo sa kanya kaya nanlaki ang mata ko nang tumama ako sa dibdib
nito.
Mabilis na nasalo ni Warrion ang baywang ko kaya nakaayos ako ng tayo at
nanlaki ang mata sa kaibigan.
"Alagaan mo 'yan, huh?" Ani Macarena kay Warrion na walang imik.

"Ihahatid na kita," Baling ni Max muli sa akin.

"H'wag na, andyan naman si Warrion." Ani Macarena at umiling kay Max. "Tara na,
umuwi na tayo. Pahatid ka nalang rin, sabay ka na sa akin."
"But..." Max glanced at me and stared at Warrion. "How can I trust that man?"
He pointed Warrion.
"I trust him," I said softly, stopping him. "Go home, Max. Ayos lang ako. I'll
come with him." Baling ko kay Warrion na mukhang nagpipigil ng ngiti at napatikhim
roon nang makita akong napatingin.
"Winter,"
"It's alright," Kumbinse ko. "Ayos lang ako."
I heard Warrion's forceful clearing of throat, nagtatakang sumulyap ako sa
kanya at muli s'yang tumikhim at marahang inabot ang pulsuhan ko, tila nagyayabang
kay Max.
"Let's go, Winter." He said huskily and I nodded.
Ngumiti ako at kumaway sa dalawa at nahuli ko ang panunuksong tingin ni
Macarena at ang dismayadong tingin ni Max.
 Tahimik kaming naglakad ni Warrion at nakagat ko ang labi at sumulyap sa kanya.
"S-Salamat," I murmured and saw him took a glance at me and nodded.
Hindi s'ya umimik ng muli at nang makita sina Mommy at Daddy kasama ang medic
ay mabilis akong kumalas kay Warrion at tinakbo ang aking mga magulang at mabilis
na yumakap at naiyak.
My mother became emotional, nang higitin n'ya ako ng yakap ay napahagulgol ako
at mahinang bumulong.
"I-I'm sorry, Mom... H-Hindi ko s'ya naligtas." I sobbed and saw my father's
bloodshot eyes, stopping himself from crying.
It was twelve midnight but I am still drowned with bad memories and pain. Ang
mga ala-alang pilit kong inilalayo sa aking isipan ay hindi ko magawa maalis dahil
sa mga nangyari.
It was still fresh, like it was happening all over again. Kahit dalawang taon
na ang nakakalipas ay hindi ko pa rin makalimutan, even if how much I try seeing a
therapist, hindi ko magawang patawarin ang sarili sa mga nagawa ko.
Napatitig ako sa napakaliwanag kong kwarto at napahugot ng hininga.
I guess, I would be sleeping again in full lights tonight.
I sighed, binalot ko ang aking katawan ng kumot ko at sinubukang pumikit, pilit
na kinukumbinse ang sarili para makatulog na at halos isang oras pa ang nakalipas
ay dinalaw na ako ng antok na sobrang naging mailap.
Darkness.
That's all I can see, sa nanginginig na katawan at kumakalam na sikmura ay
walang tigil akong kumakatok sa pintuan at tinatawag ang kung sino man para sa
tulong.
"P-Pakawalan n'yo ako!" I cried violently, kicking the door. "H-H'wag n'yong
sasaktan ang Ate!"
Still, I heard no response. Ang dilim ay mas kumalat sa buong kwarto dahil sa
pagdilim ng kalangitan, ang ilaw na tumakas mula sa labas ay naglaho.
No...No, not the darkness, please.
I shook my head, napadausdos sa lapag at mahinang lumuha at umiling.
"A-Ate..." I whispered.
In a blink of an eye, everything happened so fast, sa muli kong pagmulat ay
isang putok ng baril ang narinig at nakita ko ang pulang likidong nakakalat sa
aking kamay.
My mouth parted and I shifted my gaze, seeing my sister on the floor, bathing
on her own blood, lifeless.
"No! Ate!" Habol ang hininga kong napatayo sa kama at sapo ang dibdib, kaagad
na hinanap ng mata ang orasan at nakitang alas-tres y media na ng madaling-araw.

Ang bigat sa puso ko ay mas tumindi at mas nanghina ang

katawan ko. Hinanap ng mata ko ang inaasam na liwanag sa kwarto at napahugot ng
hininga at pilit na huminahon pero hindi ko magawa.
I found myself standing on my door, my feet urging to find someone. Binuksan ko
ang pintuan ng kwarto at tinakbo ang master's bedroom, ang mga luha ay pumapatak sa
mata pero hindi pa man ako nakakakatok ay pinigilan ang sariling istorbohin ang mga
magulang ko.
I took a step back, nagtungo akong muli sa tapat ng kwarto ay sumulyap sa
hallway para uminom ng tubig sa kusina pero hindi na nagawa nang makitang walang
ilaw roon at pulos dilim.
I inhaled sharply, mula sa pwesto ay bumaling ang tingin ko sa pintuan ni
Warrion at wala sa sariling nagtungo sa tapat nito.
I dried my tears, heaved a deep sigh before I knocked on his door twice.
Akala ko ay hindi n'ya ako narinig pero wala pang isang minuto ay kaagad na
bumukas ang pinto at kaagad kong nakita ang bagong gising na si Warrion.
His upper body is naked, with only black pajamas on his lower body. Ang dog tag
ay sumasayaw sa kanyanh leeg at lantad ang katawan at braso sa akin.
His hair is disheveled, his eyes are flickering, licking his lips and brushing
his hair.
"Miss Almedarez," He murmured, looking confused at pilit akong ngumiti sa
kanya.
"Again? I thought it's Winter?"
"Can't sleep?" Bumaling s'ya sa orasang itim sa bisig pabalik sa akin.
"Yes," I said and tried smiling cheerfully, trying to sound cool. "Makikitulog
sana ako, pwede ba?" Ngisi ko.
He stared at my face, his green eyes almost piercing my soul. Kumunot ang noo
n'ya at napasinghap ako nang pitikin n'ya ang noo ko at ngumiwi.
"Stop pretending you're alright, you're failing miserably." Nawala ang ngisi ko
roon at nakagat ko ang labi.
"Halata ba?" I asked and he nodded, staring at me.
"What's the matter?" He asked at ngumuso lang ako at sumulyap sa mukha n'ya.
"Hindi lang ako makatulog," I said softly.
He nodded and moved on the side when I attempted to enter his room.
"Can I sleep with you?" Baling ko sa kanya at nakita ko kung paano s'ya
matigilan sa pwesto n'ya.
I stopped too when I realized thay kaya para hindi na mapahiya ay tumawa ako at
pinalo ang braso n'ya.
"Charot!" I laughed awkwardly, pasimpleng hinaplos ang braso n'ya. "Yummy ka
pero hindi ko kailangan ng dilig."
His brows lifted, pinasadahan n'ya ako ng tingin at nakita konv tumagal ang
tingin n'ya sa dibdib ko pabalik sa mukha ko.
"Seriously, woman? No bra?" He sneered, staring at my night dress with my peaks
showing a bit on my dress.
"Ano ngayon?" I raised my brow. "Bawal matulog ng naka-bra, 'no, tsaka okay
lang 'yan, for sure marami ka nang nakitang boobs."
Kumunot ang noo n'ya roon at umiling.
"You can't be possibly acting like that when boys are in your house, right?"
"Oo naman," Tawa ko at sumulyap sa kanya. "Ikaw lang kasi mabait ka e, you
won't take advantage of me."
Sumulyap ako sa kwarto n'ya at natigilan.
"Bakit masyadong madilim? Di ka nagbubukas kahit nung lamp?" I asked and he
shrugged. Binuksan n'ya ang ilaw sa kwarto at isinara ang pintuan.
"I can't sleep with the lights opened," He said and I stopped. Tahimik akong
naupo sa kama n'ya at sumulyap sa kanya na sinuklay ang magulong buhok at mabilis
n'yang kinuha ang puting shirt at isinuot.
"G-Ganun ba?" I bit my lip. "S-Sige, uhm, baka babalik nalang ako sa kwarto." I
said and stood but then he stopped me and let me sit on his bed again.
"Where are you going? I thought you'll sleep with me?"
"Yes but..." I sighed. "We're different, you can't sleep with light, you like
darkness and me, I can't sleep without the light. I loathe darkness, Warrion."
He slowly tilted my chin and searched for my eyes. He remained staring at me
and when I was about to get drown by his stares ay marahang hinaplos n'ya ang baba
ko at bumuntong-hininga.
"Be the light of my darkness, then." He said softly, his eyes dropped on my
lips.
He looks tempted, I saw him gulping and my heart raced when I remembered
Macarena saying na kapag ganito daw ang boyfriend n'ya, jugjugan na!
I gulped and blinked.
"D-Didiligan mo na ako?" I murmured with wide eyes and I saw his lip twitched
and tilted his head.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Kabanata 7
 Kabanata 7
"What?" Nakagat ko ang labi nang natawa s'ya sa sinabi ko.
"Don't laugh at me! I'm serious, Warrion." I hissed. "Didiligan mo ba ako o
hindi?"
"We're aggressive, aren't we?" He smirked and I rolled my eyes at him.
"Sinungaling naman si Macarena," I hissed, nag-iwas ako ng tingin kay Warrion
at kinagat ang labi ko.
"What did she tell you?" He asked curiously, naramdaman ko ang daliri n'ya sa
baba ko kaya napaharap ako sa kanya.
"Wala," Ngiwi ko.
"Hmm?" He raised his brow kaya nanahimik ako at napatitig sa mukha n'ya.
I don't know if I have praised him enough for his features. That thick,
lustrous brows, defined jaw, aristocrat nose, red lips and that damn green eyes.
"Does...your father has green eyes too?" I asked, my focus is on his eyes.
"Hmm," Hinayaan n'ya akong titigan ang mata n'ya kaya nakatulala lang kami sa
isa't-isa.
"Your brother?" I asked. "Caspian Alcantara? Does he look good too? With green
eyes?
He froze at that, I saw how his face crumpled. Kumunot ang noo n'ya at pumirmi
ang labi.
"Matulog ka na," Biglang sabi n'ya kaya napalabi ako.
"Ay, moody. Sungit mo naman." Ngiwi ko.
"Sleep, woman." Lumayo s'ya sa akin kaya napatanga ako.
"Luh, 'yun na 'yun? Answer me, anong itsura 'nung Kuya mo? Years ago, nakita ko
mukha n'ya sa magazines pero hindi ko na maalala ngayon. Gwapo ba?"
Ngumiwi lang s'ya at hinablot ang isang unan sa kama kaya napanguso ako.
"Uy! Saan ka?" I asked.
Hindi s'ya sumagot, hinagis n'ya ang unan sa malapad na sofa bago nagtungo sa
cabinet.
I saw him took a white comforter at napasinghap ako nang itapon n'ya sa akin
iyon kaya natabunan ang mukha ko.
"Warrion!" Irit ko at sumipa bago hinila ang comforter paalis sa mukha ko.
I eyed him sharply pero inirapan lang ako 'nung suplado at humiga sa sofa,
pumikit at ipinatong ang braso sa mata n'ya.
"H'wag mo kong tulugan," I stomped my feet.
"Sleep, you want to sleep here then sleep." Aniya sa malalim na boses at
sumimangot ako at humalukipkip, iniangat ko ang paa ko sa kama n'ya at nagsalita.
"Sagutin mo muna tanong ko," I said. "Gwapo pa rin ba si Caspian?"
Nakita ko ang pagkibot ng labi n'ya at hindi umimik.
"Pakilala mo naman ako, total naman di mo ko bet, sa kapatid mo nalang."
"Sleep, Almedarez." He said stiffly and my grin widened.
"Oh, alam ko na, punta nalang ako sa Casa Amara bukas so I can meet your
brother--" Nawala ang ngisi ko at napatili nang mabilis s'yang bumalikwas sa sofa
at inisang hakbang ako.
My eyes widen, bumilis ang paghinga ko nang bumagsak ako sa kama sa biglang
paglapit n'ya. Dumagan s'ya sa akin, pumilantik ang puso ko roon at nanlaki ang
mata.
"Tell me..." His dark voice said, his chest slightly touching my breast,
bahagya pang bumaba ang night dress ko kaya marahas ang paglunok ko.
"In what way you want me to water you?" His brow raised, his intense eyes are
brooding.

"F-For real?" I murmured.

His eyes darken more, nakita kong marahas na ang paglunok n'ya kaya ganun na
rin ako.
Our legs touched, nang igalaw ko ang hita ko ay naramdaman ko ang pagkulong
n'ya nito sa pagitan ng kanyang mga hita.
 He placed his arm above my head, lowering his face so he can see me fully in
bright lights.
"K-Kung ayaw ng Kuya mo, mga pinsan mo..." I murmured. "Yung...mga kasama mo
'nung lumipat ka? 'Yung mabait na gwapo? Anong pangalan 'nun?"
Mas dumiin ang dibdib n'ya sa akin and I felt my body burned a bit.
"I don't think you'll be dry when I water you," He said darkly and I gasped
when I felt his crotch on my stomach.
"H-Huh?"
"You'll be wet, I guess?" He evil brow raised at nalaglag ang panga ko.
Bago pa man ako makapagreact ay dali-dali s'yang naupo sa kama at hinayaan
akong tulala roon at wala sa sarili.
My mouth is still parted and I blinked.
Naramdaman ko nalang na may ipinatong s'ya sa dibdib ko kaya bumaba ang tingin
ko at nakitang tinakpan n'ya iyon ng comforter.
"Matulog ka na," Aniya at pinisil ang pisngi ko. Gulat naman akong napatingin
sa kanya at ngumisi s'ya at nilamutak ang pisngi ko.
"Sleep, Winter. You're tempting enough to not let me sleep tonight." Aniya at
lumuhod sa kama.
Napakurap ako nang hawakan n'ya ang batok at ang hita ko para i-angat at inayos
ako ng higa sa kama.
I was starled, nang maayos n'ya ang unan sa ulo ko ay ibinalik n'ya ang
comforter sa dibdib ko at dumiretsong muli sa sofa, pinilit na matulog kahit na
bukas ang ilaw para sa akin.
The next morning, I woke up feeling alive. Sa gulat ko ay kaagad kong napansing
nasa kwarto na ako kaya mabilis akonh napaupo.
My forehead creased when I saw a paper covering my sight a bit, kaagad kong
kinuha ang papel na nakadikit sa noo ko at binasa.
Took you to your room early in the morning. Your father might see you on my
room. Baka pagalitan ka.
Kahit 'yun lang ang laman nito ay napangisi ako.
Concern s'ya! Concern s'ya!
Humagikhik ako, mabilis na nag-ayos ng sarili at inayos ang shirt at short
shorts ko bago lumabas ng kwarto.
Halos takbuhin ko na ang hagdan pababa pero hindi ko nagawa nang makita ang
masinsinang pag-uusap ni Mommy at Daddy.
"Hi, Mom!" I smiled when I saw them kaya napabaling sila sa akin.
"Darling," My father called, lumapit ako sa kanila at humalik sa pisngi bago
ako yumakap sa baywang ni Mommy.
"How's your sleep last night?" Hinaplos ni Mommy ang buhok ko.
"Okay lang," I smiled a little, stopping myself from sharing my dreams.
They have enough problems, ayoko nang dagdagan pa ito ng issue ko.
"Dreams, hija? Hindi ka nanaginip?" Usyoso sa akin ni Daddy kaya natigilan ako.
I know they noticed my expression kaya mabilis akong ngumisi at umiling.
"I slept well last night, parents. Don't worry." I said softly. "I have no
dreams, h'wag n'yo na ako isipin."
Nakita ko ang tingin nila, tila sinusuri ang ekspresyon ko pero nanatili lang
ako nakangiti at hindi pinahalata ang nararamdaman.

"Anyway," Nakita kong nakumbinse na si Mommy. "You are

attending our reunion, Winter."
Nanlaki ang mata ko roon at napakurap.
"What?" I gasped. "Mom! Ayoko!"
"You should go, hija." Kumbinse sa akin ni Daddy. "Gusto man namin sumama ng
Mommy mo at hindi pwede, kailangan naming gumawa ng report sa nangyari kahapon. The
police would talk to us about the investigation."
"I know Tita would understand if we won't go, may nangyari kahapon--"
"Pupunta ka, Winter." Ani Mommy. "You have to socialize, hija. Maghanap ka ng
ibang mga kasama bukod kay Macarena."
"Ayoko," I pouted. "They would just bug me about getting married! Tatanungin
nanaman ako kung kailan ang kasal!"
"Kaya ka nga pupunta sa reunion ng pamilya, may mga kasama kaibigang lalaki ang
mga pinsan mo roon, malay mo makahanap ka na--"
"Wala akong magugustuhan 'dun," Inarte ko.
"Pupunta ka, Winter. Napaayos ko na ang gown mo since last week." Umawang ang
labi ko roon.
"Seriously? Without telling me?"
"Because we know you'd reject it, wala ka na rin namang magagawa ngayon kasi
nagawan ka na." Ngisi ni Mama, naisahan ako at napakamot ako sa batok at nagpaawa
kay Daddy pero nag-iwas lang s'ya ng tingin at tumikhim.
"Paano pala kung...kung may kaaway pa rin doon, diba? Paano kung mapahamak rin
ako doon?" Palusot ko pa pero umiling ang Daddy at sumimsim sa kape.
"That's why, Warrion is coming with you." He said and I was left dumbfounded.
Wala sa sariling lumabas ako ng bahay patungo sa may garden katabi ng swimming
pool at ngumuso.
Hindi lang naman 'yun ang problema ko sa pagpunta ko sa reunion, I have an
issue with my girl cousin, Elisse, for some matters in the past.
Anong mukhang ihaharap ko roon pagkakita sa akin? Na single pa rin ako at hindi
nakamove-on sa boyfriend n'ya?
Just yuck. No way.
Kaagad na nabaling ang atensyon ko sa isang lalaking nakahubad at nakamaong na
pantalon roon sa gilid, nakabilad sa araw.
I can see him muscular back and his disheveled hair while watering the orchids
there.
"Warrion?" I murmured and my eyes widen when I realized it was really him!
Mabilis akong lumapit, kagat-kagat ko ang labi ay halos takbuhin ko na ang
pwesto n'ya at ngumisi.
"Hi, pogi, good morning!" I greeted kaya natigilan s'ya pero hindi ako
nilingon.
He watered the plants again, not looking at me. Kinagat ko ang labi ko at
pinagmasdan ang likod n'ya.
He's lean and all his muscles are in the right place, halatang batak sa
training at trabaho noong military pa s'ya.
He was tall, which compliments his toned body more, ang kayumangging balat ay
hinahalikan ng araw na tumatama rito.
I noticed a scar on his back, hindi ko ito napansin nitong nakaraan pero
ngayong malapit at maliwanag ay nakita ko na.
Anong nangyari?
"What do you need?" He asked while watering the orchids kaya napabalik ako ulit
sa kanya.
"Wala lang, sama ka sa akin mamaya?" I asked, mentioning the reunion.
Hindi s'ya umimik kaagad, I saw how his muscled arm stretched the moment he
reach for another flower to water.
Sumama ang tingin ko sa lintik na mga bulaklak at halaman na inaasikaso n'ya.

"Sana all, dinidiligan!" Parinig ko at nakita kong natigil

s'ya at doon na pinatay ang tubig sa hose at nilingon ako.
"These are plants, Ms. Almedarez, of course I have to water them--"
"Bakit? Halaman lang ba ang natutuyot?" I eyed him sharply at nakita ko kung
paano tumaas ang sulok ng labi n'ya sa sinabi ko.
"Why are you in hurry to be watered?" Aniya.
"So, paki mo?" Umirap ako sa kanya at sa mga halaman na bagong dilig.
Mga pa-inggit!
"Don't tell me you're jealous of the flowers?" Hinanap n'ya ang mata ko.
"Of course not!" I hissed. "Hindi naman ako ganun kadesperada para mainggit sa
mga halamang diniligan mo." I said in sarcasm and pouted.
"Di bale, h'wag ka na sumama sa reunion, maghahanap nalang ako ng lalaki dun
tapos magpapadilig ako. Magpapalagay pa ng fertilizer para tumaba ang lupa!" I
hissed and his jaw clenched.
"Winter..." He warned me but I mocked him, stuck my tongue out at him.
"Akala mo papadilig ako sa'yo, huh? Tsaka alam ko namang ayaw mong sumama sa
reunion kaya edi h'wag. Simula ngayon di na kita crush." I hissed and walked out
pero nang may maalala ay nagmartsa ako pabalik sa kanya at sumulyap.
"Matambok lang pwet mo!" I spatted and crossed my arms. "Maghahanap ako ng
sarili kong irrigation!"
Nagmartsa na ako matapos ko s'yang irap-irapan roon at iritadong pumunta sa
gate para pagbuksan si Macarena na nagtext sa aking nandito.
"Hello, my dry friend..." Ngisi nang blooming na si Macarena. Namumula pa ang
pisngi at fresh na fresh.
"Bagong ano ka 'no?" I spatted.
"Ano ba 'yan! Bibig mo, Winter!" Namula ang pisngi n'ya at pinalo-palo pa ang
balikat ko kaya mas napairap ako.
"Sana all," Simangot ko.
"Ano? Nangyari sa'yo?" Hinawakan n'ya ang braso ko at hinila ako papasok ng
bahay.
"Wala, kasi 'yung iba d'yan, sa iba nagdidilig." I sighed at mas naguluhan roon
sa akin si Macarena.
"Weird ka, bakit? May nangyari ba?" She asked me but I just shook my head and
sighed.
"Wala, don't mind me, nababaliw lang ako." I sighed, nagtungo kami sa kwarto ko
at lumabas sa terrace, pagkahawi ko ng kurtina ay naupo ako sa upuan roon habang si
Macarena ay nagtungo sa may barrier at tumawa.
"Ah, kaya pala, orchids 'yung dinidiligan." Natahimik ako sa sinasabi ni
Macarena at marahang sumilip sa terrace at naabutan kong nagdidilig pa si Warrion
roon sa ibaba ng iba pang halaman.
Akala ko ba, bodyguard ito? Ano, hardinero na rin?
"Alam mo, kung ako sa'yo, Winter, hindi na ako magpapatumpik-tumpik pa."
Napabaling ako kay Macarena nang magsalita s'ya.
"Huh?"
"Sinasabi ko sa'yo, landiin mo na si Warrion." She looked at me.
"Hindi kami bati ngayon so, no."
"Oh, bakit? Kasi mas inunang diligan ang orchids kaysa d'yan sa hardin mong may
sapot?" Mas nagsalubong ang kilay ko sa sinabi n'ya at sinipa s'ya kaya
napahagalpak s'ya.
"Gusto kong lumandi...with dignity!" I said and pouted. "Magkaaway pa kami kaya
hindi pa muna."
"Sus, as if he'll say sorry." Aniya. "Gamitan mo na ng Winter ninja moves mo."

"Dalagang Pilipina lang tayo, Macarena--"

"As if, kung twenty-six ka palang, sige, magdalagang-Pilipina ka d'yan pero
malapit ka na lumagpas sa kalendaryo, Winter."
"Anong gagawin ko?"
"Say no to dalagang-Pilipina, say yes to dalagang katipunera!" Tinaas n'ya ang
kamay para sa conviction at natulala ako sa kanya.
"T-Tapos?"
"Mag the moves ka! Ito naman, kupad mo."
"Pero gusto ko ngang lumandi with dignity! Like so intact pa with mahinhin
moves."
"Bulok na 'yang mahinhin moves mo, Winter. Agressive na dapat tayo! Tignan mo
ko, katipunera kaya sige ang laban sa kama--"
"Bibig mo, Macarena!" My eyes widen.
"Sus, pa-virgin!" Halakhak n'ya pero natigil rin. "Ay, virgin pa nga pala." Mas
lumakas ang tawa n'ya nang-aasar kaya hinila ko ang buhok n'ya sa inis.
I-kwenento ko rin sa kanya ang problema ko sa reunion na inasikaso nina Mommy
at sa mga advice na dapat kong gawin.
"Alam mo, h'wag kang magpapaapekto kay Ellise." She said. "Ralph was just a
passing fancy to you  right?"
"Let me remind you that he courted me for four moths, Macarena." I told her. "I
may not fell inlove with him but I was attached, alright?"
"Sayang nga lang si Ralph, jowa na sana, naging bato pa."
"Wala naman na akong pakialam sa kanila ngayon. I don't care kung maghalikan pa
sila sa harapan ko, I am just afraid of humiliation, Macarena. Paano kapag dating
ko roon ay ipahiya ako ni Elisse?"
"S'ya nga dapat ang mapahiya e, nilandi n'ya ang tao palayo sa'yo. Inggit 'yun,
Winter kasi perfect ka. Jowa lang wala." Asar pa n'ya kaya sumimangot lang ako.
"Hindi naman kawalan si Ralph, like okay, I was attached, he's a good guy.
Isang buwan nalang na panliligaw sana at sasagutin ko na s'ya but then, he slept
with my cousin so, no. Ekis ka na sa'kin."
"Gago kasi 'yun e, nagpadala sa temptasyon ng iporkrita mong pinsan, kung hindi
lang sana... Sana may jowa ka na."
"Ayoko na 'dun," Ngiwi ko. "Duh, Warrion is far more handsome than him! Tsaka
mas matambok pwet n'yang bebe ko." Dungaw ko sa baba at nakitang naglilinis na ng
pool si Warrion.
Ano ito, full time worker?
Sa muli kong pagsulyap kay Macarena ay malaki na ang ngisi n'ya bago napasulyap
sa ibaba pabalik sa akin.
"I have an idea, Winter..."
"What?"
"How about...you ask Warrion to pretend as your boyfriend?" She said and my
mouth parted at that, shaking my head.
"No way..." Iling ko.
"Yes way," Ngisi ni Macarena at sumulyap sa ibaba.
Kanina pa ako parang baliw kakalakad at babalik rin kakaisip ng dapat kong
sabihin. My cat has been staring boredly at me while I pace back and forth, wearing
my deep black long gown.
It was the gown my Mom made for me. Malalim ang neckline nito at kita ang
malalim na hati ng aking dibdib. It has a thin lace connecting to my shoulder, from
front to the back, kumikinang rin ang gown at hapit sa aking katawan, lalo na sa
baywang.
"Should I do what Macarrna suggested, piglet?" I called the attention of my cat
who was eyeing me briefly.
Hindi ito umimik at tinitigan lang ako kaya ngumuso ako at lumapit paupo sa
kama.

"Hindi mo ba ako nage-gets?" I asked my cat. "Sige,

kakausapin kita ng language mo basta sumagot ka? Sabihin mo meow kapag okay,
gagawin ko, huh?"
Walang reaksyon lang akong tinitigan ng pusa kaya tumikhim ako at nagsalita.
"Meow meow meow?" I asked Piglet. "Meow meow?"
Nang hindi ako sagutin nito ay mas sumimangot ako.
"Meow meow," I purred like a cat, trying to communicate with my pet. "Meow--"
I froze when the door opened, naiwan sa ere ang boses ko at biglang nag-init
ang pisngi sa kalokohan ginawa!
It was Warrion! Damn! I think he heard me purring like crazy!
"Meow..." I suddenly heard my cat purred the moment he saw Warrion kaya nanlaki
ang mata ko.
Oh my God!
"B-Bakit?!" I said in a high-pitched tone bago nagkukumahog na tumayo sa kama.
Nakasilip s'ya sa pinto, his deep and piercing eyes making my inside shake.
Nang bahagya s'yang pumasok ay halos maubusan naman ako ng hininga pagkakakita ko
sa kanya.
He was wearing a deep black armani suit and black slacks. His hair is clean, I
saw him licking his lips when he entered at nanuyo ang lalamunan mo nang makita ang
kabuuhan n'ya.
He looks great, really, really great. I love how the suit fits his body
perfectly, highlighting every features, every curves. Saktong-sakto sa katawan
n'ya, lalo na sa kanyang dibdib at balikat.
He's wearing a shiny leather shoes, nang magsalubong ang mata namin ay nakita
kong napakurap s'ya at pinasadahan ako ng tingin kaya marahas akong napalunok,
kinakalma ang puso ko.
"Y-Yes?"
"Uhm," I saw him licked his lip again and lifted his bowtie.
"Can you put this on me?" He asked in a deep baritone.
"S-Sure..." Nanginig ang kamay ko nang kunin ang bowtie.
He was infront of me, nakaheels na ako lahat-lahat pero hanggang ilong lang
n'ya ang inabot ko. I slowly put the bowtie on his neck with my shaking hands,
mabilis ang kabog ng puso.
Hindi ko s'ya matignan sa mata kahit panay ang paninitig n'ya. I was out of
focus, panay ang iwas ko para kalmahin ang sarili at 'yun nalang ang pagtalon ko
nang maramdaman ang kamay n'ya sa baywang ko.
"Calm down," He whispered and I slowly looked at his eyes as he touched my
waist.
His green eyes shined, kagat-kagat ko ang labi ko para pigilan ang sarili sa
paghaharumentado sa kanyang titig.
"T-There," Paos kong sabi matapos pasadahan ng palad ang kanyang damit.
I saw him stared at my hands, bahagya s'yang lumayo sa akin at nakita kong
napasulyap s'ya sa kama kung nasaan ang pusa ko.
"Your cat?" His husky voice said.
"Y-Yeah," I nodded.
I looked at my cat who was boredly looking at us, wala itong emosyon, ang mga
mata'y tila nanunuya.
Parang sinasabi pa ni Piglet habang nakatitig sa akin na "Tuyot! Tuyot! Tuyot!"
"Si Piglet," Lahad ko sa pusa ko at nakita ko ang pagtango ni Warrion at ang
paglapit n'ya sa kama ko.
He sat on my bed and I almost curse when I saw how big he was, sitting on my
bed.
Nagitla pa ako nang hawakan n'ya sa Piglet. I was expecting my cat would bitch
around but the cat just purred and closed her eyes.
What?!
Akin 'yan si Warrion, Piglet!
"She's cute," Warrion's mouth twitched and caressed my cat.
Sana all, may paghaplos!
"I-Ikaw? Are you a cat or a dog person?" I asked, slowly sitting beside him.
"Not really but I've been taking care of a dog, Caspian." Aniya.
"Huh? Caspian? Sama naman nito, di naman aso ang kapatid mo!" I smacked his
arm.
"No," He chuckled. "The dog's name is Caspian."
My mouth parted, I saw him smirked and shook his head.
"Long story but he has a girlfriend." Aniya at nang kumurap ako ay tumikhim
s'ya at nag-iwas ng tingin.
"Lahat sila may girlfriend na," He said as a matter of fact.
"E, ikaw?"
He stared at me and raised his brow.
"Waiting," He chuckled deeply. "It's been years, I guess?"
My heart ache but I managed to smile.
"Swerte naman n'ya," I murmured and his lip twitched and stood, offering his
hand to me.
"Swerte mo..." Bulong n'ya at nang titigan ko s'ya ay nag-iwas s'ya ng tingin
at tumikhim.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Kabanata 8

Kabanata 8
"I have a proposition to make," Pinagsaklop ko ang kamay ko habang nakatitig
kay Warrion na seryoso sa pagmamaneho ng sasakyan.
Wearing his all black dark tuxedo, he looks dashing. I saw how his strong arms
maneuvered the car for a turn, his vein protruding a bit from his skin.
"What?" He asked, not looking at me.
"Uhm, bale salitan lang 'to." I said. "I will say my wish and you'll do it then
if you have a wish of your own then I'll make it happen too. Deal?"
"I don't do deals," He answered, staring briefly at me for a while.
"Why not?" My lips protruded. "Isn't it a good thing? Atleast, di ba may wish
ka rin?"
Hindi s'ya umimik, tila malalim ang iniisip. His thick brows almost met when
his forehead creased and I gasped softly when I caught him licking his lower lip
erotically.
"Simple lang naman ang favor ko," I said.
Sumulyap s'ya sa akin at tumaas ang kanyang kilay.
"Kasi that reunion," I said. "I have a cousin, my mortal enemy, Elisse, then
back in the past, I have this suitor named Ralph."
"So, Max isn't only the one, huh?" His voice laced with unknown sarcasm, nang
matamaan ng ilaw ang mukha n'ya ay nakita kong iritado s'ya.
"Duh, syempre, wala lang akong boyfriend pero marami akong manliligaw!" I said.
"You know them all?" He took a glance at me.
"Yeah, si Max lang in-entertain ko ngayon pero mayroon pa d'yang iba."
"Get my phone," Natigil ako roon at nagtaka.
"Huh?"
"Dashboard, get it." He said at naguguluhan man ay inabot ko ang telepono n'ya.
"And?" My brow raised.
"Open it, go to notes." Aniya at sa pag-swipe ko ay wala nga s'yang password!
Even his wallpaper is a default photo from the phone!
Mabilis kong hinanap ang notes n'ya at sumulyap sa kanya.
"Tapos? Anong gagawin? Bilis na, ke-kwento ko pa sa'yo 'yung favor ko--"
"List the names of your suitors so, I can check." He said coldly.
"What?!" Nanlaki ang mata ko roon sa kanya.
His brow just raised, his lips protruded a bit.
"Type it, sabi mo kilala mo?" Masungit n'yang sabi pero nanatili lang akong
tulala sa kanya.
"Bakit ko naman gagawin 'yun? Why the fuck would I list it down--"
"Don't 'fuck' me, woman. List the names so I can visit them--"
"For?" Gulong sabi ko.
"I have to check them, your Dad told me to check on every person you're getting
along with. Baka isa sa kanila ang dahilan kung bakit ka napapahamak."
"You don't have to!" I answered. "Goodness, my Dad! Hayaan mo si Daddy, he's
just too overprotective."
"List it down, Almedarez." He demanded but I shook my head, ibinaba ko ang
phone n'ya at nagmatigas sa kanya.
"No way," I hissed.
"Do it," Nilingon n'ya ako.
"Sige, ganyan ka naman e, minsan mabait ka sa'kin, minsan hindi. Oo, I admit, I
like you. I really do pero mukhang wala ka namang interes sa akin!" I hissed
quietly.
 "This isn't about me, we are talking about your safety,
Miss." He said.
"Safety, puro ka nalang ganyan! Call me Winter! Puro ka Miss Almedarez, woman!
Can't you consider me atleast like a friend?"
Natahimik s'ya roon at nakagat ko ang labi ko sa irita.
"I understand your sentiments, I really do! Kahit napipilitan ka lang sumama sa
reunion na 'to, kasi kahit ako ayoko! But my parents asked me to at ayaw ko silang
biguin nanaman, sa paraang ganto manlang ay makabawi ako." I hissed quietly and
looked away.
Natahimik kaming dalawa at masama ang loob na bumaling ako sa salamin ng
sasakyan at pinaglaruan ang pouch ko.
"Hindi ako napipilitan," He said and I just laugh a little and shook my head.
"Yeah? You think I'll believe you?"
"I volunteered to come with you," He said pero hindi ako lumingon sa kanya.
"Winter..."
Huh! And now you're calling me by my name! Manigas ka d'yan!
Winter mo mukha mo!
Tuyot man ako ngayon but I don't need you! Maghahanap ako ng irrigation sa
reunion! Makikita mo!
"Winter," Tawag n'ya ulit sa akin at ngumuso lang ako at humalukipkip.
Hindi na kami muling nag-imikan sa byahe at nang makita ko ang malaking hall na
paggaganapan ng reunion ay mas sumama ang loob ko.
"What now?" I whispered softly in thin air. "I have to be strong infront of
that woman."
Natigil ako sa pagbulong nang tumikhim si Warrion at nagsalita.
"We're here," He said and went out of the car, tinanggal ko naman ang seatbelt
ko at nang buksan ni Warrion ang pintuan ko at inilahad ang kamay n'ya ay inirapan
ko lang s'ya at nagmartsa paalis.
"Winter!" He exclaimed, irritated at me at ngumiwi lang ako.
"Come here!" He demanded at natigilan ako nang maabot n'ya ang braso ko at
marahan akong inilapit sa kanyang katawan.
"What?!" I groaned and tried pushing him pero naagapan n'ya ito ng mabilis na
paghapit sa baywang ko kaya tumama ako sa dibdib n'ya.
"Warrion!" I hissed.
"No, you stay here. Don't be stubborn." Iritadong sabi n'ya at bumaba ang
tingin sa akin, his green eyes are blazing, parang naghina ang tuhod ko roon pero
tumikhim ako.
"I am not stubborn!" I rolled my eyes and wiggled pero pinirmi lang n'ya ako.
"You are," He hissed at nang paluin ko ang abs n'ya ay wala manlang s'yang
reaksyon at inirapan din ako.
"Sige, mag-irapan tayo dito!" Bulong ko pero hindi s'ya umimik at medyo gumaan
ang kamay sa aking baywang.
Nilingon ko s'ya at doon ko natantong nasa main entrance na kami ng engrandeng
hall. A red carpet was rolled on the floor, may iilang mga pribadong photographer
ang kumukuha ng litrato at may babaeng attendant sa may entrance.
Natigil ako pero nang sumulyap ako kay Warrion at nakitang wala s'yang pakialam
sa paligid ay medyo lumakas ang loob ko.
I should do what he's doing, right?
I sighed. Umayos ako ng tayo at nakita kong natigilan si Warrion pero mabilis
ring pinirmi ang kanyang kamay sa aking baywang at iginiya ako papasok.
"Miss Winter po?" The attendant knew me at tumango ako at ngumiti. "With?"
"Warrion," I answered and when she nodded ay kaagad kaming pumasok ni Warrion
sa hall.

It was extravagant, I can say. Halos dalawang palapag ang

hall at sa ibaba ay pulos kulay puti at may malaking chandelier sa gitna.
There are marble floors and glass walls, sa hindi kalayuan ay kaagad kong
nakita ang aking mga Tito at Tita.
"Hey," Bumaling ako kay Warrion at nakita kong sumulyap s'ya sa akin.
"Hmm?" He asked, sa muli kong pagsulyap sa paligid ay nakita kong nakasulyap sa
kanya ang iilan sa mga pinsan ko na may paghanga sa mukha at kaagad akong bumaling
kay Warrion at pasimpleng inabot ang kamay n'ya.
"Tara, upo muna tayo?" I said and I saw him nodded, biting his lower lip a bit.

Pinagsaklop n'ya ang kamay namin at marahan akong hinila paupo sa isang upuan
roon. He lifted a seat for me bago s'ya naupo sa tabi ko.
"Do you like parties?" Baling ko sa kanya nang mapansing nakatitig s'ya sa
akin.
"Not really," He said, natigilan ako nang i-angat n'ya ang kamay at inilagay
ang takas na buhok sa tenga ko. "I'm the anti-social in our family."
"Sina Caspian?" I asked him and his jaw clenched a bit and cocked his head.
"Can we stop talking about him?" Tumaas ang kilay n'ya kaya natawa ako roon at
napailing.
"Why? Kapatid mo naman 'yun a--"
"He has a girlfriend, Winter Andromeda." He hissed at napangisi na ako roon.
"So? Tatanong lang naman ako, huh?"
"I'll answer it if you list those suitors of yours." Sikmat n'ya kaya napanguso
na ako.
"Ayaw," I said and rolled my eyes but then I felt his hand on my exposed
shoulder at sa pagsulyap ko sa kanya ay nahuli ko ang titig n'ya sa akin.
"Bati na ba tayo?" He asked, his green eyes staring at me. My heart pounded
harshly at that pero tumikhim ako.
"Hindi naman talaga ako galit," I gasped. "I was just annoyed at you."
"Why?" I saw his playful eyes, ang kanyang kamay sa balikat ko ay napunta sa
pisngi ko at tinampal ko ang kamay n'ya nang pisilin n'ya ang pisngi ko.
"Una, ang sungit mo." I started enumerating and he nodded, hiding his smile,
marahang sumandal sa upuan habang nakatitig sa akin.
I felt him took my hand as he gently caressed my palm, giving it a few touch.
"Hmm, and?"
"Pangalawa, ayaw mo akong maging friend." Sikmat ko. "Tapos pangatlo ayaw mo
akong diligan!"
He chuckled huskily at that, sinamaan ko s'ya ng tingin at mas natawa s'ya bago
umayos ng upo at hinanap ang mata ko.
"Listen," Aniya nang makalma at hinawakan ang pulsuhan ko.
"First, I don't wanna be just friends with you." He said a little groggy kaya
nangunot ang noo ko.
"Hmm?"
"Second, today isn't the right time for the kind of watering you like." His lip
twitched.
"Pero tuyot na tuyot na ako, Warrion!" I hissed exaggeratedly at mas natawa
s'ya roon sa sinabi ko.
I saw how glee danced on his blazing green eyes, tila naaaliw sa akin.
Sumimangot ako nang muli n'yang pinisil ang pisngi ko.
"My Winter's adorable, hmm?" He murmured at nang nagwala ang kulisap sa tyan ko
ay pinalo ko ang braso n'ya at sumipa roon.
"H'wag kang paasa, Warrion! Kinikilig ako!" Hinampas ko ang braso n'ya at
natatawang hinuli n'ya ang kamay ko at umiling.
"There's a right time to that watering you like," Bulong n'ya.

"Pero malapit na akong lumagpas sa kalendaryo!" I

exclaimed.
"So?" His brow raised at me. "You're beautiful, stop stressing yourself about
that."
Nagwala nanaman ang inner kalandian ko, tumikhim ako para magseryoso sana pero
halos sumabog ang pisngi ko sa init sa sinabi n'ya.
"Pretty ako?" Humawak ako sa pisngi ko at nagbeautiful eyes sa kanya at tumaas
ang sulok ng labi n'ya at napailing sa akin.
"H'wag lalaki ang ulo," He flicked my forehead kaya napatawa ako at naaaliw na
tumingin sa kanya.
"I really like you, Warrion." I voice out sincerely and I saw how that smiled
faded on his face.
"I'm your bodyguard," He murmured.
"So?" I sighed.
"You know it's not a good thing to see--"
"But do you like me?" I asked him and I saw how his eyes flickered, tila may
gustong sabihin pero nag-iwas ng tingin at tumikhim.
"Winter, hija!" Nawala ang atensyon ko kay Warrion nang marinig ang boses ng
Tita ko.
My eyes shifted from him at kaagad akong napatayo roon.
"Hi, Tita!" I greeted happily at kaagad s'yang yumakap sa akin.
"How's life?" She asked, nang sumulyap ako kay Tito Ramon ay yumakap ako sa
kanya at ngumiti.
"Doing great po," I smiled happily at her.
"Really? How's your parents? Okay ba naman sila?"
"Yes, Tita." I nodded slightly. "They really want to go here but the accident
yesterday isn't a joke, they have to go to the police station to file a report."
"May nasaktan naman ba?" Tita Joan asked and I shook my head.
"Minor injuries lang po sa mga guards, ligtas naman po ang lahat."
"Mahirap talaga ang sa pulitika, hija." Tito Ramon said. "Ikaw ba? Wala namang
mga banta?"
I froze upon remembering the threats I've been receiving for months kaya
lumipat ako sa bahay ng parents ko pabalik.
"W-Wala naman po," I answered instead and smiled.
"That's a good thing, but I assume you are bringing guards with you?" He asked.
Kaagad akong napasulyap kay Warrion at nakatingin lang sa baso n'ya pero alam
kong nakikinig sa usapan at attentive.
"No..." I chuckled a bit. "No guards."
Dinala ako ng mga paa ko sa iba pang mga Tita ko para bumati. I greeted my
other cousins too, ang mga lalaki'y kumaway sa akin at ngumisi lang ako.
Where is the bitch, Elisse?
Nawala lang ang atensyon ko roon nang tawagin ako ng isa sa mga pinsan ko para
kumustahin at hindi ko na namalayan ang oras dahil sa kwentuhan. Sa ibang table pa
ako inabutan ng kainan at nang sumulyap ako kay Warrion ay nakita kong wala na s'ya
sa kanyang pwesto.
Nasaan ang bebe ko?!
Mabilis kong tinapos ang pagkain ko at nagpaalam sa mga malapit kong pinsan
para sana umalis at hanapin si Warrion pero hindi ko na nagawa nang masalubong ng
mga mata ko ang mata ni Elisse at Stacy, ang mga pinsan kong mukhang kararating
lang.
"Oh! Winter!" Stacy greeted me the moment she saw me, kaagad s'yang lumapit
para makipag-beso at yumakap sa akin.
"Hello, Stacy..." I greeted and smiled at her, tumango naman s'ya at ngumiti
pabalik.

"Elisse," Bati ko nang makita ang nang-uuyam na tingin

nito. Her lips twitched at me, tumaas ang kilay at doon ko lang napansin si Ralph
sa likuran n'yo.
He was wearing a deep black suit too with a blue necktie. Walang pagbabago ang
itsura simula noon.
 Sa lahat ng nanligaw sa akin ay ito ang may pinaka may boyfriend potential. He
was good, thoughtful and always taking care of me. Plus is, his good looks!
Bad luck is just, nalaman kong matagal na itong crush ni Elisse at hindi na rin
ako masyadong nagulat nang tumigil ito sa panliligaw dahil sa may nangyari sa
kanila ng pinsan ko.
"Hello, Winter..." Elisse smiled at me, she elegantly walked towards me and
gave me a kiss on the cheek.
"How are you?" I asked her and flashed a small smile.
Be strong, Winter! H'wag kang papaapi sa bruhang 'yan!
"Great!" Tumawa s'ya at hinila si Ralph na nasa likuran n'ya.
Nagkatinginan kami ni Ralph, alangan s'yang ngumiti sa akin at tahimik lang
akong tumango sa kanya.
"Anyway, Winter, I know you know my boyfriend?" She emphasized the last word
and showed me Ralph.
"This is Ralph, my boyfriend." Aniya.
Nang ilahad ni Ralph ang kamay n'ya ay tinanggap ko iyon.
"Winter," Pakilala ko sa kanya kahit alam na nito.
Nagitla pa ako nang bahagyang pisilin nito ang kamay ko kaya nagtatakang
inilayo ko ang kamay sa kanya at ngumiti nalang.
"Kanina ka pa?" Stacy asked me kaya tumango ako.
"Yes, kayo? Na-late kayo?" I asked.
"Medyo traffic," Maarteng komento ni Elisse. "And Ralph fetched me from work,
alam mo na, supportive boyfriend." Natatawang yumakap s'ya sa boyfriend na kanina
pa nakatitig sa akin.
Napapangiwi na ako sa ginagawa n'ya roon.
Dumating ang ilang pinsan pa namin kaya nawala saglit ang kanilang atensyon sa
akin at binati ang mga naroon.
I saw Ralph staring intently at me but I shrugged it off, nakita ko pang nahuli
ni Elisse na nakatingin sa akin ang nobyo n'ya kaya kumunot ang noo nito at hinila
ang braso ni Ralph.
"We saw a handsome man earlier!" Hagikhik ni Jena nang makakuha s'ya ng tyempo.
"Oo! Ang gwapo, first time kong makita iyon dito sa mga reunion! Kasama n'yo
ba? If ever, pakilala n'yo naman ako!" My other cousin, Tafetta said.
"Ano ba kayo," Tawa ni Elisse. "H'wag na kayong mag-agawan, marami naman kayong
boys? Why not give others a chance for boys?" Panunuya nito at sumulyap sakin.
"Ano ka ba, Elisse! We all need boys here!" Tawa ni Stacy roon. "Pwera sa'yo
kasi may Ralph ka."
"Oo naman, hindi ko ipagpapalit 'to." Elisse grinned. "Pero what I mean is, ang
babata n'yo pa, marami pang lalaki d'yan, ipaubaya n'yo nalang kay Winter."
Natawa s'ya at nakita kong natawa rin ang mga pinsan ko kaya plastik na rin
akong tumawa.
This woman!
"I actually don't need--"
"Mahirap talagang makahanap ng lalaking magkakainteres sa'yo, 'no?" Her brow
raised at me at natigilan na ako roon.
"Elisse," I heard Ralph told her, hinahawakan ang braso n'ya but I remained
cool, ni hindi ko ipinakitang gigil na akong itulak s'ya sa chocolate fountain at
ingudngud ang mukha!
Natahimik na rin ang mga pinsan ko nang maramdaman ang tensyon.
I want to go home, damn it!
"Oh..." Nakita ko kung paano bumilog ang bibig ni Tafetta nang may ituro sa
likuran ko at bago pa man ako makalingon ay isang mainit na hawak sa baywang ang
naramdaman ko.
"Am I late?" His husky voice whispered and I saw how my cousin's jaws dropped.
"S-Saan ka galing?" Lumingon ako kay Warrion na hawak ang baywang ko at
marahang inilalapit ako sa kanya.
He was towering me, dahil nga sa matangkad s'ya ay tumatama ang kanyang ilong
sa buhok ko.
"Restroom," He answered me and I saw him took a glance at the people infront of
me.
"Hey, baby, mind introducing me to your cousins?" Warrion asked in a deep,
husky voice at halos mapigilan ko ang hininga.
I saw how Elisse's jaw dropped, tila na-engkanto at hindi mapalagay habang
nakatitig kay Warrion at napalunok pa.
"Uhm..." Tumikhim ako pero halos manghina ang tuhod nang maramdaman ang
paghigpit ng hawak ni Warrion sa baywang ko at ang pagdampi ng labi n'ya sa sentido
ko.
"T-This is Warrion," Pakilala ko rito.
Mas humaplos pa si Warrion sa baywang ko, I saw him staring intently at Ralph
who was staring at me for quite some time now.
Warrion looks dominant, caging me on his arms, possessively holding me and
smirked.
"Warrion Alcantara," Pakilala n'ya sa pinsan kong tulala, lalo na kay Elisse na
halos kumislap na ang mata kakatitig sa kanya.
"A-Are you related to Caspian Alcantara of Casa Amara?" I saw how starled
Elisse is when Warrion nodded, with a cold smile on his face.
"He's my brother," He said. "Major Warrion Adelram Alcantara." He introduced
again.
"O-Oh!" Nakita ko kung paano nagkukumahog na inilahad ni Elisse ang kanyang
kamay para sa shake hands at kaagad namang tinanggap iyon ni Warrion.
Even my other cousins took his hand for a shake, looking amazed and excited.
"S'ya iyong sinasabi kong gwapo!" Jena exclaimed kaya napasulyap ako kay
Warrion at natawa.
"Talaga?" I asked and grinned at her.
"A-Ano mo s'ya, Warrion? F-Friend? She can't be possibly be your girlfriend,
right?" Elisse asked him kaya napasulyap ako kay Warrion at pumilantik ang lintik
kong puso nang masalubong ang berdeng mga mata n'ya.

"Nah," Warrion chuckled, staring at Ralph intently before looking at me and

pushed me more to his body. "Why can't she?"
"B-Because she's boring and..." Hindi na natapos ni Elisse ang sinasabi sa
gulat at miski ako ay nagulat sa biglang pagpatak ni Warrion ng mabilis na halik sa
labi ko bago sumulyap sa pinsan ko at kay Ralph.
"She's the last person in my list for being boring, Miss." Warrion defended me
and kissed my head again kaya gulat akong napasulyap ako sa kanya at nagkatitigan
kami.
"My baby's the best. Didiligan ko pa 'to mamaya, e." He murmured and chuckled
huskily, pinching my nose. "Right, baby?"

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Kabanata 9

Kabanata 9
Siguro ay kanina pa kulay kamatis ang mukha ko sa sobrang bilis ng kabog ng
puso ko.
Hawak pa rin ni Warrion ang baywang ko habang kanina pa pasulyap-sulyap sa akin
si Elisse. I noticed her insecurity, may nagsasalita sa harapan at nakaupo kaming
magpipinsan sa may table malapit roon.
I noticed Ralph staring at me too, pabalik-balik ang tingin n'ya sa amin ni
Warrion while my date is quiet beside me.
"Hey," Tawag ko sa atensyon ni Warrion kaya napasulyap s'ya sa akin. "Pagod ka
na?"
"No," He smiled a little, I felt his caressed on my palm again kaya marahan
akong sumandal sa balikat n'ya at pumikit.
"You?" He whispered, I felt his nose touching my hair.
 "Hindi pa naman," I murmured and looked at him. "Pero may utang ka sa'kin." I
grinned when I noticed him froze.
"I only said that--"
"No!" Tinakpan ko ang bibig n'ya at ngumisi. "Walang bawian, sabi mo didiligan
mo ko."
"I told you, there is a right time for that."
"E, sabi mo mamaya. Edi mamaya ang right time!" Hagikhik ko.
He stared at me quietly, salubong ang kilay kaya ngumisi ako at pasimpleng
humalik sa pisngi n'ya.
"Pasimple ka pa, nagnakaw ka nga ng kiss sa akin! Pakipot pa, crush mo rin
naman ako!" Tawa ko.
"You silly woman," He pinched my cheek kaya napatawa ako. Ipinatong ko ang baba
ko sa kanyang balikat bago sumulyap sa kanya, namumungay pa ang mata.
"Umamin ka na kasi, Warrion. You like me too, right?" His lips protruded,
nakita kong naaaliw s'ya pero pilit na nagseseryoso.
"Nah," He murmured pero mas napangisi ako.
"It's alright, amin na." Tawa ko. "May offer na ako sa'yo."
"What?" His forehead creased.
"You can be my irrigation," I grinned.
"Your what?" Nanlaki ang mata n'ya at maya-maya ay natawa at umiling sa akin.
"Irrigation! Pangdilig! Tutal naman sabi mo--"
"Damn, woman!" I heard his deep chuckle on my ear. "You're unbelievable!"
"Sige na, please..." I pouted. "Pretty please?"
"Let me remind you, I'm your bodyguard--"
"Blah! Blah! Blah!" I stucked my tongue at him.
"Winter--"
"Wala akong naririnig! Wala--" My voice faded when he lowered his head and
claimed my lips for a chaste kiss.
Sa sobrang bilis nito ay halos matulala ako at hindi na maramdamang tumama ito
sa labi ko. Marahas akong napalunok, nang mag-angat ako ng tingin sa kanya ay
nakita kong matiim ang tingin n'ya sa akin.
I saw how slowly he sensually licked his lower lip. Napahugot ako ng hininga
roon at kinagat rin ang labi ko.
"You kissed me..." I murmured.
"So?" His lip twitched.
"Pero ayaw mo akong diligan!" I hissed at napangisi nanaman s'ya roon at
pinisil ang ilong ko.
"There's a right time for that," He sighed. "And...maybe I am not the man to do
that." His forehead creased then glance infront of us then smirked.
Maya-maya pa'y lumapit muli at bumulong.
"But no way, I should be that man." He murmured and placed his hand on my back,
nakagat ko naman ang labi ko at napasulyap sa harapan at nakita kong nakatitig si
Ralph sa akin.

I saw Elisse's annoyed face, napalabi pa ako nang hawakan

n'ya ang panga ni Ralph para paharapin ito sa kanya. I saw her whispered something
and Ralph's forehead creased, annoyed.
"So...payag ka na?" Biglang baling ko kay Warrion na mukhang wala na sa akin
ang atensyon.
"Hey," I called when I noticed him distracted, napansin kong naalerto s'ya at
umayos ng upo kaya kinabahan ako.
"W-Warrion?" I asked.
"Stay here," I saw him staring somewhere at the second floor.
"H-Huh? Why?"
"I have to check on something," Nawala ang kamay n'ya sa likuran ko.
"Sama," I murmured but he shook his head, staring at my eyes.
"I'll be back in ten," He murmured. "But if I didn't comeback within that time,
you have to go home and call the security at home."
"H-Huh?" Nanginig ang boses ko at lumunok. "M-Mapapahamak ba tayo?"
"No," He stared at me. "You won't get hurt as long as I'm here."
"But I don't want you hurt too!" I whispered back. "Maybe we can call other
guards at home to help--"
"I saw someone staring at us from there, I'll just check."
"But what if he has a gun--"
"I have one too," Aniya pero hindi pa rin ako mapakali.
"Sasama ako..."
"No," He said darkly. "Stay here, I promise I'll be back." Nang tumayo s'ya ay
hinawakan ko ang cuffs ng suit n'ya kaya napasulyap s'ya sa akin.
"I-I can fight, you know." I said but he shook his head, muli s'yang umupo at
hinanap ang mata ko.
"Yes but not if there's a gun. So, stay here while I protect you." He planted a
kiss on my forehead before looking at my cousins and spoke.
"Can you check on my baby first?" He asked in a deep baritone at sabay-sabay na
nagsitanguan ang mga pinsan ko.
"Don't worry! Kami ang bahala!" Tafetta grinned and Warrion smiled and nodded.
"Alright, thank you..." Ngiti n'ya at nang mawala na s'ya sa tabi namin ay
kaagad nanaman akong kinabahan at hindi mapakali.
"You're so lucky, Winter! Warrion is so sweet!" Jena exclaimed happily while I
flash a simple smile, pabalik-balik ang tingin ko sa second floor.
"Kailan lang kayo?" Napasulyap lang ako kay Elisse nang magsalita s'ya.
"Huh? Uhm, just two months." Kunwaring sagot ko.
"Oh, bago pa lang?" Nakita kong tumaas ang sulok ng labi n'ya at nanuya
nanaman. "I heard a lot of things that almost all relationships won't lasts for a
couple of months."
"Ano ka ba," Tawa ni Tafetta. "Mukha namang magtatagal itong dalawa, have you
seen how good is them together?! Look at Winter, the always nervous girlfriend and
that awesome hot and super strong boyfriend!"
Oh...nervous? Palagi pa akong kinakabahan?
"And that isn't an ideal relationship you know, bakit ka kakabahan para sa
boyfriend mo?" Elisse chuckled a bit and kissed Ralph's cheek.
"For me, I and Ralph's relationship are the best--"
"Atleast mine came from the purest intention," Bulong ko sa hangin na
nagpatigil sa kanya.
"Excuse me?" Nakita kong nagsalubong ang kilay ni Elisse at napatikhim si
Ralph.
"Huh?" I pretended to be shock and stared at her. "Dadaan ka?"

Her mouth parted, mukhang na-offend sa sinabi ko kaya

natawa lang ako at nagpeace sign.
"Joke!" I exclaimed at nagsitawanan ang mga pinsan ko at nakita kong sumimangot
s'ya pero pilit na nakitawa rin para mahuli.
Serves you right, bitch!
My cousins aren't aware what really happened between us three. Ang akala nila'y
tumigil lang sa panliligaw si Ralph dahil sa si Elisse talaga ang gusto n'ya but it
isn't. I asked him to stop because he slept with my cousin.
Sampung minuto na ang nakalipas pero wala pa rin si Warrion. I was damn
nervous!
Pasulyap-sulyap ako sa phone ko para antayin kung magtetext ba s'ya o hindi.
My cousins went to the dancefloor to dance pero hindi ako sumama dahil sa nag-
aalala ako kay Warrion.
I sighed and was about to stood and look for him when I saw someone sit beside
me.
Napalingon ako at sa gulat ay nakita kong si Ralph ito na galing sa dancefloor.
"Hey," He called.
 "Hey," Alangan ko ring bati.
"How are you?" He asked.
"Great!" I answered. "You?"
"Good," He smiled, I saw him brushed his hair with his fingers and stared at
me.
"You know, I just want to apologized..." Gulat man ay napatango ako. I stared
at him and saw the sincerity on his eyes.
"I didn't mean to hurt you like that, I was tempted and I'm drunk. Lalaki lang
ako kaya hindi ko napigilan."
Oh, no. No. You don't say that to me.
"I know I hurt you, kaya ka nitong nakaraan lang nagkaboyfriend, diba?" He
asked and I was stunned.
"I still love you, Winter. I have no choice but to be with her because her
parents wanted to. It's you I will only love, Winter." He said but I wasn't even
move at that.
Can we just skip this so I can find my Warrion?
"Ralph, you see, I don't care about it anymore--"
"No, I know you still love me." Aniya at inabot ang kamay ko. "We can be
together, you can break up with your boyfriend and--"
"Winter..." I froze when I heard that familiar voice.
Mabilis kong nahila ang kamay ko mula kay Ralph at marahas na napatingin sa
likuran ko at halos tumalon ang puso ko nang makita si Warrion.
He looks tired, his suit is opened, the first three buttons of his shirt was
undone at mabilis akong napatayo sa upuan at tinakbo s'ya.
"Warrion!" I exclaimed and hugged him. Mabilis n'ya akong nasalo, nang hawakan
n'ya ang baywang ko ay niyakap ko ang leeg n'ya bago humiwalay.
"Are you alright?" I said, panicking and cupped his cheek. I saw him staring at
me before shifting his gaze on my back kaya hinanap ko ang mata n'ya.
"Warrion..." I murmured but then he softly pushed me kaya nakagat ko ang labi
ko.
"What is that asshole doing?" I saw how his forehead creased, inabot n'ya ang
kamay ko at bahagya akong itinabi sa kanya.
"Wala..." I said softly, I saw Ralph standing near us, magkaharapan sila ni
Warrion at nagtatagisan ng tingin kaya napahugot ako ng hininga.
"Hey," I tugged his suit. "Nag-uusap lang kami."
"Actually, no." Halos masapo ko ang noo sa inis nang magsalita si Ralph. "I was
just telling her I still love her, I want to get back to her."

I saw how Warrion's body tensed, sa masayang kanta sa dance

floor at sa kabila nang kasiyahan ng mga tao ay naramdaman ko ang tensyon.
"I asked her to break up with you, she's obviously still inlove with me." Ralph
said and I gritted my teeth in annoyance.
"I never said I loved you, Ralph!" I hissed quietly, doing my best to not let
others know what's happening.
"But it's obvious, you didn't have anyone for so many months because of me--"
"She was actually waiting for me," Halos maubo ako nang marinig ang malamig na
boses ni Warrion.
Ralph stopped, napasulyap ako kay Warrion at nakitang nakataas na ang sulok ng
labi n'ya habang pinagmamasdan ng malamig si Ralph.
"How can you say that? I was--"
"We've known each other for years before she even met you." Warrion spatted and
I blinked.
Really?
Ralph was about to say something when I noticed Elisse coming, she looks
confused and went beside Ralph and stared at us.
"What's happening?" Her brow raised.
"Nothing," I answered and held Warrion's arm. "If you'll excuse us, we gotta go
home, masama kasi ang pakiramdam ni Warrion."
Bago pa man s'ya makapagsalita ay hinawakan ko na si Warrion at marahang hinila
palabas ng hall. Hindi na ako nakapagpaalam sa mga Tita ko at pagkalabas ay nagulat
ako nang bahagyang lumayo sa akin si Warrion, kunot ang noo.
I saw how he harshly pulled his suit out of his body and placed it on his
shoulder, he brushed his hair with his fingers and walked past me.
"Warrion!" I exclaimed and ran after him. "What's your problem?"
Nang maabutan ko s'ya ay humawak ako sa braso n'ya kaya napasulyap s'ya sa akin
pero hindi umimik.
"Hey..." I murmured.
"Let's go," Tipid n'yang sabi at nang mapadpad kami sa kanyang sasakyan ay
tahimik akong pumasok. He walked towards the driver's seat and I heard him sighed.
"Your parents are in Manila, they won't be home today." He said and I just
nodded a little, staring at him.
"May nagawa ba ako?" I murmured, "Why are you cold again?"
Hindi s'ya umimik, pinaandar n'ya lang ang sasakyan at tahimik kaming bumyahe
pauwi.
What's with him? Is he mad at me? For? Ralph?
I didn't even told that man I love him! I liked him in the past! Just like!
Nakakairita naman e, damn that man! Niloko na nga ako dati, idadamay pa ang
lovelife ko ngayon?
Didiligan na ako e! Didiligan!
Nakanguso at mabigat ang loob ko nang makarating kami sa bahay, nang pagbuksan
n'ya ako ng pinto ay kaagad kong napansing wala ang sasakyan nina Daddy sa parking.
"Bakit daw sila nasa Manila?" I tried starting a conversation.
"Meeting," He answered me coldly and walked. I almost sprinted and ran towards
him, nang maabutan ko s'ya ay nangungulit na yumakap ako sa baywang n'ya kaya
natigil s'ya.
Our eyes met, I saw how his green ones shined with the dim lights from the
door.
I pouted, staring at him. Nang makitang nagrelax s'ya ay naglalambing akong
tumingkayad at humalik sa pisngi n'ya.
"Bati na tayo?" I murmured.
"Why is he holding your hand?" He asked me stiffly and I answered.
"He said he loves me...that he's only pursuing Elisse because of her parents.
Sabi n'ya, kami nalang daw."

"And...you agreed?" His brow raised.

"Of course not!" I exclaimed.
"Then what about that scene I saw?"
"I promise, hindi ko hinawakan 'yung kamay n'ya, s'ya lang humawak. I was too
worried thinking about you kaya nagmamadali akong kausapin s'ya. I was actually
about to look for you but then he came." I confessed.
He eyed me seriously, nang kumurap-kurap ako sa kanya at mukhanv nakumbinse
s'ya at tumango sa akin.
"Okay," He breathe.
"Do you believe me now?" Lumaki ang ngiti ko.
"Hmm," He nodded and slowly walked while I hold his arm. "You should sleep."
"Ikaw? How about that thing on the second floor?"
"It's nothing, don't worry about it." Aniya at hindi na ako muling nagtanong
pa.
"So...bati na tayo?" I asked, sinusundan s'ya patungo sa kusina.
I sat on the stool and I saw him took two glasses of water and gave me one.
"I'm not mad," Aniya at uminom pero hindi ako naniwala.
"Weh?" My brow raised.
"Alright, I'm mad." Masungit n'yang sabi at halos mapasinghap ako nang kalasin
n'ya ang butones ng dress shirt n'ya.
 "Oh..." I gasped and licked my lips. "Diligan na ba this?"
I saw him stopped, his jaw clenched and stared at me.
"Go to your room, Almedarez." Sermon n'ya at umawang ang labi ko.
"Ang daya! Walang diligan?!" I stomped my feet.
"No," He smirked. "Not until you show me the list of that goddamn suitors of
yours."
Kaya dahil isang dalagang katipunera ako, dali-dali akong nagtungo sa kwarto,
halos makipag-unahan pa sa kanya.
Ilang beses pa n'ya akong pinagalitan dahil sa pagkakatipalok sa pagtakbo ko
pero hindi ako nagpatalo. Palaban dapat!
Hindi pa ako nagbibihis ay mabilis kong kinuha ang pangalan ng mga manliligaw
ko at nagkukumahog na nagtype sa laptop.
Huh! Akala mo, huh!
My cat is just looking at me boredly while I do that kaya nginisian ko s'ya.
"Hey, piglet, Mommy won't be tuyot anymore after tonight!" Yabang ko sa kanya.
He just purred boredly, nang ma-print ko ang dalawang page na bond paper ay
halos takbuhin ko naman ang shower para maghanda.
OMG! OMG!
This is it!
Inalala ko ang sinabi sa akin ni Macarena para makaakit ng boys at naglotion
ako ng bongga para humahalimuyak.
I also wore my sexiest lusty red lingerie and my one silk robe. I put on my
expensive perfume and smirked at the mirror, flipping my hair.
Major diligan na 'to sa sobrang delay, Major Alcantara!
I giggled, ran towards my bed to get the bondpaper with the list of my suitors
and ran outside my room.
Nang tumapat ako sa kwarto ni Warrion ay napahugot ako ng hininga. I stretched
my back, readied the bond paper I am holding and knocked.
The door opened and a smile escaped my lips when I saw the freshly showered
Warrion Adelram Alcantara.
He was topless, as usual, only wearing his black boxers and is currently drying
his wet hair with a white towel.

He looked confused, hindi pa man s'ya nagsasalita roon ay

ngumisi na ako at pinakita sa kanya ang bondpaper.
"Surprise!" I exclaimed happily and his forehead creased at that.
"What's that?" He asked, nang gumilid s'ya ay diretso akong pumasok sa kwarto
n'ya at ngumisi.
"Listahan ng manliligaw ko," I said.
He stopped, I saw how he put his towel on his head and read the paper, nakita
ko pang sumimangot s'ya at nagsalubong ang kilay nang mapansing dalawang page ang
binigay ko.
"Are you serious?" He eyed me, annoyed.
"Yup! Sabi mo e, ayan nilagay ko na." Tawa ko pa at hinawi ang buhok ko,
ipinapakita sa kanya ang leeg ko.
He nodded, then stared at me coldly, gazing at my outfit for tonight.
"I'll check this, go back to your room, Almedarez." Supladong sabi at tumango
sa sakin pero hindi ako nagpatinag at kinalas ang robe ko.
"Uh-oh! Not so fast, soldier..." I said and winked.
Nakita kong nanlaki ang mata n'ya, I saw how his jaw dropped and his adam's
apple moved.
"What..." He stared at me.
"Diligan time na, Major. You promised me, sabi mo kapag nabigay ko 'yung
listahan."
"Go...Go back to your room, Winter." He said darkly, kumwari strong pero
naaakit ko na.
I grinned, marahang tinulak ko ang pintuan ng kwarto n'ya pasara at marahang
lumapit sa kanya.
I let my silky robe fell on the floor, nang lumapit naman ako ay napaatras s'ya
at tila hindi mapakali.
"Winter..." He warned me, his voice strong but I am not even scared.
"I am warning you, Winter. Go back to your room!" Pagalit pa sa akin ni Warrion
pero huling-huli ko ang paglunok ng marahas ni Warrion at ang pagpasada n'ya ng
tingin sa katawan kong nakalahad na sa kanya.
"No..." I smiled sexily and when I saw him reached the edge of his bed, I
walked slowly, nang matigilan s'ya roon ay marahan ko s'yang tinulak paupo.
"Fuck..." He cursed languidly when he sat on the bed, nanatili akonh nakatayo
sa harapan n'ya at nakita kong pilit n'yang iniiwas ang tingin sa katawan ko pero
nanatili pa rin sa dibdib ko.
My heart is thumping hard, because of excitement and nervousness but what can I
do? It's now or never!
Kung anong tatag n'ya kanina ay halos matulos s'ya nang naupo ako sa hita n'ya.
"Winter!" He groaned like a wild beast pero tinawanan ko lang s'ya. I straddled
him and I saw how his green eyes almost turned pitch black with the desire coating
it against the lamp on the room.
I encircled my arms on his nape and lowered my head, staring at his eyes.
"Not so fast, Major..." I grinned and I heard him groaned.
"I am telling you, woman." He eyed me seriously and I felt his calloused hand
on my back, slowly pushing me against his naked chest.
"Uh-hmm?" Bulong ko at hinaplos ang batok n'ya.
"You can't say no if I start." He stared at me and my cheeks flushed.
"O-Okay..." I murmured.
Nagkatinginan kami, just when he's about to kiss me ay bigla kong tinakpan ang
bibig n'ya nang maalala.
He eyed me, confused and I blinked and stared at him.
Nakalimutan ko 'yung step pa ni Macarena!
Step number two daw, sabi ni Macarena, magsabi ng nakakaakit at dahil ready ako
ay mas naexcite ako at tinignan s'ya sa mata.
Si-nearch ko pa 'to kanina!
"Kapag ako naging asawa mo, matutuwa ka sa'kin, masipag kasi akong maglaba.
'Yung tipong suot mo palang, hinuhubad ko na. Rawr!" I said, lifted my hand like a
cat and winked and I saw how his cheeks reddened.
Akala ko ay naakit na s'ya pero 'yun nalang ang pagtigil ko nang kunin n'ya ang
kamay ko sa bibig n'ya at humagalpak ng tawa sa harapan ko.
I froze. What? Did I do something wrong?
"F-Fuck, baby!" He laughed harder and I was confused when he put his head on my
shoulder and wheeze.
"W-Why?" I asked. "What's funny?"
But he just laughed harder, gulong-gulo ako sa nangyayari kaya sumimangot ako
at lumayo sa kanya.
"What's funny?" I asked but he shook his head, I saw how humor danced on his
eyes, namumula na ang tenga n'ya at maya-maya'y nanginig na ang balikat sa tawa
n'ya.
"D-Damn... Shit, Winter." Tawa n'ya at nagitla ako nang buhatin n'ya ako at sa
isang iglap ay nakahiga na ako sa kama n'ya habang s'ya ay nakadagan sa akin.
"I almost give in," He smirked, staring down at me. His bare chest touched my
breast.
"Can we kiss now?" I asked, impatient.
"You adorable woman." He pinched my nose and I was confused when he kissed my
forehead. "But not now," He grinned and stood.
"Where are you going?!" I exclaimed when I saw him walking towards the
bathroom.
"Go to sleep, baby." He shook his head and looked at his boxers. "Damn, boner."
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Kabanata 10

Kabanata 10
"Good morning, Ma'am!" Ngising-ngisi si Ate Linda nang salubungin ako pero
nanatili akong nakasimangot.
"Ay, badtrep ka, Ma'am? Anong nangyari? Di ka makadiskarte kay Sir Warrion?"
Aniya kaya ngumuso ako at tinignan s'ya.
"Warrion who?" I asked.
"Sus, si Ma'am!" Tawa ni Ate Linda at pinalo ang braso ko. "Tatampo ka pa."
"Wala nga akong kilalang Warrion," Maang-maangan ko pa at napatawa si Ate Linda
sa akin.
It's been a week but I was still annoyed at that man! Kitang badtrip ako at
dapat sinusuyo pero iba s'ya! Bawat irap ko ay ngingisi lang s'ya kaya iritadong-
iritado ako!
"Ito talaga si Ma'am," Tawa n'ya at maya-maya ay may tinuro. "Nasa may garden
si Sit Warrion."
"Oh, anong ginagawa?" Naglakad ako patungo sa pintuan at kaagad namang sumunod
sa akin si Ate Linda.
"Oh? Kala ko ba 'di mo kilala 'yung Warrion?" Nanliit ang mata n'ya, tila nang-
aasar kaya sumimangot ako at napangisi s'ya.
"Nagdidilig, Ma'am." Aniya at napangiwi ako roon.
Lumabas ako roon at humalukipkip habang nakatingin sa likod ni Warrion habang
nagdidilig roon.
"Ate Linda, tell me..." Sumulyap ako sa kanya.
"Ay, alam ko 'yan, Ma'am! Tell me...what do you desire?" Aniya at nagtaka ako
roon.
"Madali lang 'yan, Ma'am. Pangarap ko talaga sa lalaki mga kagaya ni Sir
Warrion, gwapo, macho, medyo masungit kasi sabi nila halimaw sa alam mo na, kama."
Hagikhik n'ya. "Tapos, pinakasobra sa lahat, matambok ang pwet."
I stopped and blinked.
"Okay...okay, I get you, saan mo nalaman 'yan?" My brow raised.
"Ay, sa pinanuod ko sa netflex!" Ngisi n'ya. "Diba, share tayo ng account?"
Napatango naman ako at napatawa roon.
"Alright pero 'di 'yan ang tanong ko." I said. "I mean...kung ikaw, bakit ka
magdidilig ng bulaklak at halaman?"
"Ako?" Napaisip s'ya. "Syempre, Ma'am, matutuyot kapag di ko didiligan."
"Diba?" I eyed her and glance at Warrion. "Halaman lang ba ang natutuyot?"
"Ay, mayroon pa bang iba?" Takang sabi n'ya at napailing lang ako at napahugot
ng hininga.
"Nevermind," I sighed.
"Nga pala, Ma'am." Aniya. "Maglalaba ako ngayon, baka gusto mo tumulong?"
Nagtaka ako sa kanya. "Huh?"
"Sabi kasi ni Sir Warrion mahusay ka raw maglaba kaya alukin daw kita--"
"That man!" I gritted my teeth, sinapo ko ang noo ko at nagtatakang bumaling
lang sa akin si Ate Linda.
"Next time nalang, Ate." I murmured at nang umalis s'ya ay halos sakalin ko na
si Warrion sa isipan ko.
Can't he get over that?!
I was about to go to his direction when I heard my Mom walking, hindi nga ako
nagkamali at nang makita ko s'ya ay pababa na s'ya sa hagdan suot ang kanyang heels
at isang kulay asul na dress.
"Hello, darling!" She greeted the moment she saw me, mabilis naman akong
tumakbo palapit sa kanya at yumakap sa kanyang baywang pagkababa.
She chuckled, naglalambing na humalik ako sa kanyang pisngi at niyakap n'ya ako
pabalik.
 "How's your sleep, Winter?" Marahang sinabi n'ya habang
magkasabay kaming papasok sa kusina.
"Good," I smiled at her.
"Pasensya na, anak, kung hindi kami madalas rito sa mansyon ng Daddy mo, hmm?
Alam mo naman ang kampanya n'ya, isa pa, gusto man kitang asama ay masyadong
mapanganib." Tumango ako sa kanya at nang marating namin ang kusina ay nakita ko si
Daddy na nakaupo na sa hapag, sumisimsim ng kape at nagbabasa ng dyaryo.
"I understand, My." I said at nang marinig kami ni Daddy ay nag-angat s'ya ng
tingin.
I saw him smiled at us, ang kulubot sa kanyang noo ay mas naaninag ko but my
parent's beauty is timeless.
"Good morning, Dad!" I cheered and he chuckled, nang lumapit ako sa kanya ay
kaagad s'yang tumayo at sinalubong ako ng yakap bago humalik sa noo ko.
"Good morning, darling." He smiled. "Sit here, anak." Ipinaglahad n'ya ako ng
upuan bago lumapit at humalik kay Mommy.
I smiled a little while looking at them, ipinag-angat rin n'ya ng upuan si
Mommy bago naupo sa kabisera.
"It's nice being with you two on breakfast again," Masayang sabi ko habang
sumisimsim ng hot chocolate na dinala ni Ate Linda.
"We're really sorry for that, nak." My father said. "Hindi bale at pagkatapos
ng eleksyon ay gagawin ko ang lahat para makasabay ko palagi kayo ng Mommy mo."
I smiled sweetly, nodding at that.
"No worries, Dad." I said. "I am looking forward for that, just promise you
will take care of yourselves, okay?"
"Yes, hija." My Mom smiled.
"Anyway, saan kayo ngayon? You're both dressed, hmm?" I asked, glancing at
their clothes. My mother is wearing a formal, fancy blue dress and my father on his
white dress shirt and black slacks.
"Malacañang," My father said. "Do you want to join?" He asked but I shook my
head at that.
"I'm good here, Dad." I said and smiled. "I'll make my day busy."
"Alright, just take care, okay? Wala naman akong masyadong problema sa safety
mo dahil kay Warrion and that man from the other team was already jailed,
iniimbestigahan pa rin ang nangyari."
"You think...I can go back to my condo, Dad?" I asked.
"Not now, hija." He answered. "Hindi pa rin natin alam kung sino ang may pakana
roon sa mga natanggap mong pananakot so we can't really say."
I nodded, biting my lip.
"How long will it take you in Manila?" I asked.
"Maybe a week or so..." My Mom said. "But we'll do anything to just make it
three days so we can bond. Ayos lang ba sa'yo? Or do you want something from
Manila? So, Mommy can check."
"I'm great, My." Ngisi. "I got everything here."
"Alright," She smiled softly.
"Anyway, Winter." My father said kaya lumingon ako sa kanya. "I am not sure but
maybe, tomorrow, Warrion will take a day off."
"Day off?" My brow raised.
"Yeah, he asked for my permission and of course, pinayagan ko so, tomorrow, can
you just stay here at home? Papuntahin mo ang mga kaibigan mo at maglibang dito,
sabihan mo na rin ang chef kung anong lutuin."
"Saan daw pupunta, Dad? Bakit may day off?" I asked him curiously but he just
shrugged.
"I don't know, nak. Maybe personal matters." Aniya at napatango-tango nalang
ako, malalim ang iniisip.
 My Mom and Dad left and I was preoccupied, thinking about
Warrion's day off. Sa tanang pagsasama namin ay ngayon lang ito nag-day off! Anong
meron?
I was eyeing him silently as he talk to the guards, mukhang nag-eensayo sila
roon. They're practicing judo now while I sipped on my orange juice, with my legs
crossed near the pool.
I want to take a dip yet medyo mainit pa ang araw kaya hindi muna ako sumubok.
Warrion is just wearing a casual sweat pants and is topless, naroon sila sa may
gilid malapit sa mat at sa tingin ko ay mock training lang ang kanilang ginagawa.
Napanguso ako, tahimik na nagmamasid nang dumating ang isang guard namin galing
sa inutos ko.
I saw him holding a pitcher of fresh orange juice, refill sana para sa inumin
ko.
"Thank you..." I said softly at the blushing man.
He nodded abruptly, tila nangingiti.
"Uh, Ma'am, ito rin pala 'yung cookies. Pinapadala ni Ate Linda." Aniya at
nilagay sa lamesa sa gilid ko ang cookies.
"That's so sweet, thank you!" I said softly and smiled and I saw how he blushed
profusely, bahagyang yumukod at nang mawala sa paningin ko ay muli akong bumaling
sa mga nag-eensayo roon.
I froze when I saw Warrion staring intently at me, kunot ang noo n'ya at
mukhang iritado kaya tinaasan ko s'ya ng kilay, mas dumekwatro sa sun lounger at
sumimsim ng juice.
I saw the guard he's been practicing with shifted his gaze at me when he
noticed Warrion. Nakita ko kung paano manlaki ang mata 'nung guard na kanyang
kasama sa akin at huli ko ang muling pagsulyap ni Warrion sa kanyang kasama.
I saw him noticed the guard staring at me at sa gulat ko ay bigla n'yang
hinawakan ang baywang nung lalaki, hinatak at iniangat sa ere bago ibinalibag sa
mat sa sahig.
"Oh my God!" Naubo ako at natakpan ang bibig ko.
I heard the guard groaned in pain, then I don't know if I was just
hallucinating but I caught Warrion with a dark smirk on his mouth.
"Rule number one, don't let anyone distract you. Focus!" He said darkly at the
guard who was groaning in pain.
Ngumuso ako, hinanap ang mata ni Warrion at umirap.
Weh, talaga ba, Major?
Tumayo ako at inilapag ang juice sa table, lumapit ako sa pool at ibinagsak ang
paa ko roon bago inabot ang sunblock.
I looked around and saw Ate Linda kaya kumaway ako at ngumisi.
"Ate! Palagay sunblock!" I exclaimed at tumango si Ate Linda at nagtungo sa
akin.
"Buong likod ba, Ma'am?" Aniya at tumango ako at muli bumaling nalang sa pool
at naglaro ng tubig sa paa ko.
"Salamat, Ate." I said. Walang sagot akong narinig kaya ipinagsawalang-bahala
ko na.
Isang minuto na ang lumipas pero wala akong naramdamang haplos sa likod ko kaya
magtatanong na sana ako pero narinig ko ang pagtunog ng lagayan ng sunblock, tila
pinipisil na ito.
Hilaw akong ngumisi, nag-iisip kung paano ko iintrigahin si Warrion sa day off
n'ya? Pwede kaya ako sumama?
Suddenly, I felt a warm, calloused palm on my back, gently massaging and
spreading the sunblock. Hindi ko alam kung bakit ako kinilabutan pero napailing
nalang ako.
"Lumaki ata kamay mo, Ate?" I said pero wala akong narinig kaya tumango ako sa
sarili.
"Anyway, h'wag kang maniniwala sa sinasabi ni Warrion 'dun sa laba, huh? Walang
magawa 'yun sa buhay e, gawa-gawa ng kwento." I said.
 "So, you're lying, then?" Halos manigas ako sa upuan ko
nang marinig ang pamilyar na boses at nang lumingon ako ay napasigaw ako nang
makita ang nang-aasar na ngisi ni Warrion sa akin.
I screamed at that, napatalon ako sa pool at sa pag-ahon ko ay nanlalaki ang
mata ko kay Warrion na nakadukwang roon, hawak pa ang sunblock ko at nakatitig.
"S-Saan si Ate?!" I exclaimed but he smirked, lifting his brows at me.
"Or maybe...you just know how to do laundry kapag suot ko 'yung damit at
huhubarin mo nalang--"
"Alcantara!" I screamed at the top of lungs and he laughed, his eyes glistening
as he cocked his head, teasing me.
"M-Mag-practice ka dun!" I exclaimed, pushing the water away from my hair and
he shook his head, staring at my exposed chest.
"I'll just practice. Be a good girl there and stop teasing me." He stood. "I'm
watching."
Ngumiwi ako at winisikan s'ya ng tubig pero natawa s'ya.
"Can you give me a Rawr! Huh, baby?" He teased pero sinamaan ko lang s'ya ng
tingin.
When he left, halos lunurin ko na ang sarili ko sa pagkapahiya.
That man! Grrr!
Kaya ang ginawa ko para makaganti ay ang asarin s'ya. I swam back and forth in
the pool then slowly, umahon ako sa kabilang edge, malapit sa kung saan s'ya nag-
eensayo.
I lifted myself a bit, placing both of my arms on edge, making sure my breast,
covered with a yellow bikini was seen by him.
I saw him stopped in the middle of their punches kaya ang ginawa ko ay mas
umahon pa, siniguradong kita ang dibdib ko bago malambing na ngumiti.
When he was pre-occupied, I smirked and winked seductively at halos mapabuga
ako nang makita ang pagtama ng suntok ng guard sa pisngi ni Warrion.
He grunted in pain, napahagalpak naman ako bigla ng tawa at sumigaw.
"Number one rule, don't get distracted. Focus, Major!" I screamed at the top of
my lungs, laughing at his misery and when he glared at me, nakagat ko ang labi ko
at unti-unting lumubog sa pool.
Natapos ako sa pagbababad at binalot ang aking sarili sa robe, pagkatapos ko ay
patapos na rin sina Warrion kaya umakyat nalang ako sa kwarto ko at nagbihis.
I called Macarena, sinisisi pa rin s'ya sa mga steps n'ya pero tinawanan lang
ako ng gaga. Wala naman daw s'yang sinabing magpick-up line ako! Sabi n'ya ay
magsabi lang ng nakakaakit!
Aba, malay ko! E, nabasa ko 'yung hirit na 'yun sa facebook e, mukha namang
nakakaakit pero bakit natawa s'ya?!
Wearing a simple spaghetti strap and shorts, I went down. Ang sabi ni Ate Linda
ay naligo na raw si Warrion kaya nilibang ko ang aking sarili sa panunuod ng TV.
Suddenly, I heard the doorbell ringing, hindi muna ako tumayo pero nakalipas
ang isang minuto ay naulit kaya ako na ang tumayo.
Nasaan ang guards?
Naglakad ako patungo sa gate ng mansyon at binuksan bago ako sumilip.
My forehead creased when I saw a handsome man leaning on a tricycle, may twalya
pa ito sa balikat at nakaputing muscle shirt at khaki, nagtitipa sa kanyang phone.
"Uh, excuse me?" I said and that's when he lifted his gaze.
My mouth parted when I saw the man with a piercing green eyes, like Warrion!
"Good morning," He said and I blinked. Umayos ako ng tayo at kinagat ang labi
ko.
"G-Good morning," I murmured. "Sinong sadya nila? May...May magpapahatid ba?" I
asked but I noticed how good looking he is.

He's tall, lean and defnitely dashing! Ang kanyang magulong

mga buhok ay sumabay sa simoy ng hangin at nakita ko ang ngisi n'ya nang mapansin
ang tingin ko.
"Perhaps, you're Winter?" He suddenly asked and I nodded, smiling a bit.
"Yeah... You know me?" Gulat kong sabi at tumango s'ya, may misteryosong ngiti
sa labi.
"Not really but someone...keeps on talking about you." He chuckled deeply, his
husky voice singing with the winds.
"Oh, sino naman?" I asked curiously.
Ang gwapo-gwapo naman nito! And he's actually a driver when he can passed as a
model!
"Si Wa--"
"Kuya..." Natulos ako sa kinatatayuan nang makarinig ng boses at nanlaki ang
mata ko nang makita si Warrion sa likuran.
I saw how Warrion's forehead creased when he saw us, his stare darken, his jaw
clenched a bit and I gasped when he walked towards us, caught my waist and pulled
me towards his body.
"Oh!" I heard the beautiful man with green eyes laughed.
"What are you doing here, Kuya?" Warrion said darkly at napanganga ako,
pabalik-balik ko silang pinagmamasdang dalawa at may natanto.
"Oh gosh! Ikaw si Caspian?!" I exclaimed happily and I saw the man's lips
twisted for a smile and nodded.
"OMG! I've been wanting to meet you!" I exclaimed and offered my palm for a
shakehand pero hindi pa man natatanggap ang kamay ko ni Caspian ay may humawi na
roon kaya hindi nangyari.
"Anong kailangan mo, Caspian? Can you just go, I'm busy." Iritadong sabi ni
Warrion but instead of getting offended, his brother laughed, looking at the both
of us and smirked.
"Miss Winter, sinusungitan ka ba nitong kapatid ko?" I saw how amused Caspian
was, teasing his annoyed brother.
"Hmm, medyo pero mabait naman s'ya." I said honestly and Caspian's smile
widened.
"Nakahanap ka na, Warrion." Tawa ni Caspian at napailing.
"Fuck you, Caspian--"
"Bad!" Pinalo ko ang bibig ni Warrion na nagpatigil sa kanya. "Don't curse your
brother!" I exclaimed at mas humagalpak ng tawa si Caspian, sumimangot naman si
Warrion pero di ko 'yun pinansin at sumulyap sa kapatid n'ya.
"So, diba, ikaw 'yung may-ari ng Casa Amara?" I asked happily. "Gusto ko sana
magrequest kasi I really want to go to The Lost Island kasi maganda raw--"
"I'm a part owner too, you can just request it to me." Biglang sabat ni Warrion
pero hindi ko s'ya pinansin at kinulit ang kapatid n'ya.
"Can I book a trip--"
"I will schedule as a trip--"
"Sshh, Warrion. Kinakausap ko ang Kuya mo!" I hushed him and remained looking
at his amused brother.
Magkamukhang-magkamukha sila! Every features compliments each other! Even their
height is the same! Medyo mas maamo lang ng very light ang mukha ni Caspian kumpara
kay suplado!
"Can you leave, Caspian? May mahalaga pa akong gagawin." Reklamo ni Warrion
kaya sumimangot ako at nanahimik.
"Don't be nosy, lil brother." Ngisi ni Caspian. "I have my Reev so, I won't--"
"Leave!" Bagnot na sabi ni Warrion kaya mas natawa si Caspian at napailing,
binasa ang labi n'ya at sinuklay ang buhok.
"Alright, I just came to remind you about Riu and..." Sumulyap s'ya sa akin.
"And of course, you're welcome to book a yacht to the island, for free." Aniya sa
akin at kumindat kaya napatili ako at hinampas si Warrion.

"OMG! Thank you!" I jumped. "Gusto ko talaga pumunta!"

"Layas, Caspian! Baka gusto mong dukutin ko 'yang mata mo!" Warrion exclaimed
at nagbiruan silang suntukan roon habang tumatawa si Caspian at ako nama'y tuwang-
tuwa.
Sa sobrang saya ko ay hindi na ako makausap ni Warrion. I am going to the
island! I can't believe it! Matagal ko nang minamata ang isla para pasyalan pero
hindi ako makakuha ng booking dahil palaging ubusan pero ngayon! I can and it's
free!
Kita kong iritado si Warrion sa hindi ko pagkausap sa kanya dahil sa tuwa ko
pero hindi ko s'ya pinansin at inubos ang oras ko para magbrowse tungkol sa
impormasyon ng isla.
But the next morning, I was bothered again, bigla ko kasing naalala ang day off
ni Warrion pagkagising ko bigla ng madaling-araw kaya hindi ako mapakali na.
Six palang ay gising na ako, tinawagan si Macarena para magkunwari ay
magpapasama sa kung saan.
Maaga palang ay nakabihis na ang masungit na soldier. He was wearing a gray
fitted shirt, black pants and boots. Ang magulo n'yang buhok ay ang nagpaganda ng
araw ko at nang magsalubong kami ay ngumiti ako.
"Morning, gwapo." I smiled.
I saw him eyed my outfit for the day, nakasuot ako ng simpleng floral dress at
puting sneakers.
"It's my off," Aniya at sumulyap sa akin.
"And you are not allowed to go out, you will stay here."
"Hmm, okay." Ngisi ko at kumunot ang noo n'ya sa bilis ng sagot ko.
"Where are you going? Can I come?" I asked him and he didn't answer me, nakita
kong seryoso ang tingin n'ya sa suot ko.
"Ikaw? You will just stay here, okay? You can't go out without me."
"Why can't I? Tsaka, saan ka pupunta? Sama ako, pwede?" I tried convincing him
but he shook his head, licked his lower lip and stared at me.
"No, it's a personal matter." Aniya at lumapit. I pouted when he ruined my hair
and nodded, pagkatapos ay sinundan ko s'ya ng tingin na nagbibilin sa mga guard sa
bahay.
Sus, parang si Daddy!
I even saw him looked at me a bit before he went out of the house and that's
when Macarena called that she's in the house.
Nagmamadali kami ni Macarena na makaayos at nagpapanic nang malamang nakaalis
na ang sasakyan ni Warrion.
"Sige na, Kuya! Saglit lang kami, magsa-shopping ni Macarena!" I convinced the
guard.
"Ay, Ma'am. Mahigpit na bilin kasi ni Sir Warrion na h'wag kang papalabasin
kapag wala s'ya kasi baka mapahamak--"
"Hindi ako mapapahamak!" I exclaimed. "Promise, hindi talaga."
"Pero Ma'am--"
"May bodyguard ako, Kuya!" Macarena exclaimed. "Akong bahala kay Winter, sa
mall lang kami para mamili. Promise, 'di kami mapapahamak!"
I saw the look on the guards face kaya ngumuso ako at nag-pacute.
"Sige na, Kuya! Promise, akong bahala kay Warrion tsaka uunahan ko s'yang
pauwi!" I said at nakita kong sumulyap s'ya kay Macarena na tumango rin.
"Oo, Kuya! Promise, peksman!" Macarena said and when the guard sighed and
nodded, we almost screamed, halos mag-unahan pa kami sa sasakyan ni Macarena at
pinaharurot para sundan si Warrion.
"Paano natin s'ya masusundan nang walang makakapansin?" I asked when we saw
Warrion's car at the intersection.
"Simple, may stalker starter pack!" Ani Macarena kaya nagtaka ako at nangunot
ang noo ko.
"Ano 'yun?"
"Dun sa likod, may mga props! Gagamitin lang natin 'yan para malaman kung anong
gagawin n'ya at kung may girlfriend ba kaya di ka pa dinidiligan?"
Ngumuso ako, kinuha ko ang bag roon sa likod at nilingon s'ya.
"W-Wala 'yung girlfriend," I said, when I was hoping too.
"Pero who knows? Malay mo ay may kitain?" Aniya.
 Hindi ako umimik at pinagtripan ang mga gamit na naroon.
Round sunglasses, cap, black jacket and telescope!
Napasulyap ako kay Macarena at nanlaki ang mata ko.
"Kailangan talaga may ganito?"
"Naman!" Ngisi n'ya. "Kailangan na nating kumilos dahil lantang-lanta na ang
bulaklak mo. Ikaw ba naman kasi, madidiligan na, naging bato pa."
"E, kasi sabi mo para dagdag sa mood, magsabi ng nakakaakit!" Simangot ko pero
napatawa s'ya at nilingon ako.
"Sabihin mo, you're rusty, hindi naman nakakaakit 'yun! Pick-up line 'yun!"
"Ikaw kasi!" Nguso ko at napatawa s'ya at inilingan ako.
"Basta ako, ipaglalaban ko ang hashtag WinterRion! Para matuloy na ang naudlot
na pagdidilig--"
"Macarena!" I groaned angrily and she just laughed and I smacked her arm.
For the morning, I simply saw Warrion probably will just eat breakfast outside.
Sa isang restaurant s'ya naupo at pasimple kaming nag-order ni Macarena sa medyo
malayo, suot ang cap at malaking shades at mask.
"Anong ginagawa n'ya?" I asked when I can't see Warrion.
"Wala, hindi pa nag-oorder." Ani Macarena kaya tumango ako. "He's texting!"
Tumango ako at kinagat ang labi, pasimple kong ibinaba ang shades para sumilip
roon at nakita s'yang tumayo sa kanyang upuan.
I was confused for a while, pilit mang nagtatago ay naging kuryoso sa biglaan
n'yang pagtayo at halos malaglag ako sa upuan nang may makitang babaeng papalapit.
Warrion flashed a small, sincere smile.
My heart fell when the beautiful woman with angelic face ran towards him,
hugged him like she misses him and I saw him wrapping his arms on her back too,
hugging her back.
"Uh-oh..." Macarena murmured at nag-iwas ako ng tingin roon at tumikhim.
"Wala lang iyan, Winter!" Ani Macarena sa harapan ko pero hindi ako umimik,
tumungo at sumulyap sa plato ng pagkain sa harapan ko.
It hurts.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Kabanata 11

Kabanata 11
"Cheer up, Winter!" Macarena tried lifting my mood pero nakasimangot lang ako.
I was silently eating the foods we ordered, not taking a glace at the two people.
"Umuwi na tayo pagkatapos..." Malungkot kong sabi at sumimsim ng juice.
"Hala, no!" She hissed. "Ganun na lang ba 'yun? Hindi pa natin alam kung ano ba
talaga 'yung dalawang 'yan, Winter! Susuko ka lang?"
"That...was obviously his girlfriend." I murmured.
"Why? Paano mo nasabi?"
"They hugged and..."
"As if you weren't hugging a friend!" Macarena rolled her eyes. "I know it
hurts, kahit ako nasaktan 'dun but let's not conclude rightaway! Malay mo at
kaibigan lang!"
I sighed, kinagat ko ang labi ko at tumungo.
"Tara na...baka mabisto pa tayo tsaka baka sabihing patay na patay ako." I
sighed.
"Anong patay na patay?" Ngumiwi s'ya. "Tuyot na tuyot kamo! Hey, look, I am
looking at them I can't see anything suspicious, they were talking and the woman is
laughing." She reported.
"Si Warrion...nakangiti lang, tahimik. They weren't touchy at all! I can feel
it's just a friend." Aniya.
Nabuhay ang pag-asa sa puso kong sugatan. I slowly tilted my head to look at
them but my heart ache more when I saw how the woman stood, lifted a tissue paper
and cleaned the side of his lips!
An annoying image filled my mind. I imagined them kissing and laughing
tapos...didiligan s'ya ni Warrion.
"Hoy, Winter! Focus! Dalagang katipunera diba, walang suko-suko!" Macarena
cheered.
"Paano kapag nahuli tayo? Edi...nakakahiya."
"No," She shook her head. "Una, hindi tayo mahuhuli. Kaya nga may stalker
starter kit, diba? Tsaka, hindi naman tayo halata!"
I nodded slowly, lumingon muli ako at nakitang seryosong nag-uusap ang dalawa.
They ate breakfast, kita kong seryoso sila roon pero miminsa'y nagbibiruan. I
caught Warrion smiling, I know I shoudn't but I was annoyed at him.
Ang lakas ng loob tumawa-tawa, hindi nga ako dinidiligan!
Pinunasan ko ng tissue and gilid ng labi ko at nang tumayo na ang dalawa ay
nagkatinginan kami ni Macarena.
Warrion left cold cash on the table and escorted the woman. I saw how the girl
placed her hand on his arm as they walk side by side.
"Paano kung girlfriend nga?" I asked Macarena.
"Paano kung hindi?" She raised her brows.
Natahimik ako, nang parang nalalanta na ako roon ay napailing ang kaibigan ko
at hinawakan ang braso ko at hinila paalis.
The moment they went to Warrion's car ay kaagad kaming sumunod ni Macarena,
nakanguso ako habang nakasunod at napabuntong-hininga.
Palihim kaming sumunod sa kotse nila, nagtatago at hindi pinapahalata ang
intensyon. I was sad but as Macarena said, I have to make sure she isn't his
girlfriend.
Naipit man sa traffic ay nasundan pa rin namin sina Warrion. I gasped when I
saw them changed their route and turned left kaya nagmamadali rin naming ginawa
iyon ni Macarena.
I saw them parked the car outside a white, tall building. Nakita ko pa sa hindi
kalayuan ang paglapit ng mga iilang lalaking sa tingin ko ay sundalo at tumapat sa
sasakyan nila Warrion.

Pumarada rin kami ni Macarena sa gilid ng kalsada, hindi

kalayuan sa kanila pero pakiramdam ko ay hindi pansin.
Kumunot ang noo ko nang abutan ako ni Macarena ng telescope kaya nagkukumahog
akong tumalon sa backseat para bahagyang binuksan ang bintana sa likuran para
sumilip.
I saw Warrion stepped out of his car, ang mga matikas na sundalo ay nasa
harapan n'ya at namangha ako kung paano ito sumaludo sa kanya.
Warrion then stood stiffly, his body in command as he raised his tough arm for
a salute.
Pagkatapos 'nun ay nakita kong lumabas rin ng sasakyan ang babae at sumaludo
rin ang mga sundalo rito.
What is happening?
I sighed. Nakita kong may isang lalaking lumabas kahit saan, saglit na sumaludo
kay Warrion at sa babae bago ngumisi at umakbay kay Warrion.
I saw the gates opened, nang mawala sa paningin ko sina Warrion at ang babae ay
napangiwi ako at hinarap si Macarena na tulala lang rin doon.
"Baka girlfriend nga..." Bulong ko.
"Baka hindi," Aniya.
"Come on, Elena, paano kung oo nga? Kaya pala hindi n'ya ako pinapansin kasi
may girlfriend s'ya."
"E, bakit ka hahalikan?" She spatted. "That isn't what a commited man would
do."
"I know," Maliit na boses kong sabi. "I think...hindi naman ganoong tao si
Warrion? He won't cheat, right?" Sumulyap ako sa kanya.
"I think so," She nodded, assuring me. "I believe he won't."
 We stayed out the office of a military camp, nanatili kaming nasa sasakyan
habang inaabangan sina Warrion at 'yung babae.
It might be for work then? But he already resigned, right?
"Hanggang kailan ba ang kontrata ni Warrion sa'yo?" Ani Macarena habang
kumakain kami ng burger galing sa malapit na fastfood, inaantay sila Warrion.
"Hmm...I don't know exactly or kung may duration talaga pero ang alam ko
hanggang sa mahuli 'yung nagtatangka sa buhay ko. You know I've been receiving
threats a lot."
"Sa tingin mo sa kaaaway na partido ng Daddy mo?"
"Definitely," I sipped on my softdrinks. "Tsaka, tignan mo, 'nung bumalik ako
sa bahay nila Mommy tumigil kasi 'di nila kayang pasukin ang bahay."
Napaisip si Macarena, tumatango at hawak ang baba n'ya.
"Kaya dapat talaga, mapatunayan na natin na hindi iyon girlfriend ni Warrion.
Kasi, una sa lahat, gusto mo s'ya, minsan ka lang maging ganyan kasi mostly back
when you have your suitors, nagsasawa ka kaagad."
"Isn't it risky? I think I'm falling for him." I bit my lip.
"Edi maganda! Atleast, hindi na aasa rin si Max. Kausapin mo na rin ang
lalaking 'yun at palagi akong kinukulit na pumunta sa bahay n'yo. Di lang ako
pumapayag kasi dumidiskarte ka kay Warrion." Tawa n'ya.
"But I'm scared...this is my first time getting attached to someone, Elena.
Will this hurt?"
"Alam mo, tuyot kong kaibigan, walang pagmamahal kung wala ang sakit. Parte
'yan sa buhay, before my boyfriend and I happened, grabeng iyakan 'yun." My
beautiful friend smiled at me.
"Basta, hihingi ako ng tulong sa'yo, huh?" I looked at my bestfriend. "If ever
I am hurt or what, would you go to our house to talk?"
"Of course!" She chuckled. "Kahit saan pa 'yan, Winter. Tuyot ka lang pero
mahal na mahal kita." Ngisi n'ya at lumambot ang puso ko at lumapit ako sa kanya
para yumakap at bumulong.

"Bigyan kita ng coupon pang-facial." I whispered at

nagtawanan kami bago nag-apir.
After another hour of waiting, halos mapatalon kami ni Macarena at
magkabungguan pa nang makita na papalabas na si Warrion at ang babae sa opisina.
My heart thumped, I saw how Warrion opened the car door for the woman and hoped
in the car too.
Nang nagsimula silang umandar ay dali-daling pinaandar ni Macarena ang makina
ng sasakyan at mabilis kaming sumunod sa kanila.
I was confused, really, saan kaya sila ngayon? Will they date or not?
My heart almost went out of mh chest when I saw them parking in a daycare
center! Nagkatinginan kami ni Macarena at parehong bumagsak ang tingin ulit sa
dalawa.
Warrion went out of the car, hindi na pinagbuksan ang babae but the woman
followed. Nakasunod ito sa kanila at nawala sila nang pumasok sa gate ng center.
I was confused as heck, malakas ang kabog ng puso ko at halos manghina nang
makitang may buhat na bata si Warrion galing sa loob.
My heart tugged painfully, mula sa pwesto ko ay kita ko ang mukha ng bata, he
looks bubbly and soft, nakayakap s'ya sa leeg ni Warrion at nakita kong nagtawanan
pa ang dalawa, palihim na nag-uusap habang naglalakad at nakasunod lang sa kanila
ang babae.
I can't move, hindi makapaniwala sa nakikita. Aasa pa sanang baka mali ang
pananaw ko but then when I saw the boy's eyes, I almost fainted.
The boy's eyes are green! Just like Warrion! Bakas na bakas ko ang hindi
mapagkakailang pagkakahawig ng dalawa at nakagat ko ang labi ko.
"Winter, h-h'wag tayong magconclude kaagad, m-malay mo..." Macarena murmured.
"L-Let's follow them," Nanginig ang boses ko.
She nodded, inihanda ang manibela. I saw the paper white woman smiling at the
kid, habang buhat ito ni Warrion ay nag-uusap ang dalawa.
It seems like the little boy is waving at the woman, ang babae naman ay may
natutuwang ngiti sa labi at hinaplos ang pisngi ng bata.
They looked like a family.
"Mali lang siguro ang iniisip natin," Kumbinse sa akin ni Macarena.
I didn't say anything, I saw how Warrion put the child on the backseat. Nakita
ko pang napatingin s'ya sasakyan namin, kakabahan na sana ako nang makitang kumunot
ang noo n'ya, my heart quickened when our eyes met but then I realized...we're
heavily tinted!
Ipinaling n'ya ang ulo at sumakay sa sasakyan muli at pinaandar. Tahimik ang
buonh byahe namin at nang tumigil sila sa isang parke ay tumigil rin kami sa hindi
kalayuan.
The kid jumped happily when he reached the ground. Nakita kong tinuro n'ya ang
isang ice cream stand sa malayo kaya natawa si Warrion at tumango. Then...the woman
said something to him bago kumapit sa braso n'ya.
It was good to see, kung ibang tao ang makakakita but right now, I don't think
I can even look at it without hurting myself.
Hindi na sana ako tutuloy nang hilahin ako pababa ni Macarena. We hid behind
the bushes, nakasilip sa tatlo na nakaupo na sa bench ngayon.
Warrion is watching as the kid eat his ice cream. Nasa tabi n'ya ito at nakita
ko ang aliw ng mata n'ya habang nakasulyap sa bata.
It's his son!
"Baka...Baka hindi pa kasal?" Lumingon ako kay Macarena na mukhang gustong
pakinggan ang nangyayari roon. "Baka kaya single pa ang nasa profile n'ya...pwede
ka namang single tapos may anak, diba?"

"Shhh, quiet, Winter! Stop being nega, okay? I got this,

malalaman ko ang babaeng iyan kung sino." Aniya. Nanahimik ako at muling sumulyap.
Nakita kong nagsasalita nanaman ang babae at tumango lang si Warrion, hindi
nagsasalita at muling bumaling sa bata na iginagalaw ang paa habang nakaupo.
Too fund of your son, huh?
"Stay here!" Ibinaba ni Macarena ang telescope at sumulyap sa akin. "H'wag kang
aalis!"
Hindi na ako nagsalita at tumango, dumausdos ako ng upo sa semento, walang
pakialam sa dumi sa dress ko.
Will I start moving on? He has a son and a girlfriend! They'll probably get
married at masasaktan lang ako!
Damn you, Winter! Hindi ka na nga nahuhulog ng ganoon sa lalaki pero ito unang
subok mo palang ay lunod na lunod ka na!
I don't how long it took pero halos mapatalon ako sa upuan ko nang humahangos
na tumakbo pabalik sa akin Macarena, nagtaka ako nang hilahin n'ya ang pulsuhan ko.
"What?" I asked.
"Bilis! Tayo! Tago tayo!" Hinihingal n'yang sabi at wala sa wisyong tumungo
kami, sinuguradong walang nakakita at nagtatatakbo.
When we reached a wall near the place ay sabay kaming hinihingal at hindi s'ya
makapagsalita, pinapaypayan ang sarili.
"Oh my God! Oh my God! We're dead!" She exclaimed.
"H-Huh?" Kaagad akong kinabahan roon. "Why?"
"Pero nagpalusot ako!" She exclaimed. "N-Nakumbinse ko naman ata!"
"Ano bang nangyari?" I panicked too at nang hindi s'ya umimik ay niyugyog ko
s'ya. "Macarena!"
"I was just listening to them! I heard the girl saying when is Warrion free
again, something like that! Her name is Daisy! She's been asking about dinner or
so...tapos biglang tumayo 'yung babae papuntang CR, syempre sinundan ko! Pasimple
akong kinausap s'ya, kunwari strangers! She's also a military officer, 'yun lang
ang nakuha ko!"
"O...kay? So what are you panicking about?"
 "She went out and I followed, tatanungin pa sana pero nakasalubong ko si
Warrion!" She exclaimed hysterically at nalaglag ang panga ko.
"What the fuck, Macarena?!"
"Nagpalusot naman ako!" She said. "Sabi ko, oh, Warrion! Ikaw pala!"
"T-Tapos?"
"Walang reaksyon! He looked at me intently, kita kong nagtataka s'ya kung bakit
nandun ako. Tapos sabi n'ya bigla, 'Where's Winter?' Tapos...tapos sabi ko, 'Sino
'yun'?"
"Macarena!" I exclaimed.
"Mukha namang naniwala!" Aniya pero nasapo ko ang noo ko.
"Lagot tayo! Paano kapag nalaman n'yang lumabas ako?" I said frustatedly and
brushed my hair.
"S-Sorry!" She's panicking too. "T-Tara, unahan na natin pauwi--" She suddenly
froze, nakita ko ang pag-awang ng labi n'ya kaya kinabahan ako.
Then suddenly, I noticed that I was shielded from the back, ang init na tumama
sa likuran ko ay naglaho na at nang mapatingin ako sa paahan ay nakita ko ang anino
roon.
My heart started beating harshly, I bit my lip and slowly shifted my gaze
towards the back. Mayroon na akong ideya pero hindi ko napigilan ang pagsinghap
nang makita si Warrion sa likuran.
He looks damn mad and irritated, his brows furrowed, his jaw clenched.
Nakapirmi ang labi n'ya at ang berdeng mga mata ay mas lalong nagdilim habang
nakatingin sa akin.

Napasulyap ako sa tabi n'ya at parang tumalon ako puso ko

nang makita ang bata na nakauniporme pa at inosenteng nakatingala sa akin.
"Hi po, Ate! Riu po!" The child presented himself at me.
Hindi ako makangiti, nanginginig ang labi na nag-angat ako ng tingin kay
Warrion at nakita ang galit sa kanya.
"W-What are you..."
"Did I fucking allowed you to go, Winter Andromeda?" Bakas ang irita at galit
sa diin ng pagkakabigkas n'ya ng pangalan ko.
"U-Uh, Warrion, ako ang--" Ani Macarena pero umiling ako at matapang na hinarap
si Warrion.
"Ako ang may gustong lumabas! Walang kinalaman ang kaibigan ko rito!" I
exclaimed. "At ano ngayon kung lumabas ako?"
Hindi s'ya umimik, I saw him stopping himself from getting mad, kinakalma ang
sarili para sa bata na walang alam sa nangyayari.
"Uuwi na tayo." He said in finality, doon ko rin napansing nasa likuran n'ya
ang babaeng nagtataka, I saw her eyeing me intently.
My heart ached again, sa sobrang irita ko ay taas noo kong tinitigan si Warrion
at sinimangutan.
"Umuwi ka mag-isa mo." I spatted and before he can even touch me ay nilagpasan
ko s'ya at naglakad paalis.
Macarena called me, narinig ko ang tili ng kaibigan ko pero hindi ko s'ya
nilingo. Babawi ako, Macarena. Just not now!
"Winter Andromeda!" Warrion's voice boomed. Hindi ako nakinig, humigpit ang
hawak ko sa sling bag at halod tumakbo na para makalayo.
"Winter!" Narinig ko sigaw ni Warrion, galit at puno ng awtoridad kaya mas
nagpanic ako. "Fuck!"
Hindi ko na alam ang nangyari, basta ang alam ko ay tumatakbo ako palayo at
puno ng iritasyon at galit.
I am jealous, alright! Wala naman akong karapatan but it hurts me a lot! Seeing
him with another woman and a child!
Nawala na sila sa pandinig at paningin ko, hindi ko rin alam kung nasaan ako
nagsususuot pero naramdaman ko ang pakiramdam na sinusundan ako.
Kinabahan ako but I kept my cool, lumingon ako sa aking likuran at nang
makitang walang tao ay napatango.
"It's nothing," Bulong ko sa sarili. Doon ko napansing napadpad na pala ako sa
may sakahan, may malayong kubo sa dulo at nasa gilid ako ng kalsada na puro
talahib.
I shook my head.
I know how to defend myself, alright.
I walked again, this time I really felt like someone is watching me so I looked
back and noticed a black van behind me.
Baka napadaan lang.
Huminga ako ng malalim, pasimpleng kinuha ang phone para buksan ang tracker at
halos mapatalon nang makarinig ng boses.
"Hi, Miss!" I froze when I heard a man's voice.
Hindi ako umimik, ni hindi ako lumingon at diretso lamang ang tingin. Sa
kabilang dulo naman ng sakahan na ito ay may iilang bahay nanaman ulit at may
basketball court. Hindi ako masusundan roon!
"Sungit!" I heard laughters behind me but I remained focus, biglang
pinagsisihan ang pagtakbo ko palayo.
"Pero hindi bale...swerte nga lang natin, ano? Ang swerte naglakad pa sa
harapan natin." Halos sabayan na ako ng van kaya mas binilisan ko ang lakad.
"Akala mo nga namang sa wakas...napag-isa rin ang anak ni Senator!" Doon na ako
mas kinabahan, all I am thinking is to get away.
They knew me! Of course, they'll know me!

Sumulyap ako roon at sa isang senyas ng lalaki sa van ay

may umatake na sa akin sa likuran pero mabuti nalang ay naging handa ako.
Isang hawak pa lang sa aking balikat ay mabilis kong nahaklit iyon, hinila at
pinilipit sa era sa sipa palayo.
The man groaned when he fell, another men attacked me with punches pero kaagad
kong nasalag at nakaiwas. I saw how startled the scary man is, mas naging agresibo
ito sa pagtapon ng suntok at napasinghap ako nang hindi ako nakaiwas sa pagpatama
n'ya sa aking tyan.
Nanghina ako ng bahagya but that doesn't stop me from fighting, with the
techniques I've learned from my trainings, nang may humawak sa likuran ko ay walang
pagdadalawang-isip akong tinapakan ang paa nito, hinuli ang kamay at walang hirap
na tinagilid at ibinalibag sa batuhang daan.
Nang mapatumba ko ang iilang tauhan ay mas kinabahan na ako nang magsibabaan
ang iba pang mga lalaki. I took a step back, readied my position to attack and when
they did, I fought back.
It was hard but I am good with hand to hand combat, akmang may susuntok sa
panga ko ay mabilis akong tumungo, dahilan para tumama ang suntok ng lalaki sa
kanyang kasamahan.
I aimed for the sensitive part, that part in the middle of their body. Isang
sipa ko palang roon ay nanghina na kaya walanh pagdadalawang-isip na sinipa ko ito
kaya humandusay sa sahig.
Mas marami na ang sumugod. I groaned with every painful punch I've received, sa
gulat ko pa ay hindi ako nakaiwad nang maglabas ng patalim ang isa kaya nahagip ang
braso ko.
My blood started dripping, I was tired but I know I have to save myself. Marami
na akong napatumba pero nanghihina na rin ako sa suntok at sugat na tinamo.
Another man ran to attack me pero dahil mabilis ako ay mabilis akong nakaiwas,
I twirled, pulled his hair, lifted my bleeding hand to throw a hard punch on his
nose.
"Tangina! Ang kukupad n'yo!" Sigaw ng kalbo sa sasakyan. "Babae lang 'yan!
Lampa!"
The men became more aggressive, nawala ako sa disposisyon nang biglang may
lumitaw sa likuran ko at ang nakahigang isa ay hinila ang paa ko. I lost my
balance, napadapa ako sa lupa pero lumaban pa rin ako.
 Someone pulled my hair, punched my stomach and my bleeding arm but I puffed a
breath and did not surrender. Mas tinatagan ko pa ang loob na lumaban pero natigil
nang makarinig ng putok ng baril.
I froze, as if the trauma I thought I overcome came back. The scene started
playing on my head like it was right infront of my eyes, wala sa sariling
napasulyap sa brasong dumudugo at natantong dugo iyon ng kapatid ko.
I did not saved her! I let those people kill my sister! It is my fault! It is!
"Winter!" I heard a faint exchange of gunshots at sa pagsulyap ko sa malayo ay
tila nakita ko ang anino ni Warrion na nakikipagpalitan ng putok, tinatawag ako at
pilit na lumalaban.
"Putangina! Ipasok n'yo na!" A voice said.
I felt a hard pressure on my stomach, napahawak ako roon at nag-umpisang
dumilim na ang paningin.
"Tanginang anak ng Senador! Akala ko ba walang bodyguard?!" Sigawan ang narinig
ko nang muling magkamalay.
Nanlaki ang mata ko roon at gulong napatingin sa paligid at sinubukang sumigaw
pero hindi ko nagawa dahil sa busal sa akinh bibig.
"Gising na!" A man beside me exclaimed kaya mas nagkagulo sa loob.
"Tanginang babae! Pahamak!" Sigawan roon at sumigaw ako pero walang maayos na
lumalabas sa bibig ko. I realized that my hand was tied behind me!
Nasa loob ako ng SUV at katabi ang mga sugatang lalaking binugbog ko kanina!
The driver and the man infront is the only people in good condition!
"Ang daming bodyguard! Hayop! Tanginang, mga Almedarez, papatayin ko itong
anak!" Sigaw nung lalaki sa harapan habang nakikipagpalitan ng putok ng baril sa
sasakyang nakasunod.
I muffled my cries, nagwala ako sa loob at sinubukang lingunin ang likuran at
napuno ng pag-asa ang puso nang makita ang pamilyar na sasakyan ni Warrion na
nakasunod sa amin.
"Kasalan mo ito, e!" The man beside me pulled my hair and my cheek stung when
he slapped me.
I cried silently, takot man sa paulanan ng baril ng dalawang panig ay hindi ako
pwedeng iiyak lang rito at walang gawin!
I heard faint sounds of a police siren, mas nagpanic ang mga tao sa van at
nakisama na ang lalaki sa tabi at likuran sa pagbaril.
Please, God! Please, please, save me! Don't let anyone hurt Warrion! Don't let
anyone hurt my love ones, please!
I silently prayed while I was looking for the best thing to do when I saw a
small knife beside me, nalaglag sa bulsa ng lalaking katabi ko kaya nakaisip ako ng
ideya.
Habang busy ang lahat sa takot at pagpapaulan ng bala ay pasimple kong kinuha
ang kutsilyo at minanipula para matanggal ang tali sa aking kamay sa likuran!
I screamed in shock when the car become shaky, doon ko napansing natamaan ng
bala ang braso ng driver.
"Puta! Ayusin mo ang maneho!" Reklamo ng ilan at naramdaman ko ang bilis ng
aking paghinga ko dahil naramdaman ko ang pagkalas ng tali sa kamay ko.
Lumingon ako sa likuran ko at halos maalis ang puso ko nang makitang medyo
nagulo ang maneho ni Warrion at may tama ng bala sa kanyang salamin!
Oh, God! Is he hurt?!
"Ang daming pulis! Tawagin n'yo si Senator Arsenio! Tanginang, mahuhuli tayo!"
Sigawan nila at hindi magkumahog sa pagpapatakbo at pagpapaputok, hindi na ako
napansin.
I felt my hand relaxed, ipinalibot ko ang tingin sa paligid sa driver na
sugatan na rin and even if it's risky and it might cause my life too, I have to do
something and I did what I should at the moment.
Ang nylon na nakatali sa aking kamay ay walang pasubaling kong kinuha, inangat
sa ere at marahas na inilagay sa leeg ng driver sa harapan.
He choked, I pulled the strings harder at nagkagulo ang sasakyan dahil hindi na
nakapagmaneho ang driver.
"Tangina!" Sigawan sa loob at sinubukan man akong hilahin ng isa ay hindi ako
nagpatinag at binigay ang aking lakas.
The man infront panicked, sinubukang manipulahin ang sasakyan pero huli na ang
lahat, isang pihit sa manibela at apak ng preno ay isang malakas na paglagapak ang
naramdaman sa loob dahil sa pagbangga sa puno, kasabay ang marahas na pagtapon ko
sa sahig.
The place was suddenly filled with silence, nanghina ako sa dilim ng sasakyan,
bahagya akong nahilo sa pagtama ng ulo sa upuan at napapikit ng marahan.
I saw how the men infront bathe with their own bloods, gagapang na sana ako
palabas ng sasakyan pero isang marahas na bukas ang naramdaman ko sa pintuan ng
van.
"Winter!" I heard a familiar voice and the once dark place I am in is suddenly
filled with the light from the sky, from the man who did his best to carry me out
of the crashed car.
Hinang-hinang nakatayo ako roon habang hawak ni Warrion ang aking balikat,
sinisipat ng tingin ang aking katawan, tila galit at takot.
"Are you..." Nanginig ang boses n'ya.
"Winter! Thank, God! You're safe!" Isang tulak lang kay Warrion ay napaatras
ito sa panghihina at nagitla ako nang bigla akong yakapin ni Max.
"I am worried! Fuck! What happened?!" He exclaimed and tried cupping my cheek.
His eyes are filled with worry too, hinawakan n'ya ako para sipatin pero ang
tingin ko ay nanatili kay Warrion na tila bigo roon at nakamasid.
"M-Max..." I softly pushed Max away and weakly walked towards Warrion.
I saw his shocked face, nang makitang lumapit ako sa kanya ay s'ya na ang
lumapit at marahan akong hinigit para sa isang takot at mahigpit na yakap.
I sighed deeply, humigpit ang yakap n'ya sa aking baywang at maya-maya'y
nagtago na sa aking balikat at bigong bumulong.
"I-I thought I lost you... I can't lose you again." His voice trembled.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Kabanata 12

Kabanata 12
My mom was hysterical, nanginginig pa ang kanyang kamay habang yakap ako at
nakasubsob sa balikat ko.
"M-Mom..."
"I'm scared, honey..." She sobbed. "I thought...I thought..."
"I'm alright, Mom." I sighed, marahang inilayo sa akin para pagmasdan ang
kanyang mata.
"Don't worry about me," I dried her tears.
"Why can't I?! Nagpunta lang kami ng Manila at mababalitaan ko ang nangyari
sa'yo?! I can't lose another daughter again!" She cried. "I-Ikaw nalang ang
natitira sa akin, Winter."
I bit my lip, stopping myself from crying but I was too weak. Kasalanan ko
nanaman, if only I am not stupid and followed Warrion around, kung nakinig lang
akong nasa panganib ang buhay ko at bawal akong umalis mag-isa ay sana hindi
mangyayari ito!
You stupid Winter! The only thing you could do to help your family is to stay
safe! You can't bring back your sister! Sana kahit ikaw nalang ay hindi na pasamain
ang loob ng Mommy!
"I-I'm sorry, My..." I murmured and sobbed.
"It's alright, darling..." She sobbed too. "B-Basta, anak, sa susunod... H'wag
matigas ang ulo, ang gusto ko lang naman ay maging ligtas ka."
Mahigpit kong niyakap si Mommy at sumubsob sa kanyang balikat.
My Dad entered the room at walang pagdadalawang-isip na naupo sa gilid ng kama
ko para mayakap ako.
I sighed, I hugged him tightly back and whispered.
 "I-I'm sorry, Dad..." I murmured. "Naantala ko ba ang stay n'yo sa Manila?"
"No..." He gasped, bahagyang lumayo sa akin para sapuin ang pisngi ko. "That
was nothing when it comes to you, okay? Uuwi kami ng Mommy mo kahit nasaan pa kami
para sa'yo, hmm?"
My tears fell again, malungkot akong napatingin kay Mommy na nagpupunas ng luha
pabalik kay Dad na namumula ang mga mata, halatang takot.
My Dad gasped when he saw me crying, kaagad na iniangat ang kamay at pinunasan
ang luha ko.
"Don't cry, Winter. It's gonna be alright, pinaghahanap na ng pulis si Senator
Arsenio, my hunch was right, he's the mastermind of the threats."
"He is insecure," I murmured, drying my tears. "Ikaw kasi ang nangunguna sa
survey."
"There is a lot of position in the senate!" My Mom exclaimed. "Bakit pa
kailangan n'yang takutin ang pamilya para lang magwithdraw sa eleksyon ang Daddy
mo?"
"Pride, honey." Ani Dad at nilingon si Mommy at pasimpleng yumakap. "Remembered
last quarter of election? Magkapartido kami but he did not win a position? Tapos
nung sa sunod n'yang takbo, nanalo na s'ya."
"He has loyal supporters, syempre, matalik kaming magkaibigan noon and when
that happened, pati sa akin ay nagalit. Nung nangampanya tayo, naalala n'yo? That
was one of his loyal supporter."
"What happened, then? Ang mga kumuha sa akin kanina?" I asked him.
"Nasa kulungan na, hija." My Dad answered. "The two men in front, including the
driver died from the crash. 'Yung iba ay nakulong na at hinahanap si Arsenio ngayon
dahil umamin 'yung mga natira."
"Kung ganun...there is a chance na makulong s'ya at matanggal sa senado?" I
asked.
"Yes," My father nodded. "We are investigating everyone involved, ayun sa mga
nahuli kanina. Mas pinaigting ang security ng mansyon at nitong ospital."
"Kapag nahuli, Dad?" I asked.
"Then good, we are safe again. Sa susunod na linggo na ang eleksyon at kapag
natapos ay pwede ka nang bumalik sa mga dati mong ginagawa, hija."

I nodded. Kinagat ko ang labi ko at napaisip bigla.

"Si...Si Warrion po?" I murmured and my Dad looked at me.
"He's investigating too, namumuno s'ya doon sa mga security at imbestigador. He
has a connection with the intelligence so we can assure everything will be good
again after."
"Is he hurt?" Nag-aalala kong sabi.
"He has a gunshot wound pero daplis lang," Ani Mommy. "Saglit lang na ginamot
at ayos na s'ya."
"But...it hurts, right? Ayos lang bang gagalaw s'ya kaagad?"
My father chuckled, shaking his head and caressed my hair.
"Warrion's been to wars, hija." Aniya. "May mga mas malala pang naranasan iyon
kaysa rito kaya wala lang sa kanya ang daplis, isa pa, doktor iyon kaya alam ang
gagawin."
I nodded, biting my lip.
"You are already attached to him?" Gulat akong napaangat ng tingin kay Daddy at
nakita ko ang pagsinghap n'ya at pag-iling sa akin.
"Don't be, Winter. Like your other bodyguards, his contract will end too. Isa
pa, he said he'll quit after everyone involved in the incident was properly jailed
and cleaned."
My heart ache, parang piniraso ang puso ko roon at napakurap pero pinili ko ang
ngumisi at umiling, tila wala lang ang sinasabi ni Daddy.
"It's just that...he's a good friend." I murmured.
"Really?" My father smiled at me. "As long as I want Warrion to stay and guard
you, I can't. I allowed him to quit despite the end of his contract after this. May
buhay rin kasi bukod dito ang tao, swerte nalang tayo at nagkataong napakiusapan
kong maging bodyguard dahil wala raw ginagawa."
"Isa pa, he's hands-on to your case, Winter." My mother smiled, staring at her
phone. "He's fast, using every connection he has. In fact... I was informed that
Arsenio was captured and is on the way for questioning."
Umalis ang mga magulang ko at naiwan akong mag-isa sa kwarto, walang pakiramdam
ang braso kong naipit ang nagkasugat. I wasn't really that injured, tanging sugat
at mga pasa lang ang nangyari but my parents are overprotective that they want me
to stay in a hospital.
Days passed without any sight of Warrion, tanging ang mga balita lang mula kay
Mommy at Daddy ang nalalaman ko.
In fact, Senator Arsenio was guilty, based on the investigations. Nahuli at
nakulong ang kanyang mga kasabwat at tauhan.
Sa araw-araw ay sumasaya lang ako sa bawat pagbisita sa akin ng mga kaibigan,
kasama na si Macarena at Max.
I actually can go and stay at home pero ayaw ng mga magulang ko, saying if
anything happens ay maganda at narito ako para mabilis matignan.
I understand them so, I stayed here. Mas umigting ang mga guards sa akin. Sa
labas ng pinto ay may tatlo, sa labas ng ospital ay may mga nagtatago rin.
Even the mansion has guards too, and of course, my parents who's going back and
forth here to Manila.
My friends has guards too, galing sa kanilang mga pamilya para iwas sa mga
panganib rin.
"Okay ka na, Winter?" Ngisi ni Macarena pagkarating, hawak ang isang basket ng
prutas.
"Hmm," I smiled and showed her my hand. "I can move my hand now, I can actually
go home too."
"At iyon ay kung papayagan ka," She chuckled. "Mas magandang dito ka na rin
muna, Winter. Mas mababantayan ka pa."
I nodded, kagat ko ang labi ay muli akong sumulyap sa kaibigan at mahinang
nagsalita.

"You...have any news from Warrion?" Bulong ko sa hangin at

nanlaki ang mata n'ya at tumango, mabilis s'yang naupo sa tabi ko at nagsalita.
"I can't see him in your guards outside or anywhere but I am well-awared na
nahuli man na 'yung may mga gawa at involved ay nag-iimbestiga pa rin s'ya at baka
may nakalusot. In fact, I saw him on TV last time! Press conference ata!"
Umawang ang labi ko roon.
"For?"
"The incident," Aniya. "S'ya ay pinagkatiwalaan ng Daddy mo sa security."
"Can you tell me what happened that day?" I asked her softly and she nodded,
remembering it.
"I am positive, Winter! That child we saw with him isn't his."
"Paano mo naman nalaman?" My forehead creased. "They looked alike! With green
eyes and such!"
"No, hindi n'ya ata kamag-anak, parang nautusan lang s'yang magsundo. I don't
know exactly but when you left, he called his brother and a woman, he calls her
Lars. Pamangkin ata 'nung Lars? I don't know."
"But the boy has green eyes..." I murmured.
"And so his brother." Ani Macarena. "Don't be frustrated, feeling ko it has
something to do with Caspian and not with Warrion."
"Nung pagdating ni Caspian, dali-dali s'yang sumakay sa kotse n'ya, hinabol ka
tapos wala na akong alam sa nangyari." She sighed.
I nodded quietly, sumulyap ako kay Macarena at nagsalita.
"He wants to quit," I murmured and she froze, nakita ko ang madramang pagbagsak
ng bibig n'ya.
"What?! Seriously?!"
 "After the investigation...na tapos na rin naman." Mahinang sabi ko at
pinaglaruan ang daliri ko.
"Mas labanan natin, Winter! You have to get Warrion!" She cheered.
"But...can I really get him?" Mahinang sabi ko at tumitig sa daliri ko. "We
have a connection but he doesn't like me."
"It's obvious that he likes you!" She exclaimed. "I can feel it, Winter!
Warrion likes you too, okay? I know what men tends to do when they care for
someone. He pushed through the investigation of your case. He protects you, he
takes care of you and I know his stares, nararamdaman kong gusto ka n'ya."
Hindi muna ako umimik, nanatili akong nakatingin kung saan at naputol lang nang
pumasok si Max, dala ang isang pumpon ng bulaklak at humalik sa pisngi ko.
"Aalis?" Ani Max at nakita ko ang multo ng ngiti sa labi n'ya habang hawak ang
kamay ko at nakaupo sa hospital bed. "Edi ayos na rin, safe ka na rin 'nun."
Hindi ako umimik, ngumuso roon si Macarena at hindi na rin nagkomento.
"Kaya pala hindi ko nakikita d'yan sa labas? Ayos rin, hindi bale, kahit walang
panganib na at wala kang bodyguard, ako ang bahala sa'yo."
"Max..." I sighed. "Mawawalan ako ng bodyguard kasi ayos na, wala ng panganib
so, hindi mo ako kailangang bantayan."
"I still want to!" Max exclaimed and stared at me. "I like you, Winter. You
know that, right? Mas mabuting ako na ang magbabantay sa'yo at hindi ang lalaking
iyon. You're safer with me, kung binantayan ka lang sana ng maayos 'nun ay hindi ka
mapapahamak--"
"It's my fault!" Giit ko at tinitigan s'ya. "Warrion just kept me safe! He
followed me kahit alam n'yang mapanganib!"
"Alright..." Kinalma n'ya ako nang mapansing nagagalit na ako. "Okay, he kept
you safe, alright. He did that because that's his job while me...gagawin kong
protektahan ka kasi gusto kita. I intend to keep you safe because I like you."
Pinisil n'ya ang kamay ko.

We stopped and our eyes shifted when the door opened. My

breath hitched, nakagat ko ang labi ko sa gulat nang makita ang naroon.
The dark, handsomely man I've been wanting to see is here!
Warrion on his plain black shirt and maong jeans entered, malamig ang tingin
n'ya at mula sa mga mata ko ay bumaba ang tingin n'ya sa kamay ko.
I flinched, biglang napansin ang kamay ni Max sa kamay ko kaya marahas ko 'yung
nahila at bumilis ang pintig ng puso ko.
"W-Warrion..." My voice trembled.
Sa pagpasok n'ya ay nakita kong nanlaki ang mata ni Macarena at mabilis na
napatayo at napatingin sa akin.
"Uhm...ano! Sorry, mauuna na kami!" Macarena exclaimed, akmang aalis pero
naalala si Max na nakikipagtagisan ng titig kay Warrion kaya napabalik s'ya.
"Max! Tara!" She said and pulled Max who was startled.
"Elena! What--"
"Tara! Gabi na!" Ani nito pero hindi natinag si Max, mukhang magpupumilit kaya
tumikhim ako at hinarap s'ya.
"Ayos lang, Max." I smiled a little. "Pagod na rin kasi ako, gusto ko nang
magpahinga."
I saw Max froze for a while, definitely thinking about it but then looked at
Warrion and sighed, nodding a bit.
"Okay..." He said. "But I will come back tomorrow, rest, babe." I was shocked
when he kissed my cheek and stood.
Warrion remained serious, unmoving. Malamig ang kanyang tingin sa amin at nang
lumapit si Max sa kanya ay nagkatinginan sila.
I sensed the tension, kung hindi lang tumikhim si Macarena at hinila si Max ay
hindi ko na alam ang mangyayari.
The silence filled the room the moment the two left, halos marinig ko na ang
tunog ng orasan sa katahimikan at walang ingay ang kanyang mga lakad patungo sa
akin.
"Warrion..." I said in a small voice pero nanatili lang s'yang nakatayo sa tabi
ko. He didn't even talked.
"H-How are you? Hindi kita nakita, huh?" Ngumisi pa ako pero hindi s'ya kaagad
umimik sa akin.
I was confused when he sat beside me, marahang hinawakan n'ya ang braso ko at
naamoy ko ang kanyang pabango.
He smells shower gel, mint with a glint of his expensive perfume. Nakita kong
marahan n'yang tinatanggal ang bandage na nasa braso kong sugatan kaya napabuntong-
hininga ako at tumitig sa braso n'ya.
"They said you're wounded too," Inabot ko ang braso n'ya at nakitang sumulyap
s'ya sa akin nang magawa iyon.
Hindi s'ya umimik, marahang inangat ko ang sleeve ng kanyang shirt at nakita
ang gauze na naroon sa sugat n'ya.
I sighed and lifted my gaze to look at him.
"Masakit?" Bulong ko.
"I'm good," He said coldly, marahang tinanggal ang kamay ko sa balikat at
ibinaba.
He proceeded in checking my would, mabilis s'yang tumayo at may kinuha sa
kabilang table at nang bumaling ay dala na n'ya ang panlinis ng sugat ko.
Tahimik ko s'yang pinagmamasdan habang naglilinis. I noticed how tired he
looked right now, magulo ang kanyang buhok at ang nakakunot ang noo.
Like usual, he isn't talking and just remained quiet. Habang nagfofocus s'ya
roon ay ginawa ko ang nakasanayan at iniangat ang kamay ko para haplusin ang buhok
n'ya.
He froze for a while but continued, I ran my fingers on his hair, slowly
touching it.
"I'm sorry..." Mababa ang boses kong sabi.

He gulped, his jaw clenched a bit, tila naalala nanaman ang

ginawa ko at pumirmi ang labi. He suddenly looks mad, mas nagseryoso sa pag-ayos ng
sugat ko.
"Sorry kung tinakasan ko 'yung security sa bahay, I was just too bratty, h-
hindi naman dapat kita sinusundan."
"Why are you following me, anyway?" His husky voice said. Nagbaba naman ako ng
ulo at suminghap.
"W-Wala lang..." I murmured. "I was curious so, I did it."
Hindi nanaman s'ya umimik, I saw him lifted a clean bandage to cover my wound.
"Kasalanan ko," Bulong ko. "E-Edi kung napahamak ako, napagalitan ka pa."
"Is that what you're thinking? Are seriously worried that I'll be scolded?"
"O-Oo! I have no idea kung nagalit sa'yo si Dad, did he? Kakausapin ko kung--"
"Damn, woman! Here I am worrying about your safety yet you were thinking about
that!" He exclaimed, mad.
Napatalon ako, nakagat ko ang labi at suminghap.
"I-I just..."
He shook his head, bahagyang lumayo sa akin at hinanap ang mata ko.
"When are you going to think about your safety, huh? In all those times that
I'll let you slip even for a while lagi kang nakakawala! In just one blink, you are
fucking risking your life again!"
I don't know why but my tears began forming at the side of my eyes, I sniffed,
noticing how his green eyes darkened, looking mad and worried.
"I-I admit my mistakes, i-inaayos ko naman." Mahinang sabi ko.
"Then tell me, paano kung hindi kita nailigtas? Tell me what will I do if you I
haven't rescued you?! Paano kung bumalik ka nanaman sa dati?!" He exclaimed at me.
Napahikbi ako, nanginig ang balikat ko at tumungo.
"S-Sorry... Sorry..."
"Isang bitaw ko lang sa'yo, nasa bingit ka nanaman ng kamatayan! Tell me,
Winter Andromeda, tell me what will I do if I lose you?!"
Hindi ako umimik, tahimik akong umiyak habang pinagmamasdan s'yang galit at
frustated. He looks like he's gonna burst in any minute sa hindi ko maintindihang
dahilan.
"I will quit," He said coldly after a minute kaya mas naluha ako at pinagmasdan
s'ya.
"W-Warrion..."
"Your father have told you, right? Everything is done now, wala nang
magtatangka sa buhay mo. You can finally go out without security."
"B-Bakit ka aalis? P-Paano pala kung mayroon pa? H-Hindi natin masasabi kung
wala ng may balak!"
"You won't need me anymore," He said, bitterly mad. "You have your boyfriend
now, right? Max? He'll protect you, he said that, right?"
"B-Bakit ikaw? P-Pinoprotektahan mo naman ako, a?"
"I am protecting you because that is only my job! Walang iba! E, sya?
Poprotektahan ka n'ya kasi gusto ka n'ya! You both like each other so, why
bother--"
"I don't like him!" I exclaimed. "I want you to protect me because I like you!
I like you around me, Warrion! Can't you see that I like you very much?!"
He stopped but then proceeded.
"Ipapahamak lang kita," He laughed humorlessly and looked away. "Always. I'll
just always put you in harm. I am not a good protector."
"D-Don't say that!"
"Why won't I? Totoo naman diba? Look at what happened last time! Kung nahuli
nanaman ako ay may nangyari na sa'yo!"
"H-Hindi mo 'yun kasalanan," I said. "Y-You just saved me!"
"You won't understand why, anyway." Mariing sabi n'ya. "It's better if we keep
our distance to each other, it won't take time before I go out of your house."
"D-Don't leave..." Bulong ko at sinubukan s'yang hawakan pero umiwas s'ya sa
akin.
"Hindi mo ako pinahamak, you saved me, Warrion. And about Max, I don't like
him, I never told him I do. We aren't together."
Hindi s'ya umimik at marahas na sinuklay ang kanyang buhok, umiigting ang
panga.
"I wish it was easier, to be just like that," Malamig n'yang turan.
"Warrion..."
"You won't understand," His jaw clenched. "I have to stay away from you, I
won't put you into that darkness again."
"W-What darkness? I already lived with that! My heart is already filled with
darkness! Ano pa ba ang sinasabi mo?!"
"I will leave."
Marahas kong pinunasan ang luha ko at nagmamakaawang tinignan s'ya.
"P-Please, stay? I promise, I'll be a good girl, kapag sinabi mong hindi
lalabas... Hindi ako lalabas."
I saw him wanted to give in but stopping himself. Pilit nag-iiwas ng tingin
pero bakas ko ang desperasyong umalis.
"W-What can I do make you stay?"
"None."
He was fisting his knuckles. Tila kinakalma ang sarili sa kung ano.
"H-Hindi ko maintindihan kung bakit ka aalis but please, please stay."
"I will leave, Miss Almedarez. I got bigger life than this, hindi buong buhay
ko ay iikot lang sa'yo." He spatted hardly, hindi tumitingin.
My heart crumpled, halos manlabo na ang mga mata ko sa luha at sumisinghap.
"I-I like you, Warrion..." I confessed, crying. "S-So, please, stay... I like
you."
"Am I supposed to like you too?" His brow raised at me at natigilan ako roon.
"I-I thought our feelings are m-mutual."
"Have I ever told you I do?" He spatted. "No, right?"
Napatungo ako at nasaktan sa mga salita n'ya.
 "I don't want to do anything involving you, napipilitan lang ako kaya ako
pumayag sa pakiusap ng Daddy mo."
Tahimik akong humikbi at tumungo. Tinakpan ko ang bibig ko at suminghap.
"I don't like you, I let you do anything because you're my client and I'm
bored."
"I-I thought we had an understanding--"
"You are just a job to me, Miss Almedarez. Nothing more." He cut me off.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Kabanata 13

Kabanata 13
"Are you ready to open up again?" My psychiatrist, Dr. Thorn Valderama asked
me, staring intently.
I sighed, muli kong dinungaw ang aking mga daliri at nagsimula nanamang
kumalabog ang dibdib ko.
"M-Maayos naman na ako, Doc, diba?" Sumulyap ako sa kanya. "Then, I don't
understand why I am still dreaming...why I'm still so scared."
"You've been skipping a lot of therapies now, Miss Almedarez." He said, fixing
his glasses. "I emailed you a lot of times but I got no response from you so, I was
worried."
"Why did I still have to undergo therapies? Maayos na ako! Maayos na!"
Nanginginig kong sabi.
"Kung maayos ka na, then, why are you here?" He said and I froze.
Yeah...why am I here, anyway?
"You don't have to convince me that you are fine because I know you are still
not." He said. "Sa lahat ng tao, ako ang pinakanakakaalam ng pakiramdam mo ngayon."
"W-What if I'm crazy? Paano kung may sakit na po pala ako--"
He smiled a bit, tilting his head. Umiling s'ya sa akin at umayos ng upo,
kumuha ng stress ball roon sa gilid at iniabot sa akin.
"You're not, Miss Almedarez. You weren't crazy, you were just traumatized about
your past experiences."
Hindi ako umimik at pinisil ang stress ball, nililibang ang sarili dahil
naiiyak nanaman ako.
"I assume you haven't opened up yet?" Aniya.
I nodded, biting my lower lip.
"You have to slowly let yourself be heard, you have to tell someone close to
you your struggles, Winter." He said.
"Will they understand me, Doc?" Bulong ko.
"They will understand you, hija." Aniya. "People who love you will understand
your struggles, you have to forgive yourself too, let go of the pain. You can't
hate yourself forever."
"Will I ever learn how to face those fears, Doc? All my life since the
incident, I felt like I was trapped in the darkness."
"Then you have to find the light in yourself, forgive, reflect and let go of
the painful memories. Open every doors in the dark room you're in until you find a
light." Pinagsaklop n'ya ang kamay.
"I want to, doc, for years I tried hard but I know it was my fault."
"It is not, Winter. It was never your fault, Summer loves you so much and will
do her best to keep you safe. Pakiramdam ko, kung mangyayari ulit iyon, your sister
woudn't even think twice and will save you again and again."
I remembered my sister, smiling happily at me, her black eyes glistening as she
took my hand and pulled me to the horror house we always wanted to try the first
time. Her eyes looks assuring, saying everything will be alright because she's
here.
But now...she wasn't here anymore, will I ever be alright?
 "Bukod sa nangyari sa Ate mo, that exact week, have you remembered anything
now?"
"No," Iling ko. "Everything was blocked from my memory, except for what
happened to me and my sister. I tried so hard to remember but I can only see a
glimpse, mas malinaw talaga sa akin ang ala-ala ng Ate ko."
"Negative events may edge out positive ones in our memories, especially in
traumatic experiences." He said. "Let me help you, okay? Come back here often and
please, Winter, siputin mo ang sessions natin."
I noticed how concern laced his voice, ngumiti naman ako roon at napatango.
"Yes, Doc. I'm sorry for skipping therapies...I always thought I am alright."

"No worries, just remember that a lot of people loves you,

kung ready ka na, open up. That would lift a heavy load on your chest."
I nodded, smiling at him.
"Thank you," Mahinang sabi ko.
He nodded, licking his lower lip and fixing his glasses. Nang tumayo ako ay
tumayo rin s'ya at inihatid ako sa pintuan ng clinic n'ya.
"Take care, Winter, may maghahatid ba sa'yo?" Aniya at ngumuso ako at umiling.
"I went here alone, ayokong pag-aalahanin ang Daddy, busy sa agendas n'ya." I
chuckled.
"Alright, congratulations to your father. He won a place in the senate, right?
Top place?"
"Yes po," I smiled.
Nang lumabas ako sa clinic ay sumunod s'ya sakin, I nodded and thanked him for
giving me time to talk to him and he nodded, smiling a little.
"Take care," He said. Tumalikod ako, maglalakad na sana para umalis nang
matigilan ako nang makita ang nakaupo sa sofa.
"Tita Zid?" Dr. Valderama's wife, Zidney, lifted her gaze at me. Nakita ko kung
paano manlaki ang mata n'ya nang makita ako at napatayo sa upuan.
"Winter!" She exclaimed.
I chuckled when she hugged me, kaagad ko naman s'yang niyakap at natutuwang
humiwalay s'ya at pinagmasdan ako.
"Napadaan ka ulit! I missed you, Winter, Thorn said you skipped therapies?"
Malumanay n'yang sabi at mahina akong tumango.
"But she'll continue therapies now, queen." Sabat ni Doc roon sa likod kaya
napangisi ako at tumango.
Tita Zid pouted and nodded, hugging me again.
"That's great! If you want someone to talk to, I'm here, okay?" Ani Tita. "And
Thorn too, he's good, right?"
Natatawang tumango ako roon.
"You keep on spoiling Tito Thorn," I said, not being formal anymore.
Humagikhik si Tita at inilingan ako, I saw Tito Thorn laughed a bit, shaking
his head and stared at her lovely wife.
She was like a mother to me, I remembered her comforting me years ago when I
was so lost.
After my sister's death, I was never the same, for months, I locked myself up
in the dark, I blocked anyone from entering my mind. I was too preoccupied blaming
myself for my sister's death.
Kahit anong gawin ng pamilya at kaibigan ko, I refused to talk to them
regarding my situation. I refused opening myself up. I never shared my problems and
kept it in myself.
I may be happy in a lot of times but when I'm alone, as if the memories will
comeback, showing it to me. I may be smiling but when I'm alone, I swear, it kills
me everytime.
It was the darkest months of my life until I sober up, I decided to ask for
help, I want someone to hear my voice and pain so, I asked for medical help.
Tumakas lang ako sa mansyon isang umaga at nagpunta sa ospital sa Maynila para
magbakasali.
I was so scared, habang nakaupo sa bench at nag-iisip ng gagawin sa ospital ay
naduwag akong magpacheck-up. I was nervous, paano kung nagkasakit na talaga ako?
Hindi ko itinuloy ang plano, umiyak lang ako sa lobby ng ospital until someone
reached out for me when she saw me crying.
It was Tita Zidney, hindi ko alam pero ang gaan-gaan ng loob ko sa kanya, in
that exact moment, while staring at her, I told her my story and she listened to
me, we talked as if we are sharing the same pain.

Nagkapalagayan kami ng loob, she recommend me to her

husband who was a psychiatrist in the hospital and talking to my doctor, it was
such a relief.
He's really great at his job.
For months, I secretly go to therapies when I told my parents I wanted to live
for a while in Manila but they found out. It was all good at first, I am starting
to accept everything, bumabalik na ako sa dati. Wala namang problema sa mga
magulang ko ang pagpunta sa therapy pero noong pakiramdam ko ay ayos na ako, hindi
na ako tumuloy.
I lied to myself, saying I'm better but I wasn't really good at all. Dr.
Valderama contacted me but I refused to continue the therapy dahil kinumbinse ko
ang sarili na maayos ako kahit hindi.
Pagkatapos mag-kumustahan ay nagpaalam ako kay Tita at Doc, bumaba ako sa lobby
ng ospital at lumabas para mamasyal.
I am staying in Manila for a while now, I've decided to come with my parents
since kakadeklara palang ng Daddy bilang senador sa Malacañang.
That's why I visited my doctor and I saw how shock he is the moment I entered
his clinic. Ang balak ko ay kada buwan ay pupunta akong Manila para sa session ko
at para na rin maglibang at makakita ng ibang bagay.
Habang nag-aabang ng taxi pabalik sa bahay namin dito sa Manila ay naramdaman
kong may nakamasid sa akin, tila nagbabantay.
I looked around and see nothing so, I shrugged it off. I always got that
feeling of being watched pero hinayaan ko nalang din at baka paranoid lang ako.
We stayed for a week in Manila until I decided to go home, nakakalungkot nga
lang at ako lang ang uuwi mag-isa dahil kailangan mag-stay ng mga magulang ko.
I reached home tired, hila-hila ang maleta ko ay pumasok ako ng bahay at saglit
na nagpahinga sa sala bago umakyat.
What am I supposed to do tonight? Bukas, hindi pa ako nakakarating ay
nagdesisyon akong pumunta sa mall para mamasyal. Gusto ko sanang isama si Macarena
pero wala s'ya sa ngayon dahil sa bakasyon kasama ang pamilya n'ya.
I know...I know, I'm alone, jowang-jowa na ako kaso wala namang jowa!
May choice ba ako?
My phone rang while I'm on my way to the stairs, hila-hila ko ang maleta ko
habang sinasagot ang tawag.
"Hey, Max!" I greeted.
"Hi, Winter! Nakauwi ka na?" Aniya sa kabilang linya.
"Yes, ngayon lang. Ako lang mag-isa, may parents stayed in Manila for now."
Ibinaba ko ang hawakan ng maleta at binuhat habang nakaipit sa balikat ang
phone.
"Really? You should have called me, I can fetch you at the airport." Aniya at
napangiti ako at natawa habang dahan-dahang naglalakad paakyat.
"No need, Max. I am home now, kaya ko namang umuwi mag-isa."
"Sige," He sighed. "But...can I ask you out for a date tomorrow?"
I froze, natigilan ako sa palapag ng hagdan at nanlaki ang mata.
"D-Date?" I exclaimed.
"Yes, I am hoping--" Nawala ang atensyon ko sa telepono nang may kumuha ng
maleta sa kamay ko.
I almost jumped, napalingon ako at halos mapasinghap nang makita si Warrion na
mukhang kararating lang.
Natulala ako nang makita s'ya.
"Let me," His cold voice said. Hindi ako nakapagsalita kaagad nang maglakad
s'ya paakyat, buhat ang maleta ko.
Umalis rin ba s'ya?

He looks tired, tahimik ang pag-akyat n'ya habang bitbit

ang maleta ko.
"Winter?" Max's voice filled my ear.
"Oh, right!" I snapped back from my reverie, controlling myself from bursting
emotions.
I felt the painful beating of my heart and followed him.
"Can I?" Aniya.
"Sure, bukas ba?" I said formally.
"Really?" He exclaimed. "Yes, bukas! I'm gonna fetch you at home."
I chuckled a bit and walked, nakita kong tumigil si Warrion sa tapat ng kwarto
ko at inilapag roon ang maleta pero hindi umalis.
What's his problem? Layas d'yan sa tapat ng kwarto ko!
"Alright, I'll find a pretty dress for tomorrow." I said and walked towards my
door.
"Thank you, Winter! See you tomorrow!" He said happily.
"Okay, see you tomorrow too." I said.
Nang matapos ang tawag ay saktong tumapat ako sa kwarto.
Ibinaba ko ang telepono ko at kinuha ang maleta. I can see him looking at me
through my peripheral vision  but I shrugged it off.
Walang imik na binuksan ko ang kwarto, akmang hihilahin ang maleta ko papasok
nang marinig s'ya.
"Who's that?" He suddenly said.
I froze but then managed to stay calm and composed, naipasok ko ang maleta ko
at nilingon s'ya.
"Max," I said, smiling coldly at him.
I saw how his eyes turned to something unreadable. Kumunot ang kanyang noo
roon.
"Where are you going?" He asked me. He looks serious, looking like he's
composing himself too like me, trying to act like he's cool with it.
"Well," I smiled. "You weren't my bodyguard anymore, so, it's none of your
business."
I saw how emotion played on his eyes, akmang magsasalita pa nang magsalita ako
ulit.
"Anyway, I'm tired." I said and looked at him coldly. "I'll rest, Mr.
Alcantara." Mahinang sabi ko at sinarado ang pinto.
The moment his face faded, the composure I managed to show him faded. I found
myself melting, my knees wobbling in pain.
Nag-umpisang tumulo ang mga luha ko at mabilis na tumakbo sa CR para doon
tahimik na umiyak.
You're really good at faking your emotion, huh, Winter? Dapat sa'yo, may award.
That night, I coudn't sleep again, I cried, like what happened for a few
nights. Kung hindi dahil sa Ate ko ay dahil sa lalaking 'yun.
I shoudn't be hurt! I shoudn't be affected! Hindi naman kami pero kung makaiyak
ako parang naging kami!
Kaya sa sumunod na araw, para akong lutang. Max and I had a date that day,
maaga palang ay sinundo na n'ya ako sa mansyon at lumabas kami at pumunta sa mall.
I didn't even know if I would entertain him or not. There's this feeling inside
me that I should give him a chance but I still have a doubt.
I fully can't give my heart to me, I can't fully trust him right now.
Eventhough, I know he is a good person.
"Mabuti walang nang umaaligid sa'yo, 'no?" He said, slowly holding my waist.
 "Aligid?" Lumingon ako sa kanya.
He smiled and nodded, nakita kong sumulyap s'ya sa labi ko pabalik sa mata ko.
"That asshole, Warrion." Aniya sa akin. "I was annoyed at that man, ang
yabang."

"What?" My forehead creased. "Have you ever talked to him?"

"Not really but I don't like his presence. I am annoyed whenever he's around
you, I felt like he's taking you away from me."
Hindi ako umimik, pinagmasdan ko ang hawak kong bulaklak.
"Good thing he wasn't your bodyguard anymore, good thing, you're safe. I was
really scared when the incident happened, ang gago naman kasi ng bodyguard mo na
'yun at hindi ka maayos na binantayan. If I were him, I know you woundn't get hurt,
kung ako lang sana ang kasama mo 'nun."
"Max, that was an accident." I said lowly, pinagbuksan n'ya ako ng pintuan
palabas sa mall para makarating sa parking lot.
"Kahit na, mabuti nalang talaga at wala na 'yun. I really don'y like the air
surrounding that man. Ang yabang!"
"Can we not talk about him?" I asked, tahimik na sumulyap sa kanya.
"Okay," He breathe and smiled. "Pag-usapan nalang natin ang tungkol sa'tin."
Aniya.
Nagitla ako roon at napalunok, sumulyap ako sa kanya at nakita ang sinseridad
sa mga mata n'ya.
"Max..."
"I like you, Winter." Aniya. "Matagal na."
Hindi ako kaagad na umimik roon.
How can I tell you that I am not ready?
"Max," I murmured. "I-I'm still not sure, I mean, I don't think I am ready."
"But I can wait!" Agap n'ya at hinawakan ang braso ko.
I shivered with his sudden move, napaatras ako roon at doon ko na naramdamang
napasandal ako sa isang sasakyan.
"Max, I like you, you're a good person." I said and he smiled, I was starled
when he advanced his steps towards me kaya nadiin ako sa sasakyan.
"B-But you see... M-Masyado pang maaga para dito, I-I mean..." Nakita kong
bumaba ang tingin n'ya sa labi ko at namungay ang mata n'ya.
"I don't care, mag-aantay ako..." Aniya.
Napalunok ako, kaagad na kumalabog ang puso nang inilapit n'ya ang mukha sa
akin, nakatitig sa labi ko.
"M-Max..."
"I think I love you, Winter, so I don't understand why are you like this." He
moved his face closer.
Hindi na ako nakaimik, nang magtama ang ilong namin ay parang sasabog na sa
kaba ang puso ko.
No...I don't want your kiss!
Should I push him away?! Damn it, Winter! You should!
I lifted my shaking hands, ready to push him when his lips touched mine briefly
when he was suddenly gone infront of me.
Naiwan sa ere ang kamay ko, nanlaki ang mata ko nang makitang nakasalampak na
si Max sa lapag habang sa may harapan ko ang galit na galit na Alcantara.
Marahas akong napalunok.
"What the fuck is your problem?!" Max exclaimed.
"Don't touch her!" Warrion's voice boomed, nakuyom ko ang kamay ko at gulat na
napakurap.
"Anong pakialam mo?!" Max stood, tumayo s'ya sa harapan ni Warrion, nanunuya.
Warrion's face screams rage, kunot ang kanyang noo, iritado at nakaigting ang
panga.
Max eyed him, halos banggain ang kanyang balikat pero hindi nagpatinag ang
huli, at dahil nga mas matangkad si Warrion ay hindi manlang itong gumalaw sa
pagbangga sa kanya ni Max.

"Tangina mo, anong problema mo?!" Max retorted.

"Stay away from her." Mariing sinabi ni Warrion.
He was just calm saying that but I heard the conviction, threat and irritation
on his voice.
Kulang nalang ay magsuntukan sila kaya napasinghap ako at marahas na hinila si
Warrion at sa tingin ko'y nagpadala sa hila ko kaya umatras.
"What are you doing here, Mr. Alcantara?" I eyed him sharply.
His jaw clenched, I saw the hidden irritation and mockery on his voice as he
was looking at me.
"To fetch you." Malamig n'yang sabi.
"For?" Natawa ako roon nang walang-buhay. "You don't have a say on my life
anymore, okay?"
"Your father told me to check on you while he's gone." Malamig rin n'yang sabi
sa akin.
"Really..." I laughed and shook my head. "O, nakita mo na ako. Ayos na? Maybe I
can continue my date with him?"
Mukhang mas ginalit ko si Warrion, his green eyes almost turned black because
of his irritation.
Nagtagisan kami ng tingin, kung matapang s'ya ay mas matapang ako. I rolled my
eyes and pushed him a bit when I'm done proving my point.
Hinarap ko ang galit na si Max at lumapit.
"Max, let's go." I said and when he looked at me.
He nodded, mukhang kinakalma ang sarili. Lumapit ako kay Max para sumama nang
biglang napunta sa harapan ko si Warrion.
My eyes widen at the sight of that mad ugly ape! Mukha s'yang sasabog sa inis
sa akin pero wala akong pakialam sa kanya!
"Move!" I exclaimed.
"Sasama ka ng maayos o pipilitin pa kita?" He said hardly.
Natawa ako sa inis, tinulak ko s'ya ulit pero hindi na s'ya natinag.
"Move out of my way!" I said.
"Let her go!" Max exclaimed, sinubukang lumapit pero tinulak s'ya ni Warrion.
"Padaanin mo ang girlfriend ko!"
Gulat man sa sinabi ni Max ay hindi ako nagreact, I eyed Warrion sharply at
dahil masama ang timpla n'ya ay malakas akong napatili nang tumungo s'ya, walang
hirap na isinampay ako sa balikat n'ya na parang damit at dinala ako sa sasakyan
n'ya.
"Let me go!" I exclaimed, slapping his back. "You asshole! I-I have a date with
my boyfriend!" Kunwaring sabi ko.
"Your boyfriend should fuck himself." Mariing sabi n'ya at ibinagsak ako sa
shotgun seat ng sasakyan n'ya.
When he moved away, sinubukan kong buksan ang lock pero tumunog iyon dahil may
pinindot s'ya kaya frustated akong napasigaw, ginulo ang buhok ko at nagwala sa
loob.
"Let me go! You fucking bastard!" I screamed.
Nakita kong galit na galit si Max roon pero hindi natitinag si Warrion, nanlaki
pa ang mata ko nang biglang sinuntok ni Max ang huli pero walang hirap na nahuli ni
Warrion ang kamao n'ya.
My eyes widen more when in just a snap, pinilipit nito ang kamay ni Max at
tinulak bago bumalik sa sasakyan.
"What the fuck did you do him?!" I screamed on his ear when he entered. Ngumiwi
s'ya pero umirap sa akin at pinaandar ang sasakyan.
My mouth parted when he quickly maneuvered the car and drove away, leaving the
mad Max on the parking lot.
Nakahalukipkip ako at mabilis ang paghinga habang nasa sasakyan n'ya.
 "Ano bang problema mo?" I exclaimed while looking at him.
"I need to check on you." Parang walang pakialam n'yang sabi.
"Check on me? Para saan? Your contract ended right?" Giit ko. "I know I was
just a job but the contract ended! Ano pang trabaho mo sa'kin, huh?"
"I will protect you." Giit n'ya, kalmado at hindi pinapansin ang pagwawala ko
sa kotse n'ya.
"Protect from what?!" Sigaw ko. "Wala nang kalaban! Nakulong na, pinakulong mo,
diba?!"
Hindi s'ya umimik at kumunot lang ang noo.
Napasinghap naman ako nang di na n'ya ako sinagot at umirap sa hangin.
This asshole! Papalayasin ko na 'to sa mansyon!
Someone called, I overheard him talking to Caspian, his brother, mukhang
nagpapasundo sa ospital.
"We'll go to the hospital first, I'm gonna fetch him and his family." Aniya.
"Pagdating doon, mauuna na ako sa bahay." Malamig kong sabi.
"Sasama ka sa'kin." Utos n'ya.
"Ano ka, boss? Kaya kong mag-isa, Mr. Alcantara." I said.
"Warrion." Giit n'ya. "Call me Warrion, Winter."
"Oh, yeah, where's Miss Almedarez now, huh?" I mocked him.
His forehead creased, sumimangot at umirap ako sa hangin.
We reached the hospital after a ride full of fighting and my harsh mouth.
Pakialam ko? Edi kung magagagalit s'ya edi, pababain n'ya ako!
Nang lumabas s'ya ay pinagbuksan n'ya ako at naglahad ng kamay. I looked at his
hand boredly and raised my brow.
"Gagawin ko d'yan?"
"Take it," Aniya, nakatitig sa akin.
"I don't need you." Irap ko at madabog na bumaba, hindi pinapansin ang kamay
n'ya.
"Oh! Sakit 'nun, men!" I stopped when I heard a voice, kaagad akong lumingon at
nagitla nang makita ang tatlong lalaki roon.
"The fuck you're doing here?" I heard Warrion's voice.
"Calm down," Ngisi 'nung isang gwapo na may pilyong ngisi.
My forehead creased at that.
"Hi, Miss, I'm Vioxx." The tall, handsome man said. "Warrion's cousin."
My mouth parted.
Kaagad kong tinanggap ang kamay at ngumiti.
"Hello! I'm Winter." I smiled sweetly.
"May tinanim akong bomba sa sasakyan mong tangina ka." Biglang sabi ni Warrion
kaya napabitaw sa kamay ko 'yung Vioxx at sumulyap sa sports car na pula sa gilid.
"Tangina?" Vioxx exclaimed.
The two men laughed, the othed one looked like a prince to me, well lahat naman
sila! But this man has this aura!
Si Warrion kasi ay malakas ang aura. He looks too strong, unang tingin mo
palang feeling mo durog ka na. Bratatat ba, ganun.
Dahil matatangkad at magkaka-height ay halos malula ako sa mga gwapo sa harapan
ko.
"Lucian," The man with deep set of black eyes said. The one who looked like a
prince!
"Winter," Pakilala ko at tinanggap ang kamay ko. "Prinsipe ka ba? Ang gwapo
mo." I said.
"Winter!" Warrion exclaimed at humagalpak ng tawa ang mga lalaki roon.
"Secret lang natin, Miss." Ngisi n'ya. "Baka hindi ako bayaran sa utang n'yang
bebe mo."
"Bebe?" I eyed the furious Alcantara and rolled my eyes. "No way!"
Nagsitawanan nanaman ang tatlo, nang bumaling ako roon sa isa na nakangisi at
naiiling ay napansin ko ang magkaibang kulay na mga mata n'ya.
Staring at him, my mouth parted when I realized who he is.
 "Wave Nievarez?!" I exclaimed at napakurap ang lalaki at tipid na ngumisi sa
akin.
"Hello, Miss Winter. Nice meeting you again." He greeted me.
Napatalon ako sa gulat roon. Nang ilahad n'ya ang kamay ay tinanggap ko iyon
kaagad.
"You knew each other?" Lucian asked.
"Yeah," Ani Wave.
"He's my co-model in some shoots," I said, smiling widely.
"Wow, ang galing! Magpipinsan kayo?" Sumulyap ako sa kanila. "Pati si Caspian,
diba?"
Nang tumango sila ay natuwa ako.
"Kakatuwa naman, ang gwapo n'yong lahat!" I said at biglang lumitaw ang
nakasimangot na si Warrion kaya ngumiwi ako at tinuro s'ya.
"Except sa'yo." I spatted and rolled my eyes.
Bumusangot na si Alcantara, parang mababaliw na kakatawa ang mga pinsan n'ya at
proud na proud ako sa sarili ko dahil sa sinabi ko.
Hinawi ko ang buhok dahil sa malakas at sariwang hangin. Ngumuso ako at
sinubukang ilagay ang buhok sa likod ng tenga pero naaalis rin dahil sa hangin kaya
sumasabog sa mukha ko ang buhok.
"Ano? Anong barya?" My forehead creased when I heard Lucian spoke.
Sa pagsulyap ko sa kanila ay nakita kong kinakausap s'ya ni Warrion.
"Basta, may bibilhin ako." I heard Warrion said.
"Ano?" Lucian asked. "May balance ka pa nga mangungutang ka pang barya!"
"Basta! Babayaran nga kita." Giit ni Warrion at narinig kong mapamura si Lucian
pero wala ring nagawa at kumuha ng barya sa bulsa at inabutan si Warrion na
nagmamadaling umalis kaya nagtaka ako.
"Saan 'yun?" I asker his cousins.
"Baka bibili mik-mik." Ani Vioxx kaya ngumuso ako.
"Seriously?" I laughed.
I had fun chatting with his cousins, naputol lang nang dumating si Warrion na
may dalang kung ano.
"Come here," I flinched when he touched my forearm.
"What?" Gulong sabi ko.
"Stay still," He said huskily.
Nagtataka man ay hindi ako umimik, ngumuso ako at umayos ng tayo. Naramdaman ko
ang paghawak n'ya sa magulo kong buhok dahil sa hangin.
"Ano ka, magpaparlor?" I asked.
Nagsitawanan nanaman ang mga pinsan n'ya, sumimangot ang huli at ngumiwi sa
akin.
"Shut up, Winter. I'm doing my best to be sweet here." Aniya.
"Oh, smooth!" Vioxx exclaimed.
Natigilan lang ako nang makitang may hawak s'yang hairpin. I was confused when
he fixed my hair at the back of my ear before putting the hairpin to support it.
He then brushed my hair slowly and lowered his face until our eyes met.
My heart quickened in pain and nervousness.
"He's...your boyrfriend?" He said in a low voice, whispering.
My eyes dilated, napalunok ako nang makita ang lungkot sa mga mata n'ya at
tumikhim, pinapatatag ang sarili.
"Why would you even care?" I said bitterly and smiled painfully. "I am just a
job for you, anyway."

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Kabanata 14

Kabanata 14
"Okay! Candidate number two!" Inilahad sa akin ni Macarena ang larawan ng isang
gwapo lalaki.
"Ezekiel Salazar," She showed me the infos. "Owner of a Salazar ranch in
Batanes, twenty-nine years old, single. Ateneo graduate of business
administration."
"Gwapo," I nodded. Nanatili akong nakatitig roon.
"I know right," She said. "Nanligaw nga sa'yo diba?"
"That was way back in college, Macarena. I totally forgot his face. Saan mo nga
pala nakita itong lalaki?" My brow raised.
"Sa listahan mo, 'yung dalawang page." Aniya at bumilog ang bibig ko at
napatango roon.
"Ang galing, huh. Saan mo nahalukay?" I asked her.
"Sa laptop mo! Babaeng 'to talaga." Tawa n'ya at napanguso ako at pinakatitigan
ang mukha 'nung lalaki.
"Hmm, feeling ko Mama's boy pa rin 'to." I said. Macarena chuckled, nakatitig
rin s'ya sa litrato at tumango.
"Yeah, look at the red ribbon on his neck. Good boy, huh?" Ngisi n'ya. "Di mo
ba bet? Kung ayaw mo marami pa 'to, let's proceed to candidate number three?"
My forehead creased.
"Why candidate number three kaagad? Ezekiel is the first one you showed me,
right?" Gulong sabi ko.
"Syempre, may candidate number one na ako!" Aniya at nagtaka ako roon at
nangunot ang noo.
"Who?"
"Sino pa ba edi 'yung manok ko!" Aniya. Mas nangunot ang noo ko roon, napairap
s'ya sa akin at ngumiwi.
"Si Major, Winter! Slow naman nito." Aniya at nanlaki ang mata ko.
I cleared my throat, taas noong umiling sa kanya.
"No freaking way, ekis na 'yun sakin!" I sulked.
"I know, medyo ekis na rin sa'kin pero s'ya first choice ko sa'yo e." Aniya.
"Pero syempre hindi rin ako papayag na diligan ka 'nun, he still isn't allowed to
come near you 'no! Kung didiligan ka nga lang, magandang choice pero sinaktan ka na
so, no." Iling n'ya.
"See?" My lips protruded.
"Bakit nga ba 'di pa 'yan umaalis rito?" She asked me and I shrugged and shook
my head.
"Ewan ko d'yan, nakakainis." Nguso ko. "Babantay daw sakin habang wala sina
Mommy, like, ano ako, baby? I can handle myself! Lakas makasabi ng may buhay s'ya
bukod sa akin pero ayaw pa rin umalis!"
"Tinry mo palayasin 'no?" Malisyosang sabi n'ya.
"Oo!" I answered. "Kulang na nga lang itapon ko 'yung damit sa labas."
"Galit ka sa kanya talaga?" Her brow raised at me, tila inoobserbahan ako.
"Syempre," I sighed. "But I understand him, na hindi lang sa akin iikot ang
buhay n'ya at it's fine with me. Pero sana, umalis s'ya, naiirita ako sa mukha
n'ya. Inaaway ko na nga pero ang gwapo pa rin!" I stomped my feet.
"Hay, ang marupok kong kaibigan." She sighed.
"I'm not!" I raised my brow. "Have I ever talked to him? No, right? S'ya itong
papansin palagi, akala n'ya gwapo."
Ngumisi si Macarena at nanliit ang mata sa akin.
"Oo na, oo na, gwapo!" Irit ko.
Humagalpak s'ya at nang makitang palapit si Piglet ay tinanggal ko ang unan sa
hita ko at hinayaang tumalon roon ang pusa ko.

I slowly caressed the head of my cat, bored lang naman

itong nakatingin kay Macarena na ngumuso sa akin.
"Ito talagang si piglet kapag tumingin parang nang-ja-judge." Reklamo n'ya at
hinaplos rin ang ulo ng pusa.
"I know right, I can almost imagine her purring everytime, definitely saying,
Tuyot! Tuyot! Tuyot!" I said.
"Ano, Winter? Should we give Ezekiel a try? Kung ayaw mo, the list goes on."
Aniya.
"How about Max?" I asked her.
"Max's an asshole," Ngiwi n'ya bigla kaya nagtaka ako roon. "Nung nakaraan pa
ako pinipilit na pumunta rito! Sasama raw s'ya sakin and can you believe he's
saying you're his girlfriend?"
My mouth parted, napakurap ako sa gulat roon.
"S-Seriously?"
"Yes, that man. Sinabi ko nang sa sunod na kayo magkita pero namimilit." She
said.
Napatango ako at kinagat ang labi ko.
"He's a good man, Elena but you see...I can't like Max more than a friend." I
sighed.
"Then, tell him. Para matapos na rin. He's becoming very obssessive of you."
"I will," I sighed and shook my head.
I don't know what magic Macarena has but he contacted Ezekiel right after our
talk at naging maayos ang lahat. We've decided we'll meet at a bar tonight, kasama
ko si Macarena mamaya at kasalukuyan akong nag-aayos para sa meet-up ko sa college
suitor ko.
Well, desperate measures. I'm getting older, isa pa, baka ma-expire na ako
talaga kapag hindi pa ako nag-asawa!
I just wish Ezekiel is a good man, sana magustuhan ko s'ya kaagad.
I remembered going to Caspian's condo unit after that scene last time with
Warrion. Sinundo namin sila noon sa ospital, si Caspian, Polaris and their son,
Riu. Ayaw ko man ay wala na akong nagawa kung hindi ang mag-stay roon hanggang
gabi.
Polaris is a good woman, masayang kausap at palaging punong-puno ng knowledge.
We stayed until dinner at kung maghaharap lang kami ni Warrion ay walang sawa ko
s'yang iirapan kaya sumakit na ang mata ko.
Sirius is a bubbly, little kid. He's handsome, I can't believe Caspian is the
father, that explains the uncanny resemblance of the kid and Warrion! Kasi anak ng
kapatid n'ya!
Wearing a sparkly little black dress, I stared at myself in the mirror. Malaki
ang ngiti ko habang inaayos ang kinulot kong buhok.
The dress fits perfectly on my body, exposing my porcelain skin and chest and
my small waist. I wore a two-inches stilletos to match my outfit and a black small
bag.
When satisfied, I took a photo on my phone and post it on my social media
before heading out of my room.
I was humming a bit, walking on the hallway when I saw Warrion coming.
His forehead creased when he saw me, tumaas ang kilay n'ya nang tumitig sa
katawan ko at hinarap ako.
"Where are you going?" He asked.
Nagtaas ako ng noo at tinitigan s'ya.
"Why do you care?" I asked him.
His jaw clenched, I saw how his lips protruded a bit, probably annoyed of me.
"I have to check on you--"
"Check on me, check on me my ass." Ngiwi ko. "Malaki na ako, Mr. Alcantara and
you see, like you, I have bigger life than this."

"Where are you going?" Iritang sabi n'ya. Nakita kong

naiinis na sa mga sagot ko.
"Date," I said and grinned. "Madidiligan na ako, Mr. Alcantara."
His eyes darken, I saw how his muscle clenched. Mukhang ilang pang-aasar ko pa
ay madudurog na ako.
"Sasama ako." Aniya.
 My jaw dropped, umayos ako ng tayo at tinitigan s'ya.
"Excuse me?"
"I'm coming with you." Aniya at tumaas ang kilay ko.
"No way!" I exclaimed.
"Yes way," Kumunot ang noo n'ya. "I'll get my keys, wait for me." Utos n'ya at
nilagpasan ako.
Syempre nagmadali ako palabas bago pa n'ya ako abutan, ano ako, hilo? Hindi na
ako bata para samahan n'ya! I can do it on my own!
Kung magpapadilig ako ay wala na s'yang pakialam roon! Ni-reject n'ya ang offer
kong maging irrigation, edi h'wag!
Halos hingalin na ako nang makasakay sa taxi sa pagmamadali.
"Pakibilisan, Kuya!" I exclaimed when I got into the vehicle.
Hindi naman na s'ya nagtanong, nang makalagpas sa village ay tuwang-tuwa ako
dahil hindi ako nasundan ni Warrion.
Pagkarating ko sa isang sikat na high-end bar ay tuwang-tuwa ako. It's been a
while since I last went to places like this!
Siguro dahil masyado na akong Tita? Oh, does that really affect my likes?
Because I'm not getting any younger?
Sa labas palang ng bar ay may nakita na akong mga teenagers sa labas na mukhang
nag-iisip paano makakapasok sa loob at dadayain ang kanilang edad.
My brows shot up the moment I saw two of the teenagers kissing.
What?
Umawang ang labi ko at namaywang, hindi ko alam pero lumapit ako sa kanila at
nagsalita.
"Hey, bawal 'yan dito. Bata pa kayo, huh?" I said.
The couple stopped kissing, nakita ko ang pagtingin sa akin ng ilang mga
teenager at ngumiwi.
"Ano po bang pakialam mo?"
"Aba't! Alam ba iyan ng Nanay n'yo?" Namaywang ako at pinagtaasan sila ng
kilay.
"Ano namang pakialam mo, huh, Manang?" The girl asked.
My jaw dropped dramatically, I gasped in horror and pointed myself.
"M-Manang? Me?!" I exclaimed.
"Oo, ikaw, Manang. Pakialam mo ba kung gusto namin mag-bar?"
"Because you're all obviously kids! What are you, sixteen? What?" Tumaas ang
kilay ko. "And bawiin mo 'yun, hindi ako, Manang! Dalaga pa ako--"
"Ay, hindi halata." The bitchy teenager said. Umawang nanaman ang labi ko.
"Sabihin mo na kasi, Manang, inggit ka lang kasi may kahalikan kami. E, ikaw?
You are obviously going to bars because you don't have a man. Seeking love and
shelter, huh?"
"What?! You kid!" I exclaimed. "H-Hindi ako single, may boyfriend ako!"
"Then why are you alone here, huh? Bakit mo kami aawayin dito?" Ngiwi n'ya sa
akin at pinaypayan ko ang sarili sa stress.
"B-Busy s'ya! Kaya ako mag-isa!"
"Okay, sabi mo e...Tita." The girl smirked.
Halos atakihin ako sa puso, umawang ang labi ko sa konsumisyon at hindi na alam
ang sasabihin.

"Tatakas ka, hmm..." I felt a hand on my waist and a hard

kiss on my cheek kaya napatalon ako.
Napalingon ako at halos mawalan nang ulirat nang makita si Alcantara sa tabi
ko.
"W-What..."
"You have a problem with my girlfriend?" Warrion's deep and alluring voice
filled my ears. Nang bumaba ang tingin ko sa mga bata ay nakita kong gulat na gulat
sila sa mukha ni Warrion.
"U-Uh, Kuya, girlfriend mo si Tita?" Ani nung babaeng suplada.
 "A-Anong Tita?!" I exclaimed pero diniin ako ni Warrion sa dibdib n'ya kaya
natahimik ako.
"Yeah, hmm, why?"
"W-Wala naman..." Nasilip ko ang mga batang hiyang-hiya kay Warrion. I even saw
the only boy in the group, shaking his head, looking at his girlfriend who was
obviously smitten with this ugly man.
"Why are you here anyway? How old are you?"
"S-Seventeen po!" Sagot nung babae.
"That isn't the legal age, why would you go inside the bar?" Mabait na sabi ni
Warrion.
Napairap ako, tinulak ko ang dibdib n'ya pero mas hinapit ako kaya sumubsob ako
sa leeg n'ya.
"Alcantara!" I hissed and slapped his back pero mas idiniin n'ya lang ako.
"Ta-try lang po sana."
"No, don't. Come back here when you're legal. Go home now." Ani nito.
"O-Okay, sige po!" Mabilis na sabi nila at sa muli kong paglingon ay
nagsisialisan na ang mga bata kaya napasinghap ako at tinulak na ng mas malakas si
Alcantara.
"These kids!" Nasapo ko ang noo, pinagmamasdan ang mga bata. "Anong Tita?! Do I
look like an auntie to them?!"
"Pagkatapos mong tumakas sakin, makikita kitang nakikipag-away sa mga bata."
Malisyosong sabi ni Warrion kaya hinarap ko s'ya at inirapan.
I crossed my arms on my chest and raised my brow.
"Anong ginagawa mo dito?!"
"Babantayan ka." Aniya.
Natawa ako at suminghap, parang nababaliw na.
"Bantayan mo mukha mo," Ngiwi ko.
His jaw clenched, nakita kong bumaba ang tingin n'ya sa dibdib ko at tumikhim.
"Let's go inside para maaga kitang i-uuwi."
"What?!" I exclaimed. "No way, dito lang ako hanggang umaga!"
"What?" His forehead creased. "No, you're going early with me. Uuwi na tayo
kaagad."
"Bakit? Boss ba kita? Why would I come with you?"
"Because I said so," Prenteng sabi n'ya.
"Fuck you," Ngiwi ko.
"Are you cursing me or giving me a task to do?" Tumaas ang kilay n'ya.
"What the..." Hindi makapaniwalang napailing ako sa kanya. "Y-You're seriously
telling me that?!"
He smirked at me, licking his lower lip seductively.
Nagpalpitate naman ang puso ko, halos murahin s'ya sa utak dahil kahit anong
irita ko sa kanya ay ang gwapo-gwapo pa rin n'ya!
He's wearing a white dress shirt and black slacks, the first three buttons of
his shirt was undone, exposing his chest. The sleeves of his clothes were folded up
to his forearm.
I also noticed his hair, looking like he's freshly shaved for an undercut with
low fade. His hair is messy. His green mesmerizing eyes stared darkly at me that I
have to refrain myself from praising him again like a fool.

"Pwede ba, Alcantara." I sighed. "Tantanan mo na ako,

please?"
His eyes soften, nawala ang pilyong tingin n'ya at humugot ng hininga.
"Winter..." He said in a deep baritone. "I was just trying to protect you."
"Protect me?" I laughed. "Yet you hurt my heart! Naprotektahan mo nga ako pero
'yung puso ko, nagawa mo ba?"
He stopped, I saw how pain reflected his eyes, akmang magsasalita pero umiling
ako at mabilis na tumalikod at magmartsa papasok.
Mabigat ang loob ko, nang batiin ako ng bouncer ay hindi ako sumagot at kaagad
na kumuha ng inumin sa waiter na dumaan.
I drinked the vodka in one gulp at halos mahilo sa bigla at sa pagsabog ng
nakakaindak na kanta sa lugar. The colorful and playful lights scattered the place,
nang makita si Macarena ay lumaki ang ngisi ko at mabilis na lumapit.
She hugged me, niyakap ko s'ya pabalik at ngumisi.
"You looked gorg, Winter! As always!" She giggled while I twirled infront of
her.
"You too! Sinong kasama mo?" I asked her at mula sa likod n'ya ay nakita ko ang
paglitaw ng boyfriend n'ya.
"Josiah!" I exclaimed.
Josiah laughed when she saw me, kaagad akong nagbeso at ngumisi sa kaibigan ko
at bumulong.
"Ayiee, lalasingin mo itong bebe mo, ano? Tapos jugjugan na?" Biro ko at
napahagalpak nang mamula ang pisngi ni Macarena at pinalo ang braso ko.
"Shh! H'wag ka maingay! Secret lang!" Hagikhik n'ya kaya mas nagtawanan kami.
"Pero ikaw, I saw Ezekiel and I admit he was super hot!" Tili ni Macarena pero
natigil lang nang yakapin s'ya ni Josiah sa likuran at halikan sa pisngi.
"Your mouth, Rena..." Ani nito.
My friend blushed, napatili naman ako roon at hinila ang buhok ng kaibigan ko.
"Ikaw na! Ikaw na ang may jowang nakakakilig!" I stomped my feet. "Ako na ang
single, ako na ang mag-isa!"
She laughed, umiling s'ya at pinanlakihan ako ng mata.
"Kaya ikaw, galingan mo, girl! Ezekiel looks stable! Potential jowa material!"
Aniya at may tinuro roon sa malayo.
I shifted my gaze and saw Ezekiel sitting on the bar counter drinking whiskey.
Tahimik s'ya roon at sumulyap ako kay Josiah at Macarena bago sumaludo.
Nang may madaanang waiter ay muli akong kumuha ng alak at tumungga bago
naglakad patungo kay Ezekiel.
Tita raw ako? But then, I stopped when I realized I am basically the elderly
who hated teenagers on street.
Oh, so...Tita na talaga ako?
"Hi, Ezekiel!" I greeted the man who was sitting on the stool.
Kaagad itong lumingon at nakita ko ang gulat sa kanya nang makita ako.
"Winter," He said in a deep baritone. I flashed a small, sweet smile.
"Hi..."
"Wow!" His smile brightened, tumayo s'ya at inalalayan akong paupo.
"You looked beautiful, as always!" Aniya at nag-init ang pisngi ko. I chuckled,
masuyo naman ang kanyang tingin at tinawag ang waiter para bigyan ako ng inumin.
"You looked handsome too," Bati ko and I mean it.
He matured a lot since college! Mas naging batak ang katawan n'ya kumpara noon
na medyo patpatin.

We talked a lot, reminiscing our college days. He's a good

listener, huli ko na napansing napakadaldal ko na kaya nagsitawanan kami.
Sa lakas ng tugtog ay halos hindi na kami magkarinigan kaya magkalapit ang
mukha namin para magkarinigan. He was almost shouting the words on my ear.
I chuckled when his lips touched my cheek briefly, malamang ay dahil sa
nahihilo na rin ako sa alak.
He's fun to be with, hindi nga lang ako makapagfocus dahil sa alak at sa
pakiramdam na minamatyagan ako.
My lips protruded, kumunot ang noo ko at umikot ang paningin pero wala akong
makita.
I just hope that it isn't the asshole, Alcantara.
I continued talking to Ezekiel but I was pre-occupied and out of focus. Paikot-
ikot ang tingin ko dahil sa pakiramdam sa pagbabantay sa mga kilos ko.
"Are you alright, Winter?" Ezekiel touched my forearm.
"Yes," Ngiti ko. "I just...you know, restroom muna ako."
 "Oh...sure!" He grinned and stood.
"Ihahatid kita."
"No, ayos lang." I said softly. He nodded, saglit n'ya akong inalalayan patayo
at medyo nahilo na sa alak pero tumayo ako ng maayos.
I made my way to the restroom with the feeling of being followed, nang makita
kong parang pamilyar ang presensyang iyon ay ngumuso ako.
Ganyang-ganyan kahit 'nung nasa Manila ako!
I entered the restroom, noong una ay may kasama ako pero kalaunan ay nawala na
rin ang babaeng kasabay.
I fixed myself in the bathroom, I brushed my curly hair and fixed my small
dress and put on a red lipstick.
Namumutla ang mukha ko sa ilaw kaya naglagay ako ng kaunting blush on at
tumitig sa salamin.
I looked pretty, hindi naman ako mukhang Tita, a? Those kids!
Nang makuntento ay sumulyap akong muli bago lumabas ng banyo pero halos
mapatalon nang makita si Alcantara na nakatayo sa tapat ng restroom.
"A-Anong ginagawa mo?!" I exclaimed.
His forehead creased at me, he looks darkly handsome with his drunk look.
Maayos pa naman s'ya pero halatang nakainom dahil sa namumungay na mga mata.
"I followed you," He said huskily.
I gulped when he advanced a step, napaatras ako roon at napahugot ng hininga.
"B-Bakit? Because my father asked you?" Mapait kong sabi.
His breath deepened, hinanap n'ya ang mata ko at nagsalita.
"Because I want to," Bulong n'ya sa hangin.
"Kasi utos ng Daddy ko..." I chuckled bitterly. "Come on, Alcantara, you can
leave me alone."
"I won't." He sighed. Napasinghap ako nang mapansing nakapasok akong muli sa
banyo at nakapasok na rin s'ya.
"W-Why tapos na ang kontrata mo, diba? You can leave me alone now! S-Sabi mo
hindi mo ako gusto! Is it because of my Dad then, kaya ka palaging nandito--"
"I am here because I want to," He sighed. "Damn, I'd protect you again and
again."
"F-For?" Nanginig ang boses ko.
I gasped when my back reached the wall, tumama ang likod ko rito at napasinghap
ako nang nakitang ni-lock n'ya ang pinto at lumapit sa akin.
I gulped and my heart started beating loudly.

My eyes dilated with the sight of him closer to me, bumilis

ang aking paghinga nang inilapit n'ya ang katawan sa akin at ipinatong ang kamay sa
itaas ng ulo ko.
He towered me, a whimper left my lips when he caught my chin and lifted it,
making me see his green eyes.
"What are you doing with that boy, hmm..." Mahinang bulong n'ya, nakatitig sa
labi ko.
"D-Date..." Bulong ko. His eyes darken and his lips lifted for a bitter smile.
"I wish I could date other woman too," Bulong n'ya kaya nagtaka ako at iniangat
ang tingin sa kanya.
"T-Then date other woman." Sabi ko pero ang bigat ng puso ko.
"I will if only I could," He chuckled non-chalantly. "But I'm stucked with you
for years."
"H-Huh?" Gulong sabi ko.
"I don't break promises, Winter." He smiled sadly at me. "I won't because my
heart can't. I promised to protect you, over and over again."
I smelled liquor on his breath at kahit nagwawala na ang puso ko ay iniangat ko
ang tingin sa kanya.
"W-Why are you saying this?" Mababa ang boses ko.
"Because I want to," He whispered. "Even if it fucking hurts seeing you liking
other man than me. Even if it hurts seeing you kissing them."
I gasped when his lips landed on my cheek.
"Y-You pushed me away and now..."
"Because I have to stop myself," Bulong n'ya. "I don't want to hurt you."
"By hurting me?" Bulong ko.
"That's the only way," Aniya. "I should be staying away from you like what I
intended to always do. I should have just stayed under your shadow."
"E, bakit ka nandito?" Bulong ko. Nagwawala ang puso.
"Kasi gago ako," He chuckled non-chalantly. "I can't stay away from you...
Kahit anong pilit kong ilayo ang sarili ko sayo dahil ayokong maulit ulit ang
dati."
Hindi ako umimik at humugot ng hininga.
"I-I am hurt, Warrion." I gasped. "Because I like you...and you pushed me
away."
"I am hurt too, Winter." He sighed and placed his forehead against mine. "You
hurt me first, years ago, when you blocked me out from your memory."
Natigilan ako roon at hindi ko alam pero tumulo ang luha sa mata ko.
"I-I did?" My heart started beating wildly.
Hindi s'ya sumagot, I saw his bloodshot eyes, mukha s'yang hinang-hina roon. My
mouth parted when he planted a small kiss on my lips and dried my cheek.
"What..." Hinanap ko ang mata n'ya.
"I'm fucking drunk," He groaned and held my waist. Muli s'yang nagpatak ng
halik sa labi ko at hinanap ang mata ko.
"I can't even see you clearly now," Reklamo n'ya at kumunot ang noo. "Fuck that
drinks, I will punch Caspian."
"L-Lasing ka na talaga?" Bulong ko at hinaplos ang pisngi n'ya.
Nakita kong pumikit ang mata n'ya at muling nagmulat, hinanahap ang mata ko.
"Can I kiss you?" Bulong n'ya. "I might sober up if I kiss you."
"B-But hindi pa tayo bati!" I exclaimed.
"Magbati na tayo, please..." Bulong n'ya, nakatitig sa labi ko.

"No," I murmured, nalalasing na rin sa tingin n'ya.

"Ayoko..."
"Baby...please?" He murmured. Napasinghap ako sa gulat nang buhatin n'ya ang
baywang ko kaya napatili ako at yumakap sa leeg n'ya.
My eyes widen when he walked towards the sink and placed me on top of it, the
mirror on my back.
Halos masilaw ako sa ilaw roon at nakita kong namumula na si Warrion roon
habang hinahanap ang mata ko.
"There, you're clear..." He murmured and caressed my cheek. "I can see you
clearly now, how I wish this isn't a dream."
My mouth parted in shock, kumunot ang noo ko.
"This isn't a dream!" I murmured.
"Nah," He chuckled huskily, lowering his head and kissing my lips. "I am sure I
passed out with that fucking drink Caspian gave and you..." He touched my lips.
"You probably is with that boy, right now... Galit ka sakin because I pushed
you away, what an asshole, right?"
"This isn't a dream, Warrion!" I snapped but he smiled seductively and caressed
my waist.
"I wish," He chuckled deeply. "If it's true then, I might can't touch you like
this because you hate me."
"But..." Natigil lang ako nang hulihin n'ya ang labi ko para sa isang malalim
na halik.
"And tomorrow...when I woke up, hindi mo nanaman ako kakausapin. Doon nanaman
ako sa tapat ng kwarto mo, aantayin kung lalabas ka." He said bitterly. "I have to
stay away from you, I have to push you away so, you won't get hurt again."
I didn't say anything, I can't understand what he's saying but I am positive he
is so drunk right now. His voice is slurred, namumungay ang mga mata n'ya habang
nalalasing ang tingin sa aking labi kaya hinawakan ko na ang batok n'ya at hinila
s'ya palapit sa akin.
Our lips met, it was as if it knows what to do, his hands crawled on my back
and pulled me closer to his chest.
His mouth invaded mine, I opened my mouth willingly when his tongue made its
way towards mine.
The heat started invading my system, niyakap ko ng mahigpit ang kanyang leeg
habang nagpapalitan kami ng halik.
"I wish I can hold you like this in reality, hmm..." He whispered on my lips.
"Why are you pushing me, anyway?" Hinahapo kong sabi.
"I have reasons," He said and caught my lips again.
"Like?" Tinulak ko s'ya at hinanap ang mata n'ya.
"Like..." He licked his lower lips and I gasped in shock when he lowered his
head and kissed my neck. I groaned and tilted my head to give him more access to my
skin.
He touched my jaw and a sweet moan left my lips the moment he bit my skin.
"W-War..." I whispered.
He groaned and touched my waist, naghabol ako nang hininga nang maramdaman ang
daliri n'ya sa hita ko, dahilan para umakyat ang dress ko.
Our lower bodies touched, I felt the heat burning my system and the burning
hidden desire inside me. I clutched his hair and pulled it softly.
"Damn, you smell good..." He groaned on my ear and bit my earlobe.
"Ah..." I gasped. Mas hinigit n'ya ako sa kanya, bumilis ang paghinga ko nang
maramdaman ang katawan n'ya sa akin.
He moved his waist a bit, natigalgal ako at mas nakaramdaman ng init.

"W-Warrion!" I gasped.
"Hmm, baby?" He whispered sensually on my ear, huli ko na napansing nakababa na
pala ang strap ng damit ko kaya kitang-kita n'ya ang dibdib ko.
My eyes dilated at that, akmang tatakpan pero hindi n'ya ako hinayaan.
"Wala kang bra?" Reklamo n'ya, titig na titig sa dibdib ko.
"A-Ayaw mo 'nun, easy access?" I breathe.
He groaned, ngumiwi s'ya at hinanap ang mata ko.
"Not funny, woman." He murmured. "What are you doing in here anyway, other than
to date that boy?"
Hindi ako kaagad nakasagot nang maramdaman ang kamay n'ya sa dibdib ko, my
breath was unsteady, lumunok ako ng marahas at nakagat ang labi ko.
"D-Didiligan mo na ako, Major?" I murmured.
His lip twitched, umangat ang kilay n'ya at pinatakan ng halik ang labi ko.
"Ano munang ginagawa mo dito?" Aniya.
"Party, syempre!" I exclaimed in frustration because he's teasing my peaks with
his freaking fingers!
"And?" Tumitig s'ya sa mata ko at ibinagsak rin ang isang strap ng dress ko at
marahang hinila pababa.
"P-Party! Sasayaw syempre, anong gusto mo, prayer meeting?---Warrion!" I
exclaimed when he lowered his face and licked my chest.
I was feeling dizzy and burning, tanging malakas na ungol nalang ang
pinakawalan ko sa kanyang ginagawa. He licked my breast, sucking its peaks while he
plays the other one, placing it on his fingers, teasing it.
Heat consumed my body, the part in between my legs felt weird. I almost
convulsed when he dry humped me, the roughness of his pants gave enought
sensitiveness in that part of mine.
"W-War..."
"Damn, I fucking don't want to wake up." Giit n'ya at muling binalikan ang labi
ko.
We exchanged kisses like it was our last. Nawawawala na ako sa sarili, miski
ang steps ni Macarena ay nawala na sa isip ko at mararahas na paghinga lang ang
pinapakawalan ko.
I stopped kissing him the moment I realized someone is knocking harshly on the
door.
My eyes widen, tinulak ko ang ulo ni Warrion pero nangunot lang ang noo n'ya at
pinatakan ang labi ko ng paulit-ulit na halik.
"Wait..." Umiwas ako kaya tumama ang halik n'ya sa pisngi ko.
"What?" He whinned and kissed my neck while cupping my breast.
"M-May tao, Warrion." I said and pushed him.
"Huh?" Wala sa sariling sabi n'ya at lumingon sa pintuan pabalik sa akin. "I
locked it, no one will see you--"
"W-We have to go out," I said, panicking at nang mas lumakas ang katok ay
natulala ako.
Warrion was fast, bumalik lang ako sa sarili nang i-angat n'ya ang damit ko at
inayos ang laylayan ng dress ko.
I blinked, mabilis namang pinatakan n'ya ng halik ang labi ko bago ayusin ang
buhok ko at buhatin ako pababa sa sink.
"Come on," Hinawakan n'ya ang kamay ko nang makitang ayos na ako at binuksan
ang pintuan.
My eyes widen when I realized that a lot of woman is out here! Nakita ko ang
gulat at malisyosa nilang tingin sa akin pero mas nagulat ako nang makita ang
parang mahihimatay na si Macarena roon.
"Y-You..." Tinuro n'ya kaming dalawa.
My cheeks flushed, mabilis kong inagaw ang kamay ko kay Warrion at tumingin sa
bangag na si Macarena.

"It's not--"
"Ang galing ng manok ko!" She exclaimed at nagulat ako nang mag-apir sila ni
Warrion.
My eyes widen, nang lingunin ko si Warrion ay tumikhim s'ya at nag-iwas ng
tingin.
What the hell?
Nangunot ang noo ko, paulit-ulit silang tinignan at nailing bago umalis.
Warrion ran after me, nang maabutan n'ya ako ay hinawakan n'ya ang pulsuhan ko pero
kinuha ko ang kamay at nilingon s'ya.
"U-Umalis ka na, I have a date." I said.
His eyes darken, his jaw clenched and I shook my head at him and turned my back
to go back to Ezekiel.
Inulan ako ng tanong ni Ezekiel pagkabalik ko pero wala akong masagot sa kanya,
sinabi ko nalang na sumama kasi ang pakiramdam ko. We drinked until it's late, nang
mag-aya s'yang sumayaw ay tumango ako at sumama.
Is Warrion home? Umalis na kaya s'ya?
Wala pa man ako sa dancefloor ay may tumawag sa akin at sa paglingon ko ay
nagulat ako nang makita si Caspian at Wave roon.
"H-Hi?" Gulo kong sabi.
"Can you come with us, Winter?" Caspian asked kaya naguluhan ako.
"Why?"
"Warrion," Ani Wave at natigil ako. My mouth parted, napalingon ako sa
naguguluhang si Zeke at nagsalita.
"Uhm, Zeke... I'm sorry, as much as I want to stay, may kailangan kasi..." I
murmured.
"Oh, it's alright." Aniya, naguguluhan pa rin. "Maybe I can ask you for another
date?"
"S-Sure..." I smiled a bit. "I just have to go now."
Nang pumayag s'ya ay nagpaalam na ako at sumama sa dalawa, habang paakyat sa
second floor ng bar ay nagtanong ako.
"What's happening?" I asked Caspian.
 "Nababaliw na ata 'yung lover boy mo," He said.
My eyes widen, napasulyap ako kay Wave at napangisi lang ito at umiling sa
akin.
"Warrion is crazy when he's drunk, akala lahat kapag nahihilo na s'ya,
panaginip."
My mouth parted, inilahad n'ya ang counter at nagitla ako nang makitang
nakasubsob sa counter si Warrion at Vioxx habang sa tabi ay nagsasalita si Lucian
mag-isa.
"A-Anong nangyari sa kanila?"
"Broken hearted," Ngisi ni Cas. "Kaya pinainom ko 'nung pinakamatapang na alak,
ayan, tulog."
"E, si Lucian..." Turo ko kay Lucian.
"Hayaan mo, naniningil lang 'yan ng utang." Tawa ni Caspian.
I nodded, lumapit ako sa kanila at naupo sa tabi ng nakapikit na si Warrion,
katabi ang isang baso ng alak.
"Can he still go home?" Baling ko kay Caspian na tumango sa akin.
"Oo, gising 'yan, kalabitin mo. Medyo bangag pero makakausap naman. H'wag mo
nalang pansinin kung may sasabihin."
I nodded, marahang hinaplos ko ang buhok ni Warrion at tinawag s'ya.
"War..." I called. He stirred a bit, isang haplos pa sa buhok n'ya ay nagmulat
ang isang mata n'ya at namumungay na tumingin sa akin.
"Alala mo na ko?" He murmured.
I was confused, tumitig ako sa kanya at nakita ko ang pagkabigo sa kanya bago
bahagyang umayos ng upo at tumango sa akin.

I stood, hinayaan s'ya nang hilahin ako at niyakap ang

baywang ko bago isinubsob ang mukha sa aking leeg.
"Winter," He hummed on my neck and kissed my skin.
Mula sa likuran n'ya ay nakita kong nakatingin si Caspian at Wave na nangingisi
pa roon, mukhang may pinag-uusapan.
"Yes?"
"Don't wake me up from this dream," He murmured painfully. "I...I don't want us
to be strangers again."
"T-This isn't a dream, War." Bulong ko.
"It is," He said in a slurred voice. "If it's true...then, you won't be talking
to me."
"I...I lov--" He suddenly stopped.
Humigpit ang yakap n'ya sa akin at maya-maya pa ay narinig ko na ang malalim
n'yang paghinga.
He slept on my shoulder, tinulungan akong buhatin si Warrion ni Caspian.
Wave assisted the broken Vioxx and Lucian, nawe-weirduhan man noong una sa
kanila ay naintindihan ko.
Warrion was hugging my waist as he sleep on my shoulder in Caspian's car.
Pagkarating namin sa bahay ay hinatid namin sa kwarto n'ya si Warrion at nang
bumagsak ito roon sa kama ay hinarap ako ni Caspian.
"Forgive my brother, he's an ass sometimes." Ngiti n'ya sa akin.
I nodded slowly, staring at Warrion and back to him.
"Does he know me?" Mahinang sabi ko. "I mean, in the past? Before he even
worked here?
He froze but then smiled a little.
"Sorry, Miss, that isn't my story to tell." Aniya. "Ask him, Winter."
I nodded and thanked him.
Nang umalis na s'ya ay inasikaso ko si Warrion bago natulog. I was on my bed,
thinking of a lot of things.
I wonder if I know him in the past? Wala akong amnesia so, it's impossible.
But we kissed and ayon sa sinabi n'ya kanina, I assume he likes me. I felt it,
naniniwala akong gusto n'ya ako pero kailangang umiwas dahil may dahilan.
 I felt like he's jealous of Ezekiel and he looks sad, saying he wants us to be
good again.
Huminga ako ng malalim at hinaplos ang labi ko, a smile left my lips and is
looking forward talking to him tomorrow.
I have to clear things out. I have to.
I have to know the past, kung kilala n'ya ako. What was his reason? Does he
really like me? That's why he kissed me?
I woke up excited the next day, hindi ko alam pero sobrang saya ko dahil
kagabi. I am positive he likes me too and he's hiding something between us and I
want to know why.
So, when I went out of the room and saw him going out too ay mabilis na
kumalabog ang puso ko.
Our eyes met, kung noong nakaraan ay iiwas ako at aalis kapag nagkakasabay kami
ay iba ngayon.
Lumapit ako, may malaking ngiti sa labi.
"Good morning!" I greeted him.
He stared at me, confused. Nakita kong nanatili ang titig n'ya sa akin na
nagtataka roon sa asal ko.
"Uhm, just dropped by to ask...uhm, about last night."
Kumunot ang noo n'ya, nagtataka sa akin.
"What about it?" He asked in a cold voice.
"Sinundan mo ako, diba?"
He was confused but then nodded at me, placing his hand on his pocket.
"Yes, I checked on you. Pagkapasok mo sa bar."
I sighed and stared at his eyes. Humakbang ako palapit sa kanya at ngumiti.
"You do remember what happened right? Between us?"
Hindi kaagad s'ya sumagot kaya nagsalita ako.
"You remember what happened right?" I said, hoping. "Tell me everything,
Warrion. Ano bang meron bakit ka lumalayo sa akin? Is it something about the past?"
Hindi s'ya sumagot at tumitig lang.
"And...about the kiss."
He looks taken aback.
"We did not kissed," Biglang sabi n'ya.
I froze, umawang ang labi ko at napakurap.
"We did," I said. "In the bathroom, you said you will protect me. You kissed
me, sabi mo, magbati na tayo and we did make out."
"We did?" Gulong sabi n'ya.
I nodded slowly, my heart started hurting.
"H-Hindi mo naalala?" Bigong sabi ko. "Hindi 'yun panaginip, if you are
remembering--"
"I did not kissed you," He denied. "Maybe outside the bar but I didn't do it
again."
"You did!" I exclaimed. "Alalahanin mo, we kissed, Warrion. We talked too."
Hindi s'ya umimik, nakita kong mukhang napaisip at muling humarap.
"I'm sorry, I can't remember." He said.
I gasped, kumuyom ang kamay ko sa likod.
"If I've said things last night, forget it." Aniya. "I coudn't remember what I
did but if I really did something, forget it. I can't remember anything."
"B-But we kissed, Warrion."
"You might be drunk too, Winter." Aniya at kumunot ang noo. "Maybe it was that
man you met you're kissing last night."
I saw his jaw clenched.
Natahimik ako at humugot ng hininga.
"We're both drunk."
"But I remember it, Warrion! We kissed! We flirted with each other!" I
exclaimed at tumitig s'ya, mukhang maniniwala na pero nag-iwas ng tingin at
umiling.
"That's impossible, the last thing I'd do right now is to flirt with you." He
said.
 My heart sank, napaatras ako at napalunok ng marahas.
"R-Really?" I murmured.
Hindi s'ya umimik, nakagat ko ang labi ko at humugot ng hininga, pinipigilan
ang sarili sa pag-iyak nanaman sa harapan n'ya.
"Everything is just a game to you, hmm?" I said.
"I can't remember anything from last night, Winter. Caspian made me drink a
hard liquor last night so, it isn't clear to me. If ever I said something, forget
it. If I did kissed you, which is impossible, forget it." Giit n'ya, gulong-gulo.
I nodded slowly, chewing my lower lip.
He's saying the truth, he doesn't remember anything.
Tanga mo, Winter. Ang tanga-tanga mo.
"R-Right..." My voice broke but I cleared my throat to stop myself.
"Maybe I'm just drunk too," Ngiti ko at pinisil ang daliri ko para pigilan ang
luha ko.
"Sorry... Mukhang nanaginip lang rin ako kagabi at kung ano-anong nasabi." I
said. "But don't worry, I'll forget everything from last night."
I saw him froze, alam kong wala talaga s'yang maalala at nahihiya ako para sa
sarili kong ginawa.
"I'm sorry, Mr. Alcantara." I apologized and smiled at him, doing my best to
look fine.
"I just thought it happened but you were right, lasing lang rin siguro ako."
Umatras ako ng ilang hakbang. "Don't worry, I'll forget it."
His mouth parted, mukhang may sasabihin pero kaagad akong nag-iwas.
"Winter, I..." He called pero ngumiti lang ako at umiling.
"Don't worry, it might be because of liquor. Pasensya na, Warrion. Palagi
nalang kitang ginugulo." I said. His eyes was filled with confusion and pain,
akmang may sasabihin pero umiwas ako at tumalikod.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Kabanata 15

We're halfway to the story! 15 chapters left!💖

xxx
Kabanata 15
"Hey, Winter, won't you even go and say goodbye to him?" Marahang hinaplos ni
Ate Summer ang buhok ko pero nanatili akong tulala habang nakahiga sa kama,
namumugto ang mata.
"W-What for?" My voice broke.
"A goodluck, atleast say something. He's worried, hindi daw ma-contact ang
phone mo kaya tumawag sa akin. He said he'll fly to Mindanao with the troop today
and he wanted to atleast hear your voice."
I sniffed, sumulyap ako kay Ate at nakita ko ang concern sa mga mata n'ya dahil
sa pag-iyak ko. She assisted me to sit, humawak sa akin kamay at hinanap ang mata
ko.
"Talk to him, Win..."
"A-Ayoko." Umiling ako. "I'm afraid I can't get to talk to him again if I d-did
that, gusto ko, babalik s'ya rito sa akin na maayos tsaka ako kakausapin. Ayokong
sa phone." I cried.
"He'll be safe, Winter." Aniya at hinaplos ang buhok ko.
"H-How can you say that, Ate? He's a soldier and will go to a war! What am I
supposed to do? I can't sleep thinking he'll be in trouble! Paano kapag nasugatan
s'ya, k-kung mapahamak s'ya? Kung hindi na s'ya b-bumalik sa'kin?"
"That was his task to do, Winter. Wala tayong magagawa, iyon ang trabaho n'ya."
Marahang sabi n'ya.
"But he never told me that! We met and we both liked each other and we clicked!
Kaya hindi na namin pinatagal ang panliligaw, sinagot ko and now...he's telling me
he's a soldier and will go to a war? Kung kailan aalis na s'ya?" I said,
hysterical.
"He looks like a strong man to me, Win. He won't get hurt that easily."
"K-Kahit na!" Hinawi ko ang luha ko. "We're together for almost three days pero
ganito na? What am I supposed to do?"
"Pray and trust in him," She said softly, calming me down. "I believe he can do
it, Win. I really do, why don't you talk to him?"
Umiling ako, kagat-kagat ang labi.
"W-What for? I-Iiwan n'ya rin naman ako. He's my first boyfriend yet he's
hurting me like this!"
My sister's phone rang, nagkatinginan kami at nakita kong sumulyap s'ya sa
kanyang phone at suminghap. She lifted her phone, showing me the caller and I shook
my head.
"A-Ayoko..."
But my sister was persistent, walang pagdadalawang-isip na sinagot n'ya ang
tawag at sumulyap sa akin.
"Hey, morning!" She greeted the caller. "Si Winter?"
Nanlaki ang mata ko at umiling sa kanya pero ngumisi lang s'ya sa akin.
"Yeah, she's here. Kakausapin ka na raw." Aniya at inabot sa akin ang phone
kaya sumimangot ako pero tumango lang s'ya sa akin.
"It's gonna be alright," She murmured at nanginginig na inabot ko ang telepono
at dinala sa tenga ko.
"Winter," A husky, tired voice greeted me. I sniffed, kumuyom ang kamay ko sa
kumot at pinakinggan ang boses n'ya.
"Hey, baby..." Bulong n'ya roon. "Come on, talk to me."
Hindi ako kaagad sumagot. Kinagat ko lang ang labi ko at patuloy na umiyak.
"How are you? I missed you, we haven't talked for days." Malumanay nitong sabi.

"I-I fucking hate you," I gritted my teeth and said that.

"I know..." He breathe on the other line. "I know you hate me, baby. I'm
sorry." He said in a low voice.
"W-Why do you have to go? P-Pwede bang h'wag na?" Bulong ko.
"I want to but I can't, I have a responsibility to the country." Bulong n'ya.
My tears fell more, napahikbi na ako at suminghap.
"K-Kahit para sa akin? M-Magagalit ako sa'yo!" I sulked.
He sighed.
"I can't, I'm sorry, baby. I can't abandon my troop."
"B-But I'll be mad at you! Makikipag-break ako sa'yo!" I exclaimed and cried
more, pinisil naman ni Ate ang kamay ko, pinapakalma ako.
"Then I promise to be back and make it up to you," He whispered. "But please,
Winter, baby. Don't give up on me now."
Hindi ako umimik, patuloy na humihikbi at umiiling.
"I-I don't like your work...risking your life for that! Paano naman ako?" Iyak
ko. "P-Paano kapag may masamang nangyari sa'yo tapos iwan mo ako?! Wala namang
ganun!"
He sighed again, mukhang pagod at malungkot.
"I love you, Winter." Bulong n'ya sa telepono. "I love you, I promise to be
back for you, safe and unharmed."
"M-Magbreak na tayo." I sniffed. "A-Ayoko na sa'yo."
"I love you," He sighed. "Please...don't break up with me. I promise to get
back to you, always, safe. Please be my inspiration now, my determination to live."
"E-Edi bumalik ka dito." I murmured. "L-Let's break up now and come back here
to get me back! Tuparin mo ang pangako mo and go back here!"
I heard his loud gasp.
"Baby..." He murmured.
"Don't baby me, you jerk! Let's break up and you come back here, safe, and get
me back! Hindi kita sasagutin kung may galos ka!" I exclaimed.
 "I love you, Winter." Bulong n'ya. "I promise to be back,"
"Then you should! P-Pagbalik mo dito, d-dapat may full body checking kung may
galos ka!" I cried and I heard his soft chuckle on the other line.
"Alright," His deep voice said. "I love you. Can I hear you say it too?"
"No! You come back here and hear it yourself. Basta, you'll come back here and
take me back. Hindi ako papayag na tayo ulit pag nagkagalos ka! I have to do a full
body checking--"
"Love you, Winter. Just tell me you wanted to see me naked." Tumawa s'ya.
"I hate you!" I exclaimed. "But I do, actually." Tumikhim ako.
"Basta, come back here! Kapag may galos kahit 'yang matambok mong pwet, hindi
kita sasagutin!"
He laughed on the other line, kinagat ko naman ang labi ko at marahang yumakap
sa Ate ko na nakangiti na sa akin.
"Okay, baby. I love you." He whispered. "I promise I will be back. I'll protect
you."
Wala ako sa sarili habang inaayos ang buhok, Ate Linda informed me about
Macarena's arrival and I immediately fixed myself to meet her.
Wearing on my lose shirt, cream shorts and slippers, I slipped out of the
hallway.
Inaantok pa ako dahil sa late na ako nakatulog kakaiyak kagabi.

How foolish huh, Winter Andromeda. How stupid to assume

again and again.
Tulala ako habang naglalakad pero halos matulos sa kinatatayuan nang matanto
kung sino nanaman ang nakasalubong ko.
I saw his eyes flickered when he saw me, mabilis naman akong umiwas ng tingin
at lumihis ng daan pero halos mapatalon nang tawagin n'ya ako.
"Winter..." He called.
I froze but then shifted my gaze at him and smiled.
"Yes?" I asked.
His forehead creased, nakita kong napatitig s'ya sa mata ko, tila hinahanap ang
mali ss akin.
"What is it, Mr. Alcantara?" I asked him.
He gulped, napakurap at umayos ng tayo.
"About yesterday," He said. Umayos ako ng tayo at parang wala lang na sumulyap
sa kanya.
"What about it?" I asked.
"I was totally drunk that night and I thought...I was only dreaming. I'm sorry
if," His jaw clenched and looked at me, apologizing. "I denied we kissed. I went to
Caspian yesterday and asked him about it--"
"Wala na 'yun," Mahina akong tumawa at tinignan s'ya. "You're right, we're both
drunk. Baka nananaginip lang talaga o nadala sa inumin."
"No..." He closed his eyes tightly and tried holding me but I took a step back.
"Let me explain, Winter."
"That's not a big deal, Mr. Alcantara." I murmured. I may looked good now but
my heart is breaking right now.
"Please, Winter..." His licked his lip and saw the desperation on his eyes.
"Let me explain, I'm sorry, please."
"I get it, okay? H'wag na nang magpaliwanag. We're totally cool." I said.
"I don't believe you," He retorted. "Let me explain my side, please? You
weren't alright and I am not too, the words I said--"
"We flirted like two consenting adults and because we're drunk." Mahinahon kong
sabi. "And you said it yourself, kung hindi ka lasing, the last thing you'd do is
to flirt with me."
His mouth parted, I saw how pain and regret crossed his eyes.
"Winter, I just..." He murmured.
"This talk is non-sense," I shook my head.
 "Magpapaliwanag ako," He said firmly. "I promise... I denied it because I
forgot it, I only have a glimpse and I thought it was just a dream."
"There's no use of explaining, Mr. Alcantara." Mahinahon kong sabi.
"Naliwanagan na ako, okay?"
"I-I'm sorry..." He sighed desperately and ruined his hair. "I'm an asshole, I
know. Please, I'm sorry, Winter."
"Sana ganun lang kadaling umayos kapag nagsabi ng sorry." I smiled bitterly at
him. "Yung tipong nabaril ka tapos lalagyan lang ng band aid magaling na."
His mouth parted, punong-puno ng kung anong emosyon ang mata.
He looks frustated and angry and I don't know.
"I-I'll make it up to you," He breathe. "I'm sorry... I just..."
"No worries," I shrugged. "Tapos na 'yun, Mr. Alcantara."
"Warrion," He said, frustated again. "Call me that again."
"I'm a job to you and the contract has ended. Atleast, call you that so we're
all professional." Ngiti ko. "Excuse me but I have a guest to attend."

He called me pero diretso na akong umalis, diretso pa ang

lakad pero nang marating ang hagdan ay nanghina ang tuhod kaya napakapit ako sa
hawakan.
I closed my eyes tightly and gasped.
Bakit nasasaktan ka pa rin, huh? Ang tanga-tanga mo! Palagi ka nalang umiiyak
sa lalaking iyan!
Lumabas ako ng pool area at nang makita kong nakaupo sa sun lounger si Macarena
ay tumulo na ang luha ko at lumapit sa kanya.
She smiled when she saw me, akala ata ay maganda ang mood ko pero nang makita
akong umiiyak ay nawala ang ngiti n'ya at mabilis na tumayo.
"Win--" I hugged her and she gasped.
"A-Ang sakit, Elena." I gasped. "Ang s-sakit!"
"Shit! Anong nangyari?" Her voice shook and hugged me back tightly. "What
happened, Winter?"
I sniffed and cried softly on her shoulder. Tahimik lang naman s'yang yakap ako
at hinaplos ang aking likuran.
"It's gonna be alright, dito lang ako." Bulong n'ya.
Inalalayan n'ya ako paupo sa lounger at hinayaan ko s'yang punasan ang luha ko.
I sobbed.
"I-Is it about Warrion?" She said. "I'm sorry, Winter, nung nakaraan kasi
tumawag s'ya kung saang bar ka nung tinakasan mo. I only told him kasi sabi
n'ya...babantayan ka."
I shook my head and looked at her, tinutulungan s'yang punasan ang luha ko.
"I-I think I love him," Singhap ko at mahinang umiyak.
"Oh my God..." Her mouth parted. "W-What should we do?"
"I-I don't want to love him anymore." I shook my head. "A-Ayoko na... H-Hindi
naman ako na-inform na ganito pala kasakit."
Hindi s'ya umimik kaagad, marahan lang ang kanyang tingin sa akin,
pinagmamasdan ang mukha ko.
She sighed.
"Kasalanan ko 'to e," Ngumiwi s'ya. "Kung hindi lang sana kita shinip kay
Major."
"W-Wala kang kasalanan," I sniffed. "Ito may kasalanan." I pointed my heart.
"Win..." Bulong n'ya sa hangin.
"I-I'm gonna be alright, Elena. Kaya ko 'to, ako pa ba?" I smiled a bit and
stared at her.
"I'll help you!" Aniya. "Ano bang gusto mo? Another date? May kasunod pa 'yung
listahan natin--"
"No..." I shook my head and lowered my head. "Ayoko na pilitin, maybe love
isn't just for me."
"Win," She sighed. "I-I'm sorry kung palagi kitang pinu-push sa mga boys, hmm?
I just want you to be finally happy. I want you to overcome your fears and pain,
kaya naisip kong baka kapag nahanap mo na 'yung taong para sa'yo ay magiging okay
na..."
"Thank you, Elena. For always thinking about me." Marahang sabi ko at pinisil
ang kamay n'ya. "I think I'll be fine in time, by myself. I realized I don't need a
man to make me feel fine for now, what I need is myself. I need to forgive myself
in time."
"In order to do that, you have to face those who was involved in your past."
Aniya.
I nodded slowly, playing with my fingers.
"M-Makakaya ko 'yan, someday. Sa ngayon, takot akong makakita ng taong may alam
ng lahat ng nangyari, I was just..."
"Kaya mo 'yan!" She cheered. "Kapag ready ka na, you can open up to me, you
know that, right? Take a vacation, Winter. Enjoy for now and clear your mind."

I nodded, hugging her.

Like what my doctor said, I still can't open up to her...or to my parents about
my situation. They thought I was all good after I had sessions for my therapy but I
really am not fine at all.
I haven't told them about my lost memories, the memories the trauma blocked
from me. A week or two prior to the incident, hindi ko na alam ang nangyari. Wala
ako sa sarili ng ilang buwan, paulit-ulit na naalala ang nangyari sa amin ng Ate na
ngayon ay hindi ko na mahagilap ang nangyari bago 'yun.
I didn't even know how we got to the military site that time, to volunteer and
help the soldiers.
I did have dreams and glimpses pero hindi ako sigurado kung totoo 'yun o
ginagawa lamang ng utak ko.
Nakaalis na si Macarena pero nakanguso ako habang nag-aantay ng confirmation sa
sinend kong request para sa bakasyon na gusto ko.
Nagpaalam naman ako sa Mommy at Daddy at pumayag naman sila, confirmation lang
ang kailangan ko sa Casa Amara para makapunta Lost Island! Sana ma-approve!
Sumisimsim ako ng juice at nakaupo roon dahil katatapos ko lang mag-swimming at
nag-aantay ng confirmation na sinend ko thirty minutes ago.
"Tagal..." Reklamo ko nang mainip at suminghap.
I froze when I saw Warrion went out of our mansion and walked towards me.
Mabuti nalang at nakashades ako at hindi kita ang mata ko.
He stood infront of me, blocking the sunlight touching my skin kaya ngumiwi ako
at sumulyap.
"What?" I raised my brow.
"Hindi ka ba naiinitan?" He asked.
"Hindi," I said. "Anong ginagawa mo? Umalis ka d'yan, you're blocking the
sunlight!"
Hindi s'ya umimik, nagtaka pa ako nang ayusin n'ya ang payong na tabon roon at
hinarang sa akin kaya napasinghap ako.
His muscle clenched a bit with his moves. Ngumuso ako sa pagtataka roon sa
ginagawa n'ya.
"Ano nanamang pakulo mo, huh?" I asked.
Hindi s'ya umimik, the jerk even fixed my seat kaya napasinghap ako.
"What?" I exclaimed.
"Nothing, just go and relax." Aniya at tinanggal ko ang shades at sumulyap sa
kanya. "Okay ka lang o may amats ka?"
His eyes shifted to mine, nakita kong natigilan s'ya nang makita ang mata ko at
nang matantong nangangalumata pa pala ako kakaiyak ay tumikhim ako at binalik ang
shades sa mata ko.
"Fuck," He cursed and tried reaching for my glasses pero lumayo ako sa kanya at
ngumuso.
"Go away, Mr. Alcantara. Sinisira mo ang mood ko."
 "I won't disturb you," He sighed. "I'm sorry again, Winter."
"Whatever," I murmured and looked away to check my phone.
Tahimik s'yang umupo sa sun lounger katabi ko, saglit akong sumulyap sa kanya
na parang tangang nakaupo roon pero nakaharap sa akin, nakatitig.
"What's your problem?" I said and looked at him.
"Babantayan lang kita, I won't disturb you." Maamong sabi n'ya.
"By staring at me like that? Go away, ayokong nandito ka." Taboy ko.
"I won't...talk to you. Dito lang ako." He said.
Hindi na ako sumagot, sumulyap ako sa phone ko at nirefresh ang email ko.

"What's that?" Halos mapatalon ako sa gulat nang nasa tabi

ko na si Alcantara at nakasilip sa phone ko kaya tinulak ko ang noo n'ya at umayos
ng upo.
"Pwede ba?" I hissed. "Tantanan mo ako, parang-awa."
"Babakasyon ka?" Mahinang sabi n'ya pero di ko s'ya sinagot.
"None of your business, go away." I murmured and pushed him. Muli s'yang umupo
sa lounger sa tabi ko ay sumulyap lang.
I refreshed my emails again after a few minutes and glance at Warrion. I saw
him typing something on his phone, looking serious.
Napairap ako sa hangin at tinanggal ang shades ko, I crossed my legs and sipped
on my juice until my phone rang for a notification.
I jumped in shock, mabilis kong inabot ang phone ko at bumilis ang tibok ng
puso dahil sa gulat sa nakita at ki-nlick ang email.
Good day,
     Thank you for taking interest in visiting The Lost Island. I am sending
you this email as a confirmation that you are granted with your request.
     As a sign of gratitude for taking interest, I am giving you (2) two free
tickets to the island where you can bring a friend, love ones or a family member to
enjoy the island with you.
     Welcome to the island where the love that was once lost was found again.
     Enjoy!
Regards,
Prince Caspian M. Alcantara
CEO, Casa Amara Chain and Hotels Inc.

"Oh my God!" I exclaimed at the top of my lungs. "I am grated! For free!"
I was seriously happy! Malaki ang ngisi ko at napasulyap bigla kay Warrion na
nakatingin lang sa akin, may tagong ngiti.
Nang magkatinginan kami ay umirap ako sa kanya at umayos ng upo para pumormal.
"Who should I bring?" I murmured softly, hindi na mapakali.
May tumikhim sa tabi ko, nang sumulyap ako roon ay nakita kong maliit na
tinataas ni Warrion ang kamay n'ya kaya ngumiwi ako at sumulyap sa phone ko.
"Anyway, kaya ko na pala mag-isa." Bulong ko sa hangin, nagpaparinig at nang
sumulyap ako sa tabi ko ay umawang ang labi nito.
I smiled a little, napansin kong gigil s'yang nagtype ulit sa phone at maya-
maya pa'y tumunog ang phone ko.
Good day,
     You are hereby granted, and will be accompanied by your personal tour
guide, Warrion Adelram Alcantara to make your stay better.
     Enjoy!
Regards,
Prince Caspian M. Alcantara
CEO, Casa Amara Chain and Hotels Inc.
"What the fuck?" I murmured, napatayo ako at sumulyap kay Warrion na nangingiti
roon.
Bakit ko ba kinalimutang magkapatid ang dalawang 'to?!
"Anong drama mo, huh, Alcantara?"
 "What?" Inosenteng sumulyap s'ya sa akin at ngumuso.
"Anong what?" I gasped and stomped my feet. "I hate you! Aalis akong mag-isa!"
Wala akong pakialam sa'yo, Alcantara!
Inubos ko ang araw ko kakaayos ng damit na dadalhin sa maleta para sa isla. I
charged my go pro, cameras and phone for aesthetic photos of the island!
Bahala ka d'yan, Warrion Adelram! Lelang mo, panot!
The next day, I was overly excited, madaling araw palang ay gising na ako.
Ibinalita ko na sa pamilya at kaibigan ang paglarga ko sa isla at na-eexcite sila
para sa akin.
Buhat ko pababa ang maleta ko papunta sa may gate at malaki pa ang ngiti nang
makita ang driver.
"Morning, Kuya! Musta ang sasakyan? Tara na?" I said excitedly pero napakamot
lang ng ulo ang driver at sumulyap sa akin.
"Ah eh, Ma'am. Pasensya na pero nasiraan 'yung sasakyan." My mouth parted.
"What? How is that possible? Yung ibang sasakyan? My car?"
"Wala pong gasolina, Ma'am." Aniya at napakurap ako.
"H-Huh? Paano 'yun? E, ang family car?" Gulat kong sabi.
"Dala po nila Senator sa Manila," Sabi n'ya at nasapo ko ang noo at napasulyap
sa orasan ko.
I am freaking late kung magtatagal ako!
"W-What should we do? I mean... I'll be really late! Mayroon bang pwedeng
sakyan na mabilis lang papuntang Casa?" I asked.
"Ay, Ma'am." Ani ng guard roon na sumulyap sa amin. "May mga tricycle pong
pwede diretso sa Casa, pwedeng magpa-special." Aniya.
Ay bet ko 'yan! Magpapa-special sa tricyle para ma-feel ko naman na special
ako!
"Okay...Okay!" I nodded. "Can you call me one? I really have to go."
"Sige po," Nagmamadaling lumabas ang guard at ang driver at lumapit naman sa
akin si Ate Linda at inabutan ako ng Zest-o.
"O, Ma'am Winter, pabaon ko sa'yo." Aniya at natawa ako at kinuha iyon sa
kanya.
"Thanks, Ate!" I said. Binuksan ko ang Zest-o at uminom roon bago lumingon sa
paligid. "Nakita mo si Alcantara?"
"O, si Sir Warrion?" Aniya. "Ay, hindi po e, maaga ata umalis."
I nodded and grinned.
Makakaalis akong mag-isa!
"Ma'am, may tricycle na." Silip sa akin ng guard kaya ngumisi ako at excited na
tumango.
"Bye, Ate!" Tuwang-tuwa kong sabi kay Ate Linda bago hinila ang maleta ko
palabas ng bahay.
I saw a familiar tricycle infront, ngumuso ako nang makitang nilagay ng guard
papasok roon ang maleta ko at sumulyap ako sa phone dahil nagtext ang Mommy.
"Ma'am, sakay na po kayo." The guard said.
I nodded, hinayaan silang pumasok na sa loob at nag-angat lang ng tingin nang
matapos lang magtext.
Sumimsim ako ng juice.
"Let's go," I froze.
Nabuga ko ang iniinom. Halos mapaatras ako sa kinatatayuan nang makita si
Warrion na nakatayo roon sa tabi ng tricycle!
He was wearing a white shirt, maong pants and boots! May twalya pa sa balikat
n'ya at halos mawalan ako ng malay sa nakita.
"W-What the hell..." I murmured. "W-What are you?!"
"Driver?" He asked, confused and touched my forearm.
"H-Huh?" Pinagmasdan ko ang outfit n'ya.
"Come on, we'll be late." Aniya at marahan akong hinila.
"A-Anong..." Umawang ang labi kong muli at suminghap, hindi makapaniwala. "N-No
way."
"Y-You don't like it?" Aniya at napakurap roon.
"H-Huh?" Gulong sabi ko. Lumayo ako sa kanya at akmang kukunin ang maleta ko.
"M-Maglalakad na lang ako!"
He blinked like a kid, confused. Napahawak s'ya sa batok at at mahinang
napamura.
"Fuck Caspian!" He murmured at marahas akong napalunok at hindi makapaniwalang
tinitigan s'ya at ang tricycle sa tabi n'ya.
"A-Anong kinalaman dito ni Caspian?"
"He said this is effective to get a woman back!" He gasped, his jaw clenched.
"Fuck it! Nakakahiya!"
Bigla akong natawa, ngumuso naman s'ya at halos sumabog ang pula sa mukha. He
cursed again and closed his eyes tightly.
"What the hell!" I laughed harder.
"And now you're turned off," Ngumiwi s'ya at umigting ang panga, namumula ang
pisngi at tenga.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Kabanata 16

Hi! It's been a while! Sorry for the super delayed updates
since busy ang schedule ko and I got no time to write but here it is now. Enjoy!
xxx
Kabanata 16
I can't stop laughing.
Nakanguso at kunot ang noo ni Warrion habang nakatitig sa akin at inaantay
akong kumalma sa pagtawa ko. I was touching my stomach, my eyes almost shined with
my tears.
"Sinunod mo talaga, ano?" Ngisi ni Caspian na kanina pa rin natatawa sa harapan
ko.
"Fuck you, Kuya." Mariing sabi ni Warrion, ang twalya na gamit ay nasa kanyang
balikat pa rin.
Mas napahagalpak ako, mas sumimangot si Warrion at nakita kong natatawa na rin
si Polaris sa may tabi ko pero pilit na nagseseryoso.
She was carrying Sirius, inosenteng nakatingin sa akin ang napakacute na bata
at tinakpan ko ang bibig ko para tumigil sa pagtawa.
"O-Oh my god...I'm sorry!" I laughed.
"Look what you did!" Sikmat ni Warrion sa natatawang si Caspian.
"Teka, maupo nga tayo." Tawa ni Lars sa akin at marahang inabot ang braso ko.
We slowly sat on the sofa inside the lobby.
Nag-iinit ang pisngi ko sa kakatawa at pilit lang na kumakalma. Nakita kong
binatukan ni Warrion ang kapatid nya.

"Inuuto mo ako, damn, you said that was effective?" Nag-away ang dalawa sa
harapan ko at napatikhim ako para ikalma ang tawa ko.
I bit my lip to stop myself. Nakita ko may tinawag si Lars at maya-maya'y may
tubig na ako kaya napangisi ako.
"Salamat..." I murmured.
"It was effective on Reev!" Depensa rin ni Caspian at sumulyap sa girlfriend na
katabi ko. "Right, Reev? Effective?"
Lars chuckled, shaking her head.
"Not really," She grinned at umawang ang labi ni Caspian.
"See? Inuuto mo ako!" Reklamo ni Warrion.
"I don't!" Ngiwi ni Cas at nagmartsa palapit sa mag-ina n'ya. "Talaga ba, Reev?
Di effective?"
"Ewan ko sa'yo, Cas." Nailing si Lars.
Ngumuso si Cas at sumulyap sa kapatid na nakasimangot na at mukhang iritado
bago lumapit roon.
"Baka hindi effective 'yung driver? Bakit di mo i-try 'yung naglalako ng isda?"
Suhestyon pa nito at nasapo ko na ang noo ko at humagalpak si Lars sa tabi ko.
Natigil lang ako sa pagtawa roon sa kanila nang lumapit sa akin si Riu.
Napanguso ako at namangha nang lumapit s'ya sa akin at ngumiti.
"Hi po, Tita Win." Ngiti n'ya.
"Hi, little boy!" Ngisi ko. Nang sumulyap ako kay Lars ay tinanguan n'ya ako at
nginitian kaya marahang hinawakan ko si Riu at inilapit sa akin.
"Riu po!" Pakilala n'ya ulit kaya humagikhik ako. I slowly carried him and let
him sit on my lap while he's smiling while playing with my hair.
"Tita, ganda-ganda mo po." Malambing n'yang sabi.
My cheeks flushed, tumawa naman si Lars sa tabi ko at nakita kong lumabi si
Caspian roon af nangingisi na rin.
"R-Really? Well...thank you." Malambing ko sabi at hinaplos ang noo n'ya.
His green eyes shined while smiling at me.
"Tita, crush po kita." My eyes widen.
Mas napatawa si Caspian, nang sumulyap ako kay Warrion ay nahuli kong mahaba
ang nguso n'ya roon habang nagmamasid sa amin.

He took a step forward, akmang lalapit pero sumimangot ang

kapatid n'ya.

"Subukan mong patulan ang anak ko," Ngiwi ni Cas roon.

"I won't," Ngiwi ni Warrion. "Mas gugustuhin ko pang ikaw ang patulan."
I softly hugged the bubbly little boy, lumapit naman si Warrion sa pwesto namin
at nagtaka ako nang bahagya s'yang dumukwang para ilahad ang kamay kay Riu.
"Come here, boy. Let Tito carry you."
"Ayaw." Nguso ni Riu at mas yumakap sa akin. "Gusto ko Tita Win!"
"Come on here, Riu." Ani Warrion na parang maamong tupa na nakikipag-usap sa
bata. "Tito will give you chocolates--"
"I want Tita Win!" Ani Riu at mas yumakap.
"I know, hindi ko s'ya aagawin." Ani Warrion at sumulyap sa akin. "Sa
ngayon...but come here, bigyan kita chocolates."
My brow raised, ngumuso ako at pinagmasdan si Warrion na inaakit ang bata sa
chocolate.
"But I want Tita!" Sikmat nito.
"I want Tita too," Ani Warrion at natigil ako.
Tila may kulog na tumunog sa tenga ko at nakita ko kung paano matigilan sina
Lars roon.
Caspian smirked, sa muli kong pagsulyap kay Warrion ay parang nagyayabang na
ang kanyang tingin sa akin.
My heart raced.
"I'll give you chocolates, can I have Tita Win now?"
"No!" Sikmat ni Riu. "Tita Win is mine! Crush ko po s'ya, Tito! Bawal 'yung
aagaw ng crush!"
"Then we both like her...Paano 'yun?"
"A-Anong sinasabi mo d'yan, Alcantara?!" I murmured sharply pero ngumuso lang
si Warrion at bumaling sa bata.
"How about we make a deal?" Warrion offered.
Riu looks somehow interested, sumulyap s'ya kay Warrion na ngumisi roon.
"Tita is old enough for you--"
"A-Anong...Hoy! Bata pa ako!" I exclaimed pero hindi ako pinansin ni Warrion at
bumaling kay Riu.
"I mean, Tita's a grown up while you're just a little boy. Hindi na kayo pwede
ni Tita." Kausap nito sa bata.
"Why po? Is it bad?"
"No," Tawa ni Warrion bago sumulyap sa akin. "But Tita is a grown up and she's
suitable for someone her age."
"Meaning?" Riu asked.
 "Meaning...Tita Winter is for Tito Warrion only." He said maliciously.
My jaw dropped. Napasinghap ako nang napatili sa tabi ko si Lars at si Caspian
ay tumatawa na roon at nilapitan ang asawa n'yang kinikilig at bahagyang niyakap at
humalik sa noo.
Marahas akong napalunok, iniawang ang labi para sana magprotesta pero hindi
nagpatinag ang huli.
"But we can give you someone your age too, para bagay kayo." Ani Warrion.
"Hoy, h'wag mong ibugaw ang anak ko!" Biglang reklamo ni Caspian na di pinansin
ni Warrion.
"Paano po 'yun, Tito?" Ani Riu.
"Hmm, we can choose from your beautiful classmates." He offered.
Riu pouted, muling sumulyap sa akin at kay Warrion.
"Hmm, if you choose someone for me may girlfriend na po ako?"
Halos mabulunan ako ng laway roon. Napaubo ako at napasinghap si Lars.

"S-Saan mo nalaman 'yan, nak?!" She exclaimed.

Riu looked at her innocently and pouted before pointing his father.
"Papa po..." Aniya.
Caspian chuckled nervously, looking at Lars and his son.
"S-Son, I told you to stay quiet--"
"Alcantara!" Lars groaned and Caspian screamed a bit when she pulled his ear.
"Do we have a deal now, Riu?" Baling ulit ni Warrion.
"Depende po, dapat po kasing ganda po ni Tita Win."
"I don't think there's someone who can surpass Tita Win but..." He took a
glance at me with his naughty eyes. "I'll try harder."
Inis na inis ako kay Warrion.
Kanina pa ako nakatayo sa may gilid ng port para antayin ang nag-aayos ng
baggage para sa byahe patungong isla.
While Warrion is talking to Caspian, I was just standing there.
Naiinis ako sa kanya, I don't know what I should actually do with him after
saying that.
Pinapaasa n'ya ba akong muli? If that's the case then...ewan ko na sa kanya.
Or maybe he's just saying that because of Riu? Because come to think of it, in
the first place ayaw naman n'ya sa akin.
Probably, he's just bluffing, telling Riu those things for fun while playing
with my feelings.
Masaya ba, huh? Major?
I sighed, nawala ang tuwa ko kanina sa pinanggagawa n'ya. Tulala lang ako sa
port at natigilan lang nang may lumapit sa aking empleyado at inabot ang bagahe ko.
"Ma'am, dito po tayo." Aniya.
I nodded, wala sa sariling sumunod sa kanya, nakababa ang tingin sa mga paa.
We entered a yacht, inalalayan n'ya ako papasok roon at nang makitang
inilalagay n'ya ang maleta ko sa isang gilid ay tahimik lang ako naupo.
Nasaan na ang ibang pasahero?
I waited for a while, nakanguso at inaayos ang shades. I saw Caspian with
Warrion entering the yacht, sa likuran nila ay si Vioxx.
"Winter," Vioxx smirked the moment he saw me.
"Hi!" I said cheerfully.
Sa muli kong pagsulyap kay Warrion ay nakita kong malalim ang tingin n'ya sa
akin. His green eyes were shining with the sunlight, his kissable lips pouting a
bit as he hid his irritation.
"Kumusta? Nasaan si Wave? Tsaka 'yung mukhang prinsipe? Kulang kayo, huh?" I
asked curiously.
"Wave's in Manila at his girlfriend's family and Lucian..." Ani Cas at nag-
isip. "I am not really sure, he's maybe roaming or staying in the ocean again.
Balita ko, hindi pa dumadaong ang barko sa pier nitong nakaraan pa."
My lips protruded and I nodded, nang makita kong tahimik na nakamasid lang sa
akin si Warrion ay inirapan ko s'ya.
"E, ikaw Vioxx? May girlfriend ka na?" Walang-hiyang sabi ko kay Vioxx na
tahimik na nangingisi roon.
Nawala ang ngiti n'ya, nakita kong napaubo si Caspian at napasinghap ako nang
nasa tabi ko na si Warrion at inabot ang baywang ko.
"Tabi-tabi ka sa akin d'yan?" Sikmat ko at tinulak ang kamay n'ya pero pumirmi
lang ito sa baywang ko.
His brows furrowed, his lips forming a thin line.
"He has a girlfriend," Biglang sabi ni Warrion sa akin.

Bumilog ang bibig ko, sa pagsulyap kong muli kay Vioxx ay

nakasandal na ito sa may gilid at nakatingin lang.
"Really?" I asked. "Anong name?"
Ngumisi si Cas, nakita kong nagbaba ng tingin si Vioxx at binasa ang labi n'ya.
Ow...kay? Weird?
"Oh, sorry, am I being nosy?" Napatakip ako sa bibig ko.
"You'll meet her soon," Biglang sabat ni Vioxx kaya natigilan ako. "If she'll
talk to me."
Hindi na ako nakaimik roon, napangisi naman ulit si Vioxx at sinubukang bumalik
sa sigla ay nahalata kong problemado s'ya.
"You...like him?" I froze upon hearing Warrion's voice. Sa pag-angat ko ng
tingin ay nakita ko ang sakit sa mga mata n'ya.
"H-Huh? Sinasabi mo?"
Hindi s'ya umimik at tumigil.
"P-Pero, ano naman sa'yo? Ano naman kung may crush na akong iba? Gwapo ka, oo
pero may iba na rin ako! Akala mo, huh! Makakalimutan kita!"
His mouth parted and closed again, bumilis ang paghinga ko nang bahagya s'yang
tumungo at hinawi ng buhok kong nililipad ng hangin.
"It's always easier for you to forget me." Mahinang sabi n'ya at pinaraan ang
daliri sa panga ko. "While I am here, still stuck."
My heart skipped painfully. Natigilan ako, habang nakatitig sa kanya ay may
kung anong pakiramdam ang kumudlit sa puso ko.
I suddenly saw a quick vision of a man with his back on me, wearing a uniform.
A soldier.
Sa muli kong pagtitig sa mata ni Warrion ay nahuli ko ang pagod roon at ang
hindi matawarang lungkot.
I reached for his face and he lowered his face on mine, closing his eyes and
feeling my touch.
"What do you mean..." I whispered.
"I hope your heart never forget that feeling," He murmured, touching my hand.
"I tried so hard to help and protect you. I will protect you...even if it means you
have to set aside everything from the past."
My mouth parted, I was about to ask him about that when he sighed. Kissed my
forehead a bit and left.
Hindi ko alam pero habang nakatingin sa kanyang likod na papalayo sa akin ay
nasasaktan ako. I stared at his back and realized he's familiar...like the man
wearing his military uniform on my visions and dreams.
"Pautang na kasi ako," Pangungulit ni Vioxx sa magkapatid na Alcantara roon.
Warrion just shook his head, nakita kong inaayos n'ya ang sa may makina ng yate
roon at si Caspian na ngumuso lang at ngumiwi.
"Kay bumbay ka mangutang!"
"E, wala nga e." Reklamo ni Vioxx. "Ano ba kasing ginagawa nun sa barko at
hindi dumadaong? And hindi rin ako pagbibigyan 'nun."
"Bakit?" Warrion asked.
"May balance pa akong one-fifty 'nung nakaraan," Napakamot ng kilay si Vioxx.
"Para saan ba?"
"Aalis ako, pamasahe lang." Ani Vioxx roon.
 Tahimik lang akong nakikinig habang nagmamasid sa hampas ng alon at ang
payapang kalangitan. They told me the yacht will start in a few.
Nasaan na kaya ang ibang pasahero at guest? They should be here right now!
"What? Wala ka bang pera d'yan?"
"I have no cash with me," Reklamo nito.
"Your car?"
"Iniwan ko, tinatamad akong magdrive."

"Edi, mag-withdraw ka! Ito...akala mo walang kompanya kung

makautang!" Ani Caspian roon.
"My Mom will find me and...my wallet's not here."
"Nasaan?" Warrion asked curiously, napalingon naman ako sa kanilang tatlo roon.
"I gave it to her."
Mas na-curious ako roon, lalo na nang tumawa ng malakas si Cas at ngumisi si
Warrion.
"You're really at that sugar daddy role, huh?" Warrion teased but Vioxx just
snorted and rolled his eyes.
"Fuck you, I have to pay to talk to her! Ayaw n'ya kaya binigay ko buong wallet
ko kaya wala s'yang kawala." Reklamo nito kaya napailing ako sa kalokohan ng tatlo
roon.
I went to the small bathroom of the yacht after a little while, nag-ayos lang
ako ng sarili at habang sinusuklay ko ang buhok ay natigilan ako nang maramdamang
umandar na ang yate.
Kumalma ako.
It's probably because the other guests are here!
Nang maging kontento na sa aking itsura ay lumabas na ako pero laking gulat ko
nang wala akong makitang isang guest ni isa sa loob ng yate.
Sa gitna ay naroon na ang prenteng si Warrion na nakatayo at minamanipula ang
manibela.
"W-War..." I murmured and went closer, I saw him took a glance at me, lifting
his sunglasses so he can see me clearly.
"Hmm?" He hummed, sumulyap ako sa hindi kalayuan at nakitang lumayo na kami sa
Casa Amara.
"Nasaan ang ibang guest?" I asked curiously, ipinalibot ko ang tingin at nang
makitang binasa n'ya ang labi n'ya at nag-iwas ng tingin ay unti-unting umawang ang
labi ko sa natanto.
"Don't tell me...we're alone here?!" I exclaimed.
His green eyes shined a bit my stayed serious, smirking and licking his lip.
"Then, I won't tell you." Aniya.
"Warrion!" I shrieked and smacked his arm. "Tell me!"
"You just told me not to tell you so...no." He grinned.
"No...No!" Iling ko at sinamaan s'ya ng tingin.
"Oh, yes." Ngisi n'ya at napatili ako at tumalon-talon.
"This is kidnapping, Major!" Sigaw ko roon at tumakbo roon sa may barrier at
dumungaw sa dagat at sa hindi kalayuang Casa.
"Help! He's kidnapping me!" I screamed at the top of my lungs. "Help! He
abducted me! He..." Sumulyap ako kay Warrion na natatawa na pero nagpupumilit
magseryoso.
"You asshole!" I screamed and stomped my feet. "Get me back to the shore! I
will have a vacation but not like this! There is no way we're going somewhere!"
"We'll still go to the lost island, baby..." Tamad n'yang sabi.
My jaw parted dramatically. Nagwala ang puso ko pero hindi ako marupok! Bato
ang puso ko! May paninindigan ang dignidad ko.

"Tatalon ako rito!" Sigaw ko at tinuro ang dagat.

"Go then," He shrugged. "I wanna see you do a breast stroke, anyway."
Nag-init ang pisngi ko, sinamaan ko s'ya ng tingin.
 "Excuse me, Major, but my breast ain't for stroking!" Sigaw ko roon,
nagdadabog.
"Is it, then?" He smirked. "I remembered stroking it some nights ago."
"Alcantara!" Sigaw ko, nag-iinit na ang ulo.

"Yes, baby?" Asar n'ya roon at napasigaw nalang ako sa

frustation at napasulyap sa bag ko.
I smirked, nakita kong nagtaka roon si Warrion kaya nagmartsa ako patungo sa
bag ko. I pulled my shoulder bag and took my phone out and showed it to him.
"Huh! Akala mo, ha!" Ngisi ko at winagayway sa kanya ang phone. "I will get
help, Alcantara! They will rescue me! Papakulong kita sa pulis!"
Sumulyap lang s'ya sa akin at patuloy pa rin sa pag-andar ang yate. Sumulyap
ako sa phone ko at kaagad na hinanap ang pangalan ni Macarena at mabilis na
tinawagan.
Habang nag-aantay ng sagot n'ya ay ngumisi ako sa lalaking pang-asar sa buhay
ko.
I marched towards him, habang nasa tenga ang phone ay nginisian ko s'ya.
"Game over, Major." Pang-aasar ko.
His lips lifted for a smirk, ang magulong buhok ay mas nagulo dahil sa hangin
na nagmumula sa dagat at bahagya s'yang sumandal sa manibela, naglalaro ang tingin
ng berdeng mga mata.
"The game just started, baby." He said.
My lips protruded when I saw his muscled arm protruding a bit on my view,
napalabi ako, handa na sanang purihin ang kakisigang taglay pero naalala kong hindi
pala ako marupok kaya ngumiwi ako.
"Hindi ka gwapo, matambok lang pwet mo! Tandaan mo 'yan!" Irap ko at nang
sumagot si Macarena ay napasigaw ako.
"Macarena! Help!" I screamed at the top of my lungs.
I heard a loud thud. Napamura si Macarena sa kabilang linya ay nagpanic.
"Huh?! Nasaan ka?!"
"I was kidnapped! Help!" I exclaimed loudly pero ang kidnapper ko ay nakanguso
lang sa akin.
"Saan?! Sino?! Ano, nasaan ka na?!" Histerya n'ya.
"Macarena! Tumawag kang pulis!"
"Saan ka nga?! How can I help you?!" She panicked.
"H-Hindi ko alam kung nasaan ako!" Ipinalibot ko ang tingin. "Nasa dagat!
Kanina nasa Casa ako tapos--"
"Tell me what you see! I will go to the police!"
"Uhm..." Tumingin ako sa paligid. "Tubig." I murmured.
"Yung lang?"
"Mga bato," I said.
"Tapos?" Aniya.
Napatingin ako sa harapan ko at nakitang pinapanuod lang ako ni Warrion na
parang nasa sine s'ya at nanunuod ng nakakatawa.
"Tsaka gwapo."
"Huh?"
I froze. Natulala ako nang humagalpak ng tawa si Warrion sa harapan ko at
kumindat.
"I know, Win. I always wanna boast around whenever you're complimenting me like
that."
"H-Hi...Hindi ko alam eksakto kung saan ako!" I said. Sinamaan ko si Warrion ng
tingin at nagsalita.
"Hoy, Alcantara! Saan na banda 'to? May rescuers na ako!" I exclaimed.
"Oh...my God! Si Major ang kidnapper mo?!" Macarena screamed.
"Yes!" I gasped and marched near Warrion. "Saan na 'to?"
"Hmm," Lumipat s'ya ng tingin sa paligid at napatango.
"Alam mo?" I said. Warrion nodded, naghihisterya na si Macarena sa kabilang
linya.
"Oh!" Inabot ko sa kanya ang phone ko. "Can you please tell Macarena where am I
so, she can come and rescue me."

Inabot n'ya ang phone ko at walang pagdadalawang-isip na

hinagis sa dagat na parang laruan kaya napasigaw ako.
"Alcantara!" Sigaw ko at hinila ang buhok n'ya. "Why did you threw my phone?!"
"Because you're escaping--"
"I am not!" Sigaw ko at napamura s'ya nang hatakin ko ang leeg n'ya.
"Baby--"
"H'wag mo akong baby-hin!" I strangled him and he coughed and pushed something
in front of him kaya maayos ang takbo ng yate habang sinasakal ko s'ya.
"C-Come on, I gotta maneuver the yacht so we can sail safely--"
"Asshole!" Hinatak ko pa ang leeg n'ya kaya napaubo s'ya. Natigilan lang ako
nang biglang maramdaman ang kanyang braso sa baywang ko at sa isang pagsakop lang
ay tumama na ako sa dibdib n'ya.
My eyes widen. Napahawak ako sa dibdib n'ya habang nakasubsob roon at hindi
nakapagsalita.
I heard his deep breaths and sighs, mas bumilis ang tibok ng puso ko nang
bahagya s'yang gumalaw at naramdaman ko ang pagtama ng likod ko sa manibela.
Humugot ako ng hininga, naramdaman kong may pinindot s'ya sa may likuran ko at
maya-maya'y kumalma na ang yate.
I felt his hand on my back, slowly caressing it up on my nape. I felt chills
down my spine, nangining ang labi ko nang bahagyang iniangat ang tingin ko sa
kanya.
Our eyes met, his green ones meeting mine. Kumalabog ang puso ko nang makitang
halo ang emosyon na naroon, saya, takot at lungkot.
My heart quickened as I look at him, he smiled a bit sadly at me. Nang bahagya
n'ya akong yakapin ay kumuyom ang kamay ko sa gilid sa hindi maintindihang
nararamdaman.
"I can't believe I pushed you just to chase you around again," He murmured
softly and stared at me. "Hindi ka na dapat sa'kin e, you abandoned me years ago
yet...I still keep on coming back, like a fool."
Marahas akong napalunok.
"W-What are you saying, Warrion?" My voice trembled.

"K-Kahit katiting ba, walang natirang parte sa puso mo?" He whispered.

I was still confused and stared at him curiously.
"W-Warrion..."
"I'll win every war for you, baby...just so I can go back to you. I will pull
you out of that darkness you are caged in."
Hindi ko maipaliwanag ang nararamdaman ko habang nakasulyap sa kanya. My eyes
started burning, nangilid na ang mga luha ko at nakita ko ang pait ng tingin n'ya
sa akin.
"I-I am confused, can you tell me everything? N-Naguguluhan rin ako sa sarili
ko."
He sighed, hinaplos n'ya ang pisngi ko at naramdaman kong pinapalis n'ya ang
luha ko sa pisngi.
"Ssshhh, no, baby. Don't cry." Mahinahong sabi n'ya. Napapikit ako nang dampian
n'ya ng halik ang noo ko at hinanap ang mata ko.
"When you're ready...I will tell you. Even if it's risky, you might leave again
but...for you, I will tell you."
I nodded a bit, napapikit ako ng mariin at nang magmulat ay nahuli ko nanaman
s'yang nakatitig sa akin.
He looks confused like a kid, pinunasan ko ang luha ko at pabirong tinampal ang
pisngi n'ya.
"H'wag mo rin akong iiyakan, Warrion. Ako lang may karapatang mag-inarte
sa'tin." I joked to lighten the mood.
His lip twitched, tumango s'ya at isinandal ang noo sa akin kaya nagkalapit ang
mukha namin.
"Gagawin ko lahat," He whispered. "Just let me chase your heart again. Please."
"Lahat?" I murmured.
Tumango s'ya at hinanap ang mata ko.
"Talaga? Paano kung sabihin kong bumalik na tayo sa pampang--"
"Except that," He murmured.
I groaned and smacked his arm. Hinawi ko ang tuyong luha sa pisngi at
tinulungan ako ni Warrion roon.
I smelled his manly, minty scent. His sharp, seducing eyes staring at me like
I'm such a gem to be kept.
"I hate you," Ngiwi ko.
"I know..." He chuckled a bit and fixed my hair."I know, baby."
"D-Don't baby me!" Pinalo ko s'ya at bahagyang tinulak.
"Suntukin kita d'yan e!" I told him sharply and lifted my fist but he just
shook his head and bit his lips before he caught my hand and pulled me closer to
him.
"Walang suntukan...diligan lang." He lowered his gaze on my body. "Tuyot na ba
talaga ang baby ko?"

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Kabanata 17

Suprise mga tuyot! Hahaha! Goodnight😉

xxx
Kabanata 17
"Sige na, Warrion, please?" Pangungulit ko kay Warrion habang naroon pa rin
s'ya sa may manibela at pinapaandar ang yate.
I was pouting my lips, nakita ko ang pagsulyap n'ya sa labi ko bago ngumisi at
umiling.
"No, baby. You sit there and behave, malapit na tayo."
"I wanna go back!" I stomped my feet. "Uuwi nalang ako!"
His lip twitched as he lowered his head to gave me a peck on the cheek. I
froze, nanlalaki ang matang pinagmasdan ko s'ya at hinampas nang matanto ang ginawa
n'ya.
"Y-You just don't get to kiss me like that!" I gasped in horror.
"Hmm," He shrugged and slowly pulled me closer to his body.
My body started reacting to his moves, hindi ako nakawala nang tumungo s'ya
bago muling nagpatak ng halik sa pisngi ko at marahang yumakap sa baywang ko.
"What an asshole," He murmured.
"S-Sino? Ako?!" Tinulak ko s'ya pero mas humigpit ang hawak n'ya sa baywang ko
at tumawa.
"No, it's me." He murmured. "What an asshole to push you away when I only wish
to be this close to you again...like this."
"Anong ibig mong sabihin?" Nilingon ko s'ya at nahuli ko at kislap ng berde
n'yang mga mata.
"I mean...I will chase you down 'till you get tired of me." He murmured softly,
pumunta pang lalo sa likuran ko at tahimik na humawak sa manibela habang ang isang
kamay ay nakapulupot sa akin.
"I am done hiding in the dark with you, baby, I will go out now and pull you
out with me. We can't be stuck forever in it." He murmured softly and kissed my
shoulder.
I still don't get it, Warrion.
I sighed and closed my eyes, I let the cold wind touched my skin while Warrion
is on my back, giving me his warmth.
 I heard his deep breaths, tila malalim ang iniisip. I saw the veins on his hand
protruding a bit with his grip on the steering wheel.
"I want to go back, War..." Mahinang sabi ko.
"You don't want to be with me?" He whispered painfully. "Kahit sandali lang?"
"No..." I shook my head in conviction. "I was hurt, I can't let you touch my
heart again and break it. Sawang-sawa na akong umasa, Warrion."
"I'm sorry," He whispered. "I'm sorry, Winter. If only I can take it back, I
will. This heart of mine just don't function well...I want to push you away so
you'll go away but I keep on seeing myself following you."
"Bakit mo ba ako tinutulak palayo?" Mahinang sabi ko.
"Because I have to...I always fail you, everytime. My only job is to protect
you yet I always fail."
"You did a great job, War." Mahinang sabi ko. "P-Pero alam mo, tama ka nga
noon, we should just stay professional. What we had is just for the job, you
protect me and you made it. Your job is finally done."
"I don't want this to be just a job anymore," Bigong sabi n'ya. "Damn, I always
break my rules. I promise myself to just protect your from afar but I always fail,
mas gusto kong nasa tabi kita, nahahawakan ka."
Hindi na ako muling umimik. I lowered my head and stared at his hand on my
stomach, marahang hinaplos ko iyon at tahimik akong sumandal sa kanya.
I don't know how long it took us before we reached the island, nakamasid lang
ako sa paparating na isla at malakas ang kabog ng puso ko.

Finally! We're here!

I saw the crystalline blue sea calmly crashing with each other. I can see the
rock formation under the water like I could reach it as if it wasn't that deep.
I saw the corals and the fishes swimming just below us! Sa hindi kalayuan ay
kita ko na ang malalaking mga rock formation at ang mga puno.
We are headed to the part of the island where the cabanas and cottages are
placed for the guests. Limitado lamang iyon kagaya ng inaasahan.
Based on what I have read, this is the only place in the island touched by the
professionals. Ang kabuohan nito ay hindi pa nagagalaw ng ninuman.
My heart is thumping hard in excitement, doon ko rin napansing mukhang
lumilipad ang aming yate sa dagat sa sobrang linaw nito.
Sa paglingon ko kay Warrion ay nakita kong may kausap s'ya sa telepono pero
nakamasid sa akin. I smiled at him when he caught my eyes.
His lip twitched too, may sinabi sa kausap bago bumaling sa akin pagkatapos
patayin ang tawag.
"How was it?" He said and smiled, lumapit naman ako sa kanya at tinuro ang
isla.
"Ang ganda! I am excited to go and roam around!" I cheered.
"They were only a few guests there right now, you won't get disturbed. I also
fixed the itinerary, you can see it later."
I was biting my lip in excitement, sa muli kong pagsulyap sa kanya ay nakita
ang pagkaaliw n'ya sa akin.
"Should I take you back now, then?" He cocked his head.
"No!" I exclaimed. "I like it here now! Hindi na babalik!"
"Alright, Ma'am." He smirked.
I was in excitement while looking at the beautiful island, it was beyond my
expectation! It was as if I was watching a fantasy movie with a magical world in
it!
It was surreal, I've never seen an island this beautiful and pure.
The Lost Island.
I smiled while staring at it.
"But why is the sea called, the Sea of Thieves?"
"I'll tell you a tale, baby." Halos mapatalon ako sa gulat nang matantong
naroon na si Warrion sa likuran ko at bahagyang bumulong.
 "Hindi ka nagsasalita! Stop scaring me!" I hissed at him.
"I'm sorry," He chuckled deeply and my heart raced when he lowered his face and
kissed my cheek briefly.
Napaatras ako at nanlaki ang mata, tinampal ko ang braso n'ya at nakita kong
tumaas ang kilay n'ya sa akin.
"B-Basta basta ka nalang nanghahalik! Close ba tayo, Major?!" I exclaimed.
His lip twitched, in just a blink of an eye, nahuli n'ya ang baywang ko and a
gasp left my lips when he pulled me closer to his body, slamming me on his chest
before whispering.
"Is this close enough for you, love?" He whispered sensually.
My heart quickened. Marahas akong napalunok at suminghap.
"L-Let go of me, Alcantara! Nandito na tayo sa isla!"
"Never again, Win." He murmured and sighed. "Never in my wildest dreams I'll
let go of you again."
"N-Nagmo-move on na ako sa'yo!" I exclaimed.
"No, don't." He moved away from me and touched my shoulder. "You can't move on
from me."

Wow, confidence!
"And how can you say that?" I raised my brow.
He smirked, an arrogant smile playing on his lips.
"Come on, Win, sa gwapo kong 'to?" He said arrogantly.
"What..." Umawang ang labi ko at napapantantiskuhang napatingin sa kanya.
"You are unbelievable, Warrion!" I exclaimed and horror and he chuckled deeply,
slowly caressing my back and I gasped when he caught my lips for a peck.
"Nakakarami ka na ng halik, Alcantara!" I pushed him but he remained stoic
there, unmoving, with an amused smile on his face.
"My grip on your heart might loosen up a bit, I can still make it. I'll crawl
on your system like a pest and live in it."
Nagkatitigan kami, his green eyes almost resembled the bluish-green color of
the ocean.
"I hate you," Ngiwi ko.
"That's fine, atleast you felt something. Kaysa wala." He caressed my face.
"It's better than nothing."
"Sinasabi ko na sa'yo, wala kang mapapala sa akin. We can't be the same
anymore, Major. Atsaka, bakit mo ba ako muling kinukulit? Pagkatapos mo kong
awayin?" I hissed.
"Because I like you..." He said swiftly, making me stop. "And more..." Sumulyap
s'ya sa labi ko.
I gulped, mukhang marupok na pero dapat strong tayo kasi dalagang katipunera.
"I don't like you," I said and he chuckled deeply and lowered his head to
kissed me on the lips again, making me froze on the spot.
Isang dampi pa ng halik ay lumalim ang paghinga ko at sinubukang lumaban ng
halik pero naalalang strong ako kaya umiwas.
"Try harder, hmm?" He touched my chin. "Your lips says otherwise tho,"
I eyed him sharply and closed my eyes tightly.
"Hindi na kita crush, okay?" I exclaimed.
"What can we do about it then? I still have a crush on you, what can we do? We
have to make it mutual don't you think?" Hinawi n'ya ang buhok kong sumabog sa
hangin.
"Hindi! Hindi lahat ng bagay kailangan mutual!" I said.
"Paano 'yun? Gusto ko mutual." He sulked and pouted at halos mapatili ako sa
itsura n'ya.
Oh my God, can I make you a keychain, War?!
"E-Edi gawan mo ng paraan," I said.
"How?" Humaplos ang kamay n'ya sa panga ko. "Shall I kiss you again?" He gave
me a peck.
 "And again?" He kissed me again.
Napaatras na ako at nanlalaki ang mata, tila nagwawala na sa hindi maipaliwanag
na dahilan ang puso ko.
"Alcantara!" I exclaimed.
"Yes?" His lips protruded again.
"Kissing someone like that is rude!" He gave me a confused look. "I mean, when
there's no permission!"
"Oh..." His mouth parted. "I will ask permission, then." He smiled cooly.
Nasapo ko ang noo sa konsumisyon.
"You're hopeless," I groaned.
"And oh, I will court you." He said, making my jaw drop.
"H-Huh? Come again?"
"I will court you..." Bulong n'ya. "Kahit hindi naman na kailangan kasi hindi
naman tayo naghiwa--"
He grinned and stopped himself.

"P-Paano kung hindi ako papayag?"

"I don't take no as an answer," His lip twitched. "Sinasabi ko lang sa'yo para
aware ka."
Hindi na ako nakalaban pa nang pisilin n'ya ang pisngi ko at umayos ng tayo. I
saw how he maneuvered the yacht towards the boardwalk and my mouth is still parted.
Napahawak ako sa dibdib ko at marahas na lumunok.
Bakit? Bakit n'ya ako liligawan?
"F-Friends lang tayo, Major!" I exclaimed.
Nang hindi s'ya sumagot ay lumapit ako sa kanya at namaywang.
"You hear me? We're just friends, okay?" I exclaimed.
"Hmm, you saying something?" He smirked and my mouth parted in annoyance.
"You're annoying, War!" I stomped my feet. "Sabi ko friends lang tayo, okay?
Nothing more...nothing less!"
"Manliligaw nga ako," Aniya at binasa ang labi n'ya.
"H-Hindi kita sasagutin..." I said and he laughed a bit, cocking his head.
"You sounded off, hindi ka rin sigurado, hmm?"
"Hindi kita sasagutin nga! Manigas ka d'yan!"
"Matagal nang matigas," Nang matulala ako ay napahagalpak s'ya ng tawa. "I was
just stopping myself not to scare you."
"Alcantara!"
"Pareho lang tayong tuyot, Winter." He shrugged his shoulder at nagulantang man
at nahiya sa sinabi n'ya ay palaban ako.
"Pwes, huling balita ka na. Hindi na 'to tuyot! Disyerto na 'to!" Sikmat ko at
nang ngumisi s'ya at natawa ng malakas ay umirap ako at nagmartsa paalis.
May iilang staff sa isla ang sumalubong sa amin pagkarating sa pampang, hindi
ko na napagtuunan ng pansin ang mga 'yun dahil sa pagkamangha ko sa lugar.
Ito palang ang nakikita ko pero maganda na! Paano pa kaya kung makaikot ako,
diba?
"Come here," Lahad ng kamay ni Warrion nang mapansing pababa ako sa yate.
Ngumuso ako at umiling.
"Sorry, I'm an independent woman." Sikmat ko at bumaba mag-isa pero bigla
napatid kaya napatili at nawalan ng poise.
"Careful!" My heart thumped when Warrion was too fast to catch my waist.
Our eyes met, sa sobrang lapit ng mukha namin ay naamoy ko na ang mabango
n'yang hininga at ang natural na panlalaking amoy.
I gulped harshly while staring at him, his green eyes shining with the bright,
beautiful sky above him.
I saw how his eyes went down my lips, bumilis ang paghinga ko nang maramdaman
ang pag-iinit ng katawan sa ganoong lapit namin.
"Sir?" Mabilis kong naitulak si Warrion nang may marinig na boses at mabilis
namang iniangat n'ya ako at hinapit palapit sa kanya.
 "Yes?" He asked coldy.
The man looks good anyway, nakita kong napatitig sa akin ang crew roon at
kumislap ang mata n'ya.
I smiled at him and his cheeks flushed.
"What?" Iritang sabi ni Warrion kaya napatalon rin ako. Nang masulyapan s'ya ay
iritado na s'ya at kunot ang noo, mukhang galit.
"Ay! Sir!" Tikhim ng lalaki at muling sumulyap sa akin.
"Itatanong ko lang saan kung saan ko ilalagay itong gamit ni Ma'am." He smiled
at me.
"Uh, gusto ko sanang doon sa cabin na malapit talaga sa dagat? May ganun pa
ba--"

"She's sleeping in my cabin, bring her things inside my

place." Inip na sabi ni War.
My eyes widen, nakita ko ang disappoinment sa mukha 'nung crew at sumulyap sa
akin.
"Anong sa cabin mo?!" Bulong ko kay Warrion habang naglalakad kami.
Hindi s'ya umimik, nang makitang mukhang nagtatantrums nanaman s'ya ay
suminghap ako.
"Aba! Aba't, bakit ikaw ang galit?" I hissed.
Ngumuso s'ya, sumulyap sa akin pero nanatili pa rin ang hawak sa baywang ko.
I can feel my feet buried under the fine, white sand and I felt the comfort it
gave.
"Hindi ako galit," Aniya at sinubukang dalhin nanaman ako kasama n'ya sa
paglalakad pero kumawala ako at namaywang.
"Isa, Warrion. H'wag ka ngang crazy. Anong problema mo? Kanina ang amo-amo mo
tapos ngayon sisimangot ka at hindi mamamansin?" I said.
"Pinapansin naman kita," He said, kunot ang noo. Nang titigan ko nang matiim
ang mata n'ya ay nag-iwas s'ya at umigting ang panga.
"Warrion..."
"Let's go,"
"Ganyan ka ba manligaw?" Sikmat ko at natigil s'ya. "You usually just stay
quiet and won't talk? May bibig ka naman, bakit hindi ka magsalita?"
"I'd rather kiss you than talk, baby." He closed his eyes tightly. "And if I'm
like this when courting? I don't know...wala naman akong niligawang iba, ikaw
lang."
Napakurap ako at umawang ang labi.
"Weh?" I asked.
He opened his eyes and nodded like a kid.
"You'll be the judge now, I don't know how am I when courting." Aniya.
"Weeeh?" Ulit ko pang di naniniwala.
"Totoo!" He exclaimed and spread his arms on me. "All yours, Win. All yours."
Bumaba ang tingin ko sa katawan n'ya and damn, ang malandi kong persona ay
nagpo-pole dancing na kakapantasya sa katawan ni Major!
"E, sige nga, bakit ka galit?"
"I'm not." Aniya.
"You are!" I exclaimed.
"I'm just pissed," He confessed kaya humalukipkip ako at pinagmasdan s'ya.
"For?"
"About you...and that crew. How can you smile like that to him and not to me?"
Ngumuso s'ya, dahil nga sa matangkad ay feeling ko my baby damulag sa harapan mo.
"Masama ba mag-smile?"
"No! But...syempre, ako ba hindi mo ngingitian ng ganun?" Nagbaba s'ya ng
tingin sa akin.
"Nagseselos ka 'no?" I teased and he froze.
His mouth parted at me, namula ang pisngi n'ya kaya napatawa ako ng malakas at
kinagat ang labi ko.
 "H-Hindi 'no, feeling mo." Ngiwi n'ya pero mas napatawa ako at pinindot ang
ilong n'ya.
"Asus, jelly jelly naman ang baby na 'yan!" I teased.
Ngumuso s'ya, humagikhik naman ako at pinindot ang ilong n'ya.
"Ang cute mo palang magselos 'no! Parang kang baby damulag!" I said, smiling.
He didn't say anything, I saw him staring intently at me while I laugh infront
of him. He has this adoration written on his face, nang matantong mukha na akong
tanga kakahagikhik ay nakagat ko ang labi at natahimik.

"That's more like my baby Winter," He said softly, placing

my hair behind my ears.
Napakurap ako at naguluhan roon.
"Huh?"
He gave me a side smile, hinaplos ng bahagya ang panga ko at tumitig.
"You're more beautiful when you smile and giggle like that," He smiled. "Then
you'll start nagging me and say, Diligan mo na ako, Major."
My cheeks flushed, napatawa naman s'ya roon at muling nagsalita.
"Then, I'll start saying no and you're like, Akala mo gwapo ka, matambok lang
ang pwet mo!"
He laughed when he saw how embarassed I am right now, ngumisi s'ya at kumindat
sa akin.
"I worked out a lot to maintain that ass you know," He chuckled. "Para may
pagtripan ka palagi."
"Warrion!" I exclaimed in embarassment and he laughed softly.
Nang tawagin s'ya ng kakilala at nawala ang pansin n'ya sa akin ay mabilis kong
tinampal ang pwet n'ya.
He froze, I saw how his eyes widen while looking at me and I smirked.
"Tambok naman n'yan," I laughed.
Akala ko ay mahihiya s'ya sa pinanggagawa ko sa kanya pero sa gulat ko ay
tumaas ang kilay n'ya, marahang inabot ang kamay ko at ibinalik iyon sa pang-upo
n'ya, may kung anong kalokohan ang mata.
"More, baby..." Maharot at malamyos n'yang sabi at ako naman ang nawala sa
sarili.
"Spank me more," He smirked. "Hard."
Hindi pa man ako nakakaget-over sa kalokohan ni Warrion at narito nanaman s'ya
at nanggugulo sa kwarto ko.
"Don't! Warrion, you jerk! That's my panties!"
"Pambata naman 'to," Ngisi n'ya at pinagmasdan 'yun. "Nasaan na 'yung mga lace
mo?"
"You!" Nag-init ang pisngi ko at tinakbo s'ya pero humagalpak lang s'ya ng tawa
at iniangat ang kamay.
"Warrion!"
"Well, it's green, huh? But I like this kind of panties anyway, but I'm curious
where you'd get your lacey panties the last time we made out--"
"Warrion Adelram!" I screamed at the top of my lungs and jumped but he was too
tall so I can't reach my panties!
"Hmm," Nagbaba s'ya ng tingin sa akin. "Call me Adelram again, that's way too
sexy from your lips."
"Isa!" Reklamo ko pero tumakbo s'ya at hinabol ko s'ya.
"Marami ka ba nito? Para alam ko kung pupunitin ko lang o huhubarin ng maayos
sa'yo--"
"Alcantara! You piece of shit!" Halos sumabog na sa init ang mukha ko habang
tumatawa s'ya at tinatakbo ang panty ko!
Nang mapunta s'ya sa may gilid ng kama at ngumisi bago ipakita sa akin ang
panty kong pinaglalaruan n'ya ay napasinghap ako sa hiya.
"Come on, baby, you take it? You want this?" Pilyong asar n'ya.
"Ibaba mo 'yan! Warrion! Isa, makakatikim ka sa akin!"
 "Hmm, I want that, what can I taste from you...or maybe I can taste you?"
Kung nakakamatay ang kahalayang sinasabi n'ya ay malamang kanina pa akong dead
on the spot!
Sinamaan ko s'ya ng tingin, nang nakitang tuwang-tuwa s'ya roon at parang
batang winawagayway sa ere ang panty ko ay napasinghap ako at tinakbo s'ya.
He looks amused pero mukhang nagulat nang kumapit ako sa leeg n'ya at iniangat
ang sarili bago ipulupot ang hita sa baywang n'ya.
He cursed and I wiggled. Ang nakataas na kamay na hawak ang underwear ko ay
bumaba kaya nahablot ko ang gamit ko. His hand swiftly went on my back to assist me
and I was starled when we lost our balance and fell on the bed.
Bumagsak ako sa kandungan n'ya. Nanlaki ang mata ko nang matanto ang posisyon
namin at nakita ko ring gulat s'ya sa nanyari.
His hand remained on my back, unti-unti kong naibaba ang kamay kong hawak ang
underwear ko at nagkatitigan kami.
I felt the sense of familiarity deep inside me, burning the unearthly desires
hiding deep within. His green, beautiful deep eyes met my sultry ones.
Ang kanyang haplos sa likod ko ay mas nagpasinghap sa akin.
I saw how he lowered his face on my lips, parting for him.
In an instant, he caught mine and even if I was starled, I found myself
responding on his deep kisses.
Tongue to tongue, we fought. Kaagad na yumakap ang braso ko sa kanyang batok
para labanan s'ya ng halik.
He tasted heaven, napaungol ako nang kagatin n'ya ang labi ko. His fingers
played with my skin, I felt him tugging my dress and I gasped when I felt him
slowly removing it.
Our eyes met, gigil n'yang muling binalikan ang labi ko at pinaulanan ng
malalim na halik kaya nagpigil ako ng hininga at marahang tinulak s'ya.
"War..." I murmured.
"Hmm?" Namumungay ang mata n'yang pinagmasdan ako. I saw him lowered his gaze
on the skin on my chest and gulped miserably.
"W-War?"
"I want you, Winter..." He breathe deeply. "Damn it, I fucking want to water
you right now."
My cheeks flushed.
"D-Diligan mo na ako?" I murmured.
He closed his eyes and smirked.
"If that's how you call it then... I can be your irrigation now, I think?" He
said and when he caught my lips again for a sensual kiss ay tinulak ko s'ya at
nagsalita dahil hindi nanaman ako makakuha ng hangin.
"Warrion--"
"Don't!" Tinakpan n'ya ang bibig ko kaya tinulak ko iyon.
"May sasabihin lang ako--"
"Don't tell pick-up lines again, it isn't working." He said.
"I won't say pick-up lines anymore--" He cut me off.
"I just realized this is hard..." He said.
I froze and confusion filled me.
"Huh? What is hard?" I asked.
He smirked, napasinghap ako nang hawakan n'ya ang baywang ko at mas idiniin ako
sa kanya.
"Me, baby." My mouth parted when he chuckled and winked.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Kabanata 18

Kabanata 18
Madidiligan na ba ang tuyot na disyerto?
 We were kissing deeply again, hindi ko na rin napansing nakahiga na ako sa
malambot na kama habang s'ya ay nasa ibabaw ko at patuloy akong hinahalikan.
I was catching my breath as we exchange deep kisses, I was pulling his hair and
moaned in each of his very kiss while he settled his hand just beside my head,
lowering his head so he can kiss me slowly and properly.
"War..." I groaned when he bit my lower lip. Pur eyes met again, I saw how his
eyes brightened at the sight of mine, smiling a bit against my lips.
"You're beautiful, baby..." Marahang sabi b'ya at pinatakan ako ng halik. "So,
so beautiful."
My cheeks flushed, kinagat ko ang labi ko at lumalim ang paghinga bago
pinagmasdan ang kanyang nakaawang na labi.
He has a natural red lips which is so soft while we kiss.
He kissed my forehead, napapikit ako nang gawin n'ya iyon at suminghap nang
maramdaman ang kanyang halik sa leeg ko.
I groaned again, ipinaling ko ang ulo ko para bigyan s'ya ng espasyo at
hinayaan s'yang kalasin ang butones ng damit ko.
I felt the cold air touching my skin from the open balcony near the bed. Bumaba
ang tingin ko sa kanya nang mapunta sa dibdib ko ang kanyang halik.
I felt the electrifying heat on my body everytime we're this close, it feels
comfortable and pleasing. I saw how his lips landed in the space in between my
breast as he licked and kissed it a bit, sucking my inhibition away from me.
Bumilis ang paghinga ko, lalo na nang bahagya akong umigtad para pagbigyan s'ya
sa pagtanggal ng brassiere ko.
I was definitely out of breath the moment his eyes landed on my bare chest. He
stared at it like he saw something fascinating, his green eyes darkening in such
desire I can never fathom.
Just one touch on my peak and I am moaning, he smirked, nang mag-angat s'ya ng
tingin sa akin ay kita kong nagyayabang nanaman s'ya roon.
"H'wag mo akong yabangan d'yan, Major!" I exclaimed.
"I don't," He chuckled deeply and touched my other peak, running his thumb on
it, giving it a circular motion.
"B-Baka sabihin mo patay na patay ako sa'yo, huh!" I said with conviction but
his smile widen more.
"Then...I won't." He smirked.
He slowly lowered his head and licked his lower lip. Napamaang ako sa malamyos
n'yang haplos sa baywang ko at humugot ako ng hininga nang marahang itinaas n'ya
ang skirt ng damit ko at hinaplos ang hita ko.
He stucked his tongue out, looking a bit at me before he claimed my breast with
his mouth in instant.
"Fuck...Major!" I gasped loudly.
I felt him smiled on my skin, mahigpit akong napakapit sa gilid ng kama nang
halikan n'ya iyon at sipsipin.
I closed my eyes in the heated desire I am feeling. I felt something weird in
between my legs, gushing, wanting so hard to get out.
"Oh...gosh!" I murmured when I felt his tongue flickering on my peak, licking
it sensually.
His other hand then wandered on my waist, I gasped exaggeratedly when I felt
his finger on my sensitive part, slowly moving his finger up and down.
"War! What are you doing?" Hinahapo akong nagbaba ng tingin at nahuli ko s'yang
aliw na nakatingin sa akin, wala na ang atensyon sa dibdib ko.
"You're flushing, baby." He chuckled. Napasinghap ako.

Natawa s'ya at mas naging attentive. He slowly moved his

finger again in between my sensitive part beneath my underwear. Kahit may telang
nakatakip roon ay nararamdaman ko pa rin ang kanyang init kaya hindi ako mapakali.
"S-Stop teasing me, Warrion!" I groaned angrily but his smile just widen more,
mas nagwala ang puso ko nang bumaba ang tingin n'ya sa hita ko bago tumungo at
halikan ang hita ko.
"War!" Just a snap of a hand and he removed my clothes away from my body, hindi
ko na napansin kung saan n'ya tinapon iyon at pigil ang hininga ko nang dumampi ang
kanyang halik sa impis kong tyan.
"Hmm, War! Stop teasing me!" He chuckled, I lifted my feet a bit bit he caught
it and placed in back on the bed, smirking at me.
"Let's have a little foreplay, shall we, baby?" He asked.
Kumunot ang noo ko roon at ngumuso.
"Huh?" I asked.
"Like...eating you? What you think?" Mas naging marahan ang haplos n'ya sa
pagitan ng hita ko kaya hindi ako nakasagot at umungol lang.
"Good answer," Tawa n'ya.
The next thing I know, he was kissing my waist band, just a moment and he was
biting the band of my undies and tugging it away from me with his teeth.
I groaned, when the cold air touched my bare part ay nahiya ako, kaagad na
umayos pero mabilis s'ya at hinawakan ang hita ko bago mag-angat ng tingin sa akin.
"No, baby. Widen it more from me."
"B-But..."
"Uh-hmm, open up." He commanded and I nodded immediately, slowly parting my
legs for him.
He kneeled infront of me, in between my parted legs and my soul almost ran away
when he sexily pulled his shirt from his back, removing it from his body.
His body and abs filled my view, singhap ang nagawa ko nang mapatitig sa kanya
at bumaba ang tingin ko sa maong na natira sa pang-ibaba n'ya.
"Do I..." Turo ko sa maong n'ya. "Get to remove that? Can I? Can I?"
Pangungulit ko.
He chuckled deeply, slowly moved towards me, gave me a full kiss on the lips
and gave a peak on my nose.
"Let's see?" He teased and lowered his head in between my parted legs.
Wala nanaman ako sa sarili, one touch of his finger on my feminity and I am so
lost in pleasure again.
His finger moved on my clit and my grip tightened on the bedsheet.
"You're lying to me," Napasulyap ako sa kanya at nakitang nanliliit na ang mata
n'ya habang nakadapa roon sa harapan ko.
"H-Huh? What?"
"You said you're dry..." His lip twitched. "But you're wet, so...so wet."
I gasped in annoyance. Sinipa ko s'ya at napahagalpak s'ya at humalik sa hita
ko.
"You pervert!" I exclaimed.
"What? You said it's dry as a desert? Now, I regret believing you--"
"Adelram!"
"Oh, yes, baby?" Biglang umamo ang mukha n'ya.
"Just...just!" Tinuro ko s'ya at natawa s'ya at kinagat ang labi n'ya.
"Patience, Win." Ngisi n'ya at sumulyap sa may uluhan ko.
"Hand me a pillow, baby." Aniya.
Naguguluhan man ay nag-abot ako sa kanya ng unan at lumuhod s'ya sa harapan ko.

"Lift your body a bit," Iniangat ko ang katawan ko at

inalalayan n'ya ang baywang ko. He placed a pillow on my waist, nagtataka pa ako
noong unan pero ngumisi lang s'ya at inayos ang unan sa ulo ko.
"Watch me while I eat you then?" He planted a small kiss on my head. "Watch how
my tongue wet your dry..." Tumawa s'ya.
"Ass!" I smacked his shoulder while he laugh hard beside me.
"Spank me?" He teased at nang akmang hihilahin ko s'ya ay tumawa s'ya at muling
bumalik sa paahan ko.
He touched my skin and lowered his head and I gasped in such anticipation and
desire the moment his tongue touched my sensitive part.
 I groaned like a wild animal, I felt his grip on my leg as I tried moving, his
tongue started flickered against my flesh, moving up and now.
I tried catching my breath but to no avail, I can't. He moved with such
authority and passion, his touching hands slowly went on my part, his finger
started running over it.
"Watch me," He commanded and I opened my eyes and saw him devouring me like a
lion drinking on a lake with his sharp, green eyes.
Our eyes met, I saw an evil, satisfied look on it when he heard a slutty moan
from me.
He dipped his finger inside, making me flinch in pain.
"I'll take it slowly, so you won't get hurt." I nodded slowly, biting my lower
lip and staring t him.
He plunged a single digit inside me, making me groan in the mix of pleasure and
pain.
I moaned a bit, moving my lower part so I can meet his finger.
"Hey, careful." Marahang sabi ni Warrion at nakita ko ang malambing n'yang
tingin.
"Don't move, this will hurt a bit for now, okay? Let me do this." Aniya at nang
tumango ako ay muli s'yang tumungo.
He began licking me again, his lips moving on my flesh like it was a nice food
to eat. It was intense, while his tongue moves, his finger will follow, making me
forget all the pain I felt at start.
"Gosh...War!" Singhap ko nang mas bumilis ang galaw n'ya.
He entered another digit and his pace fasten while his tongue made unholy
things on my flesh.
I watch him as he devour me, my hand slowly touching my sensitive breast while
I play with it.
He groaned, mas bumilis ang kanyang galaw at marahas na iniangat ang hita ko sa
balikat n'ya para mas umayos ang ginagawa.
"F-Faster, baby... I-I think I'm coming!" I groaned.
He did. Hinaplos ko ang kanyang buhok habang ginagawa n'ya iyon pero habang
nararamdaman kong mas nagiging mabilis at marahas s'ya.
I pulled his hair and moved my waist with his tongue, welcoming every of his
thrust.
May kung anong namuo sa sikmura ko, napaigtad ako at mariing napapikit nang
manginig ang katawan ko.
"W-War...I think, I'm gonna..."
"Let it go, Win." He murmured and a harsh groan and scream left my lips the
moment I convulsed on his mouth.
Nanghihinang bumagsak ang ulo ko at nawalan ng lakas ang kamay ko.
I felt his tongue on my part, cleaning and tasting all my consumed juices.
"W-War, do you really have to--"
"Hmm," Nag-angat s'ya ng tingin sa akin at ngumisi. "Una mong dilig."

Tumawa s'ya at nag-init ang pisngi ko sa sinabi n'ya kaya

ngumuso ako.
"You're so bastos talaga, Major!" Ngiwi ko.
He chuckled, marahang dinilaan ang pang-ibabang labi n'ya bago ako titigan.
"Sweet," He winked.
My cheeks flushed, umawang ang labi ko at akmang may sasabihin pero hindi ko na
nagawa nang ayusin n'ya ang comforter at balutin ang katawan ko.
He then stood and left for the bathroom, leaving me confused there.
What the hell just happened?
Iniangat ko ang kumot sa dibdib ko, nang lumabas na si Warrion na may dalang
maliit na planggana ay ngumuso ako sa kanya.
"Y-Yun na 'yun, Major?" I murmured and he laughed and shook his head.
"For now, baby." He said.
 "Akala ko, sabi mo, diligan time na?!" Inarte ko roon at mas natawa s'ya at
naaaliw na hinila ang kumot paalis sa katawan ko.
"Yeah...supposedly, but I remembered I am still courting you so, I won't do
that for now."
"Y-Yun lang? Bitin naman kasi 'yun!"
He smirked, mabilis na umangat para patakin ng halik ang noo ko bago marahang
hawiin ang hita ko.
"We have a lot of time, baby. We do have a lot. Let's take everything slow."
Aniya.
Kinuyom ko ang hita ko sa balak n'yang gawin sana pero hindi ko nagawa dahik
pinigilan n'ya ako.
"Let me clean you up, let's roam around the island, hmm?"
"But you're hard too...sabi mo kanina! You partially planted me so, I was
satisfied but you..." Sumulyap ako sa pants n'ya at napansing may kampo roon.
He lowered his gaze on his crotch, nakita kong napakurap s'y pero maya-maya'y
tumikhim.
"Don't tempt me, baby. I can do it, akong bahala." Aniya at nilinis ang pagitan
ng hita ko.
I took a shower after that, tulala ako sa salamin at napansing sobrang namumula
ang mukha ko. I was blushing for pete's sake! Really, really blushing!
We did make out! We really did!
And he said he's courting me.
What will I do? Should I offer him to be friends first? But...we did kissed and
he ate me! Wala namang ganoong friends, hindi ba?
Pagkalabas ko ng kwarto ay naabutan ko s'yang mukhang bagong paligo rin, he was
wearing a simple maong jeans but he looks hot and great on it.
He has this strong and seducing look on his face every damn time. Malamig ang
kanyang mga mata at hindi palasalita but those traits got me, big time.
He was naked from his chest down his waist, ang dog tag ay sumasayaw sa kanyang
leeg sa paggalaw n'ya palapit sa akin.
I blinked when he slowly hugged me and kissed my head, nag-angat ako ng tingin
sa kanya at ang malambing n'yang mata at sumalubong sa akin.
"Let's roam around here for now, hmm?" Marahang sabi n'ya at sinuklay ang buhok
ko. "Our trip will start tomorrow, ikot tayo sa buong isla."
I nodded slowly and smiled at him.
"But maybe we can just stay here for now? Ayos lang naman sa akin, kahit bukas
nalang tayo mag-ikot, pagod ka ba?" Napansin kong mukha nga s'yang pagod kaya
hinaplos ko ang pisngi n'ya.
"I just lack sleep most of these days but I am good, kaya ko pa naman umikot. I
can tour you around."
"Kahit dito muna tayo," I said and stared at him. "We can eat here, lutuan mo
nalang ako."

His eyes lowered on my lips, nakita kong tumango s'ya at

pumikit bago marahan akong hapitin palapit sa kanya.
"I'll cook you a good food," He whispered and lifted my hand for a soft kiss.
Like he promised, I watched him as he cook food for me. Nakapahalumbaba ako sa
counter habang nakamasid sa kanyang mabilis na gumagalaw sa kusina.
Him, husband material ka ba, Major?
Ngumuso ako at pinagmasdan s'ya, I saw his back and noticed his scars again.
Those he got, I think, from his work.
"War?" I called his attention when I saw him done with cooking.
"Yes, baby?" He looked at me, his green eyes shined a bit.
Nakita kong inayos n'ya ang pinggan namin sa may lamesa at kinagat ko ang labi
ko at pinagmasdan iyon.
"Can I ask you questions?" I said. He looked at me, kitang nagtataka s'ya sa
akin.
 "Kasi...you said you'll court me? I just want to ask a few things. 'Yun ay kung
ayos lang sa'yo?"
"Alright," He smiled and nodded. Nang matapos na n'yang ilagay ang pagkain
namin sa hapag ay napapalakpak ako sa excitement.
"Ang bango!" I exclaimed happily. "Is this caldereta, Warrion?"
"Yes," He appeared beside me and stole a kiss on my cheek before sitting beside
me.
"I made you a cheesy baked mac too, after you ate." Bulong pa n'ya at nanlaki
ang mata ko at biglang natakam.
I stared at him silently as he prepare my foods, he was too fast and obedient,
bago ko pa man maabot ang juice ay hinuli n'ya ang daliri ko at pinaupo akong muli.
"Let me serve you," He smiled and my heart thumped harder.
I nodded slowly and watched him pamper me with a wide smile.
Nang matapos lang s'ya ay tsaka s'ya tahimik na tumabi sa akin at ngumiti.
"There, eat, baby." I nodded happily and grinned. Nang makitang seryoso s'yang
nilalagyan n'ya kutsara ang pinggan ko ay tumayo ako ng bahagya at humalik sa
pisngi n'ya.
He froze, tumunog ang kutsara nang mabitawan n'ya iyon sa gulat.
He shifted his gaze at me, starled. I smirked and smiled cutely.
"Sowi po..." I said in a small voice.
We ate happily, habang kumakain ako ay sumusulyap s'ya sa akin kaya natawa ako.
"Eat, Warrion. Stop staring at me so, you can eat too." Tawa ko.
His lips protruded, staring at me softly.
"I just can't stop thinking if you liked the food," Aniya.
"Sus!" Sinundot ko ang tagiliran n'ya na nagpatalon sa kanya bahagya. "I loved
it, don't worry." Hagikhik ko.
"Great then, I will cook us dinner later again." He smiled and I nodded.
"Question time na, Major!" I cheered kaya sumulyap s'ya sa akin matapos
sumimsim ng juice.
"Fire away," He cocked his head.
"Uhm... Kailan mo ako didiligan?" I asked him seriously.
He suddenly laughed, inabot ang pisngi ko at pinisil bago ngumuso.
"I just did, Win." Tawa n'ya.
"Hindi 'yun dilig! Partial dilig lang 'yun." Nguso ko.
He laughed more and winked at me.

"Soon, when you allow me to be your boyfriend." Aniya.

"Eh?" Ngiwi ko. "Paasa naman 'tong Major na 'to. Hindi naman kagwapuhan!"
"Huh, really?" Tawa n'ya. "So, pwet ko lang talaga ang habol mo sa'kin?"
"Oo!" Nguso ko at sumulyap sa pang-upo n'ya.
"Tsaka, asadong-asado ako like a siopao kanina na didiligan mo na ako! Tapos
hindi naman?"
"I did water you, Winter. Remember how wet you are? Hindi na disyerto--"
"Ang tunay na dilig may fertilizer!" I said.
He laughed harder, nanliliit na ang mata kakatawa sa akin at inabot ang pisngi
ko bago mas haplusin.
"Soon, baby. I won't only put fertilizer on you, damn, I'll plant kids on your
stomach one day and harvest it after nine months."
Nalaglag ang panga ko, hindi makapaniwalang napatitig sa kanya habang siya'y
tuwang-tuwa sa itsura ko.
"Sinagot na ba kita?" I gasped loudly. "How dare you, Major? Friends lang
tayo!"
"My brother taught me, I should be an advance-thinker."
"Gaanong ka-advance?"
"Hanggang dun sa tipong binubugbog ko ang manliligaw ng anak nating babae?" He
smirked when he saw me gasping at him.
"A-Anyways, next question!"
 "And here we are at her next question." Tawa n'ya. "Okay, what is it?"
"Hmm, this is a bit personal but what happened to th scar on your back?"
He froze, nakita ko ang gulat n'ya sa tanong ko.
"If you weren't comfortable then, don't answer it. I will understand." I said
when I saw how his eyes shifted from an emotion to one.
"I got this when I tried to save someone," He murmured.
My heart felt strange.
"Y-You did?"
"I tried..." Bulong n'ya sa hangin. "When she disappeared, I was nervous and
scared but even if it's dangerous, I went alone. To save her, them. I tried my
best, baby."
"A-Anong nangyari?" Nanginig ang boses ko at hindi ko alam kung bakit ang
bigat-bigat ng puso ko.
"The rebels...the enemies caught me. They beat me up, they were many while I am
alone and fought to save myself so I can save them. They...they hit me with metals,
on my back." Humiwalay s'ya at marahang hinubad ang damit n'ya.
I stared at his back curiously, bahagya akong tumayo para pagmasdan ang likod
n'ya at marahang haplusin.
"They cut me with knives and see the scar near my shoulder?" Hinaplos ko ang
pilat roon at marahang sumagot.
"Yeah,"
"It was a gunshot, Win, but no matter how hard I tried saving her, them. I
failed." Marahang sinabi n'ya.
I felt my heart swelling, lumalim ang aking paghinga at napatungo ako,
sumisikip ang puso.
I gasped loudly and lowered my head. Marahang yumakap ako sa likod n'ya at
humalik sa batok n'ya.
"I-Is this person you are saving really important? For you to even risk your
life for her?" Hinaplos ko ang tyan n'ya at ibinaon ko ang mukha ko sa leeg n'ya.
"Yes, I am willing to trade my life in exchange of hers. Anytime." Bulong n'ya.
"Y-You loved her?" I murmured, my heart tugging fast and painfully.

"I love her," He confessed.

"M-Mas gusto mo ba s'ya sa akin?" Bulong ko.
"I love you, Win." Natahimik ako at kumawala ang luha sa mga mata ko nang
marinig iyon sa kanya.
"Y-You do?" My voice broke. "Then I don't understand why you always push me
away."
"I can't failed again," Nabasag ang boses n'ya. "I can never afford to fail
again, I might lose her again."
I sucked my breath, nang napaiyak ako sa leeg n'ya ay marahan n'ya akong hinila
palapit sa katawan n'ya bago ako yakapin ng mahigpit, ang mukha'y ibinaon n'ya sa
dibdib ko.
Then, my heart swelled when I saw his shoulders shaking.
Major Warrion Adelram Alcantara is crying!
"I am so scared, don't do that to me again." Bulong n'ya.
I felt the familiarity inside my heart while looking at him. I touched his hair
softly, brushing it with my fingers.
"It's gonna be alright, War." Bulong ko sa kanya, masikip ang puso.
Do we have something in the past? Hindi ko alam kung pang-ilang beses ko na
iyong tinanong sa sarili ko habang nakaupo sa kama ko at sinusuklay ang mahabang
buhok.
Is it me who he's referring to? Or another woman?
I am dying to ask him but when I noticed how broken and pained he was, I didn't
tried.
Nang makalma ko s'ya kanina ay sinubukan n'yang makisakay muli sa mga biro ko
pero hindi n'ya magawa. He will smile and the next thing, he was lost again on his
thoughts. Hanggang sa umabot na ang gabi at kumain kami ng hapunan ay ganoon lang
s'ya.
He would sometimes tease me and hugged me from time to time pero biglang
magiging seryoso nanaman.
Now that I am alone in my room, doon na ako muling binagabag ng iniisip ko.
I have to get my memories back! I have to! I will go to Manila and do my
sessions with my psychiatrist.
And he said he loves me!
Nawala lang ang pag-iisip ko nang may kumatok sa pintuan at sa pagsilip ko ay
nakita ko si Warrion na nakasilip sa akin sa siwang ng pinto.
"Win? Baby?"
"Yes?" I asked.
"Can I sleep with you?" He murmured like a kid.
"Huh?" Nanlaki ang mata ko. "D-Diba may kwarto ka naman? So...why would you
sleep here?"
"I just want to," He said.
"B-But you see, friends don't sleep like that--"
"But friends do sleepovers, then?" Unti-unti s'yang napaisip, tila may bombilya
sa ulo n'ya.
"Y-Yes, but you see--"
"Pajama party!" Bigla s'yang pumasok sa kwarto ko at nagulantang ako nang
makitang nakapajama nga s'ya at nakaputing hapit na shirt. May yakap-yakap pa
s'yang unan!
"Major--"
"We're friends for now and they do sleepovers like this so, no worries."
Nalaglag ang panga ko nang mabilis s'yang napunta sa kama at dinamba ako ng yakap.
"Major!" I screamed in shock.
"Yes, baby?" Halakhak n'ya at napasinghap ako nang mabilis n'ya akong nacorner
at hinalikan sa noo ng paulit-ulit at pinahiga ako sa braso n'ya.
Umikot ako paharap sa kanya at nakagat ang labi ko.
"B-Bakit ka dito? May kwarto pa naman?" I asked.

His green eyes stared at me deeply as he lower his head and

claim my lips.
"I like to sleep beside you," He said. Hinapit n'ya ang baywang ko kaya mas
naglapit ang katawan namin.
"But I don't sleep with the lights closed," Bulong ko. "While you likes to
sleep without those."
"As long as you're here, I won't mind." Aniya at napatitig ako sa kanya.
"War..."
"Sleep tight, Win. Let me hug you." Bulong n'ya at humalik sa noo ko ng mariin.
I sighed, kissed his chin and slowly wrapped my arms on his back, leaning on
his chest to sleep with a smile on my face.
I love you, War.
"Where are you going, Winter?" My sister's voice filled my ears in the middle
of the dark night.
"Ate!" I murmured a bit, readying my small suitcase.
"What are you doing? Bakit may maleta ka?" Gulong sabi n'ya at kumunot ang noo
sa akin.
"I found out they need volunteers on the site." I said and smiled. "And guess
what? I signed it to join--"
"Are you crazy, Win?!" She exclaimed.
"Ate," I pouted.
"That is a war zone!"
"That will be safe, I will just go to help. I won't go to war, of course doon
lang ako sa kampo. I will just in helping serving foods. That's all."
"Kahit na!" Umiling s'ya at inabot ako. "Thay will be dangerous, paano kung
pasukin ng kaaway ang kampo?"
"No, hindi 'yun." I shook my head. "I called you now so I can say goodbye,
sandali lang ako, Ate. I just want to visit him."
She shook her head, humawak s'ya sa kamay ko at hinigpitan ang hawak sa akin.
"It's risky, Win."
"Ate Summer, ayos lang ako." I smiled reassuringly. "Walang mangyayari sa'kin.
I will be safe, he will protect me I am sure atsaka I missed him so much."
"Hindi ko gusto 'to," She sighed. "I am nervous, Win."
"I will be fine, nagpaalam na ako kina Mommy, I told them I'll go to a
volunteer work, I just didn't tell them it's in Mindanao."
She shook her head again and slowly hugged me.
"Hindi ako kampante d'yan, Winter." She sighed. "Tutuloy ka talaga?"
"Yes, Ate." I said with conviction. "I miss him so much, I just want to see him
kahit sandali. If I saw him doing good then, I will leave."
"Okay..." She sighed and I noticed her thinking deeply. "Sasama ako."
My mouth parted, nanlaki ang mga mata ko sa gulat roon.
"Really?!" I cheered happily.
"Yes," She sighed and touched my cheek. "I have to make sure my little sister
is safe, sasamahan kita."
My grin widened more, dinamba ko s'ya ng yakap at natawa s'ya roon.
"I will keep you safe, Winter. Promise." Bulong n'ya.
Then, suddenly, the scene shifted.
Ang ngiti sa aking mga mata ay unti-unting naglaho. The bright light
surrounding the room I am in slowly faded and was surrounded my scary, deafening
silence. It was suddenly filled with darkness and my eyes started to swell when I
saw my sister lying on the floor.
"L-Let's go, Ate!" I cried loudly and tugged her hand.
"Ate! Ate, wake up! Let's go home!" I cried harshly, pulling my sister from the
floor.
"G-Go, Win... Go away!" She said, coughing, the side of her eyes were wet with
tears.
"N-No, I won't abandon you. We will go home, we will go home!" Sigaw ko.
"S-Save yourself! Leave me!" She said weakly.
"N-No, I will save you! We have to go home." Nabasag ang boses ko. "A-Ate,
please!"
"N-No, I dragged you here! I j-just can't leave you!"
"It's not your fault," Halos manlamig ako nang makitang ang kamay n'ya ay
punong-puno ng dugo, nagsusumamo ang mga mata na umalis na ako.
"R-Run, Win... Ask for help, b-balikan mo nalang ako. Save yourself, and...and
if I'm still alright, dito lang ako, b-balikan mo ako."
"A-Ate..." Nanginig ang katawan ko. "T-Tara, k-kaya kitang alalayan."
"Go! Go away! Come back for me... S-Save yourself, Win."
"A-Ate!" One shot stop me from sitting there, nang mag-angat ako ng tingin ay
napaluha ako nang makita ang mga lalaking papalapit sa amin.
"G-Go!" Ate Summer exclaimed.
"B-Babalikan kita, Ate--" I froze when I heard a gunshot and then I saw my
sister's hand fell on the floor.
My body started shaking when blood gushed out from her mouth.
"W-Win..." She coughed.
"Ate! Ate, no!" I screamed when she didn't move anymore, her eyes slowly
closing.
"So dramatic," Nag-angat ako ng tingin at nang maabutan ang lalaking papalapit
sa akin ay halos gumapang ako umalis at nang makitang hinahanda ng isa ang baril ay
mabilis akong tumakbo.
Ate... Ate ko.
Humahagulgol ako habang tumatakbo at hinahabol nila ako ng mga bala. I gasped
when my arm was caught by a gun.
Suminghap ako at humagulgol, mabilis na sinapo ang aking dumudugong braso at
mas binilisan ang takbo.
 Another gunshot on my feet and I am crying in pain and fear. Nadapa ako,
pinilit ko ang sarili kong gumapang patungo sa naglalakihang mga karton at nagtago.
Pigil ang mga hagulgol habang dinarama ang sakit ng tama ng bala at ang ala-ala
ng kapatid ko.
I cried silently, tugging my chest.
"Alam ko kung nasaan ka..." Halakhak 'nung nagpaputok sa akin ng baril. "I can
see your blood from here."
Mas naging marahas ang iyak ko. Hinabol ko ang hininga ko at suminghap.
"S-Save me, please... Someone save me." I cried, staring at the darkness
infront of me.
"I-I'm begging anyone...save me."
"Winter! Baby! Wake up!"
I opened my eyes and I saw a familiar pair of green eyes infront of me.
I gasped. Mas napaiyak ako nang makita ang takot sa mga mata n'ya at mabilis na
umupo at sinapo ang pisngi ko.
"H-Help me, help me, War." I cried violently, my body shaking. "S-Save me, take
me out of here."
"I-I'm here," Alo n'ya sa akin, ang mata'y kumikislap sa mga luha. "I-I'm not
gonna leave you."
"S-Save me, Warrion. N-Natatakot ako, it's t-too dark, save me." I begged him,
shaking violently and he gasped, pulled me towards his body and hugged me tightly.
"I am here," He said. "I will save you, I'll take you out of that darkness,
Win."

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Kabanata 19

I unpublished it to post the complete chapter. Bitin 'yung

napost ko hehe!
Hi, Archers! I am sorry for the long wait. I was really busy and ganun rin sa
susunod. I'll start having classes every sunday na next week. I will do my best if
my free time to update.
And...iponing na! I think ADTP will be out on MIBF this September :)
Enjoy♥
xxx
Kabanata 19
I woke up feeling a bit lighter, sa pagmulat ko nang mata ay nakita ko ang
makulimlim na kwarto, medyo madilim at tanging ang lamp lang ang bukas kaya
kinabahan ako.
I panicked a bit, was about jumped out of bed when I felt a tight hug on my
waist and saw a hair of a person leaning on my chest.
I was confused in a while when I remembered that it was Warrion. I sighed,
unti-unti kumalma.
I suddenly remembered how he comforted me when I cried last night, how he
cuddled me, how he hugged me tight and kissed my head until I fell asleep again.
Hindi ko maiwasang mahiya para sa sarili ko.
Why am I showing how vulnerable I am again?
Why am I showing my true feelings that fast? Bakit kailangang nakikita n'ya
akong mahina?
I sighed, marahang hinaplos ang buhok ni Warrion at sumulyap sa orasan.
It was just five-thirty and the morning yet I am wide awake.
"Thank you..." I whispered softly and caressed his hair before brushing it
again.
"But I feel ashamed of myself of being too soft for you, I...just want anyone
to see the positive side of me. I just don't want to drag anyone with me in the
dark."
 Natigilan ako nang bahagyang gumalaw s'ya sa may dibdib ko. Tinitigan ko s'ya
at sa pag-angat n'ya ng tingin ay nasalubong ko ang berde n'yang mga mata.
I gasped when his lips lifted a bit for a soft smile before lifting his head
and kissing my chin.
"Good morning, baby..." He said huskily.
I just stared at him and did not say anything, nakita kong nagtataka s'ya roon
pero kaagad na umayos ng higa para titigan ako.
"Bad dream again?" He murmured.
I shook my head a bit, nakita ko naman ang pagtango n'ya at ang pagsulyap sa
orasan sa gilid.
"I'll make you breakfast," He said and stared at me again.
"Okay," Bulong ko sa hangin.
He nodded, his forehead creased upon looking at me. His hand lifted on my face
as his thumb caressed my cheek.
"If you want someone to talk to, I'm just here, okay?" He murmured.
My heart quickened in a mixture of sadness and happiness. I just stared at him
quietly and he sighed.
Bahagya s'yang umupo sa kama kaya bumagsak ang kumot sa dibdib n'ya. His chest
got exposed, lumunok naman ako at nang marahang hawakan n'ya ang braso ko ay
marahan akong umupo rin kapantay n'ya.
"Why are you doing this?" Mahinang bulong ko.
He stared at me and I saw how determination filled his eyes.
"Doing what?"
"Comforting me...this. Bakit mo ginagawa?"
He smiled, I closed my eyes when he planted a soft kiss on my forehead before
staring.

"Because I love you," I froze when I heard that, tila bago

pa rin ang mga salitang iyon mula sa kanya.
"R-Really?" My voice broke. "Baka naman naaawa ka sa akin? You pushed me away
and now..."
"I won't wait blindly for years if I'm not really inlove," He murmured kaya
nagtaka ako.
"Years?" I murmured.
"I'm just too scared being too attached to you, what I only want is to protect
you, I keep on telling myself I just have to protect you and that's it but I keep
on failing everytime when it comes to you. You always melt this wall inside of me,
you are always capable of melting me."
Namungay ang mata ko, I saw him smiled a bit and fixed my hair.
"I will court you, I will work hard for you. I will protect you in everything I
can and have."
Lumabi ako at nagbaba ng tingin.
"Am I worth it?" I whispered a bit. "Am I worth your effort? All I did in this
life is to fail someone, my sister got..." Naputol ang sasabihin ko nang mabilis na
tumungo s'ya at sinakop ang labi ko.
I gasped a bit, handa na sanang lumayo pero pinirmi n'ya ang baywang ko at
nagpatuloy sa paghalik.
"You..." He gave me a kiss again. "Are worth it."
I bit and touched my lip, looking up at him.
"And I love you, Winter Andromeda." He sighed. "Damn, I'd go crazy just to be
with you."
"I don't deserve it," Humina ang boses ko at pinagmasdan s'ya. "I don't think I
still deserve the love people is giving me, kasi ako...I was a brat, I was selfish,
I only think of myself. Ni hindi ko nailigtas ang kapatid ko."
Hindi ko s'ya nakitaan ng gulat sa mga mata, he just stared at me like he
understands and listens to every word I always say.
"Just talk to me if you're ready, okay? If you're finally comfortable saying
your problems, I'll just be here." Aniya sa akin.
"I won't leave you behind," Mahinang bulong n'ya.
"Thank you," Malumanay kong sabi.
"Everything for you, baby." He smiled again. "Makabawi man lang sa pinalampas
kong pagdidilig." He chuckled.
Nag-init ang pisngi ko at pinalo ang dibdib n'ya kaya natatawang kinuha n'ya
ang kamay ko at hinalikan.
"Kailan ang susunod?" I joked but he laughed and licked his lower lip.
"May schedule?" He asked me too.
Napailing ako, natatawa na.
"Paano ba naman kasi, hindi naman 'yun official dilig, Major." I said.
"I love it when you call my rank," He chuckled and softly pulled me to his
body, making me lean on him a bit. "If that isn't watering, what do you call that?"
"Partial dilig, 'yung tipong wisik-wisik lang." I said and he laughed harder,
napangiti na rin ako at napansing ipinaikot n'ya ang kanyang braso sa tyan ko para
mas yakapin ako.
"Nanggigigil ako," Tawa n'ya at mas niyakap ako. Napatili ako nang paulit-ulit
n'yang halikan ang balikat ko kaya napaigik ako at tumalon.
"War!" I exclaimed, pulling my neck from him but he chuckled and continued
kissing my neck up to my earlobe.
"I love you, Win." He whispered when he reached my ear. "I realized I shoudn't
be scared with you, I have to be strong...for us. I have to save us from the
darkness. We have to get out."

Naramdaman ko ang pagwawala ng puso ko sa masuyong bulong

n'ya. I lifted my hand and reached for his hair to play with it.
Mas ibinaon na n'ya ang mukha sa aking leeg at niyakap ako.
"Sleep again, baby. I will cook you breakfast again, a real food this time. Mas
masarap pa sa luto ng manliligaw mo."
"Oh?" Natawa ako. "Naalala ko tuloy 'yung hotdog mo."
He froze but then laughed and kissed my skin.
"Kaagad? Hindi mo pa nga nakikita, e." He murmured.
Nang matanto ang ibig sabihin n'ya ay pinalo ko ang hita n'ya at natatawang
bumulong.
"Tsaka, hindi lang 'to regular, jumbo 'to, baby kong tuyot--"
"Warrion!" Nanlaki ang butas ng ilong ko at hinila ang buhok n'ya kaya
humagalpak s'ya ng tawa at inilayo ang ulo sa akin.
"Joke! I love you!" He laughed and I screamed before slapping his leg in
annoyance.
Nakatulog akong ulit nang buksan ni Warrion ang kurtina para sa kaunting
liwanag. Nagising lang ako nang maramdaman ang munting halik sa pisngi ko.
I yawned, sa pagmulat ko ng mata ay naabutan ko si Warrion na nakaluhod sa
gilid ng kama at nakatitig sa akin.
"Hey, breakfast's ready. Morning again." He kissed my head.
"Morning," I yawned, iniunat ko ang braso sa ere para magstretch pero napatili
ako sa gulat nang nakawan ng halik ni Warrion ang kili-kili ko.
"That's my underarm!" I screamed, mabilis na ibinaba ko ang kamay ko at
nanlalaki ang matang tinignan s'ya pero natawa lang s'ya at ngumuso.
"Mabango naman," He commented.
"Perv!" I screamed. "B-Bagong gising ako tsaka...bakit ka nanghahalik ng kili-
kili? Paano pala kung..." Pasimple kong inamoy ang kili-kili ko at ngumuso.
"Mabango naman pala," I said.
He chuckled deeply, mabilis na umupo sa gilid ko sa kama at marahan akong
hinawakan paupo.
"Always," He chuckled, pinasandal n'ya ako sa balikat n'ya at pinisil ang
pisngi ko.
"Come on, eat." Aniya at inilahad sa akin ang kamay n'ya na kaagad kong
tinanggap.
He cooked afritada and a corn soup for our breakfast, habang nakaupo sa stool
ay pinagmamasdan ko s'yang kumuha ng pagkain at inilalagay iyon sa plato ko.
He then sat beside me and gave me a glass of milk.
"Enjoy," He grinned when he saw me staring softly at him.
Pagkatapos naming kumain ay naghanda kami para sa itinerary namin para sa araw
na ito, we will roam around the island today and I am excited!
I wore a white off shoulder cropped top and a floral skirt, sa paglabas ko ng
sala ay naabutan ko si Warrion na may kausap sa telepon at nasa bulsa ang kamay.
He's wearing a white fitted longsleeves along with a brown khaki pants. Magulo
ang kanyang buhok at nakita ko kung paano s'ya matigilan nang makita ako.
Yakap-yakap ng kanyang braso ang damit dahil sa pagkakahapit nito sa kanya, it
was folded up to his forearm.
"Yes, she's safe here with me." Narinig kong sabi n'ya nang lumapit s'ya sa
akin.
I shivered when he touched my exposed waist, nakita kong natigilan s'ya sa
paghawak dahil sa balat ko.
His forehead creased, napatitig sa tyan ko pero nawala ang atensyon dahil roon
sa kausap.

"I know, I will go back quickly to check. Just add more

securities to the senator." Aniya.
I froze, sa pagsulyap ko kay Warrion ay pasimple n'yang hinalikan ang gilid ng
noo ko at inakay ako palabas.
"Yeah, I talked to him last night about this. Yes, I'm with Winter. Babantayan
ko, akong bahala." He said.
I was curious, ngumuso ako at sulyap nang sulyap sa kanya at nang ibaba n'ya
ang tawag ay hinila ko ang shirt n'ya.
"Anong meron? How's my family?" I asked.
"They're great, sinabi ko lang na kasama kita amd they've been receiving
something lately."
"Huh?" Kumalabog ang puso ko. "Are they being threatened again? Nakalaya ba ang
mga nagtangka?"
"You know how bloody the politics is,"
"Yeah, I know. I just have to know where are they? S-Should I go back?" He
stared at me and when he noticed how stressed I am ay umiling s'ya at hinaplos ang
balat ko.
"The threat isn't actually for them," Aniya.
"Huh?" I asked.
"It's for you." He stared at me seriously.
I gasped, kumalabog ang puso ko at nakita kong napabuntong-hininga s'ya at
tumitig.
"W-What is it? B-Bakit?"
"It isn't actually the threat like what you're thinking," He said. "It's more
like a stalker. I just received a report saying someone has been sending you
letters of admiration." Tumiim ang bagang n'ya at dumilim ang mata sa sinabi.
"H-Huh? How come I haven't read them?" My eyes widen.
"It's happening for months now," Tumalim ang tingin n'ya. "And I didn't even
know it, your father's been hiding it from you."
"B-Bakit naman? I mean...what about the letters? May...May masama bang
nakalagay?" Nanginig ang boses ko sa kaba.
He looked at me, nakita kong parang nagdadalawang-isip s'ya kung sasabihin n'ya
o hindi kaya tintigan ko s'ya.
"Please...tell me."
He sighed and surrendered, saglit kaming tumigil sa paglalakad at marahang
pinihit ako paharap sa kanya.
"It was an innocent letter at first," He said softly and placed my hair at the
back of my ear.
"But it's getting dangerous these past few days and what your father received
yesterday is a threat, na kung hindi n'ya malalaman kung nasaan ka ngayon ay
magkakagulo." I froze, umawang ang labi ko at kumalabog ang puso ko.
"I-I should go back!" My voice trembled. "B-Baka may masamang mangyari sa
kanila dahil sa akin, I can't afford to lose a family member."
"No," Tumiim ang bagang n'ya. "You will stay here while I protect you, your
family is safe too, I am making sure of that. Pinaigting ko ang security ng mga
magulang at bahay n'yo. I even give your friend securities so that stalker can't
force her to say where you are."
Doon ako unti-unting kumalma, I nodded slowly and sighed, looking at him.
"T-Thank you, War. Thank you." I murmured.
Hindi s'ya umimik, marahang lumapit lang at niyakap ako bago pumatak ng halik
sa noo ko.
"I'm just here," He whispered. "I won't leave you, I promise to protect you
even in expense of my life."
Mahigpit ko s'yang niyakap pabalik at sumubsob sa leeg n'ya, mabilis ang tibok
ng puso.
Medyo nawala na ang kaba ko nang mapansin ang ganda ng paligid. Hindi ko man
masyadong natitigan ang lugar kahapon ay nagkaroon ako ng tyansa ngayon.

The cold air touched my skin, habang naglalakad ay napansin

kong lumulubog ang paa ko sa pinaghalong maputi at gintong buhangin, the coconut
tress stood tall there, the caves and stones where inclined aesthetically there.
Dito lang sa lugar na ito medyo developed dahil sa mga cabin at ilang restos
samantalang ang ibang parte ng isla at ang mga kalapit rito ay hindi ginagalaw ng
mga propesyunal.
Sa hindi kalayuan ay napansin ko ang iilang guest sa isang bangka roon. Kanya-
kanyang kuha ng litrato sa paligid at nakikipagsiyahan.
I bit my lip, hinawi ko ang sumasabog na buhok at nang sumulyap ako kay War ay
nakita kong nakatitig lang s'ya sa akin at hawak ang baywang ko.
When he caught me looking ay pasimple s'yang umiwas para kunwari hindi
nakatitig sa akin kaya natawa ako.
"Kailan mo pa ako gusto, Major?" I suddenly asked.
He stopped, nagtatakang tumingin sa akin.
"Hmm?"
"Kailan mo ako nagustuhan? Ako...I liked you since the very start when I saw
you at the bar. Crush kita dati pero di na kita crush ngayon." Ngumisi ako.
Ngumiwi s'ya at inilingan ako, marahang humahaplos sa baywang ko.
"I'll make you like and love me again," He shrugged. "Akong bahala, kaya ko
'yan." He said confidently.
"Yabang!" I smacked his arm.
Natawa naman s'ya at mas inilapit ako sa katawan n'ya.
"And about when did I start liking you?" Napaisip s'ya. "Matagal na, I stopped
counting."
"Weh?" Tawa ko pa. "Maniwala sa'yo, mas nauna pa ata akong nagkagusto sa'yo--"
"Definitely wrong," He smirked. "Baka malula ka kung malalaman mo."
"Sus," Irap ko. "Kung matagal mo na akong gusto edi sana nagdilig ka kaagad--"
"Oo na," Tawa n'ya. "Maglalagay na rin ako ng fertilizer kung gusto mo."
We reached the boat and I saw how the guest stopped taking photos with the
sight of us. Some blushed and coughed, napansin ko ang titig sa tabi ko kaya
pasimple akong sumulyap kay Warrion na seryoso lang at walang emosyon sa tabi ko.
I saw him staring at my exposed stomach and snorted kaya napatawa ako ng mahina
at bumulong.
"Ayaw mo ng damit ko?"
He looked at me and pouted a bit. "Hindi naman but does your stomach really
have to be shown like that?"
 "Crop top 'yan, Major." I said and he pouted. Halos yakapin ang baywang ko kaya
natawa na ako.
"Tignan mo 'yung mga girls o, crush ka ata." I whispered when I noticed how
pre-occupied he is at me.
"Hmm?" He looks oblivious, pasimple kong i-nginuso ang mga babae sa harapan
namin at nakita kong sumulyap s'ya roon.
Halos manlaki ang mata ko nang bahayang nagkagulo ang grupo dahil sa pagtingin
ni Warrion. One woman even has the guts and confidence to raise here hand and wave
at him.
Warrion's face, like usual was cold again. Nakita ko pang mukhang wala s'yang
interes sa mga babae roon at bahagya lang na tumango at muli akong binalingan.
"H'wag mo akong ibenta sa iba," He whispered kaya natawa ako. "I'm scared,
sa'yo lang ako papabili." Inarte n'ya at pinaulanan ako ng halik sa pisngi kaya
pinalo ko s'yang natatawa.
Nakaalalay sa akin si Warrion habang paakyat kami sa bangka at pinaupo n'ya ako
sa upuan bago humalik sa noo ko at nagpaalam.
"I'll talk to the staff first, dito ka lang." Aniya at tumango ako at ngumiti.

I took photos around the area and noticed how clean and
beautiful the island is. Ang dagat ay may pinaghalong asul at berde, tila nagtatalo
sa kulay depende sa sinag ng araw at kulay ng langit.
I saw the visible fishes below, sa sobrang linaw pa ng tubig ay mukhang
nakalutang sa langit ang bangka.
The air is fresh with a soothing scent of salt walter. I wish this island will
stay what it looks like right now for another hundred years and more.
This kind of beauty should be treasured.
"Winter?" Nawala ang atensyon ko sa paligid at sa paglingon ko ay umawang ang
labi ko nang makita ang kaibigan.
"M-Max?" My mouth parted. "How..."
"I knew it, you're here!" Sa gulat ko ay bigla n'ya akong dinamba nito ng yakap
at hindi ako nakagalaw nang bigla n'ya patakan ng halik ang labi ko.
"I was looking for you! Hindi naman nila sinasabi sa akin na--"
"Get off her." Isang mariing boses ang nagpatigil sa akin at kay Max.
Napalingon ako kay Warrion at nakita ko ang galit at irita sa mga mata n'ya.
His jaw clenched, his eyes almost turned darker.
Nang natantong sobrang lapit pa rin sa akin ni Max ay tinulak ko ito at
kumalabog ang puso ko. I stared at Warrion and I saw how his eyes landed on my lips
and he was mad again.
"Bakit kasama mo 'yan?" Takang tanong ni Max at nilingon ako. "I thought you
went here alone yet you're with him--"
"Stop, Max." I said and sighed. "Bakit ka nandito?"
"I thought you're here at tama nga ako, your parents and friend won't tell me
where you are kaya sumubok ako and you're really here." He said happily and cupped
my cheek.
I shivered at that, lumayo ako sa kanya at tinanggal ang kamay n'ya sa pisngi
ko.
"Max--"
"Move," Just one word ay natahimik na ang buong bangka. Sa pagsulyap ko ay
nakita ko si Warrion na nakatayo na sa tabi ni Max.
"Why would I?"
Kita ko kung paano mag-igting ang panga ni Warrion, mukhang handa nang manugod
sa galit kaya mabilis kong inabot ang nakakuyom na kamay at marahang hinila palapit
sa akin.
"Max, please." I sighed and stared at my friend. "Don't be like this,"
"I was just protecting you, Win! Kaya pumunta rin ako dito kasi diba, may
gustong makita ka? Nagpapadala pa nga ng sulat--"
"How did you know that?" Warrion's hard voice stopped him.
 "Sinabi sa akin nila Tito! They want me to protect Win--"
"I only have the right to protect her," Nakita ko ang galit ni Warrion.
"That's impossible! Tito asked me to take care of her--"
"Calm down, Max." I stopped him. "Don't make a scene. Mag-uusap tayo mamaya."
Kita ko ang iritasyon ni Max pero wala nang nagawa at tumango bago tumabi sa
akin.
I smiled a bit at him and said my thanks before looking at my Warrion who looks
like he'll attack someone in just a snap.
I pulled his hand softly, nakita kong sumulyap s'ya sa akin, inis na inis at
inilingan ko s'ya.
"Sit," I commanded. "Calm down."
Mukhang ayaw pa n'ya, pero nang mapansing determinado akong paupuin s'ya ay
naupo s'ya sa kabilang gilid ko.

I noticed the girls stopped fuzzing around with the scene,

nanatili ang hawak ko sa kamay ng iritadong si Warrion at napasulyap kay Max na
nakatitig sa akin.
"Care to explaim this to me, Winter?" He said.
"Mag-usap tayo mamaya," I said.
Lumingon ako kay Warrion na malamig lang na nakatitig sa lapag. I sighed,
softly entertwined my fingers with his to calm him down.
The tour guide started talking infront, habang nagsasalita iyon ay hindi mawala
ang tingin ko sa seryosong Warrion, mahigpit na hawak pa rin ang kamay ko at
mukhang malalim ang iniisip.
I softly tugged his shoulder at nakita kong sumulyap s'ya sa akin at nang
bumaling ang tingin sa labi ko ay pumikit at nag-iwas ng tingin.
I sighed, pasimple kong kinuha ang panyo sa pouch ko at dinampian ang labi ko.
Nakita kong nakatingin na s'ya kaya nagsalita ako.
"Wala na, there, happy?" I said. He sighed again, lumambot ang mata pero maya-
maya'y bumulong sa akin at marahan akong hinila palapit.
"There is no way that man knows you've been receiving letters." Bulong n'ya.
"Even your friend didn't know and I doubt the senator will tell that to him."
Kumalabog ang puso ko, masimpleng humarap kay Max na nagtitipa sa phone at
seryoso rin.
"W-What do you mean?" Baling ko kay War.
"Careful," He murmured. "I won't let him drag you alone, sasama ako."
"Okay," I bit my lip. "B-But I don't think he can do it."
"I have to make sure you're safe, Winter." He murmured softly. "And I love you,
okay? Ayokong mapapahamak ka."
Naaliw ako sa dagat habang nasa byahe kami at patungo sa Sarina Island, malapit
lamang rito. They say, the original itinerary is when where supposed to go to the
hidden lagoon but the waves are high today, ilan ang sumubok kanina pero tinatangay
lamang ang kayak kaya hindi sila natuloy.
"May swimsuit ka sa loob nito?" Warrion whispered non-chalantly when he noticed
my outfit again.
I nodded slowly, halos mapatalon nang marahang yakapin n'ya ang baywang ko at
sumubsob sa balikat ko.
"Hindi mo naman huhubarin 'no?"
"Of course I will," Natawa ako. "I will swim, Alcantara."
"But that asshole will see you--"
"Edi bantayan mo ako," I said.
He sighed. Mas yumakap sa baywang ko at pinaulanan ng halik ang balikat ko.
"I'm...jealous." He murmured. "So, so jealous."
Nagwala ang puso ko, tila paru-paro na nagwawala kaya hindi ako makalma.
"B-Bakit, e hindi naman tayo a? Bakit ka nagseselos?"
"Because I love you at nililigawan kita." Inarte n'ya. "I am jealous because I
love you and he kissed you infront of me."
 "Pinunasan ko na, diba? And...Max's a good man."
"Tell me why he found you here, tho?" He whispered.
Hindi nanaman ako nakapagsalita kaagad, sumulyap ako kay Max na tahimik sa tabi
ko at muling sumulyap kay Warrion.
"I just don't think..."
"Then, let me find out." Bulong ni Warrion. "Let me find out and protect you."
We reached the island and I was too preoccupied with Max the whole time,
pagkababa namin sa isla ay nagpaalam saglit si Warrion para kausapin ang tour
guide.

Nahila naman ako ni Max kaya sa kanya nabaling ang atensyon

ko.
"Here, eat more." Max said, putting foods on my plate.
Kumurap ako at sumulyap sa kanya.
"T-Thanks,"
"Welcome, alam mo namang gusto kita matagal na, diba?" He said. "And I want you
to be clear to me, gusto mo ba ako?"
I bit my lip, bahagya akong tumungo at pasimpleng suminghap.
"I liked you as a friend, Max." I confessed. "B-But beyond that...no."
"Then I will make you like me more," Aniya kaya natigilan ako. "Kung hindi mo
pa ako gusto ngayon ng sobra, I will make you like me. Kasi ako, gustong-gusto
kita, Winter. I love you. I know you know that."
"Y-Yes, but Max...it's complicated. I only like you as a friend." I said.
Napasulyap ako kay Warrion na may kausap sa hindi kalayuan pero nasa akin ang
tingin, hindi umaalis.
"So, sino ang gusto mo?" Natawa si Max sa tabi ko. "Your useless bodyguard?"
"What?" Nilingon ko ito at nangunot ang noo ko. "What useless?"
"That bodyguard of yours! Ano, gusto mo s'ya? E wala namang binatbat 'yan! He
can't even protect you!"
"It isn't true, he did everything to protect me, Max." I said.
"And of course, you will defend him." Natawa s'ya. "I saw how you two interact
with each other, ano, ganun-ganun nalang, Winter? He was some useless kind of shit!
Why do you what to be with him? Is it because of his wealth?"
"Max!" I exclaimed, stopping him. "What are you saying?"
"I was just saying na walang kwenta ang lalaking 'yan! Ako, ako, Winter kaya
kitang protektahan! I can risk my life for you! I even went here just to protect
you when I found out you're in danger tapos ganun nalang? I was worried for you!
Tapos ganun nalang ang sasabihin mo sa akin? Ni wala ka manlang ginagawa!"
I felt the bitter taste on my mouth, napailing ako kay Max at sinuklay ang
buhok ko.
"You know what I liked about Warrion while he's protecting me?" I said and I
saw how confused Max is.
"I loved how he protect me because he always do it quietly, kahit wala akong
alam, nandyan s'ya at tahimik na nagbabantay." I smiled a bit. "Hindi n'ya
isinumbat sa akin lahat ng ginawa n'ya, Max. 'Yun ang gusto ko."
His mouth parted, kita kong nagsisi sa nasabi pero umiling lang ako at ibinaba
ang plato at tumayo.
"Thank you, Max, for protecting me." I said softly and left.
Warrion froze when he saw me walking away from Max. Nakita kong nagpaalam s'ya
sa kausap bago ako sinalubong.
I smiled when I saw him walking towards me, hinuli n'ya ang baywang ko ang
makalapit sa akin at bahagya akong niyakap.
Isinubsob n'ya ang mukha sa leeg ko at bumulong roon.
"W-What happened? Pinayagan mo ba s'yang ligawan ka pa rin?"
"Paano kung sinagot ko na?" I joked.
Hindi s'ya nakagalaw, nang makitang natigilan na s'ya roon at kinabahan ay
napangisi ako.
 "Y-You did?" He asked, bahagya s'yang lumayo at tinitigan ako. Napansin kong
namumungay ang mata n'ya kaya napangisi ako.
"Don't grin at me," He murmured. "S-Sinagot mo na, kayo na?"
Hindi ako umimik, humalukikip ako sa harapan n'ya at ngumisi lang.
"Win..." Himutok n'ya. "S-Sinagot mo na? Hindi na ba ako pwede manligaw?"

"Hmm..." I hummed.
I saw how pain crossed his eyes, umigting ang panga n'ya at suminghap roon.
"Aagawin nalang kita," Biglang sabi n'ya nang maisip. "K-Kaya naman, no?"
"Papaagaw ba ako?" I said.
Natigilan nanaman s'ya, mukhang nag-iisip ng paraan n'ya kaya natawa ako at
pinisil ang pisngi n'ya.
"Kidding aside, Major." Nagliwanag naman ang mata n'ya roon.
"Galingan mo, nawala man si Max, two pages pa rin ang manliligaw ko."
"Yung binigay mong listahan?" He asked. I nodded and smiled pero mas napangisi
s'ya at hinawakan ang baywang ko pahapit sa kanya.
"I guess, ako nalang pala mag-isang nanliligaw sa'yo?"
"Huh?" Takang tanong ko.
"Wala na 'yung listahan mo, okay na."
"Huh?" Takang tanong ko. "Paanong wala?"
"Hindi na manliligaw ang mga 'yun sa'yo." Tumaas ang kilay ko roon.
"At bakit?" I hissed.
"Kasi...ako lang pwede manligaw sa'yo." Ngisi n'ya.
"Anong ginawa mo? Bakit hindi na sila?" I raised my brow.
He chuckled nervously a bit, lumayo ng bahagya at namulsa, nag-iiwas ng tingin.
"Warrion!" I exclaimed.
Bigla s'yang sumipol at tumingin sa paligid.
"Alcantara!" Tawag ko pero pasimple s'yang umatras kaya suminghap ako.
"At saan ka pupunta?!" I exclaimed when he suddenly sprinted and ran away from
me. Napasinghap ako at inabot ang sandals ko bago s'ya habulin na tumatawa roon
habang tumatakbo paalis.
I chuckled, pinagtitinginan na kami sa pagtakbo roon at mukhang binagalan pa ni
Warrion ang takbo para magpahuli sa akin.
I smacked his arm when I reached him, he chuckled when I caught him and turned
around. Napatili ako sa gulat nang buhatin n'ya ako at parang sakong inilagay sa
balikat n'ya.
"War!" I exclaimed and kicked my feet pero tumawa lang s'ya at naglakad, buhat
ako.
"May papakita ako," Aniya.
I was confused pero pinalo ko pa rin ang likod n'ya para ibaba ako.
"I can walk, you know!" I exclaimed. Hindi s'ya umimik, tumigil na rin sa
pagpala at hinayaan s'yang maglakad roon habang buhat ako.
Napansin ko ang pagtahimik ng lugar, ang paghampas ng alon mula sa dagat ay
nawala sa pandinig ko at napalitan lamang ng tunog ng malumanay na lagaslas ng
tubig.
Maya-maya pa'y nakaalalay na ibinaba ako ni Warrion at nagitla ako nanvmg
makita ang hindi kalakihang cave roon.
Kaagad ko s'yang sinulyapan, ngumiti naman s'ya at inilahad sa akin ang lugar.
"Since, medyo na-delay 'yung pagpunta natin sa lagoon, I will show you this.
This is my favorite place in Sarina." Aniya.
"Yeah, there's a lot of caves here, you can also see another one when we get to
see Navagió."
I nodded slowly, nang ilahad n'ya ang kamay ay kaagad akong humawak roon at
inalalayan n'ya akong papasok.
The middle of the cave is a passage where water can flow, kakaiba rin ang kweba
na ito sa mga nakikita ko noon dahil sa manipis na stone formation sa itaas.
 Kadalasan, madilim but this one is different, the top side
of the cave is too thin that the light can passed through it, giving dim lights
inside the cave.
Ang asul na tubig sa gitna ng kweba ay malinaw at halos kuminang dahil sa ilaw
mula sa itaas ng kweba.
I can see amazing rock formations, tila nililok ng magaling na propesyunal
dahil sa ayos nito.
When we reached the middle part of the cave, hinawakan ni Warrion ang baywang
ko kaya napasulyap ako sa kanya.
Itinuro n'ya ang isang korteng upuan sa may itaas banda ng kweba kaya ngumiti
ako at sumulyap roon.
"Wow! Is that naturally formed?" I asked in amazement. "Mukhang throne!"
"Yes," He chuckled and helped me go up the stone formation, hinawakan n'ya ang
baywang ko paupo at walang hirap s'yang tumabi sa akin.
Our feet was swaying in the air, sa hindi kataasang bato ay kitang-kita namin
ang asul na tubig na dumadaloy sa gitna.
"Bakit tayo nandito? Will the other guest go here?" Sulyap ko sa kanya nang
mapansing pinaglalaruan n'ya ang daliri ko.
He kissed my hand and shifted his gaze at me, shaking his head.
"No, they were allowed in the island but not here. Nagsabi lang ako kaya
pinayagan." He grinned like a kid.
"Why? I mean, bakit mo ako dinala?"
"Because you deserve to see this kind of beauty," He showed me the place. "I
want you to experience this kind of peacefulness."
Huminga ako ng malalim, ang mga boses namin ay nag-eecho sa lugar. Pumikit ako
ng marahan at ni-relax ang sarili, dinarama pa rin ang paglalaro n'ya sa daliri ko.
"Mapatawad ko kaya ang sarili ko?" I suddenly asked with my eyes still closed.
Hindi s'ya nagsalita kaya muli akong nagsalita.
"I think I dragged her there, Warrion." Mahinang sabi ko. "Kung hindi ko 'yun
ginawa...baka buhay pa ang Ate ko."
"In order to move on, you must forgive yourself first." Bulong n'ya sa hangin,
naramdaman ko ang pagdampi ng kamay n'ya sa pisngi ko kaya napamulat ako at doon ko
napansing lumuluha na ako.
"H-How? How can I forgive myself? Kung sa bawat pagpikit ko ay nakikita ko ang
Ate? She was asking for my help, War but I failed saving her."
"It isn't your fault, baby." He said, his hand slowly touching my face.
"S-She died because of me. Because I was selfish, kasi makulit ako. I think I
dragged her there, why would I go there? Sumama lang s'ya para bantayan ako but I
was too selfish, I let her die in saving me."
"She saved you because she loves you, Winter." He murmured. "Stop blaming
yourself, if I was in her position I probably would do anything to save you, I
could have died too, for you."
"D-Don't say that," I murmured. "N-No one should die again because of me! I am
not worth it, War. I only hurt people who's trying to keep me safe."
"Because you're worth it, Winter." His baritone voice said.
"No..." I shook my head harshly. "I am not."
"Listen," He slowly pulled me and cupped my cheek. "You are worth it. You
understand me?"
Habang nakikita ang mata n'yang sinsero sa mga sinasabi ay gumaan ang loob ko.
"Okay? You are worth it, Winter Andromeda. All the good things you have now,
you deserved it."
I slowly nodded, walang tigil na nahulog ang luha sa mga mata ko habang s'ya ay
nakita kong patuloy na pinupunasan ang luha ko.
I slowly hugged his waist and he pulled me towards him to hug me tightly.
He kissed my head, nanginginig ang mga boses na nagsalita ako.
"I-I wanna know the reason why I was there, War." I sniffed.
I heard his fast heartbeat, hindi ko narinig ang sagot n'ya kaya mas niyakap ko
s'ya.
"I wanna know who is that person I wanted to see...kung bakit sumama ang Ate sa
akin, kung bakit ako nagtungo roon."
"Will you talk to that person? The reason...why you went there?" I noticed the
sadness and undeniable sorrow on his voice.
"N-No..." I gasped. "I just want to know. I don't want to see him...or her.
Whatever that is, I am scared. That person I was seeking to see there will only
bring bad memories back."
Natigil s'ya, I felt how his hug tightened on my body.
"Why? W-Will that person really bring your bad memories?" His voice weakened.
"P-Paano pala kung importante s'ya sa'yo noon?"
"H-Hindi ko 'yun matatanggap." I sniffed. "H-Hindi ko matatanggap na sinundan
ko s'ya roon, 'yun ang naging dahilan kung bakit ako pumunta kaya wala na ang Ate
ko... I don't think that person will be that important now. Ayoko s'yang makita."

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Kabanata 20

Last ten chapters left! Oh my God! Sobrang bilis! Anyway,

please note na before proceeding to this chapter, naread na yung completed ver. ng
Kabanata 19 since mali yung napost ko nung nakaraan na ending. The ending should be
War and Win sitting in the cave, talking. Kapag hindi yun ang ending  pakirefresh
nalang po by removing and adding again.
Thank you! Nighty nighty!
xxx
Kabanata 20
I noticed how preoccupied Warrion is, kasama ko s'ya pero tila malalim ang
iniisip. Sa t'wing magsasalubong ang mata namin ay ngingiti s'ya pero kaagad ding
mawawala kapag mapansin n'yang hindi na ako nakatingin.
Nang magsabi ang tour guide na kumalma na ang alon sa hidden lagoon ay
nagdesisyon silang magtungo sa lugar.
Max is still here pero hindi s'ya nakaupo sa tabi ko, before he could even sit
beside me ay naunahan s'ya ni Warrion kaya wala itong nagawa at nanatili nalang sa
tapat ko kasama ang ibang guest.
He was looking at me coldly, kita ko ang kunot ng noo n'ya, tila iritado sa
kung ano. I flashed a smile but he looked away kaya nawala ang ngiti ko.
I should talk to him again and apologize.
Saglit akong sumulyap sa tabi ko at lumambot ang puso ko nang makita ang
nakapikit na si Warrion sa tabi ko. Hawak n'ya ang kamay ko pero nakapikit s'ya
roon, tila pagod.
I sighed, saglit na umayos ng upo bago marahang i-angat ang kamay para hawakan
ang ulo n'ya pahiga sa balikat ko.
He opened his eyes a bit, kita kong nagtaka sa ginawa ko pero sumulyap ako at
nagsalita.
"Rest, come on." I said. He slowly nodded, his green eyes flickered with my
sweet voice and smiled.
"Thank you," He whispered before kissing my cheek.
Napatalon ako sa gulat pero tumaas lang ang sulok ng labi n'ya bago ipaikot ang
braso sa exposed kong baywang at tumungo sa leeg ko para magpahinga.
I gulped, saglit na napasulyap sa iilang guest na nakatitig kay Warrion, bakas
ang paghanga at panghihinayang sa mga mata. Nang mahuli ko ang galit na tingin ni
Max ay napaiwas nalang ako at marahang hinaplos ang buhok ni Warrion.
I heard the crashing waves on the sea and smelled its scent. Napapikit rin ako
habang dinarama ang lamig ng hangin sa balat ko at ang init na nanggaling kay
Warrion.
I should really see my therapist again to help me more, to clean my mind more.
Gusto kong maging maayos na ang lahat. I wanted to forgive myself but I really
can't, for now.
Nang sabihin ng tour guide na nasa lagoon na kami ay kaagad kong ginising si
Warrion. He stirred a bit and opened his eyes, mukhang nakaidlip nga saglit bago
marahang tumingin sa paligid.
"We're here," I said. He slowly nodded, nakita kong pinasadahan ng kamay ang
buhok kaya mas gumulo iyon.
I bit my lip, I saw him roam his eyes around and stood.
"Wait here," Aniya at tumango ako at ngumiti.
I saw him went to the guide to talk, nag-aayos naman na ng mga life vests ang
ibang guest para mas humigpit kaya sinipat ko rin ang akin.
"Really, Winter? That man?" Halos mapatalon ako sa upuan nang marinig si Max na
nasa tabi ko na.
"Max,"
"I still just can't..." He shook his head. "I am not mad, I just...hindi ako
makapaniwala. Him? He didn't do any good to you."
"Warrion is a good man, Max." Giit ko sa kanya. "I hope you understand that. I
like you as a friend but I didn't want more than that."

"I waited for you, Win." Giit n'ya.

"And I'm sorry." I sighed and bit my lip, staring at him. "I am sorry for doing
this to you, Max. I owe you a lot, you were a very good friend to me. It's just
that...I fell for Warrion."
He stared at me, kita kong nagtataka pa rin at puno ng sakit ang mga mata pero
lumambot iyon habang nakatitig sa akin.
"I love you, Win." He sighed.
"Thank you, Max." I said softly, inabot ko ang kamay n'ya at pinisil. "I will
cherish this, I hope we can still be good friends despite of this... I hope you
would still be the same."
"Hindi naman magbabago 'yun, Winter." He sighed. "You will still be my friend,
my love, hindi lang talaga ako mapapanatag sa ngayon kay Alcantara. I always think
he has a secret."
My forehead creased at that.
"What do you mean?"
"Don't you find him mysterious?"
"He looks mysterious, yes, because he's quiet most of the time pero kapag
kasama ko naman s'ya ay hindi s'ya ganun katahimik."
"Hindi ako mapapanatag hangga't hindi ko nalalaman ang pakiramdam na ganito, I
always feel like he's been hiding something."
"He is quite mysterious but I don't think he has a secret, maybe may mga bagay
na hindi pa n'ya sinasabi sa akin but I don't think it's that big." I said, taking
a glance at Warrion who is now looking at us.
His forehead creased, looking at us, nakita kong kinakausap s'ya ng guide pero
wala nanaman roon ang kanyang atensyon.
He looks irritated and curious, akmang lalapit na kaya mabilis akong sumulyap
kay Max at ngumiti.
"Thank you, Max."
"No worries," He sighed. "But I advise you to not trust that man too much, I
can feel something is going on with him."
Hindi na ako nakipagtalo, sa halip ay tumango nalang at ngumiti. I was starled
a bit when Max pulled me for a hug, hindi naman ako tumanggi roon at niyakap s'ya
ng marahan rin pabalik.
"Be happy, Win." He said.
"Thanks, Max." I said and pulled away from the hug, smiling.
Napasulyap ako muli kay Warrion at nagulat man nang nasa may likuran ko na s'ya
ay ngumisi ako.
"Hi, War!" I said and stood, walking towards him.
 He stared at me, nakita kong saglit s'yang sumulyap kay Max, madilim ang mga
mata pero umiling lang ako at hinawakan ang braso n'ya.
"It's nothing," Bulong ko.
"Sasakay ka sa'kin?" He asked me softly.
"Huh?" Tumaas ang kilay ko at napasulyap sa khaki pants n'ya. "D'yan ba? Sure,
saan?"
His mouth parted a bit at me, ngumisi naman ako at napailing s'ya at ginulo ang
buhok ko.
"Kakadilig ko lang sa'yo, diba?" Aniya at natawa ako at umiling.
"Wisik lang 'yun, Major." Tawa ko at nailing s'ya. He slowly pulled my waist
and assisted me towards the end of the boat.
"What I mean is, would you ride to the kayak with me?" He asked.
"Oh, sure!" I grinned. "Pero marunong ka ba?"
"Yeah?" He looks confused. Tinitigan ko s'ya at kumurap s'ya sa akin. "I can
try my best?"
"Oh? Paano kung tangayin tayo ng hangin, huh?"
"We won't," Aniya at marahan akong pinihit para ayusin sa katawan ko ang life
vest ko. "Kaya ikaw kumain ka ng marami, baka liparin ka."

"Hoy, I am not thin 'no, slim lang ako. Tsaka, healthy ako,
Major."
"Yeah," He chuckled. "But why did he hugged you?" Biglang segway n'ya kaya
umawang ang labi ko.
I smacked his arm, ngumuso naman s'ya at tumitig.
"I know I don't have the right to get jealous, to demand something from you but
I just can't help it." He sighed.
"He's just being emotional, ikaw kaya i-reject?" I asked.
"Yeah, it hurts." He chuckled and brushed his hair. Napahawak din ako sa buhok
nang sumabog iyon sa hangin kaya mabilis n'yang inabot ang buhok ko.
"Where's the pin I bought last time?" He asked, fixing my hair.
"Bakit? Naranasan mo ba?"
"Hmm?" He asked, nakita kong kumapa s'ya ng kung ano sa bulsa n'ya at napatawa
ako nang makitang may hawak na s'yang ponytail.
"Ang ma-reject?" I asked. Hindi s'ya sumagot, sa halip ay nagtungo sa likuran
ko at sinakop ang buhok ko para itali.
"War, ano nga?" I asked.
"Rejection?" He asked at marahang tumango ako. "Yes, a few of times."
Umawang ang labi ko, nang matapos s'ya sa pagtali ng buhok ko ay humarap ako sa
kanya para magtanong pero tinawag n'ya ang helper at hinawakan ako kaya hindi ko na
natuloy.
"Careful," He assisted my hand as I went on the first seat of the kayak.
Inalalayan ako ng mga nagbabantay, nang nilingon ko si Warrion ay inaayos n'ya rin
ang mga paddle namin bago marahang bumagsak sa tubig.
I smiled at him, marahang hinawakan ang buhok ko at natawa nang mapansing medyo
magulo ang magkakatali n'ya sa akin.
Well, good start, huh?
The kayak moved a bit when he placed himself on the back, nanlaki ang mata ko
at nilingon s'ya.
"Paano kapag natumba tayo rito?" I asked.
"Naku, Ma'am, h'wag kang mag-alala! Hindi ka ilalaglag n'yan ni Sir, diba Sir?"
Ani nung lalaki kay Warrion at natawa si Warrion at umiling ng bahagya.
"How can I stop her from falling kung nahulog na nga sa'kin?" He asked
arrogantly.
Umawang ang labi ko, nagkantyawan naman ang mga tao roon at nag-init ang pisngi
ko sa sinabi n'ya.
"Warrion!" I exclaimed.
"Wala na, Ma'am, finish na. Nagkahulugan na pala e!" Tawanan nila kaya ngumuso
ako.
"We're the same tho, mas nauna nga ata kong nahulog." Biglang bawi ni Warrion
kaya mas nag-ingay ang mga tao sa bangka.
"Wala na, uwian na!" Asar pa nung iba kaya mas nag-init ang pisngi ko at
hinarap si Warrion na nangingisi pa roon.
This brute!
"Baka gusto mong ihulog kita rito?" I motioned the sea kaya natahimik si
Warrion pero mas napatawa naman ang nga tao.
"Sir Warrion, zero. Ma'am Winter, one point!" Bilangan pa nila roon kaya
tinasaan ko ng kilay si Alcantara kaya binasa nito ang pang-ibabang labi n'ya at
tumitig.
"Palaban, I like it." He said staring naughtily at me kaya pinanlakihan ko s'ya
ng mata at ngumisi lang s'ya at bumaling sa tauhan.
"Give her a paddle, 'yung medyo magaan lang. Baka masakit kapag hinampas sa
akin." Kausap nito sa mga tauhan kaya nagsitawanan ang mga 'to pero binigyan rin
ako.
"Naku, Sir, ganyan talaga 'no, kapag inlove? Nagiging maingay? Dati Sir, para
kang multo e, lilitaw na walang sinasabi." Ani nito kaya napahagalpak ako ng tawa
at nilingon nang nang-aasar si Warrion.

"Luh, multo ka pala, Major? Mysterious daw kasi 'to, kaya

di nagsasalita. Hayaan n'yo na, mahal ang bawat salita n'yan--'
"Mas mahal kita," Warrion cut me off, staring directly.
Nabilaukan ako ng laway ko, mas nagkagulo sa bangka at napuno ng tawanan at
hiyawan.
"Naturuan si Sir ng maayos ni Sir Caspian!" Hagalpakan nila roon.
"His tips are weird," Ngiwi bigla ni Warrion. "Hindi ko sinunod, nagmumukha
akong clown, I chose my own style."
"Paanong style ka ba Sir? Paano ka daw ba magmahal at manuyo para makuha ang
puso nitong si Ma'am Winter?"
"Slowly...but surely." He smirked when he saw my cheeks flushed.
Nagsitawanan nanaman at hiyawan sa bangka at kung hindi pa umiling si Warrion
at nagsalita ay hindi pa kami makakaalis.
"We gotta go, my baby's bored." Ani Warrion kaya inasikaso na ang kayak namin
at marahang tinulak pasabay sa alon ng malinaw at asul na dagat.
I was in awe the moment I started using the paddle, nang tumama ang alon sa
akin ay malakas akong napatili at humagikhik.
"Lakas ng alon, War!" I exclaimed happily.
"You can let go of the paddle first, I can do it. Enjoy the view." Aniya.
I smiled happily and nodded, ipinatong ko ang paddle sa hita at itinaas ang
kamay ko.
"It's beautiful!" I exclaimed happily.
I saw the wonderful stone formation around, the caves, the greenish-blue color
of the sea and the reefs visible under the deep sea.
Nang makitang malapit na kami sa mismong entrance ng lagoon ay muli kong kinuha
ang aking sagwan at tumulong kay War.
Infront of us now is a small stone entrance of the lagoon, nakapabilog ang bato
para sa lagusan na saktong-sakto lamang sa laki ng kayak.
"Left, baby." Ginawa ko ang sinabi ni Warrion hanggang sa magsabay na kami ng
direksyon ng sagwan.
Amazement filled me the moment I saw the lagoon itself, it was jaw dropping,
iilan ang nakita kong guest sa loob.
"War! It's beautiful!"
Sa loob ay mas matataas na ang rock formation, tila ume-echo na ang boses sa
pwesto nito. I gasped and clapped my hand when I saw a small turtle swam down to
the sea.
"Baby," Nilingon ko saglit si War at nakita kong ngumiti s'ya at mas kumislap
ang mata sa akin.
"Hmm?"
"I wanna show you something more beautiful," Aniya.
"Where?" I said excitedly.
"Look down," He said and the moment and I looked down, my jaw dropped.
What I saw below is one of a million view, it was one of the most beautiful
attraction I saw for years or touring around.
Sa ilalim ng dagat ay kitang-kita ang pagkakalubog ng isang napakalumang
sinaunang barko. Dahil sa linaw ng tubig ay nagmukha iyong mababaw kahit na
napakalalim nito.
I saw fishes swimming around it, kuminang ang mata ko habang nakatitig sa
ilalim nang magsalita si Warrion.
"Have you ever heard the tale of this island?" Biglang sabi ni Warrion kaya
nilingon ko s'ya at bahagyang umiling.
"A brief story but hindi malinaw at hindi lahat," I said.
"Let me tell you more when we got time," He smiled. "And I wanna show you
Navagiò soon."

"Sure," I grinned. "But I wanna ask, War, bakit nasa ilalim

ang barko?"
"They lost control of the ship, 'yung sa magulang ng prinsesa." Aniya kaya
nilingon ko s'ya. "You'll know more about their tale when I tell you, but this is a
bit tragic."
"Itong barko ba sa prinsesa?" I asked.
"Nah," He shook his head. "Her parent's ship, while they were on their way
back, the ship got stuck here."
Itinuro n'ya ang isang lagusan kung saan maaaring magkasya ang isang barko pero
hindi kakayaning umikot at bumalik sa sobrang sikip nito para paglabasan pa.
"They tried maneuvering the ship but it got hit by the rocks, it lost control
and they drowned, killing everyone aboard."
My mouth parted and blinked, looking at him.
"Some says, this is karma. You won't understand it now but Princess Guinevere
and Captain Lucian loved each other dearly that the mermaids witnessed the love
they had for each other. Nung may nangyari, nagalit 'yung mga sirena at nakakuha
sila ng paraan para makaganti nung napunta rito ang barko ng mga magulang nung
prinsesa. Some says, they seduced the men aboard and drowned them, matapos ay
hinila na rin nila ang buong barko pababa para mawala na ang lahat."
My mouth parted and nodded again.
I am more curious now. I wanna know the reason why the island is lost, and the
sea is called the sea of thieves.
"Lucian?" Napaisip ako roon. "Kapangalan ng pinsan mo, huh? 'Yung prinsipe?"
Tumikhim s'ya at sinamaan ako ng tingin kaya tumawa ako.
"Don't I look like a prince to you?" Kumunot ang noo n'ya. "Mas gwapo naman ako
roon, Winter!" He sulked like a kid.
I laughed harder, bahagya s'yang nilingon ulit.
"You know, War." I said softly. "You don't look soft like a prince, mukha kang
rough e."
Tumaas ang kilay n'ya sa akin.
"I mean...you were like the knight in shining armour for me, or a rough head of
palace guards." Mas kumunot ang noo n'ya sa akin, mukhang stress na sa pinagsasabi
ko.
"Yung tipong tatakasan ko 'yung dinner kasama ang prinsipe para magtago at
makipaghalikan nalang sa'yo sa madilim na pasilyo." I grinned.
Hia eyes darken at me, kumindat naman ako sa kanya at binasa ang labi ko.
"Almedarez..." He warned at tumawa lang ako at binasa s'ya ng tubig.
"Charot!" I exclaimed and he looked at me seriously and scoffed.
"Don't charot me, I'm not kidding. I'm gonna kiss you hard when we got back
home." Aniya at ngumisi sa akin kaya natigilan nanaman ako.
Nasaan ang kiss ko?
Mahaba ang nguso ko habang nakasulyap sa likod ng nakatayong si Warrion habang
nagluluto ng hapunan naming dalawa. I would like to eat in a resto nearby but
Warrion insisted of cooking something good for me tonight.
He was only wearing his maong pants, his briefs showing a bit on it. Sininghot
ko ang amoy ng adobo na niluluto n'ya at marahang tumayo.
I fixed the robe on my body and moved towards him, sinilip ko saglit ang
niluluto n'ya bago nagsalita.
"Can I see?" Bulong ko.
"Sure," He nodded and stepped aside, nakita kong sumulyap s'ya sa niluluto bago
ako hayaang sumilip rin doon.
Kinuha ko ang sandok at tumulong sa paghalo ng pagkain pero napatalon ako sa
gulat nang maramdaman ang braso ni Warrion sa baywang ko at ang marahang pagsubsob
n'ya sa balikat ko.

I heard his deep breaths, napalunok ako at naramdaman ko

ang mabilis na tibok ng puso ko.
"I..." He kissed my shoulder.
"Love..." He kissed my jaw.
"You," Then he proceeded kissing my cheek.
Mas bumilis ang paghinga ko, mas humigpit naman ang yakap n'ya sa akin at
pinaraan ang ilong sa leeg ko.
"I can't hold back anymore, Win. Kung dati, kaya kong pigilan ang nararamdaman
ko, now, I don't think I can. Hindi ko na kayang bantayan ka sa malayo at walang
gawin. I can't stop until I got you back in my arms."
"Is it painful for you too when you pushed me away?" I whispered.
"It runs deep," He chuckled softly. "I'd never do it again, I would never bear
seeing you in pain again. I only did that because I am afraid I will fail again."
"Fail? Protecting me?"
"Yes," He sighed. "I want to keep my distance, para hindi ka masaktan...pero
hindi ko rin nagawa." He shook his head.
"War...do you really love me?"
"I love you," He breathe. "I love you, I love you, Winter. Even before I
started working for you."
"S-So, you really know me?" I murmured.
He sighed deeply and nodded a bit.
"T-Then why did you pretend not knowing me?" I bit my lower lip.
"To protect you...from me, from the pain."
"H-Huh?" My heart started beating loudly.
"Win..." He murmured. "P-Please, don't be mad at me."
"W-Why would I?" Bahagya ko s'yang nilingon.
He looks bothered, nagbaba s'ya ng tingin at hindi nagsalita.
"W-War,"
"I-Iiwan mo ako," He murmured.
"B-Bakit ko naman gagawin 'yun?"
"I-I just know it," He murmured. "Y-You'll leave me and..."
"Try me, then." I said.
Tumitig s'ya. I noticed how fear danced on his eyes, he looks fragile, ang
matapang na kislap ng mata noon ay nawala habang nakatitig sa akin at puno pa ng
panghihina.
"I was the man--"
We both stopped when the doorbell rang, nagkatinginan kami, luto na rin ang
adobo kaya nilingon ko ang niluluto n'ya at nagsalita.
"Ako na ang magbubukas," I said.
He nodded, tumitig sa akin kaya humalik ako sa pisngi n'ya at umalis.
Inayos ko ang robe sa katawan para buksan ang pinto at napuno ng pagtataka nang
maabutan si Max roon sa labas.
"I found it out," Biglang sabi n'ya kaya nagtaka ako.
"Find what?"
"The secret," He said.
"What is it?" Kumunot ang noo ko sa kanya.
"Kasama mo ba s'ya ngayon?" Tumango ako at hinawi ang buhok ko.
He sighed, umiling at sumulyap sa akin.
"Meet me tonight, Winter and I will tell you everything." He said.
Curious and a bit anxious, I nodded. Nang magpaalam s'ya paalis ay muli akong
pumasok at naabutan si Warrion na inaayos ang pagkain sa lamesa.
"Who is it?"
"Wala, naligaw lang sa cabin." I said and bit my lip at nakita ko ang pagtango
n'ya at paglahad sa akin ng upuan.
Hindi na namin muling nabuksan ang topic habang kumakain, kuryoso man sa
gustong sabihin ni Warrion ay lumilipad ang utak ko sa sinabi ni Max.
What secret? Does Warrion have a secret involving me?
Sa pagtulog ay kinatok ako ni Warrion sa kwarto habang yakap ang kanyang unan
kaya hinayaan ko s'yang matulog sa tabi ko.
I was brushing his hair slowly until he fell asleep, mas nauna s'yang nakatulog
sa pagod habang ako'y tulala at hinahaplos ang buhok n'ya.
He loves it when I do this, kumakalma s'ya at inaantok.
Muli akong napasulyap sa orasan at napapikit nang matantong ten na ng gabi at
kailangan ko nang kitain si Max sa may labas.
Inaalalayan at marahang inabot ko ang unan at pinahiga roon si Warrion. He
moved a bit but then slept again like a kid.
Inayos ko ang kumot sa katawan n'ya at humalik sa noo n'ya bago nagdesisyong
tumayo sa kama.
Inayos ko ang damit, walang ingay na lumabas ako ng cabin at malapit sa
dalampasigan, sa bench malapit sa poste ay naabutan ko ang nakatalikod na si Max.
"Max?" I called.
He shifted his head, nang makita ako ay ngumiti s'ya at lumapit, umupo kami sa
bench kaya nilingon ko s'ya.
"What is it?" I asked him.
"Win," He sighed. "You won't like this."
Kumalabog ang puso ko, tumaas ang kilay ko sa kanya at mas nagtaka.
"What is it, then? Tell me." I said.
"Remember the reason why your sister and you went to Mindanao for the volunteer
work?" Aniya. I froze and stared at him.
"H-How did you know that?" I asked. "Wala akong pinagsabihan n'yan."
"S-Sinabi mo sa akin!" He answered.
Kumunot naman ang noo ko at mas nagtaka roon.
"R-Really? Miski si Macarena ay hindi n'ya alam so, there is no way--"
"You told me that, why are you denying it?" Giit n'ya kay nanahimik nalang ako
at bumuntong-hininga.
"Okay, what is it?" I asked him.
Hindi s'ya kaagad umimik, nakita ko ang determinasyon sa mukha n'ya roon.
"Leave Warrion now, Win. Come with me."
"Huh?" Kumunot ang noo ko.
"He is no good for you!"
"Ano ba, Max." I sighed. "Tell me what is it, kung hindi mo sasabihin ay
kailangan ko ng bumalik. Warrion is sleeping, I have to go back before he started
looking for me."
He stared at me and shook his head.
"You really love him, huh?"
"Yes," I sighed.
"Talaga, Win?" He laughed a bit and stared at me.
"What are you trying to say, Max? Kailangan ko nang bumalik--"
"Will you still love him if I tell you he's the reason you're in Mindanao for
the volunteer work? Will you still love him? Knowing that he's the reason why you
went there and dragged your sister?" Umawang ang labi ko at hindi ko napigilan ang
luha na nalaglag sa mga mata ko.
"W-What?"
"Tell me, Win. Will you still love that asshole? Knowing that he's the reason
why you went there, why you are so stubborn and dragged your sister there with
you?"
"You got your sister killed Winter, and that's because you're too attached with
that man." He smirked, taunting me.

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Kabanata 21

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Kabanata 21
"Y-You're lying!" My voice started shaking.
"I wish I am, Win." Max sighed, staring at me. "But I always feel that's
something is wrong about him, he does not feels right. Everything, everything about
him is just lies. Pinapaikot ka lang n'ya Winter."
"Y-You were just saying this to break us apart!" I groaned but he just shook
his head and tried reaching for me but I moved away.
"Hindi," Iling n'ya. "This is all true, look!"
Nagitla ako nang may ilahad s'ya sa aking envelope.
"I searched everything and found this!" Alok n'ya sa akin ng envelope at
nanatili akong umiiling.
My heart feels heavy, ang mga mata ko'y hilam sa luha habang nakatitig sa kanya
at umiiling.
"Y-You're lying...Warrion won't do that to me! He won't lie!"
"But he did!" He exclaimed, stopping me. "Stop defending him, Winter! He has a
lot of secrets!" Kinuha n'ya ang laman ng envelope at ipinakita sa akin.
"Look! This is him!" Inilhad n'ya ang mga nasa papel at natigilan ako habang
nakatitig roon.
"It's you, right? This was years ago! When you and Summer went to the camp! He
was there! He is the reason you two went there!"
Hindi ako nagsalita. Nanginig ang kamay ko habang nakatitig sa litratong
ipinapakita n'ya.
It was me, indeed, with Warrion. He was wearing his military uniform there,
smiling on the camera with his arms wrapped around my shoulder. Sa tabi namin ay si
Ate Summer na malaki ang ngisi at nakapeace sign sa camera.
My heart hammered painfully, habang nakatitig roon ay nawala nanaman ako sa
sarili. Sa muling tunog ng paghampas ng alon sa dalampasigan at mga bato ay s'ya
ring malakas na pagtunog ng baril sa utak ko.
Napatayo ako, my body started shivering, wala sa sariling tinakbo ko ang dagat,
sinusubukang hanapin ang Ate pero tanging dagat nalang ang nakita.
"Winter!" I heard a voice but my head is filled with such guilt and pain.
I stared blankly at the sea and my body weakened when I saw how the blue sea
turned red. Sa pagtama ng pulang tubig sa paa ko ay hinabol ko ang hininga.
"W-Winter...you have to save yourself! Run!" Ate Summer's voice filled my ear.
"N-No...No, Ate! I won't leave!" Hagulgol ko.
I saw the red water pulling my sister away from me. Marahas akong umiling
sinubukang tumakbo palapit sa dagat para kunin ang Ate kong papalayo pero isang
mahigpit na yapos sa baywang ko ang nagpigil sa akin.
"B-Baby no... No, no... Don't go there."
"Let me go! Let me go!" I screamed at the top of my lungs, pushing the man
behind me away but he was so strong.
Isang hawak lang sa t'yan ko ay nabuhat n'ya ako palayo sa dagat pero nanatili
akong sumisigaw.
"Ate! No! Let me go! I have to save my sister! Let me go! Let me go!" I cried
harshly.
"Let me go! Let me go!" Sigaw ko at suminghap. I cried harshly, pushing the
man, nang magtagumpay ako ay muli akong tumakbo sa pulang dagat para kunin ang
kapatid pero muli akong nahuli ng lalaki sa likuran ko at mabilis akong niyapos.
Naramdaman ko ang marahas kong pagbagsak sa hangin kasama ang lalaki sa likuran
ko.
I cried more, tumititig sa dagat hanggang sa mawala ang kapatid.

I failed again, Ate. I failed again...I'm sorry. I'm so

sorry!
"Winter...baby, please! Come back! Come back to me!" In just a snap, I saw a
familiar face of a man infront of me.
He was kneeling on the sand, cupping my cheek, his green eyes twinkling with
unshed tears, almost screaming my name.
"Winter! Winter!" He called, staring at me, panicking. I saw how the fear on
his eyes resembled the dark sea behind him.
It was Warrion.
It was my boyfriend...the reason why I forced myself to go there...to see him.
The darkness inside my heart started eating my recovered pieces again. It
started breaking the pasted parts of it.
Walang tigil na tumulo ang luha ko habang nakatitig sa mga mata n'ya. I pulled
away from his hand on my cheek, umatras ako sa buhangin palayo sa kanya at nakita
ko kung paano gumuhit ang sakit at pait sa mata n'ya.
"B-Baby..." His voice broke, nakita ko kung paano malaglag ang luha sa mga mata
n'ya habang nakatitig sa akin at sa paglayo ko.
"D-Don't come near me," Paos kong bulong.
"L-Let me explain," He muttered. "Please...m-magpapaliwanag ako."
"L-Leave me alone," I murmured.
"Please..." He gasped, mas lumapit pa sa akin kaya lumayo akong muli.
"H-Hear me," He murmured.
"L-Leave me alone!" I screamed, shaking and before he could reached me, I ran.
Sa pagtayo at pagtalikod ko mula sa kanya ay nakasalubong si Max na mabilis na
sinubukang hawakan ang kamay ko.
"Let's go, Winter! Come with me... Ako, hindi kita sasaktan, ako...hindi
kita--"
"Fuck off!" I screamed at the top of my lungs and pushed his hand away.
Tumakbo ako ng mabilis sa cabin at isinara ang pintuan ng kwarto bago ibinagsak
ang sarili sa lapag at impit na umiyak.
"I-I'm sorry, Ate... I'm sorry..." I cried, napahawak ako sa dibdib at
napahugot ng hininga para habulin ang hangin.
Ang bobo mo, Winter! Ang bobo-bobo mo!
You should never forced Warrion to be with you! You should've stayed away! You
should have stopped your feelings!
I shook my head in disappointment for myself and my decisions.
Napatitig ako sa paa ko at doon ko lang napansin ang dumi nito. It was filled
with sand, ang talampakan ko ay nagdurugo at nang sumilip ako roon ay napailing
nalang nang makita ang sugat sa talampakan ko.
Oddly, I didn't feel any pain, mas naramdaman ko ang masikip at masakit na
pagkabog ng puso ko habang nakasandal sa pintuan at nanghihinang pinupunasan ang
mga luha na bumabagsak sa mga mata.
"Win?" Just his faint voice and I found myself crying again.
"L-Let's talk? Can you...open the door?" Mahinang katok sa pintuan ang narinig
ko.
"Win," Mahinang tawag n'ya. "C-Can you listen to me?" His voice broke.
"G-Go away," I said weakly, my tears falling on my cheek.
 "I-I love you..." He answered me. Narinig ko ang pagdausdos n'ya ng upo sa
kabilang side ng pintuan at halos magkapantay na ang mga boses.
"I don't..." I answered back, my hand's on fist. "J-Just leave me alone...
Please, ayaw muna kitang makita."

"M-Magpapaliwanag ako," He said. "P-Please, let me

explain."
"Y-You never told me! You never told me that it was you! That we had that kind
of relationship in the past!"
"I-I would tell you...I was about to tell you." He said weakly.
Hindi ako umimik, napatitig lang ako sa nagdurugong paa at inantay s'yang
magsalita.
"B-But I was too afraid. I'm scared that it will scare you, a-ayokong masaktan
ka. Ayokong isipin mo nanaman ang nangyari noon. I know...like you said, I was just
a part of your bad past na kapag bumalik ako, babalik lang ang masamang mga ala-
ala. I don't want to ruin your happiness, I don't want to see you in pain again. I
am hurting whenever I can see you struggling in your sleep, I am hurting whenever I
can see how you fear the dark.
"N-Nasasaktan ako, Win...kasi alam kong ako ang dahilan nang pagpunta mo roon.
Na sana...kung hindi ako tumuloy sa Mindanao, kung sana ay umuwi nalang ako sa'yo,
hindi ka tutuloy roon, hindi ka mapapahamak, hindi mawawala ang kapatid mo. If only
I was fast enough to save you both, sana...sana hindi s'ya mawawala, sana hindi ka
mato-trauma ng ganun. I hated myself too much for everything that I've caused you,
I hated myself too much because I failed saving you from the dark. I hated myself
too much for losing you."
I heard his soft sobs at the other side, tahimik akong humikbi habang kagat ang
labi ko at umiiyak rin.
"I-I grabbed the chance to protect you...as your bodyguard but I kept my
distance. Kasi ayokong maalala mo ako, ayokong masaktan ka sa mga ala-alang hatid
ko...kasi Win, mahal na mahal kita."
I felt the lump on my throat and I sobbed more, clutching my chest.
"I-I pushed you away...because I know you are falling again for me, I am too
afraid I might fail again in saving you. I won't forgive myself. I can't lose you
like that again, Win... I can't lose you again. I might lose it."
Sinapo ko ang mukha ko at mas nanghina sa boses n'ya.
"I-I'm sorry, Win... I'm sorry..." He murmured.
Nang ilang minuto na at hindi na s'ya umimik ay suminghap lang ako at gumilid
mula sa pintuan. Nanghihinang nakatitig lang ako sa dugo mula sa paa ko sa sahig at
napatigil nang makitang nagbukas ang pinto.
Our eyes met, I saw the dried tears on the side of his eyes. Nakatitig s'ya sa
akin at mabilis akong nag-iwas ng tingin at tumitig sa kamay ko.
I heard his footsteps, sa paglapit n'ya ay narinig ko ang mariin n'yang mura at
naramdaman ko ang pagsakop n'ya sa hita ko.
I gasped a bit when he lifted me in the air, kumapit ako sa leeg n'ya at hindi
manlang tumitig sa kanya.
My heart is beating faster, marahas ang paglunok ko at nang ipaupo n'ya ako sa
kama ay nanatili akong nakatungo.
I heard his sigh, nang mawala s'ya sa harap ko ay sumulyap ako at nakita ko
s'yang nagtungo sa banyo.
I lowered my head again and stared at the dry blood on my feet.
Muli kong narinig ang paglabas n'ya at tumitig ako ng tahimik habang lumuluhod
s'ya sa harapan ko.
I flinched when I felt his hand on my feet.
"I'll just clean your wound..." He murmured, lifting his head a bit.
I nodded slowly and looked away. I felt my body shivered when I felt the wet
towel on my leg.
I felt him cleaned my feet, removing the sand on my skin. Sa muli kong
pagsulyap sa kanya ay nakita kong naghihina ang itsura n'ya habang ginagawa iyon.

His hair's messy. The strong, cold Warrion I knew is gone

for now. All I can see is a fragile, broken man.
I saw him took the emergency kit and lifted my feet on his leg to disinfect my
wound. I bit my lip, feeling the pain on my wound pero hindi ako nagreklamo.
I let him do his work, wala nang lakas lumaban. Nang makitang nilalagyan na
n'ya ng bandage ang paa ko ay mahina akong nagsalita.
"I wanna go home..."
He froze, I saw how his shoulder tensed upon hearing me but then slowly lifted
his gaze to look at me.
He looks scared, mukhang tutol sa gusto pero nagitla rin ako nang tumango s'ya
at maliit na ngumiti, pilit.
"Tomorrow, I'll take you home."
Hindi na ako muling umimik, iniangat ko ang paa ko sa kama at mabilis n'ya
akong inalalayan.
I slowly let my head fall on the pillow, I saw him fixing my blanket before
looking at me. My heart raced when he touched my cheek.
His soft green eyes stared at me, napatitig rin ako sa kanya at napapikit nang
patakan n'ya ako ng halik sa noo.
I heard his deep breath.
"I love you," His said faintly.
Hindi na ako umimik, habang sa umalis na s'ya sa harapan ko ay nanatili akong
nakapakit hanggang sa hilahin na ng antok.
I woke up the next day with the heavy feeling inside my chest, I opened my eyes
and saw the faint light from the lamp at the side table.
Tatayo na sana ako pero naramdaman ko ang isang hawak sa kamay ko kaya nagbaba
ako ng tingin at kumalabog ang puso ko nang makita si Warrion na nakayupyop sa tabi
ko. Mahigpit na hawak ang kamay ko at nakaupo sa sahig.
My heart tugged painfully, staring at him. Sighing when I realized something.
I'm sorry, War... Kung sinisi kita. I'm sorry if I am narrow-minded, if I
always think that it was your fault when in fact, it's not.
It's my fault, it's my fault I followed you there. Ako ang nagdala sa Ate ako,
hindi ikaw. Ako ang may kasalanan, ako.
I'm sorry... Masyadong sarado ang utak ko at naghanap ng masisisi sa kasalanang
nagawa ko.
But I shouldn't be this close to you... I shoudn't.
When he moved, I pretended to be asleep. I felt him moved and groaned, isang
halik ang naramdaman ko sa kamay ko at ang pagpisil n'ya roon.
Then, I felt a caress on my cheek and a light kiss on my head.
"I will bring you home," He whispered. "I'm sorry, baby... I keep on failing
you."
And when he was gone, I opened my eyes, only to find the closed door.
Doon na kumawala ang mga luha sa mata ko na dali-dali kong pinunasan.
I can't pull you in my darkness, War. You can't pull me out too when I keep on
caging myself here.
Sa byahe pauwi ay tila hangin lang ang nagiging ingay sa pagitan namin, he
looks bothered and tired but he never disturbed the silence we had.
Nanatili s'yang seryoso at minamaniobra ang yate, habang ako'y tulala sa hangin
at wala sa sarili.
Nanatili akong nakatitig sa asul na dagat at sa naghahampasang mga alon,
nagpapaligsahan kung sino ang aabot sa langit.
When I saw the port, I felt the heavy feeling I had on my chest. Lalo na nang
dumating kami sa mismong daungan at sinalubong kami ng mga tauhan ni Warrion roon.
 I stood from my seat, trying to get on the boardwalk,
limping but Warrion immediately took my waist and pulled me softly towards his
body.
Hindi na ako nanglaban, inikot ko ang aking braso sa kanyang balikat at
inalalayan n'ya ako papunta sa boardwalk at sa paglalakad.
Then I saw Caspian with his wide smile, hawak sa baywang si Lars at nang-aasar
ang ngisi n'ya nang lumapit sa amin.
"Kumusta, love birds? Are you two a couple now?" Excited na tanong nito pero
marahas lang akong tumikhim.
"We're busy, Kuya, I have to get Miss Almedarez home." Warrion's voice filled
my ear.
I froze, I saw how Caspian's mouth parted in shock pero napatalon ito sa suntok
ni Lars sa balikat.
"Shhh, kitang hindi sila maayos! Bida-bida ka?" Lars hissed and Caspian's eyes
widened more, looking at us.
"How come?" Nagpabalik-balik ang tingin n'ya sa amin.
"I have to go, Kuya. Mamaya na." Ani Warrion at muli akong inalalayan.
Hindi na ako muling nagsalita, nagtapon lang ako ng maliit na ngiti kay Lars na
mukhang malungkot at si Caspian na gulat rin roon.
We reached Warrion's car and it was the slowest yet the most painful ride I had
in my life.
Hindi ako nagsasalita at ganun rin s'ya, pilit na nagseseryoso at muling
nagiging malamig pero kita ko ang lungkot sa mga mata n'ya.
Tanging ang tunog lang ng radyo at ang tunog ng hangin sa nakabukas na bintana
ang nagbigay ng tunog sa byahe hanggang sa makarating sa mansyon.
Mahigpit na yakap ng mga magulang ko at naabutan ko pagbalik. Naiiyak pa ang
Mommy habang mahigpit akong yakap at humahalik sa mukha ko.
"I was so scared, hija! Mabuti nalang at narito si Warrion para bantayan ka!"
She hugged me.
Sa pagsulyap ko kay Daddy ay kausap na n'ya si Warrion na tanging tango lang
ang sagot sa mga sinasabi ni Daddy. I caught him looking at me but when he saw me,
he looked away immediately, avoiding my gaze.
The next days has been hell, I coudn't sleep that good. Nagtungo na rito si
Macarena para mangulit pero nang makita ang itsura ko ay hindi na s'ya sumubok na
usisain ako at tahimik lang akong dinamayan.
My father allowed us to go out, together with Macarena. We watched movies and
eat together, trying to lift my mood. Nagtataka nga ako 'nung una at pinayagan n'ya
akong lumabas na walang bodyguard but I was wrong all along.
I have one...he's just hiding behind my shadow, trying his best to be
unnoticed.
Even if I don't see him, I know he's protecting me, I can feel it.
Pumitas ako ng isang puting bulaklak sa garden habang nakatulala sa anghel na
fountain sa gitna nito, iniangat ko ang tingin at sa kabila ng dilim ay nakita ko
ang liwanag na hatid ng bituin.
It's true then...that one can only see the stars because of the darkness in it.
That pain might be too dark but there are stars, the brightest ones, that coud've
lead you to the rightful path, the way towards the light.
Your escape, the freedom, the forgiveness.
Isang tunog ng pagbagsak ang nagpatigil sa akin kaya sumandal ako sa bench at
humugot ng hininga.
"You can stop hiding, you can show yourself now..." Bulong ko sa hangin.
Then, a familiar scent filled my nose.
Isang lingon ang ginawa ko at halos mawalan ako ng hangin nang makita si
Warrion sa tabi ko.
He was wearing a black longsleeves folded up to his forearm, ang magulong buhok
ay mas humaba pero hindi pa rin mawawala ang kakisigang taglay.
 My heart hammered painfully.
He was looking at the stars, tahimik at may distansya sa akin.
"It's beautiful, right?" He said faintly, staring at the dark sky.
"Yes," I murmured, staring at him.
Gustong-gusto kong umiyak at lumapit para dambahin s'ya ng yakap pero hindi
pwede. Hindi maaari.
Hindi na.
"You know what that says?" He said, staring at it.
"W-What?"
"They say, look at the night sky and allow the stars to remind you why darkness
is necessary."
My tears fell, unknowingly.
Naramdaman ko nalang ang basa sa pisngi ko at nang hindi pa punasan ni Warrion
iyon ay nanatili lang ito sa pisngi ko.
"W-War."
"Don't cry," He smiled sadly at me. "These tears don't deserve to touch that
face of yours."
I sniffed, mas bumigat ang puso ko at mas lumapit s'ya para punasan ang luha
ko.
"In our lives, we just don't just live in the light. Sa byahe, hindi lang tayo
sa liwanag dadaan, remember the tunnels? Dadaan tayo doon, sasaglit sa dilim pero
may liwanag paglabas." He murmured, drying my tears.
"Minsan, sa buhay natin, kailangan ng dilim kasi masyado tayong naging
komportable sa liwanag. We all thought that life should be just happiness and
rainbows, it should be lights and unicorns but it is not. We can't forever stay in
the light, Win. It's a part of life that we have to be in the dark in order to
appreciate the light, our life."
Hinawakan ko ang kamay n'ya sa pisngi ko at mas napaiyak.
"It's not your fault," His soft, gentle voice filled my ear. "It will never be
your fault."
"B-But I dragged her there...If I wasn't foolish! Kung nakinig lang ako 'nung
sabihin n'yang humingi nalang ng tulong kaysa ang sumunod ay hindi kami makukuha!
S-Sana...Sana buhay pa ang Ate!"
"S-She saved me, Warrion! She saved me! Ni hindi ko manlang s'ya natulungan!
It's my fault!"
"She saved you because she loves you," He calmly said. "The love she has for
you should be treasured, the love she has for you, her sister, saved you. Please,
Winter, live... Don't cage yourself in that darkness. Don't waste your chance to
live in blaming yourself of her death."
"B-But--"
"You deserved the love you are receiving now. You deserved your life. You
deserved your chance." He said, his eyes bloodshot with unshed tears.
Tumango ako ng marahan, ang luha'y patuloy na nalalaglag sa mata habang
nakatitig sa kanya.
"And...I'm sorry, baby." He suddenly murmured. "For always failing you."
Hindi ako umimik, patuloy lang na tumutulo ang luha ko habang nakatitig sa
kanya.
"I know...you have to move forward. You have to move on and in order to do
that, you have to accept things, forgive yourself and leave the bad things behind."

Nangatal ang labi ko nang makita ang lungkot sa mga mata n'ya.
"You will have to forget me...to move on." His voice broke. Nang tumulo ang
luha sa mata n'ya ay nag-umpisa nanamang tumulo ang luha ko.
"Sorry, Win, for all the bad things I did. I am sorry for trying to get into
your life, for breaking your heart." Marahang hinaplos n'ya ang mukha ko.
"I-I'm sorry for blaming you too," Bulong ko. "H-Hindi mo naman kasalanan ang
sa Ate, ang nangyari, my mind is not clear when I thought of that."
"It is my fault too," He smiled sadly. "Kasi...habang buhay kong pagsisisihan
na hindi ko kayo nailigtas kaagad."
 "W-War..."
"You are the best gift I'd ever had, baby." His voice trembled. "You are the
light in my darkness, you lift me up whener I feel down. Your smile will always be
in my dreams."
"W-War..." I cried.
"When I'm gone, I hope you always keep the happiness inside your heart. I
wished you will still maintain the positivity you always had. Be someone's light,
baby, for me."
Hindi na ako nakapagsalita sa bawat paghikbi.
"Just always remember that Major Warrion loves you, so...so much." Nakita kong
marahas n'ya pinunasan ang luha at umiling roon sa sarili n'ya.
"I always laugh at my cousins whenever they cry like a fool," He chuckled
humorlessly. "I never thought I'd be this weak when it comes to you."
Suminghot lang ako habang nakatitig sa kanya.
"So..." He smiled, drying his tears. "Be happy?"
Hindi ako kaagad sumagot at kinagat lang ang labi ko.
"I love you, Win." He heaved a deep sigh. "I always will."
Our eyes met again, the two different kind of darkness melted into one as our
faces moved closer to each other for a brief kiss.
It was painful, parang hangin lang na dumampi ang labi n'ya sa akin. I felt his
tear on my cheek as he kissed me lovingly for the last time.
My eyes remained closed when I felt him pulling away and when I opened it
again, I saw his back walking away and how he vanished in the dark.
That's the last time I saw him.
"Ma'am Winter! Gising na at pinapatawag ka ni Sir!" Naiinis na tinakpan ko ang
mukha para hindi marinig ang boses ni Ate Linda pero hinila n'ya ang unan sa mukha
ko at muling nagsalita.
"Ma'am!"
"Masakit ang ulo ko, Ate Linda." I groaned.
"Ayan kasi, inom-inom, mag lasing-lasing tapos rereklamo masakit ulo!" Pagalit
pa n'ya kaya tumawa lang ako at umiling.
"Bakit ba kasi?" I asked, opening my eye.
"Papakilala raw sa'yo ni Senator ang bodyguard mo." Aniya at mabilis akong
napabalikwas sa higaan ko at nanlaki ang mata.
"H-Huh?"
"Kapag lasing ba, Ma'am, nagiging bingi?" Hagikhik pa n'ya. "Juk lang, Ma'am.
Papakilala ka ni Senator sa bodyguard mo."
My heart raced, tila nabuhayan nang sabihin n'ya iyon at mabilis na hinablot
ang roba at tumitig sa salamin.
Inayos ko ang sabog na buhok at tinanggal ang muta. I opened my mouth to smell
my breath pero napangiwi nang amoy alak kaya tumakbo ako sa CR para mabilis na
magtoothbrush.
I was giddy as I ran on the stairs with my robe on to see my bodyguard.
"Nasaan na si Winter?" I heard my father asked.
"Pababa na Senator! Sir War!" Ani nito at mas nagpanting ang tenga ko.
My heart raced like crazy, sa pagbaba ko ay dali-dali akong nagtungo kay Daddy
na ngumuso nang makita ako.
"Naglasing ka nanaman, Winter?" Pagalit n'ya.
"Nasaan ang bodyguard?" I asked.
Ngumuso s'ya, tumango at sumigaw.
"Linda, patawag si War." Aniya at nang marinig ko ang yapak sa likuran ko ay
nagwala ang puso ko.
I was excited at saktong paglingon ko sa likuran ay s'ya ring pagsasalita ni
Daddy.
"Winter, meet Warren. Your new bodyguard." He said. My shoulders fell.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Kabanata 22

Kabanata 22
"Tuyot na..." Nag-angat ako ng tingin at ngumuso. "Tuyot na 'yung halaman mo
dito, Thornie."
I saw Tita Zidney staring at the plants near the window.
"I forgot planting it, queen. Sorry." I saw Doc smiled and bit his lip.
"Masyado ka kasing busy, Doc, eh." I commented and smiled.
Napatingin s'ya sa akin, I heard him chuckled and shook his head.
"Kinda, I got a few adjustments for the new hospital in the province. It was
tiring, hindi na nga kami minsan nakakapagbonding ng reyna ko." Ani Doc at sumulyap
sa asawa n'yang may dala na ngayong tabo at dahan-dahang naglalakad patungo sa mga
halaman.
"And she's actually wearing heels while watering the plants," I commented and
laughed.
Doc chuckled too, extending his hand to give me the food he's been eating na
kaagad ko ring inabot at kumuha.
"Baby, careful with the heels." I heard him saying.
Biglang natapilok si Tita Zid, nanlaki ang mata ko at nakita kong napatayo si
Doc pero hindi pa man nakakalapit ay mabilis na nakaayos si Tita Zid at ngumisi.
"I'm good," She chuckled and glanced at us. "Sorry po."
"Careful," Ani Doc at lumapit na asawa.
I watched them silently as they talk, nakita kong may binulong si Doc kay Tita
bago kunin ang tabo at s'ya na ang lumapit sa halaman.
Tita Zid then smiled sweetly when she saw me and walked towards me. Nang maupo
s'ya ay bigla s'yang yumakap sa akin kaya ngumiti ako at niyakap s'ya pabalik.
"Tita, thank you for coming." Masayang sabi ko.
"No worries, Winter." She smiled at me. "Thorn told me you want to see me so I
went here."
"Hindi ka ba busy?" I asked her.
"Not really," Umiling s'ya. "I was bored in my office anyway, my children is
out too. 'Yung tatlo busy sa trabaho, si Clyte naman ay kung saang lupalop
nanaman."
"Oh, why? Work?"
"Yeah," She said. "She's being weird too, ayaw pumunta sa reunion ng buong
pamilya at out of town palagi, parang umiiwas."
"Sa'yo?" My brow raised.
"Don't think so," Umiling s'ya. "She's always sweet to us, minsan medyo malayo
nga lang, usually when we're with my brothers and the whole family."
"Hindi po kaya may tampuhan sa magpipinsan?" I said at nakita kong natigilan
s'ya at napasulyap sa asawa n'yang napatingin rin sa amin.
"Oh..." She murmured. "And I guess she's been avoiding Chiel!"
"Chiel?" I asked curiously.
"Her cousin, you know Alchiel Sandejas?" She asked me.
Napaisip naman ako at umawang ang labi ko nang may matanto.
"T-The lawyer? Pamangkin n'yo po?" Gulat kong sabi.
"Yes, anak ni Kuya Iñigo." Aniya at mukhang napaisip. "Baka nag-away nanaman
ang dalawang 'yun," She sighed and called her husband.
"Thornie, let's talk to Clyte later, ayokong hindi sila nagpapansinan ng mga
pinsan n'ya." Aniya at tumango si Doc at lumapit sa amin.
Hindi na ako nag-usisa, nakita kong napapaisip ni Tita Zid pero maya-maya'y
bumaling sa akin at ngumiti.
"Sorry for that, Win. Ano nga ulit ang gusto mong sabihin sa'kin?" She asked
and smiled.
"No worries, Tita. I just want to ask some things..." I said.
 "Go, ask me away." Hinaplos n'ya ang buhok ko. "Naaalala ko
talaga palagi sa'yo si Scira."
"Oh, the youngest one?" I said.
"The third one," Tumawa si Tita at sumulyap sa asawa. "And my old self."
I saw Doc Thorn smiling there, just staring at us. Nahuli ko pang kumislap ang
mata n'ya habang nakatitig sa asawa.
"Uhm, diba po, ilang buwan na rin akong nagte-therapy?" I said at nakita kong
tumango si Tita at ngumiti.
"Yes and you're doing great! Thorn's been telling me how great you are. You are
strong, Win." Masayang sabi n'ya.
"Thank you po," Maluwag akong ngumiti at sumulyap kay Doc bago ngumiti rin. He
nodded at me, looking happy.
"And I think I am, nababawasan na rin po ang masamang panaginip ko. Actually, I
am not having any bad dreams for the past weeks, medyo kaya ko na rin po ng madilim
tho, not really that dark. Kahit medyo dim kaya ko na." I said proudly.
I saw Tita Zid smiling widely at me as she nod her head, hinawi n'ya ang buhok
ko.
"You are doing great, Win. I know you can overcome your fear, you can surpass
every challenges given to you because you're strong."
"And thank you so much po, Doc..." I stared briefly at my psychiatrist. "And
Tita, you two are such a big help to me, I can freely confide my feelings and you
helped me a lot."
"We really didn't do that much," Doc commented and smiled at me. "You made it
yourself, you are starting to overcome your trauma because you are strong, remember
what I told you? You can do it. You are stronger than you think, hija."
"Thank you po..." I smiled happily. "Tsaka sobrang thankful din ako sa'yo,
Tita, kasi everytime na gusto kitang kausapin nandyan ka palagi. Okay lang din
sa'yo na minsan iistorbohin ka namin ni Doc para sa session."
Natawa ang mag-asawa at nakita kong ngumisi si Tita.
"Ayos lang, ikaw pa ba?" She chuckled. "And syempre, pagkatapos ng therapy mo,
may session din kami." Bungisngis n'ya.
Napakurap ako, nakita kong naubo si Doc sa gilid at tumayo habang tinatakpan
ang bibig n'ya at humagikhik si Tita at sumulyap sa akin.
"Charot lang, Win." Tawa n'ya at sumulyap sa pantry kung saan nagtungo ang
asawa. "Namumula na si tanda."
Natawa na rin ako sa kanya.
"You're such a bully, Tita." I commented and laughed. "Hindi naman matanda si
Doc, gwapo pa nga rin."
"Diba?" Bumilog ang bibig n'ya. "Ang sarap-sarap pa palagi, nakakainis."
Natawa ako at nag-apir kaming dalawa nang lumabas si Doc sa pantry na nakanguso
na at namumula nga ang tenga.
"Zid..." Doc warned and nakita kong ngumisi si Tita at nagpeace sign.
"Love you," Tita winked at him before looking at me.
"Let me guess, Win, is that a boy problem you got?"
"Yes po," Ngumuso ako.
"Should I leave you first, ladies?" Nakita kong lumapit si Doc.
"Uhm," I cleared my throat, hindi na sana papaalisin si Doc pero ikinumpas ni
Tita ang kamay sa asawa.
"Yes, shoo away ka muna, hari ko. Mamaya na tayo magsession, girls talk 'to."
Tito blinked rapidly at his wife, akmang aalma nanaman sa lumalabas sa bibig ng
asawa pero napasinghap nalang at humalik sa pisngi ni Tita Zid at ginulo ang buhok
ko bago lumabas.

"I'm all ears, Win." She smiled at me.

"There's this man, Tita." I sighed. "He was my bodyguard, well, ang alam ko, my
father hired him to protect me against our enemies. Nung una, of course he wasn't
noticing me that much but when I first saw him, I knew I like him."
 "Bodyguard? Warren?" Bulong n'ya at nanlaki ang mata ko at umiling.
"N-No, not Warren. I mean, the previous bodyguard before him." I said.
"Oh, okay. Hindi ko maalala kung nakita ko na." Aniya.
"Guess not?" I said, opening my phone and showed her Warrion's photo that I
snapped in the island.
Nakita kong napatitig s'ya sa phone, then slowly, her forehead creased at
napaayos ng upo.
"I saw him!" Aniya at miski ako ay nagulat.
"P-Po?"
"Yes! I do." Napaisip si Tita. "Just earlier, before I entered this hospital. I
saw him, talking to Warren."
Kumalabog ang puso ko at napakurap.
"T-Talaga?" I murmured.
"Yes...but I'm not sure." Ngumuso s'ya. "Pero parang eh, I don't want you to
assume, Win, baka nag-iimagine lang ako."
"B-Baka nga, Tita." I cleared my throat. "I-I mean...why would Warrion go here?
After I pushed him away?"
"Why? You pushed him away?" Gulat n'yang sabi.
I sighed, kumuyom ang kamay ko at sumulyap sa kanya.
"It...turns out, I knew him from the past, Tita. He was my boyfriend."
"God," She uttered. "Warrion is your boyfriend? I mean, kasama s'ya sa
nakalimutan mong ala-ala?"
"Yes po," I sighed. "He found an opportunity to protect me kaya naging
bodyguard s'ya, he denied knowing me at first. I also did mention to him how much
my sister's death pained me and I s-said..." My voice broke.
"Whoever is the reason why my sister and I went to volunteer in Mindanao, I
woudn't want to meet him again for it will only bring bad memories back." Mahinang
sabi ko.
"And...he's the reason?"
Marahan akong tumango at hinawi ang nalaglag na luha sa mga mata ko. "Y-Yes,
he's a soldier and he'll go to Mindanao for a mission, m-magtatagal s'ya kaya
nasaktan ako at nagpumilit na pumunta. I dragged my sister with me...and like what
happened, we became hostage and she got killed.
"Sinarado ko ang utak ko, Tita. I blamed him, nung nalaman kong s'ya ang
pinunta ko sa Mindanao, naghanap ako ng sisisihin at s'ya ang sinisi ko." I
whispered.
"Win..." Tita slowly pulled me for a hug.
"T-Turns out...he's been blaming himself too, he said he's too afraid to tell
me the truth about us because it might trigger my trauma, n-natatakot s'yang umamin
kasi ayaw na n'yang mabigong iligtas ako and after what I've s-said...mas sinisi
n'ya ang sarili n'ya. Then, he left... He left because I blamed him, all he wanna
do is to save me, to love me silently but I put all the blame to him. Gusto kong
bawasan ang guilt ko pero s'ya ang natulak ko palayo." I murmured and cried.
She hugged me tight, I heard her large intake of breath and caressed my back.
"It is no one's fault, Win." Marahang sabi n'ya. "All you wanna do is to see
him, all Summer wanna do is to come with you to protect you and she did, right? She
risked her life to protect you. Atsaka si Warrion, he shoudn't blame himself
because I can feel that he's trying his best to protect you."

"Y-Yes... And I really wanna apologize for everything, g-

gusto ko s'yang makita ulit. I keep on blaming myself, I keep on blaming him."
"Summer loves you," Ani Tita. "Thorn also told you that, right? Ginawa iyon ng
ate kasi mahal ka n'ya, kahit ako, Win, if something happened to my children, to my
king or family, I would trade my life for theirs."
"Walang may gusto sa nangyari, hija." Lumayo s'ya ng bahagya at pinunasan ang
luha ko.
I saw the motherly concern on her eyes as she dry my tears.
 "I know you're slowly forgiving yourself, I wish for you to heal successfully.
Nabisita mo na ba ang Ate mo?"
"Not yet," Pinunasan ko ang luha ko. "I-I'm afraid I'll break down. N-Natatakot
ako, Tita...na baka hindi ko makayang makita ang lapida ng Ate."
"It will hurt at first," Tita smiled, her eyes started swelling for unshed
tears. "It will pain you seeing your love ones like that but you'll get used to
it."
"People tends to sacrifice for their love ones," Tita smiled at me. "Trust me.
You'll get through the pain."
"T-Thank you, Tita..." I sniffed at she smiled and helped me dry my tears.
"Eh, si Warrion?" She asked me again. "Have you seen him?"
Umiling ako, kumuha s'ya ng tubig sa lamesa at inabot sa akin.
"No..." I whispered. "I-I tried to check on him but he's nowhere to be found,
pumunta ako sa hotel sa may amin, sa kapatid n'ya, umaasang makita s'ya pero wala."
"Have you tried asking?"
"N-Nahihiya ako," I sighed. "After what I did, hindi ko alam kung paano ko s'ya
haharapin."
"You should ask his brother," Tita said. "Talk to him, Win. Love doesn't fade
that easily, apologize if you must and open up, letting your voice be heard,
letting someone know your pain will lift the heavy feeling in your chest. Slowly,
tell you parents, your friends and him your sorrow."
"I-I was hoping to see him again," I sighed. "G-Gusto kong sabay kaming pupunta
kay Ate, gusto kong humingi ng tawad sa kanilang dalawa, I want to feel Warrion's
strength while I am too weak."
"You can do it, Win." Tita said softly. "I always know you can do it, facing
your fears. I'm so proud of you."
I sighed, hugging Tita and whispering my thanks to her.
Kagaya ng nakasanayan, magaan ang loob ko at masaya akong lumabas ng clinic.
Naabutan ko kaagad ang bodyguard kong nakaupo sa may bench at napaayos ng upo mula
sa pagkakasalampak sa upuan nang makita ako.
"Tapos na?" He grinned.
Hindi ko s'ya sinagot, umirap lang ako at naglakad at natawa ako ng palihim ng
takbuhin n'ya ako palapit.
"Win!" Aniya.
"Obvious ba?" Ngiwi ko at ngumisi s'ya sa akin.
"Sabi ko nga," Tawa n'ya. "Saan na tayo, Ma'am?"
"Ma'am ka d'yan, Winter nga sabi, Warren." I murmured and walked, sumunod naman
s'ya sa akin at nagsalita.
"At War na nga lang sa'kin, Winter." Aniya.
"Ayokong War." I said and stopped. "Ren ang tawag ko sa'yo o kaya Warren."
"Ang effort naman, mas maiksi nga ang War." Reklamo n'ya.
"Reklamo mo, ikaw ba ang nagsasalita? Ikaw ba ang magtatawag, syempre ako,
hayaan mo na." Naglakad ako palapas ng hospital habang nakasunod s'ya.
"Bakit nga ayaw mong War?"

"Basta." Simangot ko. "Sino bang boss mo?" I asked when he

opened the door for me, pumasok naman ako at nakita kong nag-jog s'ya patungo sa
kabila.
"Ikaw," Aniya. "Sino pa ba?"
"I mean...bago kami ni Dad, kanina ka nagtatrabaho?" I asked him curiously
while fixing my seatbelt.
"Sa agency?" Aniya. "Yung mismong agency, madami akong boss doon e, couldn't
remember their names."
"Hmm," Tango ko. "E, sinong kausap mo kanina?"
I saw him froze.
"Kausap? Wala, ah?" Inosente s'yang tumingin sa akin.
"Meron e," I commented. "Sino 'yun, hindi ko kilala e." Pagkukunwari ko pero
asadong-asado na ako.
"Ah, 'yung kaibigan kong security." He said, looking away from me, nakita kong
inayos na rin n'ya ang seatbelt. "Nakita ko kasi sa may ospital."
Tinitigan ko s'ya, tumikhim naman s'ya at pinaandar ang kotse.
"Saan tayo Win?" Pag-iiba n'ya kaya napabuntong-hininga nalang ako at nagbaba
ng tingin.
"Sa hotel nalang," I said and shook my head.
Umaasa ka pa rin, Winter?
"Uhm, have you even tried going to other psychiatrist?" Biglang sabi ni Warren
sa tabi ko kaya nilingon ko s'ya. "Palagi kang dadayo dito sa Manila para sa
therapy mo."
"I am comfortable with them," I murmured. "Hindi na ako sumubok ng ibang doktor
kasi mas gusto ko sila, Tito Thorn is a great doctor and his wife, Tita Zid is a
great adviser. I love them both."
"Hmm," Tango n'ya. "Kaya pala, tsaka nakita ko 'yung anak nila 'nung nakaraan,
'yung pangatlo, maganda."
"Type mo?" I asked at ngumuso lang s'ya at umiling. "As if na papatol 'yun sa
akin, she's rich while I'm..."
"They aren't like that," I said.
"Kahit na," Aniya. "Hindi kami bagay kasi maganda s'ya...gwapo rin naman ako
pero nevermind."
I chuckled, punching his arm.
"Ilalakad kita," Sabi ko at napaubo s'ya at sumulyap sa akin.
"T-Talaga?" He murmured.
I chuckled and nodded, napakurap naman s'ya at tumikhim, pilit na nagseseryoso
pero namumula.
We arrived in the hotel nearest to the airport to stay for the night,
pagkapasok ko palang ng hotel ay nakita ko ang pamilyar na mga uniporme ng crew.
"Welcome to Casa Amara Manila, Ma'am! Sir!" The attendant greeted and my mouth
dropped.
"C-Casa?"
"Ay, opo, Ma'am." She smiled. "This way, please."
Gulo pa rin ako, nang makarating kami sa may concierge at nakita ko ang
attendant roon na may malaking ngiti.
"How can I help you, Ma'am?"
"U-Uhm... Is this hotel the same with the other Casa Amara?"
"Po?" Mukhang naguluhan s'ya. "Oh, if you're referring to the other branch,
yes, Ma'am."
Bumilog ang bibig ko at napatango.
"Miss, two rooms, please." I heard Warren saying, nakita ko kung paano nagitla
ang babae sa itsura ng lalaki at napakurap.
"S-Sir Warre--"
"Yeah! Yeah, Warren." Tawa ni Warren kaya nagtatakang nilingon ko s'ya.
"Magkakilala kayo?" Takang tanong ko.

"No--"
"Yes--"
"Oo talaga, Win." Tumawa si Warren at sumulyap sa babae. "Ka...babata ko 'to
dati e, diba?" Sumulyap s'ya sa babae.
"Po?" Nanlaki ang mata ng babae bago napatango at tumawa ng pilit. "Opo...Opo."
Weird people.
Inilibot ko nalang ang paningin sa paligid, nagmamatyag sa hotel at nawala lang
ang atensyon ko nang tawagin ako ni Warren.
"Sorry, Ma'am. We only have one room left, medyo peak season po ngayon kaya
maraming guest na mag-sstay kasi malapit sa airport. Ang ibang rooms po ay under
renovation pa."
Napanguso ako at napaisip bago sumulyap kay Warren na parang batang paslit kung
makatingin.
"You can sleep in the sofa, right?" I asked.
The attendant gasped, nakita kong nagtataka si Warren pero tumango.
"Oo?" Sagot n'ya.
"Then, we'll take it, Miss." Sumulyap ako sa attendant at maya-maya'y marahas
na umubo si Warren at umiling.
"No...way."
"Hoy," Sumimangot ako. "Hindi kita pagsasamantalahan, excuse me. Gwapo ka pero
iba bet ko."
"No... You can't do that." Aniya at maya-maya'y kumapa sa cellphone n'ya sa
bulsa.
"Anong hindi? We don't have any choice. Ito lang ang malapit sa airport--"
"We can't sleep in the same room," Umiling s'ya at tumipa sa phone. "Gusto ko
pang mabuhay ng matagal, Win!"
Bago pa man ako makapagsalita ay narinig kong may kinakausap na s'ya sa
telepono kaya umirap ako at humalukipkip, pasimpleng inamoy ang sarili.
Mabaho na ba ako para ayawan samahan? As if namang may gagawin ako sa kanya!
Mas bet ko pa rin paluin pwet ni Warrion ko...
"Meron na!" Halos mapatalon ako nang lumitaw bigla si Warren at ngumisi sa
attendant. "Check mo, Miss."
The woman typed something, maya-maya pa ay ngumisi at humarap sa amin.
"May umalis pong guest," She smiled. "Hindi lang po narefresh pero naka-check-
out na."
"Great then," I smiled widely.
"Bale, Ma'am, the free rooms are one normal room and the presidential suite."
My eyes widen at that.
"W-Wala bang ibang room?" Gulat kong sabi.
"Ang nawalan po kasi ng tao 'yung sa VIP sa presidential suite, ayun nalang po
talaga."
"Doon nalang ako sa normal, ikaw na sa presidential suite." Ngisi ni Warren.
I sighed, kinapa ko ang bag para kunin ang card pero hindi ko pa man naaabot ay
umiling na ang attendant sa akin.
"Paid na po ang both rooms, Ma'am." Aniya.
Nagitla ako at napakurap.
"Huh? Paano?"
"The management paid for it, apology daw po for inconvenience sa punuang
kwarto." Aniya.
Gulat pa rin ako pero tawa naman ng tawa si Warren sa tabi ko habang inaabot
ang key cards.
"Yes! Libre!" Tuwang-tuwa n'yang sabi pero lutang pa rin ako.
Hila-hila ni Warren ang maleta ko nang ihatid ako sa suite, bangag pa rin ako
pagkapasok sa loob at hindi na s'ya nasagot nang magpaalam s'ya paalis.

I pulled my baggage and opened the room and my mouth parted

when I saw a large bed inside the suite. Dumaan sa ilong ko ang panlalaking pabango
kaya natigil ako.
Lalaki ang VIP na umalis?
I slowly went on the bed and my eyes shined when I saw a bouquet of flowers on
it! Dali-dali ko iyong inabot at binasa ang nakasulat.
Sorry for inconvenience. Enjoy your stay.
-Management
Napangisi ako sa tuwa, yakap ang bulaklak ay nagtungo ako sa bukas na bintana
at dinama ang hangin na malamig na tumatama sa balat ko.
Kaagad rin akong nagbihis at nag-ayos para sa dinner namin sa resto sa ibaba ni
Warren, wearing only my knee length, spaghetti strapped dress and flats, I stepped
out of my room.
Naabutan ko si Warren na nakasandal sa pader nang lumabas ako at nakita kong
ngumisi s'ya nang makita ako at humawak sa tyan n'ya.
"Gutom na ako, Win." Reklamo n'ya.
He's wearing a black shirt and khaki pants, maayos ang kanyang buhok at
nakangisi sa akin.
"Tara na, daming reklamo." I hissed at tumawa s'ya bago ako alalayan sa
elevator.
We reached the restaurant at hindi na ako nagulat nang mapansin ang resemblance
nito sa Casa Amara namin sa probinsya, it was almost the same! From the ambiance
and everything!
Nang makakuha kami ng upuan ay kaagad kaming nag-order at nakita kong nagtitipa
si Warren ng mensahe sa phone n'ya.
"Kanina ka pa nagpo-phone, may jowa ka ba?" I asked him.
"Mas malala pa 'to sa jowa, kung hindi ko sasabihin ang ginagawa mo, patay
ako."
"Ginagawa ko?" My brow raised.
"Ginagawa ko, I mean." He smirked. "Tatay ko lang 'to, hinahanap ako sabi ko
nasa Manila ako."
Tumango nalang ako at sumulyap sa paligid.
Sa hindi kalayuan ay nakita kong may isang batang babaeng tumatakbo sa resto,
my eyes are stuck with her, habang tumatawa sa kakatakbo ay nadapa s'ya at umiyak
kaya umawang ang labi ko.
I stood on my seat, ready to help the little girl pero napaupo lang ako ulit
nang makita ang isa pang batang babae. She's maybe a year or two older than the
other one and I saw how she helped the kid.
The little one cried more, nirereklamo ang sakit ng paa pero ang mas
nakakatanda ay pinatahan ang isa at marahang niyakap.
My tear fell when a sudden memory flashed on my mind.
I remembered me and my sister, playing on the playground, sa kulit ko ay nadapa
ako at nasugatan pero nandyan ang ate para tulungan ako at patahanin.
Another tear fell on my eyes, hindi ko na namalayan na nasa harapan ko na ang
nag-aalalang si Warren at gulat sa akin.
"W-Why are you crying?" Gulat n'yang sabi.
I sniffed, nakita ko ang pag-aalala n'ya kaya tumungo ako at isinandal ang noo
ko sa balikat n'ya para itago ang mata kong may luha.
"I-I miss my sister." I murmured painfully.
"Don't cry," He murmured. I sniffed and sobbed quietly, nang maramdaman ang
marahan n'yang yakap sa akin at ang pagtapik ng likod ko ay nakagat ko ang labi
para pigilan ang hikbi.
"It's gonna be alright, Win. It will be alright." He whispered.
Medyo matagal akong napatahan ni Warren mula sa pagiging emosyonal, uminom man
ng tubig para sa pagkalma ay hindi ko na nagawa dahil nanatili akong nakasulyap sa
dalawang batang babae na naroon na ngayon sa kanilang mga magulang.
The four of them looks happy, magkakasama sila ng Mommy at Daddy nila, pati ang
magkapatid. Nanatili akong nakatingin sa kanila, may halong lungkot at saya.
"Win, I'll go to the restroom first." Ani Warren kaya tumango ako at muling
tumingin sa mga bata.
Then, I was shocked when I saw the older sister walking towards me. Akala ko
nga ay hindi sa akin pero nang mapunta s'ya sa tabi ko ay nanlaki ang mata ko.
"Hi po, Ate! Nakita po naming sad ka kaya ito bibigay po namin 'to." I saw her
giving me a lollipop kaya kumalabog ang puso ko.
"T-Thank you..." I murmured, my heart pounding.
"Ayan po nagpapasaya sa amin ng kapatid ko kapag malungkot kami, sana po
mapasaya ka n'yan, Ate. Tsaka po, ayos lang po 'yung kapatid ko, medyo makulit lang
po kasi, nakita ka po kasi nina Mama po na tutulungan sana kami. Tsaka po pala Ate,
kung sakaling may kapatid ka man, alam kong love na love ka 'nun kasi mabait ka at
mabuting kapatid."
My eyes started watering again, nang ilahad ng bata ang kamay n'ya sa isang
yakap ay nanginginig na niyakap ko rin s'ya at bumulong.
"T-Thank you... Thank you." I said.
 Nang umalis na ang bata pagkatapos kumaway sa akin ay napahawak ako sa dibdib
ko at ngumiti ng maluwag.
I love you too, Ate.
Nagitla ako at napatalon nang marahas na tumunog ang cellphone kung saan. My
forehead creased, sumulyap ako sa lamesa at nagulat nang makitang naiwan ni Warren
ang phone n'ya.
Sumulyap ako sa caller ID at nakita ang pangalan ng tumatawag.
Boss calling...
I sighed, sumulyap ako sa phone para sana titigan lang pero nag-ingay ito muli
hanggang sa may lumitaw na message mula sa tumatawag.
From: Boss
Answer my call, you fucking idiot!
Napakurap ako, inayos ang sarili bago inabot ang phone. Tumikhim ako para
kalmahin ang sarili at unti-unting sinagot ang tawag.
I was about to open my mouth to speak when a baritone, mad voice filled my ear.
"Kanina ka pa namumuro sa'kin! Fuck you, Miranda! Who gave you the right to hug
my baby?!" Galit na boses roon sa kabilang linya at nalaglag ang panga ko sa gulat.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Kabanata 23

7 more to go!
xxxx
Kabanata 23
My lips parted, humigpit ang hawak ko sa phone at napakurap.
"Answer me! I will fucking punch--"
"W-War?" My voice trembled.
The voice from the other line stopped, humugot ako ng hininga at nagsimula nang
magwala ang puso ko sa hindi maintindihang dahilan.
"War..." I breathe. "Is that you? Answer me."
"No!" Halos mabuwal ako sa upuan sa gitla nang parang lumambot ang boses sa
kabilang linya at naging maliit. "Who's Warrion? And you! Stop hugging my baby!"
"W-Wait..." Naguluhan na ako at napaayos ng upo. "What do you mean?"
"I saw you hugging my baby! Baklang 'to, akin lang si Warren!" Irit ng lalaki
sa kabilang linya at umawang ang labi ko.
"So...wait!" Napasinghap ako. "H-Hindi 'to si Warrion?"
"Who the heck is that?" He gasped. "I called to talk to you, girl! I saw you
hugging my baby Warren!"
"H-Huh?"
What the hell is happening?
"I...I didn't know! Sorry, I mean, kaboses mo kasi ang boyfriend ko..." I
murmured.
The voice from the other line stopped again, nakagat ko naman ang labi ko at
suminghap.
"I thought you're him kasi kaboses mo and...I'm sorry! I never thought that
you're Warren's boyfriend?" I murmured pero napapaisip bigla at nanlaki ang mata.
Warren is gay?!
"And about that, he hugged me just to comfort me, nothing else. Naiyak lang
kasi ako naalala ko ang kapatid ko." I said. "I didn't mean to do that and I never
thought Warren has a boyfriend. Atsaka ano, hmm..."
I sighed.
"I-I have a boyfriend." I murmured. "Kaya h'wag kang magselos, hindi ko naman
aagawin si Warren sa'yo."
"What's...his name, then?" Halos mapamura nanaman ako nang hindi na malambot at
umiirit ang boses sa kabilang linya at bumalik sa malalim at baritono.
Damn, his voice sounded a lot like my baby!
 "Uhm, he's Warrion. Warrion Alcantara, you know him? He's a part owner of Casa
Amara." I murmured.
"Hmm?" He hummed, I bet he's smiling.
Naipikit ko ang mata nang halos magwala ang sistema sa isiping sobrang kaboses
n'ya si Warrion.
"Yes... Umalis kasi s'ya kaso hindi ko alam kung babalik. Tsaka ano, mahal ko
'yun kaya h'wag ka na magselos sa akin para kay Warren mo." I murmured.
"You miss him?" His voice sounded like lullaby.
"I do," I murmured. "So much that it kills me everytime I cannot see him."
"I miss you too..." He whispered.
Kumalabog ang puso ko at akmang magsasalita nang magsalita s'ya ulit.
"Just pretend I am your boyfriend," Aniya kaya bigla akong natahimik.
Pretend?
"Pero hindi kita crush, huh? Hindi tayo talo, girl!" Biglang umirit ang boses
kaya napatawa ako at naipikit ang mata.
"Okay..." I murmured. "Kunwari ikaw si Warrion, huh?"
"Alright," I heard his sad voice.
"Kumusta ka na, War?" Bulong ko sa telepono. "I miss you so much, I wanted to
see you again, to hug and kiss you. I'm sorry for everything that I did, for
blaming you. I'm so sorry, bumalik ka na sa akin."

I sighed and closed my eyes, smiling a bit.

"I miss your ass too, gusto ko nang tampalin. Tsaka...ano, tuyot na ako, galaw-
galaw rin." I murmured.
The man from the other line bursted out laughing, napatawa na rin ako at
napailing.
"Pasensya na," I chuckled. "Ganun talaga kasi kami magbiruan."
"Well, maybe if he comes back, baka may diligan na?" He chuckled deeply.
"E, hindi nga bumabalik e. Stress na ako kaaantay, pinagtataguan pa ata ako,
naku, baka maghanap na ako n'yan ng irrigation." Tawa ko pero hindi kaagad umimik
ang sa kabilang linya.
"Don't you even dare," Napakurap ako sa riin ng boses nito sa kabilang linya.
"Huh?" Tawa ko. "Para ka talagang 'yung Major ko, galit na galit, gusto
manakit?" I joked.
Magsasalita pa sana ako nang makita kong naglalakad na papalapit ang nagkakamot
ng batok na si Warren.
"Uy, nandito na ang bebe mo." I murmured while looking at Warren.
"Huh?"
"Si Warren mo, nandito na!" Kumaway ako kay Warren na nakanguso sa akin habang
naglalakad at bumagsak ng upo sa harapan ko.
He stared at me, habang nakatitig sa akin si Warren ay bigla s'yang napabaling
sa phone na hawak ko.
"Uy, Ren, tumawag ang bebe mo." Inilahad ko sa kanya ang phone at nakita kong
dumungaw s'ya sa phone at nang makita ang caller ay umawang ang labi at namutla.
"W-What..." He gasped.
"Answer it! Here!" Hagikhik ko kay Warren na mukhang nakakita ng multo habang
nakatitig sa telepono.
"Ikaw, ha. Hindi ka nagsasabing member ka pala sa pederasyon." Asar ko at
umiling lang si Warren at lumayo sa akin.
"G-Gusto ko pang mabuhay, Winter!" He exclaimed.
"Huh?" My forehead creased. "OA nito, suyuin mo na ang boyfriend mo at gigil
na!" Tawa ko.
"No...way!"
"Yes way! Answer it!" I said at nakita kong putlang-putlang inabot n'ya ang
phone at unti-unting inilagay sa tenga.
"Hey--" Napangiwi si Warren pagkarinig sa boses sa kabilang linya at inilayo
ang phone. "Why are you shouting--"
 Ngumiwi si Warren at napanguso lang ako nang makitang nakapikit ang mata ni
Warren at parang tinatanggap nalang ang lahat ng sinasabi ng boyfriend n'ya.
"What?!" Nanlaki ang mata n'ya at napasulyap sa akin. Ngumuso lang ako sa kanya
at ngumiti.
"Nagseselos s'ya," I pointed the phone.
"What the hell is she saying--" Aniya sa kabilang linya at biglang tumahimik.
"O-Oh, yes, baby..." Biglang humagikhik si Warren at pumiyok ang boses kaya
napatawa ako.
Dumating ang order ang habang inilalapag ang pagkain sa lamesa ay nakatitig
lang ako kay Warren na halos namumula na ang mukha sa hiya.
"O-Oh, sorry. N-Niyayakap ko lang s'ya kasi umiiyak s'ya. H'wag ka na magselos,
mahal." Pumiyok pa si Warren at nakakuyom ang kamay sa lamesa kaya ngumisi ako.
I saw the waitress staring at Warren, mukhang gwapong-gwapo sa bodyguard ko
pero napaawang ang labi nang pumiyok ito.
"I know, enebe! Ang heret-heret nemen!" Inarte ni Warren at humampas-hampas pa
kaya napahagalpak ako ng tawa.
The waitress gasped loudly, napasulyap ako sa babae at ngumisi.
"Sorry, Miss, off-limits na s'ya." I said and lifted my hand to cover my mouth.
"May boyfriend." Bulong ko at napatango-tango ang waitress.

The call ended, habang nakasulyap kay Warren na mukhang

hiyang-hiya ay ngumisi ako at sumimsim ng juice, nanunuya.
"Gwapo ba? Ang gwapo ng boses, huh?" I murmured.
"W-What did he told you?" Ngumiwi s'ya at sumulyap sa pagkain sa harap.
"Wala, nagalit 'nung una, he said why I am hugging his baby chuchu." I
murmured. "Then, nalaman kong boyfriend mo pala and he had seen us hugged kaya
nagalit."
"R-Really?" He groaned. "Fuck, h'wag ka nang magugulat kung hindi mo na ako
makikita bukas."
"Huh?" Gulat kong sabi.
"Nothing...I just." He groaned. "He's gonna choke me to death."
"Huh? Ay, wild kayo, huh!" Tawa ko. "Ano 'yan, choke me, daddy?"  Maharot kong
sabi at ngumiwi s'ya at tinakpan ang tenga n'ya.
"Shut up, Win!" He groaned pero humalakhak lang ako at nanliit ang mata.
"Bakit, anyare?"
"Just...don't be shock if you will see me floating in dirty rivers tomorrow."
Mukhang lutang na s'ya at sinapo ang noo n'ya. "Tangina pa 'nun, ginawa akong
bakla, ang hayop."
"Huh?" I said curiously. "So, bisexual ka? Not gay?"
"Damn, lower your voice." He groaned at ngumiti lang ako sa kanya.
"It's okay, tanggap kita." I said. "In fact, I have a few friends--"
"No...just no." Marahas s'yang umiling, mukhang naeeskandalo na.
"Why?" I murmured. "I won't judge, I love those people na kasapi ng ating
pederasyon--"
"I'm not gay, Win!" He hissed pero mas natawa lang ako at inabot ang mukha n'ya
para kalabitin ang ilong n'ya.
"Sus, patola ka! Maniwala sa'yo!" I chuckled. "Ang heret-heret mo nga kanina!"
Mas namula ang mukha n'ya ay sa tuwa ko ay lumipat ako sa upuan sa tabi n'ya
para tusukin ang baywang n'ya.
He jumped. Mas tinusok ko ang baywang n'ya kaya napamura s'ya at hinuli ang
kamay ko.
"Winter Andromeda!" He groaned.
"Oh, may kiliti ka, huh!" I chuckled. Mas napaigtad s'ya, habang naghaharutan
kami roon ay biglang nag-ingay ang phone n'yankaya sabay kaming napabaling sa
message na lumitaw roon.
From: Boss
Tangina mo, isang hawak pa puputulin ko 'yang kamay mong hayop ka.
 Napakurap ako. Napamura naman si Warren at mabilis akong hinila pabalik sa
upuan ko ar marahas na umiling sa akin.
"Don't come near me, Win!"
"G-Galit bebe mo?" I asked.
"No...just..." He groaned. "I want to live longer, don't contribute in limiting
my life span!"
I spent my night chilling on the indoor pool located at the rooftop of my
presidential suite. I was wearing a black bikini and staring at the stars of the
city.
Sa pwesto ko rin ay kitang-kita ang maliwanag na bituin sa langit. It was
always fun staring at the stars, being drowned by the darkness of the sky has,
living with it.
Ipinikit ko ang mata ko habang nagpapalutang-lutang sa pool.
Mas maganda pa rin ang langit sa probinsya, they were more brighter than the
skies in the city. Maybe because Manila is filled with establishments na ang mga
ilaw ay nakikipagpaligsahan sa liwanag ng gabi.

I smiled a bit and opened my eyes when I heard the door

opened.
"Is that my wine?" I murmured, not looking at the person.
"Yes." Halos mapatayo ako sa boses na narinig ko pero napatawa nalang ako sa
imahinasyon.
You're getting crazier each passing day, Win. Palagi ka nalang nag-iimagine kay
Warrion!
"Kuya, naniniwala ka bang lahat ng umaalis, babalik?" I blurted out of nowhere
when I still can sense the man's presence somewhere.
Hindi kaagad ito umimik kaya nanatili akong nakapikit at nagpapalaboy sa pool.
"Yes," He murmured.
I hummed and smiled.
"Paano pala kung hindi na bumalik?" I murmured again.
"Paano kung hindi naman pala umalis at nakasunod lang? Nagbabantay?" That voice
definitely made my heart skipped, napamulat ako, mabilis na ibinagsak ang katawan
ko sa pool kaya lumubog ang mukha ko.
I dried my face, mabilis na iniangat ang ulo mula sa tubig pero natigilan lang
ako nang makita nalang ang likuran ng lalaking paalis.
I panicked, mabilis kong sinulyapan ang dalang wine 'nung lalaki at natigilan
nang makita ang isang tangkay ng bulaklak at ang maliit na sticky note sa tabi
nito.
Ilagay mo sa tubig para hindi matuyot...kagaya mo.
What the hell?
Fuck!
Iniahon ko katawan ko sa tubig at dali-daling kinuha ang robe at tinakbo pababa
ang lugar. I was frantically panicking just to reach the door at tumakbo palabas
habang yakap ng robe ang katawan nang makasalubong ko si Warren.
My eyes widen. Nakita ko rin s'yang nagulat sa akin at napasulyap.
"The hell are you wearing, Winter?" Gulat n'yang sabi.
"Nasaan 'yung lalaki?!" I exclaimed.
"Huh?" He asked, confused.
"The man! 'Yung naghatid sa akin ng wine?" I exclaimed, sumisilip sa likuran
n'ya.
"Wala naman akong nakita rito, pag-akyat ko wala namang lumabas sa kwarto mo."
He said.
Unti-unting napabuntong-hininga ako at umuling.
"Sabagay...mukhang imposible." I murmured.
"Imposible?" Warren asked.
"Wala..." I murmured. "Anong nangyari sa mukha mo?" Tinuro ko ang pisngi n'yang
namumula at ang labi n'yang dumudugo.
 Ngumuso s'ya at napahawak sa pisngi n'ya.
"Kasalanan mo 'to." He groaned.
"Huh?" My eyes widen. "Kailan kita sinapak, hoy?!"
He chuckled and shook his head.
"Kidding aside," He said. "May sinto-sinto lang akong nakasalubong, hindi ata
nakainom ng gamot at may episode. Nag-aaya mag-amok."
"He punched you?"
"Yeah," Ngiwi n'ya. "Tangina pa naman, ang lakas 'nun, parang nadislocate ang
panga ko!"
"Edi dapat lumaban ka!" I said and smacked his arm. "Duwag naman nito, tsaka
sana isumbong mo sa guard!"
"Nah," He scratched his head. "Sa estado 'nun, baka kapag nagsumbong ako sa
guard, ako pa ang hulihin at ipatapon sa labas ng hotel na 'to."

"Naks, dami namang connection 'nung baliw na 'yan." I

commented.
"Oo, atsaka pumasok ka na at ayoko nang masapak. Baka nang-ha-hack na iyon ng
CCTV ngayon at kapag nakita tayong ganito, magkombulsyon na ako."
"You're weird, Ren." I said.
"Yeah, really." He said. "Kaya pumasok ka na, Ma'am Winter para ma-extend pa
ang buhay ko. Pumunta lang ako para sabihing susunduin kita bukas para sa
breakfast."
"Okay," I nodded. "Pasok ka kaya muna? Let me clean your wound."
Biglang umatras s'ya na ipinagtaka ko at umiling at itinaas ang kamay n'ya.
"I'd rather not..."
"Huh? Pero 'yung sugat mo!"
"Okay lang, bye! Tulog ka na, Win!" Halos itulak n'ya ako sa pabalik sa kwarto
habang nagtatatakbo palabas kaya napailing ako.
The next day, I was living like a queen. Ang sarap-sarap ng tulog ko dahil sa
lambot ng kama. Lalo na at pagkagising ko ay may breakfast in bed ako!
I woke up with a food prepared for me! Ang isang bulaklak rin na nasa may vase
sa tabi ko ay tatlo na!
Sosyal pala ang presidential suite rito at VVIP!
Pero dahil nga nangako ako kay Warren ay sinamahan ko pa rin s'yang kumain ng
agahan at mukhang stress na stress s'ya.
His eyes are puffy and he looked like he haven't slept at all. Nang tanungin ko
naman ay sinabi n'yang may isinama sa kanyang guest sa kwarto kaya sa lapag s'ya
natulog at sa kama ang guest.
Is that even possible? Pero hindi na ako nagtanong at tinitigan lang s'yang
mukhang babagsak na ang ulo sa lamesa sa sobrang antok.
"Are you really okay, Warren?" I asked, lifting my hand to check his big
eyebags na mukhang magle-labor na.
"Yeah," He yawned and sipped on his tea, nilakihan n'ya ang mata at sumulyap sa
akin.
"Saan ka ngayon? Shopping?"
"Yes,"
"Alright, aayos lang ako tapos aalis na tayo--"
"No need," I said. "You should sleep first, I can go shopping on my own."
"No, I have to check on you, baka may sumunod sa'yo--"
"Come on, Ren. Sleep, you need it, kaya ko. Tsaka hindi ako mapapahamak." I
said.
He stopped for a while, maya-maya'y napasulyap sa phone n'ya at nang mabasa ang
mensahe roon ay napasinghap at nagrelax.
"Okay... Okay." He nodded. "You can shop alone, you'll be safe."
I smiled at him, habang kumakain ako ng cake ay nakita kong nakatingin sa akin
si Warren kaya sumulyap ako sa kanya. He pointed my lips, napahawak naman ako roon
at tumitig sa kanya.
 "No, other side." Pinunasan ko ito pero umiling lang s'ya at bumuntong-hininga.

He lifted his hand, readying himself to clean the dirt on my face nang biglang
may humawi sa kamay n'ya at naglapag ng tissue sa harapan.
I blinked, nung hinarap ang naglagay ay nakatalikod na ang lalaking naka-hood
paalis.
"Problema 'nun?" I asked.
Nakita kong nanlalaki na ang mata ni Warren habang nakatitig sa lalaki at
nagitla ako nang mag sign of the cross s'ya.
"Lord, save me." He murmured.
I went out to shop alone, nang inform-ahin ako ng guard na may taxi na ay dali-
dali akong sumakay at nagsabi sa driver.
"Kuya, sa malapit na mall." I said, the man nodded. I saw the driver wearing a
mask and shades, pamilyar rin ang kulay itim na hoodie na suot.

Hawak n'ya ang manibela, I can see how the veins of his
hand protruded, ang isang mamahaling itim na relo ay nakayakap sa kanyang pulsuhan.
And he smells great! This perfume is familiar!
Tumitig ako sa driver na seryosong nagdadrive, balot na balot pa ang mukha kaya
nagsalita na ako.
"Kuya, anong pangalan mo?" I asked.
I saw the driver stared at the mirror for a while and shook his head.
"Wala?" I asked curiously.
He shook his head again and lifted his hand and touched his neck.
"Po?" I asked.
He pointed at something, nagtaka ako roon at umawang ang labi nang makakitang
may sign na "I am deaf." sa gilid.
"Oh, okay." I smiled and raised my hand. "Thank you."
Nang makarating ako sa mall ay sobrang excited ko, I went to different shops to
buy clothes at malaki ang ngisi ko habang namimili.
I was comfortable at firat until I noticed the man with black hoodie following
me wherever I go, noong una ay ayos lang pero sa t'wing lilingon ako at mawawala
s'ya sa dagat ng tao ay kinakabahan ako.
Nang hindi na komportable at mag-gagabi na ay mabilis akong umalis ng mall
bitbit ang shopping bags ko at nagtungo sa parking lot para kumuha ng mga
nakapilang mga taxi.
I was calm at first until I felt a presence almost following me, hindi ko
naririnig ang yapak pero alam kong may nagbabantay sa kilos ko.
Sa bawat pagtigil ay tumitigil rin ang sumusunod sa akin.
I sighed heavily and remembered every techniques I've learned in self-defense
class at naghanap ng pagkakataon para matakasan ang sumusunod.
I finally got an opportunity the moment I saw a car leaving the place, nang
tumapat iyon sa akin ay mabilis at maliksi akong sumunod ng galaw roon para ikubli
ang sarili at nagtago sa gilid ng isang sasakyan sa gilid.
I was catching my breath, sa pagsulyap ko sa gilid ng sasakyan ay kita ko ang
lalaking sumusunod.
That man in the hoodie! That man in the resto and from the taxi! That jerk, why
is he following me?!
He looks panicking and alert. Nakita kong lumilinga s'ya sa paligid para
hanapin ako. He was still covered with face mask and shades, sa tangkad n'ya ay
paniguradong durog ako rito kapag nahuli ako!
Pero hindi pwedeng basta nalang akong umalis! I have to know who this is! May
masama ba itong balak? Kung mayroon ay bakit hindi pa n'ya ako tinangay kanina sa
taxi?
Ibinaba ko ang shopping bags ko sa gilid, sumulyap sa papalapit na lalaking may
tinatawag na sa cellphone.
Saktong paglagpas n'ya sa kotseng pinagtataguan ko ay mabilis kong hinatak ang
hood ng jacket n'ya kaya mabilis itong napaatras.
He cursed when I swiftly pulled him closer to me and slammed him on the side of
the car where I am hiding.
His shades fell a bit, mabilis ko naman s'yang kinorner na parang ang laki-laki
kong tao at mukha naman s'yang hindi manlalaban.
I slowly pulled his shades away and God knows how freaking shock I am when I
uncovered and saw those deep green eyes.
Nagwala ang puso ko at nakita ko ang panlalaki ng mata n'ya sa akin.
Bigla n'yang isinara ang mata n'ya at itinago ang mukha sa face mask n'ya pero
hinila ko ito kaya halos magwala na ako nang makita ang kabuuan ng mukha n'ya.
"W-War..."
"H-Hindi ako 'yun," Umiwas s'ya, akmang itatago ang mukha sa akin pero ngumiwi
na ako at hinila ang tenga n'ya.
"Isa, Warrion!" I exclaimed.
"Hindi ako 'yun..." He murmured, trying his best para itago ang mukha sa hoodie
pero hindi ako papatalo.
"I know it's you! Open your eyes! You have green eyes! I saw that kaya h'wag ka
ng magsinungaling!"
"I am not lying," He murmured.
"Open you eyes, then!" I exclaimed and held his jaw softly.
"Ayaw!" He groaned stubbornly.
"I saw it! It's green! Open it!"
"No!" He exclaimed.
"Open it and I wilk kiss you! Sige na!" At sa gulat ko ay wala pang ilang
segundo ay mulat na mulat na s'ya.
My heart hammered painfully on my chest as I stared at his green eyes. Nakagat
ko ang labi ko habang nakatitig sa mukha n'ya.
He stared back at me, nangilid ang luha ko nang mahaplos ko ang pisngi n'ya at
nanginig.
"War..." I murmured. "I-It's you... It's really you!"
His breath labored. Nakita kong lumambot ang mata n'ya at maya-maya'y humugot
na ng hininga at pumikit.
"Yes, baby, it's me..." He sighed, his hand slowly encircling on my waist.
Nangilid ang luha ko, mabilis ko s'yang niyakap at naramdaman ko ang mahigpit
n'yang yakap sa akin bago humalik sa buhok ko.
"Fuck...I miss you." He murmured.
My lips trembled, mabilis kong sinapo ang pisngi n'ya at inabot ang labi n'ya
para sa isang halik.
He froze for a while, totally in awe of my sudden move but then, I felt him
kissing me back with the same intensity. Umawang ang labi ko para papasukin s'ya at
sa isang iglap lang ay buhat-buhat na n'ya ako.
We were messing with each other's lips, nang maramdaman ko ang pag-upo ko sa
nguso ng sasakyan na katabi namin ay nawala na ako sa sarili.
I was really craving for him and his kisses!
Muling nagtagpo ang labi namin at mas niyakap ko ang leeg n'ya.
Suddenly, we stopped when we felt flashing lights pointed on our faces. Bigla
ko s'yang naitulak, sabay kaming napatingin sa guard na stress na stress na
nakatingin sa amin, nakatutok ang flashlight.
"Aba! Aba, ang mga batang ito! Parking lot ito at hindi motel! Tuyot na tuyot
na ba kayo?!" He exclaimed.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Kabanata 24

6 more!
xxx
 Kabanata 24
"Stop staring," Hinawi ko ang mukha ni Warrion at kanina pa nakatitig sa akin.
He chuckled, nag-init naman ang pisngi ko at ngumuso.
"I just miss you." He murmured.
Tinakpan ko ang bibig ko at nanlaki ang mata, my heart started thumping harder
at tinulak s'ya.
"Ano ba! H'wag mo akong pinapakilig!" I exclaimed.
He chuckled deeply, his green eyes glistened as he pulled me softly towards his
body and slowly encircled his arms around me.
My heart quickened, nang tumama na ang mukha ko sa dibdib n'ya ay marahan kong
niyakap ang baywang n'ya at nanahimik.
I felt how his breathe deepened, marahang hinaplos n'ya ang buhok ko at
hinalikan ang ulo ko.
"War..." Bulong ko.
He hummed a bit, mas humigpit ang yakap ko sa kanya at nang matantong narito
nga talaga s'ya sa tabi ko ay huminga ako ng malalim at naramdaman ko ang
pangingilid ng luha ko.
"Are you really here?" I whispered. "Tell me immediately if this was just a
dream. Tell me, so I can prepare and condition myself when I woke up."
"This isn't," His baritone voice said. Marahang nilayo ako sa kanya at masuyong
hinaplos ang pisngi ko.
He caught my eyes, sa ilalim ng maliwanag na gabi ay kitang-kita ko ang
pagkislap ng berde n'yang mga mata. It glistened with too much sadness, happiness
and longing.
It resembles mine perfectly.
He sighed, closed his eyes tightly and lowered his face. Nang magtama ang ilong
namin ay nakita ko ang pagngiti n'ya.
"Ang hirap magpigil, Winter." Bulong n'ya.
"B-Bakit ka ba nagpipigil?" I murmured. I was starled when he softly planted a
kiss on my lips as he opened his eyes.
"Magpapaalam pa ako kay senator," He chuckled.
"Para sa?" Ngumuso ako.
"Liligawan kita," He said. Nanlaki ang mata ko at napakurap-kurap.
"W-Weh?"
"Would you allow me?" His brow raised and I almost cursed when his perfect
brows lifted arrogantly together with the wicked smile of his lips.
"Oo agad!" I exclaimed. "Ako pa ba ang tatanungin mo n'yan, Major?"
He chuckled, pinisil n'ya ang pisngi ko at marahang hinaplos ang baba ko.
"Sobrang rupok naman ng mahal ko," He murmured.
Tumigil ako sa paghinga, sinamaan ko s'ya ng tingin pero tumawa lang s'ya at
marahang inabot ang kamay ko.
"Ihahatid na kita sa hotel," Aniya.
"Paanong hindi marupok?" Nguso ko. "Baka gusto mong i-inumerate ko sa'yo ang
mga buwang wala ka rito, huh, Alcantara?"
"Don't, I saw what you're doing." He chuckled kaya natigil ako.
"Huh?" I asked.
"I saw you talking to plants whenever you go to the garden." His lip twitched.
My eyes widen, humiwalay ako sa kanya at tinuro s'ya.
"Don't tell me--"
"Then I won't tell that I saw you talking to plants saying, sana nandito si
Major 'no? Para madiligan na tayo?"

Umawang ang labi ko, humagalpak s'ya nang abutin ko s'ya at

pinaghahampas ng kamay ko.
"You jerk!" I exclaimed. "You stalker! Akala mo hindi ko maaalalang ikaw ang
driver ko kanina?! You even put tissues on our table earlier!"
"I won't let you see me but of course, I woudn't go that far away from you." He
said.
"Sus!" Sinubukan kong suntukin ang braso n'ya pero nahuli n'ya lang ito kaagad
at pinagsaklop ang kamay naming dalawa at hinapit ako palapit sa kanya.
He kissed my head again, nag-angat ako ng tingin sa kanya at kinalabit ang
ilong n'ya.
"Grabe ka, natiis mo ako?" I said. "May bago akong bodyguard, gwapo rin, hindi
ka natakot na baka sa kanya nalang ako magkagusto?"
He froze, I saw how his lips thinned as he eyed me sharply. Tumaas ang kilay ko
at pinagmasdan s'yang iritado na sa akin.
"Do you like him?" He asked me seriously.
I pouted and tilted my head.
"Well, Warren is a great for me. He took care of me well, medyo parehas lang
naman kayo--"
"Parehas ba kami?" Kumunot ang noo n'ya at tumiim ang panga.
I blinked, sa intensidad ng titig n'ya ay sigurado akong iritado na s'ya.
"Parehas kayong bodyguard ko...kaya oo?" I smiled wickedly. "And he's fun to be
with, masaya kasama."
"Mahal mo na s'ya?" He asked. Tinitigan ko lang s'ya, inaatay ang reaksyon n'ya
at nang makita kong mukha na s'yang nasasaktan ay ngumuso ako.
"Babawi ako," He said and sighed, looking away. "Mas magaling naman ako mag-
bodyguard roon."
"Wala naman akong sinabing mas magaling s'ya sa'yo, ah?" I said and smiled.
"Sabi ko masaya s'yang kasama."
"Ako ba?" He shifted his gaze at me like a kid.
Natawa na ako, nang makita ang isang bench sa ilalim ng poste ng ilaw sa parke
ay marahan ko s'yang hinila roon para maupo.
He sat beside me and lowered his head to glance at me.
"Am I failing to make you laugh while I am with you? Should I be funnier, then?
Kuya taught me new jokes and thought it was cheesy but should I start using them?
May listahan ako--"
I lifted my head, claiming his lips to shut him up.
Nang humiwalay ako ay nakita kong kumislap ang mata n'ya at umawang ang labi.
"You have your own wit and you...being serious, I love it, you weren't my Major
without that cold eyes of yours and that attitude." I said softly.
He stopped, then suddenly said something weird.
"Isusumbong kita sa pulis," He said.
"Huh?"
"Kasi ninakaw mo ang puso ko." He caressed his chest and my cheeks flushed and
looked away.
"Ano ba, Major!" I stomped my feet and hid my blushing face while he laughed
beside me as he tried pulling my hand away from my face.
"I'm better than that asshole, right? S'ya, magaling magbantay tapos
papatawanin ka lang tapos ako, babantayan ka na, pakikiligin ka pa!" He exclaimed
like he is selling himself to me.
Natawa naman ako, sinipa ko s'ya at umiling.
"Tsaka gwapo ako, macho, magaling sa performance?" He said and I laughed more
and shook my head.
"Pero mabagal ka," I pointed out, pointing him.
"Saan?"
"Mabagal kang magdilig," I said. "Dati, tuyot lang 'to, ngayon disyerto na,
Warrion."

Doon na s'ya natawa, I saw how his lip twitched and pulled
me closer to his body before he lifted my chin and showered my face with his little
kisses.
"Kaya mahal na mahal kita e," He murmured and caught my lips, gumanti naman ako
ng halik sa kanya at marahang lumayo.
 "Natiis mo nga ako e," I said.
"I didn't," He said. "Hindi ako nagpakita sa'yo pero nandyan lang ako sa
paligid, there are times that I am gone because of work but I have eyes everywhere,
if you think you can go alone without bodyguards safe then no, it's because I am
making sure that someone is monitoring for your safety. I coudn't risk, Winter."
"Pero wala namang may banta na sa akin," I answered. "I am really safe, War.
Sumasama lang si Warren dahil kay Daddy."
"No," He shook his head and sighed. "I shoudn't say this to you because I don't
want you scared but remember the letters?"
Marahan akong tumango at pinagtuunan ng pansin ang kamay n'ya, inabot ko iyon
at dinala sa labi ko para halikan at marahang tumitig sa kanya.
He gasped, kumislap ang mata pero pumikit ng mariin at hinuli ang daliri ko.
"We're talking, baby, don't tempt me into kissing you senseless here in this
place. If I will take you, I will make love to you on my bed and not here."
My heart hammered and grinned.
"Totoo ba?!" I exclaimed, pinisil nanaman n'ya ang pisngi ko at hinuli ang labi
ko para sa halik bago umiling.
"You listen to me," Aniya. Tumango naman ako at hinayaan s'yang paglaruan ang
daliri ko.
"The letters never stopped, before it could even reach you, we are taking care
of it."
"Ano bang laman?" I asked curiously.
"Like usual, confessions." Aniya.
"Ang ganda ko kasi talaga, Major." I said. "Hindi kaya admiration lang talaga?"
"No, the history of letters, the address isn't known or never existed at all.
Some letters are threats, telling that if you woudn't meet that man then he will do
something and will make you love him." He said.
I honestly shivered at that, nagsitaasan ang balahibo ko at mabilis na sumiksik
kay Warrion.
He sighed, marahang hinaplos n'ya ang balikat ko at nilagay sa ulo ko ang cap
n'ya, he even fixed his hoodie that I am wearing to warm me.
"So, I coudn't let you loose at times like this, lalo na at hindi tayo
magkasama. I coudn't protect you like how I used to so, I am everywhere, wherever
you are, sinusubukan kong sundan ka."
"Edi sana nagpakita ka nalang sa akin," I said. "You coudn't just follow me
wherever I am, sana ay lumapit ka nalang ulit."
"How can I go near you if you're hurting whenever you're seeing me?" Sumulyap
ako sa kanya at nakita ko ang lungkot roon. "I promise myself to never hurt you, to
never make you cry and if my presence would only hurt you, bakit ako magpapakita? I
can protect you without you seeing me. Po-protektahan kita sa malayo, sa hindi mo
ako nakikita para hindi kita nasasaktan."
"I am seeing my psychiatrist, War." I sighed, looking at him. "He helped me a
lot to get through, maybe hindi pa ganun kaayos but I am better now. I can tolerate
the darkness, maybe not completely that much but I can sleep in dim lights now,
'yung panaginip ko, War, nawala na rin."
"I know you're always that strong," He smiled at me and caressed my shoulder.
"And you know what my psychiatrist told me?" I asked and he stared at me and
waited.

"Sabi n'ya, the first step of moving on from my trauma is

to forgive myself. To forgive those whom I blamed, to see the light in the dark
where I was hiding." Sumulyap ako sa kanya.
"Sabi n'ya, wala akong kasalanan. I felt it, War, unti-unting nag-sink-in sa
akin na ginawa iyon ng Ate dahil gusto n'ya akong iligtas. Pumasok sa isip ko at
nalamang walang mangyayari kung sisisihin ko ang sarili ko habang buhay. I thought,
blaming myself and other people would make me feel less guilty pero mali ako. Hindi
ako iniligtas ng Ate para mabuhay ng miserable sa pagkawala n'ya. She helped me
because she loved me."
Nanatiling nakatitig sa akin si Warrion kaya hinaplos ko ang pisngi n'ya at
pinakatitigan s'ya.
"At wala ka ring kasalanan roon, Warrion." I said, staring at him. "You did
your best to save us, nahuli ka man pero ginawa mo ang makakaya mo, nagkataon lang
na marami sila at pinagtulungan ka. You did your best too, baby, for saving me and
Ate. Na...kahit noong na-trauma ako at nawala ka sa utak ko ay nanatili kang
nagmamahal sa akin."
Pumikit s'ya at sumandal sa kamay ko sa pisngi n'ya.
"Ikaw ang palaging nagsasabi nito sa akin pero gusto ko lang sabihin rin sa'yo
na wala kang kasalan. I am very sorry for blaming you, wala kang kasalanan na
nagpumilit akong pumuntang Mindanao para makita ka, wala kang kasalanan sa lahat,
Warrion. You did your best to save us, you waited for me while I was clueless of
your existence."
"Kaya h'wag mo nang sisihin ang sarili mo, mahal ko, hmm?" I caressed his cheek
and smiled softly. "And you can get through it too because you are so strong, Major
ko."
I was starled when a tear fell from his eyes, nanlaki ang mata ko at umawang
ang labi nago dali-dali kong sinalo iyon.
"W-Why are you crying?" I murmured and dried his tears but he just chuckled
weakly and slowly lowered his head on my shoulder.
"T-Thank you, baby..." He whispered. "T-Thank you for those words...I needed it
so much."
He sniffed and my heart broke hearing him sniffing on my shoulder. I hugged him
tightly, kahit ang laki n'ya ay para s'yang bata roon habang nagpapayakap sa akin.
I caressed his hair like how I always did and whispered on his ear.
"Mahal na mahal kita, Warrion." I murmured.
"I love you so much too, Win." He whispered back with his weak voice. "So
much...please, I am begging you, please, take me back. Ayoko nang malayo sa'yo."
"Of course." Marahang lumayo ako para titigan s'ya. "Those months are torture,
palagi mo kasi akong pinagtataguan!"
His lips protruded and bit his lip.
"Natatakot lang akong maging marupok," He murmured. "Baka kapag nakita mo ako
at kausapin, baka walang pagdadalawang-isip na lumuhod ako at magmakaawang
bumalik."
"Alam mo namang palagi kitang tatanggapin, diba?"
"I just don't think I can love like this again, this feeling stayed for years."
He said and lifted his hand to fixed my hair, pinunasan ko naman ang luha n'ya at
sinuklay ang buhok n'ya ng daliri ko. "I don't think I can find someone like you."
"Sus," Kinikilig akong nagpigil. "May kasama ka ngang babae noon, diba? Daisy
ba 'yun? I can't remember." Ngumuso ako.
"That's for work," He chuckled and dried his cheek too.
"E, akala ko ba nagresign ka na?"
"I'm done with the field work, yes. I don't go to wars anymore but I stayed, sa
office nga lang. That time when you saw us, I was working with her, nagpapatulong
ako para matunton ang tangka sa buhay ng pamilya n'yo. She works mostly in that
kind of field so, it's beneficial for me."

"Maganda s'ya," I pouted.

"Maganda lang s'ya pero mas maganda ka tapos mahal pa kita." He grinned when he
saw me starled again.
"Kailan ka pa ba masasanay sa akin?" He asked and pinched my cheek. "I woudn't
love again if it isn't you. You're the only woman I'd love in this lifetime and the
next."
My heart hammered, tumitig ako sa kanya at kinagat ang labi ko.
"Ako rin, kahit masungit ka at mabagal, ikaw lang din ang love ko ng super."
He chuckled, sinuklay n'ya ang buhok ko at tumitig.
 "I am telling you, baby, once I watered you, hindi ka makakalakad
kinabukasan--"
"Warrion!" My eyes widen. "Ganun ba kalaki ang lieutenant mo?!" Bumaba ang
tingin ko sa pants n'ya at napansing parang oo nga!
"You bet," He chuckled deeply.
Kumurap ako, mabilis na sinundot ang pants n'ya at napamura s'ya at napatalon.
"Winter!"
"Hala! Big boy nga!" My eyes widen and showed him my hand. "Baby, parang ganito
kalaki--"
"Winter!" Namula s'ya at tumikhim. "Let's go, I will cook you food, nangangayat
ka na--"
"Parang iba gusto kong hapunan--" Bumaba ang tingin ko sa pants n'ya at
napasinghap s'ya at tinakpan ang bibig ko at halos buhatin na ako palapit sa taxi
roon kaya tawa ako ng tawa pagkapasok sa loob.
"Uy, namumula!" Sinundot ko ang pisngi n'ya pagpasok at ngumiwi lang s'ya at
pinitik ang noo ko.
"You naughty woman," He fixed my seatbelt at malaki lang ang ngiti ko roon pero
ramdam ko ang saya sa puso ko.
"Saan mo naman nadekwat ang taxi na 'to?" Sulyap ko sa sasakyan.
"Rent it somewhere," He said and fixed his seatbelt too. "I can't risk letting
your ride a taxi alone so I have to be the driver."
"Sus, I am deaf ka pa!" I mocked his stunts kaya namula s'ya at natawa ako.
On our way back to the hotel, I was all smiles, nawala lang ang atensyon ko kay
Warrion nang tumunog ang telepono ko, mabilis kong inabot iyon at sinagot at ang
boses ni Warren ang narinig ko.
"Gabi na, Winter! Nasaan ka na?!"
"Pauwi na ako," I chuckled. "Nanay na nanay lang, Ren?"
Nakita kong napasulyap sa akin si Warrion kaya nginitian ko s'ya.
"Go back here now, it's getting late." Aniya.
"I'm safe," I said. "Don't worry."
"Why wouldn't I? Gabi na at wala kang kasama, isa pang lagot ako kapag hindi ka
nakabalik kaagad."
"Ayos nga lang ako," I chuckled. "Malapit na ako, oh, I can see the hotel now."
"Alright," He sighed. "Aantayin kita sa may lobby."
"Okay! Bye-bye!" Pinatay ko ang phone at sumulyap kay War na nakatitig lang sa
daan at seryoso.
"That's Warren, 'yung sinasabi kong bodyguard." I said.
He just nodded and his lips protruded a bit.
"Anong sabi?"
"Pinapabalik na ako kasi gabi na daw, pinayagan kasi akong mag-isa ngayon.
Lagot raw s'ya kapag ginabi ako."
"Lagot talaga," His lip twitched as he parked the taxi.
"Huh? Kay Daddy ba? Hindi 'yun, mabait naman si Dad."

"Swerte n'ya kapag si Tito ang nagalit." He chuckled coldly

that it actually sent me shivers.
"Bakit?" Hindi na s'ya nagsalita, inayos n'ya ang seatbelt ko paalis bago
lumabas ng sasakyan para pagbuksan ako.
He offered me his hand when he assisted me to go out before carrying my
shopping bags from the backseat.
Humawak ako sa braso n'ya, wearing only a white shirt and maong pants, he looks
dashing. Ang dog tag na metal ay nasa kanya pa ring leeg at sumasayaw sa galaw
n'ya.
While me? I was wearing a dress with his cap and hoodie on, he insisted kasi na
isuot ko ito pagkalabas namin sa mall at nilamig ako.
Tsaka matangkad s'ya! Na kahit nakaheels ako ngayon ay hindi ko s'ya maabot!
Kita ko kaagad ang gulat sa mga tao sa Casa nang makita si Warrion, I saw the
guard recognized him, nakita ko pang sumaludo ang guard at nakita ko ang pagtango
ni War bago pumasok.
The gaze from the reception area and the guests shifted to us, kita kong halos
magmadali para magbigay galang pero umiling lang si Warrion kaya hindi tumuloy ang
mga ito.
Lumapit kami sa reception at marahan kong tinanggal ang cap ni Warrion sa ulo
ko, kita ko ang kuryoso nilang tingin sa akin kaya tumitingin lang ako sa kanila at
inantay si Warrion na may sinasabi roon sa crew.
I noticed a few guests staring shamelessly at my Major, may babae pa roong
titig na titig at sinusubukang lapitan ito dahil sa tuksuhan.
"Baby, is it okay if I'll just order food from the resto tonight? I'm just
gonna cook for you tomorrow." Warrion asked me.
Sumulyap ako sa kanya at magaang ngumiti, I nodded slowly.
"Of course," I murmured. "I know you're tired."
"Alright," He kissed my head and looked at the crew who looks amazed and
shocked, seeing him do that to a woman.
Inikot ko ang paningin ko, my eyes widen when I saw Warren went out of the
elevator. Nakita ko kumunot ang noo n'ya at sumulyap sa orasan bago namaywang.
Hala, galit na ang nanay ko!
Sumulyap ako kay Warrion, I saw him still busy instructing them his order kaya
saglit kong hinila ang kanyang shirt at humalik sa panga n'ya.
"Wait lang, Major, I'll be back." Before he could even say something ay
tinalikuran ko na s'ya at tinakbo si Warren.
"Ren!" I exclaimed, he shifted his gaze, nang simangutan n'ya ako ay kumaway
ako sa kanya at masayang tumalon. "Nandito na ako!"
Ngumiwi s'ya, I saw him staring at my hoodie and his forehead creased.
"I told you to go back early," He hissed. "Saan ka nanggaling? Naku, Winter,
yari talaga ako sa pinanggagawa mo!"
"I'm safe, okay?" I laughed.
Umiling s'ya at umunat bago ngumisi sa akin.
"I slept well," He said proudly.
"Naks! Congrats!" Nag-apir kami at tumawa s'ya.
"Tara, hahatid kita sa kwarto mo. Uuwi na tayo bukas." Aniya at lumapit sa
akin, siniko ko s'ya nang akbayan n'ya ako ng pabiro at guluhin ang buhok ko.
"Warren nga!" I hissed.
"Parang ang fresh mo ngayon, Win, ah? Anong ganap?" He looked at me and I
smiled proudly at him, hinahayaan ang kamay n'yang pinagtitripan ang buhok ko.
"May ipapakilala ako sa'yo--" We both froze when we heard a loud clearing of
voice.
Napangisi na ako, tinanggal ang kamay ni Warren sa ulo ko at nilingon si Major.
I saw his creased forehead, staring at us with that cold gaze.

I grinned, hopped towards him and hugged his waist.

"Ren, this is Warrion, Major ko." I said proudly, inaasahan kong mamamangha si
Warren pero kita ko ang panlalaki ng mata n'ya at maya-maya pa'y nag-sign of the
cross sa harapan namin.
"Lord, save us from evil." He murmured at umatras. Napahiwalay ako kay Warrion
para sulyapan ang mukha n'ya ay nakita kong nakasimangot na s'ya.
"Who gave you the fucking right to ruin her hair?" Warrion spatted at nanlaki
ang mata ko.
"W-Wala..." Warren gulped and shook his head.
Warrion took a step, nakita kong napaatras si Warren at sumigaw bago biglang
tumakbo paalis.
My eyes widen when Warrion cursed and ran after him like a kid.
"Miranda! Come back here you, asshole!" He exclaimed.
"H'wag po, koya!" Warren exclaimed and ran towards the elevator.
"Come back here, who gave you the right to touch my baby!" He exclaimed at ako
naman ang natigilan roon.
Wait!
I knew that line!
Napakurap ako at sumunod sa dalawang nagsasabunutan na roon nang magpang-abot.
"Ouch, baby! Don't hurt me!" Biglang umirit si Warren sa pagsabunot sa kanya ni
Warrion. "Baklang two!"
Nanlaki pang lalo ang mata ko.
"Shut up! Fucker!" Warrion hissed, I noticed how his cheek turned bright red.
"Aray! Aray! Pagkatapos mong yurakan ang pagkatao ko, Warrion?! Panindigan mo
ako! You said I am your baby! Bakit may Winter ka ngayon?" Inarte ng sumisigaw na
si Warren habang hinihila rin ang buhok ni Warrion na nanggigigil na rin.
"Shut up! Winter might hear you!" Away pa nila roon na para wala ako sa likuran
nila.
"Wait..." Nagmartsa ako sa tabi nila at namaywang, stopping them.
"Sagutin n'yo ako, mag-jowa kayo?!" I exclaimed.
Biglang naitulak ni Warrion si Ren at nanlaki ang mata sa akin.
"The hell, no!" He exclaimed and harshly shook his head.
"How dare you deny our love affair, Warrion?!" Warren exclaimed there,
clutching his chest and looking dramatic.
Napasinghap si Warrion at kitang-kita ko na ang hiya sa mukha n'ya.
"Fuck you, Miranda! I will fucking--"
"Anong fucking! Hoy ako ang diligan mo!" Irit ko at napatingin sila sa aking
dalawa.
"Baby, Winter, don't mind him, he's a fucker--"
"Ouch! My heart! My soul! Anong karapatan mong yurakan ang pagkatao ko ng
ganito, mahal ko?!" Napahawak sa sentido sa Warrion sa entrada ni Warren.
Pinagtitinginan na kami, I gasped when I saw Warren on the wall, dumadausdos na
pababa.
"What the heck, Miranda!" Warrion exclaimed.
Napahawak ako sa pisngi ko nang suminghap si Warrion at ginulo ang buhok n'ya
bago lapitan si Warren.
"Stand up!"
"No! After you hurt my feelings! May babae ka pala, akala ko ako lang?! Ako pa
ang bumili ng mga bagong damit mo--"
"What's happening here? Everyone okay?" Sabay-sabay kaming napalingon sa
babaeng dumating at nanlaki ang mata ko nang makita ang ikatlong anak ng Doc Thorn
at Tita Zid.

"Scira!" I called.
"Uy, Win!" She smiled sweetly then waved at me. "Okay lang kayo? Anong meron?"
I saw her stared at the boys near us.
Warrion was blinking rapidly while Warren was looking like he was about to
faint. Nakaawang ang bibig at nanlalaki ang mata kay Scira.
I bit my lip, I saw Scira slowly moving towards the boys and stared at Warrion.
"Kuya, sana naman maging aware tayo na kahit kasama sila sa pederasyon, deserve
nila ang love." Scira told Warrion na tulala lang roon bago unti-unting sumulyap
kay Warren na nasa lapag na dahil sa walling n'ya kanina at ngumiti ng matamis sa
lalaki.
"Ayos ka lang, sis?" She offered her hand to Warren who was bright red now.
Ayan, gago ka! Yung crush mo o!
Nasapo ko ang mukha ko.
It was a disaster, tulala ang dalawang lalaki sa kalokohan nila sa elevator
habang ako'y umiiling lang sa kanila.
"So mag-on na kayo?" I murmured jokingly.
"Hell, no!" They both exclaimed.
Ngumiwi ako, Warrion groaned when I pulled his ear and flicked his forehead.
"Ikaw, kaya ba ayaw mo magdilig kasi kasama ka sa pederasyon?"
 "No!" His eyes widen. Bigla s'yang umayos ng tayo at niyakap ako kaya umirap
ako sa hangin at sumulyap sa tulalang si Warren.
"At ikaw, sis." I quoted. His eyes widen as he looked at me weakly. "Gago ka
kasi, ayan, kasama ka na sa pederasyon!"
"Tell her I'm not gay," He murmured, pouting.
"Ikaw magsabi!" Pinanlakihan ko s'ya ng mata at napaigtad nang halik-halikan ni
Warrion ang leeg ko at naglalambing na yumakap sa baywang ko.
"Baby, I'm not gay..." Warrion whispered and kissed my jaw.
"Manahimik ka!" I exclaimed and looked at the constipated Warren and shook my
head.
"Ayan, karma n'yo, lolokohin n'yo pa ako, huh." I pointed out while the two of
them sighed in defeat.
We ate on my room, si Warren ay tulala pa rin doon at si Warrion ay kanina pa
yakap ng yakap sa akin.
"Ano nanaman?" I murmured when Warrion caught my waist the moment I went out
the shower.
"I love you, Win." He murmured.
Kumalabog ang puso ko, kinikilig nanaman pero umiling lang ako.
Dinala n'ya ako sa sofa, I rolled my eyes in the air when he pulled me on his
lap and kissed my nape.
"Baby..." He whinned.
"Oh?" Sinulyapan ko s'ya at tinaasan ng kilay.
"Notice me?" He murmured and pouted. "Please? Please?"
I pouted too, nagkatinginan kami at nakita kong nagpapa-baby nanaman s'ya.
"Ang laki mo na pero gusto mong i-baby?" I murmured.
"I want to..." He said in a small, cute voice. "Because I'm your baby, right?"
Natawa ako at umayos ng upo sa kandungan n'ya. I kissed his forehead and
caressed his hair.
"Oo na, sige. You'll always be my baby." I chuckled when he blushed and hid his
face on my neck.
"I love you, Win." He murmured.
"I love you too," Bulong ko at marahang niyakap s'ya.
"Where will you stay?"
"Sa room sa ibaba, I'm with Warren." He murmured.
I eyed him maliciously, ngumiwi naman s'ya at pinanggigilan ang pisngi ko.
"Stop it, baby." He groaned.
After he tucked me to bed, nagpaalam na s'yang bababa na sa kwarto n'ya kaya
pumayag ako. He kissed me again goodnight at nang umalis s'ya ay napangiti na ako.
While in the middle of the night and doing nothing, my phone rang. It was an
unregistered number pero kinuha ko iyon sa sinagot.
"Who's this?"
"You're not supposed to answer calls from strangers, baby..." That husky voice
never fail to make me stop and smile.
"Warrion!" I exclaimed.
He chuckled, niyakap ko ang unan at tumagilid.
"Can't sleep?" He murmured.
"Hmm," I murmured. "Sing for me?"
He chuckled, then cleared his throat.
"What song do you like?" He murmured huskily.
"Anything?" I chuckled. "Any song you want to sing for me?"
He cleared his throat, narinig kong umayos s'ya ng higa at bumuntong-hininga.
"I don't want another pretty face
I don't want just anyone to hold."
I smiled and closed my eyes, hearing his soft, husky voice.
"I don't want my love to go to waste
I want you and your beautiful soul..."
Bigla akong natawa nang bigla s'yang pumiyok at napamura.
"Fuck?" He cursed.
"Okay lang!" Hagikhik ko. "That won't make me love you less."
 "Swerte mo mahal kita," He chuckled deeply and cleared his throat.
"I know that you are something special
To you, I'd be always faithful..."
I smiled sweetly and screamed quietly.
"I want to be what you always needed
Then I hope you'll see the heart in me..."
I chuckled when he stopped.
"Maingay na ata ako?" He murmured.
"Hindi naman, boss." I heard Warren's voice, stopping the both of us.
"Y-You're awake?" Warrion's voice stuttered.
"Huh? No, I'm sleep talking!" Tumawa si Warren at napailing ako nang sumigaw si
Warren dahil atake ni Warrion.
"Fuck you! Fuck you!" Narinig ko ang hampasan kaya napahagalpak ako.
"Ouch, darling! Why are you hurting me?!" Warren exclaimed in a high-pitched
tone.

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Kabanata 25

Five more to go! Double update! Enjoy! And I'll be on MIBF,

guys, this coming September 15, 2019, from 6PM-8PM! Have your A Dare to Prepare
books signed by me and get exclusive freebies! See you!💘
xxx
Kabanata 25
I woke up the next morning with the feeling of someone watching me. I opened my
eyes a bit, a blurry vision of a man is beside me.
I was about to panic, umayos ako ng higa at handa nang manipa nang matantong si
Warrion ang nasa tabi ng higaan ko at nakatitig.
"W-War!" I exclaimed.
"Morning, baby ko." His deep voice murmured, napapikit akong muli nang bahagya
s'ya gumapang at humalik sa noo ko.
"Y-You're creepy," I covered my mouth and yawned. Nakita ko namang nangunot ang
noo n'ya sa akin.
"Why?"
"Akala ko kung sinong nakatitig," I murmured and covered my mouth again. His
brow raised when he saw me covering my mouth.
"Pa-kiss," He murmured, dumapa s'ya sa tabi ko at ngumuso.
"No..." I shook my head. "Kakagising ko palang, Warrion!"
"I don't care," He murmured.
"Baka ano...may laway pa 'to!" Sikmat ko at lumayo sa kanya, I rolled on the
bed, readying myself to stay away from him when he suddenly pulled my body towards
his.
Sa gulat ko ay napatili ako, one moment, I was away from him and another
moment, he was on top of me.
Nanlaki ang mata ko nang makita kung paano ang pagkakaigting ng kanyang
prenteng panga. His thick, lustrous brow almost met when he licked his reddish,
lower lip.
"I just want a kiss," I murmured and pouted, staring at my lips.
"K-Kakagising ko lang! Baka ano..." He lowered his head, ready to steal a kiss
pero sa pagpaling ng ulo ko ay tumama ang halik n'ya sa pisngi ko.
"Win..." He purred.
"Hindi pa ako nagtotoothbrush, Alcantara!" I exclaimed.
"So?" He murmured. "I don't care, I want a kiss. Can I? Can I have a kiss?"
Lambing n'ya.
I shook my head. He whinned, naramamdaman ko ang kanyang ilong sa pisngi ko at
sa tenga ko.
 "Please, Win? Kiss? Please? I love you." Bulong n'ya.
My heart thumped, halos sumabog na ang pisngi ko sa init at kilig sa sinasabi
n'ya.
"Baka nga bad breath," I murmured.
"Hindi nga bad breath," He whispered back. "Ang bango-bango nga e, paamoy nga
ang kili-kili."
Napasigaw ako at nasipa s'ya nang pagtripan n'ya ang kili-kili ko.
"Warrion! Don't!" I screamed and kicked him. He laughed, mas hinawakan n'ya ang
kamay ko sa itaas ng ulo ko at tumungo sa underarm ko.
"Alcantara!"
"Mabango nga!" He exclaimed and I laughed when his whiskers tickled me.
"It tickles, War!" Kumawala ako sa kanya.
He chuckled, napasinghap ako nang halikan n'ya ang pisngi ko pababa sa leeg ko.
I gasped a bit when he licked my neck and proceeded on kissing my chin up to my
nose.
"Baby..." He murmured.
"H-Huh?"
"A, E, I, O, U." He whispered.

"Anong gagawin ko sa letters?" I asked.

"Tuturuan kitang magspell ng letters." He said.
My forehead creased, nang bitawan n'ya ang braso ko sa itaas ng ulo ko ay
dumapa s'ya sa may dibdib ko at pumahalumbaba.
I watched him closely and put my arms on his shoulder.
"A for apple," He said.
"Hmm?"
"Just listen and learn." He said. "E is for Elephant."
"Oh...kay?" Natawa ako. "You're being weird, Major ko."
"Kasi mahal kita," He kissed my chin again.
"I is for...Iguana?" Napaisip s'ya kaya natawa ako at mas niyakap ang balikat
n'ya.
"Okay, good try. And O is?"
Napakagat s'ya ng labi. "Onggoy?"
I bursted out laughing, nakita kong namula ang pisngi n'ya sa pinagsasabi n'ya
at umiling ako at inabot ang pisngi n'ya at hinalikan.
"Okay, and last?"
"U is?" I asked. Tumitig s'ya sa akin at binasa ang labi n'ya.
"U is for me." He said, stopping. Nang kumindat s'ya at mamula ang mukha ko ay
tumawa s'ya ng malakas at pinugpog ng halik ang mukha ko.
Tumili ako, nang hulihin n'ya ng labi ang halik ko ay gumanti ako ng halik sa
kanya at marahan s'yang tinulak para hanapin ang mata n'ya.
Our eyes met, his green ones shined with the sunrays from the window, nang
makita ko ang paglamlam 'nun ay kinagat ko ang labi ko.
"A, B, K, D." I murmured.
"Hmm?" He murmured. He lowered his head and kissed my lips again, hinalikan ko
s'ya pabalik. I encircled my arms on his nape and pulled him closer to me for a
full, deep kisses.
"A is for Ako..." Lumayo s'ya sa akin at pinagmasdan ako.
"B is Ba..."
"Ako ba?" He murmured. "What's K?" Hinaplos n'ya ang baywang ko.
"Kasi..."
"Hmm?" Mas nagtaka s'ya sa sinasabi ko kaya humagikhik ako at pabirong hinila
ang damit n'ya kaya umangat iyon mula sa t'yan n'ya.
"A, B, K, D is... Ako Ba Kasi Didiligan mo?" I murmured.
He froze. Nang kindatan ko s'ya ay napahagalpak s'ya ng tawa at hinuli ang
pisngi ko para halikan.
"Gusto mo na ba?" He murmured. Napasinghap ako nang ibaba n'ya ang night dress
ko at marahang haplusin ang balikat ko.
"H-Hindi naman ako choosy, War." I murmured and pulled his shirt up more,
exposing half of his body.
His lip twitched, halos mapapalakpak nang umupo s'ya ng bahagya at hinila ang
shirt paalis sa kanyang katawan mula sa likuran.
"Ulalam..." I murmured. He smirked, ran his fingers on his hair and lowered his
body towards mine.
"Major Warrion at you service, Ma'am." Maharot na bulong ni Warrion at mas
hinila pababa ang damit ko. "Mas masarap pa sa agahan mo."
"Meow!" I purred a bit and lifted my hand, nakita kong napatawa s'ya doon pero
umiling at kinagat ang labi n'ya.
"You naughty kitty," He said in a low, husky voice. I bit my lip, watching him
lower my dress more when we heard a loud noise from outside the room.
"Namamasko po! Sa may bahay ang aming bati! Merry christmas--" Napatalon ako sa
gulat roon at nakita ko kung paano suminghap at nagmura si Warrion roon.

"Tangina," He cursed. I gasped, napanguso ako nang may

kumatok sa pintuan ng kwarto at sumigaw.
"Mama Winter, Papa Warrion! Namamasko po!" Kasunod ng bose na iyon ay ang tunog
ng kumakalembang na mga kaldero kaya nasapo ko ang noo.
"Fuck you, Warren!" I heard Warrion screaming, annoyed.
Napasimangot na ako nang i-angat nito ang ang night dress ko at inalalayan ako
paupo sa kama.
"Bitin..." I whinned.
"Sasakalin ko si gago," Umigting ang panga ni Warrion na nilalakasan na ang
boses sa ingay sa labas ng mga kalderong pinupokpok ni Warren.
I pouted more when Warrion fixed my hair and kissed my lips, slowly hugging me
a bit before pulling his shirt and wearing it again.
"Forever na ba akong disyerto, Major?" Nguso ko.
Warrion smiled cutely, napailing s'ya at hinaplos ang pisngi ko bago halikan
ang noo ko.
"Fix yourself, I love you."
"Wala bang diligan ko na you?" I murmured and he chuckled more, lifting my hand
to kiss my knuckles.
"When the right time comes, I will." He smirked. "Nanginginig pa, Winter."
Nang matulala ako ay tatawa-tawa s'yang tumayo, kumuha ng unan roon sa may sofa
bago takbuhin ang labas ng pinto.
"Hayop ka, Miranda!" I heard him exclaimed at kasunod 'nun ay ang sigaw ni
Warren at ang kalampag ng kaldero.
Nang kinahapunan ay magkahawak kami ng kamay ni Warrion habang nasa loob ng
airport at nag-aantay ng flight pabalik sa probinsya.
I was softly humming, binitawan ko ang kamay ni Warrion at marahang niyakap ang
baywang n'ya at humalik sa pisngi n'ya.
He stopped, I saw him glance at me and his eyes twinkled, nang ilagay n'ya ang
kamay sa likuran ko at marahan akong hinila palapit sa katawan n'ya ay mas nagwala
ang sistema ko.
"September na september o!" Warren suddenly exclaimed. Masama namin s'yang
tinignan ni Warrion at nakita kong nanlaki ang mata n'ya at ibinalik ang lollipop
sa bibig n'ya.
"Sana all hindi malamig ang pasko!" He suddenly sang beside me kaya napailing
ako.
"Paano, ekis ka na sa crush mo."
"Hindi nga kasi ako bakla," Warren stomped his feet and I shook my head.
"Wala ka ng pag-asa, Scira probably thinks you're gay." Tawa ko at sumipa-sipa
pa s'ya roon lalo sa inis.
"Kasalanan mo 'to, Warrion e!" Reklamo n'ya sa katabi ko na ngumiwi lang sa
narinig at pinaglaruan ang pisngi ko.
 "Nasira ako sa crush ko!" Reklamo pa n'ya.
"Is it my fault? Nag-walling ka roong gago ka, kasalanan ko?" Sikmat ni Warrion
na sumimangot pa. "Patulong ka roon sa mapera mong pinsan."
"E! Busy si Vioxx! Ayaw ko 'dun, kuripot nga rin! Mapera nga, sugar daddy
naman!" Mas na-curious ako at nilingon ko si Warren.
"Pinsan mo si Vioxx?" I asked him.
"Hmm," Ren nodded, "Our fathers are siblings, medyo half-half ko ring pinsan si
Wave."
"Oh..." I nodded. "E, ito? Pinsan mo?"
"Not really." Sumimangot si Warren at bumelat kay Warrion na napailing lang at
mas niyakap nalang ako.
"Inaampon lang naman 'yan ni Vioxx, kawawa kasi walang bahay, palaboy." Bulong
ni War.
"Hoy, narinig ko 'yun! Anong palaboy? Ayaw ko lang talaga sa bahay kaya ko
nakikigulo!"

"E, paanong naging bodyguard ko 'tong gunggong na 'to?"

Humiwalay ako kay Warrion at binatukan si Warren na sumigaw at humawak sa batok
n'ya.
"Win!" He groaned. "Inutusan lang ako ni Warrion! S'ya may kasalanan! Bored
lang ako kaya pumayag ako!"
Binatukan ko rin si Warrion na suminghap rin at humawak sa batok n'ya.
"Win!" He whinned and tried hugging me but I pushed him and pouted. "At
talagang ang pinsan pa talaga ni Vioxx ang kinuntsaba mo, huh? Talagang War din ang
first name para hindi kita makalimutan?" I exclaimed.
"Ay, talaga?" Napangisi si Warrion. "Hindi mo ako makalimutan--"
Sinipa ko ang paa n'ya kaya napasinghap s'ya at humawak sa paa n'ya.
"Masakit, Win..." He muttered, nag-iinarte kaya umirap ako sa kanya at umiling.
Sa pagdating namin sa eroplano ay halos tumalon-talon si Warren habang hawak
ang ticket n'ya, I was just looking at him and watched as he giggled.
"Yehey! Sa may bintana ako!" He exclaimed, magkatabi tayo, Win!"
I chuckled and shook my head, napansin kong tahimik lang na nakaalalay sa
likuran ko si Warrion at nang makitang may mga nakatitig sa kanya at paniguradong
pinagpapantasyahan s'ya ay marahan akong umatras at humawak sa kamay n'ya.
He took a glance at me and smiled, hinaplos n'ya ang buhok ko at humalik sa noo
ko at nang sumulyap ako sa mga babae ay nagsi-iwas na sila ng tingin at nanahimik.
The flight was great and peaceful, tulog si Warrion sa tabi ko habang
nakasandal sa balikat ko at si Warren naman ay tuwang-tuwa sa view sa eroplano.
Nang makababa kami ay nag-abang kaagad ang dalawa ng baggage habang nasa tabi lang
ako at tinatawagan ang Mommy.
"Winter, anak?"
"Hi, My. I reached the place safe po." I smiled.
"Great! May hinandang pagkain sa bahay ngayon, nak."
"Po? Sabay naman po tayong kakain diba? Nasa bahay kayo ni Dad?" I asked.
"We we're supposed to stay at home," She sighed.
"Then?"
"Then, tinawagan ang Daddy mo. We suddenly had an urgent meeting kaya we're on
our way to Cabanatuan."
I pouted, nakita kong nakatitig sa akin si War kaya lumapit ako sa kanya at
yumakap, niyapos n'ya rin ang kamay sa balikat ko at tahimik akong tinitigan habang
nakikipag-usap.
"I thought you're both there, kakain ako mag-isa?" Ngumuso ako.
"Warren is there, right? Magpasama ka nalang kumain. I am sorry, darling.
Babawi kami ni Daddy." Her voice soften.
"Samahan kita kumain," Bulong ni War kaya humalik ako sa pisngi n'ya at
tumango. "O kaya ikaw nalang kainin ko?"
Sa sinabi n'ya ay halos mabitawan ko ang cellphone at siniko s'ya kaya tumawa
s'ya sa tenga ko at humalik-halik sa buhok ko.
"Very naughty, War!" I murmured and flushed.
"Sino ang kausap mo, anak?" I heard my Mom, stopping me. "War? Nasaan si
Warren?"
"N-Nothing, Mom." Tumikhim ako at siniko at maharot na sundalo sa tabi ko na
parang sawa na nakalingkis sa akin.
"Alright, pahinga ka kaagad pagkauwi mo, nak. Bawi kami ni Daddy mo pag-uwi
namin, promise. I love you, anak." Malambing n'yang sabi kaya napangiti ako roon.
"I love you too, Mom. Ingat kayo ni Daddy." Nang mamatay ang tawag ay sumulyap
ako kay Warrion na nakatitig nanaman sa akin.
"Hindi ka ba nagsasawang tumitig sa akin, Major?" I teased. "Matunaw naman ako
n'yan."

"Ako ba, walang I love you too?" He murmured kaya natawa na

ako at hinila s'ya pababa para halikan ang noo n'ya.
"I love you too, samahan mo ako kumain mamaya, hmm? Tapos pagdating nila Mommy
at Daddy, dinner tayo sa bahay? I want to introduce you to them." I murmured.
"Okay," He licked his lower lip. "I just wished the Senator will like me and if
not, he'll probably kicked my ass out of your mansion."
"Hindi 'yan, they'll like you kasi mahal kita." I smiled and he bit his lower
lip and nodded at me, his cheeks flushing a bit.
"Nasa point na ako ng buhay ko na sasama na ako sa paikot na lagayan ng baggage
na 'to." Inilahad ni Warren ang umiikot na lagayan ng mga bagahe kaya natawa ako,
lumapit at binatukan s'ya.
Habang nag-aantay kami ng bagahe ay nanatili lang akong nakahawak sa braso ni
Warrion at nakatitig para abangan ang mga gamit namin.
"Si Lucian ba natawagan mo na? I can't reach him until now, wala bang signal sa
dagat? Saan ba pumalaot 'yun?" I heard Warrion asking Warren who just shake his
head at him.
"Still none, hindi nga raw dumadaong ang Symphony rito sa may pier ng Casa eh."
Aniya.
"Baka naman busy?" I told them.
"Si Lucianong 'yun, busy?" Tawa ni Warren. "Impossible, kung saan-saang bansa
nga 'yun napapadpad kapag bored. Feeling ko nabagot labg at baka napuntang ibang
bansa. Hinahanap ko lang kasi wala akong mautangan."
"Bakit ka mangungutang?" I murmured.
"Wala kasi akong barya e," Aniya. My brows lifted, nang lingunin ko si War ay
natawa lang s'ya roon.
"Ayaw pa kasi humiram kay Vioxx." Ani Warrion. "Maraming pera 'yung gagong
'yun, o kaya si Nievarez? Model 'yun, madami 'yung ramp ngayon. Ayaw mo rin bang
manghiram kay Kuya?"
"E, kuripot naman 'yung kapatid mo, kahit nga pagta-tricycle driver pinatos
dati, naalala ko pa 'nung pinilit n'ya akong sumama sa bangka kasi mangingisda daw
s'ya para sa bebe Reev n'ya." Aniya.
Napangiti naman ako habang nakatingin sa kanila.
"E, bakit ikaw?" I asked War. "Bakit hindi mo nalang pautangin 'yang si
Warren?"
"Kasi nag-iipon ako." Aniya kaya sumulyap ako sa kanya. "Para sa future natin,
gusto kong anak, Win, tatlo. 'Yung ipon ko pangkasal pa natin 'yun, tapos
tumutulong na ako sa hotel ngayon sa ibang branch, para naman sa budget 'yun sa
pamilya natin."
My heart fasten in pace, halos maluha sa sinasabi n'ya kaya kinagat ko ang labi
ko.
"P-Papakasalan mo ako, War?" I murmured.
"That was my plan from the very start, Win." He stroke my cheek. "Unang
pagkakakilala ko sa'yo, I know and wished I'll marry you someday."
I blinked back my tears and smiled at him.
 "I will definitely marry you too," I murmured and smiled.
"Oh, tama na ang kasal-kasal na 'yan! Tulungan n'yo ako sa bagahe nang mabilis!
Sakalin ko kayo d'yan e!" Reklamo ni Warren kaya natawa ako at napailing si Warrion
at tumulong rito na kumuha ng bagahe.
"Hampas ko sa'yo 'tong maleta e," Ani War kay Warren na sumimangot.
"Ang sakit mo magsalita, vaklang two! Pagkatapos mo akong i-deny!" Aniya.
Habang nag-aantay pa sila ng gamit ay gusto kong magbanyo kaya nilapitan ko si
War at kinalabit.
"Why?" He murmured.
"Mag-babanyo lang ako." I murmured. Umayos s'ya, sasamahan sana ako pero
umiling lang ako at nagsalita.
"I'll be alright, War. Kaya kong mag-isa." I murmured. Mukha s'yang nag-
aalinlangan noong umpisa pero tumango rin pagkaraan at humalik sa sentido ko.
"Be back, alright?" He murmured. I nodded.
I went to the restroom and fixed myself, hinawi ko ang buhok ko at naglagay ng
kaunting powder at tint sa labi bago lumabas.
Sa paglabas ko ay napasinghap ako nang may malakas na bumangga sa akin kaya
halos mabuwal ako sa pwesto pero kaagad ring nakabawi dahil sa pagkakahawak ko sa
may gilid.
My forehead creased, was about to scold whoever did that when a grip on my arm
stopped me.
Tumigil ang paghinga ko nang maramamdaman ang malakas at mariing hawak ng
lalaki sa may likuran ko.
I attempted to look at him but his grip tightened on my arm and I gasped
softly, trying to find help but found no one near me.
Dumiin ang kamay n'ya sa braso ko ang kuko'y halos bumaon na sa balat ko kaya
suminghap ako.
"S-Sino ka?" I murmured.
"Kayo na pala talaga, huh?" He murmured mockingly, his familiar voice stopped
me.
"I thought you're with him to make me jealous at first pero ano ito, Winter?"
He said sharply.
"L-Let me go!" I tried pulling my hand pero mas diniin n'ya ang hawak at
napasinghap ako nang maramdaman ang patalim sa may tagiliran ko.
"Akin ka lang, Winter. Akin ka." He murmured violently.
"No one will have you but me...no one." I shivered when I felt his lips on my
nape as he moved the knife closer to my stomach.
"L-Let me go..."
"You're mine, Winter. Akin ka." He murmured again. "I will kill everyone who'll
get on our way. You were mine the very first time, your slutty cousin seduced me,
kaya nawala ka sa akin!"
"N-No, Ralph..." I murmured and stopped myself from crying.

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Kabanata 26

Dunno what happened bakit nawala but here it is :)

Four more to go! See you on Valenzuela People's Park this coming Sunday for
PSICOM's grand fan's day💙
xxx
Kabanata 26
Why do I hate darkness so much? Because of things like this.
Nanatili akong tulala at nanginginig sa takot, my hands are tied behind my
back, may panyong nakatakip sa aking bibig kaya kahit anong sigaw ko ay wala ring
silbi.
I tried fighting Ralph but he made me smell something and I lost my
conciousness, sa pag-gising ko nalang ay narito na ako sa isang madilim na kwarto,
nakabusal at walang laban.
I was shaking with fear now but I am doing my best to stay sane or I'll die
here.
I can't die here, not right now! Nagsisimula pa lang ang buhay na inaayos ko, I
am slowly recovering from the tragedy and here I am again. Gusto ko pang makita ang
mga magulang ko, ang kaibigan ko, si Warrion.
Kanina pa walang pumapasok at tanging nakakabinging ingay lamang ang aking
naririnig.
I looked around despite the pooling tears on my eyes, trying to find something
to help me escape when I heard the door opening.
My heart thumped harder the moment I saw Ralph, he was wearing a simple shirt
with a devious smirk on his lips. I saw how he put his hands on his pocket.
"You're still beautiful even if you're crying," His voice disgust me, I eyed
him sharply, nagpupumilit na kumawala pero hindi ko magawa.
"That kind of beauty belongs to me, not to Max, not to that bodyguard." He
smirked. "Saan ka nababagay?"
He touched my cheek and I flinched.
"Sa akin, sa akin ka nababagay, Winter." Mariing ipinikit ko ang mata nang
halikan n'ya ang pisngi ko papunta sa panga.
I moved my head away from him at nakita ko kung paano s'ya tumawa sa akin.
"You were originally mine, Winter, baka nakakalimutan mo?" He said, harshly
pulling the handkerchief covering my mouth.
"Let me go! You fucking pig!" I screamed when he freed my mouth, nagwala ako at
sinubukang sumipa pero hindi ako makaalpas.
"You're a fighter now, huh?" He smirked.
"Let me go! How dare you drag me here with you!"
"We will get married, Winter." He said, harshly tilting my head so I can see
him.
"I would never marry a demon like you! I will only marry Warrion, tandaan mo
'yan!" I gasped when he pulled my chin closer to him and eyed me sharply.
"Anong sabi mo?" Mariing utas n'ya, ang kamay ay dumiin sa baba ko, his eyes
are blazing like a demon.
"Ang sabi ko, hinding-hindi ako magpapakasal sa hayop na kagaya mo. Tandaan mo
'yan." Mariing sabi ko.
Sa gulat ko ay hindi ako nakapalag nang mabilis n'yang sakupin ang labi ko. I
gasped in shock, pilit na lumayo pero hinawakan n'ya ang pisngi ko at idiniin pang
lalo ang labi sa akin.
I almost cried in disgust, I felt his tongue sensually licking the inside of
mine as he forced me to kiss him back.
"Hmmp!" I groaned and moved my head away but he squeezed my cheek to make me
let him.
Nangilid ang luha ko at pinilit na maglaban, mas dumiin ang halik n'ya at nang
makakuha ako ng tyansa ay kinagat ko ang labi n'ya ng mariin.
"Fuck!" He cursed, marahas n'yang itinulak ako at doon ako natawa nang makita
ang nagdurugo n'yang labi.

"Well, fuck you." I cursed, spitting on him.

Mas nag-apoy ang mata n'ya, sa isang iglap lang ay itinulak n'ya ang inuupuan
ko kaya natumba ako sa lapag at mas hindi makagalaw.
"I will fucking own you, bitch! Akin ka, Winter! Tandaan mo 'yan!" He harshly
said and untied my hand, doon na ako mas lalo pang kinabahan, isang hila n'ya lang
sa akin ay muli akong sumalampak sa lapag.
"Let me go!" I exclaimed, grabbing his hair bit he was too quick and blocked my
attacks.
Sinuntok ko ang pisngi n'ya at nakita ko ang pagpaling n'ya, that angered him
more, before I could even punch him again, isang malakas na sampal sa aking pisngi
at suntok sa aking sikmura ang nagpahina sa akin.
Hindi ako nakalaban sa panghihina, I was coughing hard, catching my lost breath
because of his punch.
"Tangina mo, huh, pakipot ka pa dati? Sa akin ang bagsak mo, Almedarez!" He
pulled my hair, pinigilan n'ya rin ang paa kong makasipa sa ginawang pag-ipit nito
sa hita ko.
I lifted my hand when I gathered strength, muli ko s'yang inatake pero isang
sampal at hampas lang n'ya ng ulo ko sa sahig ay nanghina akong muli.
"Don't fight, Win." He chuckled, looking at me maliciously. "I will taste every
fucking inches of you."
Mariing ipinikit ko ang mata at nanginig nang hatakin n'ya ang damit ko at
nagsitalsikan ang mga butones. I lifted my hand, tried covering my body but I was
too dizzy to stop him.
He pushed my hand away, I felt him caressing my exposed skin with a devious
smile on his face.
"Akin ka," He chuckled. "Akin ka, Winter. Sa akin ka lang."
He lowered his head and kissed my neck down the valley of my breast, tinulak ko
s'ya pero mabilis n'yang nahuli ang kamay ko at pinagsamamtalahan ang leeg ko.
"L-Let me go!" I screamed weakly, trying to figjt my tears.
"Never," He unclasped my brassiere and I hugged my chest and shook my head.
"N-No! No! Let me go!"
"I will bring you with me," He murmured. "Papakasal ka sa akin,"
Just when he's about to push my hand away from my chest ay biglang bumukas ang
pintuan at pumasok roon ang mga lalaking kasama n'ya.
"Boss! May helicopter! Natunton ata tayo ng pulis!"
"Fuck!" Ralph frustatedly brushed his hair before looking at me sharply.
"Hindi pa ako tapos sa'yo!" He slapped my face again and stood, looking at his
men.
"Bantayan n'yo ito at dapat hindi makatakas!" He commanded and stormed out of
the room, napahikbi naman ako at niyakap ang sarili.
"Hi, Miss. Ganda mo, huh?" Tawanan ang narinig ko at mabilis akong umupo at
itinakip ang sira kong damit sa katawan. I moved at the corner of the room, shaking
in fear while looking at the two men infront of me.
"Ikaw pala 'yung gustong-gusto ni Boss, akalain mong pinapasundan ka palagi?"
Tawa 'nung malaki ang katawan.
Hindi ako sumagot, yumupyop lang sa gilid habang yakap ang sarili.
War...War, please, baby, please save me.
"Ang hirap pasundan ng babaeng 'to," Nagkamot ng ulo 'yung isa. "Palaging
nakasunod 'yung lalaking berde 'yung mata. Ang galing ng hayop, tangina, muntik pa
akong mapatay dati 'nun!"
"Hindi naman na iyon ang bantay n'ya, diba?" Ani 'nung isa. "Iyong isang lalaki
na."
"Gago ka, oo kaya! Naging dalawa lang ang bodyguard ng babaeng 'yan! Kasama
n'ya 'yung isa tapos 'yung berde 'yung mata hindi pero palaging nakasunod!"

Nag-angat ako ng tingin sa kanila at mas niyakap ang

sarili.
"Pero ang mahalaga, nandito na si ganda." Ngisi nito at napatalon ako sa bigla
nitong haplos sa balikat ko.
"D-Don't touch me!" I cursed.
"Oh?" They laughed. "Englishera pala ito kaya gusto ni Boss! Masarap kaya?"
"Baka naman ipatikim kapag tapos n'ya!" Kinilabutan ako sa tawanan nila.
"Hindi 'yan! Gustong-gusto n'ya 'to dati pa! Bakit hindi nalang natin tikman
muna bago s'ya dumating?"
The man then suddenly pulled the cloth I was using to cover my breast at
suminghap ako at niyakap ang sarili.
"N-No...No, please..."
 "Naks, Miss, ang puti mo pala? Masarap siguro himasin 'yan." He touched my
shoulders and I lowered my head and hugged myself when a loud bang surrounded the
place.
Nawala ang hawak ng lalaki sa balikat ko at sa pagmulat ko ay nanginig ang labi
ko at naiyak na ng tuluyan nang makita ang pagkakabulagta ng isa sa mga lalaki sa
sahig.
"I will fucking kill you!" My mouth parted and I sobbed when I saw Warrion on
the floor, punching the man touching my shoulders on the face.
Sinubukang lumaban ng lalaki pero hindi n'ya magawa sa lakas ng suntok ni
Warrion.
"Fuck you! Fuck you! I will fucking kill you!" He sounded frustated and mad, I
saw how his body tensed up while punching the now unconcious man.
"F-Fuck you! Fuck you!" Walang tigil na sinusuntok ni Warrion ang mukha nito. I
noticed how blood pooled on his face, nakita kong natatalsikan na si Warrion pero
wala pa rin itong tigil sa pagsuntok sa mukha ng lalaki.
"Fuck you! How dare you disrespect her!" He said, frustated and shaking in fear
and madness.
I sobbed, mabilis akong gumapang para abutin si Warrion at mabilis na yumakap
sa likuran n'ya.
"W-War..." I whispered.
Nang hindi s'ya tumigil sa ginagawa ay inabot ko ang kamay n'ya at marahang mas
yumakap sa likuran n'ya.
"I-I'm okay... I'm okay..." I sobbed.
Naramdaman ko ang panginginig sa galit ni Warrion.
"I-I respected her and you all fucking disrespect her--" His voice broke and I
hugged him more on his back.
"I-I'm okay, War... I'm okay..." I whispered and cried.
He breathe heavily, his back moving up and down. Mas niyakap ko s'ya at
naramdaman ko ang mahigpit n'yang paghawak sa kamay ko sa tyan n'ya.
Pumihit s'ya paharap sa akin, halos hindi na ako makagalaw sa higpit ng yakap
n'ya at ang panginginig ng katawan n'ya.
"I-I'm sorry, I'm sorry... I should have come with you. I should have--"
"A-Ayos lang ako..." I murmured and sobbed a bit, hugging him back. "A-Ang
mahalaga ay nandito ka na."
"I-I was too late and--"
"You are not late today," I murmured, calming him. "You saved me...you...saved
me, War." I whispered.
Hindi s'ya kaagad sumagot, naramdaman ko ang halik n'ya sa ulo ko bago marahang
humiwalay sa akin. I noticed his bloodshot eyes, nakita ko ring may sugat ang gilid
ng labi n'ya kaya hinaplos ko iyon.
"What happened to you?" I murmured.
Hindi n'ya ako sinagot, sa halip ay nakita ko ang galit sa mata n'ya habang
pinagmamasdan ako.

I slowly hugged my body, I heard him gasped and his eyes

sharpen again.
"I will fucking kill him--"
"A-Ayos lang ako..." I murmured. He cursed and shook his head.
"N-No... They disrespect you!" He groaned, pulling me closer to him.
Hindi ako umimik, kinagat ko ang labi ko at hindi pa rin nawala ang panginginig
ko sa takot.
He cursed, nakita ko ang paghuhubad n'ya ng jacket at marahan akong inilapit sa
kanya at pinasuot iyon sa akin.
Nang maiayos sa katawan ko ang jacket n'ya ay muli n'ya akong niyakap at
hinalikan sa ulo.
"I-I'm sorry, Win... I'm sorry..." He murmured, his voice laced with rage and
worry.
 "H-Hindi mo kasalanan, you came just in time." I murmured.
"It isn't enough, they...they harassed you...they touched you." Hindi na ako
umimik at mas niyakap s'ya.
I heard his soft cries, hinaplos ko ang buhok n'ya at mas niyakap.
"War?" Nag-angat ako ng tingin sa pintuan at napaayos ng upo nang makita si
Caspian at ang pinsan nito sa pintuan.
"Are you fine?" Biglang lumapit sa amin si Caspian kaya mas humigpit ang yakap
sa akin ni Warrion at itinago ang mukha sa aking leeg.
I nodded slowly, I saw Vioxx, Wave and the now present Lucian dragging the two
men out of the room.
Kumunot ang noo ni Cas sa posisyon namin ni Warrion.
"What's with him?" He asked.
"D-Don't tell him, he's gonna tease me." Warrion whispered, I felt his tears on
my neck.
"Crying," I mouthed.
Caspian's mouth parted then smirked and nodded.
"Mana lang 'yan sa Kuya." Ani Cas at bahagyang tumawa. "War, that asshole was
almost dead when you left him, hinila lang ng mga pulis para makuha."
Bahagyang lumayo sa akin si War at dali-dali kong pinunasan ang luha nito sa
pisngi at humalik sa noo n'ya.
Namungay ang mata n'ya, he looks like he was about to cry again kaya ngumiti
ako at hinaplos ang pisngi n'ya.
"I'm good," I murmured.
He nodded a bit, nang tumayo s'ya ay inalalayan n'ya ako at marahan akong
inilapit sa kanyang katawan.
"Is he dead?" Dumiin ang boses ni Warrion at nakita kong ngumisi si Cas.
"Nah, unfortunately not but he looks like shit. Sayang nga lang at napigilan
kang patayin 'yung gago, if ever I am the person who saw you? I will even fucking
help you drown him in the ocean." Caspian shook his head.
"Those demons deserves death and punishment," Umiling ito at nilingon ako.
"You okay, Win?" He murmured.
"Y-Yeah," I murmured.
Caspian sighed and nodded at me, then looked at his brother.
"Lucian's ship has a small clinic and emergency kit, you could bring her there
first. Padaong na rin bukas ang barko ni Lucian. I will leave first, sasabay sa
helicopter ni Vioxx, aasikasuhin ko ang police report, si Riu tsaka 'yung triplets
ko sa bahay. Reev is resting, I can't let her do the work."
"Congratulations pala, Cas..." I murmured.
"Thank you, kakauwi lang namin two weeks ago galing sa ospital. Maiwan ko na
kayo, rest, okay? You have to rest."

I nodded.
Nang makaalis si Caspian ay nakita kong nakatitig nanaman sa akin si Warrion
kaya maliit akong ngumiti sa kanya.
"I'm fine," I convinced him.
I was pampered when we transferred to Lucian's ship. Halos hindi na ako
pagalawin ni Warrion habang ginagamot n'ya ang sugat sa may pisngi ko.
I was sitting on a comfy bed inside the clinic and War looks serious while
fixing me. Nilalagyan n'ya ng ointment ang sugat ko at hinawakan ang ulo ko.
"Does you head hurt?" He murmured.
"Not really, the asshole just hit my head on the floor. Wala namang sugat?" I
asked.
His forehead creased, mukhang iritado nanaman at mabilis na nagtungo sa likuran
ko.
"We have to do a full body check-up when we reach the shore tomorrow, you have
to undergo CT scan to make sure nothing happened." He said strictly, checking my
head.
 "Okay," I smiled and didn't argued.
Turns out, Ralph brought me to a yacht when I lost conciousness, dinala n'ya ako sa
dagat para ilayo sa mga tao but when Warrion tracked my phone, they found out where
I am. We were sailing for hours kaya malayo na kami sa isla.
Hindi rin sinasadyang nagtagpo ang barko ni Lucian at ang yate ni Ralph kaya
mabilis akong natunton nila Warrion.
He was frantic and raging mad, kahit ngayong magkasama na kami ay kita ko ang
pagkakaalerto at ang takot n'ya.
He looks strong yet he's a scared little boy inside. Hindi s'ya pumapayag na
may ibang hahawak sa akin, he wants to be on my side everytime.
Nang maayos n'ya ang mga gamit sa clinic ay naglakad s'ya patungo sa tabi ko at
marahanv yumakap sa baywang ko.
I smiled when I felt his deep sigh, marahang hinaplos ko ang buhok n'ya at
humalik sa ulo n'ya.
"Ayos lang ako,"
"You aren't," He whispered on my ear. "You can't lie to me,"
I closed my eyes, marahang humilig sa kanya at nagsalita.
"I...was so scared." I confessed, looking at him. "Takot na takot ako, War.
Paano kung mamatay ako roon? Paano kung natuloy sila sa gagawin nila sa akin? I was
so scared for my life, for you, para sa pamilya ko."
"I was begging, earlier, I was begging God to let you save me. Sabi ko,
sana...sana dumating ka at tulungan ako." My voice broke.
He nodded, muli akong niyakap.
"I did came, right?" He whispered."Maybe I was too late, hinawakan ka nila,
they harassed you and it's my fault because I was too late--"
"No," Umiling ako. "You came just in time, nailigtas mo pa rin ako, War."
"But they touched you, paano kung mas nahuli ako at may ginawa sila sa'yo? I'd
never forgive myself."
"But you came earlier," I murmured. "You came just in time and they didn't do
that to me because you're there."
"I just won't be able to forgive myself if something happened to you. All I did
in my life is to protect you, to love you, I respected you, Win. So much. And I
just can't forgive them for touching you inappopriately, for harassing you, for
disrespecting you like that." Umiling s'ya.
"I love you, War..." I murmured.
Hinaplos n'ya ang pisngi ko at niyakap ako.
"I love you," He sighed. "I am sorry for being too overprotective."

"No worries, thank you." Bulong ko.

He sighed and nodded.
"Do you want to take a shower?" Bulong n'ya.
I nodded slowly and he stood, slowly lifting me in the air before carrying me
towards the room for us.
I asked him to keep this a secret to my parents first. I told him na ako na ang
magsasabi sa pamilya ko kapag narito na sila.
He let me sit on the bed inside the room and went to the comfort room to fix my
bath.
A knock on my door and a pair of amber eyes from a beautiful lady stopped me.
"Hi," Her classy accent made me stop.
"Hello," I smiled. The lady entered the room and walked closer to me.
I noticed how sophisticated she look, sa tingin ko'y mas matangkad s'ya sa akin
ng iilang inch. She has a natural red hair and a pair of deep, amber eyes.
"Uhm, I just came here to lend you some clothes?" She said, offering me a paper
bag.
I smiled and accepted it.
"Thank you, that's kind of you." I murmured.
She nodded, smiling kindly at me.
 "No problem, that's unused. Nakatambak lang sa kwarto ko, Luci has been buying
clothes I coudn't wear that much." She said.
"Luci?" I asked, confused.
"Oh, I mean Lucian." She chuckled softly. "Sorry but he's sometimes acting like
a cute, asshole kind of devil so, I like calling him that."
I nodded, chuckling a bit.
"Thank you, I'm Winter." Inilahad ko ang kamay ko.
"Nice meeting you, you can call G, that's what the crew calls me." She smiled.
Pagkaalis ng babae ay ngumuso ako at sinilip ang damit na ibinigay n'ya, she
actually looks like a royalty to me. Rare lang akong makakita ng amber na mata,
kagaya rin ng pagkaka-rare sa mata ni Warrion.
"Win?" My eyes shifted back to the door and my mouth parted when I saw Warren
peeking.
"Ren!" I called. He slowly entered the room, nang makapasok s'ya ay kaagad
s'yang tumabi sa akin, may pag-aalala sa mga mata.
"How are you?" He asked, looking at me.
"I'm fine now," I smiled at him. "Saan ka galing? Hindi kita napansin."
"I helped Cas filing the police report, ayos ka lang ba talaga?" I sensed worry
on his voice.
"Ayos na," I murmured. "I was scared earlier, mabuti nalang at dumating kayo
kaagad at nailigtas ako."
He sighed, inabot n'ya ang braso ko at sinulyapan.
"Are you hurt?"
"Not really," I shook my head. "Ginamot na ako ni War."
He nodded, "Where is he? Is he good too? He's too worried, 'nung hindi ka
bumalik roon kaagad hindi s'ya mapakali. Halos mabugbog nga n'ya ang security 'nung
nakita namin sa CCTV 'yung pagkuha sa'yo ni Ralph."
"Yeah, he's worried, so much but I am assuring him I'm good."
"That's good," Umiling s'ya. "Kapag may nangyaring masama sa'yo, I think he'll
lost himself, saglit ka nga lang nawala at para na s'yang mababaliw kakahanap
sa'yo."
I bit my lip and nodded, magkahalong sakit at saya ang nararamdaman sa puso.
Sabay kaming napatingin nang lumabas si Warrion galing sa banyo. Warren stood
beside me and spoke.

"Ayos ka lang, War?" Warren asked.

Warrion nodded, his eyes shifting to me.
"Your bath's ready," He murmured. I nodded and smiled.
Lumapit si War sa akin at humawak sa braso ko.
"Are you sure you're fine, baby?" Ani Warren kay Warrion kaya nakagat ko ang
labi ko at natawa.
Warrion glared at him, ngumisi naman si Warren at akmang aasarin pa si Warrion
pero nang akmang dadambahin n'ya ito ay tumatawa itong tumakbo palabas.
"He's crazy," Iling ni Warrion at marahan akong binuhat, I encircled my arms on
his nape and smiled.
"Yeah, but he just wants to make you happy." I whispered. He looked at me, I
saw how he looks fragile at the moment.
"I'm happy," He murmured.
"But you're scared." Hinaplos ko ang pisngi. "You don't have to, I'm here now,
safe. In your arms."
He sighed, marahang iniupo ako sa gilid ng tub at lumuhod sa harapan ko.
He removed the hair covering my face, inilagay n'ya ito sa gilid ng tenga ko at
sinapo ang pisngi ko.
"I love you," He murmured, his green eyes glistening as he look at me. "So
much, Win. Please, don't scare me like that again."
"Ralph's gone," I murmured. "And I won't be gone, dito lang ako sa tabi mo.
Hindi ako aalis."
 His eyes twinkled, my mouth parted when a tear fell on his eyes. Umayos ako ng
upo at hinawi iyon.
"Baby," I called.
"I'm just so scared," He murmured. "My mind keeps on going back when we're at
Mindanao. I can't lose you again, never. I can't..."
I hugged him and slowly kissed his cheek.
"No, you won't lose me anymore. D'yan lang ako palagi sa tabi mo." I whispered.
"I love you, War, so much. I won't leave, I will stay here with you."
Mas nahulog ang luha sa mga mata n'ya, my heart swelled. Suminghap ako at
hinaplos ang kanyang pisngi.
"Don't cry, I love you."
"Mana ata ako kay Kuya." He sniffed and I chuckled.
"It's alright, nothing's wrong with crying. Your tears is my proof how much you
love me and thank you, War."
Warrion prepared a warm, scented bath for me. Habang naglilinis ako ng sarili
ay muli kong naalala ang kababuyan ni Ralph kaya mariin kong ipinikit ang mata at
mariing pinunasan ang katawan ko.
I swear he'll die on jail. I swear.
Sa paglabas ko ay naabutan ko si Warrion na nakasandal sa headboard ng kama at
nakapikit. He looks tired, magulo ang kanyang buhok at malalim ang paghinga.
I smiled a bit, mabilis na nagbihis ng damit at marahang tumabi kay Warrion. I
caressed his cheek, I saw him stirred a bit, opening his eyes.
"Hmm?"
"Pahinga na tayo?" Marahang sabi ko.
He nodded, I saw him yawned a bit kaya lumapit ako at hinalikan ang labi n'ya.
He looks starled for a while but then kissed me back softly before brushing my
hair.
"I'm gonna take a shower first, magpahinga ka na. It's a long day, you deserve
to sleep good tonight.
I smiled and nodded, marahang tumayo s'ya sa kama at nang magtungo s'ya sa
banyo ay nagsuklay ako ng buhok bago sumandal sa head board.

Hindi lang pala ako ang natakot ng ganun, I just realized

how traumatized Warrion is too when he lost me. Noong nahuli s'ya noon sa amin ni
Ate ay naapektuhan rin s'ya ng ganoon hanggang ngayon.
Humiga ako sa kama at binalot ang sarili ko sa kumot bago pumikit at
nagpahinga.
I woke up in the middle of the night in a dim room. Nagising ako nang matantong
nananaginip si Warrion sa tabi ko.
I looked at him, nakahiga ako sa kanyang braso at nakita ko ang pagkunot ng noo
n'ya at ang lalim ng kanyang hininga.
"N-No, Win... No..." He breathe, panicking.
Umawang ang labi ko nang makitang tumulo ang kanyang luha.
"Don't hurt her! No! Don't!" He murmured, nang pumaling s'ya sa higaan ay
mabilis akong naupo at hinawakan ang pisngi n'ya.
"War! Wake up!" I exclaimed.
He suddenly woke up, I saw him a bit disoriented, nakita ko ang mabilis n'yang
paghinga at ang mga takot na mga mata.
"Win..." He murmured. "You're safe..."
I nodded, touching his cheek.
"Yes, I'm safe. I'm here now, beside you. It's gonna be alright." I murmured.
"But they...I saw them taking you away from me."
"It's just a dream, baby." I murmured.
"I-It is?" He asked, marahang umuupo sa kama.
"Yes," I murmured, nang magpantay ang mukha namin ay marahang hinalikan ko
s'ya.
"It's just a dream, War. I'm here beside you." He closed his eyes tightly,
nakita kong mabilis pa rin ang paghinga n'ya kaya hinaplos ko ang dibdib n'ya at
marahan s'yang niyakap.
I buried my head on his neck and kissed his skin.
"I love you, War. I'm not gonna leave, hindi nila ako makukuha. Dito lang ako
sa tabi mo."
I smiled a bit when his arms snaked around my waist and hugged me tight.
Naramdaman ko ang paghalik n'ya sa buhok ko at ang paglalim ng paghinga n'ya.
"Promise me you'll stay with me,"
"I promise," I whispered, marahang lumayo para sapuin ang mukha n'ya. "I won't
hide in the dark anymore, War. I want to go out of the dark with you. Ayoko nang
makulong dito."
He nodded, staring at my eyes.
"I don't want to stay there too, gusto kong umalis sa parteng iyon ng buhay ko.
I just want a peaceful life with you."
I smiled, leaning it to claim his lips, mabilis naman s'yang gumanti ng halik
sa akin at hinaplos ang baywang ko.
I opened my mouth when he attempted to enter mine, just one blink and he
scooped my butt up until I'm straddling his waist.
My hand found it's own way to his shirt, pulling it up from his body. He kissed
me hungrily, naramdaman ko ang panggigigil ng bawat halik n'ya sa akin.
It was a taste of heaven, unti-unting pinawi ng halik n'yang iyon ang masakit
na ala-ala kanina nang makuha ako nila Ralph.
I groaned a bit when he bit my lower lip and cupped my breast, I slowly moved
my body against his leg and moaned.
"D-Damn it, baby..." He murmured. I slowly pushed him, nagpaubaya s'ya nang i-
angat ko ang damit n'ya at mabilis pa akong tinulungan sa paghubad ng shirt n'ya.
I saw how he pulled his shirt from his back then threw it somewhere inside the
room. Nakita ko ang pagbagsak ng metal na dog tag sa kanyang dibdib. I saw how his
fit and athletic body complimented his features, ang magulong buhok at ang kanyang
seryosong berdeng mga mata ay nakatitig sa akin.

I saw how his eyes shifted on my shoulder when a strap of

the night dress fell. Nakita kong halos magdilim ang kanyang mata, he gritted his
teeth, his eyes blazing with such desire and passion.
Ibinaba ko pang lalo ang dress, I saw how his jaw clenched when my dress fell
from my shoulders, exposing my hidden twin peaks.
"Win," He murmured darkly, his eyes leaving my chest.
"Make love to me," I murmured with an utmost desire.
Mas lumalim ang paghinga n'ya, nakita kong may pagtatalo ang kanyang mata sa
nararamdaman. He wanted so bad to release his inner desire but still stopping
himself from taking advantage.
I lost it, mas inilapit ko sa kanya ang sarili at iniangat ang kamay n'ya
papunta sa dibdib ko. His jaw moved again, mas idiniin ko ang kamay n'yang
nakahawak na sa dibdib ko at iginalaw ang sarili.
"Please...please, War? Water me?" I said.
He licked his lower lip sensually.
Napaigtad ako nang igalaw n'ya ang kamay sa aking dibdib. He moved his fingers
softly, his thumb playing with my peak.
"Shit..." I cursed when his other hand went slowly on my leg and caressed it.
"Papakasal ka sa akin," He murmured, his fingers slowly making its way towards
my panties.
"H-Hmm?" Nanginig ang boses ko sa biglang haplos n'ya sa parte ko.
"You'll marry me," He murmured, his lips slowly moving to my breast, sucking
one of it.
"H-Huh?" I asked, wala na sa wisyo. Halos magreklamo pa ako nang lumayo s'ya
kaya umawang ang labi ko.
"War!"
 "What?" Ngumuso s'ya sa akin.
"Why did you stop?!" I murmured, annoyed. "Diligan time na!"
Sa halip ay mas sumimangot s'ya sa akin.
"One condition," He said, slowly putting his finger on my sensitive part, I
gasped when I felt his thumb encircling my sensitive bud.
"A-Ano?"
"Didiligan kita..." Aniya, ang berdeng mata'y seryoso.
"A-And? Oh, fuck! Why did you stop?!" I almost stomped when he stopped his
hand.
"Pero papakasal ka sa akin." Aniya.
"And you're seriously asking me that while you...you're playing with uhm, me?"
"I'm dead serious, Winter Andromeda." Aniya, napairit na nang inilayo n'ya ang
kamay at ibinaba ako sa kanyang hita.
"War!" Reklamo ko.
"No watering the dry desert if you would say no to me." Humalukipkip s'ya at
nanuya.
"Yes na," Ngumuso ako. "Of course I'd marry you!"
His lip twitched, kita kong parang nasa bingit na s'ya ng pagtalon sa tuwa pero
pinipigil n'ya.
"Baka naman napipilitan ka?" His brow raised.
"No, of course not!" I murmured. "No way..."
"You love me?" He grinned.
"Obviously," I rolled my eyes. "Of course, I love you and I want to marry you."
Inilahad ko ang kamay ko. "Where's my ring?"
He froze. Umawang ang labi n'ya at napakamot ng batok.
"I...was scheduled to get it by next week." He smiled awkwardly.

Tumaas ang kilay ko sa kanya.

"Then why ask me to marry you this instant?" Simangot ko.
"It was scheduled next week but...fuck it. Why am I this excited to be your
fiancé?"
"Because you're so inlove with me?" Ngisi ko.
"At ibinalik nga n'ya sa akin ang tanong," Napailing si War kaya tumawa ako at
gumapang palapit sa kanya para hulihin ang labi n'ya.
"I won't get married if it isn't you," I kissed his neck slowly.
His breath hitched.
"How about that two pages suitors you have?"
"Oh, fuck them. I only want to be married to you." I murmured.
And that's when the stoned man finally lost it, halos mapasigaw na ako sa gulat
nang agresibong inilapag n'ya ako sa kama at nagmamadaling hinalikan ang labi ko.
He was so quick, alright. Halos hindi na magkamayaw sa palitan namin ng halik,
his finger is making it's way inside me, making me growl in such pleasure.
"F-Faster, War!"
"So impatient," He smirked, pulling a pillow beside me and slowly lifting my
hips.
"I-I'm gonna cum--"
"No way," He chuckled darkly, teasing me. "You're gonna come around my buddy."
"O-Oh?" Bumaba ang tingin ko sa kanya at halos manlaki ang mata nang matantong
wala na s'yang saplot.
"S-Si lieutenant na 'yan?" I murmured, excited and scared at the same time.
"What?" He chuckled but then nodded, slowly licking his lower lips and crawl on
top of me.
"Scratch me if it hurts,"
Lumunok ako at tumango ng marahan. He placed his hand beside my head and pulled
my body closer to his.
"Are you sure of this?" He asked, his eyes darkening more. "You can still stop
me."
 He murmured, his eyes lowering on our lower parts, his member slowly poking at
my entrance
"N-No," I breath, moving my hips to meet his member, nakita kong umigting ang
panga n'ya at hinawakan ang baywang ko.
"No, stay still." He groaned. "I might come if you do that."
"W-Will it hurt that bad?" I murmured, staring at his length.
"It will, really bad." He said, slowly kissing my lips. "But I will be gentle,
I promise."
I nodded, our lips met again for an unnerving kisses until I felt his tip
touching my entrance.
He cupped my breast, slowly lifting my legs on his waist as he pushed himself
inside.
"W-War..." I groaned, I pulled his shoulder and my mouth parted, catching my
breath.
"Look at me," He said huskily, I looked at him and saw the assurance on his
eyes. "I promise I'll be gentle, hmm? I love you..."
"O-Okay," A tear escaped my eye when I felt the pain, mas dumiin ang hawak ko
sa kanyang balikat at nakita kong umigting ang panga n'ya at inilapit ang kanyang
mukha sa akin.
His kisses slowly let me forget the pain, he kissed my lips, nililibang ako.
Letting me adjust to his size, he slowly plunged himself deeper until I am asking
for more.
"W-War..." I murmured, the pain slowly subsided the moment he started moving
inside me slowly, his hand cupping my breast.
"Shit...oh my gosh!" I breathe and began moving my hips, meeting his every deep
thrusts.
Mas niyakap ko s'ya at sinalubong ang kanyang mga galaw. I kissed his lips when
our eyes met, he lowered himself to me more and kissed my tears away.
"I love you, Win..." He breathe, moving faster, the sound of our slapping
bodies echoed.
I moaned when his pace fasten, niyakap ko ang kanyang batok at mas itinaas n'ya
ang aking hita.
"Fuck!" I cursed and moved my hips with his. He looks suddenly out of control,
I saw how his green eyes almost turned pitch black with the fire on it, his lips
parting.
I saw how his dog tag danced on his moves, his muscles clenching. He looks hot
with his sweat falling on his chest while I am under him.
"W-War...I love you..." I groaned.
"Ang tagal kong nagtimpi," He groaned and claimed my lips again. Natawa ako
pero napalitan din ng ungil nang mas bumilis ang galaw n'ya.
"G-Ganito pala 'yung dilig..." I murmured, biting my lip to supress my moans.
"Hmm," He smiled wickedly. "This is just phase one, baby. The next time I will
make love to you, we'll do any positions you like...anytime, anywhere."
"N-Next time?" Nagliwanag ang mata ko. "Saan?"
"Anywhere," Nahihirapan n'yang utas. "Fuck, you're fucking tight."
"F-Faster, baby..." I whispered and groaned. He moved faster just like what I
told him, umawang ang labi ko at mariing napamura nang maramdaman ang kung ano sa
t'yan ko.
"W-War, I think I'm gonna..."
"Do it," He groaned.
And I did, I was about to moan with my release when Warrion covered my lips
with his, distracting me from screaming loudly.
Tulala ako at nanlalaki ang mata nang maramdaman ang pagsabog sa kaibuturan ko
at mabilis ang paghinga.
"I'm fucking coming too," Warrion hissed, my eyes widened more when I felt him
burying his face on my neck and his fingers playing with my bud. Napaigtad ako, I
moved my body, helping him reach his climax until he groaned.
I moaned when he bit my neck, just a few more thrusts and I felt his body
convulsed, shooting his load on my womb.
 I blinked when I realized he came inside of me, malalim ang paghinga ni Warrion
habang marahang humihiwalay at marahan akong ipinapahiga sa kanyang braso.
"W-War..." I murmured. "D-Did you just came inside of me?"
"Hmm, yeah..." He groaned, hugging me a bit and kissing my neck.
"Papayag na akong maging irrigation mo," Bulong n'ya at nanlaki ang mata ko at
nilingon s'ya.
"Huh?" I asked.
He grinned, his playful, still dark green eyes staring at me.
"In one condition," Hindi ako umimik at pinagmasdan s'ya.
"I want kids too," He murmured, his hands slowly crawling on my stomach. "I
want kids too, like Kuya, and I want you to be the mother of mine."
"Hindi ako papakabog, I want four of them." My eyes widen at that and I slapped
his chest.
"Jerk! Ano ako, inahing baboy?!" I screamed and choke him at humagalpak s'ya ng
tawa at niyakap ako.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Kabanata 27

Yehey! I'm back! Three more chapters! I missed you,

Archers!
xxxx
Kabanata 27
"You know what was the hardest thing when you love someone?" I shifted my gaze
and saw my sister sipping on her coffee.
"Hmm?" I hummed, walking towards her and sitting beside her on the bench.
"What's harder, Win? Holding on or letting go?" She looked at me.
Napaisip ako, I crossed my arms and bit my lip before looking at her.
"Holding on," I said. "Masakit kumapit lalo na at alam mong nasasaktan ka,
mahirap pero dahil mahal mo ay hahawak ka pa ng mahigpit."
"Wrong," She grinned, flicking my nose.
Ngumuso ako, I jokingly slap her arm and she laughed, shaking her head at me.
"It's letting go," Aniya.
Hindi ako kaagad nagsalita at pinakinggan lamang s'ya.
"May mga bagay, Winter, na sobrang hirap hawakan pero mas mahirap pakawalan.
Gagawin natin ang lahat para hawakan iyon ng mahigpit dahil sobrang hirap kapag
nakawala. It's easier for people to accept what is about to go but still holding
unto it than accepting something that is already gone."
Tumitig ako sa kanya at nakita ang halong saya at lungkot sa kanyang mata.
"What do you mean, Ate? I don't get it." I murmured.
She smiled, lifting her hand to touch my face.
"Let go, Win." She smiled at me. "Let go of the pain you have in your heart,
hindi mo kasalanan kung bakit nawala ako. Ginawa ko iyon kasi mahal kita."
I froze, it was as if in the blink of an eye, I was on the cold ground, the
room is dark, tanging ang siwang lamang sa bintana ang nagbibigay ng liwanag sa
aming magkapatid.

My heart thumped painfully as I noticed how my sister's face was filled with
dirt, her dress filled with dry blood.
"A-Ate," My lips quivered. "I-I'm sorry..."
"Hindi mo kasalanan," Bulong n'ya sa hangin. I tried lifting my hand but I
coudn't because it was tied behind my back.
"Don't hold unto the pain, Win. Let go of the pain, let go of your hatred,
pakawalan mo ang pagsisising nararamdaman mo." Bulong n'ya at hinaplos ang mukha
ko.
"B-But I..."
 "Sshh, hindi mo kasalanan." She smiled at me. "It was never your fault, it was
not Warrion's fault. Nagkataon lang ang lahat, I didn't regret risking my life for
you, seeing how much you grew, how much happy you are."
My tears fell, bumilis ang paghinga ko at mas nanlabo ang paningin habang
nakatitig sa kanya.
"A-Ate..."
"Let go, Win. We sometimes think that holding on is being brave but no, the
bravest thing a person can do is letting go."
"I-I'm sorry, Ate. Miss na miss na kita, I am sorry for being a brat, for
dragging you there with me."
"Hinding-hindi kita sisisihin," She said softly. "I came with you because I am
your big sister, I want to look after you. I saved you because I love you and I
want you to live happily."
"A-Ate..."
"Take care of yourself, Winter. Don't skip therapies, be happy, make our
parents more proud, build a family. Just be happy, Win, para kay Ate. Gusto ni Ate
na maging masaya ka." Her eyes swelled with tears.

"H'wag mo akong isipin dahil masaya ako rito habang

binabantayan ka, masaya akong nakikita kang masaya."
"Take good care of our parents for me, alagaan mo ang sarili mo. Keep Warrion
with you, that man loves you so much, Win."
I nodded slowly, my heart flinching in pain of seeing my sister.
She went behind me, removing the rope on my hand as she slowly hugged me from
behind.
Tumungo ako, I sobbed and touched her hand while she's hugging my stomach.
Sumubsob s'ya sa leeg ko at mahinang bumulong.
"I love you so much, Win. Stop holding to bad memories and let go, that was the
bravest thing to do."
A bright light filled the place and before I get to look at my sister, she was
gone, tanging ang bukas na pintuan lamang ang naroon at ang lalaki tumatakbo
palapit para iligtas ako sa dilim na kinasasadlakan ko.
I opened my eyes and saw a dim room where I was in. My heart quickened, looked
around but then sighed when realized where I was.
"War..." I murmured.
"Are you alright?" His husky voice whispered, his fingers moving from my
shoulder up to my cheek.
"You're crying," His green eyes glistened, drying my tears.
I nodded and smiled at him.
Inayos n'ya ang higa ko sa kanyang braso at mas inilapit ako sa kanyang
katawan.
"I saw you smiling then cried on your sleep," He whispered. "I don't know what
I could do so, I just watched and hugged you."
A happy smile left my lips.
"It's my sister," His mouth parted a bit, umayos s'ya ng higa at mas hinanap
ang mata ko.
"What about it?" He whispered.
"Nothing, just...she said it wasn't my fault. That I should let go of the
painful memories. That the bravest thing a man can do is to let go instead of
holding on."
"It's the bravest yet the hardest thing to do," He smiled a bit, lifting me a
bit so I could settle more on his body.
"Really? Why? Naranasan mo na ba?" I asked and smiled.
"Hmm, ikaw." Pinisil n'ya ang pisngi ko. "I told myself a million times that I
should just let you go for I only bring bad memories but everytime I try, hindi ako
nanalo. Gumapang ako pabalik sa'yo, Win." He shook his head.
"Kahit ilan beses kong sabihin sa sarili kong ayaw mo na sa akin at dapat na
kitang pakawalan, hindi ko magawa, I keep on holding to you kasi hindi ko kayang
pakawalan ka. Guess I was a weakling, then?"
I pouted, shaking my head. Umangat ako ng kaunti at hinalikan ang labi n'ya.
"You're the strongest man I know, War." I chuckled.
"Hmm?" Paano mo naman nasabi?" He asked, tumagilid s'ya at marahang niyakap ang
baywang ko hanggang sa magtagpo ang mata namin.
"Come to think of it, War." I said. "You're a soldier, a doctor, tapos you
waited for me without getting out of mind. Palagi kang nandyan kahit hindi ko alam.
You are strong."
His lips lifted and raised his brow.
"Yun lang?"
"Atsaka, I love the performance!" I giggled, stopping him.
"Winter--"
"Grabe ka, Major! Nakailang round tayo kagabi--"
"Winter," He warned. I chuckled happily, pinching his abs, making him flinched
a bit.

"Bakit ka nahihiya? H'wag kang mahihiya!" I laughed when I

noticed how red his face is.
"I am not," He insisted, pilit na nagseseryoso.
"Kwento mo sa lieutenant mo." I grinned. Mas namula ang mukha n'ya at
napahagalpak ng tawa nang matantong nae-eskandalo na s'ya sa bibig ko.
"Isa, Winter." He warned.
"Dalawa, Warrion." I teased back.
His lip twitched, napatili ako nang wala pang ilang segundo ay nasa ibabaw ko
na s'ya. My mouth parted and my heart fasten in pace when he suddenly pinned my
hands above my head, lowering his face with a wicked smile on his face.
"You want more, then?" He whispered huskily, leaning in towards my naked chest.
"H-Huh?" My voice sounded weird.
"We had three rounds last night, baby." He smirked lowering his lips towards
mine.
"H-Hindi a," I murmured. "Mali ka, 3.5 kaya."
Kumunot ang noo n'ya sa akin, nagtataka.
"Kasi diba, 'yung isa muntik na kaso 'di natuloy." I smirked when he suddenly
stopped.
Doon na ako napangisi, nang makitang wala nanaman s'ya sa composure n'ya ay
dali-dali akong kumawala sa kamay n'ya ay tinulak ko s'ya pahiga sa kama.
I straddled his chest, grinning widely while his eyes are glaring at me.
"I really don't like how your tongue works sharply like that," Ngiwi n'ya, I
chuckled. Nakita kong kumislap ang mata n'ya nang mapatitig sa dibdib ko kaya
kinindatan ko s'ya.
"Ayan, choosy mo kasi dati, ayaw mo pang diligan ako."
"I was actually saving it for marriage bit you're a great seducer!" He hissed,
his hand slowly went on my waist up to my chest, slowly playing its peaks.
I gasped, watching him.
"Arte nito, t-tuloy na natin 'yung point five? Para four rounds na--"
"Nah," Napatili ako nang walang hirap na buhatin n'ya ang baywang ko at ibagsak
ako sa kama.
"Naka-tatlo lang tayo, akala mo pwede ka na sa itaas ko?" He smirked,
unbuckling his belt.
"B-Bakit?" My voice quivered. "Ano ngayon? Magaling naman ako!"
"Next time, baby, next time." He smirked. "I still need to teach you  lot of
things."
"Oh? May iba pa?" Nagningning ang mata ko. "Would we also do different
positions--"
Bigla n'yang tinakpan ang bibig ko kaya sinamaan ko s'ya ng tingin at pinilit
alisin ang kamay n'ya.
 "No, no, baby." He shook his head. "Don't talk."
Hinila ko ang kamay n'ya at ngumuso.
"Why?" I pouted and blinked my eyes cutely.
"We'll get there," He smirked. I saw him stretched his back a bit, his messy
hair fell on his forehead, his dog tag swaying on air, almost touching my chest.
Ang isang kamay n'ya ay nasa tabi ng ulo ko habang inaayos ang pantalon n'ya
kaya mas ngumuso ako.
"Bakit ang tagal?" I murmured.
He chuckled.
"Excited, hmm?"
"Syempre, sisingilin ko 'yung point five ko!" I exclaimed.
He chuckled deeply, his green eyes twinkling. Umayos ako ng higa para sana
tulungan s'ya sa pag-alis ng pantalon nang may kumatok sa pintuan.
Sabay kaming napalingon roon at narinig ang boses sa labas.

"Hoy, Alcantara, gising!" Napangiwi ako nang marinig ang

boses ni Lucian sa labas.
"Damn," Warrion cursed.
Oh, right, damn!
"What?!" He exclaimed.
"Anong what? Gising ka na pala, help me here! Malapit na tayong dumaong!"
Aniya.
Nagkatinginan kami ni Warrion, we both sighed and I saw him looked at the door
and spoke.
"Oo na, go. Susunod ako." He said.
Nawala na si Lucian sa pintuan, ngumuso ako nang harapin n'ya ako.
"Yung point five ko?" I pouted.
"Next time, baby." He chuckled, mas humaba naman ang nguso ko at umiling.
"Sige na..." I hugged his shoulders.
"I have to help Lucian," He smirked and kissed my lips before letting go.
Halos masipa ko naman ang kumot nang tumayo s'ya sa higaan at lumuhod para
ayusin ang kumot sa katawan ko.
"Sleep again, it's still early." He murmured, kissing my head.
"Wala na ba talagang point five?" I murmured cutely but he shook his head and
licked his lip.
"I promise to give it to you," Hinaplos n'ya ang pisngi ko.
"May interes na sa sunod!" Hirit ko pa at natatawang tumango s'ya sa akin.
"I'll pay with the interest, baby." He said, pinching my cheek before going to
the bathroom.
I woke up at eight in the morning, sumisilip na ang sinag ng araw sa bintana ng
barko at nang tumayo ako ay napangiwi ako nang maramdaman ang sakit sa pagitan ng
hita ko.
I gasped when it hurt, paika akong naglakad patungo sa nakabukas na siwang ng
bintana at binuksan ito.
I was greeted by a cold, fresh air from the ocean, ang tunog ng hampas ng alon
ay rinig na rinig ko. I saw birds flying above the calm sky, the rock formations
looks exquisite.
Kailan kaya kami makakabalik sa lost island? I suddenly missed the cold air the
place has.
I sighed and smiled, niyakap ko ang sarili at napasulyap sa shirt ni Warrion na
suot ko na.
I went to the bathroom struggling hard because of my painful lower part.
Napapangiwi ako habang naliligo at sinuot ang isang simpleng asul na dress na
ibinigay ng kasama ni Lucian dito sa barko.
I wore a comfy flat shoes and brushed my hair as I made my way outside. It was
hard walking but I managed to walk casually despite the pain.
Dinala ako ng paa ko sa kusina nang maamoy ang mabangong niluluto.
 I smiled brightly, ready to greet whoever was inside when I saw the beautiful
girl sitting on the counter with Lucian near her. Nasa gilid ng hita nito ang braso
ni Lucian at nakita kong masaya silang nag-aasaran kaya napaayos ako ng upo at
tumikhim.
They both looked at me, I saw how the lady's eyes widen as he pushed him away
and jumped out of the counter.
"H-Hi, Win!" She cheered, her red hair dancing.
"Hi," I smiled then smirked at Lucian who was now resting his arms on the
counter and looking at me while shaking his head.
"Musta tulog?" The woman asked in a cute accent making me smile.
"You grew up speaking english, huh?" I teased and she chuckled, nodding at me.
"Yes, uhm, natuto naman ako mag-tagalog but medyo may accent pa rin. Medyo
awkward." She said.

"It's alright," I chuckled. "Atleast, you've learned."

"Oh, may niluto pala akong food! I hope magustuhan mo!" She cheered, walking
towards the food she's cooking.
Nilingon ko si Lucian na nakatitig sa baba at natawa nang irapan n'ya ako.
"Bitin ba?" I teased. Ngumuso s'ya at sinuklay ang buhok.
"Ganti 'yan kasi binitin mo rin ako," I hissed, making him confused.
"What did I do?" He asked me innocently.
Ngumiwi ako at sumulyap sa buhok n'ya.
"Your hair's longer now," I noticed.
"And you've been walking weirdly," He said, holding my arm and assisting me to
sit. "Okay ka lang?"
"H-Huh?" Nag-init ang pisngi ko at tumango. "Y-Yeah,"
"Napilayan ka ba? Pinilayan ka ba 'nung hayop na Ralph?" Kumunot ang noo n'ya.
"I should tell War--"
"No! Ayos lang ako!" I exclaimed, shaking my head.
"Then why are you walking like you're in pain?" He asked, a bit curious.
Napasulyap rin sa amin si G na nagtataka.
"Malaki kasi," I murmured.
"Malaki ang?" Lucian asked.
"M-Malaki 'yung ano--"
"Malaki 'yung tumama sa paa n'ya kahapon," Napatalon ako nang biglang lumitaw
si Warrion sa tabi ko at marahang yumakap sa baywang ko.
"Right, baby?" He said softly but his eyes are twinkling with his hidden
naughtiness.
My cheeks flushed at that, napalunok ako ng marahas at marahang tumango kay
Lucian.
"O-Oo, ano, sobrang laki 'nung Lieutenant--"
"Anyway, Lucian." Biglang putol ni Warrion sa sinasabi ko kaya ngumuso nalang
ako at sumandal sa dibdib n'ya.
"Oh?" Lucian asked, staring at the both of us before making his way towards G.
"Bibilhin ko 'tong barko mo," Warrion said.
My mouth parted, kita kong natigilan si G at sumimangot si Lucian.
"Fuck you, Alcantara." Lucian smirked.
"I'm serious," Warrion said, humiwalay ako kay War at sumulyap at nakita ko
kung paano ito kaseryoso.
"Asa ka," Lucian shook his head. "No one's gonna have my ship but me."
"Bakit mo bibilhin?" I asked War but he just kissed my cheek and forced himself
behind me, niyakap n'yang muli ang likod ko at sumulyap kay Lucian.
"Come on, babayaran ko na ang utang ko." Ani War. I saw Lucian stopped for a
while but then shook his head and crossed his arms.
"I'm tempted but no way," He shook his head.
"Then lend me the room where we stayed." Warrion asked, stopping me.
"Huh? Para saan?" I asked.
 "That's where we first made love." He whispered, my mouth parted. Siniko ko
s'ya at hinuli n'ya lang ang kamay ko at hinalikan.
"Para saan?" Ani Lucian na nagtataka.
"Basta," He said. "Babayaran ko, just give it to me."
"Isasama mo ba 'yung utang mo? Hoy, may utang ka pa sa akin sa hairpin mo!
Tsaka 'yung sa pinag-ambag sa mik-mik! Aba, aba!"
"Oo, babayaran ko." Warrion murmured.
"Teka, nasaan na ba 'yung listahan ko." Biglang naglakad palabas si Lucian para
hanapin ang listahan n'ya kaya nagtawanan kami ni G at napailing lang si Warrion at
bumulong.
"Malaki pala, huh?"
"H-Hindi a!" Hinampas ko s'ya pero tumawa lang s'ya sa akin at niyakap ang
baywang ko.
"You're sore, hmm? Mukhang matatagalan pa ang point five mo?"
"War nga!" I exclaimed.
Wala pang isang oras pagakatapos naming kumain ng agahan ay nakarating na kami
sa pampang.
I was happy when we got into the land, nakaalalay sa akin si Warrion habang
pababa ng hagdan sa barko at sa pagtawid sa boardwalk.
My lower part is still aching, kanina pa ako gustong buhatin ni Warrion pero
humihindi ako dahil baka may mapansin nina Lucian na nag-acrobatics kami sa kwarto
ng barko n'ya.
I took a glance at Lucian with G behind us and noticed how hidden her face is.
Nakamalaking hat pa ito, shades at scarf para takpan ang bibig.
"What's with them?" I asked War but he just shrugged and put his cap from his
head and let me wear it.
Inakbayan n'ya ako ng maayos at nang matapos magpaalam sa dalawa ay sumakay
kami sa sasakyan ni Warrion.
He fixed my seatbelt and fixed his too before maneuvering the car towards our
mansion.
Habang nasa byahe ay hindi mawala ang ngisi ko habang hawak n'ya ang kamay ko
at dadalhin sa labi n'ya kapag nagkaroon ng pagkakataon.
"Buti hindi ka naliligaw kapag bumabyahe tapos wala kang app?"
"What app?" He asked.
"Yung sa mga daan? Like Waze or such?"
He laughed, nagtatakang nilingon ko s'ya at naiiling s'yang tumawa at humigpit
ang hawak sa akin.
"No worries, baby, your boyfriend's the Waze himself. Hindi kita ililigaw." He
smirked.
We reached the mansion after a few more minutes, I wonder kung kailan makakauwi
sina Mommy at Daddy?
Habang ipinaparada ni War ang sasakyan ay nagtaka kaming dalawa nang makita ang
tatlong sasakyan sa garahe.
"Kanino 'yan?" I asked.
"I don't know," War's forehead creased and when we're done parking the car ay
mabilis s'yang bumaba at pinagbuksan ako.
He assisted me and took my hand, sabay kaming tumingin sa mga sasakyang
nakaparada at sabay na nanlaki ang mata nang matanto kung sino ang naroon.
"It's my parents!" I exclaimed.
"Mom..." Warrion closed his eyes tightly and shook his head. "I told them to
wait!"
"A-Andito ang Mommy mo?" I murmured, my mouth parting.
Warrion nodded and my heart quickened.
"T-Talaga? W-War, do I look fine?" I murmured.
"Yes," Warrion licked his lips. "You looked great."
"B-But your parents--" Tinuro ko ang pinto.
"I will talk to them," He sighed and slowly pulled me towards his body and
placed his hand on my waist.
"Damn, yari ako kay Senator." He groaned while assisting me. Napakurap naman
ako at kinabahan pa lalo nang makarating kami sa pintuan.
Halos lumubog naman ako sa sahig nang sabay-sabay silang lumingon sa aming
dalawa at nakita ko kung paano tumayo and Mommy ni Warrion nang magkatinginan kami.
"My daughter-in-law is here!" She cheered, nanlaki ang mata ko nang mabilis
s'yang nakalapit, tinulak si Warrion sa tabi ko at mahigpit akong niyakap at
tumalon-talon.
"Hindi na bato ang anak ko!" She cheered.
Napasulyap ako at nanlaki ang mata nang makitang nagkakatitigan si Warrion at
Dad ko. I saw how my father's jaw clenched, kumurap si Warrion, pilit na
nagpapakatapang pero nang makitang kinuha ni Dad ang vase ay napaatras.
"S-Senator, about--"
"How dare you make a move to my daughter!" My father exclaimed and my mouth
parted when my father ran and Warrion did too while exclaiming.
"I will explain, Sir!" Warrion exclaimed.
"You fucktard!" My Dad screamed.
Kinabahan ako kaya mabilis akong sumigaw habang yakap-yakap pa ako nang tuwang-
tuwang Mommy ni War.
"Dad! Don't hurt him! May utang pa sa akin 'yang point five!" I exclaimed,
panicking.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Kabanata 28

Two more chapters to go!!! I'm so happy! Enjoy the few

chapters left for Tuyot and Major!
xxx
Kabanata 28
"You're so pretty!" Kanina pa ako halos hindi pakawalan ng Mommy ni War. She
was smiling widely at me, her black, doe eyes are shining.
"T-Thank you po, Ma'am." I murmured shyly.
"No! Call me Mom!" She exclaimed.
"P-Po?"
"Tess," Warrion's father called.
"Oh!" Napatakip ito sa bibig sa gulat. "Did I scare you?"
"U-Uh, no po..." I shook my head and she panicked at that. Nakita kong umayos
s'ya ng upo sa sofa.
"Oh, I didn't mean to, hija! Ano, uhm, you can call me Tita Tess muna then,
Tito Arthur. I didn't mean to scare you! H'wag ka makipagbreak sa Warrion ko, huh?"
Nanlaki naman ang mata ko roon at nag-init ang pisngi bago marahang umiling-
iling.
"N-No po,"
"So you two are really together!" She exclaimed and clapped her hands. "I'm so
happy, Arthur!"
Tito Arthur then chuckled a bit and shook his head, his green eyes flickering,
resembling Warrion and Caspian more.
"Forgive my wife, hija. She's just overly excited about Warrion's girlfriend."
He chuckled.
"Oo naman, Arturo!" Tita Tess exclaimed. "Kita mo 'yang bunso mong parang bato
na tinubuan ng tao!"
"Tess..." Tito Arthur warned.
"Totoo naman! Kung anong kina-baby ng Caspian ko, s'ya namang kina-bato 'nung
bunso ko! Akala ko nga hindi 'yan magkakaagirlfriend!"
"He's cold, always, Tita." I commented.
She laughed, tumango s'ya sa akin at tumango.
"Yes! True! And not just that! Hindi lang ako masaya dahil totoong may
girlfriend na s'ya, I was so happy because it's you, Winter! Who would have
thought? Naalala ko pa dati, nirereto ko kayo ni Warrion ko kahit baby pa kayo and
now? Wow!"
Umawang ang labi ko roon sa gulat.
"T-Totoo po?" I murmured.
"Yes," She giggled. "Naku, hija, noong binyag mo palang at niyaya kami ng Mom
mo maging Ninang at Ninong mo, I like you already!" Halos makahinga ako nang
maluwang sa sinabi n'ya.
I touched my chest and sighed.
"T-Thank you po kung ganun." I murmured.
"You're a good woman and I am so happy na ikaw ang gusto ng anak ko." She
smiled softly.
Matamis akong napangiti. Nang makitang natuwa ako sa sinabi n'ya ay halos
sumayaw ang mata n'ya sa tuwa at mabilis akong niyakap.
"Welcome to the family, Winter! Alagaan mo ang Warrion ko, hmm? I know he loves
you so much. Bato lang ang ugali pero malambot ang puso n'yan."
I smiled, hugging her back and nodded.
"I will, Tita." I whispered happily.
"Mom, stop squeezing Winter." Sabay kaming napatingin at nanlaki ang mata ko
nang makita si Warrion na galing sa labas ng bahay.
I stood in shock, Warrion's lips lifted when he saw me staring at her.
"War!" I exclaimed, looking at him, unharmed.
Lumapit ako, akmang yayakap nang makita si Daddy na nanliliit ang mata sa akin.
Napaatras ako, ang akmang pagyakap rin sa akin ni War ay natigil nang magsalita si
Dad.

"Mukhang magagamit ko ang shotgun ko," My Dad suddenly

whistled like a psycho, stopping us.
Napaatras ako, I saw Warrion paled a bit and cleared his throat.
Narinig ko ang hagikhik ni Tita Tess at maya-maya pa'y lumabas na si Mommy
bitbit ang mga platito ng cake sa tray.
"Kain muna tayo," My Mommy said happily.
I saw how my Dad went towards her direction before getting the tray from my Mom
and kissing her cheek.
"Sit there, ako na ang kukuha ng juice." Ani Dad at tumango si Mommy at
nakangiting lumapit sa amin.
"Hey, Warrion!" She greeted War who looks a bit nervous.
"Tita," He cleared his throat.
"Ikaw, hmm, gusto mo pala ang Winter ko, pinatagal mo pa." My Mom teased.
"Mommy," I called Mom who just laughed at me and winked. "I like your taste,
anak, talagang si Major, huh?"
"I know right! Ganda rin ng taste ng bunso ko at si Winter ang pinili!" Sabat
pa ni Tita Tess at nag-apir pa sila kaya napanguso ako at nakagat ang labi ko.
I took a glance at War and saw him staring at me, he has this poker face but
his eyes are twinkling. I smiled at him, kita kong seryoso s'ya pero nang ngumiti
ako ay umangat ang sulok ng labi at naglakad palapit sa akin.
My father went out of the kitchen carrying the juice. Naglakad patungo sa tabi
ko si War, paupo na sana nang mabilis na inilapag ni Dad ang juice sa lamesa at
tinakbo ang sofa sa tabi ko.
My eyes widen when he suddenly sat beside me, pushing Warrion a bit kaya
napaupo ito sa sahig.
"Dad!" I exclaimed.
Nagsitawanan naman ang sina Tita at Mom at napailing si Tito Arthur,
nangingisi.
"Senador ka na lahat-lahat but you're still a kid." Tito commented.
"So?" Ngiwi ni Dad.
Warrion cleared his throat, marahang naglakad patabi sa Dad n'ya at tumitig sa
akin.
 "H'wag mong titigan, Win." Biglang tinakpan ni Dad ang mata ko kaya umirit ako.
"Daddy!" I exclaimed.
"Tanggapin mo na kasi ako, Senator." Biglang sabat ni Warrion kaya hinila ko
paalis ang kamay ni Dad at tumitig sa kanya.
"I promise to always protect her, I'd never hurt her. I..." Warrion sighed. "I
promise to  keep her safe, to cherish her, I love her."
"That's my boy," Tinapik ni Tito Arthur ang balikat nito.
"Share mo lang?" Biglang sabat ni Dad kaya nanlaki ang mata ko at hinampas ang
hita nito.
"Dad!" I hissed.
"What?" My Dad pouted. "I saw memes on the internet! Minsan nga SML lang 'yun."
Nasapo ko ang mukha at natawa si Mommy at umiling.
"Pagpasensyahan n'yo na at tumanda nang paurong." Ani Mommy.
I pouted and stared at War, looking for any scars on his face.
"Dad, sinaktan mo ba ang Major ko?" I murmured.
"Aba't--" Nakita kong umawang ang labi ni Dad sa sinabi ko, handa na sanang
magreklamo nang may kumatok sa pintuan kaya sabay-sabay kaming napalingon.
"Sorry, we're late." Nangiti ako nang makita si Polaris, Riu, Caspian at ang
triplets na nasa stroller na tinutulak ni Cas.
"Caspian," My father stood, smiling. Nakita kong lumapit sila Tita at sina
Mommy sa mga bagong dating.

I smiled too, standing to welcome them but before I could

walk towards them, nahawakan na ni Warrion ang baywang ko at marahan akong
inilalapit sa kanyang katawan.
I looked at him, I grinned when I saw his face.
"Did he hurt you?" Masuyong sabi ko kay War nang hindi na kami napapansin ng
pamilya. They were busy talking and greeting Cas and his family, admiring the kids.
Umiling s'ya at tinitigan ako.
"I'm good,"
"Talaga?" I pouted. "Sayang, iki-kiss ko sana 'yung part na masakit--"
"Aray!" Biglang ngumiwi s'ya at humawak sa labi n'ya. "Baby, I think my lips
hurt--"
"Papaduguin ko na 'yan, Alcantara." Napatalon kaming dalawa nang biglang
magsalita si Dad at masama na ang tingin sa aming dalawa.
Tumikhim ako at bahagyang lumayo kay War. Warrion grunted, pouting, looking at
my father.
"Senator, I promise to--"
"Shut up, hindi pa rin ako natutuwang kayo ng anak ko! And you didn't even tell
me! Aba, sabi ko bantayan mo, hindi ko sinabing harutin mo!"
Ngumiwi ako roon at napakamot ng batok si War.
"Tita crush! Tita crush!" Bumaba ang tingin at napangisi ng malaki nang
makitang tumatakbo si Riu patungo sa akin at tumalon-talon.
"Hello, Riu!" I greeted happily, lowering my body to hug the cute little boy.
"Tita Win!' He exclaimed happily, hugging my nape.
I hugged him, kissing his cheek.
"Sana all," Biglang narinig kong sabi ni War kaya nanlaki ang mata ko at
napaangat ng tingin.
I saw his lips, protruded. I grinned and he just snorted and looked away.
We had our lunch with our families, nang tawagin kami ni Mommy para magtungo
roon sa kusina ay humawak kaagad si Riu sa kamay ko.
I smiled, pinching his cheek.
"Let's eat, Riu." I called him.
I saw Warrion eyeing me sharply, nakita kong tumabi s'ya, akmang hahawak sa
isang kamay ko nang biglang dumaan si Daddy sa pagitan nito habang malaki ang
ngisi.
Bumagsak ang balikat ni War at maya-maya pa'y narinig ko ang tawa ni Cas habang
tulak ang stroller 'nung triplets.
"Wawa naman si War-War." Caspian said in a naughty and mocking tone. Inakbayan
n'ya si Warrion at sumimangot pang lalo ang huli at ngumiwi.
"Fuck you, Caspian." He hissed.
"Where's the Kuya now?" He chuckled when Warrion punched his arm until they
almost wrestle infront of me.
I shook my head, smiling. Nagulat nga lang ako nang may umakbay sa akin kaya
napalingon ako at nanlaki ang mata nang makita si Warren.
"Ren!" I exclaimed happily.
"Sshh," He winked and grinned. "If Warrion see my arm on your shoulder,
mawawalan na ako ng buhay sa mundong ibabaw."
I chuckled, nodding.
"Hi, Tito Warren!" Riu greeted.
"Hello, Riu! Kain tayo?" Nag-apir ang dalawa kaya nailing ako.
Nakarating kami ng kusina na naghihilahan ng buhok ang magkapatid. Pabiro rin
silang nagsusuntukan roon at kung hindi pa batukan ni Polaris ang asawa at kunin
ang triplets ay hindi pa titigil.

I carried Riu when I saw him trying to get up the chair,

nang maupo s'ya ay matamis s'yang ngumiti sa akin.
"Thank you, Tita crush!"
"Welcome, pogi!" I grinned. "Gwapo mo, baby, para kang pinaghalong Papa Caspian
at Tito War mo."
"Parehas po kaming may green eyes, Tita!" Aniya.
Naupo ako sa tabi n'ya, I saw Warrion making his way towards the other chair
beside me when Tita Tess suddenly appeared and quickly sat beside me.
"Mom!" Warrion whinned.
"Oh?!" Tinaasan ni Tita ito ng kilay. "No, ako ang tatabi sa daughter-in-law
ko, go sit somewhere." Taboy nito.
Warrion looked at me with his pleading green eyes, nagpapacute pero ngumisi
lang ako at kumindat.
He sighed, naglakad sa kabilang side ng table kung saan masama ang tingin sa
kanya ni Dad.
"Sit here beside me, Alcantara." My father said grimly. Nakangusong lumapit si
War kay Dad at hindi pa ito nakakalapit ay halos sakalin na s'ya ni Dad.
It was a fun lunch, pulos asaran ang nangyari dahil sa hindi inaasahang
relasyon nga namin ni War. They keep on teasing us with each other, habang tuwang-
tuwa ang iba ay irita naman si Dad dahil sa pang-aasar ni Tito Arthur.
Guess they still don't know about Ralph?
Nang matapos ay muling nag-usap si Dad at Warrion, hindi na ako nakialam pero
natatakot pa ring biglang dumamba ang Dad ko at magkasugat si War.
Hindi pwede 'yang magkasugat! Baka makaapekto sa performance ng point five ko!
I went to the garden when Macarena called, nasa Tagaytay pala ang bruha kaya
wala. I didn't told her about War at baka ma-shock. I just told her I have
something to confess when she go back here.
"Nasolo rin kita," One quick kiss on my cheek and a tight hug on my back ay
lumaki na ang ngisi ko.
"War!" I cheered happily and tried looking at him pero mas niyakap n'ya lang
ako at humalik sa leeg ko.
"May sugat ka ba?" I murmured.
"Lips." He said. "Maybe it'll heal if you kiss me."
"Talaga?" I chuckled. Pinakawalan n'ya ako ng bahagya kaya yumakap ako sa leeg
n'ya paharap hanggang sa magkasalubong ang mata namin.
His eyes are the most beautiful shade of green I've ever seen.
I looked at his lips and saw him licking it, marahang mas inilapit n'ya ako sa
kanya at nagtama ang ilong namin.
I chuckled when he pouted his lips.
 "They're separating us, baby. I'm so sad." He said.
Mas natawa ako at pahapyaw na hinalikan ang labi n'ya.
"They were just shock." I said.
"Is there something to be shock about?" He asked.
"Of course!" Tawa ko. "As per your Mom, para ka daw bato na tinubuan ng tao."
Sumimangot s'ya mas tumawa naman ako at niyakap s'ya ng mahigpit.
"But you're a warm and soft boy to me, War. Matigas nga lang 'yang ano mo."
"Winter Andromeda..." He warned but I laughed harder, kissing his lips.
"Sure ka wala kang sugat? Ayos pa ba ang performance mo n'yan? Ang point five
ko?"
"Damn you, baby." He chuckled deeply and softly kissed my lips. "I love you."
"Love you too," I whispered and kissed him back. He held my jaw, yumakap akong
lalo sa kanya at humalik pabalik.

His kisses are deep, parang hindi kami naghalikan kanina o!

His hand slipped on my waist, slowly caressing it when we hear a screaming
voice.
"Oh my God! Palaban ang bunso ko!" Natulak ko si War sa gulat at sabay kaming
napatingin kay Tita Tess na tumitili roon at hawak ang pisngi.
"Mom..." Warrion warned.
"Oh my God! I still can't believe this! I'm gonna faint! I'm gonna--"
Pinaypayan n'ya ang sarili sa sobrang saya n'ya at mabuti nalang ay biglang
dumating si Tito Arthur at mabilis na nasalo ang asawa bago suminghap.
"There she goes again," Tito murmured, making us laugh.
We are both busy the next day, I was invited as a guest in a charity event
while War is in the military camp to train new students.
I keep on calling War but he was unattended. Maaga kasing natapos ang event at
ang usapan namin ni War ay magde-date kami mamayang gabi.
I can actually stroll around but I am so bored to do that kaya nagdesisyon
nalang akong magtungo sa kanyang office.
I fixed my light blue dress when I reached his place. I sighed, walked towards
the reception and smiled at the female military personel.
"Hello,"
"Hi, Miss, what can I do for you?"
"I...uh, is Major Warrion Alcantara in there? Gusto ko sanang makausap."
"Uh, sino po sila Miss? We don't usually allow anyone po kasi to enter the
office especially if high ranking officers."
I nodded, biting my lip.
"Uhm, can you tell him it's Winter? I'm his girlfriend."
I saw how shock the woman was, napaawang pa ang labi n'ya sa gulat at
napakurap.
"P-Po? You're his girlfriend?"
"Yes," I nodded a bit.
"Oh!" Napatango s'ya sa gulat at inabot ang telepono.
"Winter!" Sa paglingon ko ay nanlaki ang mata ko nang makita si Caspian na
nandun at kumaway sa akin.
"Cas!" I smiled.
He walked towards me, smiling.
"Si War ba?" Aniya at nang tumango ako ay ngumiti s'ya at bumaling sa babae
roon sa frontdesk at nagsalita.
"Ako nang bahala sa kanya, Mariz. Baka hinahanap na ito ni Warrion."
"Sige, Sir." Napatango ang babae, namamangha pa rin. "Uh, log-in ka muna dito,
Ma'am."
I typed my name on the computer at nang matapos ay si Caspian ang sumama sa
akin sa loob.
"What brought you here? Hindi ka ba sinundo ni Warrion?"
"We'll eat sana later at dinner kaso maaga natapos ang event ko so I came here
to check on him." I said.
"Buti at napadaan ka," He said. "I was just passing by too, napag-usapan kasi
namin ni Warrion ang sa kaso ni Ralph, I was referring a well-known lawyer to him
to help you with the case."
"Thank you, Cas." I smiled sincerely. "That will help me a lot, I think by now
ay alam na rin nina Dad ang kay Ralph."
"Yep, I think so too. Kaya inaayos na namin ni Warrion para hindi ka na
mahirapan. Don't worry because this lawyer is a trusted one, guaranteed that he's
really really good."
"May I know the name?"
"Atty. Alchiel Sandejas, you know him? He helped in Wave's case and mine too
so, I can assure you."

"Hmm," I nodded, smiling. "That's great! I personally know

his relatives too."
"Atsaka isa pa, his father is the one who handled Summer's case years ago,
right?"
Napatingin ako sa kanya sa gulat.
"You didn't know?" He looks shocked too.
I shook my head and sighed.
"I was too busy mourning for her loss, ni hindi ako nakasama sa korte nang
makulong ang mga hayop na 'yun." I said sadly.
"I'm sorry, Winter." Caspian tapped my back. "But her case was in good hands,
nakulong ang may kasalanan sa inyo ng Ate mo."
"I should visit and thank him personally."
"That's Zirena's uncle, you won't have trouble meeting him." He commented.
"Really?!" My eyes widen. "How small this world is, huh?"
"Probably really small," He chuckled deeply.
Caspian motioned me the fields where Warrion is when he got a call from his
wife. Inalalayan n'ya ako papunta sa may bench sa may lilim habang ang mga sundalo
ay naroon sa gitna at nag-eensayo.
"Hey, Win. Antayin mo nalang si War dito, huh? I'm sorry but I have to go, I
have to fetch my wife and have dinner with her, nightshift kasi s'ya kahapon."
"No worries," I smiled. "Thank you, Cas."
Nang makaalis s'ya ay bumagsak ang tingin ko sa gitna ng field at halos
mapatulala nang makita si Warrion na nakatayo sa gitna at nakapamaywang.
I saw him training a couple of young teens there, nagpu-push up ang mga ito sa
gitna.
I bit my lip when I heard him counting as he motioned his hand for the men.
Nang umayos s'ya ay nakita kong sinuklay n'ya ang kanyang buhok bago pumunta sa
gitna at nagpush-up rin.
My mouth parted, napakurap ako sa pagkamangha.
He was wearing a plain fitted, black shirt, camouflage pants and combat boots
doing push ups.
Halos maglaway na ako, nakagat ko ang labi ko at napalunok ng marahas. A couple
of push ups then he is now sweating, I saw how his disheveled hair fell on his
forehead.
I sighed dreamily.
Boyfriend ko 'yan! Akin 'yan si Major! Akin! Akin!
Warrion stood from the ground, his jaw clenched a bit. I saw him cocked his
head and said something to the young men.
I think he dismissed them, nang umalis ang mga lalaki ay sinuklay ni War ang
buhok gamit ang daliri n'ya at binasa ang labi.
I stood, was about to go towards his direction when a woman ran towards him,
wearing a military uniform too.
My forehead creased when she lifted a towel and attempted to dry Warrion's
sweat.
 I snorted.
I saw Warrion took a step back and shook his head.
The woman then held his arm, trying to clean his face again but he took a step
back, looking irritated now.
That's when I decided to go towards their direction.
"Major," I called.
Sabay silang napalingon, I saw how War's annoyed face turned brighter.
"Baby," He smiled suddenly and went towards me.
I smiled, nakita ko kung paano nawala ang ngiti 'nung babaeng Daisy ata ang
pangalan sa pagkakaalala ko.
"You're here!" Warrion said, amazed. Natawa ako at tumango sa kanya.

I quickly took the hanky from my bag and raised it to dry

his sweat. He smiled when I did that, medyo tumungo pa para maabot ko ang kanyang
mukha at mapunasan.
"I smell awful, I should take a shower first before we go and have our date?"
"No," Tawa ko. "You still smell great! Sino nagsabing mabaho ka? Paluin ko
'yan!"
"Me," His lip twitched and whispered. "Would you spank me, then?"
"War!" My eyes widen and slapped his arm. He chuckled more and kissed my cheek.
"What brought you here?"
"Maaga natapos ang event and tumakas ako sa after-party so, I'm here!"
"Sino nagpapasok sa'yo? No one called me."
"Caspian did, I saw him there."
Tumango s'ya at humalik sa pisngi ko bago humawak sa kamay ko.
"Let's go to my office." He took my hand, papunta na sa office n'ya nang
tumikhim si Daisy.
"Uhm, War? Ipakilala mo naman ako." She suddenly said, nag-aalangan pa.
"Winter," I smiled.
"Daisy, this is Winter." Warrion answered. "My girlfriend."
"Oh, g-ganun ba?" She smiled awkardly.
"Hello, Daisy. Nice meeting you." I said.
I offered her my hand, nakita kong nag-aalangan s'ya pero inabot ang kamay ko
at hilaw na ngumiti.
"N-Nice meeting you too."
"Uh, sige, mauuna na kami." I said. She nodded, still confused.
Nang tumalikod na kami ni Warrion ay kinurot ko ang tagiliran nito kaya
napatalon ito sa akin at ngumuso.
"What?" He whinned.
"She obviously likes you," I snorted.
"Who?" He raised his brow at me.
"Daisy!" I murmured.
Bumilog ang bibig n'ya at napatango.
"Really?" He said. Napailing ako at nasapo ang noo.
"How can you be so clueless, huh?"
"I don't tend to notice everything." He said. "Ikaw lang naman ang napapansin
ko,"
I froze, nang makita n'yang natigilan ako ay tumaas ang sulok ng labi n'ya bago
ako ninakawan ng halik.
"My baby's blushing!" He suddenly screamed and ran away from me kaya napaayos
ako ng tayo.
I saw a lot of soldiers shifted their gaze at me, natatawa namang tumatakbo
palayo si Warrion at kinuha ang isang bag roon sa malayo kaya hinabol ko s'ya.
"Adelram!" I screamed in the field while he's laughing his ass out.
Para kaming tangang naghahabulan roon patungo sa opisina n'ya, some soldiers
greeted me kaya kumaway ako habang nakangiti at hinabol ang isip-batang Major.
I saw Warrion, trying to open his office door, panicking. Nang mabagal ang
kilos n'ya ay mabilis akong dumamba sa likuran n'ya.
"Got ya!" I cheered.
He laughed, nang mabuksan ang kanyang opisina ay hinawakan n'ya ako sa kanyang
likuran at napailing.
"My baby's childish." He said.
"Wow! War, coming from you?" Natawa s'ya at marahan akong ibinaba, nang ibaba
n'ya rin ang medyo malaking bag na kinuha n'ya sa field kanina ay nagmartsa ako
roon at sumalampak ng upo.
"Stand up, baby, ililipat ko 'yan sa itaas."
"No!" I pouted and sat at the big bag.
"Come on, baby. Maliligo pa ako, so, we can have our date."
"Karga muna!" I lifted my hand and showed it to him. He chuckled and shook his
head.
"Don't want,"
"War..." I pouted.
He shrugged, tumalikod sa akin kaya ngumuso ako at humalukipkip pero sa biglang
harap n'ya ay mabilis n'ya akong binuhat kaya napatili ako at tumawa.
I encircled my arms on his nape.
"Point five! Point five! Point five!" I chanted happily.
He smirked, napatili ako nang pabiro n'yang akong hinagis sa malambot na sofa.
His brow raised, his green eyes glistening. I gulped when he pulled his shirt
up from his nape and his dog tag fell on his tanned and strong chest.
Napapunas ako sa gilid ng labi ko.
"Padilig naman ng point five d'yan," I commented and he smirked.
Napasinghap ako nang itapon n'ya sa mukha ko ang mabango n'yang shirt kaya
napatili ako sa excitement.
OMG! Ayan na ang dilig ko!
I felt his hand on my leg and I was giggling. Nawala ang kamay n'ya sa paa ko
and I waited, waited for him to do anything he want for me but none.
I froze when I heard the splash of water from the shower. Marahas kong hinatak
paalis ang shirt ni Warrion sa mukha ko at napasulyap sa ngayong sarado ng banyo at
ang malakas na lagaslas ng tubig.
Natapon ko ang shirt sa inis.
"Major! Ang point five ko!" I screamed angrily and I heard his loud laugh on
the shower.

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Kabanata 29

One more chapter and bye-bye our WinteRion💖

xxx
Kabanata 29
"War..." Mas kumapit ako sa braso n'ya habang papalapit kami sa mga selda.
"It's gonna be alright," He murmured, inabot n'ya ang kamay ko at marahan akong
hinapit palapit sa kanyang katawan.
"I'll be here with you," He whispered.
"I know," I sighed. "I just don't know how to deal with him after what he did
to me. I didn't expect it to be him, not at all."
"Hindi ko rin naisip," Aniya kaya napatingin ako sa kanya. "I thought it was
the asshole Max."
"Max?" Nanlaki ang mata ko at napatitig sa kanya. He sighed and nodded,
caressing my hand with his thumb.
"He's too obssessed with you, baby, I can't shrug it off." He said.
Sumandal ako ng bahagya sa braso n'ya.
"He was there when you almost got kidnapped, Win. Nung nalaman n'yang nakuha ka
nung mga lalaki, he came to you that instant that when you went out the car, nandun
na s'ya."
I nodded and sighed.
"Hindi ko s'ya nakikita ngayon," I said.
"I woudn't let him get closer to you," Nag-angat ako ng tingin sa kanya at
nagtaka.
"So, he's just here?"
"Hmm," He nodded at napatango lang ako at humugot ng hininga.
Nang papasukin na kami ng pulis sa visiting area ay kaagad na bumaling ang
tingin ko kay Ralph na nakaupo roon.
My heart started hammering inside my chest, I saw Elisse holding his hand while
staring sharply at me.
"How dare you!" Hindi pa man ako nakakalapit ay nagulat na ako nang tumayo
s'ya, akmang susugurin ako pero mabilis na napunta sa harapan ko si Warrion at
itinago ako sa kanyang likuran.
"Keep your hands off." Warrion said coldy, stopping her. Nang matulala si
Elisse sa ginawa ay napatikhim ito at nag-iwas ng tingin.
I sighed, marahang umalis sa likuran ni War at hinarap si Elisse.
I saw her stared at me with such rage on her eyes, kita ko ang gustong pagsugod
n'ya at nang akmang itatago akong muli ni War ay umiling ako at tumitig ng malamig
kay Elisse.
"You wanted to hurt me, huh?" I asked coldly.
She lifted her hand, was about to slap me when I spoke.
"Go and let me file a case to you too para magkasama na kayo ng boyfriend mo sa
kulungan."
She froze, nakita ko ang pagkalma n'ya pero puno pa rin ng galit ang mga mata.
"You don't have a right to file a case against Ralph! Wala s'yang ginawa
sa'yo!" She exclaimed.
"Elisse," Ralph called.
"Hindi Ralph eh! This woman is pressing false charges to you!" She exclaimed.
"She was too desperate to have you! Kasi ako ang pinili mo!"
Napapikit ako ng mariin sa sinabi n'ya, halos matawa.
"Ganun kababaw?" I chuckled at her.
"Yes! Hindi mo kasi matanggap na ako ang pinili ni Ralph kaysa sa'yo! You're a
freak, Winter! Childish and narrow-minded bitch!"
I saw Warrion's face crumpled, halatang gustong sumabat pero pinipigil ang
sarili.
"You are desperate, Almedarez! You even has the guts to let Warrion pretend to
be your boyfriend!"

Nagulat ako doon, nakita kong napataas ang sulok ng labi ni

Warrion sa sinabi nito at napailing.
"And why would I pretend to be her man, Miss?" He said in a cold, amused tone.
"Because she was desperate to have his attention! Gustong-gusto n'ya si
Ralph--"
"There's no way my Winter would like another man more than me." He said as a
matter of fact.
My eyes widen.
Damn confidence, Alcantara!
Napakurap nalang ako at napasulyap kay Elisse na umawang ang labi at napaiwas
ng tingin. He marched towards Ralph and sat beside him.
"Come on, baby." Inabot ni Warrion ang kamay ko at marahan akong hinila palapit
sa dalawa.
The moment I sat infront of them, kaagad akong nandiri sa tingin na ibinigay ni
Ralph. His eyes are pleading, tila takot at nagsisisi.
"How's life in jail?" I asked coldly.
"How dare you talk to him like that!" Elisse groaned pero hindi ko s'ya
pinansin.
"I-I'm sorry, Winter." Ralph suddenly murmured.
"What? Stop saying sorry, Ralph! Wala kang ginawa sa malanding 'to!" Elisse
exclaimed.
"Shut your mouth, woman." Warrion suddenly spoke in annoyance. "I can easily
press charges to you."
Natahimik si Elisse at sinamaan ako ng tingin.
"Hindi ko sinasadyang gawin 'yun," Ralph murmured. "I'm so sorry, masyado lang
akong nadala ng damdamin."
"You almost raped me, asshole." I pointed out, humigpit ang hawak ko kay
Warrion at nakita kong mas nagdilim ang mukha n'ya habang nakatingin kay Ralph.
"Y-You what?" I saw Elisse froze.
"I...I just love you so much, Win." He said. "Nagalit ako kasi may iba ka,
akala ko ako pa rin."
Elisse's mouth parted, shaking her head violently.
"W-What are you saying, Ralph?!"
"I'm sorry, Elisse." Ralph murmured. "I...I love Winter."
"You...you said you love me!"
"That's what you want me to say!" Ralph answered her.
"Y-You..." Nakita ko ang luha ni Elisse at maya-maya pa ay napatayo at sinampal
si Ralph.
"Fuck you!" She exclaimed.
Nakita ko pang tumitig s'ya sa akin at marahas na pinunasan ang luha bago
nagmartsa palabas.
I sighed, naramdaman ko ang haplos ni War sa palad ko kaya napaharap ako sa
kanya at doon ako kumuha ng lakas.
"F-Forgive me, Win." Ralph murmured. "I...I just love you so much, kaya ko
nagawa 'yun."
"That isn't love, Ralph." I shook my head. "It's far more different than love."
Love protects, love heals, love is the light despite the darkness at kahit
kailan ay wala akong naramdamang ganun sa sinasabi ni Ralph.
"Winter..." Inabot ni Ralph ang kamay ko pero mabilis ko iyong inilayo at
umiling.
"Itutuloy ko ang kaso," I murmured and stood.
Nang makalabas kami sa presinto ay nagitla ako sa biglaang pagyakap ni War sa
likuran ko at ang halik n'ya sa pisngi ko.
"What about mine, baby? Is this love?" He whispered.

"It's more that what I hope it is, War." I whispered back,

touching his hand.
I heard his smile beside my ear, isiniksik n'ya ang mukha sa aking balikat at
mas niyakap ako.
"Let's date?" He asked and we did things more than just a date.
Warrion slammed me on the kitchen counter.
I scream and laughed when he grinned at my position, he instantly moved towards
me and placed himself in between my parted legs.
Ipinatong ko ang aking braso sa balikat n'ya at ngumiti.
"Is this my point five special service?" I asked.
He chuckled deeply, licking his lower lips. I moved my face closer to his and
let our nose touched. He kissed my cheek briefly, hugging my waist.
"Pwede," He answered. Nang muling magtagpo ang mata namin ay sabay kaming
napangiting dalawa.
Even if I'm sitting on the countertop and he was just standing there, mas
matangkad pa rin s'ya sa akin.
He slowly lifted his hand and fixed the disheveled hair on my cheek and placed
it behind my ear.
"I love you," He suddenly said, stopping me.
 "You still get shock, huh?" Tawa n'ya nang matigilan ako kaya napailing ako at
natatawang humalik sa labi n'ya. I pulled him closer to my body and hugged his
nape.
Sumiksik ako sa kanyang leeg at humugot ng hininga.
"Mahal na mahal kita, War." Bulong ko. "Salamat, thank you for waiting for me
to be back to you."
He kissed my hair, caressing my back, halos ilubog ako sa kanyang dibdib.
"You're worth every pain, baby." He whispered. "Everything is worth it. I may
have lost you but I found you and got you back. That blessing alone is enough for
me."
"Thank you, War. For sacrificing a lot for me, kahit may nasabi akong hindi
maganda. Kahit ang kulit-kulit ko, maraming salamat."
"You aren't Winter kung hindi ka makulit." He chuckled, hugging me more. "You
look cute and amusing everytime you'll say that, diligan mo na ako lines. Damn,
baby, you don't know how tempted I am to just carry you and slam you somewhere."
"Arte-arte kasi!" Lumayo ako ng bahagya at ngumuso. He winked and touched my
chin, grazing my lower lip.
"I am supposed to watch you from afar, baby." Maktol n'ya.
"Pero hindi mo kinaya! Offer ka pa ng special service mo kay Daddy 'nung
nagtanong sa'yo! He thought it's just because you're bored kaya ka pumayag yet may
hidden agenda ka!"
He pinched my cheek and chuckled.
"Of course! I can watch you from afar for years but when that damn Max came, I
don't know what to do. Nanggigil na ako."
"Selos ang major ko na 'yan?" Hinaplos ko ang pisngi n'ya.
"Opo," He purred kaya natawa ako. "He kept on claiming you're his at hindi ako
papayag 'nun! You're mine, Winter, okay? Akin ka, akin."
My cheeks flushed, my heart bursting in such happiness.
"Yours, baby." I answered. "Ikaw ba? Sa akin ka?"
"Obviously," Halos irapan n'ya ako kaya natawa ako. "Tuyot's property
eversince."
My mouth parted, hinampas ko ang dibdib n'ya pero natawa s'ya at inabot ang
kamay ko bago dalhin sa parte ng dibdib n'ya kung saan ko mararamdaman ang tibok ng
puso n'ya.

"Feel that?" He asked, I nodded, looking at my hand on his

beating chest. "It only beats for you."
I froze, nakagat ko ang labi ko at halos sumabog ang puso ko sa saya habang
pinapakinggan s'ya.
I was shocked when his thumb suddenly wiped something on my cheek kaya mabilis
akonh nag-angat ng tingin.
"Don't cry," Masuyo n'yang sabi, ang daliri sa pisngi ko at marahang humaplos
sa balat ko.
"Mahal na mahal kita," I said. "Thank you for always being there for me, baby."
"All for you, baby." He whispered huskily. "Everything for you, Winter."
Maybe because of the overflowing feelings and confessions, our lips met halfway
in instant until we started catching our breaths.
I parted my lips when he asked for entrance, his tongue wandering inside my
lips. I gasped for air as I encircle my hand on his nape and pulled him closer.
His hand went down on my chest, slowly pulling my dress down, exposing my naked
chest. Nakita ko kung paano bumaba ang tingin n'ya sa dibdib ko at halos magdilim
ang kanyang berdeng mata.
"No bra?" He asked huskily, my mouth parted when his finger found my peaks and
played with it.
"T-The dress has foam so..."
"Easy access, huh?" He smirked, his lips grazed down to my jaw down the valley
of my breast.
 I heard him pull a stool and sat there infront of me to properly see my chest.
Halos mahiya ako pero ano pa't pinalaki akong palaban kaya hindi ako nagtakip.
He raised my leg on his leg, straddling him, I saw him licked his lower lip and
cupped both of my breast as he played with my peaks.
"W-War..." Hinahapo kong bulong.
He licked his lower lip, a moan escaped my lip when he suddenly lowered his
head, claiming my breast and lapping my peaks.
"Hmm," I hummed, caressing his hair. I felt his tongue and teeth slowly
touching my part, sucking it like a child.
His hand made its way to my leg, pushing my dress up to touch my skin.
"How about you claim your point five round, baby?" He asked sensually, his
finger touching the tip of my undies.
"Point five lang?" I whispered. "May interes na, major, ilang araw nang delay."
He bursted out laughing, kissing my lips with a wide smile on his face.
"Damn, I'm so inlove with you." He chuckled deeply and licked his lips, pulling
my undies fully from my waist.
"Bale two rounds na, Warrion." I pouted.
"Alright," He chuckled, hugging my waist and carried me.
Humawak ako sa leeg n'ya at nagpakarga, nangingisi.
"Let's make it three, huh?" His eyes glistened. "Because I love you."
"Yehey!" I cheered happily.
Mabilis kaming nakarating sa kwarto n'ya, just a slight closing of the door ay
walang pagdadalawang-isip na isinandal n'ya ako roon at hinalikan.
Of course, dahil marupok na tagtuyot lang ako, bumigay ang lola n'ya. I kissed
him back, giving him an intense kiss like what he is giving me right now.
Nang tuluyan nang mahubad ang damit ko ay mabilis kong hinila ang damit n'ya
paalis. He shook his head while looking at me unbuttoning his longsleeves, ngumuso
naman ako nang mapansing pinagkakatuwaan n'ya ako.

"Warrion! Help me!" I groaned angrily.

"Alright, baby, chill!" He chuckled, helping me with his clothes, mabilis na
bumaba ang kamay ko sa slacks n'ya at hinila ang belt paalis.
He groaned a bit harshly when my hand touched his growing member, nang maibaba
ko ang pants n'ya at naiwan nalang ang boxers n'ya ay halos maghabol ako ng
hininga.
I slowly touched his male part, my hand playing on it, teasing it.
"B-Baby," Hinahapo n'yang bulong.
"Let me pleasure you," I murmured, kneeling infront of him.
"Fuck," He cursed hardly. "Baby, you...you don't have to."
"No," I murmured. "I want to,"
A large intake of breath left him the moment I pulled his boxers down, letting
his member free and like a stupid teenage girl, I was still shocked with its size.
"Ang laki talaga ni Lieutenant!" I exclaimed.
"Stop naming that," Natawa na si Warrion kaya nag-angat ako ng tingin sa kanya.
"I like it," I winked and touched it with my hands.
"Sinong pipiliin mo, ako o 'yang lieutenant?" Aniya kaya natigil ako at
nagtatakang napatingin sa kanya.
"Huh?"
Ngumuso s'ya at kumunot ang noo.
"You said you like it," Aniya. "So, ano, 'yan na ang pipiliin mo?"
Napatawa ako ng malakas sa kanya at pinalo ang pwet n'ya kaya napasinghap s'ya.
"Winter!"
"Ano ka ba! This is a part of you! Of course!"
"Sino nga kasi? Choose one, Winter Andromeda. Major o Lieutenant?" Hinanakit pa
n'ya roon.
"Hmm..." Nag-isip pa ako roon kaya umawang ang labi n'ya sa akin at napailing.
"At nag-isip pa!" He exclaimed.
 Tumawa ako ng malakas at kinurot ang pisngi ng pwet n'ya kaya napasinghap
nanaman s'ya.
"Winter! Stop touching my ass!" He groaned angrily like a kid.
"Wala akong pinipili!" I murmured. "I realized that sa lahat, mas una pala
akong nainlove sa matambok mong pwet--"
"You woman..." Napatili ako nang i-angat n'ya ako at binuhat, marahas na hinawi
ang gamit sa may salamin roon at pinaupo ako.
My mouth parted when he suddenly kneeled infront of me and placed my leg on his
shoulder.
"War..."
"No touching the Lieutenant, I'm gonna eat you instead."
"Warrion!" I exclaimed but he just smirked darkly, pushing my lower body closer
to his face and licked my sensitive part.
I almost convulsed with a slight movement of his thumb on my bud, his tongue
moving up and down.
"Hmmm..." I gasped, pushing his head closer to my part and groaning sensually.

"Moan for me," He whispered and moved his tongue. "Moan for me, baby."
And I did, hindi ako napaayos ng upo nang maramdaman ang daliri n'ya. He
inserted a single digit inside of me, moving it slowly at first.
"F-Faster, War!" I groaned. "Faster, baby! Faster!"
He then moved his fingers in and out, faster this time. I gasped for air,
pushing his face on my part more and moved my waist.

His breathing is now fast and uneven, just a few more

stroke of his hand and I suddenly felt something forming inside my stomach.
"W-War, I think..."
"Come for me, baby." He breathe.
His pace fasten, napahawak ako sa kanyang balikat ng mahigpit nang may kung ano
sa sikmura ko.
He inserted another digit, two or more strokes and I convulsed.
Nanghina ako, napasandal ako sa salamin na naroon sa likuran at napasinghap sa
galaw ni Warrion. He licked every bit of my juices, cleaning my part with his lips
and tongue.

Nang matapos s'ya ay tumayo s'ya at tinitigan ko s'ya gamit ang mapungay na mga
mata. I stopped when he licked his fingers with my juices and stared sensually at
me.
I licked my lower lip and stared at him back.
"Sweet..." He murmured and smirked at my reaction.
"I'm shy." I murmured when I felt my cheeks flushing, natawa s'ya at marahang
hinaplos ang labi ko.
"Open your mouth," He said and I did. He let me taste his fingers where I can
taste my juices.
I sucked it, licking it while staring at his dark green eyes.
"Sweet?" He asked, cupping my breast.
"Uh-hmm," I nodded and he slowly removed his finger. Our eyes met, marahang
niyakap ko s'yq at humalik sa kanyang panga.
"Take me, War."
"Gladly," He chuckled, caressing my cheek.
He slowly lifted me off the the table, shifting my position until I faced the
mirror in front.
In there, I saw my naked body and saw him behind me. He placed my hair on my
shoulder, his lips found its way on my back.
I felt his hand on my waist, slowly bending me on the table.
"I'll take you from the back," He whispere laguidly.
I gulped, ang nag-iinit na pisngi at mas lalong namula. My stomach started
crumbling and our eyes met in the mirror, a loud moan left my lips when I felt him
entering me fully, his hand on my waist.
"W-War..." I sighed and gasped for air.
"Hmm?" He hummed and slowly move. "You like it?"
"Yes..." I breathe and fisted my palm. "I like it."
I heard him groaned a bit, lowering his body to kiss my nape and started moving
gently then roughly behind me.
"What was the scariest thing that's ever happened to you, War?" I asked,
looking at him.
I saw him staring at the ceiling of his room, his hands running back and forth
on my arm, caressing it slowly.
"It's losing you," He said non-chalantly, shifting his gaze at me.
"I remembered not seeing you again after our training, akala ko nasa loob lang
kayo ng kampo ni Summer but when its been hours and I still can't see you both, I
panicked."
"How did you find out where we are?" I asked, gently lifting my head on his arm
and placed my hand on his chest, slowly playing with the thin hairs on it and his
dog tag.
"I saw your handkerchief," Aniya. "Nilibot ko ang buong lugar hanggang sa
makita ko ang panyo mo, doon na ako nakaramdam ng takot so, even without my
superiors permission, sumugod ako sa kuta ng mga rebelde."
I bit my lip and touched his skin more.
"I'm sorry, War. I was then too careless, nakita ko kasing inaabuso ang isang
babae so, I thought I could help and my sister followed me there. Nadukot kaming
dalawa and they separate us. They left my sister outside and then they jailed me in
a dark room." Ipinikit ko ang mata habang inaalala.

"I saw nothing but darkness, War. I was so scared, para

akong mawawala sa sarili, sobrang tahimik."
"That's where you got your phobia of the darkness," He sighed and kissed my
head.
"Hmm," I nodded sadly. "Tapos my sister came inside, panicking, turns out
nakuha n'ya ang susi, she was beated and looks..." Suminghap ako nang maalala at
mas humigpit ang yakap sa akin ni Warrion at hinalikan ang noo ko.
"It's alright, baby. I'm just here." He whispered.
"T-Tinulungan n'ya akong makalabas, War. Tatakas na sana kami but...they caught
us and shot my sister right infront of my eyes. S-Sabi ko, War, hihingi ako ng
tulong, pinipilit ko s'yang tulungan pero pinagpipilitan n'yang kailangan kong
umalis at makatakas. She said, I have to be free, dapat ay hindi raw ako masaktan."
I was uneasy this time, nangilid ang luha ko at mas kumawala pa iyon nang
mabilis na umupo si Warrion sa kama at marahang iniangat ako pasandal sa kanyang
dibdib at niyakap ako at nakinig lang sa akin.
"G-Gusto ko s'yang tulungan, War...kaso nahuli ako. Hindi ko natulungan ang Ate
ko, ang kakampi ko. Para ko s'yang pinabayaan, h-hindi ko 'yun matanggap kaagad."
Hindi s'ya nagsalita, he listened to me, he listened to my pain, to my
suffering. Hinaplos n'ya ang likuran ko ay hinayaan akong umiyak sa kanyang dibdib.
"I-Iniisip ko na naging pabaya ako sa kanya, na hinayaan ko s-s'yang mawala." I
sobbed.
"Listen to me, baby." He said, slowly moving his face so he can cupped my cheek
and talk to me eye to eye.
"Hindi mo kasalanan,"
"I-I came to realized that... H-Hindi ko ito ginusto, walang sino man ang may
gustong ganito ang mangyari pero nalulungkot ako t'wing naiisip na may magagawa ako
pero hindi ko nagawa."
"Mahal ka ng kapatid mo kaya ka n'ya iniligtas, diba, sinabi ko na 'yan sa'yo?
Kahit ako, Winter, gagawin ko lahat, kahit buhay ko pa ang kapalit mailigtas ka
lang." He whispered.
 "D-Don't say that!" Pinalo ko ang dibdib n'ya. "No one's gonna die again for
me!"
"You can't stop me," Hinuli n'ya ang kamay ko. "You can never know the capacity
of someone's love, kahit buhay ang kapalit para sa pagmamahal."
Tinuyo n'ya ang luha ko at tinitigan ako.
"I used to blame myself too, baby, you know that. I keep on blaming myself,
sabi ko, paano kung naging mas maaga ako? Edi sana nailigtas ko kayo."
"I thought of that every second, kung bakit hindi nalang ako ang nasaktan? Kung
bakit kayo pa? Na sana ako nalang ang nawala at hindi ang kapatid mo."
"W-Warrion!" I shook my head harshly and a tear escaped again from my eye. "D-
Don't say that!"
"I used to think that, baby. Sising-sisi ako, na nahuli ako at naging mahina.
Galit na galit ako sa sarili ko kasi na-trauma ka at nagkasakit, na nawala ang
kapatid mo. If it isn't for me, hindi kayo pupunta sa Mindanao."
"It's my fault, I was foolish..." I whispered. "Ako ang magpumilit na sundan
ka, Warrion. I was selfish, iniisip ko lang ang sarili ko."
"Kung alam ko lang edi sana hindi nalang ako pumunta roon," He said, staring at
me. "But what can we do? It already happened."
I nodded a bit and sighed.
"Ang sabi ko sa sarili ko, aalagaan kita, na pupunan ko lahat ng pagkukulang
kong bantayan ka but...when you forgot about me? Everything just vanished."
Nakita ko ang pagkintab ng mata n'ya at ang pagpikit n'ya.
"I was waiting for you to be released from the hospital, I waited for you and
tried talking to you but you just walked pass me like a stranger. Sinubukan kitang
kausapin but you...you said you don't know me."
Marahas kong pinunasan ang luha ko nang makita ko ang luha sa pisngi n'ya.
"I...I found out that your trauma caused you to forget memories you never want
to remember. I found out that you forgot all your bad memories. Then you..." He
licked his lip and his tears fell more.
"You forgot about me because I was a bad memory to you." His voice broke.
"W-War..." Nanginig ang boses ko.
"So, I told myself, bakit pa ako magpapakitang ulit sa'yo kung masamang ala-ala
lang ako?"
"War," Umayos ako ng upo at sinapo ang pisngi n'ya. "You are never a bad memory
to me."
"I-I'm not?" He asked in a soft voice, his green eyes glistening with tears.
"You're not," I murmured. "Hindi, Warrion. Maybe I was dumb back then, I blamed
you for the things you have no control. Ginawa mo ang lahat para iligtas kami ni
Ate, biktima lang tayo ng masamang pagkakataon. You did your best, baby. That's
enough for me."
Tumango s'ya at pumikit, hinayaan akong haplusin ang kanyang pisngi.
"You're the best man for me, War." I caressed his cheek. "You're the best
boyfriend, the best bodyguard, lover and irrigation ko."
Bigla s'yang napatawa habang umiiyak pa kaya napangisi na ako at niyakap ang
kanyang leeg.
"Mga hirit mo talaga, Almedarez." He groaned.
"Pinapatawa lang kita," I murmured and hugged him more. Niyakap n'ya rin ako ng
mahigpit at sumiksik sa balikat ko.
He sighed as if a heavy thing was lifted off his chest, mas niyakap n'ya ako ng
mahigpit at paulit-ulit na hinalikan ang ulo ko.
"Mahal na mahal kita," He whispered.
My heart skipped a bit, nakangiting humalik sa pisngi n'ya at tumango.
"I love you so much too, War. Mas sobra pa sa lieutenant at pwet mo." I
whispered.
Natawa s'ya at hinaplos ang likuran ko bago may kung anong kinuha kung saan.
"Baby?" He called a minute after.
"Hmm?" I hummed and rested my face on his neck. Inabot n'ya ang kamay ko at may
inilagay sa palad ko kaya kumunot ang noo ko at iniangat ang kamay para tingnan ang
ibinigay n'ya.
 "Marry me." He whispered.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Kabanata 30

This is the last chapter!

I'm a bit emotional because finally, ito nanaman tayo. Endings are the hardest
goodbye but it is always the start of something new. I hope you learned and enjoyed
Winter and Warrion's story! See you in the fourth installment!
xxx
Kabanata 30
"Piglet! Come here, baby! Eat!" I clapped my hands and grinned when I saw my
cat boredly walking towards my direction.
Ginalaw ko ang kainan at napangisi nang lumapit s'ya sa akin patungo sa kanyang
pagkain.
She purred, I chuckled and touched her skin.
"How are you my bitchy piglet? Hindi ka na masyadong nakikita ni Mommy." I
talked to her. "Sorry, baby. Mommy's kinda busy these days, nag-start na ako ng
shooting for my newest brand, busy rin ako sa charity events."
She purred again, leaving her food and walked around me, rubbing her head on my
leg.
I smiled, naupo ako sa lapag at hinaplos ang ulo n'ya.
"You missed me that much, huh?" I chuckled.
She purred again, mas lumaki ang ngiti ko nang talunin n'ya ang hita ko at
naupo roon.
I placed my fingers below her mouth, caressing it. Nang pumikit s'ya at
hinayaan ako sa ginagawa ay mas gumaan ang loob ko.
"Lilipat na tayo ng bahay, piglet. Our condo unit is good for now, pwede na
tayo bumalik roon."
"Nasaan ang tuyot kong kaibigan, Ate Linda?" My eyes widen, kaagad na umalis si
Piglet sa hita ko para muling kumain kaya tumayo ako para hanapin ang kaibigan.
"Nasa kusina, Ma'am!" Ate Linda answered.
Naglakad ako palabas at nang magtagpo ang mata namin ni Macarena at sabay
kaming napasigaw.
"Macarena!" I screamed.
"Tuyot!" She screamed back.
Nagtakbuhan kami at napahiyaw nang magyakap at sabay-sabay pang tumalon.
"Oh my God! Winter, I missed you!" She exclaimed.
"I missed you too!" I exclaimed. "Ang tagal mong nawala!"
Halos magwala na kami at sabay na natawa nang matanto ang aming ginagawa.
Naghiwalay kami, halos magsabunutan sa sobrang pagka-miss sa isa't-isa.
"Ang tagal mong nawala! Baklang 'to!" I screamed.
"Ikaw din!" I smacked her arm.
"Ano? Kumusta na?"
"Ito, maganda pa rin!" I flipped my hair.
"At ano, tuyot pa rin?" She teased. I eyed her maliciously and I saw her mouth
parted.
"You mean..."
"Nadiligan na ang Sahara desert!" I exclaimed. Sabay kaming nagsigawan, halos
sabunutan n'ya ako at tawa ako ng tawa.
"Baklang 'to!" She still looks shocked. "Ano, sino ang salarin?"
I licked my lip, ibinaba ang bibig para bumulong sa kanya.
"Si Major ko." I whispered.
Her mouth parted again, shaking her head.
"No...way!"
"Yes way!" Kumembot ako.
 "Nahanap mo na?! Bati na kayo?!" She asked me, curious.
I grinned, lifted my hand and showed her my ring at napatakip s'ya ng bibig sa
gulat.
"You're engaged?!" She exclaimed.

Tumango ako at sabay nanaman kaming nagsigawan at

nagyakapan.
"May news din ako!" Lumayo s'ya sa akin at ipinakita rin ang singsing n'ya at
nagsisilipan na ang mga tao sa bahay sa ingay namin.
"Twinning!" We both exclaimed and bumped our fists happily.
"Congrats, mga Ma'am!" Ate Linda smiled happily at us.
"Salamat, Ate Linda!" Ani Macarena nakangisi.
"Thank you, Ate!" Kindat ko kay Ate Linda at humagikhik s'ya at pabiro akong
pinalo.
"Naku, Ma'am Winter! Worth it ang pagka-kerengkeng natin!" Aniya at nag-apir at
nagtawanan.
Macarena and I started catching up a lot of things, ilang buwan ring nawala ang
bruha dahil sa pag-alis n'ya. Turns out, they had a tour with his boyfriend.
"Ang lakas ng charisma mo, huh, Winter? Akalain mo 'yun, nadaan mo sa pakindat
'yung sundalong 'yun! E, mas malamig pa sa yelo 'yun!"
"Ako pa ba?" I chuckled.
"Ma'am, may bisita po kayo?" Sabay kaming napalingon kay Ate Linda nang
dumungaw s'ya mula sa living room.
I stood, saglit na iniwan si Macarena at sumama kay Ate Linda.
"Nasaan, Ate?" I asked.
"Ay, Ma'am, nasa labas pa po." Aniya at tumango ako.
Bakit hindi pa pumasok si War? He told me he'll come and fetch me today.
I fixed my hair and the dress I am wearing, marahan ako at malaki ang ngiti na
pumunta sa gate para salubungin ang boyfriend ko.
I went out but my smile faded when I saw who was it.
"Max?"
"Winter," He smiled.
Napakurap ako at umayos ng tayo.
"What brought you here?" I asked curiously.
"Uhm, I just want to talk to you about what happened the last time the last
time we talked." He started.
Hindi ako umimik at tumingin lang sa kanya.
"I'm sorry..." Nagitla ako nang kunin n'ya ang kamay ko at hawakan. "Matagal ko
nang gustong kausapin ka pero hindi ako makalapit sa'yo."
I sighed and slowly pulled my hand pero hindi n'ya iyon pinakawalan.
"Win..." He murmured.
I was about to speak when I saw a red car parked infront of our mansion.
Napatitig ako roon at natulos nang makita kong lumabas ang seryosong si Warrion.
He took off his shades and stared at us, irritated. Nakita ko pa ang hawak
n'yang pumpon ng rosas.
Nang maglakad s'ya palapit ay mabilis kong nahatak ang kamay ko mula kay Max at
umatras.
"Win..." He sighed. "Let's talk, please."
Nang gusto muli akong hawakan ni Max ay umiling ako at inilayo ang kamay ko.
"Don't touch me," I murmured. He froze.
Nakita kong nasa mukha na ni Warrion ang gustong pagsugod pero mabilis akong
umiling sa kanya at nagsalita.
"I'm fine, baby." I said.
Natigilan si Max, nakita ko ang paglingon n'ya sa seryoso at walang emosyon na
si Warrion kaya bumuntong-hininga ako at lumapit kay War.
He looked stiff and annoyed, kita ko ang pagkuyom ng kamay n'ya habang malamig
ang tingin kay Max kaya nang makalapit ay inabot ko ang kamay n'ya at marahang
hinaplos.

"I'm fine, it's alright." Masuyong sabi ko at tumingkayad

para halikan ang panga n'ya.
That calmed him, I saw how he shifted his gaze at me, intertwining our fingers
kaya malambing akong ngumiti sa kanya.
"I'm fine, War. Mag-uusap lang kami." I said.
Nagdadalawang-isip pa rin s'ya at narinig ko ang boses ni Max.
"I just want to talk," Ani Max at nakita ko ang halong selos at lungkot sa mata
n'ya. "I...won't hurt her, I won't do any things to harm her. I promise."
I saw his jaw clenched, mula kay Max ay bumaba ang tingin n'ya sa akin kaya
tumango ako at ngumiti.
"I'll be alright, I promise. D'yan lang kami sa garden." I murmured.
He closed his eyes tightly and sighed, staring at me with his concerned eyes.
"Just...talk somewhere where I can see you." He murmured.
I smiled and nodded and he kissed my forehead.
We entered the garden and talked, it was all fine at first until I noticed
Warrion inside the house pero sa halip na nanunuod ng TV sa living room ay
nakasilip s'ya sa salamin na parang batang nag-aantay ng Mama.
I almost laughed at his look.
"I just did that because I love you," Nawala ang atensyon ko kay Warrion at
napabaling kay Max na nagsasalita sa harapan ko.
"I understand, Max." I murmured. "People tend to do thing for love."
"When I investigated and found out about Warrion from your forgotten
past...'nung nalaman ko kung paanong napunta kayo sa Mindanao ni Summer na dahil sa
kanya. I thought it would be a nice riddance." He murmured.
"Nung nalaman kong isa s'ya sa masasakit mong ala-ala, I...I thought you'd
forget about him. Na lalayuan mo na s'ya at ako ang pipiliin mo." Nagbaba s'ya ng
ulo kaya napabuntong-hininga ako at pinagmasdan s'ya.
"We can't choose who to love, Max." I said.
"And I can't stop my heart from loving you, Winter." He said, stopping me.
"Max, you know how much I love him." I said.
"I love you, Winter." He said, staring at my eyes. "I can trade anything for
you, I've never love someone this much."
Napasulyap akong muli sa bahay at nakitang seryoso si War na nakatingin,
mukhang kuryoso. His forehead's creased.
Nakita kong ngayon ay katabi na n'ya si Macarena na nakikiusyoso rin, pilit na
nakikinig.
I saw her said something to him and grinned. Napatingin naman sa kanya si War
at napanguso.
Uminom ako ng juice.
I saw Macarena laughing, nang simangutan s'ya ng supladong Alcantara ay
humagalpak pa ang kaibigan ko at halos mabuga ko ang iniinom nang batukan ni
Macarena ang boyfriend ko na napahawak sa batok at sinamaan s'ya ng tingin.
"You must be really inlove," Max said.
"Hmm?" Gulat akong napasulyap sa kanya.
"Your smile looks so genuine, you never smiled at me like that." He said
bitterly.
Doon ko lang natantong nakangiti ako kaya tumikhim ako at umayos ng upo.
"I'm sorry, Max." I murmured. "Maybe we really aren't meant for each other."
"I know," Hinawi n'ya ang buhok n'ya at muling ngumiti kahit pilit.
"I'm sorry again, Winter. For all the troubles I caused, I am sorry." He
murmured.

"I'm sorry too," Bulong ko sa hangin.

 "You don't have to," He smiled. "We really can't force feelings."
He stood, napatayo ako roon at ngumiti nang ilahad n'ya ang kamay sa akin.
"It'll be a long process but I will try to move on." He said, offering his
hand.
I nodded and accepted his hand.
He held my hand tightly and sighed.
"Can...Can I hug you?" Nagtatanyang sabi n'ya.
"Of course," I said softly. He smiled, marahan akong hinila payakap at nang
magdikit ay iniangat ko ang braso ko at iniyakap sa kanyang likod.
I saw Warrion from his place staring at us, mukhang gustong lumabas kung hindi
lang pinigilan ni Macarena.
Our eyes met, I smiled at him and raised my hand, giving him a thumbs-up,
showing him I'm alright.
Nang bahagyang lumayo si Max ay tumikhim ako at sumulyap sa kanya.
"I'm so sorry again, Win." He smiled sadly. "Mauuna na ako."
I nodded and smiled a bit at him.
"Ihahatid na kita," I murmured.
He nodded, nauna akong maglakad at tahimik s'yang sumunod sa akin hanggang sa
makarating na kami sa gate.
"So...I gotta go?" He smiled.
"Take care, Max." I said softly.
He nodded again and looked at me before speaking. "I love you, Win."
I sighed, nakita ko ang pagkabigo sa mata n'ya nang makita akong bumuntong-
hininga.
"Max..."
"I understand," He smiled sadly. "Goodbye, Winter."
Nang pumasok akong muli sa bahay ay nagtungo ako sa living room at naabutan
roon si Macarena na nakaupo at nag-aantay sa akin. Nang makita ako ay mabilis
s'yang tumayo at lumapit.
"How is it, Tuyot?" She asked. "Ansabi ni Max?"
"Where's War?" Inilibot ko ang paningin.
"Umalis," She said.
"Huh?" Napakurap ako at umayos ng upo. "Hindi ko s'ya nakita sa may gate? Saan
lumabas? Sa backdoor?"
"Hindi," She chuckled. "I mean, umalis pero hindi sa malayo, nandyan lang 'yan
sa paligid, baka nasa pool bitbit si Piglet."
I nodded and stare at her.
"Max left, sabi n'ya mahal n'ya ako...and pinaliwanag ko lang na hindi talaga
kami pwede." I said.
"It's alright, Win." She touched my arm. "Mabuti na rin na nagkausap kayo ni
Max at nasabi mo 'yun, umaasa kasi 'yung tao na may pag-asa kayo. He became too
obsessed with you."
I nodded and licked my lip.
"Sana mahanap n'ya ang para talaga sa kanya."
"He will, in time." She smiled at napasinghap ako nang bigla n'ya akong kurutin
at ngisian.
"Pero infairness, huh, tuyot! Ang yummy pa rin talaga ni Major!" She exclaimed.
Hinampas ko ang braso n'ya.
"Hoy! Anong sinabi mo kay Warrion? I saw you, Macarena! Ininis mo ang baby ko!"
I smacked her arm.
Humagalpak naman s'ya at pumalakpak.
"Oh, I still remember it!" She chuckled.
"Anong sinabi mo?" Giit ko dahil hindi maganda ang kutob ko sa ginawa ng
babaeng 'to.

"Wala naman," She said in a singing tone. "Tinanong ko lang

kung nahirapan ba s'yang magdilig ng tuyot na Sahara dessert?"
 My eyes widen at mas humagalpak s'ya.
"Macarena!" I exclaimed. "That was supposed to be a secret!"
"Ay, secret ba?" She grinned teasingly. "Sorry, it slipped."
Pinalo-palo ko s'ya habang humahagalpak ng tawa sa akin.
"Macarena! You bitch! Mahihiya 'yun kasi pinagkalat ko sa'yo!"
"Bakit mahihiya?" Tawa n'ya. "Hindi nga mukhang nahihiya! Mukha pa s'yang
tuwang-tuwa nang maalala pero sinisimangutan lang ako para hindi halata!"
"Talaga?" I grinned. "Proud s'ya?"
"Halata nga! Kunwari lang 'yun naiinis sa akin pero kita kong iba
nararamdaman!"
"Bakit mo kasi tinanong?" Kinurot ko s'ya kaya hinampas n'ya ako.
"Because I was curious! Ang sungit-sungit at seryoso kasi pero feel ko na
bratatat sa kama!"
"Paano mo nalaman?" My eyes widen.
"Weh? So palaban nga?" She exclaimed at halos masakal ko s'ya sa sobrang
garapal ng bibig.
Saglit kong iniwan si Macarena para hanapin si Warrion at naabutan s'ya sa pool
kasama si Piglet.
I smiled a bit and walked.
He was sitting on the edge of the pool with my cat, napanguso naman ako nang
makita si Piglet na nakasiksik at naglalambing sa leeg ni Warrion.
Hoy, hala, Piglet! Akin 'yan si Warrion!
"Is it bad to be jealous?" I froze when I heard War spoke.
My cat purred, lumayo sa leeg ni War at naupo sa hita nito.
"I know she loves me and she's mine but I still get jealous with other boys
around her. Nakakatakot na kahit anong oras baka kunin nila si Winter sa akin."
"Magpapakuha ba ako?" I asked.
I saw Warrion froze, nakita kong tumalon si Piglet mula sa hita n'ya at
naglakad palapit sa akin kaya ngumiti ako at binuhat ito.
I walked towards War's direction and sat beside him, kissing his cheek.
"Hahayaan mo bang makuha ako?" I whispered.
I saw him stared at me.
"Never," His jaw clenched.
I smiled and nodded at him.
"I knew it," I shrugged. "Warrion's gonna take care of me forever."
Hindi s'ya umimik, napangiti ako ng matamis nang yakapin n'ya ang baywang ko at
isiniksik ang ulo sa leeg ko.
"Mahal na mahal kita," Bulong n'ya at mas niyakap ako.
I don't know how Warrion convinved my parents to let me stay with him before we
go to the lost island.
Nagulat nalang ako nang matapos kaming kumain sa labas sa gabing iyon ay
tinulungan n'ya ako sa pag-aayos ng mga damit na dadalhin ko.
Of course, I brought a swimsuit. Nakita kong nakanguso sa akin si Warrion
habang nag-aayos ako ng swimsuit pero nginisihan ko lang s'ya at kinindatan.
We stayed the night at Casa Amara, kahapon rin ay nakasabay naming maghapunan
sina Cas at ang pamilya n'ya.
We are supposed to leave to the island at twelve noon at paggising ko
kinabukasan ay wala na si Warrion sa tabi ko.

I yawned, nagmulat at nagtaka nang may sticky note na

nakadikit sa noo ko.
Natawa ako nang matantong gawain nanaman iyon ni Warrion.
Umupo ako sa kama at sumulyap sa nakasulat sa note.
Baby, I left early to meet some investor. I'm at the pool. I cooked your
breakfast at the dining.
I love you.
I bit my lip, kaagad na tumayo sa kama at umunat, bumagsak ang shirt ni Warrion
na suot ko hanggang hita.
I walked dowstairs to check the dining and saw the breakfast he made for me. I
smiled as I sit on the stool and opened the food.
The smell of still hot bacons and hotdogs invaded my nose. Hinawakan ko ang
baso ng gatas na naroon sa tabi ng plato at napatango nang mainit pa ito.
Kakaalis lang siguro ni War.
Pagkatapos kumain ay kaagad akong naligo at nagbihis bago sinuot ang swimsuit,
I'm gonna take a dip, it's been a while since I last played with the water.
I wore a see-through cover-up and wore dark shades and a big bowknot straw hat
to complete my outfit.
"Hi, excuse me, can I ask where the infinity pool is?" I asked the
receptionist.
"That way, Ma'am. Turn left, diretso lang po." I nodded and said my thanks
before leaving and go to the direction she told me.
Pagkalabas ko palang sa parteng iyon ng Casa ay umawang ang labi ko sa tuwa.
It was great! There are a few coconut trees around, ang infinity pool ay
napakalinis, I saw a few guests here. May mga sun lounge rin sa gilid at bar kung
saan pwedeng mag-order ng drinks ang guest.
I can see from my place how the pool was connected to the clear, blue ocean.
I almost grin in excitement as I made my way to the sun lounge in the middle
part of the large place.
Mula sa pwesto ko ay may mga upuan rin at lamesa sa kabilang side ng pool, may
mga payong itong tabon sa parteng itaas. People can eat there, have a meeting or
such.
Mas lumalaki ang Casa Amara, hmm?
"Ma'am, orange juice?" An attendant offered a drink.
"Yes, please." I smiled. He nodded and gave me the drink. "Thanks."
"No worries, Ma'am, if you need anything, you can approach us po."
I nodded.
"Can I know what your room number is, Ma'am? Nagme-maintain po kasi kami ng
records para sa mga guest every facilities for security purposes."
"Room 2095, presidential suite." I answered.
Nakita kong umawang ang labi n'ya at napatango.
"In any case, Ma'am, are you Winter Almedarez?"
Tumango ako at tinanggal and shades ko.
"Yes, bakit?"
"Nothing, Ma'am. Kayo po 'yung girlfriend ni Sir Warrion." Aniya.
Gulat akong napatango at ngumiti. "How did you know?"
"Nasabi po kasi sa amin ng management, para po if in case na may kailangan
kayo, maasikaso namin kaagad. We have the same rule with Ma'am Polaris and Ma'am
Zirena."
Lumaki ang ngiti ko at napatango.
"Thank you," I said.
"No problem, Ma'am." He said and left.

I was amazed at that, kinagat ko ang hawakan ng shades ko

at napatango-tango.
Sosyal naman pala, Winter! Parang first lady ang peg!
Inaliw ko ang sarili ko sa pagkuha ng selfie at pagsimsim ng juice, hinubad ko
ang cover up at sumandal sa lounge habang pinagmamasdan ang pool na nang-aakit.
Should I swim na? Or later na?
Natigilan ako sa pagsulyap sa paligid nang makita ang mga kararating na tao.
My forehead creased when I saw Warrion on his white long sleeves dress shirt
with his three buttons opened and denim shorts, sa likuran n'ya ang isang medyo may
edad na lalaking nakaboardshorts at floral polo at isang babaeng petite. She was
wearing a red bikini and wearing a round sunglasses.
Anak siguro ng matanda?
 Tahimik lang akong nagmasid.
I saw Warrion sat on a chair sa kabilang parte ng pool kung nasaan ang mga
lamesa. The old man sat infront of me, ito ata ang investor na sinasabi n'ya?
Ayos na sana pero napangiwi lang ako ng biglang tumabi ang babaeng nakapulang
bikini kay Warrion.
I saw my boyfriend's forehead creased, nakita kong wala s'yang sinabi at
humarap sa matanda para makipag-usap.
They talked casually, wala na sanang problema kung hindi lang biglang nagsalita
ang babaeng nakared at biglang tinawag ang atensyon ng boyfriend ko.
Napabaling si War roon, she said something funny dahil natawa ang matanda at
nakita kong umangat ang sulok ng labi ni War.
War said something to her, nakita kong pinalo ng babae ang braso ng boyfriend
ko at pasimpleng humaplos.
"What?" I hissed.
Mabilis akong tumayo, sumimsim ng juice at nagmartsa sa gilid ng pool.
I saw how some guests shifted their attention at me. I saw some men looking at
my direction, staring at my body from my feet up my face.
Perverts!
I smirked, tinanggal ang shades at hat at inilagay sa gilid ng pool at walanh
pagdadalawang-isip na lumubog sa pool.
I almost shivered when the cold water touched my skin, napansin na ako ng mga
bisita pero si Warrion ay hindi!
Nakikipag-usap lang s'ya sa matanda at ang babaeng nakapula ay kinukuha nanaman
ang atensyon n'ya.
I swam and towards the other side of the pool, nang makarating ako sa parteng
nasaan sina Warrion ay sinuklay ko ang buhok ko at binasa ang labi ko.
I rested my arm on the edge of the pool, silently staring at my boyfriend who
was talking to the man.
Huh, hindi mo ako napapansin, huh?
"We also have branches all over the Philippines, this is the main yet we have a
big branch in Manila near the airport."
"That's great!" The old man grinned. "You and your brother can handle your
business really well and it's expanding a lot! Ang sabi ko nga rito kay Ehra, na
bagay kayo. Well, Caspian has a family and I assumed you're single?"
Kumuyom ang kamay ko roon.
"Oo nga, Adelram." The woman giggled. "Bagay rin sa'yo ang pangalan mo, noong
una ayaw ko talagang maniwala sa mga sinasabi ni Dad but when I saw you earlier, I
admire the way you talk and you seems serious and I admit, I like you."
As if papansinin ka ni Warrion!
"Thank you but I think we should be talking about business." Warrion said
seriously.

"Don't be too serious, Warrion!" The old man laughed. "Come

on, loosen up a bit. You're single, right? I think my daughter and you would make a
great couple."
"I'm not interested, Mr. Roces." He said. "I am getting married."
"Oh!" Kita kong nagulat ito.
"Getting married palang naman, marami pang pwedeng mangyari." The lady said and
smiled seductively at my boyfriend.
Aba! Aba!
"Sorry, Miss, but I am inlove with my girlfriend. Nothing can ever change my
mind. Don't worry, I'll invite you on our wedding." He said coldly.
Napapalo ako sa tubig sa tuwa.
"That's my Major!" I exclaimed.
Natigil ako nang mapalakas ang boses ko, nakita kong napasulyap sa akin ang
matanda at 'yung Ehra. Nanlaki pa ang mata ko nang biglang napabaling sa direksyon
ko si Warrion.
 "Uh...hi?" I said awkwardly when War's lips protruded and shook his head at me.
"Hi, Miss." Mula sa pwesto ni Warrion ay napabaling ako nang may isang gwapong
lalaki ang biglang humarang sa paningin ko mula kina War.
Nagtatakang napasulyap ako nang dumukwang ang lalaki at napakurap ako.
"Uh, sorry to bother you but kanina pa kasi tinitignan mula roon." Tinuro n'ya
ang sun lounge kung nasaan ako nakaupo kanina.
"Ah, ganun ba?" I said and chuckled awkwardly.
Yari ako sa major ko!
"Yes and uhm, I told myself I shoudn't waste a chance to meet you. I'm Bryan,
by the way." He offered his hand.
Tinanggap ko iyon at tumikhim at ipinakita ang singsing ko.
"Uh, I'm--"
"She's busy," Sabay kaming napatingin kay Warrion na naglakad palapit sa amin.
He looks seriously annoyed and cold, ang berdeng mata ay halos nagpanginig sa
akin sa kilig.
Akin 'yan! Para sa akin lang ang matang 'yan!
Nakita kong tumayo ang Bryan at inangasan kaagad ang boyfriend ko.
"Anong problema mo? I was just talking to her."
Wrong move, dude!
As expected, hindi umimik ang boyfriend ko at malamig lang na tumingin sa
Bryan. Namulsa lang ito at umigting ang panga.
"Magsalita ka! Bastos ka e, kitang nakikipag-usap pa ako sa kanya." Ani nito
kay Warrion. Halos masapo ko ang noo.
Naku, kapag ikaw sinuntok n'yan! Basag 'yang ilong mo!
"I'm her husband," Three words for Warrion and I am gasping for air.
Nakita ko kung paano nagulat 'yung Bryan, miski ang matanda at 'yung Ehra ay
gulat rin sa narinig.
"Ikaw? Asawa n'ya?" Bryan then laughed mockingly. "E, hindi naman kayo bagay.
No offense meant, bro, but she deserves someone more pleasing than you."
"Excuse me?" Nagsalita na ako roon, mabilis na umahon ako sa pool at naupo sa
edge, nang tumayo ako ay mabilis na inabot ni Warrion ang kamay ko at inalalayan
ako patayo.
"I'm sorry, Sir but I think you don't have the right to belittle my husband." I
said, I saw Warrion's wall faded.
"Sorry din, Miss pero totoo naman. I think I am more pleasing than that man.
He's too stiff for you, Miss."
"You don't know him, Sir." I said. "But Warrion is far more better than any
other man I know."
Nakita kong nangiti si Warrion, nang lingunin ko s'ya ay tumikhim s'ya at pilit
na nagseryoso pero halata pa rin.

"Sino ka ba?" He asked Warrion. "I am a Castillo, we owned

chains of gasoline stations here!"
Warrion scoffed and smirked, staring at the man mockingly.
"Warrion Adelram Alcantara." He said.
I saw Bryan froze, miski ako ay halos mapapalakpak sa ginawa ni War.
"Won't say any titles I have because my surname itself would ring a bell, does
it?" Warrion licked his lip.
Bryan cleared his throat and looked away, nang talikuran n'ya kami at nagmartsa
palabas ay nakita kong napatawa ang mga tao sa paligid.
Nagkatinginan kami, nang ngisian ko si Warrion ay inirapan n'ya ako kaya tumawa
ako at niyakap ang leeg n'ya. I showered his face with kisses at nang maramdamang
niyakap n'ya ang baywang ko ay napatawa ako ulit.
"You love me that much, War?"
"Tell me how can I get rid of boys around you?" He murmured, annoyed.
I shook my head and chuckled, lumayo ako sa kanya at napasulyap sa damit n'yang
nabasa ng katawan ko.
 "Ayan, basa ka na!" I pouted.
He shook his head, umawang ang labi ko nang kalasin n'ya ang dress shirt na
suot at napakurap ako. His dog tag fell on his toned chest, nang ipinasuot n'ya sa
akin ang kanyang damit ay napanguso ako.
"War... Ayaw."
"No swimsuits today, baby. I'm annoyed." He murmured and buttoned his shirt on
my body.
Ngumuso nalang ako, nang hawiin n'ya ang buhok sa mukha ko at halikan ang noo
ko ay napangiti ako. Pagkatapos ay hinila n'ya ako palapit sa mga kausap kanina.
"Mr. Roces, this is my girlfriend, Winter Almedarez."
I saw how shock registered on the man's face.
"Oh, anak ka ni Senator Almedarez?" Nang tumango ako ay napatawa s'ya at
tumango. "He's a good friend of mine!"
Nang ilahad n'ya ang kamay sa akin ay tinanggap ko iyon ng nakangiti.
"Nice meeting you, Sir."
"Nice meeting you too, hija, this is my daughter, Ehra." Aniya.
Nang napasulyap ako sa babae ay nahuli ko s'yang nakatingin sa magkahawak
naming kamay ni War.
"Ehra, say hi to Winter." Ani ni Mr. Roces.
The lady then flashed an obvious fake smile to me and spoke.
"Hi,"
"Hello," I smiled with my sweetest smile. Marahang sumandal pa kay War na
humalik sa buhok ko at pinaglaruan ang singsing sa daliri ko.
Maya-maya pa'y, hinawakan ni War ang baywang ko palapit sa kanya bago sumulyap
kay Mr. Roces.
"I think...our meeting is done by now. I assumed you have no questions?"
"Wala, wala, Warrion." The man chuckled.
"Thank you, I will leave the contract here, you can check it if you have
questions or you can email Caspian."
The old man nodded and smiled at us.
"Guess you'll be leaving by now? Magtatanghali na kasi."
"Yes, Sir." Warrion nodded and stare at the both of them. "Winter's gonna
prepare for her things so we'll leave first."
Nang tumango sila ay naglakad kami ni Warrion paalis at kinindatan ko s'ya nang
sulyapan n'ya ako.
"Don't tease me, Almedarez." He groaned.

"I love you," I chuckled and kissed his cheek. "Can I wear
my white swimsuit later?"
"No swimsuits, Winter." Ngiwi n'ya. Napanguso ako at kumapit sa braso n'ya.
"Pretty please, baby?"
"No..." He said and I saw women looking at him and his body.
"Kahit payagan kitang may session sa yate?" I teased.
I saw him froze and looked at me darkly.
"Don't tease me," He groaned.
"Am I?" I pretended to be shock. "Pero ano nga, War, maybe we can stop in the
middle of the ocean and you know?"
His jaw clenched and stared at me.
"Can I have a session in our hotel room too?" He asked and raised his brow.
"Hmm, let me think." Napahawak ako sa baba ko.
"Wow, unbelievable, Winter." He shook his head.
"Okay!" I decided after a few seconds.
He grinned.
"Can we use the jacuzzi?" He asked.
"Sure, I love that." I winked and suddenly screamed when he smirked, carried me
and ran towards the elevator.
Looking at this island, it still hasn't changed. Kahit matagal na noong
bumisita ako ay nanatili pa rin ang ganda ng lugar.
I smiled, hawak ni Warrion ang kamay at ang sandals ko habang naglalakad kami
sa maputing buhangin sa isla.
The lost island, why are you lost from the start?
Pinagmasdan ko ang paa kong lumubog sa pino at maputing buhangin. The rock
formation remained, sa itaas ay kitang-kita ang mga ibong magliliparan. The trees
are way taller now, may mga bunga na rin ang mga niyog.
I saw the cottage somewhere near us, talagang alagang-alaga ang magpipinsan sa
pagme-maintain ng isla. They made sure the island will remain beautiful and
untouched.
May mga caretaker rin sa isla na tumutulong sa pagmaintain ng ganda nito.
I saw baby turtles on the way towards the shore, I watched how the ocean took
the hatchlings one by one towards their natural habitat.
"Tell me, War. What is it?" I asked War when I saw him carrying a paperbag.
"Secret, baby." He grinned. I pouted.
"Ano nga kasi? I was curious, kanina mo pa 'yan itinatago sa akin sa yate."
"Basta, just keep on walking, baby. Magdidilim na, baka mahulog tayo rito." He
smirked.
"Okay," Nguso ko at sinubukang silipan ang laman ng malaking paperbag na hawak
n'ya pero hindi s'ya pumapayag. It was shaped like a box, hindi ko makita ko
malaman man lang kung anong laman dahil inilalayo n'ya talaga sa akin.
We reached the bottom of ths clift, marahang inalalayan n'ya ako paupo sa may
gilid bago lumayo dala ang paperbag na 'yun.
"War!" I exclaimed.
"Wait, I'll put this somewhere safe, mamaya ko na sasabihin kung ano." He
screamed. I pouted and crossed my arms, bumaba nalang ang tingin ko sa bangin at
doon ay kitang-kita ko ang barko na pinaglumaan na ng panahon.
It was filled with rust, the once beautiful ship was now a home for sea
creatures.
What was its history, then? Bakit napunta roon ang barko?
I looked at the sun and realized it'll be setting soon enough. Mula sa pwesto
ay kitang-kita ko ang pagtama nito sa barko kaya nagmumukha itong ginto sa unang
tingin.

The sea is calm now pero sa parteng ito ay nabakas ko ang

kung anong lungkot at saya.
"I'm done!" Warrion said and appeared somewhere. Pinanliitan ko s'ya ng mata at
natatawang naupo s'ya sa likuran ko at marahan akong hinila palapit sa kanyang
dibdib.
"What was it? I heard a sound earlier pero hindi ko naman narinig masyado kasi
tinago mo!"
"Surprise, baby, where's the thrill if I told you what is it?" He kissed my
cheek from the back.
I chuckled mas sumandal sa kanya at pinagmasdan ang lilim na puno kung nasaan
kami.
"War?" I murmured.
"Hmm?" He hummed, his nose running up and down my cheek. Naramdaman ko rin ang
paghaplos n'ya sa aking singsing.
"I'm curious, how did you find this place?" I asked, staring at the wide,
beautiful island.
"It was supposed to be on sale with some company, balak nilang tayuan ng hotel.
Since this was a nice and an untouched place, mas naging interado sila." He said.
"We really didn't know about this island until Lucian introduced it to us."
"Lucian? How did he find this?" I asked.
"Hmm, he has a shipping company, right? And he loves to be on his yacht so he
saw this while on the middle of his around the world tour." He chuckled.
"He has a good taste, this island is really really amazing. The best one of all
the islands I've seen in my life."
"Me too," He said. "Noong una, nagdadalawang-isip kami since nabili ito ng
kompanya sa malaking halaga. We told ourselves if this is worth it, so we visited
it and it is. Hindi ko alam but there is something on this island that tempted us
to buy it twice the price from the company and take care of it."
"Well, Lucian pushed us to do it. Ewan ko sa lalaking 'yun, he persuaded us too
much to help him save the island."
"Atleast, napreseve." I smiled happily. "I can't imagine a hotel here, this
place deserves its natural look. No one should touch this island like that."
"Nagtayo lang kami ng mini-cottage para sa mga bisita at sa aming magpipinsan,
since it was a nice place, we want it to be appreciated. This place was considered
the best island here, pinapayagan namin na may nagtutungong bisita para makita rin
nila ang ganda ng isla and of course, with strict rules and happily, they are
complying with it."
"Are you allowing media here?" I asked.
"Occasionally, yes." He nodded. "To feature the beauty of the island, minsan
kapag may ramp si Nievarez, mayroon but we always make sure it'll be still the
same. Na walang makakasirang kahit ano sa ganda ng isla."
"Ang gaan ng loob ko sa isla na 'to, War." I said softly. "I am glad yet, ewan
ko, nang maupo ako sa lugar na ito 'nung dumating tayo parang medyo nalungkot ako."
"The place might be beautiful but the tale behind its beauty is...well, kinda
sad and devastating."
Gulat akong napasulyap sa kanya.
"Will I cry?" I murmured.
"I don't know," He smiled at me, his green eyes twinkling. Hinawi n'ya ang
buhok ko at humalik sa noo ko.
"Tell me," I murmured.
He sighed, he touched my cheek and nodded softly.
"Back in the days, years and years ago." He started.
"Ano 'yan, War, panahon ng jurassic park?" I asked and looked at him.
Warrion glared at me, napatawa naman ako nang pitikin n'ya ang noo ko at mas
hinila ako at isiniksik sa kanyang katawan.

"What will I do to you, huh, baby?" He whispered.

"Joke lang! Start ka na." I chuckled.
"Back in the days when king and queens rule a country, they were respected
since they are the highest in the whole nation."
I imagined Warrion as a prince and me as a princess kaya ngumisi ako.
"The king and queen had only one daughter, since they wanted to maintain power,
they made sure to marry her off the most powerful, richest and finest princes."
"Dati uso na rin ang arranged marriage?" Tumingala ako.
"Hmm, maybe." He said.
"Then, the princess named Guinevere still believed in love the she refused
marrying the prince chosen by her parents for her."
"Oh, palaban." I said. "I like her principle."
"Hmm," He smiled. "Then, noong hindi pumayag ang magulang n'ya, she escaped the
palace. When they found out that she was missing, ipinahanap s'ya sa guards, of
course they looked for her, lalo na 'nung malamang may pabuya.
"Guinvere then tried escaping until she saw the pirates, the thieves who was
stealing from the merchants near the sea. Nagalit s'ya, dahil nagnanakaw ang mga
ito sa mga nagtatrabaho."
"Of course," I murmured. "Unfair kaya!"
"Before she starts getting mad, she was seen by a guard who was looking for her
then she panicked, she ran from the guard and her only way to escape is to enter
the open ship where the pirates are. Without thinking, she entered the ship and hid
on the lower deck where the foods are stored."
"That's more scary! It's a pirate, War. Nakakatakot!" I said and looked at him.
 "Sa sobrang pagod n'ya, nakatulog s'ya and that's where the pirates saw her.
They dragged her upstairs while Guinevere and begging them to let her go. She was
crying but the pirates only brought her to the captain of the ship."
"They will kill her?!" Nanlaki ang mata ko. "She didn't do anything!"
"Yeah, they were supposed to kill her until the captain of the ship saw her and
was stunned by her beauty." He said.
Bigla akong kinilig, napaharap ako kay War at ngumisi.
"Anong itsura ng pirata? Is he cute? Handsome like a warrior?" I giggled.
Sumimangot s'ya.
"The pirate is ugly, really really ugly."
"Warrion!" I smacked his arm.
"Any pirate with the name Lucian is ugly." Reklamo n'ya at napatawa ako at
napailing sa kanya.
"Oh, Lucian is the name, that's why." Tawa ko. "But Lucian is handsome! Like a
prince!"
"Mas gwapo ako, Almedarez." He snorted. Napatawa ako at umiling.
"Sige nga, anong itsura?"
"May kulugo sa mukha." He said coldly.
Napahagalpak ako ng tawa at lumuhod para pugpugin s'ya ng halik sa mukha.
"It's not like the pirate existed until now! Atsaka, walang mas gagwapo sa'yo,
mata mo palang, War, nanginginig na ang tuhod ko."
He pouted, natawa ako at hinuli ang labi n'ya.
"Ano nga?"
"Tall, black hair and black eyes." He said.
My mouth parted and Lucian's image flashed on my mind.
"And now my asshole cousin's on your mind." He said, annoyed.

"Parang si Lucian nga," I murmured at nang simangutan n'ya

ako ay ngumisi lang ako at humalik sa panga n'ya.
"Okay, hindi na, ano na next?"
"The pirate said he'll think what to do with the princess, he told her he'll
sell her off the palace, taking her as a hostage in exchange of a large amount of
money."
"That's rude,"
"Of course it never happened since they both fell inlove," Kinurot n'ya ang
pisngi ko.
"OMG!" I exclaimed. "And? What happened?"
"The princess found out the pirates aren't that bad at all, they only steal to
those merchants who sell products in such high prices."
Napatango ako roon.
"Then, one time while the pirates are stealing to the merchants near the shore,
someone saw Guinevere with them and reported it to the palace."
"What?" I said violently.
"They sent a warning to Lucian and the pirates and since Guinevere already has
a special bond to the pirates, and she fell inlove with Lucian, she didn't want to
leave. Lucian won't let her go too, they stayed with each other and that's when the
palace became enrage and declared a war against the pirates."
Kumalabog ang puso ko roon at napakurap.
"Carrying a large battleship, large canyons and guns, they attacked the
pirates. Sinubukang makatakas nina Guinevere but their ship.was destroyed by the
large impact and fire from the canyons of the palace."
"Wala silang nagawa kung hindi ang dumaong, guns versus swords, they fought for
their life. Pilit na pinoprotektahan ng mga pirata ang prinsesa. They surrendered
their lives just to protect their princess."
Hindi na ako nakaimik at natulala.
"They can actually leave, her with Lucian but Lucian won't leave his crew like
that so he fought for them. Guinevere was begging him to just stop but he won't. He
wanted to fight for his crew and his love for the princess so, he kissed her and
went to the ocean and fight for his love.
"Together with the other pirates, nakipaglaban s'ya, kahit na parang impossible
dahil baril ang kalaban nila. Lucian sustained a lot of injuries and bullet wounds
and the princess just cried and prayed for her love and the pirates safety. When
Lucian killed the last enemy, he smiled, kahit maraming tama ng baril at sugat ay
lumapit sa kanyang prinsesa para sabihing ligtas s'ya but before he could even
reach the shore, he was shot and a bullet pierced his heart."
My tear fell, nakita ko kung paano napapikit si Warrion at hinawakan ang pisngi
ko.
"Baby," He called.
"He...died?"
Nang tumango s'ya ay parang may kung anong dumagan sa dibdib ko kaya napatungo
ako at sumiksik sa kanyang leeg.
"W-Why? Paano na 'yung prinsesa?" I whispered sadly.
Warrion then sighed and hugged me, kissing my ear.
"The guards almost caught her when she ran to the ocean and hugged Lucian's
dead body, she saw her parents with the prince she was supposed to marry. She ran
towards the side of the cliff carrying a gun she took from the guard."
"H-Here?" Lumayo ako sa kanya at napatango s'ya at tinuro sa akin ang isang
parte ng bangin kung saan may mga bulaklak na patubo. I haven't seen any flowers
here in the cliff except the part he was pointing me.
"And before she can get caught, she stood there, staring at the ocean filled
with blood where her love and the pirates died and she just feels empty."

Napatitig ako kay War at hinawi n'ya ang luha ko.

"And before they could reach her, she lifted the gun on her head and pulled the
trigger." He said sadly.
Bumigat ang puso ko, pinasandal ako sa ni Warrion sa kanyang dibdib at paulit-
ulit na hinalikan ang ulo ko.
"And...that's when the nameless sea was called sea of thieves and this island,
where the lost princess died is called the lost island."
I clutched his shirt and cried on his chest, he sighed and hugged, kissing my
head.
"Sorry, baby." He whispered. "I didn't mean to make you cry."
"It's not your fault," I whispered. "I...I just can't stop myself from thinking
bakit pa natin kailangang masaktan kung nagmamahal lang naman tayo?"
"Because pain is always there with love. Sacrifices is there with love." Bulong
n'ya.
"Winter, ang pagmamahal nagsasakripisyo." He whispered. "It's hard, yes, but
love is worth sacrificing for, lalo na kung alam mong worth it ang taong pag-
gagawan mo nito."
Ipinikit ko ang mata ko at sumiksik sa kanya.
"But you know what I realized?" He tilted head and made me look at the blooming
flowers despite the the place where it is.
"Kahit gaano man kalungkot, kahit gaano kawalang pag-asa, beautiful things
still bloom in tragic places like this because of love."
He kissed my cheek and stared at me, his green eyes blazing like fire filled
with passion and love.
"This place was blessed with the princess and pirate's love, maybe because they
didn't reached their happy endings so, everyone who visited this place can have
their own happy endings unlike them."
I smiled softly, my heart filled with love and adoration for this man who
sacrificed a lot for me. The man who was always patient of me, the man who took
care of me and love me even if I coudn't remember him.
"Baby," I whispered.
"Hmm?" He ran his fingers on my cheek.
 "Let's get married sooner," I whispered.
His eyes twinkled, I saw him hold back his tears and chuckled, kissing my
cheek.
"Okay, baby... Kailan mo gusto? I can reschedule our wedding next month. I can
do it." He said softly, his voice filled with happiness.
"Kaya ba next week?" I murmured and chuckled when his tear fell.
"R-Really?" He murmured.
"Hmm," I nodded and smiled. "Kaya?"
"Of course," He chuckled and I dried his tears and kissed his forehead. "Of
course, baby, I can do it."
He lifted my chin to give me a soft kiss on the lips before staring at my eyes
softly and spoke.
"My gift," Aniya at inalalayan ako patayo. "I'll.get it, can you cover your
eyes and wait for me?"
"Okay," I smiled and nodded.
I heard his steps, ilang minuto ang nakalipas habang niyayakap ng sariwang
hangin ang katawan ko ay narinig ko ang yapak n'ya at ang boses n'ya.
"Baby, open your eyes." I removed the hands on my eyes and slowly opened my
eyes.
Umawang ang labi ko nang makita si Warrion at ang karga n'ya.
"Surprise!" He grinned and I screamed in happiness when I saw him carrying two
small persian kittens!
"Kittens!" I exclaimed and ran towards him, nang maabot ko s'ya at mahawakan ko
ang mga kuting ay napaiyak ako at hinalik-halikan ang mga pusa.
"Thank you, War... Thank you." I whispered and cried, carrying my two new
babies.
The kittens purred, naglalambing na idinantay amg ulo sa akin kaya napatalon
ako sa tuwa roon at tinitigan si Warrion na may malambing na ngiti sa akin.
"I noticed how much you love cats and piglet is alone, so..." He licked his lip
and took a glance at the kittens on my arms.
"I love it, thank you! Thank you!" I exclaimed and cried a bit more, kissing
the head of my new kittys and ran towards my boyfriend.
He chuckled when I did that, kaagad s'yang yumakap sa akin at hinalikan ang noo
ko.
"I love you, War." I whispered.
"I love you, baby. I may not be a perfect, best man for you but I promise to
treasure you, to take care of you, to protect you and to love you with everything I
have."
I smiled happily, sa paglingon ko sa langit ay nakita ang paglubog ng araw at
ang pamamayani ng dilim pero hindi ako nakaramdaman ng kahit anong takot.
I am not scared of it anymore, my heart isn't filled with darkness anymore
because I found my saviour, my love, my light.
I am not scared of darkness anymore because I'm with the man who came to me
with a torch on his hand in the dark, guiding me to see the light again.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Wakas

Here we go again. This is the last part of this book, Heart

of Darkness. I hope you enjoyed reading this stories as much as I enjoyed writing
them. I hope you loved War's coldness and Win's darkness.
I am hoping that through this story, you can finally find forgiveness, love and
in the darkness, may you find the light.
xxx
Wakas
"MALULUSAW na 'yan kakatitig mo." Kumunot ang noo ko nang marinig ang boses ni
Kuya sa gilid ko.
I shifted my gaze at him and raised my brow.
"What?" I asked.
He chuckled, raising his wine glass and pointed somewhere.
"Sabi ko, matutunaw na 'yung babae kakatitig mo." He said.
"Who? Wala akong tinititigan." I said, raising my glass to take a sip.
"Sus!" He laughed, binangga n'ya pa ang balikat ko kaya sumimangot ako.
"Wala nga!" I exclaimed.
"E, bakit ka defensive?" Aniya.
"Am I?" I asked, annoyed. "I just don't want you teasing me around girls.
They're annoying."
"Oh?" Humagalpak s'ya ng tawa at nagtawag ng kakampi. "Hoy, Lucian, h'wag ko
raw s'yang asarin sa babae, bakla ata 'tong kapatid ko!"
"Tangina mo." Sinipa ko ang paa n'ya at nagsitawanan ang mga may saltik kong
pinsan.
Napatingin ako sa nakangising si Vioxx at bigla n'yang itinaas ang kamay n'ya.
"Alcantara number two, hindi tayo talo!" He said.
Kumuha ako ng mani at tinapon sa mukha n'ya, humagalpak naman ito ng tawa at
hinila pa si Wave para makisama doon kay Kuya at Lucian na parang may sayad.
"Sino bang bet mo, Warrion? Gwapo?" Asar pa ng peste kong kapatid kaya itinaas
ko ang daliri ko sa kanila. I showed them my dirty finger and they laughed their
ass out.
Muli akong sumulyap sa kabilang table.
The beautiful woman caught my attention since last week, nalaman ko rin ang
pattern ng pagpunta nila rito noong isang linggo pa kaya nandito ako ngayon.
No, no way, Alcantara.
You wanted to go here to get drunk. That's it.
Umiling ako, sumimsim sa alak at sumulyap sa babae. I froze when she suddenly
shifted her gaze and our eyes met.
Her doe like black eyes shined with the colorful disco lights above, the wild
song playing on the stereo suddenly turned softer when our eyes met.
Ibinaba ko ang baso ko, I slowly licked my lip and stared at her and she
doesn't seem to be bothered. I saw her staring at me too, sumimsim sa wine na hawak
at nakipagtitigan.
"Ang lupit ni ganda a, nakikipagtitigan sa'yo, kung ako nakipagtitigan sa'yo
baka nangingisay na ako." Bulong ng lintek kong kapatid kaya nabaling ang atensyon
ko rito.
Muli akong napaharap sa babae at nakitang may iba na s'yang kausap kaya mas
sumimangot ako at masamang tinignan si Kuya.
"Fuck you," I gritted my teeth and smacked his nape.
Napamura s'ya at binatukan rin ako.
"Inaano kita?" He hissed.
"Hindi na tuloy nakatingin!" I hissed at ang kaninang iritadong kapatid ko ay
lumaki ang ngisi at naki-chismis sa mga pinsan ko.

"Inlove na si boy-yelo!" He exclaimed at ang kahit tahimik

na si Wave ay napahagalpak.
"Inlove na inlove!" Nasapo ko ang noo nang pumunta sa may gitna ng lamesa si
Lucian at kumendeng sa harapan namin. "Inlove na si boy-yelo!"
Sinipa ko ang paa n'ya pero nakaiwas s'ya at nagsitawanan pa.
"Winter ang pangalan," Ani ng nakangising si Vioxx at sumulyap rin sa babae.
The next day, as usual, the woman and her group went to the same club again.
Nakita kong nakakapit s'ya sa braso ng isang babaeng halos kamukha na n'ya.
Must be her older sister, huh?
Nabaling ang tingin ko roon kay Winter at walang pang ilang segundo ay
nagkakatitigan na kami. Unlike the past few days na nagtitinginan lang kami, this
time, she suddenly smiled at me and that's when I know I am doomed.
 Ni hindi manlang ako nakangiti pabalik sa gulat, mukha lang ako roong tuod na
nakatulala hanggang sa lumagpas na sila.
"Ano? Kita ko 'yun ah!" Biglang lumitaw si Kuya sa gilid ko at tinapik ako,
malaki ang ngiti.
Sumulyap ako kay Winter at nangunot ang noo nang makitang may lalaking kumausap
sa kanya. She smiled at the man and whispered something, nang magtawanan sila at
hawakan ng lalaki ang baywang n'ya ay umigting ang panga ko.
"Kuya, remember the favor you asked me years ago?" I said, looking at my
brother.
Napatigil s'ya sa pagsimsim at sumulyap sa akin.
"What favor?" He asked, confused.
I didn't want to bring this up since he might get mad but I need my favor back
now, before any other guy make a move on her.
"That favor you asked me when Polaris," I said, stopping him. Nakita kong
nawala ang kislap ng mata n'ya at pagod na napasulyap sa akin.
"Nung nagpanggap kang may sakit sa ano, ospital nila." I said, clearing my
throat.
He licked his lip, sipping on his beer in one gulp before closing his eyes
tightly and opened it, nodding at me.
"Of course, Warrion." He chuckled at tapped my arm. "For my little brother."
"Thank you, Kuya." I said and took a glance at him.
"No worries," He smirked. "Basta ba, kapag nakita ko na ulit si Polaris ko,
tulungan mo ako?"
Napangisi na ako 'nun at tumango rin.
"No worries, Kuya." I said.
Gusto ko nang umatras at bawiin nalang ang favor ko pero hindi ko nagawa dahil
halos pingutin ako ni Kuya.
"Tama na ang pagkatorpe, War!" He hissed at me.
Napakamot ako ng batok, sumulyap kay Winter sa dancefloor habang nakikipagsayaw
at tumingin kay Kuya.
"I'm shy," I murmured.
Sumimangot si Kuya at halos sapakin ako.
"Walang torpe-torpe, Warrion. You go meet that girl bago ka pa maunahan!"
Aniya.
Nang akmang hihilahin na n'ya ako sa dancefloor ay umiling ako at lumayo.
"How did you make a move on Polaris?" I asked.
Napailing si Kuya at umiling.
"Hindi ako nagpakatorpe, nagpa-confine ako sa ospital kahit wala akong sakit."
He said. "Ginalingan ko sa performance."
My brow raised and he laughed and punched my arm.
"Fuck you, War. Gumalaw ka at kung hindi magha-hire ako ng lalaki at sabihin
kong halikan si Winter--" Binatukan ko ang kapatid ko kaya napasinghap s'ya.

"You dimwit!" Binatukan n'ya rin ako kaya nagsamaan kami ng

tingin dalawa.
"So, here's the plan." Ani Kuya at tinuro ang dancefloor.
Tumango ako at sumulyap kay Winter na nakikipagsayaw pa sa gitna at mataman na
nakinig kay Kuya.
"First, you go there and get her attention." Aniya.
Tumango ako at muling sumulyap sa gitna.
"Then, try to flirt with her, talk to her, agawin mo sa kasama tapos isayaw
mo--"
Nawala ang atensyon ko kay Kuya nang makitang may bumulong na kay Winter kaya
kumunot ang noo ko. I saw how the man touched her waist and she grinned and danced
with him, lifting her arms around his neck.
Mabilis akong magmartsa papuntang gitna, napatigil naman ako nang hilahin ako
ni Kuya at sinapok.
 "I'm still coaching you, Warrion!" Reklamo ng kapatid ko pero sumimangot ako.
"I don't have time for that, my woman is being touched there in the crowd!" I
groaned. Nang humagalpak si Caspian epal ay mas bumusangot ang mukha ko at
nakipagsiksikan sa dancefloor.
Someone grabbed me from the dancefloor, sumama ang mood ko lalo nang makita ang
isang hindi kilalang babae na gumigiling sa harapan ko at kumapit sa braso ko.
"Hi, handsome. Wanna dance with me?" She danced seductively and smiled pero
bahagya akong lumayo na tila napapaso at napasulyap kay Win na ngayon ay malamig
nang nakatingin.
My heart thumped, mabilis akong umiwas sa babae na tinawag pa ako at pilit
hinila, napunta pa ang atensyon n'ya kay Kuya na mabilis na umiling at takot ring
lumayo at sumunod sa akin.
"Fuck, wala dito si Reev pero yari ako kapag may ganito." Iritado pang sabi ni
Kuya pero hindi ko na s'ya pinansin.
Nang makalapit kay Winter ay napansin kong nakatagilid s'ya mula sa akin at ang
lalaking kasayaw ay malaki ang ngisi. Wala na akong panahon pakinggan ang biruan
nilang dalawa sa inis at nang akmang bubulong muli ang lalaki ay umigting ang panga
ko sa galit.
"Kuya, itulak mo ako!" I hissed, calling my brother's attention.
"Huh?" Kumurap s'ya sa akin.
Nang magbulungan pa sila ay gusto kong manuntok sa inis kaya sinamaan ko ng
tingin si Kuya.
"I said push me towards them!" I hissed quietly.
Mukhang naguluhan si Kuya pero nang matanto n'ya ang balak ko ay hindi manlang
nagsabi at biglaan nalang akong itinulak.
I cursed because I wasn't prepared!
Nawalan ako ng balanse sa lakas ng tulak n'ya. Kagaya ng plano ay malakas akong
natulak patungo sa lalaking kasayaw ni Winter kaya nawalan ito ng balanse at
nabitawan si Win.
I saw her shocked face while in the midst of falling and because I replaced the
asshole infront of her, I easily caught her waist and pulled her towards me when
she lost her balance.
We both froze when our bodies met, I feel like my heart's gonna explode inside
my fucking chest. The music sounded a bit strange, I know how corny it is but I
felt like the place and people started slowing down...like a freaking romatic
movie!
The fuck, Alcantara?
She raised her head and my mouth parted a bit when her black eyes met my green
ones. I saw her mouth parted too, she licked her lip. Humigpit ang hawak sa braso
ko at natulala sa akin.
Slowly, I lifted her up. Mas humigpit ang hawak n'ya sa braso ko at
nagkatinginan kamin.
"Uhm..." She cleared her throat.

I opened my mouth, was about to talk to her when someone

pushed me, napaatras ako roon at kumunot ang noo nang makitang napaupo si Winter sa
lapag.
"Fuck," I cursed, made my way towards her when a man pushed me again, stopping
me.
Napasulyap ako at malamig itong tinignan, it was the man dancing with Winter!
Mukhang galit at iritado sa akin.
"Why the fuck did you pushed me?!" Singhal n'ya at nagkagulo na sa dancefloor.
Hindi ko s'ya pinansin, naglakad patungo kay Winter at inalalayan s'yang patayo
pero sumunod ang lalaki at muli akong tinulak.
"Fuck you, man! Answer me!" He groaned.
"Ayos ka lang?" Baling ko kay Winter na mabilis na tumango at kumurap.
"Asshole!" Bahagya akong lumayo kay Win para harapin ang lalaki pero isang
sapak kaagad sa pisngi ko ang ibinigay n'ya. I closed my eyes and clenched my jaw,
sa pagmulat ko ay akmang susugurin na ang lalaki pabalik pero isang hawak sa braso
ko ang nagpatigil sa akin.
"Please, no." She whispered. Napatigil ako at napaharap sa kanya at kaagad na
nawala ang galit sa akin.
"Ano, hindi ka lalaban?! Duwag ka pala e! Bakla ka ba?!" He groaned again pero
ang pansin ko ay na kay Winter na marahang pinisil ang kamay ko at nagsalita.
"I will take care of this," She said, mabilis na nagtungo sa lalaki at hinila
ito palayo kahit halos mag-amok na roon sa gitna.
"That was hell of a drama," Sinimangutan ko si Lucian habang nakaupo kami sa
sofa at pilit nila akong pinapainom. Turns out they came and saw my adventure in
the middle of the fucking dancefloor.
"Shut up," I hissed.
Kuya smirked at me.
"But atleast, she noticed you." He said.
"Like that? What a worst scenario of getting introduced." I shook my head and
took a shot, stood from our seat and looked at them.
"I'm going home." I declared and walked outside the bar.
Pagkalabas ko ay wala ako sa mood at iritado sa lahat ng bagay, I was just
staring coldly at everyone who greeted me.
Kaagad kong inabot ang remote ng kotse sa aking bulsa at naglakad para hanapin
iyon nang may narinig akong boses.
"Kuya!" I stopped. Hindi sana ako lilingon para tignan ang boses na iyon pero
may mabilis na tumakbo sa harapan ko at halos magwala ang lintek kong puso nang
makita si Winter sa harapan ko.
"Yes?" I managed to say cooly even if my insides are shaking.
"Uh," She walked closer to me, her black long hair flying with the wind, her
black eyes shining like the bright moon above.
I saw her staring at my lips, sa isang angat n'ya ng kamay sa mukha ko ay halos
mapaso ako.
"What..." I murmured and took a step back but she slowly pulled me and touched
my cheek. "May sugat ka."
One touch of her finger on my lip and I winced in pain.
"It's just a small cut," I murmured.
"Gagamutin ko," She murmured.
"But...it's just a cut." I murmured, staring at her deeply.
"Gagamutin ko pa rin," She insited.
"Okay," I breathe.
Tangina, ang rupok mo naman, Alcantara!
"Do you have a car? May malapit lang na convinience store." Aniya.

"No..." Tinago ko ang remote ko at ngumiti sa kanya.

She looks stunned, kita ko ang tagong ngiti sa labi n'ya at bahagyang kinagat
ang labi at tumango.
"So, maybe we can just walk? Malapit lang naman." Aniya.
"Alright," I nodded.
We walked silently, nakapamulsa ako habang naglalakad habang s'ya nama'y
nakalagay ang kamay sa braso at tahimik rin.
"What's your name?" She started, looking at me.
"Warrion," I said, glancing at her. "Warrion Adelram Alcantara."
"Ang gwapo naman," She chuckled. "Pakinggan ko palang pangalan mo nanginginig
na tuhod ko."
I froze, humagalpak s'ya ng tawa pero maya-maya'y napatakip sa bibig n'ya at
nahihiyang sumulyap sa akin.
"Sorry! Uhm, ganito lang kasi talaga ako magsalita." She murmured.
I chuckled and nodded.
"You can talk whatever you like to me, Winter." I chuckled.
 I looked at her reaction but her mouth parted and blinked at me.
"You know me?!" She exclaimed.
Natahimik ako.
"No," I murmured, ashamed of my mouth.
"You said my name!" Hagikhik n'ya. "Siguro crush mo ako 'no?"
"Hmm, yes." I said and stared at her. Sa kabila ng dilim ng paligid ay nakita
kong namula ang pisngi n'ya at napahawak s'ya roon.
"R-Really?" She murmured.
"Don't panic," I murmured. "I won't do anything bad, I just...I just wanted you
to know that."
"No! I am not scared of you." She bit her lip. "Kasi, honestly, crush din
kita."
Natigilan na ako, nagkatitigan kami at sabay na natawa sa pinagsasabi namin.
"I'm shy to say this but I've been eyeing you for quite some time now." She
said, a bit shy. "Don't find me creepy, huh? Crush na crush lang kita."
I chuckled and nodded at her, my heart pounded inside my chest.
"I like you too," I said and she looks stunned again kaya napangiti na ako at
pasimpleng lumipat sa kanang parte dahil may paparating na sasakyan.
Pasimple ko s'yang iginilid sa daan para ilayo sa sasakyan at nakita ko ang
paglaki ng ngiti n'ya.
"Uh, War, ayun na ang store!" She pointed the store.
I nodded, marahang hinawakan ko ang braso n'ya habang patawid patungo sa store.
She let me sit on the stool when we got inside.
"Wait, bibili lang ako para malinis ang sugat mo." Aniya.
I nodded and watched as she moved gracefully around the store to buy something
for me.
I smiled when she appeared infront of me carrying a plastic bag, inalalayan ko
s'ya paupo sa harapan ko at malaki ang ngiti n'ya.
"Tsaran!" She cheered.
"Thank you," I smiled.
"No worries," She winked and chuckled, binuksan ang cotton at sumulyap sa akin.

"Ang gwapo ng ngiti mo, para akong natutunaw." She commented, I chuckled and
looked at her.
"And you look like a goddess while smiling too," I said. "I wish to always see
your smile, don't lose that, hmm?"

Tahimik lang ako habang hawak n'ya ang pisngi ko at

nililinis ang maliit kong sugat. We look crazy there while cleaning my small wound.
I can actually take care of it but it's Winter who's insisting, my goddess, how
can a mere mortal like me refuse that?
When she was done fixing me, tinulungan ko s'ya sa paglinis ng kalat namin at
napatingin ako sa tahimik na conveniece at napasulyap sa kanya na kinakagat ang
labi n'ya.
"What do you want to eat?" I asked. Napasulyap s'ya at nanlaki ang mata.
"No! You really don't have to do that." She shook her head.
"I insist," I said and stood, brushing my hair. "Let me treat you tonight."
She blushed profusely, nakita kong bumagsak ang buhok n'ya sa mukha n'ya at
mabilis n'ya iyong hinawi.
"Kahit ano lang," Nahihiya n'yang sabi at natawa ako at tumango.
Nag-ikot ako sa store at bumili ng hairpin, isang box ng donut at kape. Lumapit
ako sa kanya at nakita ko ang pagnguso n'ya nang makita ang hawak ko.
"Yehey! Choco butternut ba 'yan?" She exclaimed happily.
"Yes, you like it?" I asked.
She nodded and chuckled, nakita ko ang pagkislap ng mata n'ya.
I opened the box and offered her the food at nanatili lang akong nakangiti
habang pinagmamasdan s'yang kumain. When I saw her fixed her hair again, inilabas
ko ang hairpin na binili at lumapit sa kanya.
"Look at me," I said.
Lumingon s'ya sa akin habang kagat ang pagkain n'ya kaya napatawa ako at hinawi
ang buhok. I slowly pinned her hair to stop it from falling on her face.
"Thank you, War." She said happily and smiled at me.
"Welcome," I said and stared at her.
"If it's alright with you," I cleared my throat. "Can I...see you again some
time? Uh, maybe some dinner or lunch?"
"Really?" She murmured and her eyes shined, sumimsim s'ya ng kape at sumulyap
sa akin. "I like to know you more too, War."
"Me too," I chuckled. "Fuck, I'm really not fond of pursuing woman. Ngayon lang
ako magkainteres ng ganito. I'm sorry if I was too fast."
"Let's date then," Aniya.
My heart almost stopped beating, like a freaking highschool boy, I froze.
Nakita kong natawa s'ya ay kinalabit ang ilong ko.
"Can we consider this our first date, then?" I asked, shyly, getting a piece of
donut and gave it to her.
She chuckled, opened her mouth and accepted the food and nodded.
"First date, then." She smiled, I moved my seat closer to her and she chuckled,
leaned on my shoulder as we both stare at the dark night outside the store.
"PLEASE, just please, take me to her." I begged but they pushed me on the floor
again.
I tried standing, even if my body is shaking with the punches and attacks I've
received.
"Sino ka ba, huh? Sundalo ka? Ano, bakit ka ba nakikialam dito?" The men asked.
"I won't do anything. J-Just please, let them go." I whispered and coughed when
someone kicked my stomach again and grabbed me by my collar inside a dark room.
"Sino? 'Yung dalawang babae?" Nagsitawanan sila pero napuno ng takot ang puso
ko para kay Winter at Summer.
"Don't hurt them," I murmured. "Please...Hurt me instead, just don't, please
don't hurt them."

"Oh, saktan n'yo raw!" Sigaw ng isang rebelde roon at hindi

ako nanlaban nang hawakan nito ang kwelyo ko at sinuntok ako sa pisngi.
A group of men came closer and began punching me again, kicking me but I didn't
fought back, hoping they'd let my girlfriend and her sister go safe and unharmed.
Sa pagsilip ng liwanag sa madilim na kwarto ay mas lalo silang dumami at
pinagtulungan ako, tila ibinigay sa akin ang lahat ng galit na mayroon sila.
"P-Please, let them go." I murmured when I began coughing blood.
"Yung mga babae?" Tawa 'nung isa. "Nah, paglalaruan pa namin 'yun, mukhang
mayayaman e. Hihingi pa kami ng pera sa mga magulang 'nun."
I almost see blood, sinubukang tumayo para kwelyuhan s'ya pero muling bumagsak
sa lupa sa panghihina.
"N-No! N-No, please! Don't touch them, please!" I begged, sinubukang gumapang
pero hinampas lang ng isa ang ulo ko kaya muli akong napadapa.
"Ano, huh? Lalaban ka pa?" Nagsitawanan sila.
"Sino ba doon ang syota mo nang matikman namin?"
Nagdilim ang paningin ko sa galit, kahit na nanginginig ang katawan ay mabilis
na tumayo, kinuwelyuhan ang lalaki ang sinapak sa mukha.
"Fuck you!" I cursed. Muli n'ya akong tinulak kaya napaupo ako sa lapag.
"Tangina! Bugbugin n'yo 'yan!" I tried fighting but they are too many.
Ikinulong nila ako sa kwarto na 'yun na nanghihina, sa bawat pagbukas ng pinto
at pagpasok ng liwanag sa kwarto ay wala silang pagdadalawang-isip na
pinagtutulungan ako.
Sa sobrang panghihina ay yun nalang ang ginhawa ko nang muli nilang isinarado
ang pinto at napuno ng dilim ang kwarto.
I needed to be strong, I have to save Winter and Summer, whatever it takes.
Kailangan kong tulungan silang makaalis. Even if they'll take my life, ayos na sa
akin, basta ligtas ang mahal ko at ang kapatid n'ya.
When I got the chance to get out, I grabbed it. Sa lakas na natira sa akin ay
ginawa ko ang lahat para mailigtas ang sarili para tulungan sina Winter pero
mukhang huli na ang lahat.
God knows how I wanted to cry and breakdown, seeing Winter mourning for the
death of her sister.
Nahuli ako, tangina, ang hina-hina ko!
Maybe...maybe if I was stronger, nakalaban ako. Sana...sana napuntahan ko sila
agad. Sana naisalba ko sila kaagad.
It is my fault. It's my fault why Summer died. It's my fault why Winter was
traumatized, kasalan ko!
I closed my eyes and hope filled inside my heart when I saw her going to the
restroom alone.
Kanina pa ako nag-aabang ng pagkakataon na makausap s'ya matapos ang aksidente.
Nailibing na si Summer at halos ilang buwan na akong walang koneksyon kay Winter.
Of course, at first, I remained calm and composed. Hindi ako namimilit na
kausapin s'ya kahit na gustong-gusto ko na. She stayed in the hospital. Her family
maintained a high-profile security for her that I coudn't get pass through it.
But it's been months, bakit hindi n'ya ako tawagan? O kausapin manlang? Nag-
aantay lang naman ako ng tawag n'ya kasi kailangan ko ring makita s'ya para
mapanatag ako.
I am dying to hug her...I wanted to touch her, just want to see her face to
keep me sane. To prove myself that she lived and perfectly fine.
I can't call her, ni hindi ako makapunta sa bahay nila.

Is she mad at me? For not helping them?

Sabagay, kasalan ko naman, if I just came in time, kung nailigtas ko sana s'ya
kaagad.
You're weak, Alcantara. Pati ang mahal mo, pinahamak mo.
"Win..." Habol ko sa kanya nang makita kong kakalabas n'ya lang ng banyo.
She lifted her head, her once sweet stares and happy smile turned to something
cold.
"Yes?" She asked coldly.
I gulped, my feet almost shake when I walked towards her. Nang makita ko kung
paano s'ya napaatras sa galaw ko ay natigilan ako.
"Win?"
"Do I know you?" She asked, her forehead creased.
Napangiti ako roon at umiling.
"Don't joke around, Win." I said and smiled.
I tried holding her but she jumped and moved away.
"Who are you?" She murmured again.
"Hey, baby." I murmured. "Let's talk, please."
"I don't know you!" She murmured and when I saw how serious her face is, I know
she isn't lying.
"Win..."
"Leave me alone! Magtatawag ako ng security!" She exclaimed and I was stoned in
my place when she started walking away from, without looking back.
I watched her from afar in years just to protect her silently. I let her enjoy
her life, slowly, until she started overcoming the pain and trauma that ate her.
Maybe...maybe I deserve being treated like this. Just hiding in the dark to
keep you safe.
Maybe I don't deserve you at all, Win. Pero pangako, nandito lang ako sa
paligid at babantayan ka. I promise to keep you safe no matter what. Mahal na mahal
kita.
"NAMOMROBLEMA ako para sa anak ko," I took a glance at Senator Almedarez when I
heard him said that.
 "Bakit naman?" My Mom asked him, nandito sila ngayon sa living room kasama si
Dad at Tita.
"The bodyguard she last had resigned, may problema sa pamilya. Ngayon hindi ko
na alam saan kukuha ng bodyguard. Mas madami na ang kalaban dahil nga malapit na
ang eleksyon."
I took a sip on my juice and cleared my throat, looking at the Senator.
"Tito," I called.
"Yes, hijo?" He asked.
"I can be her bodyguard." Presenta ko.
"HEY, baby, wake up. We're here." I whispered.
Napangiti ako nang makitang hindi manlang s'ya gumalaw sa pwesto at nanatiling
mahimbing na natutulog.
"Did I tire you that much?" I whispered and smiled. Tinanggal ko ang seatbelt
ko at marahang lumapit para halikan ang pisngi n'ya.
She stirred a bit, mas humalik ako sa kanyang pisngi at bahagyang humaplos sa
tyan n'ya.
"Antukin na talaga ang asawa ko," I chuckled.
I slowly lowered my face and kissed her round stomach before touching it again.
"Hello there, baby." I kissed her stomach again. "What is your craving today?
Daddy will buy you more foods again." Kausap ko.
"Hindi ko pa alam kung anong bibilhing gamit sa kwarto mo, anak. Your Mom's
still not telling me if you're a boy or a girl."

My smile widen when I felt a kick from her stomach.

"Woah there, come on, baby. Kick for your Dad." I murmured happily and chuckled
again when I felt my child kicked again.
"Good job, baby! Just be always good to Mommy, okay? As much as possible, don't
tire her that much, hmm?" A kick from my child is what I got as an answer.
"What do you want to eat, baby? You like to eat donuts? Or dumplings again?"
"Hmm, I want to eat the hot daddy." Nag-angat ako ng tingin at napatawa nang
makitang gising na si Winter at pinagmamasdan ako.
"We're here, baby." I said. Umangat ako ng upo at hinalikan s'ya.
She closed her eyes when I kissed her that I teasingly bit her lower lip and
deepened my kiss.
"I love you," I whispered.
"Love you too," She chuckled and put her hand around my shoulder.
"What do you want to eat, hmm?" I asked, fixing her hair behind her ear.
"You." She winked at me.
"You just did," I said. Natigilan s'ya kaya natawa ako at pinisil ang pisngi
n'ya.
"It was your breakfast, right?" I teased when she blushed. Pinalo n'ya ang
braso ko kaya natawa ako at muli s'yang ninakawan ng halik.
"Bakit ako lang?" She hissed. "Nauna ka! I woke up because you're eating me!"
Natawa akong lalo at pinugpog ng halik ang mukha n'ya.
"Because you always look delicious!" I winked. "Plus the fact that you're
pregnant with my baby."
Napailing s'ya at kinalas ang seatbelt n'ya, she slowly pushed me back on my
seat and slowly straddled me.
"Chill, my wild wife." I chuckled and assisted her. "Careful, baby."
Nang makaupo s'ya sa hita ko ay sumandal s'ya sa manibela at pinagmasdan lang
ako.
"Baby, am I fat?" Aniya at sumulyap sa tiyan n'ya.
"No," I said and caressed her stomach. "You see, baby, maybe you did gain
weight."
"But you said I wasn't fat!" She hissed.
"You aren't," Suyo ko. "It's normal for pregnant woman, hindi nalang kasi ikaw
ang kumakain. Our baby is eating too kaya normal lang 'yan. Isa pa, whatever you're
weight is, I will still love you." I said and kissed her chin and her chest.
Tinampal n'ya ako nang akmang ibababa ko ang dress n'ya kaya napanguso ako.
"Baby," I whinned.
"Mamaya na, Major! Sa bahay, you can have it all you want again."
"But you have to sleep early, napuyat na kita kagabi." I said.
"Hmm, edi kapag uwi tapos sa shower. Alam mo na." She winked and I chuckled
again.
"Ilang buwan akong tuyot, War!" Reklamo n'ya. "Kung hindi pa kita aakitin
kagabi, hindi ka bibigay."
"Because you look adorable!" I laughed, imagining her exhibition last night.
"Anong adorable? Dapat hot! Alam mo bang nagpaturo pa ako kay Macarena sa moves
na 'yun!" Mas natawa ako sa sinabi n'ya at hinalikan s'ya ulit.
"You looked adorable!" I shook my head. "Who can resist a dancing pregnant
woman?"
Binatukan n'ya ako kaya nginisian ko s'ya.
"Imagine what I saw, baby. You, in your red lacey underwear dancing from the
bathroom to our bed with a sexy song?" I imagined and laughed heartily again.
"Plus, your round stomach!"

"Warrion!" Hinila n'ya ang tenga ko. "Nag-effort ako

magpractice 'nung nasa trabaho ka!"
"I know," I smiled and stared at her. "And I appreciate it, I was fucking
arouse last night because my wife is so...so adorable and hot."
Nakita ko ang pagtago n'ya ng ngiti, tumikhim pa s'ya para kunwari ay seryoso
pero sa huli ay lumaki lang ang ngiti.
"You...like it?" She murmured.
"Superb," I gave her a thumbs-up. "One hundred over ten, baby."
"Sus!" She pinched my cheek. "Nambola pa!"
"Totoo!" I said. "Damn, my self-control faded like a bubble. Tawang-tawa pa ako
sa kalokohan mo 'nung una but yeah, as asual, marupok nanaman ang asawa mo sa
Winter n'ya."
She grinned at me.
"Really? Ikaw kasi, simula 'nung malaki na 'yung tyan ko, ayaw mo na mag-make
love! You always pleasure me but we didn't really do that."
"I'm afraid, baka matusok ko si baby." Humawak ako sa t'yan n'ya.
Bigla s'yang humagalpak ng tawa at hinalikan ang ulo ko.
"Silly! Alam kong malaki, mahaba at malusog ang Lieutenant mo pero hindi naman
siguro maaabot si baby."
"Your mouth is..." Iling ko at hinalikan s'ya. "I'm just worried I might hurt
you, mas malaki na kasi ang tyan mo ngayon kumpara sa normal."
She just smiled at me.
"I know,"
"What's our baby's gender, anyway? I ordered things with both gender, baby.
Para sigurado."
"Go lang," Tawa n'ya at sinuklay ang buhok ko.
"You aren't really gonna tell me?"
"Nah, where's the fun in that?" She asked.
I just pouted and reached for her cheek and caressed it.
"Okay, whatever makes my baby happy." I said softly. "Come on, baby, your
sister is waiting. Mamaya na ulit tayo maglambingan, buong gabi kitang
lalambingin."
Humagikhik s'ya, humalik sa akin at inalalayan ko s'ya paupo sa kanyang upuan.
I went out of the car and went to her direction to assist her, nang mahawakan
ko ang kanyang baywang ay kinuha ko ang pumpon ng bulaklak at mga kandila na binili
namin at naglagay patungo sa sementeryo.
I saw how my wife looks excited while walking towards her sister's tomb,
nagtungo kami sa museleo ng kanyang pamilya at sa pagpasok palang namin ay kaagad
nang may malamig na hanging sumalubong.
My wife made her way towards Summer's tomb, malinis pa rin lapida nito at
naroon pa rin ang mga bulaklak na inilagay namin ni Winter 'nung nakaraang linggo.
"Hello, Ate!" My wife cheered happily.
Nang akmang uupo s'ya sa lapag ay hinawakan ko ang braso n'ya. I shook my head
at her, removed my jacket and placed it on the floor before letting her sit.
"Thank you, baby." She kissed my cheek.
Bumaling ako sa lapida ni Summer at ngumiti.
"Hi, Summer. It's us again." I said.
Winter chuckled, inayos ko ang bagong bulaklak na dala namin para sa kanya at
sinindihan ang puting kandila sa tabi nito.
"Sorry, Ate, are we being nosy? Every week kaming lumalarga dito." Winter
chuckled. "Kahapon din, Ate, nandito sina Mom at Dad."

Saglit kaming nanahimik nang masindihan ang kandila at

nagdasal bago muling kinausap si Summer.
"Thank you," I whispered again on her tomb. Nang mapansing tahimik na nakatitig
si Win na may matamis na ngiti sa labi habang hinahaplos ang lapida ng kapatid ay
napangiti ako.
"Thank you for saving her, Summer." I said softly.
Tahimik akong tumitig sa lapida ni Summer at tahimik na kinausap s'ya.
I owe you my life. I don't know what I'll do if I lose her. Thank you so much,
Summer. I am really sorry if I was too late to save the both of you, If only I
fought harder and went there earlier, maybe I saved you. Pero alam kong hindi ka
matutuwa kung sisisihin kong muli ang sarili ko, nakwento sa akin ni Winter ang
panaginip n'ya. Thank you for coming in her dream, for making her realize that it's
your love that saved her. Na hindi na n'ya kailangang sisihin ang sarili n'ya sa
nangyari.
Maraming-maraming salamat, Summer. I promise to always protect her, I promise
to love her until my last breath. I promise to treasure the life you gave for her,
gagawin ko ang lahat para maging masaya s'ya, I will treasure the family we are now
starting to build.
Thank you.
We spent an hour with Summer, this is our tradition usually. Every week kaming
bibisita kay Summer at kung busy ay sinusubukan naming makapunta ng isang beses
kada dalawang linggo.
Matapos naming pumunta sa sementeryo ay nagtungo kami sa restaurant. My wife is
craving for foods so we're here now.
I opened the door for her and placed my hand on her waist, iginaya kami ng
waiter sa isang pwesto malapit sa terrace sa open space ng resto kung saan tanaw na
tanaw ang dagat ng Casa Amara.
"Here is the menu, Ma'am, Sir Warrion." Mandy greeted with a smile.
"Thanks, Mandy." I smiled. Nakita kong napasulyap ang asawa ko kay Mandy at sa
akin na nagtataka kaya sumulyap ako sa asawa ko.
"Baby, this is Mandy, General Manager of this restaurant. This resto is owned
by Lars and Kuya."
I saw my wife's mouth parted in shock, napatango s'ya at napasulyap kay Mandy.
"And Mandy, this is Winter, my wife." I said.
"Hello, Ma'am." Mandy smiled politely at my wife. "Nice to meet you."
"Hi," Winter smiled softly at her. "Nice meeting you too, Mandy."
"Naku, Ma'am! Nakakatuwa naman po at na-meet ko kayo, hindi kasi ako nakapunta
'nung kasal n'yo kasi nagkasakit ang husband ko." She said.
"Ganun ba?" Winter asked. "Sayang, but we'll visit here more often, para mag-
chikahan tayo." My wife winked and Mandy laughed with her, nag-apir pa ang dalawa
kaya nangisi ako, sumandal at pinagmasdan lang ang asawa ko.
My wife...sobrang galing makisama sa mga tao. Kaya ang dami ko kaagaw e.
Napasulyap ako sa mga lalaki roon sa kabilang parte ng resto at nangunot ang noo ko
nang makitang nakatingin sila sa asawa ko at tila pinag-uusapan.
Can't you see that she's married? And she's pregnant with my child!
I shook my head and smirked when Mandy left, nang makita ako ng asawa ko ay
nagtatakang sumulyap s'ya sa akin.
"Why, baby?" She asked.
Umiling lang ako, inabot ang kanyang kamay sa lamesa at marahang hinaplos ang
kanyang singsing. I slowly lifted her hand and kissed the back of her palm before
smiling.
"I love you," I whispered.
She chuckled, her cheeks flushing.
"Ang ganda naman ng tuyot ko," I murmured. Natawa s'ya sa sinabi ko at hinaplos
pabalik ang kamay ko.

"Bolero ka kamo, Major. Kitang buntis ako e, feeling ko ang

bloated ko na. Lumaki rin ang cheeks ko." She sighed.
I licked my lip, sumulyap ako sa paligid at napangiti nang may makita sa kanang
parte ng pwesto naming dalawa.
"I just saw the most beautiful woman I've ever seen." I murmured.
"Huh?" Kita kong natigilan si Winter at sinamaan ako ng tingin. "Aba't,
ipagpapalit mo na ako?!"
I smirked and spoke.
"Gusto mo s'ya makita?"
"Oo, nasaan na 'yan? Nang makalbo ko para ako nalang ang pinakamaganda!" She
exclaimed, irritated.
"Look to your right side, baby. Slowly." I said.
Her forehead creased, marahang lumingon sa kanan n'ya and I saw her stunned
when she turned and saw her reflection in the mirror on her right side.
"See that woman? That's my baby, the most beautiful." I said slowly. "And I
love her so, so much."
She smiled, halos mapuno na ng pula ang mukha kaya napatawa na ako. I pulled my
chair towards her direction and sat beside her.
Nang sumandal s'ya sa akin ay niyakap ko ang braso n'ya at humalik sa kanyang
sentido.
"WARRION! You have to calm down!" My brother exclaimed when he saw me walking
back and forth infront the delivery room.
"I am calm, Kuya." I said but my voice is shaking, kuyom ang kamay ko at kanina
pa palakad-lakad.
"Said by someone who looks like he's gonna piss on his pants." Komento ni Wave
at namulsa pa.
"As if you weren't like this when Zire gave birth, e halos, patumbahin mo na
ang staff." I hissed.
My brother together with Vioxx and Lucian laughed, sumimangot naman si Wave at
umiling.
"Atleast I didn't faint!" Ani Wave.
"Aba, ikaw kaya malaman mong triplets ang trophy mo!" Ani Kuya at napanguso.
"Oh, abangan n'yo si Alcantara number two, huh? Baka himatayin rin!" Ani Vioxx
kaya umiling ako.
"I won't faint!" I insisted..
"Weh?" Lucian teased and I kicked his feet in annoyance.
He laughed at me.
Sa malayo ay kita kong sabay na naglalakad si Zire at Lars patungo sa amin
habang may bitbit na kape. I saw them gave coffee to the boys at nang abutin ako ni
Lars ay kaagad ko iyong inabot at tinungga.
"It's hot!" Polaris exclaimed but it was too late, pasong-paso na ang dila ko
pero kailangan ko iyon para kumalma.
"It's alright," Napangiwi ako sa sakit.
"You okay?" Biglang litaw ni Kuya sa tabi ni Lars. I nodded, I saw him hugged
her wife and looked at me again.
"Umupo ka nga, Warrion. What will Winter do if you are panicking like that?"
"I am calm," I said.
"Weh?" He asked this time pero kinurot lang s'ya ni Lars.
"Shut up, Cas, as if you were calm when I gave birth, you fainted, remember?" I
saw my brother froze and smirked.
Sumulyap naman si Lars sa akin kaya umiling ako.
"I'm calm, Polaris. I won't faint." I said.
Nanliit ang mata n'ya at ngumisi.
"I am not weak-hearted like Kuya!" I groaned at nang magtawanan na sila ay
ngumuso lang ako at humalukipkip.
"How's my daughter, War?" Napalingon ako at napaayos ng tayo nang makita sina
Senator at Tita, sa likuran nila ay naroon rin sina Mommy at Dad.
"She's still in labor, Tito." I sighed.
"What happened ba?" Ani Tita roon kaya nilingon ko s'ya at sinagot.
"I was just cleaning our pool and left her in the living room playing with our
cats, siguro wala pang kalahating oras ay nagsilabasan sina piglet. They ran
towards me and purred, tapos 'nung tumakbo sila pabalik sa bahay and I followed
them, that's when I saw my wife, gulat lang doon and I saw her water bag broke."
"She was shocked, I guess." Ani Senator at sumulyap sa delivery room. "Is it
normal delivery?"
"Yes, Tito." I nodded and closed my fist. "I was just nervous since I don't
know what I'll do earlier in panic, buti nalang at dumating si Kuya at s'ya ang
nagmaneho."
"It's normal, hijo." Senator then smiled and tapped my back. "Calm down, okay?
Nanginginig ka."
Napasulyap ako sa kamay ko at napakurap, umayos ako ng tayo at tumikhim.
"I'm calm," I said.
Napatawa s'ya at napabaling kay Dad na nangingisi rin sa akin.
"Arthur, your son's calm." He said and laughed. "Yet he's shaking."
"You okay, War?" Ani Dad at nang tumango ako ay napatawa ito at may binulong
kay Mommy.
"Okay," My Mom giggled, "Ready na kami anak na saluhin ka kapag nahimatay ka."
"Mom," I hissed. "I won't faint!" Pero hindi nila ako pinakinggan at mas
nagtawanan pa sila.
Time has passed and I still can't sit, kita kong nakatulog na si Lars sa
balikat ni Kuya at si Zire ay nakikipagkwentuhan pa sa asawa n'ya.
Si Vioxx at Lucian ay nag-ja-jack en poy pa roon at nagbabatukan kaya napailing
ako.
Even our parents is busy talking to each other while I am almost out of my
sanity!
The door opened and my heart hammered inside my chest, I almost ran towards the
door of the delivery room. Sumunod kaagad ang mga pinsan at magulang ko.
"Hello, sino po ang asawa ni Mrs. Alcantara."
"Ako!" I raised my hand. "Ako, ako ang asawa." I exclaimed.
Napatawa sila at nangiwi ako nang batukan ako ni Lucian.
"Oo na, ikaw na ang asawa. Akala mo aagawin!" Tawanan pa nila roon at napailing
lang ako at napahawak sa batok.
"How's my wife and my kid?" I asked the doctor.
"Well," She smiled. "The delivery is a success, your wife's a strong woman, Mr.
Alcantara."
I sighed and nodded.
"She is," I nodded and smiled. "How's my kid? What's the gender?"
"Oh..." She smiled at me.
"Congratulations, Mr. Alcantara, it's a boy!" Napapikit ako at napangiti at
nagsigawan naman ang nasa likuran ko.
Napamulat ako at medyo nahilo pero umayos ako ng tayo nang marinig ang boses ng
Nanay ko.
"Saluhin n'yo! Hihimatayin na 'yan!" Aniya.
 "I won't faint," Giit ko at ngumuso.
"The boy's five minutes older than the baby girl, congrats again, Mr.
Alcantara! You got twins!" She said.
My mouth parted, mabilis na napakurap at kumalabog ang puso.
"I...got twins?" I whispered, my voice shaking, tila nawalan ng lakas ang paa
sa gulat.
Damn! I got twins! Yes!
"Yes," She smiled. "At pinapasabi po pala ni Misis na gawa raw kayo ng set two
pag-uwi."
I took a step back and blinked.
"Fuck, I knew it! He's gonna faint! Catch him!" I started feeling dizzy and I
heard their screams when I fell on my knees, rendering me unconcious.
Some people have no idea how beautiful the darkness is, especially when you've
experience it.
It was quiet, calm yet scary at the same time. Darkness is risky, like how love
works. You'll get the light and get eaten up by darkness again.
You love and you get hurt. You love and you sacrifice. You'll try moving on
then find yourself loving again.
The darkness she once was scared of has been conquered because of forgiveness
and love.
Her heart is once covered in agony, pain and darkness and when I can't find
light in the darkness, I became the light, her light.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

HOD Special Chapter

Surprise! Enjoy reading and please read Paper Planes habang

nandito pa sa wattpad. I will remove it here this week.
Thanks!♥
xxx
HOD Special Chapter
I was covered with white sheets, yakap ko ang unan sa aking dibdib habang
sumisimsim ng kape at nakasandal sa headboard.
I was feeling a bit sore because of rough sessions last night but it feels
great.
I heard the shower stopped from the bathroom, umayos ako ng upo at nakagat ang
labi nang magbukas ng paunti-unti ang pinto.
I tilted my head and smiled the moment Warrion and mine's eyes met.
"Morning, baby." He said huskily when he saw me.
I smiled and slowly nodded, silently ogling at my husband's exposed body right
now.
He's only wearing a white towel on his waist, his bare chest exposed and the
droplets of seducing water fell from his hair down to his angled jaw.
"Padilig naman d'yan..." I teased.
He suddenly laughed, brushing his hair with his fingers and walked gracefully
towards me.
I can't help but to drool, staring at my husband and admiring ever inch of him.
"I just watered you last night, baby." He said when he got closer to me.
I stared at his green eyes and his lip twitched and quickly kissed my lips.
"Can I request another one?" I whispered softly and slowly put the mug on the
side of the table and hugged his nape.
"Sure but aren't you sore?" He whispered more hoarsely, slowly pulling the
pillow covering my chest so he can see me fully.
"I can manage," I smirked, slowly removing myself from the white sheets.
"I'm sorry, baby, the fourth one is a bit rough." He pouted and touched my
neck.
 "I loved it anyway," Tawa ko.
His lip twitched, kita ko ang pagkislap ng mata n'ya nang lumuhod ako sa kama.
He shifted his weight, marahang iniangat ang isang paa sa kama at hinagilap ang
baywang ko.
"Nasabik lang ng sobra," He murmured when I straddled his waist.
"Sabik rin naman ako, ah?" Tawa ko. He changed his position and fixed my leg on
his side, kissing my lips again.
"I love you, Win. Morning again." He whispered.
"Good morning too, Lieutenant..." I giggled.
He glared at me, natawa naman ako at mas niyakap s'ya.
"I don't mean my bestfriend down there, I mean you, you're my lieutenant na
since you got promoted, right?" I winked.
Nailing s'ya, natawa na sa akin at hinawi ang buhok mula sa mukha ko.
"Choose one, your lieutenant husband or your lieutenant friend down there." He
groaned.
Natawa nanaman ako, sinuklay-suklay ko ang basang buhok n'ya at hinalikan s'ya
ng mariin sa labi.
"Of course, my husband!" I chuckled and teased him. "Wala 'yang friend mo kung
wala ka diba, so, package 'yan. Kapag love kita, love ko rin 'yan." I pointed his
erection.
"Parang nagdadalawang-isip na ako sa diligan--" Ngiwi n'ya kaya pinugpog ko
s'ya ng halik sa mukha at hinalikan ang noo n'ya.
"Okay na, love you, War." I chuckled.

He stared at me and cocked his head, his sharp eyes

penetrating my soul, almost shaking my insides. Parang nawala nanaman ako sa sarili
habang nakatingin sa asawa kong walang palya ang titig sa akin.
"I was actually thinking what to eat for breakfast but..." Bumaba ang tingin ko
sa dibdib ko nang marahan n'ya iyong haplusin at halikan.
"I think I know what to eat the best for times like this," He chuckled and I
gasped when he sucked my peaks and slowly touched my core.
I groaned when I felt his finger circling around my bud, teasing me with his
touch.
"Early in the morning and my Winter is so damn wet, huh?" Asar n'ya at saglit
akong sinulyapan.
"I-Ikaw kasi..." Nanginig pa ang boses ko.
He laughed, I gasped and slowly moved ny waist against his hard erection and
his jaw clenched at that.
"Baby..." He warned.
"You're hard," I said in a small voice.
"Your fault, Win. Your fault." Paos n'yang sabi.
I closed my eyes and arched my back the moment his finger delved inside my
core, his digit moved slowly at first and started moving faster each passing
moments.
"W-War... Fuck!" I gasped.
"Lay down," Masuyong bulong n'ya at marahan akong inihiga sa kama.
I was quite disappointed the moment he removed his digit on my core but my body
heated with lust and love the moment I saw what he did.
He placed his finger on his lips, licking my juices clean while staring
directly into my eyes.
"Sweet," He grinned and licked his finger like a lion.
Marahas akong napalunok, mas ibinuka ang hita at nakita ko kung paano mas
kumislap ang pagnanasa sa mga mata n'ya nang masulyapan ang kabuuhan ko.
"Baby," He murmured and clenched his jaw, kneeling on the bed and removed his
towel.
"I'm sorry if I'll get a little bit rough again," He murmured and licked his
lower lip.
 "It's okay," I whispered sweetly and smiled.
He slowly lifted my leg and clenched his jaw. His triceps flexed the moment he
took a glance at me willingly surrendering myself to him.
"Is it okay with you if...I got you pregnant again?" His brow raised at me.
I bit my lips and chuckled a bit, lifting myself to hug his nape and pulled him
towards my body.
Nagpadala s'ya sa hila ko at dumapa sa kamay, nakasuporta ang kamay sa ulo ko
para hindi ako madaganan.
"If God permits why not?" I chuckled. "The kids are already two."
"I want more and more children with you, baby." He kissed my head. "I'm just so
scared seeing you in the delivery room, I know it's hard."
"Your hard too," Segway ko at hinaplos ang parte n'ya.
His eyes darken, seeing me touching his love muscle.
"Win..." He groaned.
"What?" Tawa ko at ginalaw ang kamay.
"We are talking, baby." Bulong n'ya, halatang nawawala na ang pagkalma.
"Hindi naman kita pinipigilan?" I smiled cutely and he groaned, napigtas na ang
pasensya.
"You seducing woman," Giit n'ya at natawa ako pero hindi ko na tuluyang
naituloy nang sakupin n'ya ang labi ko ng halik at iniangat ang hita ko sa kanyang
baywang.

I smiled on his lips, gently hugged his nape and I stopped

and gasped when I felt his tip slowly penetrating me.
"War!" I exclaimed and closed my eyes.
"I want you so much," He whispered huskily, catching his breath as he thrust
slowly then roughly inside of me.
May attitude ang mga anak ko.
Hindi ko alam kung kanino sila nagmana, sa akin na loka-loka o kay Warrion na
moody? I actually don't know.
Hindi ko alam kung maaawa ako sa asawa ko o matatawa habang pinapakalma n'ya
ang dalawa.
Autumn Andromeda Alcantara, my baby girl is crying her lungs out. Buhat-buhat
s'ya ng Daddy Warrion n'ya.
Meanwhile, our son, Warrion Adelram Alcantara II is serious as his father,
sobrang tahimik pero kapag umiyak na ang kanyang kambal ay makikigaya na rin at mas
malakas pa ang iyak.
Warrion is carrying Rion, our son too. Kasama ng kambal nitong si Autumn sa
magkabilang bisig n'ya.
I pouted, kaagad na inubos ang pagkain ko at naglakad patungo sa mag-aama ko.
"Hey baby, akin na 'yung isa." I said.
War glanced at me and shook his head.
"I can manage our kids, baby." He smiled and then stopped again when the twins
whinned harder.
"Just give me a kiss," He pouted his lips and I tiptoed and gave him a smack.
"Hindi kaya malate ka sa trabaho?" I asked him.
"Nah, I'm good." He smiled.
I pouted cutely, off ko kasi ngayon kaya may oras ako sa mga bata. My husband
has work too but he wanted to take care of our twins as much as possible.
"Akin na si Rion," I said softly.
When Rion heard his name, he shifted his gaze, kaagad na magpumiglas sa ama at
inilahad ang kamay sa akin.
"Ma! Ma!" He cried.
I offered my hand, kita kong nagdadalawang-isip pa si War kung ibibigay sa akin
ang anak namin pero tumango ako sa kanya.
"Ayos lang," I said.
"Baka mapagod ka," He said softly.
 "It's our job so it's natural to be this tired." I chuckled. He nodded,
marahang inabot sa akin si Rion at inalalayan ito sa bisig ko.
"Careful, baby." He murmured.
I nodded and smiled, inayos ko ang pagkakakarga kay Rion na suminghot-singhot
sa leeg ko at yumakap ng mahigpit.
"Bakit umiiyak ang kambal ko?" I said softly, moving my body to dance my son.
Autumn stared at me with her green eyes, blinking her tears back and hugged his
father's nape.
"D-Dad...alis!" She murmured.
Nagkatinginan kami ni War at napatawa ang asawa ko at hinalikan ang ulo ng anak
namin.
"You don't want Dad to go to work?" Masuyong bulong n'ya.
"No! No!" Utal na sabi ng Autumn ko at muling umiyak.
"Calm down, baby. Calm down." Suyo ni War sa anak at isinayaw rin ito habang
buhat.
Rion is sniffing on my neck and hugging me tightly.
"D-Dad, no!" He whispered on my skin.
"Mana kayo sa Mommy Winter," Warrion chuckled and kissed her head.

"Why?" I asked innocently and he chuckled again and stared

at me.
"They love me so much, baby. Ayaw akong umalis." Ani War na nangingisi pa.
"Patay na patay rin sila kagaya ni Mommy Winter--"
I suddenly punched Warrion. Napaigik si War at nang makita ako ni Autumn na
pinalo ang tatay n'ya ay mas naiyak ito kaya nanlaki ang mata ko.
"Bad! Mommy! Bad!" Autumn exclaimed.
My mouth parted, napahagalpak ng tawa si Warrion roon niyakap si Autumn.
"Don't cry, baby..." Alo n'ya.
"Palo ikaw!" She groaned and stared at me.
"No! No away Mommy!" Biglang sabat ni Rion kaya gulat kaming napasulyap mag-
asawa sa lalaki kong karga.
"No! No hurt Daddy!" Laban ni Autumn.
Rion hugged my nape protectively and I chuckled and kissed his head.
"No...No, baby. Don't fight for Mom and Dad, okay?" I said softly.
"You hurt Daddy!" Paliwanag ni Autumn roon na inilalahad pa ang kamay kaya
napabungisngis ako sa tuwa sa kanya.
"I am sure she got my attitude," I pouted.
"It's your little version, baby." War said, amused.
"And our little boy definitely got yours," I said while carrying my little boy
who keeps on hugging me protectively.
"Autumn, baby, Mommy is just joking. Mom loves Dad so much." Masuyong paliwanag
ni Warrion sa kanyang anak na babae.
I glanced at him and noticed he is wearing his uniform, sporting on his clean
cut and serious face, he is acting so gently and sweet to his children all the
time.
He is wearing his deep, dark green uniform with the insignia on his shoulder.
His uniform fits well on his body, kung titignan mo ay parang mauupos kaagad ang
tuhod sa panghihina sa itsura n'ya.
He never faded...yeah sure, he matured more and looked so dark and strict. Kung
titignan mo s'ya sa opisina ay kitang-kita mo ang awtoridad kahit walang gawin.
He really looks good whatever he wears, lalo na kapag wala... Isa pa,
napakagwapo n'ya.
I remember the first time I visited his work after the awarding ceremony of his
promotion. I saw him wore his uniform back in the ceremony pero 'nung nakita ko
s'ya sa opisina n'ya at ganun ang suot ay nawala na ako sa wisyo.
I swear, napaluhod ako roon! Literally!
And that's when nadiligan nanaman ang ate girl na tuyot...yeah, that's me.
 "Bati kami ni Mommy, look oh, Mommy will kiss me." Ani War at lumapit pa sa
akin.
I chuckled, nakita ko ang pagsilip ni Rion sa leeg ko at ang pagnguso ng anak
kong si Autumn.
Warrion pouted, kita ko ang pang-aasar sa kanyang mukha at mukhang maiisahan
ako sa halik kaya ngumiwi ako sa kanya.
He chuckled, moving his face towards my direction.
"Kiss, baby." He pouted like a needy kid.
Napailing na ako sa lokong ito, nang pumikit s'ya para mag-antay ng halik ay
kaagad kong hinalikan ang pisngi n'ya.
Napamulat s'ya, nakita ko ang panlulumo at parang batang nag-iinarte na ngumuso
sa akin.
"Lips," He whinned.
"May mga bata, War!" I hissed quietly.
Warrion blinked, biglang ngumuso at sumulyap sa anak n'ya at suminghap.

"Away ako ni Mommy, Autumn..." Sumbong n'ya.

My mouth parted when Autumn was about to cry again, nang umiyak na s'ya ay
napatalon ako roon.
Shit!
"J-Joke lang! Hindi na, ki-kiss ko na si Daddy!" I said, matahan lang ang anak
ko.
I saw my husband's wicked grin pero biglang naging malungkot ng sulyapan siya
ni Autumn roon, tila nagpapaawa.
I glared at him, halos magliwanag naman ang mata n'ya sa kapilyuhan kaya
lumapit ako sa kanya at humalik sa labi gaya ng gusto n'ya.
He smiled in between our kisses, mas tumungo s'ya para hagkan ako, nadadala na
ata at ganoon rin ako kung hindi lang biglang tinampal ni Rion ang mukha ng Tatay
n'ya palayo sa akin.
"No eating Mommy!" He exclaimed.
Bigla akong napatawa, nakaawang pa ang labi ni War sa bitin na halik at sinabi
ng anak kaya pasimple kong hinawakan ang pwet n'ya at pinalo na nagpatalon sa
kanya.
"No eating raw," I teased him and I saw how his eyes blinked as he stared at
his son's green eyes back.
Naglalaro ang kambal roon sa malaking play pen sa sala habang nanunuod ng
palabas sa TV.
Kumalma sila, h'wag naman sana mag-iyakan dahil mahirap nanaman sila patahain.
Magkasama kami ni War na pumasok sa kusina para pakainin ang mga pusa.
Nakita kong nauna pa si War na dumukwang roon kahit naka-uniform para haplusin
ang mga alaga namin.
Piglet was with our orphan cats, Oink-oink and piggy.
Turns out, Warrion got it from a shelter noong napadaan s'ya. They were really
really cute and sweet, ang mga orphan naming anak ni War ay malambing, si Piglet
lang naman ang ma-attitude at madalas akong irapan eh.
He feed them, dumukwang rin ako palapit para magbigay ng tubig at hinaplos ang
balahibo nila.
War glanced at me, his green eyes twinkled. Nang magtama ang braso namin ay
sumandal ako sa kanya.
He kissed my head and slowly put his arms around me.
"Hindi na ako papasok, Win." He said.
Gulat akong napatingin sa kanya at nagtaka.
"Why? Don't you have work to do?"
"I got it covered," He said. "I was a bit busy these past few days and I
thought this would be a great time to spend the day with my wife and kids."
I chuckled, my heart pounded like crazy.
Nang tumayo ako ay mabilis s'yang tumayo rin kaya yumakap ako sa kanyang
baywang. I felt his hug on my back and I felt him kissing my forehead.
"Sure ka?" I whispered.
"Hmm, I'm more than sure." He said huskily. I smelled his minty and manly
perfume, mas nangiti ako roon at isinubsob ang mukha sa kanyang dibdib.
"Ang bango-bango mo," I whispered.
"Mas mabango ka," He chuckled and lifted my chin to kiss my lips. "Wala nang
mas mabango pa sa tuyot ko."
I glared at him, he chuckled and pinched my cheek, kissing my forehead again.
"Pero hindi ka na pala tuyot," Aniya. "Sorry, baby, nasanay lang."
I smacked his arm, tatawa-tawang isinandal n'ya ako sa counter at
nakipaglokohan nanaman.
"I love you," He said, kissing my lips and lifting me on the counter top.

"I love you more," I said softly and put my hands on his
ass and spanked it.
His eyes dilated, staring intently at me.
"Why do you like my ass so much?" He asked.
"Kasi matambok," Hagikhik ko. "Baka d'yan nga nagmana ang pisngi ni Autumn."
He bursted out laughing, napatawa rin ako at pinisil muli ang pwet n'ya.
"I'm scared it might get deformed because you keep on squeezing it." Nguso n'ya
at hinaplos ang pisngi ko.
"It won't," Tawa ko at hinaplos ulit ang pang-upo n'ya. "I always love it when
you wear shorts, slacks and such. Yung bakat 'yung pwet mo."
"Parang nagdadalawang-isip na ako kung pwet nga lang ba ang minahal mo sa
akin," Biglang natigil s'ya at napakurap na tila nag-iisip kaya napahagalpak ako at
inangat ang kamay ko sa kanyang balikat at hinila s'ya palapit para hagkan.
"I love you, War. Syempre, ikaw talaga. Package nga lang si Lieutenant down
there and 'yung matambok mong pwet." Hagikhik ko.
"Silly..." He chuckled and flicked my forehead.
Napatawa ako at pumikit nang hagkan n'ya ang labi ko.
"You think I'm clingy, baby?" He suddenly whispered.
Napamulat ako at pinagmasdan s'yang mukhang seryoso sa kanyang tanong.
"Ikaw? I don't think so, parehas naman tayong hindi mapaghiwalay...but I think
sa ating dalawa mas clingy ako."
Napataas ang kilay n'ya roon at hinawi ang buhok ko papunta sa likuran ng tenga
ko.
"We're both like that, I think." He suddenly smiled. "Anyway, I love you."
"I love you too," I smiled lovingly back.
Nakita kong napalingon s'ya sa counter at may inabot roon, I glanced at his
hand and saw him holding an M&M chocolate.
He opened it and offered me, kaagad ko iyong kinuha pero hindi ko pa man
nakakain ay tumitig s'ya sa akin.
"Pahingi," He said.
"Hmm? Ayan oh." I pointed the food.
"No, I want the one from your mouth." He said. Napatawa na ako roon, I ate the
chocolate and put it in between my teeth and showed him.
His smile lifted, tumungo s'ya sa akin at hinawakan ang pisngi ko para sakupin
ang labi ko.
Parang kinikiliti ang sikmura ko nang malalim s'yang humalik sa akin para
kagati ang tsokolate sa bibig ko.
I kissed him passionately, hugging his nape more.
The flavor melted on my mouth, he deepened the kisses more and when I felt him
lifting my dress, I stopped.
"War..." I whimpered.
"Hmm?" He hummed, mukhang nalalasing pa sa halik. His lips are swollen, staring
at mine.
"Baka...may makakita sa atin rito?" I asked.
 "No one will," He chuckled. "Off ng maids."
"You mean...tayo lang dito sa bahay?" I said, nagliliwanag ang mata.
"Uh-hmm," He hummed and winked.
Napanguso ako at napatawa, inalalayan n'ya ako paalis sa counter at walang
pagdadalawang-isip na hinubad ko ang dress ko at hinagis sa kanyang mukha.
"Diligan time na!" I exclaimed.
His laughter roared, inalis sa kanyang mukha ang dress ko at binigyan ako ng
gutom na tingin.

He was about to attack me with his kisses ay hindi na

natuloy nang biglang tumahimik ang TV at umalingawngaw ang iyak ng kambal.
My eyes widen, nakita kong napamura si Warrion at mabilis na hinila ang dress
ko sa counter at tinulungan ako sa pagsusuot pabalik.
"Yung M&M ko!" I exclaimed and took the chocolate.
Halos liparin naming mag-asawa ang sala at naabutan naming nakapatay ang TV at
nagwawala na ang kambal roon dahil nawala na ang pinapanuod.
"What..."
Warrion immediately run to open the television pero wala na ang pinapanuod ng
mga bata na palabas na Darna, ang local superhero na paborito ni Autumn at mas
nagwala silang dalawa.
I am positive Rion just cried because his twin cried and now he's more
hysterical!
"Baby..." Warrion looked so lost while trying to calm our children.
Si Rion na seryoso rin ay malakas ang iyak at sumipa-sipa pa at si Autumn ay
tinutulak ang Daddy n'ya.
Lumapit ako at kaagad na lumuhod para kausapin ang mga anak ko.
"What happened--"
"Watch TV!" Autumn whinned, napanganga pa ako sa gulat nang hampasin nito ng
unan ang mukha ni Warrion na napapikit lang.
"Here's your TV, baby. Calm down, Dad will buy you toys--" Hindi na natuloy ni
Warrion ang pagsuyo sa mga anak nang magwala lang ito lalo.
Nakakapit sa gilid ng play pen si Rion at umiiyak, si Autumn naman ay
tumatalon-talon at ayaw magpakarga sa Daddy n'ya.
Now...this is what I am saying when they're crying! They're moody like us!
Hindi na kami mapakali ni Warrion, kayang-kaya namin asikasuhin ang mga bata
pero ibang usapan na kapag nagwawala na ito ng ganito. We cannot predict what they
want, minsan naman ay makulit kagaya ko at minsan naman ay kasing sungit ni War!
"W-What are we gonna do?" I asked and bit my lip while they're crying their
lungs out, giving us their severe tantrums.
"We have to distract them," Pilit na huminahon si Warrion roon.
"How..." I murmured. "Papainumin ko nalang ng gatas--"
"No, baby, they cried because of the series they're watching." Aniya.
Napatango ako, humigpit ang hawak sa chocolate ko at nakita ko kung paano
lumiwanag ang mata ng asawa ko nang makita ang hawak ko.
"That's it..." He pointed my chocolate.
"Huh?" I asked.
He told me what to do, naguguluhan man ay napasulyap ako sa mga bata na umiiyak
roon, nakamasid sa aming mag-asawa, nagwawala.
Naghiwalay kaming bahagya ni War sa harapan ng mga bata, I saw War stretched
his arm and cocked his neck, ready to his well-planned and excellent exhibition.
"Go, baby..." He said when he noticed that the kids stared at us while crying.
I sighed, kumuha ako ng isang butil ng M&M sa lagayan at suminghap.
"Ding, ang bato!" He exclaimed at hinagis ko ang chocolate kay Warrion na
walang hirap n'yang nasalo.
I saw how my husband ate the chocolate, then in a voice filled with conviction
exclaimed...
"Darna!" He exclaimed and raised his hand like a superhero.
 Nanlaki ang mata ko, sabay kaming napalingon sa dalawang bata na nanahimik nang
makita ang ginawa ng Daddy nila.
I saw Autumn stopped then suddenly laughed hard, si Rion naman ay natahimik,
nakita kong tumulo pa ang luha sa pisngi n'ya pero maya-maya ay natulala at
napakurap-kurap.
Biglang natapos ang commercial sa TV at bumalik ang darna, nakita ko kung paano
kumalma ang dalawa at bumalik sa panunuod na parang walang nangyari at nang
sumulyap ako kay Warrion ay nakatulala lang s'ya sa hangin at mukhang wala sa
sarili.
Nakataas pa rin ang kamay n'ya.
In little steps, I walked towards my husband and slowly pulled his arms down.
Napakurap-kurap rin ako sa ginawa naming dalawa pero mas nakaagaw ng pansin ko ang
pantalon n'ya.
I noticed how his bulge protruded from his slacks, halatang bitin na bitin sa
ginawa namin kanina sa kusina at kinalabit ko ang asawa ko na napakurap sa akin.
"W-What the fuck did I just do?" He asked, filled with embarassment.
Napalunok naman ako at ang kamay ay unti-unting bumaba sa umbok ng pantalon
n'ya. I slowly cupped his bulge and I saw how his eyes widen at that.
"Darna, dito napunta ang bato..." I murmured and suddenly screamed when he
cursed and caught my waist for my naughtiness.