Sandejas Legacy #1: August Lies

Note: For better reading experience, I suggest you guys should read Sandejas Sibling Series and Lost Island
Series before this para 'di kayo malito sa names, in case, you haven't read it pa. Pero even without reading
it maiintindihan naman ang flow ng story na 'to, that's only if you like and for more thrill.

---

Sandejas Legacy #1:

Sandejas Legacy continues...

"Lies are lies, no matter how good the reason behind it is."

Scira Rosalie Sandejas Valderama, one of the most sought and famous Architect of her generation.
Beautiful, smart, creative and perfectionist.

Everyone looks up to her because she got everything...almost everything. Siguro nga ay nasa kanya na ang
lahat kung hindi lang palpak ang buhay pag-ibig n'ya.

One man to another, she tried looking for love yet love isn't really showing itself to her but not until she
met Warren Miranda. He's gentleman, proud and handsome.

She thought...maybe he is the one. Pero paano kung ang akala n'yang potential future jowa ay maging
future kumare n'ya pala?

The two met in an unexpected way, made a one of a kind friendship but what if she found out the he lied?

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 2020

©heartlessnostalgia (Chennie Ann Cerro)

Simula

"Congratulations, Architect. Another job well done." I flashed a simple, formal smile before straightening
my back.

"Thank you," I muttered, accepting the hand of our new investors.

"Miss Valderama, congratulations!" Salubong sa akin ng iba na kaagad kong nginitian.

I accepted their hands, smiling humbly yet formally.

"Manang-mana sa ina," one of our oldest board member said when he got to me.

"My mother's still the best," I muttered, chuckling.

"Sandejas at Valderama ba naman ang dugo, talagang mahusay iyan." Ani ng iba na kaagad kong ngitian.

After moments of pleasantries and greetings, I felt exhausted. Sumulyap ako sa team na Malaki rin ang
ngiti at nang mahuli akong nakatingin ay ngumiti sa akin.

"Architect, congrats!" One of my friends, also a member of my team, Anna said.

"Congrats sa ating lahat," I said, smiling and after we took a group picture ay dumiretso akong muli sa
opisina para magpahinga.

Being a Sandejas-Valderama isn't easy, maraming nagsasabing mabuti pa ako ay anak mula sa angkan
namin pero hindi nila alam ang bigat na dala ng apelyido na ito.

Being a part of the family is pressuring, for me. My mother and father never force me to take architecture
yet I wanted it, at first I didn't like it, gusto ko lang talagang gayahin ang mom ko, the famous Architect
Zidney Agnieszka Sandejas.
At young age, she is my role model. Fierce, smart and intimidating yet a good mother to all of us.

Masaya ang aming pamilya, wala na akong mahihiling pa. if I was given a chance to change families? I
won't. I'd still choose Zidney as my mother and Thorn as my father.

Pero kagaya ng nararamdaman ko, I am pressured. Being the daughter of Zidney Sandejas and Thorn
Valderama, one of the greatest and famous architect and doctor in their generation, I am expected to be
one, too.

"Architect?" My eyes landed on the door and I saw my secretary, Akisha, walked inside with a folder on
her hand.

"What's that?" I asked and she smiled before putting it on my desk.

"Pipirmahan po, Architect." Aniya at tumango na lang ako kahit pagod na.

"Thanks and uhm, I want black coffee sana." I said and she nodded.

"Sige po, ayusin ko." Aniya bago ako iwan sa loob.

I opened the folder, saw it was the budget for our upcoming project which I have to approve first.

I sighed, shook my head before reading it.

My back hurts and my nape ache yet I have to sit straight on my swivel even if I'm just reading. My father
warned me I might damage my spinal cord if I sit like a tambay at nakatungo pa so, I am training myself.

Architect Scira Rosalie Sandejas Valderama.

I smiled when I saw my name and put my signature on it. Naalala ko pa noong nagpaparaktis ako ng pirma
noong college ako, I wanted my signature to be perfect, furnish, just like my mom's.
Hindi naman ako nabigo at maganda ang kinalabasan, plus, I'm an architect too, like my mother.

Dumating ang kape ko, I thanked my secretary before she left and I spent my time reading reports and
approving budgets for our projects.

I am wasted and tired yet I have to look good, pagkalabas ko pa lang ng opisina nang malapit na ang uwian
ay kaagad kong nakita ang tingin sa akin ng mga empleyado at ang head ng mga department.

"Architect! Uwi na po kayo?" The man from the HR asked and I nodded.

"Yes," tipid kong sagot pero may ngiti sa labi.

"Ingat po!" Ani ng mga kasama n'ya.

"Kayo rin." I said softly.

Habang papalabas ako ay nakita ko ang pinsang kong papasok at kaagad na gumaan ang loob ko nang
makita ito.

"Kuya!" I exclaimed happily.

Kuya Chiel glanced at me, his cold blue eyes met mine and I saw how it soften.

"Scira," he called and I chuckled, tumakbo ako palapit sa kanya at napangiti nang kunin n'ya ang hand bag
na hawak ko.

"Napadaan ka?" I asked, kissed his cheek and he took my elbow to assist.

"Pinapasundo ka ni Tita Zid," he said and chuckled. "Looks like Miss Perfect got a hard time today?"
I pouted and sighed, sumabay ako sa kanya sa paglalakad.

"Medyo lang, Kuya. I approved budgets for today and meetings, countless ones." I said.

"Baka ungusan mo na ang Tita Zid, ah?" He joked.

"Attorney, Architect! Magandang hapon po!" Bati ng guard nang makita kami.

We greeted him back and went out of the building.

"No one could surpass Mom, Kuya. Para maging kasing perfect ni Zidney Valderama, kakain pa ako ng
maraming bigas." I said and he chuckled.

"Narinig ko kanina may nakuha ka ulit na deal?" He asked me and I nodded. I saw how his eyes glisten, I
pouted when he ruined my hair.

"Kuya!" I exclaimed and he laughed.

"Good girl," he chuckled. "We are so proud of you."
My heart melted at that, "thank you." I said softly.

Pumunta kami sa kanyang sasakyan, he opened the door and let me in before walking towards the driver's
seat.

"Kuya, my car?" I asked him and he just shook his head at me.
"Don't worry about it, papakuha ko sa driver." Aniya at pinaandar na ang sasakyan.

We talked about things while on his car, one thing that I love in our family is that...we're all close, like
we're brothers and sisters, kahit magpipinsan kami.

We are making sure no one was left out, if may oras, palagi kaming nag-i-sleep over sa ancestral house
namin.

"Kumusta ang kaso, Kuya?" I asked him and he glanced at me a bit and smiled.

"Great, I got mild cases this week so I'm chill." He laughed, "but I think this coming week's cases isn't easy
as pie."

I chuckled and tapped his shoulder. "Ikaw pa ba, Attorney Sandejas? Anak ka ata ni Iñigo." I said and he
laughed at me.

"Well, my father's great, kagaya mo, marami pa akong kakaining bigas para maabot s'ya." Aniya.

"Well, our parents are great." I chuckled. "Tayong mga anak marami pang pagdadaanan para maging
kasing galing nila."

"Anyway, I got foods in the back, gusto mo?" Aniya at sumulyap ako at napangiti nang makitang may mga
sweets doon at donuts.

"Para kay Tita Thallia?" I asked and she nodded.

"Hmm, she likes donuts, nakikihati rin si Crest." He chuckled and glanced at me. "Anyway, Scira?"
"Yes, Kuya?" I asked when I noticed him kinda serious now.

"Did you reach her?" He asked.

"Si Ate Clyte?" I muttered and he nodded. "Hindi pa, eh." I sighed and I saw his lip pursed a bit and
nodded.

Naging tahimik na ang usapan naming nang matapos iyon at napabaling lang ako sa phone nang tumunog.

My forehead creased when I saw Lucas' name, my boyfriend, calling.

I rejected the call but moments later, he called again and I saw Kuya Alchiel glanced at me.

"Why aren't you answering?" He asked and I licked my lips and sighed.

"Nothing, Kuya. It's nothing important."

He nodded, his eyes landed on the phone I am holding before returning his gaze back on the road.

Suddenly, my phone rang again.

Ano bang kailangan nito?

My forehead creased, nang maingayan ako at nahiya na kay Kuya Chiel ay iritado ko iyong sinagot at
inilagay sa tainga para marinig.
"Yes?" I asked casually and I almost frowned when I heard his voice.

"Scira! Why aren't you answering my calls?!" He exclaimed loudly on the phone.

"I'm in the meeting, Lucas." I said, resting my back on the seat and stared at my colored nails.

"Until now?" He exclaimed.

"No, I'm on my way home." I said.

"Then why aren't you answering my calls?!" He exclaimed and my forehead creased.

"Why are you screaming?" I said, now feeling annoyed.

"Are you okay?" Kuya then muttered when he glanced at me and I smiled and nodded.

"Who's that?" He suddenly said on the phone. "Are you cheating on me, Valderama?!"

"Can you quit it?" I said impatiently. "I am with my cousin, Lucas. I am busy."

"Busy? Ilang lingo tayong hindi nagkita tapos busy?" He muttered. "H'wag mo nga akong niloloko! Wala ka
ng oras sa akin!"

Makapagsalita ang lalaking 'to akala mo ay asawa! I almost cursed at him.

"You see, Lucas, let's talk when we're both cool, okay? I have a family gathering tonight—"

"Palagi na lang pamilya mo! Palagi naman kayong nagkikitang lahat, ah? Hindi ba pwedeng ako naman?"
He said frustratedly and I scratched my brow, trying to be calm.

"Lucas, that's my family we were talking about. I can't miss—"

"Kung mahal mo ako makikipagkita ka sa'kin!" He exclaimed, throwing tantrums like a retarded child and
my lips lifted.

"Fuck off." I said coldly.

Kuya glanced at me, he looks curious of my sudden cursing yet didn't say anything.

"Scira!" Lucas muttered but before I lost my cool and curse him non-stop, I turned the call off and sighed.

"Boy problem?" Kuya muttered and I sighed, nodding.

"He annoys me every time." I muttered and he chuckled.

"Gusto mo upakan ko?" He joked, pretended to lift the sleeves of his shirt pa and I laughed at him and
shook my head.

"Ayos lang, Kuya." I chuckled.

"Sama ko pa si Deion, oh?" He said. "Pabaril natin kay Tito Zeij?" He joked at sabay kaming napatawa sa
sinabi n'ya.

We reached our house and my smile widened when I saw my cousins outside.
"Zire!" I exclaimed at the top of my lungs and I saw her glanced at me and almost jumped.

"Bakla!" She muttered and run towards me.

We laughed while hugging, kaagad akong nagtungo sa bahay para batiin ang iba pa.

"Kuya!" I cheered when I saw my brother, Kuya Deion.

"Oh, Scira, maraming trabaho?" Aniya at kinuha mula sa kamay ko ang bag.

"Opo," I said, pouting and he chuckled. He looks a lot like my father, he kissed my forehead first before
letting me go.

"Sige, dadalhin ko sa kwarto mo 'tong bag. Go greet them, nasa kusina ang iba." He said and left.

I entered the house and saw my titos and titas with my cousin. Karga pa ni Tito Dash si Audette at
napangiti pa nang makita ako.

"Ang perfect kong pamangkin!" He even greeted me and I laughed, walking towards him for a hug.

Nag-bless ako matapos sila batiin ni Tita at sa mga pinsan ko.

I saw Tito Zeijan with Zion on the kitchen and I smiled when I saw them.

"Hello, mga gwapo!" I said and they glanced at me.

"Uy, si Miss Perfect!" Halos mabulunan pa si Kuya Zion sa kinakain nang makita ako.

"Perfect ka r'yan..." I muttered and he chuckled.

I greeted them, giving them hugs and kisses. Nang makalabas ng kusina ay naabutan ko ang Mom and Dad
ko na kausap sina Tita Thallia.

"Mom," I called and she glanced at me, smiling.

"Oh, my baby." She muttered softly, hugging and kissing my cheek before I glanced at my father.

"Hi, Dad." My father, still handsome as ever smiled and ruffled my hair.

"How's my princess?"

"Good," I muttered and smiled at him.

I kissed his cheek too, nang mapansing nakaupo at naglalaro sa sofa ng manika ang bunsong kapatid kong
si Queen Scira ay napatawa ako, marahang lumuhod at niyakap s'ya.

"Hi, my little teddy bear." I said softly.

"'Te!" She exclaimed.

"Gave Ate a kiss." I said and she giggle before giving me one.
The small gathering is superb and I felt happy for it, kagaya ng nakasanayan at dahil nga may party ay sa
bahay natulog ang mga pinsan ko.

Ang mga babae ay nasa kwarto ko habang na kay Kuya Deion ang mga lalaki.
"Naninibago ako kapag wala si Clyte," Ate Crest muttered while sitting on the bed, nag-s-skincare naman
ako habang pinagmamasdan s'ya.

"I contacted her pero hindi sumasagot," I said and sighed. "Busy siguro sa trabaho, Ate." I muttered.

"Maybe?" Ate Crest sighed.

Sa aming lahat, Ate Crest is closest with my sister Ate Clyte kaya miski s'ya ay dama na hindi nakarating ang
Ate ngayon. She's now in Aklan for her new projects pero 'di nga lang namin matawagan.

We had movie marathon, drinked a little and slept late kaya kinabukasan tuloy ay hindi ako nakapasok.

It's okay with my Mom naman, my secretary told me I got no work to do kaya ayos lang na absent ako.

The next day, I got back on our firm.

With my chin up and straight ironed hair, I feel confident walking around. I am wearing a formal jumpsuit,
my hair is on my back with my black hand bag on elbow.

"Good morning po, Architect." They greeted me and I smiled and nodded.

Sumabay sa paglalakad ko ang aking secretary, I glanced at her and saw her quite nervous talking to me.

"What's the matter?" I asked and she smiled again.

"Uh, Architect kasi, nandito si Sir Lucas kahapon." She said and I stopped to look at her.

"And?"

"He's looking for you, hindi ka raw po n'ya matawagan? Hindi rin po kami sumubok tumawag sa'yo,
Architect kasi baka abala ka." Aniya.

My brow raised, sumunod s'ya nang maglakad ako sa opisina at nagsalita.

"He almost made a scene, Architect. Pinatawag po ang guard pero umalis naman po kalaunan." Aniya.

I nodded, put my hand bag on the table before sitting on my swivel.

"Okay, thank you." I said. "Can I have a cup of coffee?" I asked nonchalantly and she nodded and bowed a
bit.

"Sige po, Architect." Aniya at umalis.

I was bothered, iritado dahil sa pagpunta ni Lucas pero bahala s'ya sa buhay n'ya. I don't need a nagger in
my life.

As usual, my day goes on, countless meetings and tiring shake hands with rehearsed smiles. Sometimes,
it's tiring being the daughter of my parents yet I wanted this, anyway. Might as well get used to it.
Nang buksan ko ang telepono ay kaagad akong inulin ng mga tawag at napailing na lang ako ng makita ang
pangalan ni Lucas.

Annoyed, I answered it.

"Scira! Why do you keep on ignoring my calls?" His demanding voice filled my ear the moment I answered
his call.

"Lucas—"

"H'wag ka na magpaliwanag. Let's meet later at dinner." He said, as if dismissing me.

"Fine," I said and ended the call.

Pagod ako pero alam kong kailangan ko nang kitain si Lucas ngayong dinner.
I checked my face first, sinuklay ang mahabang buhok bago tinignan kung may gusot ba ang damit ko at
nang makontento ay sumakay na sa kotse para magtungo sa itinext n'yang lugar.

When I got to the restaurant, I fixed my clothes before going inside after I parked my car.

Malayo pa lang ay kita ko na s'yang may kausap na babae sa table. My brow lifted yet I didn't say anything,
I walked towards him with my chin up the he almost jumped on his seat when he saw me.

"Scira," he called and stood.

I saw the woman he's conversing stood, glancing at me with a mocking smile but I just looked at her coldly.

"Girlfriend mo, Luke?" The woman asked and Lucas nodded, assisting me to sit.

I did sit, nakita kong natigilan ang babae dahil wala akong reaksyon.

"Uh, sige, Luke. Doon muna ako." She said before hesitantly walked away.

I immediate met Lucas' black eyes, I stared back at him and simply took the glass of water to take a sip.

"Hindi mo man lang tatanungin kung sino 'yon?" He asked me, as if it's weird I don't care if he's talking to
someone.

"Tell me, then." I said and I saw his jaw clenched.

"She's a colleague." He said and I nodded.

"Okay."

"That's it?" He doesn't look please with my answer.

"Yeah? Do you expect I'd say something? Like, magwawala ako?" I asked.

"You should!" He said. "May kausap akong babae, hindi ka ba nagtataka kung bakit—"

"You said she's your colleague, right?" I asked.

"Yes, but won't you ask me if I'm cheating—"

"Oh, are you?" I asked and glanced at his eyes coldly.

"No!" He said frustratedly.

"Then, what's the point accusing you of something when you said you're not?" I asked him, now folding
my arms on my chest. "You know I am not the jealous type, Lucas."

"Yes, I know..." He almost pulled his hair. "But can't you at least act like you're jealous?"

Hindi ako umimik at pinagmasdan s'ya.

"You know what, Scira? I'm tired of this." He said and I just looked at him, didn't know why know his next
words. Maybe because it was used against me a lot of times?

"Wala kang pakialam, you're sweet when we're just in events pero kapag wala? Wala kang pakialam!" He
said, annoyed.

"You...You were so damn cold, you care less! You're a control freak!" He said and I tried feeling the pain yet
I felt nothing.

Well, Scira, you got used to it pretty well.

"You want me to be something I am not! I am not like you, Valderama, I am not perfect!" He hissed and I
know it's embarrassing because we're in the restaurant, I can sense people looking at us.

"I never told you to be one." I said.

"Yes, but I still want to be!" He said. "Pero wala kang pakialam! Ni hindi mo nga napansing nagpagupit
ako!"

Nagulat ako at napasulyap sa buhok n'ya.

Oo nga.

"See?!" He looks annoyed. "I don't wanna be that someone who'll say yes to you every damn time. I can't
tolerate your sick attitude anymore!"

Sick, huh? Well, that hurt a bit.

"Well, I can tolerate my sick attitude just fine." I said at mukhang mas nainis pa s'ya sa'kin.

"See? You're sarcastic!" He looks so insulted, his jaw clenched while shaking his head at me. "You know
what? I am breaking—"

"No, Lucas. I am breaking up with you." I said and I saw how he froze.

His mouth parted and blinked at me.

Napapahiya na ako pero ayokong natatapakan ang ego ko.

"Y-you..." He looks baffled.

"I am a control freak? Yes. Drama queen? Yes. Walang pakialam?" I chuckled coldly. "I don't know, you
didn't tell me your problems about my sick attitude."

"You won't listen, anyway!" He exclaimed.

"Well, did you try?" I asked and he stopped.

I chuckled, licking my lower lip before I glanced at my hand bag. I slowly took it and placed it on my lap.

"Lucas, Lucas, Lucas..." I muttered. "Of all the men I've dated, ikaw ang pinakamaayos. But these days? I
don't know anymore."

"You are always jealous, mad, making a scene, you even asked me to choose you over my family? No." I
said and glanced at my finger nails. "I would never choose anything in exchange of my family."

"Scira..." He looks stress now.

"I am breaking up with you." I said and stood while glancing at his shock face. "Ganito lang pala ang
sasabihin mo, you could have tell me on the phone instead."

"N-No, I just...I was shock, I really didn't mean to..."

"It's over," I said and placed my bag on my elbow before straightening my clothes. "Goodbye, I had a great
time, anyway."

His jaw dropped. He kept on calling me but I walked away without looking back.

No one walks out at Scira Valderama, unless it's me, walking out.

Sanay na ako sa ganito pero kahit papaano ay may pakiramdam pa rin ako. It hurt a bit, not that much
dahil ilang beses ko na 'tong napagdaanan pero may kurot pa rin kahit papaano.

Well, the Miss Perfect, Scira Valderama is still a human, after all.

Napabilis ang lakad ko patungo sa sasakyan. Iritado ako at galit.

Kahit alam ko sa sarili kong ganoon nga ako sa sinabi n'ya ay masakit pakinggan kapag galing sa bibig ng
ibang tao.

The cold, heartless and egocentric Architect. That's what my exes kept on calling me after we broke up.
Well, ako pala ang nakikipag-break. Bago pa naman nila masabi ang salitang 'yon ay uunahan ko na sila.

What a selfish brat, Scira. Really an egocentric.

I gasped in shock noong dahil sa pagmamadali ay may nabangga ako.

My bag fell on the ground, sa lakas ng pagkakatama ko ay napaupo pa ako sa lapag.

Oh, come on, wala na bang mas imamalas ako?!

"Miss," my eyes landed on the hand extending to me and I immediately took it.

A man helped me stand, iritado kong pinagpagan ang damit ko.

I saw the man took my hand bag on the ground and extended it to me.

"Sorry," he said even if it was me who isn't looking on my way.

I accepted my bag he gave me, lifting my head and saw the man with serious black eyes. He's tall, in a
clean cut hair and is wearing a simple black tees and maong.

"Thank you, Sir..." I said after I looked away. Humigpit ang hawak ko sa hand bag at paalis na sana nang
magsalita s'ya.

"Warren," he said and I froze, glancing back at him.

"Huh?" I saw him glancing at me, his hand now inside the pocket of his jeans and I nodded, feeling weird
at him.

"I'm Warren." He said and my mouth parted a bit when he said that.

"Oh, thank you, Sir Warren." I said and flashed a small, hesitating smile before turning my back on him.

Kabanata 1

I woke up early to freshen up. I planned to go with my parents first at Dad's clinic, tatambay lang tsaka ako
didiretso ng opisina.

Matapos magbihis ay kaagad kong kinuha ang hand bag ko at bumaba para sa agahan. As usual, maingay
nanaman doon sa kusina kahit maaga pa.

I smiled.

Habang pababa ng hagdan ay kitang-kita kaagad ang malaking portrait ng aming pamilya. On the back of
the red, majestic sofa is my father, Thorn Arzeus Valderama, with my brother, Deion. Sa sofa sa gitna
naman nakaupo si Mommy, the one and only Zidney Sandejas and beside her is me and my sister, Clyte.

Sa pagbaba ay kaagad akong binati ng mga kasama namin sa bahay at masaya ko silang binati pabalik, I
straightened my back, fixed my dress before I entered the dining.

Kaagad kong naabutan si Dad na nakaupo sa kabisera, may hawak na dyaryo at sumisimsim sa kape. He
looks serious, his black eyes read the words seriously and I chuckled when I saw my mother beside him,
nangungulit.

My dad is busy yet my mom tried entering her head on his arms at nang mapansin iyon ni Dad ay walang
pagdadalawang-isip n'yang binaba ang binabasa at natatawang humalik sa mommy.

My heart swelled, seeing them like that.

Sa may kalan ay nakita kong nagluluto ang Kuya. He's busy doing his famous pancake at natawa ako nang
makitang nakasabit lang sa balikat n'ya ang shirt.

My eyes went on the baby seat near my father and saw my youngest sister, Queen Scira, playing with her
barbies, pinapalo pa n'ya ang lamesa.
"Seryoso, ah?" My eyes widen when I heard a voice and I gasped and tilted my head, only to see Ate Clyte
smiling.

"Ate!" I cheered happily.

She chuckled and I hugged her, I felt her hugged me back.

"Kailan ka pa nakauwi? You aren't answering my calls!" I exclaimed and she chuckled, moving away from
me.

"Naka-silent ang phone ko, Scira." She chuckled. "Kaninang madaling-araw lang ako nakauwi."

Amazed and happy, I nodded. Sabay kaming lumapit sa hapag at nakitang hindi na nagulat ang tao roon na
naroon na ang Ate, I guess ako na lang ang walang ka-alam-alam.

She sat beside our youngest. Lumapit ako sa parents ko para humalik.

"Good morning, Scira." My Mom muttered, still hugging Dad on his waist.

"Morning, Mom, Dad." I said softly, kissing my Dad's cheek too bago tumakbo kay Kuya.

"Pancakes!" Silip ko at napatalon pa s'ya sa gulat sa paglitaw ko.

"Jesus..." He muttered, fixing his glasses and I laughed, tiptoed and kissed his cheek.

"Morning, Kuya," I grinned and laughed when he lifted his arms, caged my neck and jokingly choked me.

"Kuya!" I exclaimed and punched his abdomen. "Ang baho mo!"

"What?" His black eyes stared at me and I laughed when he pinched my nose. "Check mo pang-amoy mo,
naligo ako!"

"Kids, tama na 'yan. Let's eat." I heard my mom's soft voice and Kuya let me go.

I stuck my tongue out at him and he smirked, ruffled my hair and I glared at him.

"You ruined my hair!" I hissed and he laughed.

"Sorry na, Miss Perfect." He muttered and smirked at me.

Our breakfast is fun, as usual. My mother is still doing architecture pero madalang na. She's now more
fond of her new business, a flower shop.

Ate Clyte ventures to different businesses, she's a nurse in profession but sometimes, she's a
photographer and an event coordinator. She likes doing designing a lot so my mom and dad allowed her to
do what she wants.

My brother, Deion is a psychotherapist and is now working in the hospital owned by our family. He got it
maybe from our dad and he's good at his work, he help treats people having emotional problems and he's
good to be with.

While me? Well, I wanted to be like mom. I wanted to be perfect, like her. I want to be like her, how she
reigns in terms of architecture. I love it how she can go to different countries and have projects.
She inspired me a lot so, I promised myself I'd be like her. Well, at least I can try?

Ate Clyte were left in our house with Queen, si Kuya naman ay hapon pa ang pasok kaya kasama ko ang
parents ko papunta sa ospital ni Dad.

I am on the backseat, checking on my lip to see if the lipstick shade goes with my dress just fine.

"How's work, anak?" My eyes landed to the shotgun seat and saw my beautiful mother glancing at me.

"Doing great, Mom." I said softly and smiled at her. "I closed another deal."

She smiled, even in her age, she's still glowing and beautiful as ever. Parang kapatid ko lang ang datingan.

"I'm so proud of you, darling." She said, lumapit ako nang abutin n'ya ako and something tugged inside my
chest when she touched my cheek.

"We're proud of you, Scira." My eyes landed on my father glancing on the mirror and I smiled lovingly and
noded.

"Salamat po." I said softly, feeling contented that they're proud of me.

Kasama ko ang mga magulang ko pagkapasok naming sa ospital. Ito talaga ang hilig ko whenever I wanted
to chill or spent time with them, sasama ako sa ospital para tumambay bago pumasok sa opisina.

"Good morning, doc, ma'am..." Bati sa amin ng guard pagkapasok pa lang namin.

We smiled and nodded, nakakapit ako sa braso ni Mom while she's holding my father's hand.

Thorn Valderama looks serious while being greeted by the people and staff, I saw how authoritative he
looked while wearing a formal white dress shirt and black slacks. His hair is quite disheveled and he's
holding hands with my mother that despite her sweetness, still looks intimidating and quite scary. Her hair
is in a bun, wearing a simple red blouse and slacks. Malamig ang kanyang tingin pero kung may babati ay
ngingiti.9

"Mom?" I called and her black eyes stared at me.

"Yes?"

"Uh, una na kayo ni Dad. I'll just go to the bathroom first." I said and smiled at her.

"Oh, okay." Her eyes soften, I saw my Dad glanced at me, I can see his intense black eyes behind his
glasses.

"Where are you going, princess?" He asked me.

"Bathroom lang, dad." I said. "Sunod po ako sa inyo ni Mom sa clinic."

"Alright," he smiled and glanced at my mother.

Naiwan ako nang maglakad silang dalawa. I watched them as they walked away, their fingers intertwined.
Through the years, I watched my parent's relationship grow. They fight at times yet they managed to
talked it out and fixed the problem if ever they have one.

I admire them. I want a relationship like my parents, like my grandpa and grandma, like my aunties and
uncles.

Will I have one?

I had countless relationships, I tried dating, having a relationship to see if I am capable to have a romantic
one. If I can be in love.

I've dated for experience and also to try and please my parents.

My exes often don't like my attitude, they said I am controlling, I am a perfectionist. Gusto ko raw ay dapat
nasusunod kaya nakikipaghiwalay sila yet...I would speak before they could even break up with me so, the
right term would be, ako ang nakikipaghiwalay sa kanila.

Some cheated and when I broke up with them, I gave them a couple slap.

I may be a bitch for having this sick attitude but I would never cheat. I hate cheaters!

My mother likes Lucas' family, they came from one of the richest, they have businesses all over the
country and when Lucas and I met, I gave it a chance when he asked if he could court me.

Yet...it ended just like others.

Lahat sila ay ayaw sa ugali ko. I'm getting used to it yet sometimes, it's just so tiring.

I checked myself in the mirror for one last time, I puckered my lips so I could see if it's good na and when I
am contented, I straightened my hair, stood straight before I go outside.

The people greeted me when they saw me, I smiled and greeted them back too. I once wondered how
they know me pero naalala kong palagi pala akong tambay sa opisina ng dad kaya siguro nasanay at
kinilala na rin.

I knocked on my father's clinic and entered. Napangiti ako nang makitang nakaupo sa swivel ng dad ang
mommy, pinupunasan ang eyeglasses nito habang si dad ay nakasandal sa may lamesa n'ya at
pinagmamasdan lang s'ya.

"Thornie, should I get bigger shops?" My mom asked and I walked slowly towards them.

"Do you have a place in mind, queen? I can go check." He answered.

"Busy kayo, ah?" I called their attention and they immediately shifted their gaze at me.

"Come here, princess." My dad called and I walked towards them. I sat with my father on the table, si
mommy naman na abala sa pagpunas ng eyeglasses at ngumiti sa'kin.

"Scira, my daughter, do you have a place in mind? I'm thinking of opening another branch of our flower
shop." My mother said and I began thinking.

Yumakap ako kay Dad at nakita kong napatawa s'ya sa akin. He put his arms on my shoulder and stroke my
hair.
"Well, my princess is clingy like the queen." He said and my mom and I both laughed.

"It runs in the blood, doc." I said and he laughed and ruffled my hair.

"Kayong mag-ama talaga." My mother chuckled and stood, lifting the glasses and placed it on father's
eyes.

"Mom, near the firm. There's a place near the the mall. I think we can check on it and see if there's a
place?" I said.

"Oh, okay." She smiled and went in front of me and touched my face. "Can you come with mom?"

"Sure, mommy." I said softly.

"I'm so happy my kids grew up great and beautifully." My mother said and glanced at my father.

I saw her a bit emotional and something tugged inside my chest. I lifted my hand so I could grasp her
fingers and I saw how her eyes landed on it.

"I will make you proud, parents." I muttered. "I promise."

After a few hours of staying in his clinic, I decided to leave to my office.

It's my dad's work time na kaya ayaw kong makaistorbo sa kanila. Nagpaalam na ako at saktong paglabas
ay kaagad na bumaling ang mata ko sa unang pasyente ngayong araw.

She's already talking to the secretary and I stopped and waited because I know her.

"Thanks, Miss." She smiled and then glanced at the door but when she saw me, she stopped.

"Scira?" She called and I smiled.

"Ngayon lang ulit kita nakita, Winter." I muttered and suddenly, she chuckled, walked towards me and
offered me a hug.

I hugged her back. She's one of my father's patients, ang alam ko she's suffering from a trauma from her
past pero hindi ko alam kung ano.

I got somehow pretty close to her because she's approachable and my mother kept on talking about her,
telling me that she met Winter and she is the one who suggested to take a look about her situation. Kaya
naging pasyente s'ya ng dad.

"Things happened but I wanted to continue my therapy." She said and smiled.

"Oh, you looked super great." I praised her and she laughed, glancing at me.

"Ang ganda mo rin! Kamukhang-kamukha ni Tita Zid." She said and I just chuckled.

"Anyway, ikaw lang?" I asked and she shook her head, fixing her hair.

"No, I'm with my bodyguard." She said and I nodded.

"Take care, okay? My mom is with dad inside. Mauuna na ako, trabaho." I said and she nodded. Nag-beso
pa kami bago nagpaalam sa isa't-isa.

"Ingat po, Architect." Tawag ng pansin sa akin ng secretary ni dad na kaagad kong nginitian.

"Salamat, ingat din." I said and left.

While walking on the hallway from my father's clinic, I suddenly felt thirsty.

I sighed, tempted to go back to his office to drink some beverage pero nakakahiya na kaya inikot ko ang
paningin para sa pwedeng kunan ng iinumin.

My eyes landed on the coffee maker and I frowned.

Okay sana but I don't drink coffee like that. It has high sugar content that could affect my diet, I always
want my coffee brewed and black, no sugar.

Hindi ko iyon nilapitan, bumaba ako sa ground floor and my eyes got fixed on the vending machine near
the benches where people and some patients sit.

I walked towards it, my eyes looked for a bottle of water but it was empty, tanging mga softdrinks in can
lang ang nandoon.

Ayoko sana but my throat feels so dry and I sighed, opened my back and checked my purse for coins and
walked near it.

Nagpasok ako ng tig-lilimang piso, check out the softdrinks with the lowest sugar content and bought it.

I looked at the machine as it took the softdrink I chose. Nakuha ang isang can doon at naeexcite ako
habang inaantay but it faded the moment the machine got jammed. I heard a sound inside and my eyes
turned slit when my can got stuck.

"What the fuck?" I muttered.

Annoyed, I slammed the machine a bit, lowering my body so I could check the can pero hindi nahulog sa
lalagyan!

"What the hell? Are you kidding me?" I gasped and scratched my brows. "I'm thirsty as heck and yet—"

"Need help?" I stopped, lifted my head, only to see a handsome man leaning a bit on the vending
machine, glancing at me while I make tantrums while squatting.

"Uhm..." I muttered.

He's wearing a simple grey shirt and pants, naka-sneakers pa s'ya at ang magulong buhok ay mas
nagdepina sa mukha n'ya.

"I saw you're having a hard time so..." His black eyes stared at me.

"Well," clearing my throat, I stood. Nag-iwas ako ng tingin dahil sa kahihiyan sa nakita n'yang ginawa ko at
sumulyap sa machine. "My can got stuck, I think the machine got jammed."

"Hmm," he nodded, glancing at the machine.

My eyes scanned him and I saw his hand on the pocket of his jeans. He looks awfully handsome to me that
I am thinking if I've seen him before.

"Let me check, Miss." He said, smiling a bit and I took a step back when he faced the machine.

He has a muscular back, just by his stance, I can say he likes work out a lot or if not, maybe he's an athlete.

His arms have a few visible veins, I can see his round butt on his maong pants and my mouth formed an O.

Why does men with round butts is a major turn on?

He knocked on the machine, I watched him do his thing and my jaw dropped when in just one slam of his
hand on the machine, I heard the sound of the falling can.

"Wow..." I muttered, watched the man squat to take the can of my softdrinks.

He stood, lifting it and glanced at me.

"Here," inabot n'ya sa akin at namamanghang kinuha ko iyon sa kamay n'ya.

"Wow, that's great!" I muttered happily while glancing at him.

Naramdaman ko ang lamig ng can sa kamay ko kaya mas nakaramdam ako ng uhaw.

"How did you do it?" I asked, trying to open the lid but my nails are quite long.

"It's easy." He muttered yet I tried opening the lid again because I can't.

I frowned, frustrated again. Kaka-manicure ko lang!

I heard a manly chuckle, accompanied by his low voice. "Let me, Miss." He said and offered his hand.

Pouting, I gave it to him. Nahihiya pa habang pinagmamasdan s'yang buksan ang softdrinks and nang iabot
n'ya sa akin iyon ay nangiti ako at mabilis na uminom.

I almost gasped when my throat freshened up, nilayo ko ang can at nagulat pa nang masalubong ang mata
n'ya. He's silently watching me, smiling a bit. I can see adoration on his black eyes and I smiled.

"Thank you nga pala, Sir." I said.

"No worries." He said, the side of his lips lifting for a smile.

He looks really familiar pero hindi ko maalala if we already met. His hair is black and kinda messy, he has
pointed nose and sculpted jaw, may kaunting beard din s'ya dahil sa patubong bigote pero ang gwapo pa
rin at hindi madumi tignan.

He's tall, I am reaching his nose even if I'm wearing heels. Paano pa kaya kung hindi ako naka-heels?

"I'm surprise seeing you here," he muttered and my forehead creased a bit.

"Huh?" I asked, "uhm, I'm sorry but...have we met before?"

I saw him stopped, his smile slowly faded and he cleared his throat.
I sipped on the drink and bit my lip.

"I-I'm sorry," I chuckled a bit. "It's just that... Hindi kasi ako matandain, I don't know if we have met or
what..."

"I'm Warren," he suddenly said and I nodded.

"Well, I'm Scira." I said, smiling. "Thanks, Sir Warren."

He suddenly laughed, I'm confused pa at first but his lip pursed handsomely as he shook his head.

"Adorable." He whispered.

"Sino?" I asked.

"You—" We got interrupted when my phone rang.

Nagmamadaling kinuha ko iyon sa bag at nakita ang pangalan ng secretary ko.

"Uh, excuse me." I muttered, smiling at the handsome man staring.

He nodded.

My lips protruded. Nilagay ko ang phone sa tainga at nag-antay sa sasabihin n'ya.

"Hello?"

"Ma'am, Sir Lucas is here... Hinahanap ka po." She muttered and I groaned.

"What is he doing?"

"Ma'am, sorry, ah..." She puffed a breath. "But he's making a scene."

"Shit..." I muttered under my breath. "Call the guards, I'm on my way." I said, lowered my phone and
glanced back at the man watching me quietly.

"Uhm, I have to go, Sir." I said and he nodded, placing his hand lazily on his pocket.

"Alright, take care." He said and I smiled.

"Thanks again." I said and hurriedly walked away to check the commotion in my firm.

I am mad at the commotion, hinihila na ng guards paalis si Lucas pero hindi ito tumitigil.

"Architect Scira," Douglas called the moment he saw me.

"Architect." I called.

"Sorry, we tried calming him down but—"

"Scira!" My brows furrowed when Lucas saw me. He's about to run towards me but the guard's too fast to
stopped him.
"What are you doing, Lucas?" I asked and I saw how his eyes landed from me to Douglas beside me.

"What? May bago ka na? At talagang ang lalaking iyan!" He exclaimed when he saw the man beside me.

"What are you saying?" I asked.

"You cheated on me? Ano, mayabang ka na kasi may ipinagpalit ka?" He exclaimed and I gasped.

"What the hell, Lucas? Stop making commotion in my firm." I said timidly, cold and enrage.

"How can't I? I loved you yet you..." he sighed. "You played with me!"

"Oh, I did?" I asked, raising my brows and crossing my arms.

Pinagtitinginan na kami pero wala akong pakialam! I am so tired of this man making a scene!

"You can't break up with me!" He hissed.

I chuckled sarcastically and tilted my head. "Oh, can't I?" I muttered.

"Yes!" He exclaimed. "Your family still needs us! Your family—"

"Well, Mr. Isabel, I don't think our family need yours." I stopped and my eyes got fixed on the door and a
smile almost left my lips when I saw my Kuya Deion.+

"Deion..." Lucas muttered.

"I think the Sandejas-Valderama firm could stand just right, even without anyone's help." He said coldly, I
saw him folding the sleeves of his black dress shirt up to his forearm.

Lucas froze, staring at my brother coldly glancing at him.

"I-I'm sorry, Deion, it's just that, Scira broke up with me and I think she's cheating!" He muttered and my
brother's forehead creased.

"You have proof?"

"N-No, but I think..."

"You broke up with him, princess?" Kuya glanced at me and sighing, I nodded.

Ayaw ko mang mamroblema pa sila pero wala na akong magagawa.

"Good." Kuya suddenly said that even me stopped.

"What? Deion!" Lucas muttered and I saw Kuya's brow lifted and glanced at him.

"Having a commotion here isn't good to see, Mr. Isabel." Kuya said coldly. "And no one could ever accuse
my sister things she's not."

I almost clapped my hands, natahimik ang lugar at miski si Lucas ay natahimik.

"Get him out of here." Kuya said coldly and walked towards me.
The guards dragged the screaming Lucas out, lumapit naman sa akin si Kuya at napangiti ako bigla nang
ngumuso s'ya sa akin.

"You playgirl," he muttered.

"Kuya!" I exclaimed and suddenly, he smirked.

"Tara sa opisina mo," he said and kissed my forehead before taking my bag.

"Napadaan ka?" I asked and he shook his head, lifted the folder he's holding and my eyes widen.

"You left it at dad's clinic, pinadala lang sa'kin." Aniya at napangiti ako at sumama.

I got pretty busy through the whole day, meetings and such. Nang umalis ang Kuya ay tumawag ang
mommy para kumustahin ang nangyari.

After that, for the night, I still have to meet with some of our clients for a dinner meeting.

Nagtungo ako sa Casa Amara Manila para kitain ang mga kliyente.

"Thank you, Architect. We're looking forward to have you in our project." He offered his hand.

"Thank you." I said and smiled before accepting their hand.

After a few pleasantries, I decided to go check myself in the bathroom.

I fixed my hair, adding color on my lips and cheek before finally going out.

Lumabas ako sa resto patungo sa lobby pero natigilan nang may makitang komosyon.

"Aray! Aray! Pagkatapos mong yurakan ang pagkatao ko, Warrion?! Panindigan mo ako! You said I am your
baby! Bakit may Winter ka ngayon?"
My eyes widen when I saw a familiar man.

It's Warren! But then...why is he pulling some man's hair?

"Shut up! Winter might hear you!" Ani ng kasing tangkad na lalaki na sinasabunutan din s'ya.

"Wait..." My eyes widen when I saw my dad's patient, Winter going near them.

"Sagutin n'yo ako, mag-jowa kayo?!" She exclaimed.

Biglang naitulak 'nung tall man na may green na mata si Warren na magulo na ang buhok pero nangingiti.

"The hell, no!" The man he's with exclaimed and harshly shook his head.

"How dare you deny our love affair, Warrion?!" Warren exclaimed there, clutching his chest and looking
dramatic and I gasped.

Wait...Is Warren gay?

But I think he's a man! Kanina, ang gwapo n'ya at buo pa ang boses and now...

Napasinghap 'yong isang lalaki at kitang-kita ko na ang hiya sa mukha n'ya.

"Fuck you, Miranda! I will fucking--"

"Anong fucking! Hoy ako ang diligan mo!" Winter exclaimed at napatingin sa kanya ang 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?!" The
man with green eyes touched his head when Warren spoke.

They were the center of attention, I gasped and I honestly felt nasayangan when I saw Warren on the wall,
dumadausdos na pababa.

Nag-wa-walling s'ya! Santisima!

Oh, God. I couldn't imagine seeing am that handsome doing a dramatic walling!

"What the heck, Miranda!" The man exclaimed.

I covered my mouth and gulped hard. Still couldn't believe that the man I find handsome earlier really is a
member of the federation.

I have nothing against their sexual orientation, the truth is I have some gay friends but it's just too
shocking to see. I can't believe this.

The man with green eyes hissed, pulling his hair before walking towards Warren.

"Stand up!" He exclaimed and that's when I walked towards them to help if there's anything I could do.

"No! After you hurt my feelings! May babae ka pala, akala ko ako lang?! Ako pa ang bumili ng mga bagong
damit mo--" Warren exclaimed.

"What's happening here? Everyone okay?" I asked and I saw how the three of them shifted their gazes at
me.

"Scira!" Winter called.

"Uy, Win!" I smiled sweetly then waved at her. "Okay lang kayo? Anong meron?" I glanced at the boys.

I saw the man with green eyes looks shock with his eyes blinking.

My eyes landed on Warren and he looks super pale, his eyes are wide, like he'd seen a ghost, his mouth is
parted and he looks like he'll faint in any moment while leaning on the wall.

No one spoke, I suddenly feel bad for Warren.

He helped me earlier and I think I could somehow help him if this man he loves can't accept his love.
That's just too sad.

"Kuya, sana naman maging aware tayo na kahit kasama sila sa pederasyon, deserve nila ang love." I told
the stunned man with green eyes and slowly glanced at Warren and smiled sweetly.

He's a good man, he helped me, he didn't deserve being treated like this by the man he loves.
"Ayos ka lang, sis?" I offered my hand at Warren and smiled.

"I..." I saw Warren flushing hard. He gulp, I saw how embarrassed he is.

"I..." He gulped again, trying to say something but stuttering.

"It's okay, sis, come on. Stand up." I said and I saw how his eyes landed on my hand.

Hesitating, he accepted it and I slowly helped him up and when our eyes met, I saw how his face looks shy.
His black eyes almost cried while looking at me.

His jaw clenched and I sighed, smiling.

"It's alright, don't cry." I muttered and tapped his cheek.

I heard Winter clearing her throat at tulala lang si Warren. He's unmoving, tila estatwa habang nakamasid
sa akin kaya marahang binuksan ko ang braso.

"Come on, it's okay to hug." I said and gulping, he shook his head.

I laughed. "Ayos lang, comfort mula sa iyong kabaro." I said and his jaw dropped, wala nang nagawa nang
hilahin ko s'ya para sa yakap.

"S-Scira," he muttered.

"Hmm?" I asked and tapped his back slowly.

I feel you, sis. I feel you.

"I-It's not what you think it is—"

"I have nothing against your sexual orientation, sis." I said softly, feeling sad of his rejection and tapped his
back.

"I—"

"You can be my friend," I said. "You can tell me your heartbreaks."

"Y-Yeah?" Pumiyok pa ang voice n'ya ang slowly, I felt his hug.

"Yes, sis." I sighed and slowly moved away, cupping his cheek before looking at his eyes.

"Sana maging mag-kumare tayo." I said softly and I saw how his eyes widen.

Kabanata 2
I still don't get it kung bakit may mga taong ayaw sa sexual orientation nila. I got a few gay friends and I
can say they're fun to be with.

Kaya I feel so sorry for Warren, being rejected in front of the crowd like that. Kung ako rin siguro ang
ganoon, mapapa-walling din ako.
Too bad but we there are always some love you just can't have. Love you'd never reciprocate. No matter
what you do.

"Ang lalim ng buntong-hininga ng prinsesa ko," my eyes shifted and a smile left my lips when I saw my
father.

He's sitting on his swivel. Fixing his glasses while looking at me.

"Nothing, dad." I muttered. "Maybe I'm just tired?"

He lips lifted for a smile, I watched him stood from his swivel and I couldn't deny how powerful Doctor
Valderama still looks like even in his age.

He's filled with authority, his eyes were serious and he's cold at times but we knew how much soft he is
with us, his family.

He's wearing a white dress shirt, wearing his doctor's coat and on the pocket of his coat are his ballpens
with different colors.

"You wanna go home?" He asked and I pouted, shaking my head.

"No, Dad." I said. "You said we'll dine together, right? We'll just wait for mom?"

"Yeah," he said. "Gusto ko sanang tayong lahat but Clyte's busy and your brother too, I don't know, he's
quite busy with his patients."

I smiled and nodded, my father went on the side to get some tea and I chuckled when he put the cup in
front of me.

"Tea talaga, Dad?" I asked, chuckling a bit.

He smirked, sitting in front of me. "Well, your old man needs that, I don't drink that much sweet
beverages."

"Old man?" I glanced at him and shook my head. "You don't look like that, Dad. The queen's still head over
heels in love with you."

I saw how his black eyes glistened a bit, a playful smile on his lips and he combed his hair with his fingers.

"Don't wanna boast around, Scira, but your Mom's still head over heels." He said in a laughing small voice
at sabay kaming natawa.

"Hoy, kayong dalawa, pinag-ti-tsismisan n'yo nanaman ako?" I shifted my gaze and laughed when I saw my
Mom on her blue dress, kakaalis n'ya lang ng shades at umirap kaagad.

"Dad said you're still head over heels in love with him." Sumbong ko.

Nanliit ang mat ani Mom, she glanced at my father who's been smirking. Nakasandal sa sofa at
nakahalukipkip.

"Feeling!" My mother exclaimed, placing her hand bag on dad's desk.

"What? Hindi ba?" My father asked and the famous, original maldita, Zidney rolled her eyes again but then
grinned.

"Sa bagay," she muttered and hopped. "Kahit may rayuma na itong tatay mo, Scira, mahilig pa rin."

"Zidney!" My father exclaimed and I bursted out laughing when he pulled mom on his lap, trying to cover
her lips.

"Oo, nak. Alam mo namang—"

"Bata pa iyang anak mo, Zid!" Dad exclaimed, quite blushing na and I laughed.

"Bata? Twenty-three na 'yan!" She said and pushed dad's hand pero naghihilahan lang sila roon.
"Kumalma ka, ang buto mo—"

"Damn, queen, I could still throw you in the bed—"

"Uhm, guys?" I muttered and they both stopped and glanced at me. "I'm sorry pero it's super SPG?" I
asked and my father's eyes just widened and mom laughed.

"You know why we managed to add Queen Scira—" She tried explaining but I screamed and covered my
ear.

"Mom!" I hissed and my mother laughed and pulled dad's hair when he covered her mouth.

The next months are tiring, nang matapos ang project na nakuha ko ay mayroon nanamang bago. We got a
lot of projects coming kaya mom camae back to the firm and get some, still, hindi naming ibinigay sa kanya
ang mabibigat na proyekto.

We don't want the queen feeling stress, kaya ako ang kumuha ng isang collaborative project para sa isang
condominium. The owners contacted me personally and they're good friends of my family kaya sa halip na
ibang architect sa team ko ang pakuhain ay ako mismo ang kumuha.

Kinda sad but I have to leave for this project, I might sleep in one of the condo units provided by our
clients in this project kaya ang dami kong dala.

"Seriously, Scira?" I chuckled when Kuya Deion frowned while carrying my baggage.

"Why?" I asked innocently but almost laughing again at his crumpled face.

"Ilang taon ka ba mag-s-stay sa lugar na 'yon?" He asked me and I shrugged.

"Hmm, months? Dunno exactly."

"Tss," he rolled his eyes. "Ano ba 'tong bagahe mo, anong laman? Buong mansyon?" Reklamo na n'ya kaya
napatawa akong lalo at kumapit sa braso n'ya.

"You see, Kuya, may beach daw malapit doon kaya I wanna go swim." I smiled.

"You have two big freaking baggage, Scira. Anong laman nitong isa, swimsuit lang?" He raised his brow.

"Hmm, mga ten pairs lang. Dito sa isa work clothes ko and dito sa isa, mga casual. Kapag papasyal. May
sandals din ako tapos dito sa bag pack ko 'yong make ups—"
"Jesus," he whispered and I laughed when I saw his startled face.

"Seriously? I can go in a vacation for months with only a baggage and you—"

"Shut up ka na lang, Kuya." I rolled my eyes. "S'yempre lalaki ka, ako kasi maarte. Kailangan always
presentable. Hindi pwedeng hindi, anak kaya ako ni Zidney."

"Whatever," he chuckled huskily and ruffled my hair. "You take care there, okay?"

I smiled and nodded. "Of course, ako pa ba?"

"Uh-huh?" He smirked. "Don't forget to call."

"Hmm, okay." I said.

He shook his head, habang naglalakad kami papasok sa airport namin ay kaagad na sumaludo ang guard sa
amin.

"Doc, Architect." They called and we both smiled.

After they scanned our baggage, sumama sa akin ang Kuya papasok sa loob para ihatid ako. I helped him
carry some of my things and after namin maibigay ang baggage ay pumunta kami sa waiting lounge.

I looked around and I smiled when I saw who's approaching.

"Hey there, Captain!" I exclaimed, waving my hand upon seeing my cousin, Kuya Macky on his white
uniform is walking towards us.

"Oh? Scira?" He called.

Kuya stood, nag-apir sila ni Kuya Macky bago ito pumunta at ginulo ang buhok ko.

"Bakit palagi n'yong ginugulo ang buhok ko?" I sulked, glaring at the both of them and they only laughed.
Kuya Deion went near me and brushed my hair a bit.

"Saan ang lipad natin, prinsesa?" He asked and I snorted.

"I have a project," I said. "Kaya ayon, I'll be away for a while." I smiled.

"Hmm, take care, okay?" I smiled at him and nodded.

"Calling the attention of Captain Marcus Sandejas, please proceed to the front desk, please." I heard the
speaker calling his name and Kuya Macky glanced at his watch and back to us.

"I have to go, I have a flight at thirty." He said and we nodded. "Scira, take care, okay?"

"Opo, Kuya." I stood and gave his cheek a kiss.

He smiled then glanced at Kuya Deion. "Dei, una na ko." He said and watched the both of them do a fist
bump before Kuya Macky left.
Kuya Deion stayed with while I wait for my flight. Nakatulog pa ako sa balikat n'ya habang abala s'ya sa
pagbabasa ng kung ano sa phone n'ya.

"Hey, princess. Is that your flight?" Kuya wake me up after a while and I scratched my eyes, yawned a bit
and stared at the screen.

"Oh," I muttered, fixed myself and Kuya took my hand carry bag. Dalawa iyon at napapailing pa s'ya kanina
pero wala na s'yang nasabi.

"Take care, princess, okay?" He said and I smiled and nodded, Kuya gave me my bags and kissed my
forehead.

"Okay, Kuya. I'll text you if I get there." I said.

"Don't forget to eat, magtatrabaho ka roon kaya h'wag mo munang isipin ang diet mo. Have enough rest."

I chuckled. "Okay."

"And no boys, okay?" He said and I rolled my eyes.

"Kuya!" I pouted and he smirked and held my arm.

"Bata ka pa, hindi pa pwede ang boyfriend-boyfriend—"

"As if I didn't have, huh?" I muttered. "I have a lot of exes, Kuya."

"But they're douchebags and you're a playgirl." He scolded me and I smacked his arm.

"Let's stop this na, I'm late." Tawa ko.

Hesitating, he let me go alone. Ngayon lang kasi ako napalayo ng ganito sa pamilya kapag may proyekto
ako at buwan pa!

Hindi na ako naihatid ni Kuya sa loob. Bringing my two hand carry baggage, I walked with my chin up,
smiling at the crew who recognized me.

Kahit medyo mabigat ang dalawang dala ko ay dapat confident pa rin maglakad.

"Uy, si Architect. Hello, Ma'am!" I smiled when they recognized me.

"Hello." I smiled softly.

"Sino 'yan?" I overheard one of the new crew asked while I'm falling in line to get my tickets check.

"Anak ni Architect Zidney." He answered her and I can see how shock registered on the crew's face while
glancing at me.

"Oh my God, hello, Architect!" She greeted and I smiled and nodded.

"Hello," I greeted back.

Medyo nagkagulo sila, the head even called me.

"Architect, dito ka na." They motioned me a line where I don't have to fall in line anymore but I shook my
head and smiled.

"Thank you, but I think I'll just fall in line." I said.

"O-Oh, sige po, Architect." Aniya pero narinig ko pa ang bulungan na bilisan ang pag-che-check para hindi
na ako pumila ng matagal.

I am flattered for being a VIP, 'yong tipong pinapauna ka, palagi kang inaasikaso but I know when to use it
properly, just when only needed, hindi naman urgent ang pagpila kaya ayokong gawin iyon.

Maybe being a Sandejas does ring a bell, huh? After all, this is Tito Dash's airport.

Nang makalagpas doon ay buhat ko ang isang medyo magaang baggage na hand carry ko habang nasa
braso ko ang isa. I am doing just fine but then I heard my phone ringing on my handbag.

I groaned, looked around and sighed when I can't find anything where I'd put my bag.

Hindi ko na alam kung ano ang gagawin. Reluctantly, I removed my eye glasses and put it on my head
while balancing my feet with my baggage not to fall.

I shook my head, sighed and looked around. Sinubukan kong ibaba sa lapag pero nagdadalawang-isip ako.

For pete's sake, this is Chanel!

I cursed under my breath, tumigil ang pagtunog ng phone ko pero muling tumunog pagkaraan kaya nagpa-
panic na ako.

I gasped, labag man sa loob ay humigpit ang hawak ko sa bag at akmang ilalapag na sa lapag when a hand
stopped me from doing it.

I was confused but the hand took my bag and when I lifted my eyes, I gasped.

"O-Oh," I muttered, still shock.

"Go on, answer it." I heard his baritone voice and I gulped, smiling a bit and answered my calls.

Nagmamadali, I took my phone, opened it and cursed when I saw Lucas' name.

He still won't stop bothering me!

It made a loud sound, he's calling again and nahihiyang sumulyap ako kay Warren at nakitang tahimik lang
s'yang nakatingin sa phone ko.

I cleared my throat, answered it and I heard his voice.

"Scira, Scira, please. Talk to me." I heard his voice.

"Lucas, pwede ba? We're over, I told you—"

"It's been months! Answer me, kaya wala kang bagong boyfriend kasi 'di ka maka-move-on—"

"Quit it, okay?" I muttered, annoyed. "First of all, I am busy."

"No, you're not! Iniiwasan mol ang ako." He hissed. "You're still not over me, right? Kaya wala ka pa ring
bago, 'di ba? Kaya—"

"Lucas..." I heaved a sigh. "I have a flight—"

"No! You still can't get over me! Come on, mahal mo pa rin ako, 'di ba?" He asked desperately. "Kaya...kaya
wala kang bago kasi—"

"I have a boyfriend, okay?" I muttered and I felt him stopped.

I glanced at Warren and I saw him staring at me. He looks so darkly handsome, nakasimpleng itim na shirt
at maong, his dog tag is on his neck, silently waiting for me while I make calls.

He looks serious, his jaw clenching a bit and I must admit he's handsome kaso nga lang, pareho kami ng
bet.

"Y-You're lying!" He hissed at me, "you're just saying that to hurt me! Scira, please, I'm sorry if I said
something, hindi na mauulit—"

"Can you quit it? I have a boyfriend, and uhm, kasama ko s'ya ngayon and I am not fooling you—"

"Then let him talk!" He hissed.

My heart pounded a bit, I glanced at Warren and saw him silently staring at me. His eyes are a bit dark yet
didn't say anything.

"I just—"

"You're lying!"

"I am not, okay?" I muttered. "I am really now with him but—"

"Let me," my eyes widen when Warren took my phone and without saying anything put it on his ear.

"Who's this?" He asked coldly on the phone and my heart pounded. Hindi ko alam kung dahil kinakabahan
ako bigla sa usapan nila o dahil sa medyo galit ang boses n'ya.

"Yes, I am." I heard his baritone voice.

Abala pa rin sa pagkausap.

I bit my lip, medyo pinagtitinginan kami pero walang nagtangkang magtanong.

I can almost hear Lucas' loud voice pero hindi ko lang makuha ang gusto n'yang sabihin. My lips protruded,
watching Warren listen to him.

"Stop pestering my girlfriend." He said and my throat dried up while listening to him.

His forehead creased, I watched him eagerly and he licked his lower lip.

"Fuck off." He said coldly, ended the call and gave it to me.

I was still in shock, I accepted the phone and immediately took my bag from his hand.
"U-Uh, Warren, thank you. Sorry sa abala." I muttered and he nodded.

I noticed that he's in a fool mood. I gasped when he nodded, licked his lip and turned his back at me.

Naglakad s'ya paalis at napasinghap ako.

"Sis!" I exclaimed. "E-Este, Warren! Uhm, wait!"

Parang tanga akong humabol, naglalakad s'ya paalis pero mabagal ang lakad n'ya kaya nahabol ko s'ya. I
gasped when I get his shirt and tugged it immediately.

"Got you!" I exclaimed and I saw him stopped, glanced at me with his shocked face.

"Uhm..." I smiled nervously. "Sorry, Warren, uh, naistorbo ba kita? Sorry kasi, ex ko 'yon, si Lucas. He won't
stop pestering me so...I said I have a boyfriend, sabi n'ya gusto n'ya kausapin and I have nothing tapos—"

"You...don't have a boyfriend?" He suddenly asked and I saw how hiss eyes soften a bit.

"Yeah..." I licked my lip. "I just, thank you kasi lumapit ka para—"

"Don't worry about it," he suddenly said, took my bag and I gasped in shock.

"Warren, you don't need—"

"Let's go, I guess we have the same flight." He said and walked towards the airplane with my bag.

"Oh, okay!" Naguguluhan man ay mabilis akong sumunod sa kanya.

He's so weird, he looks mad then after a while, he's okay again.

We got outside to go up the stairs towards the airplane and I saw how Warren glanced at me, as if waiting
for me.

A smile left my lips as I walked towards him.

"Sorry, Mars, mabagal." I said and my heart almost dropped when the side of his lips lifted.

"I thought we're mag-kumare?" He asked, slowly touching my hand to let me go first.

"Kahit ano pwede." I chuckled a bit. "After the hotel, I haven't seen you again, ngayon lang. I really thought
we won't see each other again so..."

"Uh-hmm," he hummed.

I am really happy seeing Warren here, saglit lang kami nagkausap noong nakaraan yet I feel quite
comfortable with him and I realized na sa bawat pagkikita naming dalawa ay palagi n'ya akong
tinutulungan.

"Welcome aboard, Architect." My eyes shifted and I gasped when I saw who the flight attendant is.

"Daru!" I gasped and she chuckled, offering her arms to me.

"Saan ka, bakla?" She asked and I laughed and tapped her back.
She's wearing a blue uniform, a red scarf is on her neck and her hair is tied neatly in a bun.

"May project ako," I said and her eyes landed behind me. She threw me a teasing look and I gasped when I
realized what she's saying.

"Darshana, no." I hissed at her.

"Kapalit ni Lucas?" She muttered and I glared at her, slowly glancing at Warren who stayed while I make
chitchats with my cousin.

"Uh, Daru, he's Warren." I said and I saw how Daru's eyes widen a bit when he saw Warren.

"Nice meeting you, Miss." I heard Warren said and Daru chuckled a bit when she heard his voice.

"Uh, Darshana." Daru smiled and offered her hand. "Ang gwapo mo naman, jowa mo?" She pointed me
and my eyes widen.

"Darsh!" I gasped and she laughed.

Warren smiled a bit, I almost praised his handsomeness. I bet if he's really a man, baka crush ko na s'ya. I
think crush ko nga s'ya, medyo, pero hindi pwede kasi 'di kami talo.

"No, sis. Pareho kami ng hanap." Warren said and I almost coughed when his voice swayed a bit.

I saw Daru's mouth parted and I chuckled, waved my hand on Daru's face while she stayed there like a wall
and pulled Warren's wrist.

To my shock, magkatabi kami ni Warren. I watched him as he lifted my baggage on the compartment
above. His arms are firm, sa shirt na suot ay bakat pa ang dibdib n'ya ang I almost gulped because he's
just...I don't know? Yummy!

May nakita pa akong mga Amerikana na sumusulyap habang walang pakialam s'yang nag-aayos ng bagahe
sa itaas at nang magkatinginan kami ay ngumiti ako.

"Tara, Mars! Upo ka!" I said and I saw him blushed a bit but sat beside me.

He has muscles in the right places, he seems quite nervous sitting beside me and I caught his eyes before
smiling.

"Thank you talaga ng sobra, Warren." I said and he glanced at me. His black eyes stared at my face as he
gulped a bit and nodded.

"No worries." He said and looked away.

I pouted, medyo shy pa s'ya pero I know he's a good person.

"Uh, sorry, Warren but am I feeling close?" I asked and he immediately shook his head, looked at me with
his creased forehead.

"No," he muttered eagerly. "You're not, ako nga dapat ang nagtatanong n'yan—"
"Asus, patola ka, sis!" I laughed and smacked his arm. "Doon pa nga lang sa hotel gusto na kitang kumara
kaya no worries." I giggled.

"Y-Yeah?" He glanced at my eyes.

"Oo naman!" I said then glanced at his arms. Slowly I touched it and gasped. "Wow, Warren, you have
muscles, ah?"

"Well, yeah..." He glanced at my hands on his arms and I saw him blushed a bit.

"M-Macho ba?" He asked and I grinned and nodded.

"Yes, ang pogi mo nga 'nung nagbubuhat ka ng bagahe d'yan. Alam mo, kung 'di lang tayo pareho ng hanap
baka crush na kita." I said.

I am expecting him to look disgusted yet I only saw shock on his face.

"T-Talaga?" He stuttered.

"Yes!" I said happily. "You know, I don't really this galawgaw ang makulit with other person but you know, I
like you."

He froze. He blinked rapidly while staring at me and I grinned.

"S'yempre, magkumare tayo!" I said and I heard his laugh afterwards.

"Fuck, where do I get myself into?" He whispered and I pouted.

"What?"

"Nothing." He opened his eyes and smiled a bit. "I just, I have candies here, baka gusto mo?" He asked and
offered me his bag.

I chuckled, masayang kumuha ng isa at lumapit.

"You're so good, I like you. Buti na lang kumare kita." I said softly, giving him a quick kiss on the cheek and
glanced at the airplane's window.

A moment passed and Warren didn't say anything. Nagtaka na ako kaya bumaling ang tingin ko sa kanya at
naabutan ko s'yang tulala sa upuan.

He's in the middle and my eyes widen and I saw him gripping the sides of his seat. He's red and unmoving
kaya I got worried.

"Warren?" I called and when he didn't move, I snapped my fingers on his face.

He jumped a bit and stared at me, still shock and I smiled.

"You okay?" I asked and he nodded a bit.

For the rest of the flight, miminsang nag-uusap kami ni Warren. Darshana did a safety drill in the middle
but her eyes stayed at Warren.
I bet she's shock, knowing he's gay.
I rested my head on the seat and closed my eyes, tumayo pa ako ng bahagya para ilayo sa akin ang aircon
na nakatutok pero malamig pa rin.

I didn't have a jacket with me. Nasa hand carry ko kaso nasa compartment naman.

Nasanay na siguro ako, whenever we travel, hindi na ako nagdadala ng jacket dahil alila ko si Kuya Deion,
once he saw me shivering in cold, he won't hesitate to give his jacket to me kaya hindi ko na rin inaalala
iyon.

But now...they weren't here.

It's actually my first time travelling alone, without them. Nakakatakot at nakakakaba but I have to show
them it's okay even if it's not.

I touched my arms, sighed because I'm shivering when I saw a hand in front of me. I shifted my gaze, only
to see Warren's black eyes staring at me.

"Cold?" He asked and I bit my lip and slowly nodded.

"Y-yes," I smiled.

"Here," he said and my eyes widen at him.

"N-no," I muttered. "Paano ka? It's cold kaya—"

"I'm fine, Scira." He said and ashamed at first, I slowly took his jacket and smiled.

"Thank you," I whispered and he smiled and nodded.

Warren helped me wear the jacket, my heart pounded on my chest because of his kindness and I bit my
lip, feeling glad I found a friend like him.

He checked the jacket at me, natawa pa ako kasi malaki at hindi na makita ang kamay ko pero niyakap ko
lang ang sarili at pinagmasdan s'ya.

"Thanks, kumare." I said and he pouted a bit. Ang gwapo-gwapo ng sister ko sa paningin ko ngayon but I
know better.

He nodded, I rested my head on the seat and tried sleeping but my head fell. I groaned, inayos ko ang likod
at muling sumubok matulog pero hindi ko magawa kaya suminghap ako.

"Come here," my eyes shifted at Warren and I saw him lifted the handle separating our seats and offered
his shoulder.

"Hmm?" I asked.

"Sleep on my shoulder." He said and I bit my lip and glanced at him.

"H-hindi ba uncomfortable?" I asked and he smirked, slowly lifted his hand to place my hair at the back of
my ear.
"Alam mo namang hindi tayo talo, sis, 'di ba?" He whispered, his voice now turned girly and I laughed,
punched his arms playfully but then rested my head on his shoulder.

He made sure I am comfortable and when I am, hindi naman na ako makatulog. Gusto ko na sanang umalis
sa pagkakasandal kasi nakakahiya but then he smells so good.

I took his hand, I felt him tensed up a bit but I just played on his watch and he remained silent while
watching me do it.

"Warren," I slowly called.

"Hmm?" He murmured and I smiled.

"I just, why are you mad kanina after you talked to Lucas? When I said I have a boyfriend pero noong
nalaman mong wala, okay na?" I asked him and I felt him froze.

I played with his watch and he didn't answer me.

"I just..." He said a bit.

"Hmm, crush mo ako, ano?" I asked teasingly.

"Y-yeah." He muttered and I didn't expect it. I moved a bit, glanced at his eyes and I saw his eyes widen
too as he gulped.

"Uh..." He suddenly smirked. "J-joke lang, kumare." He laughed.

Hindi ako umimik. I glanced at him with my wide eyes and he cleared his throat and took my hand.

"A-ang ganda ng manicure mo, ah? I like the color, sis." He said softly and I bit my lip.

"S-sa mall ko lang pinagawa." I said and he nodded.

"I-I just, you know, nagalit ako k-kasi, 'di ba, magkumare tayo?" He suddenly asked and I nodded.

"Y-yeah?"

"And when y-you said you have a boyfriend, I'm annoyed kasi, akala ko mag-kumare tayo."

"Oo nga, kumare kita." I said, confused and he looked at my eyes and smiled.

"I just, nangako ka kasi sis, 'nung nakaraan na sabay tayong hahanap ng boylet." He suddenly muttered
and I blinked.

"You know..." He laughed a bit. "Sa pederasyon, may batas..."

"O-Oh?" Umayos ako ng upo at nakinig.

"Ang magkukumare, stays forever, lalandi together." He said and I gasped and nodded.

Kabanata 3
I rested on Warren's shoulder, hindi ko na namalayan at nagising na lang nang maramdamang medyo
umuga ang eroplano.

I opened my eyes and yawned.

I shifted my gaze a bit and saw I am on someone's chest the moment I woke up. If this is an ordinary day
and I woke up like this, baka nagwala na ako sa nangyari but may kumare is here so, no worries.

I shifted my head a bit and my mouth parted a bit when I saw Warren's face up close.

He's handsome. He's not that kind with the soft kind of handsome, he looks so strong and dark. More like
the manly type of handsome.

Sayang nga lang at hindi kami talo, hmm?

He has thick brows, pointed nose and reddish lips. I smiled when I noticed his forehead creased a bit,
nahulog ang kamay n'ya sa balikat ko at bumagsak ang kaunting buhok sa kanyang noo.

I chuckled, slowly moved away from his chest and stretched my back. He remained seated, his face fell a
bit and I slowly took his head towards my shoulder and let him rest.

He smelled nice, minsan talaga naiinggit ako sa mga perfume ng boys kasi matagal mawala tapos 'yong sa
mga babae naman ay mabilis lang. 'Yong tipong mag-s-spray ka pa lang tapos mahahanginan at wala na.

I held his jaw a bit, letting him feel comfortable.

I smiled when he stirred a bit yet relaxed after a while.

Nangingiti na ako, hindi ko alam kung ang bango n'ya ay dahil sa pabango lang o dahil ganoon na talagang
natural na amoy n'ya lang iyon.

I saw Darshana approaching with his food cart. She immediately smirked when she saw the man on my
shoulder.

"Ma'am, ano sa'yo?" She asked and I chuckled.

"Shut it, Daru." I muttered.

"Sus, hindi pa rin ako maka-move-on na tagilid ang daang tinahak ng friend mo." She said, giving me two
sandwiches and cans of soda.

"Mineral lang sa'kin, Daru." I said and chuckling, she gave it to me.

"Arte, diet again?" She asked and I laughed.

"Yeah, well, you know I don't drink soda that much." I said and she smiled.

"Sige, bye, bakla." She said, waved at me and winked before walking away.

Dahan-dahan ko pang inilalagay sa maliit na lamesa sa harapan ko ang pagkain para 'di magising si Warren.

"You should have wake me up," a husky, low voice filled my ear and my heart thumped.
Halos mapasinghap ako nang umangat ang kamay n'ya para hawakan ang hawak ko at s'ya na ang kumuha
sa akin.

I licked my lip, watching him put the foods on the built in table in front of us.

I saw his arms stretched a bit and I chuckled and touched his arm.

"Ma-muscle ka, mare, ah." I said and he chuckled a bit and glance at me.

"Marami kasing macho sa gym, Mars." He said in a girly voice and I laughed and smacked his arm.

"Yeah, right." I said.

He smirked, kinuha ko ang isang sandwich at binuksan at nakitang kumuha rin s'ya ng isa at binuksan.

I ate mine, sumandal ako habang kumakain pero natigilan nang nahulog ang buhok ko sa balikat. It
annoyed me a bit, ayaw ko sa lahat ay magulo ang buhok ko habang kumakain kaya sinubukan kong kunin
ang maliit kong bag para hanapin ang pang-ipit.

I closed the sandwich, ilalapag na saan roon sa lamesang maliit pero mabilis na kinuha ni Warren ang bag
ko. I glanced at him, nakita kong kagat n'ya ang sandwich na maliit na lang ang natira at nakamasid sa'kin.

"Uh," I chuckled a bit when I saw his questioning eyes. "Kunin ko sana ang pang-ponytail."

He nodded, I watched him took my ponytail and I chuckled when he ate the sandwich fully and raised his
brow. He swallowed it before glancing at me.

"Let me tie you," he said and I smiled and turned my back on him a bit.

I felt his fingers brushing on my scalp down the strands of my hair and a moment later, my hair is in a neat
ponytail.

"Done," he said and I looked at him and smiled.

"Thanks, Mars." I said. "Bilis mo kumain, ah?"

"Hmm," he chuckled a bit and nodded. He rested his back on the seat, opening his can of soda and noong
matapos na akong kumain ay kaagad kong kinuha ang mineral water at sinubukang buksan.

I find it hard to open, muli ako sumubok para buksan but Warren is too attentive, kinuha n'ya mula sa
kamay ko ang bote at namangha pa ako nang mabilis n'yang nabuksan.

"Here," he said and I took it in amazement.

"Wow, ang bilis mo naman buksan?" I chuckled and he lips just lifted, slowly removing the strands of my
hair near my cheek.

Uminom ako ng tubig habang nakikipagtitigan sa kanya at kaagad na ngumiti pagkatapos.

"Titig na titig, Mars, ah? Mamaya n'yan, ma-in love ka na?" I asked and I am expecting him to roll his eyes
at me but he didn't, I saw his face reddened.
"Warren?" I called and I saw him gulped and chuckled nervously.
I saw how his eyes landed on my lips, unconsciously, I licked it and saw how he gulped.

"Warren?" I called.

"Uhm, ah..." He licked his tongue and pointed my lips. "You have something..."

I nodded, inilagay ang daliri sa gilid ng labi para punasan ang kalat.

"No," he muttered. "Right there." He pointed again.

"Dito?" I asked.

"No," he said and I was shocked when he lifted his hand and removed something on my lips with his finger.

My mouth parted a bit, nang mailayo n'ya ang kamay ay mabilis akong kumuha ng tissue para sa daliri
n'ya.

"Here..." I said but my voice faded when I saw him licked the mayo on his finger.

"Why did you..." I muttered and I saw him froze a bit, nakita ko ang panlalaki ng mata n'ya at mabilis na
pagkuha ng tissue mula sa akin.

"Warren," I called and I saw him smiled.

"Matamis ang lipstick mo, girl. Anong flavor?" He asked and I blinked.

"F-fresh strawberry." I muttered and I saw him nodded.

"D-daan naman tayo sa mall, gusto ko rin n'yan." He said and confused, I found myself nodding.

Moments passed and when the pilot announced we're about to land. Inayos ko ang seatbelt, I saw Warren
checked me first before fixing his.

I smiled, he's super thoughtful.

Kung lalaki lang itong sis ko, baka jowain ko na agad.

"Thank you for flying with us," Daru said at the passengers going out the aircraft.

Nakita ko ang ngisi n'ya habang papalabas kami.

"Thank you for flying with us, Architect." Daru smirked upon seeing me, glancing behind me.
"Thank you for flying with us, sis." Daru said in a small voice when she saw Warren.

"Daru!" Saway ko at pinalo s'ya.

She laughed, shaking her head at me. "Inaano kita, Scira?" She teased.

I glared at her. "Gusto mo ikaw paliparin ko?" I hissed and she rolled her eyes at me, laughing.

"Sorry pero may nagdadala na sa'kin sa langit, Architect." She smirked.

I froze, humagalpak s'ya ng tawa pero nang matantong pinagtitinginan s'ya ay tumikhim s'ya at umayos ng
tayo. She straightened her back, smirked at me and waved at Warren.

"Bye, sis. Alagaan mo itong pinsan kong perfect." Daru muttered and I pouted.

"Bye, sis. Share mo naman kung sino nagdadala sa'yo sa langit, baka may kapatid. Papalipad din ako."
Warren said in a small, flirty voice.

I frowned.

Nang makita iyon ni Daru ay natawa s'ya at napangisi na lang ako nang mag-apir ang dalawa habang
natatawa.

"Basta letter C," Daru muttered. "Call kita, sis." She said and I laughed when they did a high-five.

"Ang harot n'yo mga sister." I said, chuckling and kissed Daru goodbye before going out the aircraft.

Warren really is a gentleman. He is ruggedly and darkly handsome, seryoso ang mukha pero mas maharot
pa sa akin. Hindi ko nga alam kung bakit attracted ako sa kanya, siguro ay dahil sa mukha? Or dahil mabait
s'ya?

Kung hindi ko alam na na-broken s'ya dahil sa isang lalaki, iisipin kong babae ang hanap n'ya. He's manlier
than Lucas and my other exes, he has that kind of aura where woman would like him in just a single
glance.

Habang nag-aantay kami sa bagahe ay nakaramdam ako ng lungkot, maghihiwalay na kami ni Warren.

"Mars," I suddenly called while holding Warren's arms.

"Hmm?" He hummed, his black eyes glancing down at me and my lips protruded.

Ang gwapo ng Mars ko.

"Na-sa-sad ako." I said in a small voice.

I saw his black eyes soften a bit, bumaba ang kamay n'ya kaya nabitawan ko ang braso n'ya.

"Why?" He asked and lowered his head a bit so our eyes would align.

"I just..." I gasped when someone bumped me from the back, nawalan ako ng balanse sa gulat but Warren
was too quick to touched my waist and pulled me towards him.

Our eyes met, I gulped harshly when I saw his intense eyes.

"Sorry, Miss. Sorry." Napasinghap ako at mabilis na lumayo kay Warren, he assisted my arms and we both
glanced at the man who lowered his head to apologize.

"Okay lang," I muttered and he apologized again before he left.

"You alright?" My eyes landed beside me and I smiled and nodded.

"Yes, Mars. Thank you." I said.

He nodded, lifting his hand to placed my hair at the back of my ear.

"Maghihiwalay na tayo pero hindi ko pa alam ang full name mo," I muttered and I saw him met my eyes
and smiled.

"Warren Augustine Miranda," he muttered.

"Wow..." I said. "Ang gwapo ng pangalan mo."

"Augustine sa umaga, Cristine sa gabi..." He said seriously and we stared at each other before we bursted
out laughing.

Pinagtitinginan na kami pero hindi ko mapigilan ang tawa. Warren wanted to be serious but he can't help
but to laugh at himself too. He is blushing profusely, he kept on shaking his head and touched my shoulder
because I am losing my poise.

I bit my lip, suppressing my laughters. Natatawang yumakap ako sa baywang ng Mars ko at tumikhim.

"N-nawawala na ang poise ko, Mars." I said and he laughed near my ear.

"Tintin for short, Mars." He whispered and he laughed again.

May naisip ako kaagad kaya lumayo ako sa kanya at ngumisi.

"Ako naman si Shasha." I said at nagkatinginan kami kaya mas ngumisi ako. "At tayo ang?"

"Super twins!" We both exclaimed and lifted our hands to connect our fingers.

Para na kaming tanga, nakaupo na kami sa bench dala ang mga maleta pero hindi ako makalma.

Warren is blushing, his jaw kept on clenching but I can't stop my laughter. Pinalo ko ang hita n'ya kaya
napasulyap s'ya sa'kin.
"Sa'yo lang ako ganito, Mars." I said and I saw how his forehead creased. "I mean, I never laugh that hard
in public, nakakahiya. Nakakasira ng poise kaya it's really my first time."

His lips lifted, "I feel honored then." He said in a baritone voice.

I froze again, our eyes met again and we stared at each other for a while before I spoke.

"Galing mo magpakalalaki, Mare. Parang totoo." I muttered and laughed.

He remained serious, nawala ang tawa ko at napalunok ng marahas.

"M-mars?" I called.

"Paano kung lalaki nga ako?" He asked and I chuckled and pinched his cheek.

"Edi jowain kita," I said.

He was stunned, I saw how his mouth parted a bit. "T-talaga?"

"Hmm, my exes are a-holes. They're cheaters, they kept on making me choose between them and my
family." I said and glanced at him.
"Hindi ka naman ganoon, 'di ba?"

"I-I'm not," he immediately shook his head and I giggled and tapped his cheek.

"Pogi mo, Mars." I muttered and smiled.

Natahimik kaming dalawa sandali, while waiting for my sundo sa airport, I decided to ask Warren
questions.

"You think we'll see each other again?" I asked him after a while and I saw him glanced at me and nodded.

"Yeah," he said.

"Bakit ka nga pala nandito?" I asked, "I didn't expect to see you again after the hotel scene kaya nagulat
talaga ako."

"Project," he muttered and I smiled and glanced at him.

"Sama, I have a project too. I'm an architect in profession, you?" I asked and he smiled.

"I have a lot of works," he chuckled nonchalantly, as if may nakakatawa sa sinabi n'ya.

"Hmm?" I raised my brow.

"But I'm an engineer." He said and my jaw dropped.

"Oh, gosh..." I muttered. "Architect ako tapos Engineer ka! Compatible tayo, sis!" I said and I saw his lips
lifted.

"Uh-huh?" His said in a low voice.

"Ang husky ng boses mo, baks. Nakakanginig." I said and he laughed and glanced at me.

"W-well, uhm, my family didn't know I'm not straight." He said and I gasped and looked at him.

"R-really?"

"Hmm," he hummed, slowly taking my hand and I watched him caressed my palm and checked my fingers.

Bet n'ya talaga ang manicure ko.

"It's okay, sis. Mahirap talagang lumantad, lalo na at judgmental na ang ating society." I said and caught his
finger.

I touched his calloused hand and smiled, "sasama kita sa salon ko sa Manila, may discount ako, Mars."

"Hmm, okay." He smiled.

Sumulyap ako muli sa kanya, I saw him glancing at me and his hand lifted to touch my cheek.

I blinked, my mouth parted a bit to talk but then he spoke before I even did.

"A-anong skin care mo, sis?" He asked and my lips protruded and I chuckled.
"Ikaw nga dapat ang tanungin ko n'yan. Ang ganda ng skin mo, oh. Walang pores." I said and touched his
cheek too.

"Kung hindi ko kayo ka-sis, iisipin ko mag-jowa kayo." We both stop. Sa paglingon ko ay napairap ako sa
hangin nang makita si Darshana, bagsak na ang buhok pero nakauniporme pa rin at may bitbit na maleta.

"Bakit ka nanaman nandito?" I spatted, she laughed, ibinaba ko ang kamay sa pisngi ni Warren at
tumikhim ang huli at umayos ng upo.

"Wala, bakit ba? Bawal dumaan?" She rolled her eyes and I stood to talk to her. Warren said he'll just go to
the restroom at pagkatapos nila magkawayan ni Daru ay bumaling ako rito.

"Inaantay ko sundo ko sa condominium, nauna kasi ako sa team. Sa susunod na araw sila dadating." I said
and she shrugged, fixed my hair a bit.

"I have another flight, I'm sleepy, Scira. Halos twenty-four hours na akong may flight."

"Ikaw kasi," I shook my head. "You could have told Tito Dash about your schedule. Pwede mo namang
ayusin—"

"No, I don't want Dad meddling with my schedule. You know I don't want a VIP treatment here." She said
and I sighed.

"After ng flight mo, saan ka didiretso?" I asked and she shrugged.

"Dunno, maybe somewhere? May nanggugulo, eh." Aniya at tinuro ang kung sino.

I shifted my gaze, only to see a handsome man walking towards her and took her baggage.

"Oh," I muttered.

I saw the man looked a me, dimples are visible on the side of his cheek and I smiled at him after Daru
introduced us to each other.

"Take care of my cousin, okay?" I reminded the man and he smirked and nodded, touching Daru's waist
and led her back to the office.

"Who's that?" My eyes landed behind me and saw Warren.

"Jowa at ani Darshana," I chuckled and I saw Warren's brows furrowed. "Don't worry, Mars, ilalakad ka ni
Daru sa mga boylet na iba." I said and laughed.

"Akala ko nakalimutan na ako," he said, his lips protruded a bit and I laughed, kumapit ako sa kanyang
braso para bumalik sa bench.

It's sad but Warren promised we'll meet again, we exchanged numbers before I leave and it led me to the
pad where I'll be staying while the condo unit is in progress.

"Bye, Mars." I said, hugging Warren who, hesitating at first, lifted his hand and hugged me back. "Promise
me, we'll meet again?"
"Yeah, I promise." He said and when we moved away from each other, I immediately tiptoed and kissed his
cheek.

"Bye, Mars." I said, waving and walked back but he remained standing there like a statue.

"Kumare!" I said in a loud voice and he blinked, I saw him licked his lip and lifted his hand to wave at me.

"B-bye..." He said.

Pumasok na ako sa shuttle pero mabilis pa akong nagbukas ng bintana para kumaway.

"Bye, Tintin!" I exclaimed and I winked and blew him a flying kiss.

I am smiling but it faded when he lost his balance, muntik pa s'yang mitumba roon kaya suminghap ako.

"Sis!" I exclaimed loudly. "Oh my God! Kuya, sandali!"

Tumigil ang shuttle, mabilis akong bumaba, hindi na alintana ang heels at lumapit kay Warren na gulat
nang makita ako.

"Okay ka lang, sis? Anong nangyari?" I asked and held his arm.

"Y-yeah, I just..." He muttered and brushed his hair with his fingers. "B-bakit ka pa bumaba?"

"Kasi baka hindi ka okay, I was shocked. I saw you almost lost your balance and I thought you'll faint
kaya..."

"I'm okay, I'm just feeling a bit odd." He said, tilting his head and touched his chest.

"Huh?" Nervous, I touched his chest and felt his rapidly beating heart. "M-may sakit ka sa heart?" I asked
and he cursed lowly, shaking his head and slowly took my hand.

He caressed my palm a bit and shook his head.

"T-this is not good, you should go."

"Huh?" My forehead creased.

"I'm okay now, I'm just..." he smiled. "Go, sis. It's late."

"Ayos ka lang?" I asked worriedly, lifting my hand to feel his temperature.

I saw how his eyes soften a bit while glancing at me and nodded.

"Y-yeah," he said.

"Alright, call me, okay?" I said and I saw him nodded at me and smiled.

I sighed, waved at him before turning my back. Naglakad na ako pabalik sa shuttle pero nagulat nang may
humawak sa braso ko at mabilis akong naipihit.

I gasped, almost curse but then I met Warren's eyes.

"O-oh, Mars, ikaw pala..." I said but my voice faded in thin air when he lowered his head and gave me a
quick kiss on the cheek.

Mabilis lang pero ramdam ko ang init mula sa labi n'ya.

I gasped and blinked. "S-sis?" I called and I saw his intense eyes gazed at me.

He touched my cheek where his kiss landed and my eyes were fixed on him.

"B-bakit..."

"N-natotomboy na ata ako, Mars." He said in a low voice and I gasped.

Kabanata 4
"Mars," I called.

"H-huh?" He blinked at me.

I sighed, lifting my hand and cupped his cheeks.

"Mars, lumaban ka." I said and his eyes widen a bit.

"Scira, I..."

"Lumaban ka, Tintin." I said eagerly while looking at his eyes. "H'wag kang magpapadala sa tukso."

"B-but..."

"Alam ko namang maalindog talaga ako pero lumaban ka, mas malakas ka sa inaakala mo."

"H-huh?" His voice stuttered a bit. "I mean..."

"It's okay, Mars. Ayos lang na ma-confuse ka sa mga bagay-bagay." I said and tapped his cheek.

He gulped, lumayo naman ako at ngumiti sa kanya.

"Sisters tayo forever, Tintin, okay?" I said and hesitating, I saw him nodding before chuckling a bit.

"Y-yeah right," he muttered and licked his lip.

"B-baka nga confuse lang ako, Mars." He said and chuckled. "Alright, uhm, goodbye. You should go."

He said. I smiled and nodded.

Kumaway pa ako sa kanya na may kita habang diretsong naglakad pabalik sa shuttle na nag-aantay.

When I got inside and shut the door, I gasped. Napahawak ako sa dibdib kong mabilis na rin ang kalabog at
napailing.

My heart actually thumped when he said he's turning tomboy na! Oh, God. Is this a good sign?
Tama bang crush ko ang kumare ko?

"Erase! Erase!" I exclaimed, slapping myself and shook my head. "Mali, Scira. Hindi pwedeng—"

"Ma'am, ayos lang kayo?" My eyes landed on the driver and saw him glancing at me in the mirror.

"Uhm, yeah." I muttered, mabilis na umayos ng upo, hinawi ang buhok ko bago inilapag ang kamay sa hita.

Calm down, Scira. Nakakahiya ka, girl.

When I got into the hotel where will I stay for the rest of the project, kaagad kong nakita si Mr. Aurelio.

"Architect Valderama!" He greeted when he saw me.

I smiled and nodded, may lumapit sa aking staff para kunin ang maleta at sinalubong ko ang kliyente.

"Mr. Aurelio," I greeted.

"Architect, we feel honored to have you here." He smiled, offering me his hand which I accepted.

"My pleasure, Sir." I said and smiled.

"Alam ko pagod ka pa sa byahe, do you want me to tour you around now? Or bukas?" He asked and I
smiled and nodded.

"Today will be fine, Sir. Para maaga ko rin pong ma-revise ang plano if ever, sa susunod na araw ay darating
na ang team ko." I said and he smiled and nodded.

The old man smiled and led the way. He showed me the top floors for renovation.

"We wanted something new for our tenants, lalo na sa mga VIP." Aniya at inilahad ang two-storey
condominium unit. "Gusto sana namin ay iba-iba per floor at mamimili ang mga kliyente kung ano ang
gusto nila."

I nodded, looking at the place.

"Well, Sir, I prepared three different designs you can choose from." I smiled. "My team prepared some too,
we can discuss it further if we have a meeting from the other firm?"

"Oh, yes." He smiled. "You really are competitive and outstanding, Architect, like your mom. You act like
Architect Zidney."

I chuckled and shook my head. "Well, Sir, I could never surpass my mother, maybe in the future pero
marami pa akong kakaining bigas."

He laughed, his wrinkled forehead is visible. "Well then, I can set you a meeting with the head engineer
from Miranda Firm."

I smiled and nodded.

"Very well,"
"Hindi ko alam kung narito na iyon, eh. His team will be here kasabay ng sa'yo, the head engineer in this
project came earlier, I'm just not sure if it's tonight or tomorrow morning. I'm still waiting for his call."

the staff led me to my room after our quick talk, pagkakita kaagad ng sarili kong kwarto ay natuwa ako. It's
two-storey, kagaya ng ipinakita kanila. The interiors are great, the design too kaso nga lang ay hindi na
modern at hindi na masyadong papatok sa panlasa ng kabataan sa ngayon.

Sosyalin ang kwarto ko.

I smiled, lumapit ako sa malaking salaming pader at nakita ang malawak na dagat sa kalayuan. Mula sa
pwesto ko ay nakita ko ang mall sa malapit at sa kanan, kung saan maraming puno ng niyog ay naroon ang
isa pang hotel.

My forehead creased, trying to read the name at the top of the hotel.

Casa Amara

I smiled, I love the design of that place. I wanna try visit it some time.

Inayos ko ang damit ko sa maleta, I put my skin care products on the vanity mirror and put some on the
large bathroom.

Sa lahat, isa ito sa pinakaimportanteng bagay sa akin. I would never sleep without doing my skin care
routine, I have to maintain my smooth skin. Para always young looking din.

I was super tired, I rested on the comfy soft bed and sighed.

My back hurts, so much for today, huh?

I felt my stomach crumpled, bigla akong nagsisi na tinanggihan ko ang pa-dinner kanina ni Mr, Aurelio.
Suminghap ako bago tumayo, sumilip sa refrigerator sa loob ng unit pero napailing lang nang makitang
walang ideal na kakainin.

Some are frozen foods, mga eggs din and such. Okay sana kahit papaano but the things is...I can't cook.

I am perfect, like they said, in every aspects, beauty, brains and skills but with household? I don't think so.
I failed in this one.

Ngayon ko lang natanto na mahirap mabuhay sa ibang lugar kapag wala ang mga magulang. We have
house help for the foods, laundry and cleaning. Abala lang ang pamilya sa mga negosyo at trabaho kaya
kahit ako, hindi naisip na balang araw ay kakailanganin ko rin ito.

I sighed, stared at my clothes and saw I'm now wearing my sleep wear.

Ayaw ko man at may diet plan pa rin, I have to eat because I'm tired and hungry.

I changed my clothes to a simple shirt and shorts, I wore my sandals and tied by hair into a messy bun.

Sumubok ako sa restaurant sa ibaba pero puno ng tao. I sighed, susuko na sana at babalik sa kwarto pero
muli kong naalala ang mall sa malapit.

A smile rose from my lips, mabilis akong lumabas at nilakad ang distansya mula sa hotel patungo sa hindi
kalayuang mall.
The place isn't scary at all, it was well lit. Kahit maraming puno ay hindi nakakatakot, hindi s'ya kagaya ng
sa ibang lugar na kapag maraming puno ay matatakot ka biglang may mandadagit sa'yo.

May wakwak pala pero buti ay mukha namang wala rito.

The air so fresh, it smelled so good, mula sa daanan ay langhap ko ang sariwang amoy ng maalat na dagat
sa malapit.

Peaceful and fresh, I like this place.

After a less than five minute walk, I reached the mall. Hindi man kasing laki ng sa Maynila ay pwede na, I
saw restaurants and fast foods all over the place. May mga boutique ring iilan at mga make up shops.

I am tempted to go inside the make up shop yet my stomach says otherwise.

Babalikan kita mamaya.

I eyed the shop before starts deciding where to go. I saw the fast foods filled with people, sumubok akong
tumingin ng menu nila sa itaas pero tanging mga burgers or any foods with high sugar and calorie content
lang ang naroon kaya umatras ako.

No, no way. Kung ganyan, baka I might spent hours in the thread mill kaya doon nalang ako sa kaunti lang
ang calories.

After the thorough evaluation, I decide to eat in a restaurant with the lesser people. Pagpasok ko pa lang
ay kaagad akong naasikaso at naupo pagkatapos ay namili na ng pagkain.

While waiting for my order, I took my phone. Nangiti ako nang makita ang number ni Warren kaya mabilis
akong nag-type.

To: Kumareng Tintin

Hi, Mars! Nasa mall ako kumakain, saan ka? Hoping magkita tayo ulit soon!

I saw a few customers entering the place, may mag-jowa at may lalaki ring naka-cap at color white na
shirt.

The first thing I noticed is the round butt. Natuwa ako kaagad, parang butt lang ng kumare ko, oh.

"Here is your order, Ma'am." Nawala ang atensyon ko sa lalaki dahil naging abala ako sa pagkain.

I stopped when I felt someone looking at me, I shifted my gaze, only to see the man wearing a cap glancing
at my direction.

My forehead creased, trying to take a glimpse of his face pero mabilis s'yang nagbaba ng tingin at inayos
ang cap.

My lips protruded, hinayaan na lang at baka nag-iimagine lang ako at muling bumaling sa pagkain.

My phone rang, kinuha ko iyon at napangiti nang makita kung sino ang nag-message.

From: Kumareng Tintin

See you soon, Mars. H'wag ka haharot, okay?

My laughter roared.

Napatingin sa akin ang mga customer kaya tumikhim ako at umayos ng upo.

To: Kumareng Tintin

Yes naman, sis. Mag-kumare forever, lalandi together, 'di ba?

Ibinaba ko ang phone pagkatapos. I heard the ring tone from some of the customers, napasulyap pa ako sa
lalaking naka-cap kasi parang sa kanya galing.

I saw him drinking water from the glass, opening his phone. Nakita kong may binasa s'ya at miski ako
nagulat nang mabilaukan s'ya ng tubig.

"Sir?" Lapit sa kanya ng staff kaya napangiti na lang ako at bumaling sa pagkain ko.

I sipped on my lemon juice when my phone rang.

From: Kumareng Tintin

Oo naman, Mars. Super twins kaya tayo. Magkadugtong ang pusod natin.

Natakpan ko ang bibig para pigilan ang tawa, napailing ako at mabilis na nag-reply.

To: Kumareng Tintin

Dugyot mo, bakla! HAHAHA!

From: Kumareng Tintin

Kiss na lang kita, sis. Tomboy na ako :*

Napailing ako, natatawang nagbayad nang matapos habang tumatayo para umalis. My mind was set to go
to the make up shop. I wanted to buy a new lipstick, gusto ko rin bilhan ang Mars ko.

"Thank you for dining, Ma'am." They thanked me when I got passed them.

"Thanks," I said and smiled.

Napatigil pa ako nang may kumalapag, I shifted my gaze and saw the man wearing the cap panicking,
gusto na rin makatayo sa upuan.

Umiling ako at naglakad palayo.

"Sir, hindi pa po kayo bayad!" I heard the staff saying afterwards.

"Sorry, fuck..." The familiar voice said and it made me stop, bumaling ako muli at nakitang pinapalibutan
na ng mga staff ang lalaking naka-cap.

Aba, tatakas pa ata sa kinainan.

I went to the famous make up shop, kaunti lang ang tao kaya kaagad akong naasikaso ng mga saleslady.
"Hi, Miss, what's yours?" She asked and I smiled.

"I wanted to check on your lipsticks, may bagong shade ba?" I asked.

"Here are the new shades, Ma'am. This way." She said and led me towards it.

"Here are our new arrivals, Ma'am." She said and I nodded, checking on the shades from the tester.

"Good evening, Sir. Ano pong sa kanila?"

"U-uh, lipstick."

"Sa girlfriend po?" I heard the saleslady from the entrance.

I raised my hand, showing my wrist so I could compare the shades.

Mas gusto ko iyong medyo dark ang kulay at matapang. I always looked maldita that way and they said I
looked intimidating kaya sa tingin ko ay mas bagay sa akin ang ganoong shades.

"Hmm, what do you think, Miss? Anong mas bagay?" Ipinakita ko sa saleslady ang shades na nasa may
wrist ko pero nakatingin s'ya kung saan.

"Miss?"

"Ay, sorry, Ma'am." Humagikhik s'ya. "Mayroon po kasing gwapo doon sa kabila, tumitingin ng lipstick.
Para ata sa girlfriends, nakakatuwa."

"Really? That's cute." I chuckled a bit, glancing at the part she's pointing and I was stunned when I saw
who was it.

Warren is looking at my direction, may hawak pa s'yang lipstick at nakita ko kung paano manlaki ang mata
n'ya at nag-iwas.

I saw him glanced on the mirror, opening the lipstick urgently and put it on his lips.

"Sir! Tester po—"

"Bakla! Sis!" I exclaimed but froze when I realized na lalaki pala s'ya sa eyes ng lipunan kaya bigla kong
binawi.

Shit, wrong move! Bawal ipahamak ang ka-sister!

Nangingiti ng alanganin, ibinigay ko sa saleslady ang lipstick bago lumapit kay kumare na abala kakatingin
sa salamin.

I smiled, mabilis na humawak sa balikat nito at napangiti.

"Oh, hi, baby!" I called and I felt Warren froze.

I chuckled. Mabilis na pinihit si Warren and I saw him startled while glancing at me.

Kalat pa ang lipstick n'ya kaya natatawang umayos ako ng tayo at ipinalibot ang braso ko sa leeg n'ya.
Warren was stunned, I can feel the stares from the saleslady and I remembered na natawag ko s'yang sis.

Nakakaloka, baka isipin ng mga saleslady at customers na kasapi ng pederasyon talaga ang kumare ko.
Ayokong unahan s'ya sa pagsiwalat ng kanyang sexual orientation dahil wala akong right.

"Baby naman, hindi ka nagsasabing dito ka..." I muttered and he blinked.

"H-huh?"

"Super sweet ka talaga." I giggled and pinched his nose.

He blinked at me, still confused.

"Hindi ka man lang nagsabing talagang bibilhan mo ako ng lipstick, nagpaparinig lang naman ako pero..."
humagikhik ako. "Ang sweet mo talaga!"

He is blushing and confused, pinanlakihan ko s'ya ng mata at kinindatan at nakita kong napalunok s'ya.

"W-well, I just..." Alanganin s'yang napangiti. "Thought you'd like it."

"Of course, oo..." I chuckled and touched his chest. "Ang lambing naman ng mahal ko."

"Y-yeah," he puffed a breath, parang mawawalan na ata ng malay. "Sa'yo lang ako malambing, m-mahal."

"Uh-hmm. Chill, baby. I caught you but it's alright." I chuckled and touched his chest. "Sa sobrang panic mo
pa nakapag-lipstick ka, ah?"

"F-fuck," he muttered, was about to remove the lipstick on his lips when I stopped his hand.

"Don't." I said and moved my face closer to Warren.

I met his black, pleasing eyes, kumalabog ang puso ko at wala sa sariling binasa ang labi ko.

Namilog ang mata n'ya sa gulat nang mapansing magkalapit na ang mukha namin.

"Mars, may kasalanan ako." I muttered nervously.

"W-what..." He said in a low voice, lowering his head to take a glance of my lips.

"Uhm, uh... Nasigaw ko 'yong tawag sa'yo." I muttered.

"Na?" He asked, lowering his face more and I gulped.

"N-na bakla tapos sister," I said in a whisper. "Nakakahiya ako, I shouldn't voice out your secret that fast
and..."

"It's fine," he whispered, ang lipstick ay nasa labi pa rin. I can feel his breath on my nose.

"No, hindi. Hindi ako pwedeng maging sister kung...kung mabilis kong ma-voice out ang mga ganoon. I lack
privacy."

"What do you want us to do, then?" He muttered, and I sighed, mas inilapit ang mukha para bumulong.
"Patunayan nating lalaki ka." I said.

"H-huh?" He asked, medyo lumalayo na sa akin.

"Warren," I called.

"Bakla ba?" I heard one of the customers asked when they saw Warren pushed me a bit.

"I-I don't think that's a good idea, baby." He said in a whisper.

I felt guilty again exclaiming his sexual preference like that when I saw his blushing face. I'm positive he's
embarrassed!

Siguradong ayaw na n'ya akong kaibigan pagkatapos nito!

What a useless kumare, Scira!

"Augustine," I called. "S-sige na. Mabilis lang, promise."

"B-but..."

"P-Please? Warren? Please?" I said in a small voice and he sighed.

"Gwapo sana, sayang at bakla." Narinig ko pang usapan sa gilid.

"Bakla nga ata, nirereject 'yong babae, eh."

"Alright, tell me how?" he said.

"R-remember, Mars, na mag-bff tayo. Walang meaning at walang talo-talo. H'wag ka mandiri, please." I
said and sighed, glanced at him and without even thinking, put my hand back on his shoulder as I tiptoed
to kiss him on the lips.

I felt him stiffened, his eyes are wide while staring at me and I felt my stomach churning when I felt the
warmth of his lips.

I heard whispers and gasps, "Judgmental ka, lalaki nga!" I heard the oldies talking.

I placed my hand on his shoulder more, kissing him a bit more and when I proved my point, I moved away.

It was super awkward, malalim ang paghinga ko dahil sa malakas na kabog ng puso. Dampi lang iyon pero
nagwawala na ang puso ko. Damn, this isn't good!

I saw Warren's eyes, namumungay itong nakamasid sa akin. Mukhang gulat at tulala lang doon.

"M-matamis 'yong lipstick mo, Warren baby, a-ah?" I laughed a bit after the whisper.

Nanatili s'yang nakatitig. Nanghina na ang tuhod ko dahil sa nangyari kaya mabilis akong bumaling sa
saleslady na gulat na gulat pa rin sa eksena.

"Uh, a-anong lipstick 'nung nasa labi ng boyfriend ko? G-gusto ko sana..." My voice faded when a grip on
my arm stopped me, mabilis akong napaharap kay Warren at nagulat nang walang pagdadalawang-isip
n'ya akong hinapit palapit sa katawan n'ya.
Our nose almost touch, my throat dried up while looking at him.

"M-mars?"

"I like it more when you call me that," he said in a baritone, low voice.

"C-call you what?" I asked and I saw him smirked.

"Augustine..." He said and I think my soul almost left my body in shock when he lowered his lips and
claimed mine again.

Kabanata 5
My lips protruded, the silence enveloped the cold atmosphere that I can feel myself shivering.

"H-here..." my eyes shifted beside me and I almost jumped when I felt him putting something on my back.

Mabilis ko 'yong sinulyapan at nagulat pa nang matantong isang denim jacket iyon.

"T-thanks," I muttered and I saw him nodded and looked somewhere again.

Nakaupo kami sa labas ng mall, sa bench kung saan ilang hakbang lang ay pwede ka nang makalapit sa
dagat. Malamig ang simoy ng hangin, nararamdaman ko ang pagdapo sa balat ko pero dahil binigay n'ya
sa'kin ang kanyang jacket ay kaagad na nawala.

Still, it is awkward.

Kulang na lang ay marinig ko na ang kulisap sa sobrang tahimik, tanging mahihinang hampas ng alon mula
sa hindi kalayuan dalampasigan ang naririnig ko mula sa pwesto naming dalawa.

After that awkward scene inside the store, we didn't talk. After he kissed me, ramdam ko ang mabilis na
kalabog ng puso ko. Well, I guess I liked his kisses too but is...I don't know.

Hindi ako pumapatol sa tomboy, lalo na at sister ko pa.

Shit, Scira, what the hell are you thinking?!

I cleared my throat and glanced at Warren.

"Sis—"

"Mars—"
We both stopped when our eyes met. Kaagad na nag-init ang pisngi ko nang masalubong ang mga mata
n'ya. He looks shy and embarrassed, namumula rin ang mukha kaya lumunok ako at nagsalita.

"I'm sorry if—"

"No, look, I am sorry." He said, shifting his weight so he could look at me. Hindi ako nagsalita at nakitang
may kung anong emosyon sa mga mata n'ya. "I just, you know, didn't know what to do."

"H-huh?" I asked.

He licked his lower lip, lifting his fingers to brush his disheveled hair.
"When you turned your back, uhm..." he cleared his throat. "I-I heard the old ladies saying I'm gay and I
can't even kiss you kaya..."

"O-oh..." I muttered when I realized that. "Y-you only did that because of it?"

I don't know but I felt quite odd, parang hindi ko matanggap naa hinalikan n'ya ako dahil sa narinig.

He stared at my eyes and slowly, he nodded.

"Sorry, Scira, if I made you uncomfortable, if after this and you don't want to be my friend anymore, I will
understand—"

"No!" I exclaimed and I saw him stopped and glanced at me.

"Wala kang kasalanan, Tintin, okay?" I said and he slowly nodded and puffed a breath. "It's my fault, I
called you out loud like that. I respect you, Warren, as a friend, as a man—"

"W-woman, sis." Pahabol n'ya kaya napangiti ako at tumango.

"As a woman," I muttered and suddenly chuckled, "okay na?"

I saw his lips lifted, tumango s'ya kaya nagpatuloy ako.

"And I don't have any right to call you that way in public. Una, dahil hindi ka pa naglalantad. That was so
insensitive kaya I did kissed you." I said in a small voice.

"It's okay, baby..." I heard his low voice and my eyes lifted.

"What?"

"I mean..." he cleared his throat. "I understand, kaya mo pala ako tinawag na baby."

"I just did what I thought could save you, nakaka-disappoint na nga akong kaibigan." I said and sighed.

"It's fine," he said and my lips protruded.

"It's not. Baka ayaw mo na akong kumare." I sulked.

"Scira..." he called.

"See?" I spatted. "Scira na ang tawag mo sa'kin!" I exclaimed.

"Hey, look at me." I shook my head and he moved a bit, slowly lifting my chin so he could see my eyes.
"I'm not mad, Mars."

I gulped while looking at his black eyes, kumalabog nanaman ang dibdib ko sa kaba at hindi maintindihang
dahilan kapag ganyan s'ya.

"R-really?"

"Is it you who should be mad at me, I kissed you. That was disrespectful to you as a woman—"
"Sis, mag-sister tayo, okay lang." I said and I saw his lips protruded a bit.

"P-parang ang gara, Mars. Babae sa babae, t-tomboy?" He muttered and I immediately laughed upon
hearing him.

I saw his smile lifted when he saw me laughing. Nailing na hinampas ko ang balikat n'ya at nakita ko ang
pagkislap ng mata n'ya.

The awkward atmosphere faded, I bit my lip to suppress my laughters but I couldn't. Warren is smirking,
slowly moving to place a few strands of my fallen hair behind my ear.

"K-kaloka ka, Mars." I muttered and laughed again.

He's chuckling, naiiling. I noticed how amusement played on his eyes while looking at me and when I
calmed down, I covered my mouth, ashamed of my loud mouth.

"S-sorry, Tintin. I'm just..."

"It's fine," he smiled. "You looked more radiant when you laugh and smile that way." He said seriously and
my cheeks flushed.

Bigla akong nahiya kaso baka biglang awkward nanaman kaya tumawa ako at pabirong hinampas ang
dibdib n'ya.

"Hala, si kumare, pa-fall!" I exclaimed and his laugher roared.

"Hmm, am I?" He said in amusement and I laughed and nodded.

"O-oo kaya! Talo mo pa magpakilig mga ex ko!" I exclaimed and I saw him stopped.

His forehead creased a bit, he became quite serious that I stopped and looked at him.

"Mars?"

"Your exes..." he muttered. "What are they like?"

"Hmm," I smiled. "Bakit? May bet ka?" I teased but he scoffed.

"No way, I'm just curious." He said, slowly taking my hand and I saw how his finger touched the part of my
wrist where I tried the shades of lipstick earlier.

"They're good, they're great." I said, remembering it. "Well, I dated them because mom said they have a
good family, I always wanted to please her, she's my role model kaya kapag sinabi n'yang magandang
pamilya iyon at kung may magbibigay sa'kin ng interes mula sa pamilya, I will grab the chance and mom
would be happy. The others, well, I genuinely just like them but..."

I sighed.

"You know, after a week or a month, lalabas ang ugali nila. They would call me a freak."
"Freak?" he stopped and glanced at me.

"Control freak, Mars." I said and looked at his eyes. "They say, mas inuuna ko ang pamilya ko kaysa sa
kanila."
"Of course, family comes first." He said eagerly and I smiled.

"'Di ba?" I muttered happily and grinned. "Hindi nila ma-gets 'yon, Mars, kaya inis ako. Mabuti ka pa, naku,
magpakalalaki ka na ulit para jowain na lang kita." I joked.

"Lalaki naman ako," he said in a husky voice and I froze and glance at him.

"H-huh?" I saw him stared at my eyes before smirking.

"Patola, sis!" He laughed and pinched my nose. "Nabiktima ka, ano?" He said and I laughed and punched
his arms.

"Aba, aba, nag-jo-joke ka na?" I hissed, pabirong sumuntok ulit kaya natatawang hinuli n'ya ang kamay ko.

"Well..." He smirked.

"Ikaw talaga, Tintin!" I chuckled and continued punching him playfully. Tinusok ko ang tagiliran n'ya, I saw
him jumped a bit ang glared at me.

"Hmm, may kiliti ka, ah?" I muttered and tickled him again.

"Shit." He groaned in a hoarse voice and I laughed, having my own share of fun while tickling him when he
caught both of my hands, pushed me a bit on the bench and my eyes widen in shock when he moved his
face closer to mine, our nose almost touching.

The weird thumping on my chest came back, nawala na iyon sa asaran naming dalawa pero bumalik
ngayong magkalapit nanaman ang mukha namin.

Warren Augustine Miranda really is a gift from God, a gift for women. His black eyes are serious yet shining
a bit from the light reflected from the post, he has red thin lips, pointed nose and strong jaw. I saw small
whiskers growing on his chin and jaw, hindi pansinin kapag malayo pero kapag ganito kalapit ay kitang-kita.

He moved his face a bit, glancing at my lips and I felt like I'll hyperventilate in any moment.

It was as if his lips have gravity, pulling me closer to it. Kumakalabog ang puso ko gayong ganito kami
kalapit sa isa't-isa.

I can still remember the taste of his lips, how it felt when it touched mine. I can still remember the
warmth...

"Baka naman mahal mo na ako n'yan, sis?" My eyes widen when he smirked with his soft voice.

"H-hindi, ah!" I exclaimed, pushing him away and he laughed at me, shaking his head before stealing a kiss
on my cheek.

"Uh-hmm," he hummed.

I glared at him, kicking his feet before touching my cheek he kissed.

"Chansing ka, ah!" Sita ko pero natatawang kumindat s'ya sa akin.

"Let me remind you who kissed who first?" He teased and I pouted, muli s'yang sinipa kaya natatawang
nailing s'ya.

Baklang 'to! Kaloka! Parang heartthrob noong kabataan magsalita!

"Alam mo, kung hindi ko lang nakitang nag-wa-walling ka sa Casa Amara noon iisipin kong lalaki ka." I
muttered and he smirked at me and tilted his head.

"Lalaki ako," he said straightforwardly but I just rolled my eyes.

"Patola ka, Tintin. Suntukan na lang, oh?" I spat.

"Halikan na lang." He said and winked. Natulala nanaman ako, nang makitang natatawa nanaman ang
itsura n'ya ay iritadong pinalo ko s'ya at pinagsusuntok.

"Tomboy ka na talaga, sis!" I hissed and smacked him.

Warren walked me back to the where I'm staying, nangingiting sumulyap ako sa kanya at mahina pang
suminghap nang makitang nagulo ang buhok n'ya dahil sa hangin.

Warren, Warren, bakit hindi na lang tayo talo?

Naka-sideview s'ya sa'kin, kita ko ang tangos ng ilong n'ya habang nakamasid kung saan kaya kumapit ako
sa braso n'ya.

"Gwapo mo talaga, Tintin." I said and he glanced at me and laughed.

"I'm flattered, sis." He said in a small voice, touching his chest and we laughed at that.

"Saan ka nag-s-stay? May work ka rin, right?" I asked and he nodded.

"I'm staying at Casa Amara," he said and I smiled and nodded.

"Wait," I stopped when I realized something, muli akong bumaling sa kanya at nagtanong. "Casa Amara, is
it the same with the one in Manila?"

"Yeah, just another branch." He smiled and my mouth parted.

"Wow, small world." I muttered and he fixed the jacket on my shoulder before touching my head.

"You should go inside, Architect." He said and I took the jacket, ipapabalik n asana sa kanya pero mabilis
n'ya akong pinigilan.

"Take it," he said and smiled.

"But..."

"Give it back when we see each other again," he said and I lifted my eyes and glance at him.

"Kailan naman? It's not that we'll see each other again." I said and shook my head.

"Hindi mo sure," he said and my forehead creased.

"Anong—" I stiffened when he leaned in to give me a peck on the lips.

My eyes widen, mabilis kong tinakpan ang labi ko, gulat na nakatingin sa kanya at nakita kong lumunok
s'ya at humawak sa batok.

"Y-you..." I pointed him.

"B-bet ko 'yong lipstick mo, Mars. Patikim u-ulit." He chuckled nervously and I screamed and smacked him.

"Augustine!" I shouted but he immediately run away from me.

Manyak ang tomboy kong sister. Isinubsob ko ang mukha ko sa unan habang tumitili pagkarating ko sa
kwarto.

I can't believe it! He kissed me again!

Nagmamadali kong kinuha ang phone nang tumunog at nakita ko kaagad ang pangalan n'ya.

I opened it.

From: Kumareng Tintin

Gusto ko talaga 'yong shade at flavor n'yang lipstick mo, sis. Anong name?"

I puffed a breath, hindi s'ya sinagot at natulala sa kisame ng kwarto.

Perfect package na sana si Warren kaso hindi kami talo. Sayang.

But he kissed me! Is it a sign na pwede na s'yang maging lalaki?

"Oh, damn you, Scira. Stop!" I exclaimed and slapped my cheek.

Hindi pwede. Hindi pwede! Calm down, self, nababaliw ka lang. It isn't possible you'll like Warren that way,
right?

And for pete's sake, it wasn't even my first kiss!

I took my phone and messaged him.

To: Kumareng Tintin

Kung gagawin kita lalaki, baks, okay lang?

Moments later, my phone rang again for a message, dali-dali ko iyong binuksan at binasa.

From: Kumareng Tintin

Kung kapalit ba naman ang halik mo, bakit hindi.

"Shit..." I muttered, Uminit ang pisngi ko kaya napatili ako at binitawan ang phone para suntukin ang unan
ko.

This is bad. This is freaking bad!

First, he's gay. Second, we just met! Bukod doon sa mga eksena naming sa Casa Amara at panaka-nakang
pagkikita!

You are Architect Scira Valderama, mapili ka sa lalaki, 'di ba? Bakit mo crush ang kumare mo?

My phone rang, mabilis kong kinuha iyon at kaagad na binasa.

From: Kumareng Tintin

Joke lang, Mars. Boylet din ang hanap ko. Bet ko lang talaga 'yong flavor ng lipstick mo.

Instead na maging masaya, I felt down. I felt the pain in my chest after reading that kaya napapikit ako at
nilagay sa side table ang phone.

This isn't you, Scira.

The next morning, I got ready for the meeting with the head engineer from the other firm. Inayos ko ang
hikaw ko habang nakikipag-usap kay Mom sa video call.

She called to ask how am I doing.

Pagkatapos ng tawag, kumuha ako ng lotion para ilagay sa pulsuhan at palad ko. I took my perfume and
sprayed some on my neck and dress before I go.

Inayos ko ang hand bag ko, kipkip ko sa kabilang braso ang laptop at nang makababa ay kaagad akong
sinalubong ng secretary ni Mr. Aurelio.
"This way to the office, Architect." She muttered.

I smiled and followed her. I walked with my chin up, some greeted me and I smiled in return pero kaagad
ding mawawalang ang ngiti kapag lagpas sa kanila.

I slowly fixed my hair on my shoulder, it is ironed straight, like usual. Hindi naman pormal na meeting pa
kasama ang buong team kaya hindi ako masyadong namili ng susuotin.

A blue pastel colored dress is fine and with my heels.

"This way, Architect." The secretary smiled before opening the door and let me in.

Pumasok ako, kaagad na nakita si Mr. Aurelio na nakaupo sa swivel, sa harapan n'ya ay ang isang
matipunong lalaking nakatalikod sa akin.

He's wearing black dress shirt folded up to his elbows and slacks, kumunot ang noo ko dahil pamilyar sa
akin ang kanyang likod.

"Architect Valderama, glad you're here." Mr. Aurelio greeted by my eyes are fixed to the man. "Anyway, I
want you to meet the head engineer for this project, Engineer Miranda."

The man stood, shifted his gaze and I almost gasped when I saw who was it.

"Warren..." I muttered and I saw his lip lifted for a smile before offering his hand.

"Nice meeting you, Architect Valderama." He said and still shocked, I accepted his hand for a hand shake.
"N-nice meeting you too, Engineer Miranda." I muttered and he smiled and squeezed my hand.

Hindi pa rin ako makapaniwala, tulala ako sa mukha ni Warren at kung hindi lang tumikhim si Mr. Aurelio
para kunin ang atensyon naming dalawa ay hindi kami magbibitaw.

I cleared my throat, immediately flashed a smile at Mr. Aurelio.

"Sit, Architect." He said and offered the seat beside Warren's.

Naglakad ako, siguro ay sa gulat kung sino ang head engineer ay medyo tumigilid ang lakad ko pero mabilis
akong nahawakan ni Warren.

"Careful," he muttered softly, touching my waist.

"T-thanks." I said, walked with him and he assisted me to sit on my place afterwards.

"So..." Mr. Aurelio smiled, inilahad ang kamay n'ya at sumulyap sa aming dalawa.

"Do you two...know each other?" He asked, I felt Warren's stares beside me and I cleared my throat and
nodded.

"Yeah,"

"Very well..." He smiled. "But I saw how surprise you are, hindi ba nasabi ni Engr. Miranda sa'yo na ditto
s'ya?"
I glanced at Warren and saw his serious eyes at me. I cleared my throat and shook my head.

"I believe Engr. Miranda forgot to mention it the last time," I said and smiled.

Mr. Aurelio glanced at Warren, back to me. I know that stare, ang tingin kapag mag-uumpisa ka nang
manukso.

"Are you two—"

"Let's start with the meeting?" I said, straightening my back and flashed a smile. "Sir? Engineer?"

"Alright," Mr. Aurelio smiled when he noticed my uneasiness. "Let's start."

Naging abala ang usapan. It was awkward, remembering last night.

Ang OA ko siguro to think na nakakasakit ang sinabi ni Warren when in the first place, I knew he's gay.

He's probably not interested in me?

"What do you think, Architect Valderama?" I almost jumped when I heard Warren speaking.

"Y-yes?" I blinked, didn't quite get what he'd said.

He smiled and showed me the file he's holding.

"My team suggested this design for the outdoor pools and bar, what do you think?" He asked.

"O-oh..." I cleared my throat, took the papers and looked at it.

He quietly stared at me, hindi ko man s'ya nakikita ay dama ko ang titig n'ya. He looks worried but I didn't
look at him, instead, I focused my attention to the paper he gave me.

I'm overreacting... Damn, I think I am!

I glanced at him and caught him staring at me seriously. I flashed a forced smile and when his forehead
creased, my awkward smile faded.

I cleared my throat and lowered my head back on the paper.

Too much for pretending, Scira.

"This is great, uhm, we can discuss this further with the team in the meeting." I said and gave it back to
him.

His eyes lingered at me for a few moment kaya napasulyap din ako.

"Engineer?" Mr. Aurelio called kaya napabaling s'ya roon.

He looks great in shirt but I never expect he would look great more in a formal attire. Hapit sa katawan
n'ya ang dress shirt, kitang-kita ang hubog ng katawan at braso n'ya.

I have no say with my exes' physical aspects but Warren is...I don't know, he's attractive and darkly
handsome.

Crush ko s'ya.

I froze with the realization. Napakurap ako at muling napasulyap sa lalaking abala sa pakikipag-usap. He's
conversing professionally, buo ang boses.

Oh, shit? Crush ko ang Mars ko!

I am screaming internally, hindi matanggap na bet ko ang kumare ko. Nag-uusap sila pero tulala lang ako. I
am overreacting because I like him.

That fast?! You're freaking screwed, Valderama!

Natapos ang meeting na parang wala ata akong nai-ambag, naglahad ng kamay si Mr. Aurelio na kaagad
kong tinanggap.
"It's nice working with the best in this field," he smiled.

I smiled humbly too, nakita kong tinapik n'ya ang balikat ni Warren.

"You can roam around the place after, sulitin na ang mga natitirang oras bago ang trabaho. We have a
beach nearby. Architect." Mr. Aurelio called kaya bumaling ako sa kanya.

"Engr. Miranda stays around here, madalas ito rito kaysa sa Maynila kaya alam na n'ya ang pasikot." He
smiled and looked at Warren. "Well, maybe you can tour our Architect around?"

I saw Warren glanced at me, his lips lifted and nodded.

"Sure," he said.
Rest in peach, Scira. RIP.

Diretso ang labas ko sa pintuan habang nakasunod sa akin si Warren.

"Scira," he called.

Hindi ko muna s'ya pinansin, mas bumilis pa ang lakad ko.

"Scira, where are you going? Let's talk." He said.

"Uh, m-may gagawin kasi ako, Mars, a-alam mo na, ayaw kong mamasyal muna." I said and walked faster.

I can hear his quick footsteps behind me.

"Face me, then. Iniiwasan mo ba ako?"

My heart quickened, tumigil ako sa paglalakad at hinarap s'ya. I saw him stop from his tracks, kunot ang
noon ang harapin ko s'ya.

"B-bakit naman kita iiwasan?" I laughed a bit. "Ikaw talaga, Mars, kung ano-anong—"

"You didn't text me back last night." He said.

"Nawalan ako ng load," I pretended and smiled at him.

His forehead creased, his mouth parted a bit to talk but I cut him off.

"Bye na, Mars. Kita na lang tayo bukas." I said, smiled and turned my back.

Kinakabahan at mabilis akong naglakad palayo.

I need to sort my feeling out, hindi naman tamang magustuhan ko s'ya, 'di ba? Kahit crush lang?

That's a forbidden rule in the federation!

Mabilis akong naglakad palayo sa kanya, papunta sa escalator papaakyat, nagwawala pa ang puso sa kaba
pero sa gulat ko ay may naramdaman akong hawak sa braso ko.

I gasped, cursed when in just a snap, I am pinned on the side of the barricade. My eyes widened more
when I saw who was it.

Warren's black eyes stared at me.

"M-mars?" I called and he licked his lower lip, itutulak ko sana s'ya palayo pero naitukod n'ya na ang
kamay sa pagitan ko.

He's tall, kahit naka-heels ako ay kailangan ko pang mag-angat ng tingin para makita ng buo ang mukha
n'ya.

"What's the matter? Nagmamadali kasi ako para uhm, may gagawin." I said.

"You're avoiding me," he concluded.

"H-hindi, ah!" My eyes widen. "Bakit kita iiwasan? Mars?"

He licked his lower lip, glancing down at me.

"Is it because of the kiss?" He asked and my throat dried up, nakita n'ya ang reaksyon ko kaya napatango
s'ya. "It is."
Hindi ako nakaimik, I saw how his eyes turned a bit softer.

"Is it that bad you thought of avoiding me?" He said in a low voice.

"W-what?" My eyes widen.

Baligtad, Mars! Hindi bad! It is that great that I have a freaking crush on you now!

Hindi ako nakasagot, natulala lang sa sinabi n'ya.

"Damn, I'm so aggressive, hmm..." he whispered in the air. "I shouldn't have done that. I'm sorry, natakot
kita."

"I..." he sighed audibly. "I understand if you don't want to be friends with me, anymore."

Hindi ako nakagalaw, tulala pa habang nakamasid sa kanya at napakurap pa nang humakbang s'ya paatras
at marahan akong bitawan.

"Pasensya na, Architect." He said, his eyes are sad and something tugged painfully inside my chest while
looking at him.

He glanced at me sadly before he shifted his body to walk away and I panicked, mabilis kong hinawakan
ang braso n'ya pabalik at hinila s'ya pabalik.

"Scira..." he called when he saw me pulled him but I lifted my head, cupped his cheek and pressed a kiss
on his lips.

He was stunned, kita ko ang panlalaki ng mata n'ya sa ginawa ko.

Gulat sa ginawa, lumayo ako mula sa kanya pero mabilis n'yang sinapo ang batok ko at inilapit ako muli sa
kanya.

He pulled my waist, kissing my lips deeply. I felt him bit my lower lip and I found myself parting it, kissing
him back.

He moved away, halos naghahabol na ng hininga nang maghiwalay. Our eyes met and I gasped when his
finger went on my lower lip.

He caressed it softly with his thumb, magkalapit pa rin ang mukha naming dalawa at dama ko ang hininga
n'ya sa may labi ko.

"This is bad," he said in a low voice and I gulped and nodded.

"Y-you're right," I muttered. "M-masama nga, Tintin."

His other hand went on my cheek, slowly brushing my hair away before tucking it behind my ear.
"Really...really bad, kumare. Fuck, I'm really a lesbian, right?" He said and cupped my cheek for another
kiss.

Kabanata 6

"W-we shouldn't do it again." I muttered.

"Y-yeah, I agree. We shouldn't." He said.

Natahimik nanaman kami. I still can't process how did I had the guts to kiss my kumare, that is very...very
wrong!

Awkward looks are given by us by the people passing by, paniguradong nakita ang harutan naming dalawa
kanina. We only stopped when we we're already running out of breath. Doon din kaming dalawa
natauhan.

My back is resting on the barricade near the escalator while he's in front of me with his arms at the both
side of me. He's lowering his head, I can hear his loud breath intake.

In my years living, I've never make out with my exes in public. We only kissed in private! In cars, bars, if
alone, somewhere like that but never in my whole life I'll do something like this in public! At sa kumare ko
pa!

"U-uhm, sige, Warren, alis na ako." I said, slowly pushing him away.

He took a step back, his black eyes watched me intently and I looked away.

"Kumain ka na?" He suddenly asked and I lifted my head and watched his black eyes glance at my face. I
noticed his still swollen lips, I can't believe ganyan 'yan!
Shit, Architect Valderama? Wild kisser?

"H-huh?"

"Have you eaten?" he asked again and my throat dried up the moment he raised his hand to put a few
strands of my hair behind my ear.

"No," I answered.

His forehead creased, nakita kong napasulyap s'ya sa orasan at seryoso akong tinitigan.

"It's late, you should have eaten breakfast." He retorted, buo ang boses at ang gwapo ng pagkakasalubong
ng kilay kaya kinilabutan ako.

"B-baka ako ang tomboy?" I muttered and he blinked.

"What?"

I cleared my throat, hindi inaasahang mabibighani sa sister ko kaya umiling na lang ako at alanganing
ngumiti.

"What I mean is...I don't eat breakfast that much, I'm on my diet." I explained, or lied, perhaps.
I'm actually hungry right now.

"You can always have your diet but make sure—"

"A-ayos lang talaga." I explained and smiled awkwardly. "I just...ano, babalik lang ako sa room ko."

Tumalikod ako habang kunot ang kanyang noo at pinagmamasdan ako, diretso ang lakad ko paalis pero
natigilan nang tumunog ang sikmura ko.

What the fuck? Tummy? Why the heck are you making that sound!

Nilingon ko si Warren, kunot ang noo n'ya, nakahalukipkip at nagmamasid sa akin, mukhang narinig kaya
ngumiti ako.

"I'm not hungry," I chuckled nervously.

My stomach made a sound again, lumaki ang mata ko roon at napahawak sa t'yan at nilingon s'ya.

"Hindi ka nga gutom," he said, raising his brow while staring at me.

"Uhm, well, may mga foods sa room ko." I said and stood straight. "But the thing is..."

I looked at him and saw his curious face. "what?"

"I can't cook." I laughed nonchalantly.

His lips lifted, I thought he'll mock me or something but to my shock, he walked towards me, grabbed my
wrist and pulled me on the elevator.

Gulat pa rin ako pero sumama ako sa kanya, to my shock, I saw him pressed the number where my floor is.

"Oh, how did you know—"

"I stay in the room beside yours," he said and my eyes widen.

"H-huh? But I thought you're staying at Casa Amara." My forehead creased.

"Well, I work here now so, I'll stay here." He said and I nodded.

We're quiet in the elevator, kita ko and diretsong titig n'ya sa repleksyon sa elevator, he looks manly and
he's well-built too kaya parang nakakagulat na hindi babae ang gusto n'ya.

The elevator opened and a group of girls entered.

Nagtatawanan sila pero nang makita ang nasa loob ng elevator ay natahimik. The girls gazes were
immediately fixed at Warren.

I saw one girl smiled and cleared his throat.

"Hello, Engineer Miranda, right?" The woman said and my forehead creased when it got Warren's
attention.

His black eyes stared at them and nodded.

"Yes?" He asked in a full voice.

My brow lifted when the two girls giggle behind the woman, nagkukurutan pa roon.

"Well, I'm Macey." She smiled. "I don't know if you remember me but I am the daughter of Poncio Perez."

Warren's forehead creased a bit, as if remembering.

"PRP commercial building," the woman said. "Miranda firm made it happen, remember? You're with your
cousin, Engineer Vioxx?"

I saw how Warren nodded, as if remembering it.

"Oh, I see." I saw how his lips lifted a bit for a small smile.

"Sorry, I just can't remember that much." Warren smiled.

"Well, it's fine," she smiled. "it's Macey." She offered her hand.

"Nice meeting you, Miss Perez." Warren said humbly and accepted her hand.

My forehead creased, nairita bigla sa nakikita.

What am I? Air?

Hello! May maganda rito kayong kasama!

"These are my friends," Macey smiled and presented her friends. "These are—"

"Augustine," I said in a small voice and I saw how Warren froze. Mabilis na napasulyap sa akin at ngumuso
ako.

I pulled my wrist away from him, nakita kong sinundan n'ya iyon ng tingin pero mabilis akong kumapit sa
braso n'ya.

"Hungry," I said in a small voice.

He looked at me with such curiosity in his eyes and I blinked and smiled cutely.
"I'm super hungry, Tin. I wanna eat." I said.

"Alright, we're gonna eat, hmm?" He said, slowly lifting his hand to touch my cheek.

"Okay," I smiled, resting my head on his arms and glanced at the girls.

I saw Macey scoffed and I smiled a bit.

"Well, Engineer, as I was saying..." she smiled and offered her friends. "These are—"

"Aww," I muttered, touching my stomach.

"What's the matter?" That immediately caught Warren's attention.

My lips protruded a bit and I touched my stomach more. "A-aray..." inarte ko.

"Scira," he called. "what's the matter? Tell me..." he said eagerly and touched my elbow.

"Masakit ang stomach ko," I said, nag-iinarte pero alam kong effective dahil nasa akin na ang kanyang
atensyon.

"Tss, I told you to eat, right? H'wag muna 'yang diet-diet na 'yan." He scolded in a soft voice and I snorted,
shaking my head.

"S-sorry, okay naman dati pero..."

"I'll cook you food, okay?" He said and I nodded, still pretending my stomach is aching. Napahawak pa ako
sa braso n'ya.

"Shit," he cursed hardly, akala ko ay aalalayan ako pero sa gulat ay basta na lang n'ya akong binuhat.

"W-what..." my voice faded when he carried me on his arms. Napakapit ako sa leeg n'ya sa gulat at nanlaki
ang mata.

"Warren?" I called.

"Hold on tight, malapit na tayo." He said and focused his attention in carrying me.

My heart thumped, gulat na gulat pa rin sa ginawa n'ya. I saw the women staring at us with their wide
eyes. Macey is frowning.

The elevator made a sound, napansin kong nasa tamang floor na kami kaya muli akong umarte. Warren
carried me, nakakapit ako sa batok n'ya habang papalabas kami sa elevator.

He looks serious and eager to bring me out, habang papalabas ay napasulyap ako sa mga babaeng
nakasimangot sa akin, they were eyeing me like I'm some kind of eye sore or something.

Macey raised her brow and slowly, with the triumphant look in my eyes, I smirked at them.

"Mine." I mouthed and I saw their mouths parted.

Sumarado ang elevator na mukha silang talunan sa loob, I am laughing internally, nangingisi pa ako roon
nang mahuli ni Warren ang mukha ko.

"A-aww..." Inarte kong muli.

Sa gulat ko ay natawa s'ya, kumunot ang noo ko at sumimangot.

"Masakit ang t'yan ko, tatawa-tawa ka r'yan?" I hissed and he licked his lower lip. Ang kaninang
pagmamadali sa paglalakad ay naging malumanay na.

"Saan banda ang masakit?" He asked and I lowered one of my hand and pointed my stomach.
"Here." I said.

He suddenly laughed and I frowned. "what's funny?" I hissed, hinampas ko ang dibdib n'ya kaya napailing
s'ya at inayos ako sa bisig n'ya.
"Nothing," he said, walking in a relaxed way now, a hidden smile is on his lips.

"Masakit nga ang t'yan ko!" I hissed and he looked down at me and smiled.

"I know, baby, I know." He said and my heart thumped.

"Baby ka riyan!" I hissed and smacked his chest. "Hoy, Mars! Excuse me pero—"

"You don't look sick to me," he said and my mouth parted.

"Masakit ang t'yan ko!" I exclaimed. "Dito, dito at ditto!" I pointed the side of my stomach and I saw how
his eyes brightened with amusement.

"Ang dami naman," he commented nonchalantly and I hissed.

"Eh, bakit ba? Masakit, eh? Bakit mas magaling ka pa sa t'yan ko?!" Iritadong tanong ko.

"Sshh, calm down..." He cooed like I'm a baby and my eyes widen.

"I'm not a freaking baby, Augustine!" I exclaimed.

"Aren't you?" A playful smile left his lips as he glanced at me.

"Yes! I'm a full-grown woman! I am independent—"

"Yet can't cook?" he teased and I threw him my sharp glare.

"You jerk! Mars kita pero—"

"Calm down, Mars. I won't tease you more." He said. "Hush now, little girl..."

"Aba't... I said I'm not a baby!"

"You are," he said.

"You...sige nga, kanino naman—"

"Mine." He muttered and I froze.

My heart thumped, parang nagwawala ang puso ko habang nakatingin sa kanya at napansin ko rin ang
pamumula ng pisngi n'ya. He cleared his throat and licked his lower lip.

"W-what..."

"Mars, pa-open naman ng room mo." He said in a soft voice and immediately, I came back to my reverie.

Of course, Scira. Of course! That's your sister!

"O-oh," I immediately took my key card from my bag and hugged my laptop more. Inilapit n'ya ako sa may
lock ko kaya mabilis kong naabot at nabuksan.

When it opened, we immediately went inside. Tumikhim ako at mabilis na kinalabit s'ya.

"B-baba mo na ako," I said softly and he glanced at me and went on the couch to lower me slowly.
Nang mapaupo ay kinuha n'ya ang hand bag at ang laptop na hawak ko para ilagay sa lamesa at naupo sa
tabi ko.

"What do you wanna eat?" he asked and I glanced at his eyes and saw him staring softly at me.

"H-hindi naman talaga masakit ang t'yan ko," I confessed and sighed.

I thought he'll scold me but instead, he smiled.

"Well, I thought it's true at first but it's fine..." he said and brushed my hair a bit. "So, what do you like to
eat?"

"You're...not mad?" I said in a small voice and he chuckled and shook his head.

"No."

"Why?" I asked and he pinched my cheek a bit.

"Why not?"

"Well..." I shrugged. "I don't want to compare but this is new, I mean, I tried being maarte like this in one
or two of my exes and they said I shouldn't act childishly so, I started acting more mature."

Habang nagkekwento ako ay nakita kong kunot ang noo n'ya, halatang iritado na kaya ngumuso ako.

"So, why aren't you mad?" I asked and he sighed and tapped my chin.

"Simply because I am not them, Scira." He said. "I would never stop you from acting as you please, it's
your decision to make, not mine."

My heart swelled, napangiti ako at kinagat ang labi ko.

"Thanks, Tintin..." I said in a small voice and he chuckled and tilted his head.

"Anything for my baby,"

My heart thumped, lumaki ang mata ko at pinalo s'ya.

"M-maharot ka, Mars!" I groaned and his laughter roared. Hinuli n'ya kamay ko pero mas pinalo ko pa s'ya.

"Magkumare tayo! This is prohibited—" I gasped when he was too quick to pinned my body on the sofa.
He is kneeling a bit while towering me, cornering me like I'm his property.

Lumunok ako. "M-mars..."

"Well, what can we do now?" he said.

"Y-you shouldn't call me baby! That's for mag-jowa only!" I said with conviction and I saw his eyes glisten.

"Well...what should I call you?" He raised his brow.

"W-we have to be civil and uhm, professional! K-kasi 'di ba, we're walking together!"
"Hmm," he hummed, I can feel his breath touching my nose and I'm near hyperventilating.

"I-isa pa, magkumare tayo and—"

"How about I call you Ma'am?" he asked and my heart hammered when his voice sounded so husky and
manly.

"W-well, uh, pwede rin. Magkumare man tayo, we're still workmates kaya that's quite good—"

"Let me prepare your foods, Ma'am, hmm?" he muttered and kissed the tip of my nose.

I was frozen in shock, nalaglag ang panga ko sa ginawa n'ya at ngumisi s'ya bago walang hirap na tumayo.
He turned his back at me, smirking and unbuttoning the first few buttons of his dress shirt.

"B-bastos ka, Sir, ah!" I exclaimed and stood.

He looked at me and he smirked.

"Natotomboy kasi ako sa'yo, Mars." He said in a soft voice, putting his hair jokingly at the back of his ear.

"Tintin!" I exclaimed loudly when he ran. "Y-you! Come back here, Sir!" I hissed at nang maabutan ay
pinektusan ko na.

I couldn't say anything with his cooking, habang kinakain ko ang masarap na rice na niluto n'ya ay
nangingiti ako.

I don't know what is this called but the rice is color yellow, maybe because of butter? May hotdogs, corn,
carrots and green peas din doon.

"How is it?" he asked while preparing a fresh lemon juice in front of me.

I smiled and gave him a thumbs-up.

"11/10." I commented and he laughed and shook his head.

"Well, I can cook you more...if you like?" He said and I grinned and nodded.

"Oo naman, total naman ay dito ka na rin, madali na lang mangapit-bahay." Tawa ko.

He took a glass and transferred juice from the pitcher, tahimik ko s'ya pinagmamasdang gawin iyon at nang
magtagpo ang mata namin ay ngumiti.

"Thanks, sis." I said and smiled.

He didn't answer me, instead he walked beside me kaya nilingon ko s'ya.

"Why?"

"Where's your ponytail?" he asked and I lifted my hand and showed it to him. He took it and I was
confused at first pero napangiti na lang nang pumunta s'ya sa likod ko.

He brushed my hair with his fingers, slowly lifting it for a ponytail.

"Wow, ang galing mo naman magtali ng buhok, Mars." I commented.

"Well, mahilig kasi akong mag-hairstyle noong bata pa. Tinatalian ko mga barbie ko." He said and I glanced
at him and saw him smirked.

"Oh? Same, sis!" I giggled. "I always tie Ate Clyte's hair! Pati si Kuya Deion, nagagalit nga dati kasi I always
put his hair in cute hairstyles pero hinahayaan lang ako!"

He chuckled, pulling a stool to sit beside me.

"Well, I won a hairstyle competition when I'm still studying. Noong bata ako, I always play bahay-bahayan."
Bida n'ya.

"Oh, me too! Wala ka sa'kin, sa garden namin, noong bata kami may tree house! Dad put he so we won't
go out our house! Palagi ring may tea party with my dolls!" I giggled.

"'Yon lang ang laro n'yo?" he asked and I nodded. "Sus, wala ka pala sa'kin." Nguso n'ya kaya ibinaba ko
ang kutsara bago nilingon s'ya.

"Oh, eh anong laro pa? Astig sa'kin, may tree house pa. Ikaw? Sige nga." Hamon ko.

I saw him smirked, glanced at me and raised his brow.

"Mother ako sa Chinese garter," he grinned. "Rule, dead mother, dead all." Bida n'ya.

I bursted out laughing, pinalo ko s'ya at natatawang umiwas s'ya bago tumakbo sa kabilang side ng
counter.

I finished eating after two cups of rice, medyo hindi ko pa tanggap na wala na talaga akong pag-asang mag-
diet ngayong araw kaya nang maghugas ng plato si Warren ay pumunta ako sa terrace para magpahangin.

I touched my hair he tied and smiled, inangat ko ang lemon juice na may straw at payong pa at
nangingiting sumimsim mula roon.

If I talk to Warren regarding our kiss, would it change something?

I just met him yet, I started feeling comfortable. We already kissed, mukhang gustong-gusto rin naming
dalawa kaya hindi ko alam.

He's gay. We're friends. Is it possible?

I sighed.

"Lalim ng hugot, Ma'am, hmm?" I suddenly heard a voice at napangiti ako nang makita si Warren.

"Tintin," I called.

"Sha-sha," he grinned, hindi ko alam bigla akong natawa at inilahad ang kamao ko.

He saw it and he laughed, immediately accepted it for a fist bump and spoke.

"Kambal ang pusod natin, tayo ang..."

"Super twins!" We exclaimed, bumping our hips together and our laughter roared in the air.

Natatawang lumayo ako at mabilis s'yang tumabi sa'kin. He's holding a glass of lemmon juice too, may
kulay dilaw na paying na maliit.

"Oh, parehas tayo!" I cheered and showed it to him.

Ngumuso s'ya at nagulat ako nang kunin n'ya ang payong sa baso ko at ipinagpalit ang amin.

"Hoy!"

"Sige na, Mars. Favorite color ko pink." He said and my mouth parted and I chuckled.

"Oh, okay." I smiled and let him change our cute mini umbrellas.

We rested quietly, staring at the view below us.

Unlike the other units in the cities, this one's more peaceful. Kaunting hotel lang ang makikita sa kalayuan
at pulos mga puno, I saw the tall coconut trees, marami na ring bunga. I can smell the fresh air and in our
place, we can see the vast sea.

"Ang ganda dito, ano?" I said.

Nang hindi s'ya lumingon ay sumulyap ako sa kanya at nakitang tahimik s'yang nakatitig.

His eyes are deep, kumikislap pa ng bahagya dahil sa araw. His hair is quite disheveled because of the wind
coming our way.

"Sir?" I called.

He tried hiding his smile and nodded. "Sobrang ganda." He said, his eyes remained on me.

My heart thumped, napatitig ako sa kanya at nakita kong seryoso at hindi pa rin natatanggal ang tingin
n'ya.

"Tin?" I suddenly called.

"Hmm?"

I cleared my throat, heaving a deep sigh, kumukuha ng lakas ng loob para sa tanong ko.

"About the kiss..." I said and I saw his eyes brightened a bit.

He licked his lower lip, glancing at me before placing his glass on the table beside him.

"I like it," he suddenly said and I froze.

"H-huh?"
"I like the kiss we shared," he muttered and glanced at me. "I don't wanna scare you because we're friends
and magkumare but..." he gulped.

"I love how your lips taste like," he said.

My cheeks flushed. "W-well, I do like it too." I confessed.

He was stunned for a while but a smirk left his lips after that.

"Sa pederasyon, may batas." He said and my forehead creased. "Walang talo-talo sa magkukumare."

I stopped, the thought of him rejecting me pained me and I nodded and bit my lip.

"W-well, maybe it's fine if we stayed magkumare and forget—"

"Scira,"

"—everything, I like the kiss too but if you're—"

"Scira," he called again and I stopped, glancing at his eyes.

"H-hmm?" I hummed.

"You're the exemption to the rule," he said while staring at me.

Napalunok ako, I watched how his intense eyes glanced at me and I became giddy the moment he moved
a bit, lowering his head and I immediately closed my eyes.

I felt his breath on my nose, I found myself closing my eyes, pouting my lips until I felt his finger touching
my lips in a slow manner.

"Inferness, grabe ang halikan natin pero hindi nasira, kiss proof itong lipstick mo, Mars! Saan mo nabili?
Tsaka anong shade? Mas bet ko 'to kaysa sa kagabi." He commented in a girly voice and I immediately
opened my eyes and glared at him.

Kabanata 7

"H'wag n'yo nga ko inggitin." I pouted, glancing at the video call with my cousins on the line.

"We'll swim at Tita Thallia's pool!" Bid ani Ate Clyte na tumatawa pa.

I rolled my eyes, sa background n'ya ay nakita kong busy sila Kuya Deion kasama ang iba ko pang pinsan
para sa overnight nila mamaya na naka-schedule sa bahay nila Tito Iñigo.

"Hi, Architect!" Dungaw ni Ate Sibyl sa camera.

"Ang dadaya n'yo!" I hissed, stomping my feet and they laughed at me.

Nakisilip din si Kuya Zion at kumindat.

"Hi, Miss Perfect." He muttered and wave.

"Kuya, si Zire?" I asked at maya-maya pa'y dumungaw na roon si Zire at ngumisi sa akin.

"Party-party mamaya, Scira!" She muttered and danced jokingly.

I pouted, nakita ko pang lumitaw si Adira at ngumiti sa akin.

"Hi, Scira." She smiled.

"Hello," I smiled, muling humarap sa vanity at inayos ang blush on ko. "Anong plano n'yo ngayon?" I asked.

"Well, we'll have movie marathon first." Ate Clyte said.

"May bago akong napirata!" Halakhak ni Ate Crest at ipinakita sa akin ang USB n'ya.

Natawa ako sa kanila at naiiling na kinuha ang hair brush ko.

"Kung kailan may alis ako tsaka ang dami n'yong plano." Reklamo ko. "Si Daru?"

"She's on her way here, humingi ng day off kay Tito Dash kasama si Macky." Ate answered and I pouted
and nodded.

"Sige, Scira, ayos muna ako." Zire grinned and waved at me.

Nakita kong nakadungaw pa rin si Kuya Zion doon sa gilid, magulo ang buhok at parang kagigising lang.

"Kuya, magsuklay ka kaya." I commented and he laughed, brushing his hair with his fingers.

"Sorry, Miss Perfect. Ito na." He teased and lifted his hand.

"Zion! Niluluto mo!" Kuya Deion exclaimed and Kuya Zion cursed, waved at me and ran back to the
kitchen.

Ate Clyte was left alone while talking to me, nagkakagulo sila roon sa pag-aayos ng bag pack.

"Ate, where's Mom and Dad?" I asked her.

She smiled, brushed her hair a bit and answered me.

"They went to Mom's flower shop, off ni Dad. Sasama rin sila mamaya kina Tita Thallia, well, lahat sila pero
uuwi rin tapos kami-kami ang overnight." She smiled.

"Nakakainggit naman," I sighed. "May mga dumating na team ko kahapon, the rest will remain today and
we have to brief them first before officially starting the work."

"Wish I could help you, Scira." Ate sighed. "But you see...Architecture isn't really my line of work. Medicine
either, as much as I want to be like you and Deion, I can't."

"Come on, Ate." I chuckled. "You're a nurse with a lot of other work too! You don't know how much I am
wishing to be like you."

Her lips tugged for a smile, her brown eyes glistened a bit and spoke.

"How are you there? Ang pagkain mo?" she asked.

"Well, the food's great, uhm, may padalang food sa'kin always." I said instead so she won't get worried of
me.
"Call me when you have problems there, okay? Mom said she'll call, bantayan mo ang phone mo para
masagot mo."

"Okay, 'te." I smiled.

"Take care, Scira. I know you're a grown-up and you can handle yourself just fine but please..." she sighed.
"Don't diet too much, make sure you'll eat enough foods every day, mahirap magkasakit kapag—"

"Where's your bag? Ako ang magdadala." Ate's voice faded when someone spoke.

"Mamaya na, kausap ko—"

"Oh, si Scira?" I heard the voice said and nang maupo ito sa tabi ni Ate ay napangisi ako.

"Kuya Chiel!" I cheered.

He laughed, I saw how his blue eyes glistened.

"How are you holding up, Miss Perfect?" he teased and I rolled my eyes.

"As if perfect, Kuya." I muttered. "Ang daya n'yo, may pa-overnight tapos wala ako!"

"Biglaan lang nag-aya si Adira," he laughed then glanced at Ate Clyte who's frowning at him.

"Ayaw pa nga nitong Ate mo," Kuya pinched Ate Clyte's cheek.

"Anong ayaw, hoy!" Ate slapped his hand but Kuya laughed and tried pinching her cheek again.

"Totoo naman—"

"Hindi kaya...Kuya!" Ate Clyte hissed and Kuya Chiel frowned.

"Didn't I tell you to stop calling me—" Ate Clyte pushed his face and glanced at the phone to smile
awkwardly.

"Ingat ka d'yan, Scira. Bye, love you!" Ate Clyte smiled and waved.

"Bakit ako walang ganoon—" Kuya Chiel muttered but the video call ended.

I chuckled, shaking my head while looking at the call that just ended.

They're like cats and dogs. Masaya siguro sila mamaya, I just hoped I'll be there but...work first.

After I am done brushing my straight hair, I checked my blouse para sa gusot. Nang makitang ayos naman
ay sumulyap sa kulay itim kong skirt. I took my earrings, put on a red lipstick and wore my stilettos before
going out.

Mabilis kong sinara ang kwarto at lumingon pero sa gulat ay napahawak sa dibdib ko sa gulat nang makita
ang tao roon.

"Tintin!" I exclaimed, touching my chest and I saw him smirked.

He's leaning on the wall in front of my room, nakapamulsa habang suot ang kulay gray na dress shirt at
slacks.

"Mornin," he muttered and I chuckled and walked towards him.

"Good morning, bakit ka nandito?" I asked.

He shrugged, chuckling, he walked towards me and took my bag.

"O-oh," I muttered in shock.

"Well, uh..." he cleared his throat and put the bag on his elbow. "Bagay ba, sis?" Inilagay n'ya ang kamay sa
baywang.

I suddenly laughed, nakita ko ang pagtikwas ng kilay n'ya at ang biglaang pagrampa.

"I always dream having hand bags and holding it like this," he said, his hips moving a bit while walking.

"Bagay," tawa ko, mabilis na naglakad palapit sa kanya at dinakma ang pang-upo n'ya.

"You got a round ass, hmm..." I teased.

He froze, nanlalaki ang matang nilingon ako. I saw him blushed and I laughed, spanking his butt jokingly
before pinching his nose.

"Gwapo mo, Mars. Anong butt work out mo?" I asked and I saw him licked his lower lip and his jaw
clenched a bit.

"Well, just...some squats." He said and I pouted.

"I do squats too, Mars, but my butt isn't that round, I mean..." tumalikod ako mula sa kanya at tinuro ang
pang-upo ko. "Hindi s'ya masyadong bilog."

Hindi s'ya umimik, I looked at him and saw him blushing. Diretso pa ang tingin at hindi sa'kin.

"Mars?"

"Huh? Yeah, right." He chuckled nervously. "Baka...baka kulang pa, sis." He commented.

"Ganoon?" I frowned. "Ilan ba dapat? Tignan mo, sis." Kinuha ko ang kamay n'ya at pinatong sa butt ko at
nakita kong mabilis s'ya napalingon sa'kin na nanlalaki ang mata.

"W-what..." he said in a whisper.

"Ay, sorry..." I laughed at him. "Ngayon ka lang nakahawak ng pwet ng girl?"

"H-huh?" he blinked at me. "I-I just..."

"Okay lang 'yan, sis." I chuckled, "pinapahawak ko lang pwet ko. 'Di ba? Feel mo, nag-s-squat naman ako
pero maliit pa rin—"

"I-it doesn't look small to me," he said, immediately withdrawing his hand on my butt and I pouted.
"Really?" I glanced at his butt.

"Gusto ko 'yong iyo, bakat 'yong—"

"Y-you shouldn't really let me touch your butt like that—"

"Why not?" I asked, my forehead creasing. "We're sisters, right? Tsaka, ako sa mga pinsan,
naghahampasan nga kami ng pwet?"

His forehead creased, nagulat ako nang makitang madilim na ang tingin n'ya sa'kin.

"What the hell? Even your boy cousins?" he hissed.

"Of course not!" Napatawa ako ng malakas at pinalo s'ya. "Sa girls lang!"

"Then why did you let me—"

"You're a woman, remember?" I shook my head. "We're super twins, Augustine, kaya—"

"Still a no, Scira." He muttered angrily and I blinked.

"B-but..." naglakad s'ya patungo sa elevator kaya nagmamadali akong naglakad pasunod.

"Sir," I called.

"Gay or not, I am still a man. You can't just let me touch your butt like that—"

"Bakit ka nagagalit?" I muttered, he looked at me and my forehead creased.

Bumukas ang elevator kaya pumasok kaming dalawa.

He sighed, "I'm not mad—"

"Galit ka, eh!" I hissed and glared at him. "Masama ba 'yong ginawa ko? Gusto ko lang naman ipahawak
sa'yo para ma-check mo. I never did that to anyone, ginawa ko 'yon kasi magkaibigan tayo, akala ko ba
close tayo—"

"Fuck, we are close, Ma'am, okay?" He explained and I frowned.

"It doesn't look like it to me, Sir." I hissed, taking my bag from him.

"Scira," he called, nilayo sa'kin ang bag ko.

"Give me my bag!" I exclaimed.

"No, look..." he licked his lower lip and turned to me. "We're close, okay? We're friends? I-I just don't think
it's good if you'd just grab my hand and placed it on your butt just like that—"

"Why not?" I raised my brow and hissed at him. "Ibig sabihin lang 'nun, ayaw mo sa'kin—"

"I like you, Ma'am, okay?" he said and I just snorted. "I just don't think it's good for you to do that, I-I
mean, I'm having self-control here and—"
"Lelang mo self-control." I hissed.

"Scira!" he called and I rolled my eyes.

"Akin ang bag ko!" I exclaimed, trying to reach it but he's persistent.

"No, listen to me." He said and tried touching my arm but I pushed it away from me.

"My bag, Augustine!"

"No, baby, look..." he said but I still tried taking my bag. I lifted my hand to try taking it from him but he
was too fast to stop me, turn me around and pushed me on the wall of the elevator.

My eyes widen, gulat akong napaangat ng tingin sa kanya at nakita ang seryoso n'yang titig sa akin.

"L-let me go," I hissed, trying to push him a way but he didn't even move an inch.

He looked down on me, muli n'yang nahuli ang kamay ko gamit ang isa n'yang kamay at mas lumapit sa
katawan ko.

His black, intense eyes stared at me and I stared back at him, kung seryoso ang tingin n'ya ay maldita ang
akin.

I raised my brow. "Let me go."

"No, you listen first to me."

"For what? Eh, ayaw mo naman ata akong kaibigan—"

"No way, Scira Rosalie..." he hissed and stared at me again. "I am saying that, it isn't proper to just do
things like that." He explained.

"W-why not?" I asked in a small voice and he licked his lip and spoke.

"I'm a man,"

"But you said you're a woman," I muttered and he closed his eyes, as if trying his best to remain calm to
explain me his side.

"Yes, but you're aware na natotomboy na ako, 'di ba?" He asked and my lips protruded.

"B-but..."

"Meaning, I have to control myself from drooling over my kumare, right?" he asked.

Hindi ako nakasagot. Kinagat ko ang labi ko at tumitig sa kanya.

"Y-yes but I did that kasi I'm comfortable with you and—"

"I'm doing my best to stop myself from kissing you senseless, Ma'am." He said timidly and I felt my heart
racing.
Nanuyo ang lalamunan ko, napalunok pa ng marahas habang nakatitig sa seryoso n'yang mga mata sa
akin. I didn't speak, nakita ko ang pag-igting ng panga n'ya bago nagsalita.

"So, when you—"

"W-who's stopping you, anyway?" I asked and his forehead creased.

"Stopping from what?" he asked.

"Kissing me senseless," I muttered and I saw how he licked his lip.

Tila nawawalan ng pasensya ay nakita kong seryoso s'yang nagbaba ng tingin sa labi ko.

"Scira," he called impatiently and stared back at my eyes. "Listen to me, Ma'am, okay—"

I tiptoed and kissed him on the lips to prove my point.

He froze, kita ko ang panlalaki ng mata n'ya kaya lumayo ako at tinitigan s'ya.

"Tomboy na rin ako, Augustine." I said timidly and frowned at him. "Do you think it's only you who's
questioning your gender right now?"

He blinked, he still looks stunned, namumula ang mukha at nakatitig sa akin.

"You mean..."

"I like—" we both stopped when the elevator made a sound.

The loud girls stopped when they saw us, sa gulat ay nahila ko ang kamay mula kay Warren at itinulak s'ya.

Mabilis naman s'yang napaatras at napatitig sa akin kaya nag-iwas ako ng tingin at tumikhim.

The loud girls entered the elevator, kaagad kong natantong si Macey iyon kasama ang dalawa n'ya
kaibigan.

Their eyes landed on me, kita ko ang pagsimangot ni Macey sa akin pero ngumisi nang makita ang nasa
tabi ko.

"O-oh, hi, Engineer! Good morning!" She greeted Warren who just came back from his reverie.

He glanced at them and I frowned.

Subukan mol ang bumati, Miranda...

"Good morning, Engineer!" The two other girls greeted him.

"Mornin," he said and I feel annoyed at that.

Aba't...sinagot nga!

The elevator reached the floor we're supposed to go, mabilis kong nilingon si Warren, hinatak ang bag ko
at diretsong naglakad palabas.

"Scira...wait!" he called and ran after me.

Hinila ko ang braso ko nang maabutan n'ya ako at mahawakan.

"What..."

"Bitiwan mo nga ko," I hissed.

"What did I do this time?" he asked and I rolled my eyes.

"Architect!" kaagad akong ngumiti nang makita ang team ko na bagong dating habang kumakaway sa'kin.

"Scira..." Warren called and I just flipped my hair a bit, raised my brow at him and walked towards my
team mates.

Kaagad akong binati ng team ko pagkarating, my secretary immediately stood and showed me her tablet
for the agendas today.

Sumulyap ako sa pwesto ni Warren na mukhang pinagkakaguluhan na rin ng sariling team, I saw him
glancing my way and when our eyes met, umirap ako.

"Architect, dala po naming ang plan at blueprints para sa main hallway." My secretary said until my phone
rang.

My brow raised when I saw Warren's name that I immediately opened it.

From: Kumareng Tintin

Hattitude ka, sis?

I snorted.

To: Kumareng Tintin

Lelang mo.

I looked at him and saw him reading the message. His forehead creased, I smirked when his face
crumpled, kaagad na nilingon ako at nang makitang nakangisi ako ay umirap s'ya at umiwas ng tingin.

What the hell?

Annoyed, I typed a message.

To: Mareng Tintin

Did you just roll your eyes at me, Augustine?

From: Kumareng Tintin

*rolls eyes*

"Aba't..." I muttered but my secretary called my attention kaya nilingon ko kaagad s'ya.

"Let's go na, Architect." Aniya kaya wala na akong nagawa at sumama.

I followed them towards the meeting hall, naroon na ang team ko na nauna na kaagad akong binati. Sa
kabilang banda ay paniguradong team ni Warren dahil kaagad itong bumati sa kanya nang pumasok s'ya.

I sat on the seat assigned from near near the projector, nakita kong nakikipag-usap na rin si Warren sa mga
kasama kaya sumulyap na lang ako sa hard copy sa harapan ko at binuksan para basahin.

The door opened, tumayo kami nang makita si Mr. Aurelio na pumasok, may malaking ngiti sa labi habang
tumatango sa mga bati.

"Magandang umaga rin," he chuckled. "Pasensya na at natagalan. I just received an urgent call regarding
my wife, nasa Maynila kasi at kailangan ako."

He went in front and I smiled when our eyes met.

"I have to go there tomorrow pero tuloy pa rin naman ang renovation, h'wag kayong mag-alala, kahit wala
ako, my nephew would be here to assist you if you have questions or clarifications. He knows the plans
here well, so, there'll be no problem." He smiled. "Is that...fine with you all?"

We all nodded.

"Excuse, can we exchange seats?" My eyes landed beside me when I heard a voice and I saw a woman
from my team standing with a wide smile while nodding at Warren.

"S-sure, Engineer..." she said, almost giggling and went on his place.

Kumunot ang noon ang makita si Warren na parang wala lang na umuupo sa tabi ko. I frowned at him and
I saw him just smirked.

"Oh, tamang-tama at nand'yan na s'ya. Tama lang ang dating mo, hijo." Mr. Aurelio said. "Anyway, this is
my nephew, he can help you if you have questions regarding the project."

My eyes landed on the man walking towards the middle and my eyes widen a bit when he saw who was it.

"Everyone, this is Lucas, my nephew." Mr. Aurelio smiled.

Lucas made it in front, kaagad na nagsalubong ang mata naming dalawa at nakita kong wala man lang
gulat sa mata n'ya nang makita ako.

My forehead creased and I saw him smirked at me and introduced himself to the people we're with.

Natapos ang meeting na iritado ako at gulat. Warren is quiet beside me too, nakita ko ang seryoso n'yang
titig sa hard copy sa harapan n'ya at ang higpit ng hawak n'ya sa ballpen, parang isang kalabit ay bubutasin
na kakatusok ang nasa harap.

Lucas sat in front of me, malayo man ay kita ko ang ngisi n'ya roon, halatadong pinagmamasdan ako.

My team knew him, of course, kaya hindi rin sila masyadong umiimik dahil ramdam marahil nila ang
tensyon.

"We'll proceed now to our site visit," Mr. Aurelio smiled and stood, nauna na paalis.

Kinuha ko ang hand bag ko kasama ang soft copy patayo para sumunod.
"Akin na," Warren offered his hand to hold my bag for me, seryoso pa s'ya roon.

"No need—" I stopped when I saw someone took it from me, nagulat ako nang makita na sa tabi si Lucas
habang hawak ang hand bag ko.

"Anong ginagawa mo rito?" I asked sharply and he just smirked at me.

"Work, hon." He said coolly. "You think you can leave me like that? Of course not."

"What..." I muttered, glanced at Warren at napasinghap nang makitang kunot ang noo ni Warren, his eyes
are dark, akmang lalapit kay Lucas pero mabilis ko s'yang pinigilan.

"Warren, no." I muttered.

Annoyed, he glanced at me and I shook my head and touched his chest.

"I'm okay, Tin. Let me just talk to him, 'kay?" I said softly.

"Sino ba 'yan?" Lucas said, he's in my back. Umabante s'ya at sinubukang harapin si Warren. "Bodyguard
mo?" he mocked.

"Lucas, pwede ba?" I hissed and glanced at him angrily.

He smirked, naiiling na lumayo kaya muli akong sumulyap kay Warren na nakakunot ang noo. His jaw's
clenching, seryoso ang itim na mga mata at mukhang galit.

"Sir, I'll be alright, hmm?" I said softly and touched his chest.

"That man can't be trusted, Scira." Mariing sabi n'ya kaya umiling ako.

"Kakausapin ko lang, sige na... I'll be fine, go walk with your team." I said and he just frowned at me.

"Sir, please?" I said softly and he, hesitating at first nodded after a while and glanced coldly beside me
then looked at me.

"Sa'kin ka mamaya," mahinang sabi n'ya at nangingiti, tumango ako. He moved a bit, tilted my chin to kiss
my forehead before looking at the man beside me boastfully and smirked.

Palaban ang Kumareng Tintin ko!

Kabanata 8

"Who's that asshole?" Lucas asked like a nagger he was, umiling na lang ako at diretsong naglakad.

"Scira!" he called, mabilis na sumunod sa akin at napasinghap ako nang hawakan n'ya ang braso ko.

"What?" I hissed, annoyed.

"Who is that man?" he demanded and I glanced at him coldly, lifting my brows and crossed my arms on
my chest.
"Why do you care?" I asked.

"Scira, look..." he sighed. Napansin kong sumusulyap pa sa'min ng tingin ang iba pero hindi nagsasalita.
"I...still love you, okay?"

"Hmm, and?" I raised my brow.

"And I want us to get back together!" he exclaimed. "Nadala lang ako sa galit, I'm sorry I broke up with you
—"

"Excuse me?" my brow raised and my lips lifted for a smirk. "Let me remind you that I...broke up with
you."

"Ako, Scira. Inunanahan mo lang ako—"

"No, I broke up with you, Lucas." I said and shook my head. "Don't expect me to be back to you."

"You have to! Isa pa, your family needs mine—" my laughter roared, natahimik si Lucas at nakita kong
pinagtitinginan nanaman ako.

"Excuse but what?" I laughed again, naiiyak na ako sa kakatawa kaya tumikhim ako at tinanggal ang
nangingilid kong luha.

"My family needs...yours?" I chuckled.

"Yes—"

"Is that a joke?" I shook my head. "I hope it is kasi sobrang nakakatawa."

I saw how stunned he is, umawang ang labi n'ya sa gulat sa sinabi ko.

"Of course, you needed us! Kaya ka nga pumayag sa relasyon natin—"

"I said yes to you because my Mom said your family looks good. My mother is always right but it seems
like...thinking you are good, medyo pumalya." I said.

He looks shocked and stunned, kumunot ang noo n'ya at akmang magsasalita pero umiling ako, mabilis na
inabot ang bag ko mula sa kanya.

With my chin up, I turned my back on his, glanced at the elevator and smirked when I saw Warren leaning
beside it while watching me.

He really is handsome, disheveled hair, cold black eyes and tight jaw. Gusto ko tignan palagi ang hubog ng
kanyang braso sa dress shirt na suot.

He looks irritated and cold and I flashed a small smile and immediately waved.

"Kumare!" I exclaimed, smiling at nang maabutan s'ya ay mabilis akong kumapit sa braso n'ya.

For the next days, tuloy-tuloy ang aming naging trabaho. There are a lot of times where Lucas kept on
pestering me, na kahit anong sabihin ko ay tila hindi s'ya matahimik.
Kaya the next days, I have a mission. Ilang araw ko na s'yang namamataan sa labas ng kwarto ko kapag
pupunta na ako sa site, namimilit na makisabay, mabuti na nga lang ay nariyan ang kumare kong si Tintin
at lilitaw na lang bigla para iligtas ako.

For today, kailangan kong umalis ng maaga. Lucas usually goes here around eight and it's just seven kaya
aalis ako.

Bahala s'ya sa buhay n'yang mag-antay dito sa tapat!

I've had enough. Sinabi ko na sa kanyang tigilan na ako pero hindi talaga napipirmi!

I fixed my hair and my clothes. Pinaraan ko ang palad sa palda ng dress na suot at nang masiguradong wala
ng gusot ay lumabas na ako.

I stopped the moment I stepped out of my room, nanlaki ng bahagya ang mata ko nang makita ang tao
roon.

"O-oh, Warren?" I called.

Umangat ang tingin n'ya mula sa phone, sumulyap sa'kin at miski s'ya ay nagulat nang makita ako.

"Sis," he called and stood straight.

"What are you doing here?" I asked, muli pang sumulyap sa relo at bumaling sa kanya. "Maaga pa, ah?"

"Nothing," he said. "Just in case your asshole ex came here early..."

"Oh..." lumapad ang ngisi ko, ni-lock ko ang unit bago ako sumulyap sa kanya. "Tamang-tama!"

"Hmm?" he looks confused. Lumapit ako sa kanya at nakita kong natigilan s'ya.

"Scira—"

"Ang gwapo mo sa umaga," I said, smiling while leaning towards him.

Natatawa ako dahil para s'yang tuod na nakatayo, sa paglapit ko ay napasandal s'ya sa pader at nanlaki ang
mata sa'kin.

"I..."

"Pati sa tanghali," I moved my body closer to him and touched his cheek.

He froze, namula ang mukha n'ya habang nakasulyap lang sa akin.

Bumaba ang daliri ko sa panga n'ya, pababa sa leeg at dibdib. "Hapon at gabi..."

I lifted my eyes and met his, mas lumawak ang ngiti ko nang makitang seryoso ang mga mata n'ya sa kabila
ng pamumula ng pisngi.

He gulped harshly and licked his lip.

"You see...that isn't a good thing to do." He said.

"Why not?" I asked innocently, marahang binaba ang kamay ko patungo sa likod n'ya.

"Scira..." he warned. "That is not a good idea." He said in conviction, kunwari ay hindi namumula and I
grinned.

"Why not?" I giggled, mabilis na pinalo ang pang-upo n'ya.

He froze, his eyes widen and I laughed.

"Scira Valderama!" he exclaimed and I giggled, lumayo ng bahagya, inabot ang kamay n'ya at pinadama sa
kanya ang pang-upo ko.

"You see, Mars, dinagdagan ko ang squats ko—"

"Y-you woman!" he glared at me and laughing, binitawan ko ang kamay n'ya.

"Yieee, lalaki na s'ya." I teased and licked my lip. "Baka mamaya, magulat ako n'yan na magising na rin—"

My eyes widen when he dipped his head and covered my lips with his. Halos hindi na ako nakagalaw sa
gulat at nang humiwalay pa s'ya sa'kin ay tumaas ang kilay n'ya.

"Talagang may tatayo, Mars." He said and I blinked, my heart started hammering inside my chest.

"D-did you just kissed me again—" he lowered his head for another kiss.

"Good morning and yes, I did." He said, with full of confidence, stood straight and put my hair behind my
ear.

"But..." I muttered, malakas na kumakalabog ang dibdib sa ginawa n'ya. "A-akala ko ba hindi na tayo mag-
ki-kiss, you said..."

"We just did, Ma'am." He said.

Hindi ko na maipaliwanag ang nararamdaman, napalunok ako ng marahas at nakita kong napa-nguso s'ya
sa reaksyon ko.

"Your lipstick tastes good, anong flavor?" he asked.

"U-Uhm, cherry?" I muttered and he smirked, slowly lifting his finger to remove something on the side of
my lips.

"Well, it's sweet but it's not kiss proof this time, hmm?" he commented and I glared at him.

"Aba, eh, malay ko bang hahalikan mo ako?!" I hissed and his lips lifted.

"Should I inform you first, Ma'am?" he teased, touching my chin and caressed my lower lip.

"Hmp! Ayan, kalat na!" I exclaimed and he chuckled sexily.

"I can lick it clean—"

"Malantutay ka, Augustine!" I exclaimed with my flushing cheeks and his laughter roared, slowly touching
my hand and pulled me.
"Come on, Ma'am. Your asshole ex might pop up somewhere." He said and naiinis man kasi sinira n'ya ang
lipstick ko, sumama na rin.

I watched our intertwined hands together, marahang hinahaplos pa ng hinlalaki n'ya ang palad ko kaya
nangingiting hinuli ko iyon.

That made him look at me, ngumiti naman ako at inilahad sa kanya ang bag ko.

"Baka gusto mo i-try?"

"Hmm," he took the bag from me, placed it on his elbow and winked. "Bagay ba, sis?"

"Mas bagay tayo." I said seriously.

His jaw dropped, napatawa ako bigla nang mamula s'ya at matalim na tumitig.

"Scira, you know I'm..."

"Oo, na-to-tomboy ka na, ako rin." I rolled my eyes and glanced at him then pouted.
"You know what?" he suddenly asked and I looked at him, marahang dinarama pa rin ang hawak n'ya sa
kamay ko.

"What?" I asked and I saw him licked his lip and spoke.

"Crush kita, Mars." He said, I was stunned.

I expected it, of course, inamin na rin n'ya sa aking na-to-tomboy na s'ya! Isa pa, that kiss isn't nothing!

Nanatili akong nakatitig sa kanya, my mouth parted to speak yet his eyes have this expression and his lips
lifted.

"I..."

"It's alright," he smiled and intertwined our hands more.

"I like you too, Tin." I said and he looks stunned. He licked his lip, glanced at me more and spoke.

"H-hindi naman kita pinipilit—"

"If I don't like you, I would have slapped you in the face for kissing me like that." I confessed and I saw his
eyes soften.

"Ma'am,"

"Alam mo, Sir..." I sighed and stared at his black eyes. "It's still new to me, you know, liking you when I
really shouldn't, una ay sister kita, kumars, mars...whatever it is."

"Then..." he gulped. "you won't like me anymore?" he looks nervous while saying that and I chuckled and
pinched his nose.

"Silly, Warren Augustine. As if ganoon kadaling pigilan?"

"Then why..."
"It's new to me, you know, like you. I mean, of course, you're a man."

"Woman, sis." He suddenly smirked and I glared at him and slapped his arm.

"Gago, you're still a man!"

"I am—"

"Pwes, saan ka nakakitang woman na may lawit?" I asked and he froze. Mas namula ang mukha n'ya.

"Y-your mouth..." he muttered and I immediately laughed.

"Get my point? It's new liking someone with a body of a man pero may heart like a woman." I said and he
licked his lip, sighed and gazed at me.

"What if I am a man?" he asked and I chuckled.

"Well, if you're a man, so be it but why lie about it, 'di ba?" I smiled and glanced at him.

Natigilan s'ya, I saw how he became tense and my forehead creased at that.

"Tsaka...bakit mo gagawin 'yon? You wouldn't lie, hindi ka ganoon. You're my sister, Tintin. Magkadikit ang
pusod nating dalawa and even if you're gay, I still like you."

His face soften, he might look dark and serious at times, that black eyes of his could still do wonders.
He's dark but mostly, he's a soft boy.

The elevator opened, natigil ang titigan namin nang may pumasok.

A handsome man entered the elevator, matikas at mukhang babad sa gym sa laki ng katawan. Foreigner pa
ata at nakita ko kaagad ang tingin nito sa akin.

His eyes lingered from head to toe, he's gwapo but his eyes are giving me creeps.

I glanced at Warren and saw him seriously glancing at the man, akala ko nga ay bet n'ya kaya nagulat ako
nang marahang hawakan n'ya ang baywang ko.

"Sir?" I called softly.

"Palit tayo," he said softly and I nodded.

Nagpalit kami ng pwesto. Inilipat ni Warren ang hand bag ko sa kabilang braso para hawakan ako sa kabila.
He placed his hand protectively on my waist, his built hiding me from the man.

Handsome na, gentleman pa.

Super crush ko na talaga ang kumare ko!

"Excuse me," my eyes shifted when the foreigner spoke. Napalingon kami ni Tintin doon. Mas humigpit
ang hawak n'ya sa baywang ko kaya marahang inangat ko rin ang braso sa baywang n'ya.

"Yes?" Tintin's cold voice asked the man. Sumilip ako roon at nakitang malapit na ang foreigner kay Tintin
at may inilalahad ng phone.
"Well, I'm sorry but I find you really handsome." The foreigner said and my jaw dropped.

"W-what?" Miski si Mareng Tintin ay gulat. Pareho kaming tulala roon sa foreigner na naglalahad ng
phone.

"Oh, that's rude." The man smiled then glanced at me. "Sorry, Miss, but your friend here is really my
type."

Kung gulat ako ay mas gulat si kumare. Hindi na s'ya gumagalaw, tulala lang at mukhang tutumba na sa
isang maling galaw.

"Well, I like you. You're handsome, can I get your number?" the foreigner asked him straightforwardly and
he didn't even move.

Tulala ang kumara ko at napamura ako sa isipan.

Geez, bet din s'ya ng foreigner! No way.

"Sir, excuse me..." I spoke and the foreigner glanced at me.

"Yes, Miss?" he asked.

"I'm sorry but this man," I glanced at the stunned Warren. "is my property."

"O-oh..." the man then smiled awkwardly. "Sorry, I thought you're just friends."

"He's my boyfriend," I smiled and when the elevator opened to the ground floor, I immediately dragged
Warren out.

"Fuck," my eyes shifted to him noong makalayo ang foreigner.

"Ayos ka lang? You should sit..." hinawakan ko ang braso n'ya at pinaupo sa bench bago ako tumabi sa
kanya.

He's pale, tila nakakita ng multo.

"Tin?"

"That man..."

"He likes you," I snorted and he looked at me, wide eyes and still shocked. "Wow, dami kong
kakompetensya, ah. Not just girls, pati boys?"
He gulped and he suddenly touched his arms, parang kinikilabutan pa s'ya roon at nagtaka ako nang
hawakan n'ya ang braso at may pinagpag.

"Fuck, I am having fucking goosebumps." He muttered and my brows lifted.

"Ganyan ka ka-gwapo, Cristine." I hissed.

He still looks shivering and I pouted. "Bakit, hindi ka ba sanay? I mean, you're a woman at pareho tayo ng
bet, hindi ka ba natutuwa—"

"Tibo ako, Valderama." He suddenly muttered and my lips protruded.

"'Yong charisma mo, abot hanggang Edsa." I hissed, annoyed. "Nakaka-stress na tuloy, napatunayan kong
kahit lalaki malakas ang hatak mo. Hindi lang babae. Mas na-challenge akong i-enchance ang pang-aakit ko
sa'yo—"

My eyes widen when he lowered his lips to kiss me. Nanlalaki pa ang mata ko nang matanto iyon.

He touched my chin, slowly deepening the kiss and my mouth parted and accepted him. I kissed him back,
napahawak ako sa braso n'ya at naghiwalay lang nang pareho kaming kapusin ng hininga.

Our eyes met, namumungay pa ang mata n'ya habang nakamasid sa akin at napasinghap ako nang i-angat
n'ya ang daliri para punasan ang labi ko.

"Smudge," he whispered.

"I-ikaw kasi..." I muttered and glared at him. "Hindi ka naman nagsasabi, edi sana ginamit ko 'yong kiss
proof!"

He smirked, nakita kong may lipstick din sa labi n'ya kaya inangat ko ang kamay at pinunasan ang labi n'ya.

"Well, I suggest you use that every day."

"Hmm?"

"The kiss proof." His fingers landed on my lower lip. "'Cause I might kiss you more often, Ma'am."

Galit na galit si Lucas pagpunta naming sa site Warren, bakit daw hindi ko s'ya inaantay pero wala akong
pakialam. No one asked him to wait for me, anyway.

Warren and I dined in a restaurant near the building for breakfast kaya sabay na rin kaming pumunta roon.

The stared everyone is giving us is silly. As if may tinatago kaming dalawa at kuryoso silang lahat pero
bahala sila.

"If you need me, I'm just here." Warren said and gave me my hand bag.

"Okay," I smiled at him. He took a hard hat from the table, marahang humawak s'ya sa braso ko at inayos
ang buhok ko sa likod ng tainga.

"Take care rin." I said.

"I certainly will," he said and I praised silently how he looked handsome on his white hard hat.

Tumingala ako ng bahagya habang inaayos n'ya iyon sa ngumiti. "Let's dine later, Sir?"

He glanced at me and chuckled. "Is that a date, Ma'am?"

"Maybe?" I pouted and he nodded.

"Alright, Mars." He said, lowered his head a bit. I know he'll kiss me and my ehart started hyperventilating.

I met his eyes, waiting for his kiss. Lumapit s'ya ng bahagya at nag-aantay ako ng halik pero natigilan lang
kami bigla nang magbangga ang hard hat na suot namin.
"What the..." he muttered and we both stopped.

Nagkatitigan kami at bigla na lang natawa.

Our teams became busy. Inaasikaso ko ang team ko at ganoon din s'ya. Inuna namin sa renovation ang
kabilang building bukod sa main.

"Architect, suggestion po, parang mas maganda po kapag maglalagay tayo ng jacuzzi sa VIP rooms. Ito po
ang proposed design ng team sa interiors." One from my team suggested and I took it.

"Na-approve ba ng budget ang addition ng jacuzzi?" I asked and glanced at her.

"Yes, Ma'am. Naitanong na po namin si Sir Lucas for clarification and he said approved naman ni Mr.
Aurelio."

"Alright," I smiled. "Ako na ang bahala magsabi kay Engineer Miranda. Thank you."

"Welcome, Ma'am." She smiled.

Sumulyap ako sa team at ngumiti. "Good work, guys!"

"Thank you, Architect." Masayang sabi nila sa akin.

One thing my Mom taught me to be an effective leader, listen. Listen to suggestions and opinions. For a
better work community, you must learn how to consider your team's suggestions. Mayroon silang ideya na
wala ka at mayroon ako na hindi pa nila alam.

To be an effective leader, you must learn from them and they will learn from you too.

"Architect, kain na po tayo."

"Sige, una na kayo. Hindi pa naman ako gutom." I smiled.

"Sige po." Nauna nang umalis ang team habang abala ako sa pag-check sa blueprints.

"Kumain na kasi tayo," now, Lucas is back.

"I'm full, Lucas." I said, "mauna ka na."

"You should eat now, Scira." He demanded. Hindi ko s'ya sinagot, nanatili ako sa pagdo-double check ng
blueprints.

"Scira!" he called and I lifted my head to glanced at him.

"What?"

"Stop being a brat!" he sneered.

"Hindi lang pumapayag, brat na?" I raised my brow. "If you're that anxious to eat then eat now. Hindi ko
sinabing antayin mo ako. I said I am not hungry."

I saw his jaw clenched, frustrated n'yang sinuklay ang buhok bago luminga sa paligid bago iritado akong
tinignan.
"You know what? That attitude of yours is the reason why your exes is breaking up with you."

"I broke up with them, for your information. Including you." I said and shook my head. "If you have a
problem with this attitude of mine then leave, I never ask you to eat with me."

"You're sick, Scira." He muttered and I chuckled.

"Oh, am I?"
"Yes! You're inconsiderate! Hindi ka man lang ba natutuwang niyaya kita—"

"Well, I can see that it's scripted and not of concern." I said and he stopped.

"How can you say that—"

"Well, my father is a psychiatrist, Lucas. I am not Thorn Valderama's daughter for nothing." I raised my
brow.

"No, I asked you out of concern—"

"Well, it doesn't look like it. Fuck off, Lucas." I said coldly.

"At sino ang bago mong gusto, huh? Iyong engineer na 'yon? Huh." He scoffed. "You have a bad taste in
men, talagang ang lalaking iyon lang ang ipapalit mo sa'kin?"

"I have a good taste in men, Lucas." I shook my head and looked at him cockily. "It's just, it seems like,
anak nga ako ni Zidney. Pumalya pagdating sa'yo."

His mouth parted.

"Y-you woman..."

"And Warren is far more better that you. Hindi s'ya 'lang' lang." I said like a bitch I am.

"Parang nagutom na ako sa pakikipag-usap sa'yo." Mabilis akong tumayo, tumalikod sa kanya at humanda
na paalis pero naabutan ko si Warren na naroon at nakatayo.

Nagkatinginan kami at kita ko ang malambing n'yang tingin.

"You hungry? Let's eat?" malumanay n'yang tanong.

My heart immediately calmed down, nang ilahad n'ya ang kamay sa'kin ay mabilis ko iyong tinanggap at
napangiti.

"Hmm, let's eat." I said cheerfully and he chuckled before assisting me.

"Scira!" Lucas exclaimed angrily and I acted as if I didn't hear anything.

"Hala, may nagsasalita ba?" I asked Warren who only looked around and shrugged.

"Wala akong narinig," he said and smirked.

I am a very meticulous person, from my outfits every day, my hairstyles, my make ups...everything.
Pero ngayon lang ako nagpanic habang namimili ng susuotin para sa dinner naming ni Augustine.

Nakakalat ang dresses ko sa kama pero wala pa rin akong mapili. I glanced at my watch and sighed when I
saw I only have fifteen remaining minutes to choose what to wear.

"Ito na lang," I muttered, took the black dress and wore it.

I watched myself in the mirror and saw how the dress hugged my curves. It's a black body con criss cross
dress. Kita ang parte ng baywang ko dahil sa disenyo at inayos ko ang diretso kong buhok sa likod bago
kumuha ng ipapares na jewelries.

When I felt satisfied, I wore my silver heels to match my outfit and took my coat to cover my shoulder.

Usapan namin ni Tintin na magkikita kami sa lobby kaya nagulat ako nang sabay kaming lumabas ng mga
kwarto. Kaagad kaming nagkatinginan at nagkatawanan.

"Well, surprise?" I said and he chuckled.

Isinara n'ya ang kwarto n'ya bago naglakad palapit sa akin.

He looks stunning, simpleng kulay puting dress shirt at slacks lang ang suot pero iba pa rin ang dating. He
usually wear those at work but he still have that charisma.

I saw him looking at me and I cleared my throat and stood straight, showing him my dress.

"Uhm, what do you think?" I asked shyly.

He smiled, I saw his thick brows lifted a bit and showed me his hand. "Beautiful."

Tinanggap ko iyon, nangingiti at nang sabay kaming maglakad ay bumulong s'ya.

"Gusto ko 'yong ekis-ekis na designs sa t'yan mo, pagawa ako n'yan." He said and I bursted out laughing,
sumulyap ako sa kanya at nakita s'yang naaaliw akong pinagmamasdan.

"Ang harot-harot mo Sir." Tawa ko.

He tilted his head, touched my hand more and smiled.

"Only to you, baby. Only to you." He said.

My heart thumped, I am hyperventilating yet I managed to glare at him and stopped.

"Scira Rosalie Sandejas Valderama." I said and his forehead creased.

"Hmm?"

"Ang ganda-ganda ng pangalan ko tapos baby ang itatawag mo?" I asked seriously.

He blushed, as if shy, he licked his lip and opened his mouth to speak but I cut him off.

"Isa pa nga!" I giggled and grinned.

Kabanata 9
"Hi, Mom." I smiled.

"Honey, ayos na ayos, ah? What's the occasion?" Mom smiled.

Tumikhim ako, nakaayos na ang buhok ko at nakapag-make-up na para sa dinner namin ni Tintin nang
tumawag ang reyna.

"I have a dinner today," I said.

"Hmm, new boy?" she teased, her brows lifted a bit.

I chuckled and nodded slowly. "Well, yeah."

"Hmm," she teased. "Tell me what he's like, nabalitaan ko sa Kuya mo ang tungkol kay Lucas."
I sighed, naupo ako sa kama bago sumandal sa head board at sumagot.

"Just...another failed relationship, Mom." I said and glanced at her. "You think love's for me?"

"Everyone deserves love, honey." My Mom muttered and she looks worried, "bakit mo naman nasabi
'yan?"

"Nothing," I sighed. "I just...Lucas is my fifth boyfriend yet wala pa rin. It kept on failing, Mom. How did
you find Dad?"

Her face soften, sigurado akong nasa opisina s'ya ni Dad dahil sa background. I saw her rested her back on
the couch and fixed her hair.

"It's a tough fight, my baby." My Mom smiled, as if reminiscing it. "You know how I got lost from our
family, right?"

I nodded when I remembered her stories.

"Tinik found me, baby." She said. "Your father found me when I was a wreck, we loved each other dearly
but things just...you know, isn't in our favor. Fate separate us."

My heart swelled, seeing my mother's face now with a mix of sadness and happiness reflecting her eyes.

"But you two are now married..."

"Fate separate us but our love brought us together, again." She said. "Hindi madali, anak, sobrang hirap
pero ang pagmamahal, pinagdadasal iyan."

I listened intently to her.

"Ang pagmamahal hindi hinahanap, hindi pinipilit. Love comes if it's meant for you. Kaya dapat
ipinagdarasal ang tamang tao." She said.

That made me smile, I nodded and spoke.

"Thank you, Mom. I love you."

"I love you too, my sweet pea. Sinong ka-date mo? I'm here at your old man's office."

"Well, Mom, may gusto sana akong itanong..." I said and she became attentive.

"Yes, baby? Ask me."

"Well," my heart hammered inside my chest. "Can we involve Dad?"

"Oh, sure." Mukhang naguguluhan pa ay tumayo si Mom sa sofa, binuksan n'ya ang pintuan at nang
makapasok sa clinic ni Dad ay ngumisi.

"Thornie, baby Scira." My Mom said, smiling.

"Really? Come here." I heard his voice.

Mom walked towards him, natatawa pa ako dahil ang laki ng ngiti ni Mommy habang naglalakad kay Dad.
"Pakandong!" She cheered and I laughed with my Dad when the jolly Zidney Valderama sat on her lap.

"Careful, queen." Dad laughed, maya-maya ay nakadungaw na s'ya sa video call.

"Dad!" I waved my hand.

"Hi, honey." He smiled, mukha nilang dalawa ni Mom ang nasa screen and I couldn't help but admire the
love they have for each other.

It's pure, indestructible. Kahit nag-aaway sa mga bagay-bagay ay naaayos nila dahil nakikinig sila sa isa't-
isa.

"How are you, princess?" My Dad asked, ipinatong ang baba sa balikat ng Mommy habang nakatitig.

"Great, Dad." I smiled.

"Ayos na ayos ang prinsesa, ah? Date?" he asked and my lips protruded and I nodded.

"Dinner? But maybe, date na rin?" I chuckled.

"Who?" his brow raised. "Deion told us about Lucas, that asshole, I know he isn't a good choice."
"Well, that's in the past. Let's not talk about him, Dad. May itatanong ako." I said.

"What? Someone's hitting on you again?" he sounded like a strict father and I immediately laughed, Mom
shook her head.

"Come on, Scira's a woman, you don't expect her to stop dating—"

"She's young, isa pa, her exes are all assholes, ayokong nasasaktan ang anak ko." My Dad's lips protruded.
"Scira, are you dating?"

I don't know but my heart swelled while listening to him.

"Well, I like someone..." I started.

"Fuck, I knew it." My Dad whispered.

Sabay kaming natawa ni Mom. Mom caressed his hair as he buried his face on her neck.

"I'm a grown woman na, Dad." I chuckled.

"Baby ka pa..." he muttered, nakatago pa rin sa leeg ni Mom kaya natatawa ako..

"Come on, Dad, I wanna seek for advice." I said, slowly, he looked at me, his black eyes glistened a bit.

"What is it?" he asked, quite serious.

"Seryoso naman, Doc." I muttered.

His lip twitched, nailing si Mom at sumulyap sa akin.

"Go on, baby."

"Hmm," I sighed. "It's about my preference."

They both stopped, my mom blinked at me.

"Y-you mean you're a lesbian?" she said in a whisper.

"No!" I exclaimed but cleared my throat when I remembered Warren. "Well, sort of."

My father nodded a bit, gulping.

"Well, that's shocking since you're maarte like your Mom, but I understand." My father said.

"S-sinong gusto mong babae, hija? Is it—"

"No, Mom." I chuckled nervously. "It's not that I like a girl." I quoted.

"B-but you said..." my Mom still looks shock.

"But what if, I'm really is a lesbian. Would you accept me?" I asked and my Mom, doubtful at first nodded
and flashed a smile.

"I understand, hija." She said. "It's just...it's shocking, seeing you with your exes and—"

"Chill, Mom." I chuckled. "It's not a girl."

"What do you mean, Scira?" Dad asked and I licked my lip and spoke.

"I like this certain man..." I started and I saw how their forehead creased. "but the thing is, he's gay."

My Mom gasped, I saw my father blinked and gulped.

I don't know what else to say, hindi umimik ang dalawa kaya nagsalita na ako.

"Well?"

"Is it why you said you're a lesbian?" Mom asked, still shocked.
"Well, yeah. He's man in physique but somehow...he's a woman. You know what I mean? Pwedeng
potential jowa, pwedeng potential kumare."

"Mind blown," my father said kaya napatawa ako at kinagat ang labi ko.

"Plot twist of the year, princess." My mother said and I chuckled as I waited for their response.

"There's nothing wrong with it," ani Dad na nagsalita na. "Basically, he's a man and you're a woman. The
only factor there is that...you know, anak. Hindi mo alam kung ikaw din ang gusto n'ya."
"We have nothing against it, Scira." My Mom said. "It's just...nakapag-usap ba kayo?"

"He said, he's natotomboy, I mean, he likes me too, like a man."

"Do you like him too?" Dad asked and I found myself nodding at him.

"He's great, I don't want to compare him with my exes because he's a different case but I like him more,
Dad." I confessed. "He's a friend to me too, he's gentleman and a really great person."

My father stared at me and I saw how his lip twitched.

"You adore him that much, don't you?" my father concluded and my eyes widen.

"N-not that much, ah!" I exclaimed but then stopped when my father smirked, napasinghap ako at umirap.

"Oh, come on, you're being Doctor Valderama again!" I exclaimed and he bursted out laughing.

Maging si Mommy ay tawang-tawa roon at sumulyap sa akin.

"You never talked to us about your boys, ngayon lang." My Mom muttered and I pouted.

"I was just seeking for advice, naguguluhan din ako." I sighed and my Mom nodded and spoke.

"We support you, honey. Whatever your decision may be, we support you. Just...don't be too invested in
your feelings, ayaw naming nasasaktan ka."

"Okay, Mom. I'll be alright." I said.

"If you need anything, don't hesitate to call, hmm?" my father said and I nodded. "At s'ya ba ang ka-dinner
date mo?"
"Yeah,"

"Oh," my Mom grinned. "Gawin mong lalaki para sigurado kang sa'yo ang bagsak, sunggab agad, anak—"

"Zidney!" My Dad exclaimed and I laughed when he glared at Mom who bit her lip and showed him a
peace sign.

Habang naghahanda ako ay abala ako kaka-text kay Darshana dahil sa kaba, I still can't choose what to
wear.

To: Daru

I'm nervous as heck, Darshana!

From: Daru

Chill, girl. Sino ba kasing ka-date mo at nagpa-panic ka?

To: Daru

Basta. Secret.

From: Daru

Sus, ang arte. Kung gusto mo talaga kung sino man 'yang "Mystery boy" mo, dapat organize ka, bawal ang
epic fail baka ma-turn-off.

To: Daru

You mean, I should plan what will happen today?

From: Daru

Yep, but it's your choice. You could go with the flow or be organize like how you always are. Goodluck,
Miss Perfect.
To: Daru

Thanks, Darsh!

From: Daru

Welcome, sige, bye. May date rin ako, akala mo ikaw lang :p

I laughed, naiiling na ibinaba ang phone para magpanic sa isusuot na damit.

It's funny how Warren and I walked instead of riding his car for our dinner today. Pormang-porma ako,
complete with heels and make-up pero hindi naman ako disappointed, instead I am thrilled.

Malapit lang naman kasi ang Casa Amara kaya hindi na kaming nag-abalang dalawa, nakahawak ako sa
braso ni Tintin habang sa may gilid ng kalsada.

"We could still drive the car and—"

"It's okay, Cristine." I chuckled at him. "Ang lapit lang ng Casa, oh."

I saw people looking weirdly at us, pormal pa kami pero naglalakad sa gilid ng kalsada.

He looks somehow shy, nakita ko ang pamumula bahagya ng pisngi n'ya at ang pagsulyap sa akin.

"T-this is epic," he cleared his throat. "I should've just take you somewhere where we can use the car—"

I kissed his cheek and I saw him froze. Gulat s'yang tumitig sa akin at kinagat ko ang labi ko at ngumiti.

"Well, I used the kiss proof." I said. "And it's okay to walk, Tin. I am enjoying it, anyway."

Warren really is a soft boy, I am smiling secretly when I saw him hiding his smile.
Malapit na kami sa Casa Amara, I glanced at him when he suddenly went in the other side and pushed me
a bit softly.

My forehead creased noong nagpalit kami ng pwesto pero nakuha ko ang gusto n'yang gawin nang may
dumaang motor sa gilid.
Oh, lumipat s'ya para ilayo ako mula sa kalsada.

My heart hammered inside my chest and I realized I really do like him...a lot.

Nakarating kami ng Casa Amara at kaagad akong namangha nang makapasok sa loob. The design is
refreshing to the eyes, as an architect, hanga ako sa disenyo at ayos ng hotel.

"Wow," I muttered, mas nagustuhan ang disenyo ng Casa Amara rito kaysa roon sa branch nila sa Manila.

"This way, Ma'am." I heard Warren's low voice as he touched my waist. Kinuha ko ang coat sa balikat ko,
kinuha iyon ni Warren sa akin kaya nangiti ako at sumunod sa kanya.

"Do you know sinong Architect at Engineer ang gumawa rito?" I asked him.

"The Architects are from our firm, the engineers who helped building is was my cousin, Vioxx and me."

My eyes widen. "Really?"

"Hmm, you like it?" he smiled.

"Yes," I nodded. "This cousin of yours...pamilyar s'ya sa'kin, I wanted to ask things pero—"

"May girlfriend na 'yon," he suddenly said and I blinked.

"Huh?" I asked confused, he licked his lip, I saw his jaw clenched.

"Nothing," he said, I noticed his voice is a bit annoyed.

"Oh, Sir Warren, hello po. This way, Sir." Kilala s'ya nang staff, nakita kong napasulyap din sa akin ang
babae bago kay Warren at ngumiti.

I can feel the warmth of Warren's palm on my waist, nagtaka ako dahil tahimik na s'ya at seryoso. Nauna
ang staff sa elevator at nagtataka man na nilagpasan naming ang restaurant sa ground floor ay sumunod
na ako.

When we're inside the elevator, I noticed the woman glancing at Warren.
"Uhm, Sir, ngayon ko lang ulit kayo nakita rito, ah?" The woman suddenly started a conversation.

"Well," he smiled a bit. "I'm busy at work, Trina."

Oh, magkakilala sila?

My forehead creased.

"Ah, kita ko nga, Sir." The woman chuckled. "Kasi noon madalas kayo rito nila Sir Vioxx."

I cleared my throat, natahimik ang babae at nakita kong tumitig muli sa repleksyon sa elevator si Warren.
I am annoyed, I don't get it why he's suddenly like that, suplado. And I don't get it why I am freaking
jealous when he's just talking to another woman!

All my life, I was never like this. Hindi ako kailanman nairita habang may kausap na iba ang mga naging
boyfriend ko but now...I don't know.

"Dito na, Sir." I saw the woman looking so awkward while saying it.

"Thanks, Trina. We're fine. I'll take it from here." Warren said coldly.

Oh, is he mad? Bakit malamig ang boses n'ya? Ayos naman kami kanina, ah? Dapat ako nga ang galit kasi
nakikipag-usap s'ya sa iba!

Siguro dahil sa pride, bumitaw ako kay Warren at nauna na palabas ng elevator. I saw him stopped when
he realized what I did pero wala akong pakialam.

Pagkalabas ko ay nakita ko kaagad ang nag-iisang glass door papasok sa rooftop.

Ngumuso ako, iritadong nag-martsa papunta roon nang may kamay na pumigil sa braso ko.

"Scira," I gasped when I heard his voice, marahang hinila n'ya ako paharap sa kanya at nang magtagpo ang
mata namin ay seryoso ko s'yang tinignan.

"Do we have a problem?" he suddenly asked and I scoffed.

"Ako pa? Ikaw nga itong moody na bigla na lang hindi ako pinansin!" I hissed. "I prepared everything, look
at my dress. Tapos biglang 'di mo ako papansinin at kakausapin mo kung sino!"

He sighed, his eyes soften.

"Trina is a friend, matagal ko na s'yang kilala..."

"Oh, edi sige. Eh, bakit mo bigla akong hindi pinansin, huh?" I exclaimed. "I was just asking about your
cousin and—"

"Because I am jealous, Valderama." He suddenly said and I stopped.

"Huh?"

"I engineered this hotel too, you can ask me questions kasi ako naman ang nandito, bakit ka pa
naghahanap ng iba?" he pointed out and I blinked.

Hindi kami umimik na dalawa, nagkatitigan lang kami at nang matanto kong ang unreasonable ang
pagseselos ko ay bumagsak ang balikat ko.

"S-sorry, I was just jealous too..." I muttered, sighing.

Hindi s'ya umimik, akala ko ay galit nanaman pero nang lumapit s'ya at hinuli ang baywang ko ay kumalma
ang puso ko. Slowly, he hugged me, nanlambot ako nang maramdaman ko ang init ng katawan n'ya at ang
halik n'ya sa buhok ko.

"Sorry, I was unreasonable." He suddenly whispered and I raised my hand, niyakap ko rin s'ya pabalik at
isiniksik ang mukha sa leeg n'ya.
"W-we're both unreasoanable. I apologize." I said softly.

"I'm sorry too, Ma'am," he whispered, pushing me a bit to caress my cheek. "Let's cheer up and continue
our date?"

His black eyes stared at me, nakita ko ang lambot 'nun kaya ngumiti ako at tumango. Slowly, I touched his
hand, nahihiya pa noong una at nang makita ni Warren at ginagawa ko ay s'ya na ang humuli sa kamay ko
at pinagsaklop ito.

He pushed the glass door and assisted me as we enter the rooftop. Nagtataka pa ako noong una pero
nagitla nang makita kung ano ang naroon.

There are colorful lights everywhere, nakakatuwa nga at ang cute tignan dahil mukhang galing pa iyon sa
Christmas tree. In the center is a candlelit dinner for two, pero sa halip na may mga nakahandang pagkain
na ay wala pa rito, may nakita pa akong ihawan sa gilid at mukhang kami pa ang magluluto kaya kaagad na
kumalabog ang puso ko at sumulyap sa kanya.

"Tin..."

"This isn't what an ideal date is since we weren't in a fancy restaurant. Ako rin ang magluluto." He
chuckled and glanced at me. "I'm sorry that it's just like this but...I hope you like it."

Humigpit ang hawak ko sa kamay n'ya, nagkatinginan kami at inangat ko ang kamay n'yang hawak ko at
idinala sa labi ko. I kissed his knuckles while staring at his eyes.

"Thank you, Tintin." I smiled and slowly hugged his waist. "I liked it, very, very much."

It was a one of a kind date, natatawa ako dahil ang ayos-ayos at pormal ang suot naming pero sa huli ay
nag-amoy usok lang kami dahil sa barbeque na iniihaw namin.

"Oh my God! Augustine!" I exclaimed noong umapoy ang barbeque ko, napasulyap sa akin si Warren,
mabilis na nagmura nang makitang nag-aapoy na ang iniihaw ko.

His eyes widen, mabilis n'yang napatay ang apoy at napatingin s'ya kaagad sa akin.

"Are you alright? Napaso ka?" he asked, checking my arms and my face.

"No," I said. His eyes went on my face, napatitig s'ya sa may ilong ko at maya-maya ay napahagalpak ng
tawa.

"What?" I asked but then he laughed again. I glared at him, nang mapansing nagpipigil s'ya ng tawa ay
umirap ako, mabilis na lumayo at kinuha ang purse ko.

I took my small mirror, placed it near my face and my eyes widen in horror nang makita kong may itim na
kung ano sa ilalim ng ilong ko na marahil ay galing sa usok.

My glanced at Warren who's biting his lip to stop his smile. "Miranda!" I exclaimed and kicked his feet
when he began laughing again.

It was epic, amoy usok na ang rooftop kaya ang ending, dala ni Warren ang bote ng champagne at nagpa-
order na lang kami ng pagkain mula sa resto.
Ang ending, pumunta kami sa VIP suite ni Augustine, mukhang mga kawawang batang maitim ang ilalim ng
ilong at amoy barbeque.

"Okay, thanks." Warren said on the phone, nakasalampak ako sa sofa n'ya habang pinupunasan ng wet
tissue ang ilalim ng ilong ko.

Wala na ito sa plano ko, inayos ko na sa notes ko sa phone ang mga gagawin ngayong dinner date naming
pero ni isa ay walang nangyari.

I took my phone, pumunta sa notes at nakita ang ginawa ko.

9:00 PM – Finish dinner

9:00-10:00 PM – Talk about life

"What's that?" my eyes widen, mabilis kong ibinaba ang phone ko at sumulyap kay Warren na nangingiti
sa tabi ko.

"Nothing," I pouted and glanced at him. "Mukha na ba akong ewan, Tin?"

His forehead creased, sumulyap sa akin bago umiling.

"No, Mars. Bet ko pa rin ang beauty mo." He said in a soft voice and I immediately chuckled and smacked
his arm.

"Alam mo ikaw, Augustine, ang pogi-pogi mo pero mas maharot ka pa sa'kin." I snorted.

His brow raised, I watched his eyes pierced through me, his lips forming a naughty smirk.

Nawala ang ngisi ko nang inilapit n'ya ang mukha sa akin, my eyes widen when he took the wet tissue from
my hand and wiped it below my nose. Ramdam ko ang mabilis ka kalabog ng puso ko when I felt his thumb
slowly caressing my lower lip.

I gulped, staring at his face with our lips inches apart.

"Alam mo namang kay Kumareng Scira Valderama lang ako kakalampag, sis." Maarteng sabi n'ya and I
puffed a breath.

He laughed, iritang pinalo-palo ko ang balikat n'ya at ngumisi s'ya at may kung anong iniangat.

My eyes widen when I saw him now holding my phone.

"Date with Kumareng Tintin Itinerary." He read my notes out loud.

"W-what...What the hell, Augustine!" I exclaimed and he laughed and raised his hand.

"Augustine!" I exclaimed when he stood, iniangat ang kamay kaya tinalon ko iyon.

"Ano 'to, ah? May schedule ka sa date natin, Ma'am?" he teased me naughtily, mas inangat ang kamay
habang nagbabasa.

"Warren!" I exclaimed, tinalon ang kamay n'ya pero hinuli n'ya ang baywang ko at hinigit.
"Nine PM, finish dinner." He read. "Nine to ten, talk about life."

"Hmm, seems like you wanna talk about our lives, Ma'am?" he teased and my cheeks flushed.

"Tin!" I gasped at pilit na kumawala pero mas hinigit n'ya ako na halos sumubsob na ako sa leeg n'ya.
"Tintin!"

"Pero lagpas na," he commented and glanced at the time and it's already ten fifteen in the evening.

"Warren Augustine!"

"What's your plan at this time, hmm?" he tried scrolling the phone and I screamed.

"O-oh, God, no!" I hissed and I froze after he read it out load.

"Ten onwards, kiss."

I gulped miserably, mula sa phone ay bumaba ang tingin n'ya sa akin. I stopped wiggling, I met his black
eyes and saw how serious he is.

"It's kissing time, Ma'am." He muttered.

"J-joke lang 'yan..." I said in a small voice, kinakabahan na.

I saw him put my phone on his pocket, ang isang braso'y kinukulong pa rin ang baywang ko.

"Hmm," he hummed, his hand reached for my cheek and my eyes widen when he caressed it softly.

"We failed doing your schedules but...it's not too late, I guess." He said.

Hindi na ako nakasagot, my soul almost left my body the moment he lifted my chin to gave me a quick kiss.

Namungay ang mata ko, kaagad na nagustuhan ang halik n'ya.

"I-isa pa, Mars." I muttered softly.

His lip twitched, lowering his head a bit. Our nose touched, mas bumilis ang paghinga at umawang ang labi
ko nang sobrang lapit na namin.

I can feel the warmth of his breath fanning my lips, napakapit ako sa damit n'ya sa antipasyon nang
tumunog ang door bell.

We both froze but then he caressed my waist more.

"Don't mind it," he whispered huskily.

"I don't..."

"Hmm," he tapped my chin and moved his face again when the sound of the doorbell interrupted us.

"Sir Warren! Nandito na po ang pagkain!" I heard the loud voice on the door. Hindi kami nakagalaw,
umawang ang labi ko kakaantay ng halik pero mas lumakas ang tawag.
"Mars?" I heard the voice of a man. "Pagkain n'yo nandito na!"

"Fuck," Warren suddenly cursed and slowly pushed me.

"Tin?"

"Wait, baby..." he muttered and tilted his head before raising his brow. "Papatahimik ko ang ipokritang..."
his voice swayed as he gritted his teeth.

He left me, pinagmasdan ko s'yang namamaywang papunta sa pinto at iritado.

The bitchy Cristine is back on his personality.

"Ang bitchesang kung sino ka man..." reklamo ni Tintin na nakahawak sa baywang at nagmamartsa.
"Gigilitan kita sa neck, gigil mo ako!" he hissed.

Sumilip ako sa pinto nang buksan ni Warren and instead of a staff, a saw a man in a corporate suit with the
push cart.

"Hi, kumars, ito na foods n'yo. Kain muna bago magkainan!" The handsome man teased, I saw his green
eyes dancing with amusement.

"Putang..." I heard Warren cursed and I pouted.

"Oh, hi, Mars! Ikaw ba ang kumare nitong si Mars Warren?" the man waved at me and I remained
stunned.

"Tang ina mong Alcantara ka, y-you...bumalik kang hayop ka!" Warren gasped and my eyes widen when
the man with green eyes suddenly ran and Warren chased him after taking a slipper somewhere.

Kabanata 10

"Well, I'm sorry for the interruption, Architect." He smiled.

"Well, it's not a big deal. It's fine." I said.

The man with green eyes offered me his hand, smiling.

"Caspian, Caspian Alcantara." He introduced and I took it and nodded.

"Scira Valderama," I smiled. "You're Warren's?"

"Ex." He answered and I froze. My eyes widen, magsasalita sana pero ngumisi s'ya at tumawa.

"Kidding, I'm a friend, pinsan 'yan ng pinsan ko." He said at pareho kaming natigilan sa marahas na tikhim,
nabitawan ko ang kamay ni Caspian nang may naramdaman akong bisig na pumaikot sa baywang ko.

I glanced behind me, looking at Warren's frowning face, he pulled me closer to his body at napasandal ako
sa dibdib n'ya sa ginawa n'yang iyon.

"Introductions done, get out, Alcantara." Warren said, annoyed.

Sa halip na ma-offend, nakita ko ang ngisi ni Caspian doon, mukhang nang-aasar.

"Is she..." Caspian muttered.

"Fuck you, Alcantara. Get out!" Warren hissed.

My lips protruded, pinalo ko ang braso ni Warren sa baywang ko at nilingon s'ya.

"Don't be so rude, Sir!" I exclaimed and I saw Warren's lips protruded.

"Scira..." he groaned.

"Tama, Architect." Ngisi ni Cas. "Rude ni Kumars, ano?"

My eyes widen, "you know about his..."

"Hmm," Caspian grinned and glanced at Warren. "But no worries, Warren is a good man."

"Hmm," I nodded and smiled. Mas humigpit ang yakap sa akin ni Tintin, magtatanong sana ako pero
isinubsob n'ya ang mukha sa batok ko.

"Sus," Caspian laughed and glanced at me. "Well, mukhang nakakaistorbo na ako."

"Buti alam mo," bulong-bulong ni Warren kaya pinalo ko ang braso n'ya.

"Sir!" I exclaimed.

"What?" he whined and hugged me more.

Caspian grinned and looked at me. "Anyway, para naman masaya ang stay n'yo, why don't you use the
pool?"

Dumungaw bigla si Warren at nagsalita.

"It's close, right?" he asked and Caspian shrugged and glanced at his wrist watch.
"Yeah, but I can open it for you." He grinned.

My eyes widen and I easily felt excited, sumulyap ako kay Warren na halos ngumiwi na pero tumango at
sumulyap sa'kin.

"Do you wanna swim?" he suddenly asked and I excitedly nodded.

"Yes, please!" I grinned.

"Alright," he touched my waist again and glanced at Caspian. "Lusot ka ngayon, Alcantara." He said.

"Yes! Ako pa!" Tawa ni Cas at sumulyap sa'kin, "perhaps, Architect, you looked a bit like Zirena."

My forehead creased and I nodded.

"Well, she's my cousin." I said and I saw how his eyes widen. He glanced at Warren but he just scoffed and
pulled me again towards his body.

"Why? You know my cousin?" I asked and he looks in awe as he nodded at me.

"Well, her fiancée's my cousin." He said and my eyes widen.

"Really? Wave?" I exclaimed and he laughed and nodded.

"Well, yeah." He smirked. "Small world."

"Indeed," I muttered, still amused of the coincidence. "I wanted to meet Wave too,"

"He's engaged." Biglang putol sa akin ni Warren kaya nilingon ko s'ya at inirapan.

"Of course, duh?" I shook my head.

"Selosa naman," Caspian teased and I glanced at Warren, only to see him frowning again.

"I just wanted to see him, palagi kasing hindi ko naaabutan 'yon. Arte ni Tintin." I whispered, slowly
turning so I could meet his eyes. Napabitaw s'ya sa akin kaya natatawa ay hinawakan ko ang pisngi n'ya.

I stroked his face softly, his eyes remained annoyed and I laughed and pinched his nose.

"I know I like you, Sir, right?" I said in a small voice only us could hear.

He remained serious, I flicked his lips and it parted a bit.

"Seloso." I whispered teasingly.

He touched my waist, moving his head a bit closer to me until our nose touch. My breath hitched, hindi
ako kaagad na nakagalaw at nakita ko ang titig n'ya sa akin.

"Sa'kin ka lang," he said and kinikilig man, I maintained my composure and answered him.

"Sa'yo lang—" a loud clearing of throat stopped us, natulak ko si Warren sa gulat at napasulyap kami kay
Caspian na hilaw na nakangisi.

"Well, yuhoo! May tao rito!" he waved his hand and my cheeks flushed.

Shit, I've never done anything like this! I was never a fan of PDA but now...damn!

"I should go," he chuckled and glanced at me and nodded. "I'll go check my babe first."

"O-okay, thanks, Cas."

"No worries," his green eyes glistened and glanced at Warren before he grinned.

"Bye, Mars!" nagitla pa ako sa biglaang paglapit at maharap na paghampas nito sa braso ni Warren.

"Y-you..." he hissed. "Alcantara!"

Caspian laughed, nagitla pa ng humawak s'ya sa baywang at sa gandang lalaki at ganda ng katawan, parang
nasisilaw pa rin ako nang makitang naglakad s'ya kumekendeng palayo. Mukhang nang-aasar.

Oh, is he gay too?

"Way to go, lover boy!" biglang sabi pa n'ya at isinara ang pinto.
Napakurap ako, sumulyap kay Warren.

"Is he...gay too?" I asked.

To my shock, Warren pulled me towards his body and lowered his head. I know he was aiming for a kiss
and I tilted my head to gave it to him. Our lips almost touched when the door opened.

"Lover girl, I mean..." biglang sumilip si Caspian at nahuli kaming dalawa. "O-oops?" he laughed
awkwardly.

Nag-init ang pisngi ko sa hiya, Warren possessively pushed me on his chest and I heard his loud voice.

"Tang ina mo, Alcantara! Yari ka sa'king..." Warren's angry voice roared inside the room.

Walang nakapigil sa aking mamili ng swim wear sa shops sa loob ng Casa Amara kahit sarado na. I can
actually go back to our building so I could get the swim wears I bought in Manila but it would kill the vibe
so I chose to buy here.

With the help of Caspian and the annoyed Warren, I managed to get a piece of swimwear and some
clothes because I've decided we'll stay here for the night since off namin bukas.

I chose a black bikini and took my card to pay when a hand stopped me. Nagulat ako nang maglahad din si
Warren ng card.

"Let me, Ma'am." Warren muttered beside me but I immediately shook my head and moved my hand to
give the cashier my card.

"No, I am wearing it, Tin." I said.

"I know," he touched my waist. "but I'd like to pay—"

"No, my clothes, my money." I said and smiled at him.

Naguguluhan ang cashier sa amin, naka-angat na ang kamay pero naguguluhan kung kaninong card ang
kukunin.

"U-uhm, kanino po ang gagamitin?" the cashier asked, confused.

I opened my mouth to speak when Warren spoke.

"Hers," ibinaba ni Warren ang card n'ya kaya napalingon ako sa kanya.
Our eyes met and I saw how he smiled and spoke. "Sorry, of course, my baby can pay."

That alone made me smile and made my heart flutter.

Warren Augustine Miranda...considers my views and opinions. That's my tomboy.

I chuckled to myself. Baliw na ata si Scira sa Tintin n'ya.

Kami na lang ang tao but still, I confidently wear my brand new bikinis for our swimming. The pool here
opened with the only the two of us as the guests.

May isang bar sa gilid para sa mga inumin. Wala ng bartender pero may ilaw doon at may nakahandang
inumin.
Pumasok ako sa pool area, inikot ang mata at baka makita ang naunang si Warren pero hindi ko s'ya
makita.

"Augustine?" I called and walked.

The cold air touched my skin dahil sa suot na bikini. I lifted my hair, only to see the wonderful and
brightest stars above.

Beautiful...

Sabagay, walang gawa ng Diyos ang hindi maganda. Ang mga ginawa n'ya ay tila mga bituin sa langit, hindi
sabay-sabay sa pagliliwanag sa itaas. Some are shining as the brightest, yet some are just there...unnoticed
dahil wala silang masyadong liwanag but as time goes by, they will shine too.

Sa tamang oras at pagkakataon, nagliliwanag din sila.3

Sumulyap ako sa napakaganda at napakaliwanag na buwan at nangiti. Ang mga bituin, hindi gaanong
pansinin dahil sa gandang dulot ng buwan pero patuloy pa rin sa pagliwanag. I realized that sometimes,
the unnoticed things are much more beautiful, just not in everyone's perspective.

The loud splash of water stopped me from looking at the skies.

Naglakad ako palapit sa pool at kaagad na nangiti nang makita ang makisig na kumara ko sa pool.

He's swimming towards my direction, dinig ko ang malakas na pagaspas ng tubig. I saw how his arms
stroked with the water, his feet paddled, swimming a bit fast towards me.

May iilang pagkakataong igigilid n'ya ang mukha para kumuha ng hininga at dumukwang ako habang
inaantay s'ya.

Moments later, he's already here. Like a professional swimmer.

Lumitaw ang ulo n'ya sa tubig at nasalubong ko kaagad ang itim n'yang mga mata. The lights are dim yet
his eyes shined like the stars in the sky.

"Hey, Ma'am." I heard his baritone voice, next to a boyish grin.

Nakita ko ang pagbagsak ng basak buhok sa kanyang noo, he's topless. Ang tubig mula sa pisngi ay nahulog
sa kanyang panga.

His lips are parted a bit, may nahulog ding butil doon na gusto kong punasan na lang bigla.

I saw how his eyes landed on my body and I immediately grinned and placed my hand on my waist.

"What do you think, Mars?" ginalaw ko pa ang tagiliran po para ipakita sa kanya.

I saw how his cheeks flushed, natawa pa ako nang bahagyang manlaki ang mata n'ya sa akin.

"Hoy, Tin. Grabeng gulat naman 'yan." I chuckled.

"I just...." he gulped and shook his head. "Nothing, baby."

"Ngayon ka lang nakakita ng katawan ng girl? Look at my butt, kumare, hindi s'ya kalakihan—"

"Scira Rosalie!" he exclaimed and I laughed hard, ngumuso ako nang samaan n'ya ako ng tingin.

"What?" I asked. "I just wanted you to check my ass—"

"Damn it, Ma'am." He hissed and I giggled.

"Ayiee, turned on ka?" I asked and he just glared at me, brushed his wet hair with his fingers and lifted his
hand.

"Help me up, woman." He snorted and chuckling, I walked towards him.

Kinuha ko ang kamay na inilalahad n'ya, he was easy to lift since hindi naman ata s'ya nagpapabigat. He
stood in front of me, basing-basa ang katawan.

Our eyes met, I was about to tease him again when he pulled my waist towards him. My face went on his
wet body, I gasped and looked up to him.

"Sis!" I exclaimed.

"Sorry, baby." He muttered at nagtaka ako, my forehead creased, magtatanong sana pero nilamon ng tili
ang boses ko nang basta nalang n'ya akong niyakap at sabay kaming nagpatihulog sa pool.

"Augustine!" I screamed loudly but it faded the moment our bodies submerged with water.

I panicked, hindi ko matapakan ang sahig ng pool. I thought I was drowning when I felt someone scooped
me and lifted me up.

Hinahapo at natatakot akong napakapit sa tao sa harapan ko at tumili.

"Baby, calm down..." humahagalpak ng tawa ang lalaki kaya iritadong hinampas ko ang likuran n'ya.

"Gago ka, Augustine!" I exclaimed, almost crying.

"You can't swim, hmm?" he touched my waist, pushing me more to his body.

"Hindi!" I exclaimed and smacked him. "You asshole! Tamang pa-cute lang ako kapag nag-s-swimming
kami!"

He laughed, suminghap ako roon at halos magpakarga na dahil hindi ko maabot ang semento.

"Seems like Miss Perfect isn't perfect, hmm?" he hummed.

"Oo! Gago ka ba, paano kung nalunod ako?!" himutok ko pa, inangat na ang paa at ipinaikot iyon sa
baywang n'ya.

He chuckled and carried me more. "Well, Ma'am, you won't get drowned since I'm here."

"Jerk," I said in an annoyed voice. "You're such a putang ina, Augustine!"

Sa halip na mainis ay humagalpak s'ya, pinalo ko ulit s'ya at naramdaman ko ang halik n'ya sa pisngi ko at
naglakad patungo sa gilid ng pool habang buhat ako.
I felt the cold on my back, humiwalay ako sa kanyang leeg at natantong nasa gilid na kami ng pool.
Siguradong malalim pa rin dahil hanggang sa may dibdib n'ya na ang tubig.

I glared at him, hindi pa rin bumibitaw, takot na lumubog ang buong ulo sa pool.

"You can reach the pool, baby." He teased and I hissed at him, basing-basa na rin at umiirap.

"I can't, Augustine!" I hissed. "I tried but I can't reach!"

"It's because you're panicking." He explained.

"No, that's because you dragged me here!" I hissed.

I saw how he smile handsomely, ngumiwi ako at hinawi ang mukha n'ya.

"Hindi mo ako madadala sa pangiti-ngiti mo, Augustine! Akala mo gwapo ka?"

He chuckled, muling humarap sa akin na parang unggoy na nakakapit sa kanya.

"Sure bang hindi gwapo, sis?" his voice swayed and I frowned.

"S'yempre!" I exclaimed and he looked at me seriously, I gulped. "...oo."

His laughter roared, ngumuso ako roon at napailing.

"Ang rupok naman, Ma'am." He teased. "Ang rupok-rupok."

Ngumiwi ako, naiirap nanaman.

"So...my baby can't swim?"

"Taga-lakad lang ako sa gilid ng pool." Biglang sumbong ko. "Well, I tried! Pero mukha lang akong palakang
lumalangoy!" I sulked.

He bit his lower lip, mula sa baywang ay umangat ang kamay n'ya sa pisngi ko para alisin ang tumabing na
basing buhok.

My heart hammered inside my chest, I saw his eyes landed on my lips.

His hand fell on my cheek, down to my parted lips and my breathing labored.

"Augustine..." I whispered.

He moved his face closer and lifted his head until our faces touched.
"Yes, Ma'am?" he asked huskily and my throat dried up.

"Kiss me," I said breathlessly.

I saw the harsh gulped he did when his adam's apple moved. His breathing fasten too.

"August...please." I gasped, "kiss me, kiss me..." I chanted softly.

His finger touched my lower lip back and forth and I caught it with my lips. He was stunned when I kissed
his finger.
Namungay ang mata n'ya at mas lumakas ang loob ko at mula sa balikat n'ya ay inangat ko ang kamay ko
papunta sa daliri n'ya sa labi ko. I took it and looked at his eyes as I licked and suck his finger.

"Fuck, Ma'am..." he said huskily and I gasped when one move and he tilted my jaw and claimed my lips
harshly.

Mabilis ang pagkabog ng puso ko. My eyes shut when our lips touched, my hand went on his wet hair,
grasping it while kissing him back.

Sa kabila ng lamig ng gabi at ng tubig mula sa pool ay ramdam na ramdam ko ang init ng kanyang labi at
katawan. I parted my mouth, accepting his French kisses. Tongue to tongue, we fought, sumisinghap na
ako para sa hangin pero hindi nagbibitaw ang labi namin.

Halos lumubog na ako sa pool pero mabilis n'ya akong nasala. He scooped my butt, kissing me more. I
encircled my legs back on his waist, still pulling his hair for the deep kisses.

Wala na akong pakialam sa paligid, my lips were glued to his, I felt his hand caressed my butt and I felt how
heat flew throughout my body.

"S-sir..." I gasped when our lips separated, akala ko ay tapos na pero muli akong napapikit nang bumaba
ang halik n'ya sa panga ko.

His kisses are teasing, I can feel the warmth of his lips.

"Shit, Tin..." I gasped when he licked my jaw down my neck, his hand scooping my butt to prevent me from
falling down the pool is stiff yet his other hand found its way towards my bikini.

I groaned when he cupped my boob, kneading it softly.

"Fuck..." I hissed.

I lowered my head and saw him kissing the space in between my boobs, I licked my lip, looking at how hot
he looked while kissing my skin.

"K-kiss, Tin..." I muttered and moments later, we were kissing fervently again, non-stop.

I felt his hand slipped on my bikini, napasinghap ako nang maramdaman ang daliri n'ya roon. He placed it
in between his thumb and twirled it a bit and I felt like convulsing.

I purred. His kisses went near my earlobe, licking the back of my ear, whispering things.

"I-I wanted to kiss you," I muttered.

"I wanted to do more, Ma'am." He whispered and grinned at me.

My lips protruded but it parted the moment he dipped his head and sucked my breast.

Hindi ko inaasahan iyon. My eyes widen while watching half of his head underwater, sucking my peaks.

"August..." I gasped, my toes almost curled. "Fuck it...more!"

Umangat ang mukha n'ya, nakita ko ang pilyong kislap ng mata at ngumisi.
"I heard that, Ma'am." He teased.

"Damn you, Augustine..." I hissed and glared at him. "Why did you stop?!"

His laughter roared. "Alright, Ma'am, chill..."

I watched his hand touching my breast underwater, teasing it. suminghap ako nang matantong iniangat
n'ya ang bikini ko.

"P-pervert ka, sis..." I said, catching my breath.

"Only to you, my baby." He smirked and watched my face while he's touching my peaks.

"A-August...ah!" I hissed. "Stop teasing me!" I groaned.

"Hmm, your tits taste good, Ma'am." He said.

Seryoso ko s'yang tinitigan at humagalpak s'ya, nang-aasar.

"Suck it again o ilulubog ko 'yang mukha mo, sis?" I hissed.

"Alright, chill." He gave me a quick chaste kiss before he lowered his head again and continue sucking my
peaks.

Mababaliw na ata ako, my eyes closed when I felt his tongue and teeth. Humigpit ang hawak ko sa
kanyang balikat.

It was my first time being touched in the intimate part of mine yet...I can say that it's superb. Great. Ten
over ten.

"Engineer? Architect? Ito na po ang pagkain n'yo." I froze, nanlaki ang mata ko nang marinig ang
pagbubukas ng pintuan papasok sa pool area.

"Damn!" I hissed, sa panic ko ay hinatak ko ang buhok ni Augustine pataas kaya napasinghap s'ya.

"Fuck? What?" he gasped, basing-basa ng tubig ang mukha.

"M-may..."

"Uy, Engineer, magandang gabi po, ito na 'yong—"

"Damn," mabilis akong niyakap ni Warren habang nagpapanic akong nag-ayos ng bikini ko.

"Engineer? Ayos lang kayo?" I heard the man.

"Y-yeah," Warren hid me more.

"'Yong pagkain po—"

"Leave it there,"

"Lagay ko na lang po—"

"No, leave it." Warren's hard voice said and the man became quiet, ramdam ko ang tingin sa akin kaya mas
nagtago ako sa dibdib ni Warren.
"S-sige, Engineer." I heard his voice.

"Alright, thank you." Warren said.

"Welcome po." Ani nito.

Nang marinig ko ang pagsara ng pintuan ay suminghap ako at pinalo ang likod ni Warren.

"Augustine!" I hissed.

"He didn't see you, baby." He chuckled, kissing the side of my head.

Lumayo ako sa kanya, he touched my waist and with my flushing cheeks, I glared at him.

"What?" he asked, amused.

"D-did we just make out?" I asked and his lip twitched.

"Yes, Ma'am. Laban ka?"

I pouted, nahihiyang napanguso.

"I'm shy," I whispered and he chuckled and touched my cheek.

"I like you, Scira." He said and I froze, nag-angat ako ng tingin sa kanya, nabibigla pa rin sa salitang iyon.
"You like me too?"

"Jerk, s'yempre!" I sulked and his lip twitched.

"Lemme hear it, Ma'am." He tilted his head, his eyes shining with amusement.

"Are you teasing me?" I spatted.

"Nah, why would I tease the woman I like?" he caressed my lower lip. "Hindi lang gusto, gustong-gusto..."

"Bolero, kung hindi lang kita sister, feeling ko playboy ka!" I scolded and he smirked.

"Stop changing the topic, Ma'am. I want an I like you too."

Sumimangot ako pero ngumisi s'ya kaya suminghap ako.

"Oo na, gusto kita." I said. "Palagi ko namang sinasabi sa'yo na I like you pero let me tell you again."

"Hmm," he looks attentive.

"I like you, Augustine." I said. "Deeply, kahit hindi pa sobrang tagal...komportable ako sa'yo."

I saw his serious face while looking at me and my heart swelled.

"What?" I asked.

"Ang ganda mo," he smiled and my lips protruded.

"Gwapo ka rin," I said and brushed his wet hair. "Kahit sister kita, ang gwapo-gwapo mo, Miranda."

"I wouldn't promise anything because I hate promises, they are always bound to be broken." He said and
my forehead creased.

"Why?" I asked and he glanced at me and spoke.

"Well, I hate that word." He said. "My parents promised they'd be back for me but they never did."

I froze, umawang ang labi ko sa gulat sa sinabi n'ya.

"You..."

"It's my birthday and...they said they have business to attend that very day."

"W-Warren..." I called and touched his face.

"I waited...masama ang loob ko dahil birthday ko iyon pero nag-antay ako."

I bit my lip when I saw him smiled sadly, "they promised me they'll be back but they didn't."

"W-what happened?" I asked softly and stared at his eyes.

"May sumalpok sa sasakyan, drunk driving." He said and my mouth parted.

"S-sorry, Tintin." I said, slowly hugging him.

I heard his loud breath intake, naramdaman ko ang mahigpit n'yang yakap sa akin.

"It's long time ago, baby." He whispered weakly.

"Still..." I whispered. "Just remember that I am here for you, hmm? Not just a kumare, I am here because I
like you, as a man."

"W-woman, sis." He corrected me, lifting the mood and I chuckled.

"Whatever, Sir. I like you, as a man or woman, whatever. Basta gusto kita." I said and caressed his hair.

"I like you too, Ma'am." He whispered. "I wouldn't promise but I will try my best to keep you happy and
safe. I'll be a man for you, I'll make you smile, I won't be a nagger! I promise!"

Nangiti ako, "you won't become like my exes?"

"I will never be your ex, baby." He said. "Damn them, I would never let you choose about anything
because it is your decision to make. Not mine. Your life, your decision."

"G-ganyan ka ba talaga sa lahat?" I asked.

"I was never a lesbian, Valderama. Sa'yo lang kakalampag." He whispered.

I bit my lip. "I promise to be good to you too, babawasan ko na pagiging bitch." I said.

"Be bitchy all you want, I like you, Scira. The whole you. Never change to someone you're not because
other people tells you to."
I smiled and bit my lip, "kahit I become a bit bitchy and pa-baby at times?"

"Uh-hmm, but of course, Sir would have to discipline you at times kapag hindi na tama."

"Okay!" I cheered. "P-palagi ba akong may kiss, Mars?"

"Always, sis. Bet ko iyang bikini mo, bongga ang dibdib, bilog na bilog parang bola." He chuckled.
"Augustine!" I exclaimed and he laughed.

"What?"

"Wala lang, gusto mo ulit i-touch? Natural iyan." I said and his laugher roared.

"Later, baby." He chuckled and kissed my head. "I'll try to give you what you want, I'll take care of you."

My heart swelled, naiiyak na nga ata ako kaya lumayo ako at sumulyap sa kanya.
"P-pero, sis, 'di tayo mag-jowa..." I said and he was stunned.

Kabanata 11
I couldn't sleep. Kanina pa ako paikot-ikot sa kama pero hindi ako makatulog, nakausap ko pa si Mom sa
telepono pero wala pa rin.

I glanced at the clock and it's already one in the morning. I sighed, umupo sa malaking kama at sumulyap
sa paligid.

I tried sleeping again, nagpatugtog pa ako ng music sa phone pero wala pa rin.

In the end, I decided to stood. Sumulyap sa pintuan bago lumabas at nagtungo sa kwarto ni Warren.

I stood there, sighing. Inangat ko ang kamay ko para kumatok pero hindi pa sumasayad ang kamay ko sa
pintuan ay kaagad iyong bumukas.

My eyes widen when the naked Warren filled my sight, he's only wearing his black pajamas, barefoot.
Nasa leeg pa n'ya ang dog tag at nagkatitigan lang kaming dalawa.

His hair is on his forehead. Nakita kong nagulat din s'ya nang makita ako.

"Ma'am?" he called.

"Uhm," I chuckled awkwardly, ibinaba ang kamay ko at ngumiti. "Hi, Sir."

His forehead creased, sumulyap s'ya sa kanyang wrist watch at bumaling sa'kin.

"Still...not sleeping?" he asked and I bit my lip and shook my head.

"I couldn't." I confessed and sighed. "you?"

"Can't too," he said lazily.

Nagkatinginan kami, ngumuso ako at suminghap.

"Well, uhm..." I chuckled and waved at him, nahiya na. "Anyway, bye na. B-balik na ako sa kwarto."
I turned my back on him, ready to go back to my room when a grip stopped me. Mabilis akong napalingon
sa likuran at nakitang si Warren iyon.

"H-hmm?" gulat man ay nilingon ko s'ya.

I saw him licked his lip, smiling shyly.

"P-perhaps, you wanna sleep with me?" he asked.

My throat dried up. Suminghap ako at nakita kong napakurap s'ya at muling nagsalita.

"I mean..." he muttered. "Sleep beside me, not really doing it—"

I laughed, nakita kong namula si Warren kaya umayos ako ng tayo at hinawakan ang pisngi n'ya.

"Hmm, sis?"

"H-huh?" he blinked.

"Sure, let's sleep together." I said. His mouth parted. "Literal, okay? Just lying beside you?"

"O-oh..." he sighed and nodded. "Okay."

I lowered my hand, nangiti ako nang hinuli n'ya ang daliri ko at pinagsaklop ito. He pulled me slowly inside
his room at habang naglalakad s'ya ay hindi ko maiwasang titigan ang likod n'ya.

He's muscular, matangkad at halatang hindi pasarap sa buhay kahit noong bata pa. I can feel his calloused
hand on my palm and a smile left my lips. He's a hard worker.

Sana all, tina-trabaho.

I suddenly frowned.
What the hell are you thinking, Scira? Are you seriously becoming a maniac?

Bumitaw sa akin si Warren, magrereklamo sana ako pero nakita kong pinatay n'ya ang ilaw kaya naupo na
lang ako sa kama.

I hugged his pillow, itinaas ko ang paa sa kama habang nakasandal sa headboard.

I watched Warren took his white shirt on the couch and I pouted. His muscle stretched when he attempted
to wear the shirt and I gasped.

"No!" I exclaimed. He stopped, naipasok na n'ya sa leeg ang shirt at sumulyap sa akin.

"Hmm?"

"Shirt, no." I shook my head and smelled the pillow with his scent.

"Hmm?"

"Don't wear your shirt, Tintin." I muttered and he just stared at me. "I mean, I want you topless and—"
He suddenly chuckled, napanguso ako roon pero hindi rin naman n'ya muli pang sinuot ang shirt, inilapag
n'ya iyon sa kama at napasinghap ako sa biglaang pagluhod n'ya sa kama at paglapit sa akin.

My eyes widen, nanuyo ang lalamunan ko nang makitang halos magdikit na ang mukha namin dahil sa
lapit n'ya. I can smell his minty breath, napalunok ako nang mapatitig sa itim n'yang mga mata.

"You're turning into a pervert, Ma'am." He said teasingly and I froze.

"Warren!" I hissed and smacked his arm.

He laughed boyishly, mabilis n'yang nahalikan ang dulo ng ilong ko at napanguso ako nang agawin n'ya sa
akin ang unan na yakap ko at s'ya ang pumalit.

My heart thumped. I find it really adorable when he hugged me instead.

"You're such an adorable baby," I whispered, hugging him back.

"Baby mo?" he asked, sa laking tao n'ya ay natawa ako nang magsumiksik s'ya sa leeg ko. His hands are
wrapped on my waist, burying his face on my neck.

"Baby ko," lambing ko at hinaplos ang buhok n'ya. "Sis ko, kumare ko at...Sir ko?"

He chuckled, I felt his kisses on my neck and it made me smile.

I can feel the warmth inside my chest being this close to him. I kissed his head and hugged him back.

"Bakit hindi ka makatulog?" I asked and he slowly rose from my neck.

Napatawa ako nang mabilis s'yang nakahiga sa tabi ko at hinila ako palapit sa kanya. He stretched his arm,
letting me rest my head on it and I lifted my head to give him a kiss.

Namungay ang mata n'ya, I smiled.

Kahit na lampshade lang ang nagsisilbing liwanag ay hindi pa rin maiiwasang mapuri ko ang ka-gwapuhan
n'ya. I caressed his jaw down his neck before I hugged him.

"Tin..." I hummed.

"Hmm?" he whispered, yumakap din pabalik sa akin.

"Bakit hindi ka makatulog?" I asked.

"Don't know, just thinking of you, I guess?" he said and I smiled.

"Crush na crush mo ako, ah?" I teased and he chuckled, marahang humaplos sa likuran ko at nagsalita.

"Well, I am thinking of you." He whispered.

"Oh, is it something nasty—"

"Scira!" he scolded and I laughed, dinama ko ang init ng katawan n'ya.

"Kidding, Sir!" I looked at his eyes and grinned. "Unless..." I teasingly put his hand on my breast.
"F-fuck, Scira Rosalie!" he exclaimed, namula ang mukha at parang napapasong inilayo ang kamay n'ya.

"Luh, pa-demure!" I chuckled and he just glared at me.

"I just can't believe you straightened me like a freaking ruler, Scira." Aniya na nakasimangot kaya natawa
ako at hinawakan ang panga n'ya.

"Who can resist me?" I asked boastfully. "Sa alindog kong ito?"

"You..." he shook his head. "Porket alam mong patay na patay ako sa'yo."

Mas lumawak ang ngiti ko.

"Well...I am actually thinking if it's true but then..." ngumisi ako. "Galing na mismo sa bibig mo, Mars."

He frowned, maya-maya pa'y hinawakan ang dibdib.

"Sinasamantala mo ang kahinaan ko, sis." He said dramatically, touching his chest and I giggled, hinuli ko
ang labi n'ya para sa isang halik at walang pasubaling gumanti s'ya sa akin ng halik.

We kissed like horny teenagers, he bit my lower lip and touched my nape, tilting my head a bit so he could
kiss me deeply.

My hands were on his nape, slowly tugging his hair to suppress my moan. I can feel the heat his kisses
brought throughout my body. He pulled me more to his body, I gasped when I felt him lifted me a bit.

Now I am on top of him, nanlaki ang mata ko nang makita ang ngisi n'ya.

"Y-you! Nilalandi mo ako!" I hissed when I realized our position.

He chuckled, humawak s'ya sa baywang ko at ngumuso ako, nakaupo sa t'yan n'ya.

"I am not doing anything," he smirked, sumunod ang tingin ko sa kamay n'ya nang hinawakan n'ya ang
strap ng night dress ko at inakyat pabalik sa balikat ko.

"For a retired gay, 'yong mga galawan mo pang-playboy." I accused.

His laughter roared, I rolled my eyes when he pinched my cheek and pulled me back. Napadapa ako sa
dibdib n'ya kaya suminghap ako at pinalo s'ya.

"Augustine!" I groaned.

"What if hindi nga ako bakla?" he asked seriously and I stared at him and shrugged.

"Yari ka sa'kin," I muttered, ipinatong ang braso ko habang nakamasid sa mukha n'ya.

He didn't say anything, ang isang kamay n'ya ay nanatili sa baywang ko habang ang isa ay humahaplos sa
pisngi ko.

"What will you do?" he asked, I noticed the worry in his eyes kaya napaisip ako.

"I dunno," I shrugged. "I'll probably be mad?"

His lip pursed while staring at me.

"Hmm," he hummed, nabakas ko ang kung ano sa mukha n'ya kaya nagsalita ako.

"Why are you asking?"

"Nothing," he answered.

"But you looked worried, are you lying to me?" I asked and I saw him stopped, kumunot ang noo ko roon
pero kaagad na nawala nang umiling s'ya.

"No, of course not." He slowly took me back on his arms and hugged me. "Why would I lie to you?"

Lumuwang ang paghinga ko, I lifted my head to look at him and saw his deep, black eyes.

"I knew it," I smiled happily. "You wouldn't lie to me, Tintin pa ba?"

He nodded and smiled, hindi kami nag-usap ng ilang sandali hanggang sa naramdaman ko ang malalim
n'yang paghinga.

"Tin?" I suddenly called while his face is on my hair.

"Yes?" he called and I sighed.

"Is it okay if I ask you questions?" I asked and slowly, he moved, he nodded the moment our eyes met.

"Sure, what is it, Ma'am?" he smiled softly.

"It's okay if you don't answer kasi it's personal, I just...I'm curious about you."

"Sure, baby. Ask me away."

I cleared my throat and smiled, "uhm, you said earlier na your parents died?" he nodded and removed a
few strands of my hair on my cheek.

"How old are you back then?" I asked.

"Fifteen?" he answered me. "I remembered waiting for them, kahit tapos na ang birthday ko at hating-gabi
na but they didn't come back."

"Sinong kasama mo sa birthday mo?" I asked softly and my heart ache when I saw his sad eyes.

"My cousin," he smiled. "Vioxx and his cousins."

"Hindi mo cousin?" I asked and he shook his head.

"No, Vioxx is my cousin. You know Zire's fiancée, right?"

"Wave?" I said and he nodded.

"He's partly a Miranda too kaya he's a cousin, 'yong pinsan nila kasama rin noong birthday ko, bale, I think
we're six people." He chuckled.
"Masaya rin, mababait sila?"

"Hmm," he nodded. "They're like my childhood friends, hindi kami magkaka-edad pero mga may saltik ata
lahat kaya naging magkakasundo."

I chuckled, nakita ko ang pagtaas ng sulok ng labi n'ya roon.

"Oh, I'm curious tuloy. I wanted to meet them!" I cheered but it faded when he glared at me.

"May mga babae na 'yon, Valderama." He hissed and it made me laugh.

"What? I'm just curious!" I exclaimed.

"Wave has a fiancé, your cousin. Caspian has a girlfriend, Warrion too. Si Vioxx, ewan ko sa gagong 'yon,
nagwawaldas ng pera sa jowa n'ya tapos 'yong tang inang Castanier, nasa dagat palagi, shokoy na ata." He
explained, poker face.

"Oh my God!" I laughed and shook my head. "I was just asking, you are such a bully, Augustine!"

"You're such a bully, Augustine." He mocked me and rolled his eyes and I chuckled and smacked his arm.

"Attitude ka, Mars?" I hissed, laughing.

"Ako ang topic, sis, ah?" he spatted. "Baka nakakalimutan mo ang batas ng mag-kukumare?"

"What?" I laughed and shook my head.

He frowned, bitchesa nanaman at tinuro ako. "Let's say the rule together."

"R-really?" halos mag-init ang pisngi ko sa kakatawa.

"Isa, Scira Rosalie. Sasabihin mo o wala kang halik?" he threatened and I pouted and spoke.

"Okay, game..." I cleared my throat.

"Ang magkukumare, stays forever, lalandi together." We recited and I laughed harder.

I shook my head, nag-iinit na ang pisngi sa kakatawa habang umiirap-irap s'ya roon.

"Revised version iyon, sis." He hissed in a girly voice.

"O-oh? What's the original version?" I asked and he cleared his throat and answered.

"Sa pederasyon may batas, ang magkukumare bawal humarot, oh bawal humarot, pero pag sinabi, kapag
nag-comply ka, kapag may ginawa kang ipinagbabawal nila, inayos mo ang law sa pederasyon tapos
sinubmit mo...tapos kapag kay Mareng Tintin lang, ay pwede na ikaw pala humarot." He pointed out.

Kung malakas ang tawa ko kanina ay mas lumakas pa ngayon. Alas-dos na ng madaling-araw pero para
kaming may sariling mundong dalawa.

He smirked when he saw me laughing my ass out.

"Fuck shit ka, Augustine, 'di ko na-gets..." I laughed and I saw him chuckling too.
"I don't get it either," he muttered at sabay kaming natawa roon na parang mga baliw.

That night, wala akong naisip na kahit ano kung hindi ang saya habang kausap s'ya. We talked about our
lives, kung paano s'ya tumira kasama si Vioxx, ang pinsan n'ya kaya parang naging kapatid na rin n'ya ito.

He was young when he lost his parents yet he worked hard to finish his studies and passed his boards.
Now, he has his own house and large shares from Miranda Firm. Noon ay nakikitira kina Vioxx pero
bumukod noong nakabangon.

I loved how hard-working he is.

I know my parents would be glad knowing him, una dahil mabuti s'yang tao at sigurado akong responsible.

We talked about our lives, how he hated promises and how I hated lies. That night, napuno lang kami ng
tawanan at ilang minutong harutan. Kahit bawal ang harutan ng mag-kumare ayon sa batas ng
pederasyon, kapag s'ya raw, pwede na raw ako humarot.

I woke up on his arms, I opened my eyes and saw his handsome face. The sunrays are escaping from the
white curtains.

Sumulyap ako sa mukha n'ya at napangiti.

What a good way to start the morning...

I lifted my hand, touched his cheek down his jaw. He looks so soft while sleeping pero ang tapang ng
pagkakahulma sa kanyang mukha.

His hair is falling freely on his forehead, matangos pa ang ilong at mas humaba ang nguso ko nang makita
ang pilik-mata n'ya.

I measured my eyelashes and his to compare.

"Why life is so unfair?" I asked. "Hindi n'yo naman ginagamit pilik-mata n'yo pero bakit mas mahaba?"
reklamo ko.

I frowned but it faded when his lips suddenly tugged for a smile.

"Our babies will have my eyelashes, Ma'am, don't worry." He suddenly said, opening his eyes.

"You!" Pinalo ko ang braso n'ya.

He suddenly laughed and touched his arm. "Aww, baby, it's early in the morning yet you're bullying me?"

"You startled me!" I exclaimed and he smirked and pulled me softly to his body.

"Good morning, beautiful..." he whispered, kissing my forehead.

I smiled, dinama ko ang init ng katawan n'ya. Lumandas ang kamay ko sa hubad n'yang dibdib at
napapangisi pa.

"Good morning, sis kong pogi na bet din ang pogi." I said and moved a bit to check out his abdomen.
"Scira..." he warned and I giggled, umawang pa ang labi nang makita ng maliwanag ang abs n'ya.

"Wow, Sir, sarap naman n'yan." I whispered.

"Valderama," he warned again but I don't care, inangat ko pa ang kamay ko at humawak doon.

"W-what..."

"Wow, kape na lang ang kulang, agahan na." Hagikhik ko. "Tara, bilangin natin." I said in a small, teasing
voice.

"Ako ngayon si Dora, ang galang chikadora." I laughed.

"Isa," I started, marahang pinaraan ang kamay ko roon and I giggled when I felt him froze.

"Architect..." he said in a whisper.

"Shut up, my Engineer." I whispered and gave him a quick peck on the lips to shut him up.
"Dalawa, tatlo, apat..." I giggled while watching him gulped harshly. "Lima, anim..."

I glanced at his eyes, I saw how dark and serious it is. His jaw clenched, tila nagtitimpi kaya mas ngumisi
ako at humaplos sa t'yan n'ya.

"Tapos na po tayo magbilang, mga Kumare!" I chuckled and winked at him.

"At ang abs ni Kumareng Tintin ay...anim!" I cheered, giggling but it faded when he tilted my chin and gave
me a sudden kiss.

It was just a chaste one at first, akala ko ay tapos na pero muli n'ya akong hinila para sa mas malalim pang
halik.

I was never this intimate with my exes, we kissed, yes, but I never tried sleeping beside them kahit may
pagkakataon kaya everything that's happening to the both of us is new to me.

Kung ganitong halik ba naman ang almusal ko sa umaga, aba't busog-lusog talaga ako!

I moaned when he bit my lower lip, I immediately parted my mouth, accepting his deep kisses.
Naramdaman ko ang pag-angat n'ya kaya napasinghap ako at hinalikan s'ya pabalik.

I placed my hand on his shoulder, gasping for air as we exchange deep, sultry kisses.

His dog tag fell on my chest when he kissed my cheek, I licked my lip while looking at his sculptured and
lean body while he's kneeling in between my parted legs. Ipinaikot ko ang hita ko sa baywang n'ya.

"We shouldn't be doing this," he whispered, kissing my neck and cupping my breast.

"I-I agree," hinahapo kong sabi, mahinang dumadaing habang nararamdaman ang init ng palad n'ya sa
dibdib ko kahit natatabunan ng damit.

"Hmm, right. We shouldn't." He muttered, lowering my night dress and my throat dried up when I realized
my peaks are now out.

"T-tama," bulong ko at tinulak ang ulo n'ya. "S-suck it, August."

"Fuck, yeah." He muttered and I purred when he lowered his head and sucked my peaks.

My toes curled, humigpit ang hawak ko sa balikat n'ya. I saw his eyes landed on me, glancing at me while
he sucked my breast.

"S-shit, Mars..." I muttered.

"Tastes fucking good," he said huskily and I easily felt dizzy when I saw his tongue flickered on my peaks,
making me watch how good it is.

Nawawala na ako sa sarili, I gasped when I felt like convulsing, hinatak ko s'ya palapit at hinuli ng halik ang
labi n'ya.

We exchanged kisses like it is the last time, sapo ko ang pisngi n'ya at nakapatong ang braso n'ya sa gilid ng
ulo ko.

"Hello, magandang umaga! Pagkain n'yo mga Sismars!" We both stopped when we heard a voice.

"Fuck," he muttered.

I felt so empty all of the sudden, hinila ko ang dog tag ni Warren para muling humingi ng halik pero may
kumatok nanaman sa pintuan.

"Sorry sa istorbo, mga sis, pero malamig na ang breakfast n'yo!"

"Damn, Miranda." He suddenly hissed and our eyes met.

"Y-your cousin?" I asked and he groaned and nodded.

"Yes, fuck..." he muttered and glanced at me. "You should take a bath first, Ma'am, then go out to eat. I
ordered our breakfast."

"But, August..." I whined.

"I wanted kisses too, baby." He cursed again. "But that fucker..." he pointed the door.

"Yuhoo! Gising na! Malamig na pagkain n'yo, mga sis!" Kalampag ulit sa pintuan.

"Won't stop until I fucking punch his face," he said, straight face and ayaw ko man, I sighed.

"Okay," I said sadly.

He brushed his hair with his fingers, nagkatinginan kaming dalawa at sabay na napabuntong-hininga.

"I promise to kiss you again later," he negotiated and I pouted and nodded.

"Okay, Tin." I muttered.

"Come on, Ma'am, cheer-up." He chuckled huskily, kissing my lips again and removed his hand on my
breast.

Bagsak ang balikat ko habang inaalalayan n'ya ako paupo at inaayos ang damit ko, he combed my hair with
his fingers and caressed my cheek.
"Take a bath, baby," he chuckled when he saw my face.

"Kiss ko, Tintin." I whined, kicking my feet.

"Alright, Sha-sha," he smirked and gave me a quick kiss again. "I'll give you more later, hmm?"

"Hmm, ow-kay..." I said in a small voice and flashed a smile.

"I'll put your clothes here in the bed, ako na ang bahala sa gunggong na 'yon." He smiled and brushed my
hair.

"Naligo ka na?" I asked and he smiled and nodded.

"Hmm, I woke up early." He answered.

"Then, bakit hindi mo ako ginising?" I asked and he placed my hair behind my ear.

"Hmm, I don't have a heart to. I love watching you sleep." He said and touched my chin. "You looked like
an angel, kasi kapag gising ka dragon na—"

"Augustine!" I glared at him and he laughed and pinched my cheek.

I took a bath and cleaned myself, pinakialaman ko ang mga mamahaling shower gel doon at kagaya ng dati
ay matagal akong maligo.

It's normal, I think. Sa aming magkakapatid ay palaging ako ang huli maligo kasi halos abutin ako ng isang
oras sa kakakuskos pa lang.

S'yempre! I should look beautiful! Dapat mabango, hindi ko rin gets paano sila nakakaligo ng mabilis, eh,
skin care ko palang halos kalahating oras na!

Hindi na ako nagulat nang halos isang oras nga ako bago natapos maligo, hindi lang inabot ng isang oras
talaga kasi wala rito ang ilang gamit ko panligo pero matagal pa rin kahit papaano.

I went out with my bathrobe and saw the dress I bought last night, kaagad akong nagbihis at nag-ayos ng
mukha at nang matapos mag-blower ng buhok ay kaagad akong lumabas sa kwarto at bumaba sa
hagdanan.

Wala pa sa kusina ay amoy na amoy ko na amoy ng agahan, I wonder if Warren cooked foods again? Or
iyon ang in-order n'ya?

I walked towards the kitchen, papasok na sana pero natigilan nang marinig ang pangalan ko.

"You lied to Scira, Warren?" A baritone voice asked.

My forehead creased.

"Shut up, baka nand'yan na." I heard Warren's voice.

"Gago ka, Warren. Paano kung magalit 'yan? Nasabi sa'kin ni Warrion na ganoon ang nangyari noon at
inaasar ka pa namin, 'di ba? But we never thought you'll actually do it?"
"I have no choice," he muttered. "It's my only way to be close to her."

"That's fucking insane, man. Paano kung malaman n'ya?"

"She wouldn't know, unless, someone would tell her." Sumilip ako at nakitang nagkibit-balikat si Warren.

My shoulders fell, hindi ko pa rin masyadong makuha ang pinag-uusapan pero alam kung may malaking
kinalaman iyon sa akin.

"But I think you should tell her," the man said. "Bago pa maging magulo. You know what happened
between me and Sera, right? Lies often break two people apart. You know it."

"I know, Vioxx..." Warren muttered. "I just don't know how to start telling her that I lied. She hates liars."
"Gago ka kasi, sa lahat ba naman ng kalokohan mo pagiging bakla pa ang napili mo?"

"I was joking around Warrion and she saw it, I thought that's a good start so I could get close to her."

I gasped, nanginig ang kamay ko sa narinig at tinakpan ang labi ko.

"I know I fooled her, by not telling her I am not really a gay but I don't know, hindi ko alam kung kailan ako
aamin o hahayaan ko na lang." He said and my knees wobbled while hearing him.

I can't believe it...he fooled me. He fucking fooled me!

I suddenly felt down, nangilid ang luha ko at napaatras.

I don't know why am I hurting, is it because he lied? But a lot of people lied to me, it hurt me but not to
this extent.

Or am I hurting this much because it was him? It was August who lies?

Kabanata 12

Hindi ko alam kung paano ako nakalabas sa hotel room, hawak ko ang pouch ko at tulala palabas, dala
lamang ang pride na iniingatan ko.

With a heavy heart, I pressed the elevator door, nangilid ang luha ko at nanatiling nakakuyom ang kamay
ko.

He lied to me, he fucking lied to me!

I gasped, may mga taong pumasok sa elevator at napasulyap sa akin pero hindi ko sila binigyan ng pansin.
My body is shaking in anger and disappointment, gusto kong magwala at sumigaw pero ni boses ay walang
lumabas sa labi ko.

The elevator reached the ground floor, kahit nasa likuran ay inunahan kong lumabas ang mga kasabay para
lang makaalis sa lugar na ito.

I can feel the lump on my throat, only indicating I'm in the verge of crying.

"Oh, Scira, good morning!" I froze when I heard a voice, nagitla ako at napasulyap sa paparating.
Caspian in a blue Armani suit walked towards me, smiling. Ang berdeng mga mata ay nakangiti rin.

"C-Cas," I called and smiled.

"Maaga ang alis, ah? Si Mars?"

"Uhm," I cleared my throat, "I'm sorry but I have to go kasi, may urgent na gagawin."

"Oh, I see." He smiled. "Hindi kayo sabay?"

"No," I licked my lip and sighed a bit before flashing a smile. "Thanks for letting us stay here, Cas. I enjoyed
it."

His lip lifted for a smile, placing his hands on his pocket, he nodded.

"It's my pleasure," he smiled. "I wanted you to meet my Reev but maybe next time?"

"Sure," I smiled. "Uuna na ako, Salamat, Cas."

"No worries," he smiled.

He watched me while walking away, pagtalikod ko sa kanya ay kaagad na nawala ang ngiti sa mga labi ko.
My shoulder fell yet I managed to walk with my straight face back to my place.

Tulala at wala sa sarili, muntik pa akong mahagip ng dumaan na sasakyan.

"Tumingin ka naman sa daanan mo, Miss!" the driver scolded me and I blinked and stared at him.

"S-sorry po," I whispered and walked again, crossing the street.

The guard greeted me when I got inside the building, tipid akong tumango bago nagsimulang maglakad
ulit.

"Architect, magandang umaga!" Bati pa ng team na namataan kong kalalabas lang sa restaurant.

"Good morning," I said and smiled before nodding.

Hindi na sila nagtanong nang mapansing wala ako sa mood makipag-usap, kaagad akong dumiretso sa
elevator puro may humawak kaagad sa aking braso.

"Scira! Saan ka galing? I've been looking for you since yesterday!" Lucas exclaimed.

Sa lakas ng boses n'ya ay napatingin sa amin ang guests at tenants kaya suminghap ako at hinila ang braso
ko sa kanya.

"Why do you care?" I asked nonchalantly and waited for my turn in the elevator.

"What the hell? I was here looking for you! Pero saan ka nagpupunta?" he hissed.

"H'wag ngayon, Lucas, pwede ba?" I massaged my temple and tightly closed my eyes.

"Bakit hindi? I am just worried na—"

"Stop it, I don't wanna hear any more bullshit lies today." I said and entered the elevator when it's already
my turn.

Dahil nasa huli nga ay kaming dalawa na lang ni Lucas ang nakapasok. Hindi ko alam kung bakit
sumusunod pa s'ya.

"I am not lying, Scira. I am just concern—"

"Shut up," I whispered.

"Bakit? Anong mayroon? Is that asshole Engineer did something—"

"Parehas lang kayong asshole," I whispered and he stopped.

"Excuse me, Valderama?" he hissed and his jaw clenched.

"Sige, daan na." I said coldly and shook my head.

"Stop being sarcastic with me!" his voice roared, mabuti na lang at walang tao dahil nakakahiya s'ya. "kaya
ka iniiwan dahil d'yan sa ugali mo—"

"Yes, because of my sick attitude, right?" I looked at him and raised my brow. "because I am a control
freak, perfectionist, bitch...ano pa?"

"Scira," he sighed. "I just wanted to say, you should start changing your attitude! Kaya walang nagtatagal
sa'yo—"

"Oh, come on, Lucas? Bugok ka ba?" I asked him and I saw how stunned he is.

"What..." he blinked.

"You keep on telling me about my sick attitude kaya walang nagtatagal sa akin, then, tell me, bakit ka habol
ng habol? Kung ayaw mo sa buto, pakawalan mo, pero bakit ka humahabol? Aso ka ba?" I said
straightforwardly.

"H-how dare you..."

"Fuck off, Lucas." I smirked at him. "Hindi ka kawalan sa pamilya ko and I would never change this sick
attitude of mine just to please dogs like you."

Nagbukas ang elevator at walang lingon akong naglakad. Hindi na rin nakalabas si Lucas sa elevator kaya
naging payapa ang pagbalik ko sa kwarto.

With my straight back and tilted chin, I walked with pride kahit walang nakakakita sa akin, nawala nga lang
ang lahat ng iyon nang makapasok ako sa kwarto ko at maisara ang pinto.

Tahimik akong naglakad sa kwarto at nang makita ang kama ay pagod na napaupo at sinipa paalis ang
heels sa aking paa.

While staring at the empty room, I felt so weak. Parang lahat ng pride at ang lakas ng loob kong makipag-
sagutan ay nawala sa isang iglap na natagpuan ko na lang ang sarili kong tulala at lumuluha.

My phone's ringing pero hindi ko iyon binigyan ng pansin.

I felt pain ever since the first time I entered a relationship. Maayos naman ang lahat dati but then he lied
to me, telling me I am the one pero sa huli, tatlo pala kami.

Shit, 'di ba? Scira Valderama, i-ta-timer? Sa ganda kong ito ginawa akong tanga.

That's when I started to know the game, I entered relationships, sometimes, to please my parents. Kapag
sinabi nilang mula sa magandang pamilya ang taong iyon at magbibigay motibo sa akin, I am giving them
the chance to prove themselves, kasabay ng pagpapabango ko sa aking magulang.

My Mom never forced me to have a relationship with them, I just did. Una para maisip nila na nasa
mabuting kamay ako but little did I know, I began finding love in those relationships yet it only failed in the
end.

They would lie to me, cheat on me or they would tell me about this sick attitude of mine.

Tapos ngayon, kung kailan akong totoong nahulog sa isang tao ay lolokohin din pala ako.

Déjà vu.

Ibinagsak ko ang ulo sa kama, nang tumunog muli ang phone ko ay iniangat ko iyon sa ere at pagod na
ngumiti nang makita ang caller.

Kumareng Tintin calling...

"Asshole, bakit ka ganito manakit, wala namang tayo." I muttered and turned my phone off.

Hindi na ako nakaramdam ng gutom at nakatulog na umiiyak at masama ang loob. Nalulungkot akong
isiping mag-isa lang ako sa lugar na ito ngayon.

Maybe if I have this heartbreak and I have my cousins with me? This will be probably another all-nighter
with drinks, in another cousin's house of choice.

I woke up when it's near one in the afternoon, nagising akong yakap ang unan na may mga tuyong luha,
namamaga pa ang mga mata.

I shook my head, went inside the bathroom to wash my face and saw my swollen eyes.

"Shit, ang tagal ng skin care ko tapos iiyak lang ako sa lalaki." I talked to myself and groaned.

Nagtungo ako sa kusina para humanap ng pagkain, I saw ready to eat canned goods kaya ininit ko na lang
iyon at inilagay sa bowl at lumabas sa sala.

The door bell rang, kaagad na kumalabog ang puso ko sa kaba pero nanatili akong seryoso at compose.

I lowered the bowl first on the table before going to the door. Muling tumunog ang door bell.

My heart started beating rapidly, I took a peek in the peep hole and my heart almost fell when I saw
Augustine outside, he's been walking back and forth, muling nag-door bell at umigting pa ang panga.

In the end, I refused opening the door. Hindi ko na binalikan ang phone ko at tahimik na nanuod na lang ng
TV sa halip na mag-isip pa ng kung ano.
Pero hindi rin naman ako nakapag-focus sa panunuod dahil hindi talaga s'ya natatahimik. The door bell
kept on ringing kaya sa huli ay ibinaon ko na lang ang mukha sa unan at hinayaang naka-open ang TV.

Nilakas ko pa ang volume at kinuha ang phone ko para magpatugtog na lang.

Sunod-sunod na text ang dumating at nakita ko ang iba roon.

From: Kumareng Tintin

Ma'am, where are you?

From: Kumareng Tintin

Did you leave? Wala ka na sa itaas.

From: Kumareng Tintin

Baby?

From: Kumareng Tintin

Caspian saw you, bakit hindi mo sinabing aalis ka na?

From: Kumareng Tintin

I'm sorry, I am not a nagger. I am just worried.

From: Kumareng Tintin

Are you there? Can we talk? Baby, please. Did I do something wrong?

A tear escaped, mabilis kong hinawi iyon at pagod na umiling.

Maybe, love isn't for me.

When night time came, doon ko na hindi napigilan ang gutom ko. I may be on diet but still, my stomach is
churning right now. Hindi naging sapat ang unhealthy at kakarampot na ready-to-eat kong tanghalian
kanina.

Nagbihis ako ng simpleng dress at sandals bago sumilip sa peep hole.

I heaved a relaxed sigh, confidently opened my door and froze the moment I stepped outside and saw
Warren sitting beside my door.

I gasped, huli na para bumalik dahil nagtagpo na ang mata naming at nakatayo na s'ya.

"Scira," he called.

I panicked inside but I calmed myself down, wala na akong magagawa dahil nagkakitaan na kami. Instead, I
closed my door quietly as I felt his presence beside me.

"M-ma'am," he called and touched my arm. "do we have a problem?"

Nangilid ang luha ko, I heard the desperation on his voice.

"B-baby," he called.

Slowly, I looked at him. Kaagad kong nakita ang lambot at takot sa mga mata n'ya.

"What?" I asked him coldly, depriving him to see any emotions in my eyes.

Nakita kong nabakas n'ya kaagad ang lamig nito, ang kamay n'ya sa braso kay ay unti-unting bumaba sa
palad ko at naramdaman ko ang pagpisil n'ya rito.

"I-I am worried, I looked for you earlier and didn't find you. I cooked us breakfast but you're nowhere to be
found." He muttered.

I licked my lips and remained quiet.

"I-I'm worried, maiintindihan ko naman kung nagmamadali ka, I can even take you here as fast as I could,
just tell me."

I remained looking at him and noticed how sincere his eyes are, walang bakas ng galit ang boses n'ya sa
pag-alis ko at pulos pag-aalala lang. his hair is disheveled, gusot pa ang shirt na suot at pirmi ang labi.

"Hey, Ma'am. Talk to me." He whispered, staring at my eyes. "Did I do something wrong?"

I gulped and felt the sting on my eyes.

"Baby," he called. "Tell me if I did wrong so I could do it right, please. Tell me, Scira, please?"

The pain in his soft eyes reflected mine, hindi ko alam pero habang nakatitig sa mga mata n'yang sinsero
ay mas lalo akong nasaktan.

My tear fell, he cursed and I immediately felt his finger drying the tears on my cheek.

"Scira..."

"W-why did you lie to me?" I suddenly asked and I saw how he froze while looking at me.

"D-did you..."

"I heard you," I whispered. "bakit, Warren? Why did you lie to me?"

"S-Scira," he cupped my cheek, I saw how pain reflected his eyes, nabakas ko rin ang takot doon. "I-I'm
sorry..."

"Why did you lie to me about yourself, hmm? Y-you know I hate liars, right?" my voice broke, mas nalaglag
ang luha sa mga mata ko.

"Scira,"

"Pinagkatiwalaan kita, eh!" I exclaimed and pushed him, nahulog ang kamay n'ya mula sa aking pisngi kaya
mas tumulo ang luha ko. "I trusted you yet you lied to me!"

"S-Scira, I-I have no choice, baby...I-I only wanted to be close to you." His eyes flickered with pain.
"N-no," I shook my head. "You had the choice to tell me the truth yet, you chose to lie to me."

His eyes fell on the floor, muli s'yang sumulyap sa akin at matapang ko s'yang tinitigan sa kabila ng mga
luha ko.

"I like you so much, Scira." He said sincerely, "tang ina, mahal na ata kita. Hindi ko alam, mababaliw na ata
ako." He pulled his hair frustratedly.

My heart ache, tumungo ako at umiling.

"B-bullshit, Augustine." I muttered.

"I-I love you," he confessed and walked towards me. "N-ngayon lang ako nakaramdam ng ganito, I-I
became desperate and grabbed the chance to be close to you."

I shook my head. "No,"

"L-let me explain, Scira." He said and tried touching my hand, mabilis ko s'ya naitulak at marahas na
umiling.

"H-h'wag ka ng lalapit sa akin." I said hardly.

"P-please," he said in a whisper. "I-I just want to be with you, h-have mercy on me."

"No," I whispered.

To my shock, he lowered his body and my eyes widen when he knelt in ground, his hair fell on his
forehead, nang tumingala s'ya sa akin ay nanlalaki ang mga mata ko.

"W-what are you doing..."

"P-please, g-give me a chance to make this right," he said in a low voice, umawang ang labi ko nang makita
ang kislap sa mga mata n'ya.

"W-Warren..."

"P-parang-awa mo na." he lowered his head.

My tears fell more, narinig ko ang mga yakap at napasinghap nang makitang may daraan.
"T-tumayo ka r'yan," I called Warren but he only shook his head and lowered his head more.

Pinagtinginan kami pero walang nagsalita sa mga dumaan at tahimik na lumagpas but I saw the look on
their eyes, telling me how cruel I am.

When they're gone, nanatiling nakaluhod si Warren doon pero ang puso ko'y tila bato, I wanted to say yes
but my gut tells I couldn't. Natatakot akong muling masaktan.

Like a poor kid, he remained there, unmoving, yet my heart is tough and cold as a stone. Nasasaktan ako
pero mas nangingibabaw ang takot kong muling masaktan.

"L-lies are lies, Augustine." I said weakly, "no matter the reason is, it still hurt me."
I left him there alone, heartless as may it seem but I turned my back on him and walked away.

Scira, you really do have a sick attitude, hmm? A cold-hearted bitch.

Nagtungo ako sa elevator at hinalughog ang pouch ko para sa shades. I wore it and watched the elevator
door closed with the sight of kneeling Warren.

Hiding my swollen eyes, I walked towards the restaurant to eat. Wala masyadong tao roon kaya mabilis
akong naasikaso ng waiter na iginaya ako sa upuan malapit sa bintana.

I settled there, inabutan ako ng menu na kaagad kong binuksan, I lowered my shades a bit to read it.
They're giving me weird stares, probably curious about me wearing shades at night.

Bakit ba? Gusto kong mag-shades, mata n'yo? Mata n'yo?

"Waiter," I called and he came closer.

Sinabi ko ang orders ko at nang magpaalam s'ya ay tahimik akong sumulyap sa bintana malapit sa akin at
dinama ang malamig na hangin na tumatama sa mukha ko.

The sight of me leaving the kneeling man came rushing back, I felt the pain inside my chest.

"Architect! Hello!" my eyes shifted and I gasped when I saw some members of my team approaching.

Akisha, my secretary is with Anna. Nakangisi at kumakaway sa akin.

"O-oh, napadaan kayo?" I smiled.

"Kakain lang, Architect." Anna smiled at me.

"O-oh, sabay na tayo." I said.

"Sige po," naupo sila sa harapan ako at tahimik akong nakinig sa kanilang usapan doon.

"Kumusta, Architect? Saan kayo kaninang off?" Anna called my attention kaya humarap ako sa kanya.

"S-sa kwarto lang," I smiled.

"Oh, boring naman." Biro ni Akisha sa akin.

"It's okay, actually. I stayed in Casa Amara last night, swimming lang." I said and I saw their mouths parted.

"Wow, talaga? Ang daya, hindi nag-aya!" Akisha muttered and I chuckled.

"Well, biglaan lang."

I saw them eyeing my sunglasses but didn't commented and respected me. Nawala lang ang boses ko
nang makita ang papasok sa restaurant.

My mouth parted a bit when I saw Warren entering, kaagad kong nakita ang tingin n'ya sa akin kaya
mabilis akong nag-iwas ng tingin, kumalabog ang puso ko at bumaling sa mga kasamang nagtataka rin.

"Architect, anyway, nag-aya ang iba sa team na mag-bar mamaya? Happy-happy lang, hapon pa naman po
ang simula natin bukas." Ani Akisha kaya sumulyap ako sa kanya.
"N-now?" I asked, slowly glancing at Warren at the side, kinakausap na s'ya ng waiter pero ang mata ay
nasa amin.

Mabuti na lang ay naka-shades ako at hindi n'ya alam ang titig ko.

"Architect? Sinong tinitignan mo?" Anna asked and looked back kaya suminghap ako.

"Sige! Sige!" I exclaimed kaya bumalik ang tingin n'ya sa akin.

"Ganoon ba? Yehey! Sige, Architect, sakto iyang dress mo, pwede na tayo mag-party!" She smiled.

I nodded and licked my lip, sumulyap ako sa gilid at nakitang madami ng tao sa resto, I saw girls eyeing the
quiet Warren on the side. May lumapit pa para kunwaring walang maupuan pero nang umiling ang huli ay
umalis din.

I smirked. Buti nga.

Our foods came and I am eating like I'm attending a marathon. I am super hungry, tahimik ang dalawang
nagke-kwentuhan, excited dahil sa convoy mamaya patungo sa bar na sinasabi nilang malapit lamang dito.

Palihim akong sumusulyap kay Warren na tahimik na kumakain at kinagat ko ang labi ko.

We finished eating and the girls are excited, nauna pa silang naglakad paalis dahil may mga bagong
sasama raw at madami-dami na kami. I straightened my dress, brushed my hair and fixed my sunglasses.

Magkakapit ang braso ni Anna at Akisha at taas noo akong sumunod pero tila nanginig ang tuhod ko nang
mapadaan kami sa pwesto ni Warren.

"Engineer, hello!" Napasinghap pa ako nang mapansin s'ya nila Akisha.

Warren raised his head, I find him darkly handsome while doing that, sinuklay pa n'ya ang buhok n'ya at
tumayo.

"Miss Martinez," he smiled and I frowned.

"Engineer, mag-ba-bar kami mamaya, sama ka!" Anna smiled.

I saw Warren glanced at me kaya nag-iwas ako ng tingin.

"Samama si Architect!" Akisha cheered.

I gasped, "uh, uuna na ako sa labas." I said and turned my back, was about to go out when I heard his
voice.

"Architect," he called and I froze.

Aalis na sana ako at magpapanggap na walang narinig pero tinawag ako ni Anna.

"Architect, tawag ka ni Engineer!" Aniya kaya suminghap ako at unti-unting sumulyap.

"Y-yes?" kunwari ay gulat ko pang tanong.

"Pwede..." Warren looked at me intently and licked his lip. "ba akong sumama?"

I gasped, nakita kong nagulat din ang dalawa sa sinabi nito.

"S'yempre! B-bakit hindi?" I asked and turned my back on him.

Nauna na ako sa dalawa pero rinig ko ang pakikipag-usap nila kay Warren sa likuran. I am confused for his
question yet I couldn't say anything!

Mas nagulat pa ako nang malamang sumama rin ang ilan sa team ni Warren at sina Lucas at ang team ko.

Kaagad na sumulyap sa akin si Lucas, his eyes are cold and I saw his eyes went to Warren back to me.
"Scira," he called me and I looked away and did not answer him.

"Convoy na lang tayo, may mga kotse naman ang team ni Engineer, pasabay kami, ah?" Akisha chuckled.

"Sure," tawanan nila.

Everyone is busy choosing where they would ride, tahimik akong nakatayo roon, biglang nagsisi na sasama
pa sa kanila dahil kasama rin pala ang mga ugok na mga lalaki.

"Si Architect..." Anna said.

"May sasakyan ako, ako na magsasabay—" Lucas said but stopped when Warren spoke.

"Sa akin s'ya," I felt him beside me kaya nilingon ko s'ya at kumunot ang noo ko.

"O-oh," I saw Anna's small, teasing smile.

"W-what?" I frowned at him, inalis ko pa ang shade ko at sumulyap sa kanya.

"No, sa akin sasabay ang girlfriend ko." Lucas said kaya gulat na humarap din ako sa kanya.

"What?" I asked him. "I'm sorry but I broke up with you, Lucas."

Natahimik s'ya, I felt the awkward silence kaya tumikhim ako at umayos ng tayo, sumulyap kay Warren
Augustine na seryoso pero halatang nagtatago ng ngiti.

Aba...

Our eyes met and his smile faded, suminghap ako at umirap, sumulyap kay Lucas na iritado ang tingin kay
Warren.

"Sasabay ako kay Engineer Miranda," I said and walked away.

Luckily for me, apat kami sa kotse, may dalawang kasama si Warren na nakisabay kaya hindi masyadong
awkward. I played games on my phone instead, abala kaka-send din ng text kay Ate Clyte dahil maghapong
cannot be reached ang phone ko.

I saw Warren glancing at me from time to time yet I would just glare and rolled my eyes on him.

Bahala s'ya sa buhay n'ya!

We reached the famous bar here and the girls are already wild and excited. Sa paglabas ko sa sasakyan ay
mabilis na humawak sa braso ko si Warren.

I glanced at him and raised my brow.

"A-aalalayan lang kita," he said.

"I don't need your help," I said and walked away.

Pagpasok pa lang ay kaagad ng pumailanlang ang malakas na tunog mula sa stereo. Smokes are
everywhere, amoy alak na kaagad pagkapasok ko kaya diretso akong naglakad sa loob.

Habang abala ang mga lalaki sa paghahanap ng pwesto, nakatayo lang ako at humalukipkip, may dumaang
waiter sa harapan ko kaya mabilis akong kumuha ng shot glass doon at lumagok.

I saw Warren eyeing me, wala s'yang sinasabi pero tinaasan ko s'ya ng kilay.

"Problema mo?" I asked and he gulped and shook his head.

"Nothing," he answered me.

Nang makahanap ng pwesto ay mas naging wild, nakakuha kaagad sila ng inumin at miski ako na hindi
masyadong nasa wisyong uminom ay napalaban.

Warren is sitting on the seat across mine, seryosong hawak ang baso ng beer at nakatitig sa akin. Muntik
pa nga s'yang makaupo sa tabi ko pero naunahan na s'ya ng mga babae kaya roon na lang naupo. Seryoso
ang tingin n'ya kay Lucas na nasa tabi ko, umiigting ang panga at madilim ang titig.

I'm a bit tipsy after a few shots, I saw one woman from his team beside him. My forehead creased when
the woman whispered something to him, hindi ko marinig ang usapan dahil sa lakas ng tugtog.

Warren glanced at her, mukhang hindi narinig at nakita ko ang hagikhik ng babae at ang muling pagbulong,
nakahawak na sa balikat n'ya kaya suminghap ako at nagmura.

I filled the glass with my drink, inisang tungga ko iyon at naramdaman ang hilo.

"Are you okay?" nagulat ako nang maramdaman ang kamay ni Lucas sa baywang ko.

"Get off me," I said weakly and glanced back to the people in front of me.

Ngumuso ako, kahit nahihilo ay nahuli ko ang pasimpleng hawak ng babae si braso ni Warren habang
bumubulong kaya humaba ang nguso ko sa inis. I saw the woman whispered something and I saw the sly
smile formed on his lips.

This jerk...bakla raw pero lalaking-lalaki ang hayop!

"Let's dance!" I declared and I saw how Warren shifted his gaze at me.

The girls screamed in excitement, nauna na sila pababa sa dancefloor at nakita ko ang seryosong tingin sa
akin ni Warren.

I raised my brow, flipped my hair and followed the girls. Kumuha pa ng dalawang shot sa dumaang waiter
at nilagok iyon.
Sumunod ang mga lalaki, hindi ko na sila nilingon at dumiretso kami sa dancefloor para makipagsayawan.

The DJ's been playing an upbeat remix, sumasabay ang tunog ng kanta sa pagsayaw ng makukulay na ilaw
sa itaas. The smoke were added for the thrill.

Nahihilo na ako but the song's beat made me sway my hips. I suddenly missed my night life in Manila with
my cousins, sumayaw ako kasama ang mga babae na nagkakatuwaan.

I'm drunk, I think, medyo umaalon na kasi ang tao sa dancefloor.

"Woah! Go, Architect!" the girls cheered.

I chuckled yet moved my hips more, someone put his hands on my waist. Lumingon ako at nakitang
Amerikano iyon na kaagad na ngumisi sa akin.

"Hello, beautiful." He said, almost raising his voice so I could hear him.

I smiled, sumulyap ako nang mapansing may nakatingin at halos umirap nang makita si Warren sa itaas,
nakahawak sa barandilya, hawak pa rin ang baso ng alak at madilim na nakamasid.

His eyes are dark, umiigting pa ang panga, hindi na kinakausap ang babaeng kanina pa humaharot.

Huh, ano ka ngayon, Augustine?

"Hello, handsome," sagot ko sa kano at ipinatong ang braso ko sa balikat nito.

He's handsome, he danced with me playfully and nakisama rin ako. I danced but stopped when I felt his
malicious touch on my butt.

Natigilan ako, nawala ang ngiti ko at napaayos ng tayo.

I felt him groped me again from behind, nanlaki ang mata ko roon.

"What the hell are you doing?!" I pushed him.

"What, come on, Missy." He smirked at me and pulled my arm. "How about we mess around later?"

"Fuck you!" I slapped his cheek and he froze, natigil ang iilang nagsasayaw sa komosyon.

"How dare you...you little bitch!" he is in the verge of raising his hand when an attack stopped him,
bumagsak kaagad s'ya sa lapag at sa gulat ko ay nakitang si Augustine ang sumuntok sa kanya.

My eyes widen. Isang suntok ay bulagta na ang lalaki sa lapag at nagkakagulo na ang tao. I met Warren's
eyes, tatlong malalaking hakbang ay mabilis na n'yang kinuha ang kamay ko at hinila ako palayo sa lugar.

I am dizzy, nasalubong pa namin si Lucas na humarang kaagad.

"Where are you bringing her? Ako ang mag-uuwi sa girlfriend—"

"Shut up, fucker. She's mine." Mariing sabi ni Warren at muli akong hinila.

I closed my eyes, hilong-hilo man ay hindi maiwasang maisip ang ginawa 'nung lalaki kanina.
He groped me, he harassed me!

May sinabi s'ya sa mga bouncer bago tinuro ang dancefloor at muli akong hinila.

We reached the parking lot, napasandal ako kaagad sa kotse ni Warren pagkarating namin, sumisinghap
ako at nang magmulat ng mata ay nasalubong ko kaagad ang galit na mga mat ani Warren.

I thought he'd scold me but to my shock, he held my hand and checked my arm.

"What did the asshole did to you?" he asked seriously, checking my arms.

Unknowingly, my tears fell. Suminghap ako para pigilan pero maya-maya pa'y humihikbi na ako.

"F-fuck..." he cursed when he saw me crying. "Why are you crying? Did he hurt you?" he asked eagerly.

Instead, I cried more. Nagmura s'yang muli at mas umigting ang panga.

"Scira, what did the motherfucker did to you?!" galit n'yang turan, muling sumulyap sa braso ko, humawak
sa aking leeg at sumulyap doon.

"T-Tintin..." I gasped and sobbed more.

"Scira!" he called, his eyes are bloodshot, frustrated. "What did he do to you?!"

"H-he groped me, W-Warren..." I sobbed. "h-he touched me."

I saw how rage filled his eyes, mas umigting ang kanyang panga. Akala ko ay susugod pero sa gulat ko ay
mabilis n'ya akong niyakap.

I cried on his shoulder. I felt his caress on my back, mahigpit na kumapit ako sa shirt n'ya at kinalma ang
aking sarili.

"We will file a case, okay?" he whispered calmly pero rinig ko ang diin at galit doon.

"O-okay," I said and bit my lip.

He kissed my hair and helped me calm down.

"I-is it possible? I-I don't have any evidence? N-no one saw he groped me." I whispered.

"It is possible, Ma'am, okay?" he said and slowly cupped my cheek.

It's my first time being harassed like that na nanginginig ang katawan ko sa takot.

"W-will someone believe me?" I asked him, "a-ako lang ang nakakaalam na ganoon."

"I believe you, okay?" he said softly and my tear fell again.

"Y-you do?" I asked in a small voice.

"Yes," he whispered and kissed my forehead. "yes, baby, I believe you. I'll take him to the precinct and call
for a lawyer."
"P-pwede? K-kahit walang ebidensya?" I asked.

"Your statement's enough, baby. We'll file a case, hmm? He can't get away with what he did like that." He
said softly.

I nodded, nanginginig man ay muli ko s'yang niyakap at mariing pumikit.

"T-thank you, Tin..." I whispered.

"Anything for you." He whispered.

Mas humigpit ang hawak ko sa shirt n'ya at suminghap nang may maalala.

"P-please, please call Kuya Alchiel for me..." I requested and I heard him say yes before kissing my head.

Kabanata 13
Tulala lang ako at tahimik sa loob ng kotse. Warren went back to the bar and talked to the owner and the
bouncers, noong bumalik naman siya ay nakita kong may kausap sa telepono.

I am hugging my body, nakapatong sa aking balikat ang jacket ni Warren. The image of that pervert still
lingers in my mind. I am a strong woman, yes, but never in my whole life I was harassed like that, no one
has ever touched me inappropriately kaya nakakagulat.

If it wasn't for Warren, I'm positive I'll stay silent, baka kimkimin ko lang iyon pero nagpapasalamat akong
nariyan siya kahit papaano, may napagsabihan ako.

Now, I understand those people, men or women who can't reach out when they're harassed, kasi
natatakot sila, natatakot na hindi paniwalaan, natatakot na sila pa ang sisihin sa kabastusan ng mga taong
kagaya kanina.

People nowadays tends to blame the victim, kesyo sa suot daw ng biktima, whatsoever. Mga taong bugok
at bobo ang mayroong ganoong mindset.

It was never the cloth's fault they were perverts. In terms naman sa isusuot ng kahit sino, s'yempre, you
still have to be responsible and wear clothes appropriately for every occasion. Hindi naman p'wedeng
mag-bikini kapag binyag, 'di ba?

My Mom taught me, it's okay to wear the clothes I feel like wearing, I should just be responsible for it and
take care of myself.

Nahihilo na ako dahil sa nainom, my head's quite spinning and I felt like my stomach's churning.

The car door opened, kaagad akong napasulyap sa aking tabi at napasinghap nang makita si Warren.

I watched him as he made his way inside the car, nagsalubong ang mga mata namin at nakita ko ang
paglahad niya sa akin ng telepono.

"Attorney," he said and I immediately took the phone and placed it on my ear.

"K-kuya?" I called.
"Scira!" he immediately called my name, panicking. "How are you? Sinong kasama mo r'yan, did that
asshole hurt you?"

"I'm fine po, I think." I said softly. "I was just shocked and scared, h-he touched me inappropriately."
"Damn it," he cursed. "Did you slap him?"

"I did,"

"Good girl," he sighed. "Who helped you? 'Yong tumawag sa akin, si Warren...you know him, right? Do you
trust that guy?"

Napasulyap ako kay Warren na nakasandal sa upuan, mariing nakapikit ang mata at kunot ang noo. I saw
his jaw clenching, his hand in a tight fist while resting it in the steering wheel.

My heart soften, I nodded and bit my lip.

"Opo, Kuya. I trust him."

"Ayos ka lang d'yan?"

"Opo." Sagot ko. "Nagkataon lang na nagkayayaan sa bar, then, I danced and..."

"Damn it," he cursed again. "I'll be there first thing in the morning, hmm?"

"O-opo, Salamat, Kuya." I said softly.

"I'll tell Tita Zid—"

"No!" I exclaimed, napamulat si Warren at sumulyap sa akin kaya kinagat ko ang labi at suminghap,
sumandal sa upuan at tumungo.

"Scira..." he warned.

"P-please, Kuya." I said softly. "Ayokong nag-aalala sila. They let me go alone here kasi they believed I can
handle myself, kung malalaman nila ito, I am sure na mag-aalala sila."

"But Scira," he sighed.

"Please, Kuya. Kahit si Kuya Deion, please, don't tell him." I said. "Mag-aalala sila, please?"

I heard his deep breathes, mukhang nagdadalawang-isip kaya nagsalita ako.

"T-then, uhm, let's tell Ate Clyte?" I said. "S-sabihin mo kay Ate, Kuya, please? Tapos isama mo siya bukas."

Hindi kaagad siya sumagot. "Mag-aalala rin ang Ate mo, we could just tell to your family."

"I know pero at least, may nakakaalam na isa sa kanila? I want Ate Clyte to know, Kuya. Isama mo siya,
please. Gusto ko siyang makita."

"Alright," he said and I sighed.

Tahimik kong ibinaba ang phone matapos bago sumulyap kay Warren na nakatitig lang sa kamao niyang
nakapatong sa manibela. When he noticed me looking, I saw him shifted his gaze at me.
"Do you wanna go home?" he asked in a soft voice and I nodded.

He glanced at me, dumukwang siya at nagtaka pa ako roon noong una pero nang matantong inayos niya
lang ang jacket sa balikat ko ay kumalma ako. Calmly, I rested my back on the seat, hinila niya ang seatbelt
at marahang inayos.

I smelled his scent, napapikit ako dahil sa pagkawala kahit papaano ng takot sa puso ko. I bit my lip and
opened my eyes when I felt his finger on my cheek.

I met his black eyes, he pursed his lips when he saw me, slowly put my hair behind my ear and spoke.

"He's out now but he'll be there tomorrow with his lawyer."
"Pupunta ba siya?" I asked, "p-paano kung hindi siya sumipot—"

"I checked his name, cards and everything. If he won't come, I'll deal with him." Aniya at tahimik akong
tumango at ngumiti.

"Salamat," I whispered.

The cold, soft song played in the stereo while we're on our way back to the building, pinilit ko pa si Warren
na dumaan sa convenient store para bilhan ako ng isang can ng beer. I needed to get things off my mind so
he let me, kahit ayaw pa niya noong una. Pigil pa ang antok ko dahil nakakahiya pero hindi ko na ata
napigilan habang nasa kalagitnaan at basta na lang nakatulog.

Naalimpungatan lang ako nang maramdaman ang pag-angat ko sa ere. I wanted to speak yet I am so dizzy,
parang ngayon lang kinain ng kalasingan.

I rested my head on Warren's chest, sniffing his scent.

"Uhm, Engineer, hello! Bar hopping?" I heard a faint soft voice somewhere, hindi ko naman maimulat ang
mata dahil sa bigat ng ulo.

"Yeah," I heard his voice.

"Oh, I see," the feminine voice giggled. "Mukhang lasing na lasing ang kaibigan mo."

"Well, yeah—" before he could say anything, mabilis na yumakap ako sa batok niya at napansin ko ang
gulat niya.

Slowly, I lifted my head and whispered with my closed eyes, "we're not friends..."

He cleared his throat, humagikhik ako at muling ibinaon ang mukha sa dibdib niya.

"U-uh, acquittance, Engineer?" I heard the voice again and I groaned, nanliliit ang mga mata at hilo man ay
nagmulat ako ng mata,
Nasalubong ko ang mata ni Warren na nagulat din sa pagmulat ko, ngumuso ako, bumaling sa kausap niya
at napairap ako nang makita.

It's Macey, the bitchy.

The woman looks shocked seeing me, suminghap pa siya roon at pasimpleng umirap pa sa akin.
"Ibaba mo ako," I said groggily.
"Scira,"

"Isa," I muttered, pushing his chest a bit and he sighed. Umiling pa siya muli, inayos ako sa bisig niya kaya
sumimangot ako.

"Ibaba moa ko o i-s-slap kita?" I threatened.

Macey gasped again, Warren cursed and glanced at me and when he saw me glaring, got no other choice
but to put me down.

Pagsayad pa lang ng paa ko sa elevator ay umikot na ang paningin ko, my knees wobbled. Naipikit ko ang
mata at muntik nang mabuwal pero mabilis akong nasalo ni Warren.

"Ma'am," he called and touched my waist.

"She's drunk and wasted," Macey commented, nag-angat ako ng tingin, malabo at halos dalawa na siya sa
paningin ko roon pero ngumisi ako.

"S-so?" I asked.

"You stink!" she exclaimed and I gasped, umayos ako ng tayo at humarap sa kanya.

"Hexcuse meh?" I asked.

"I said you are drunk. You are losing your poise, girl. Ang yabang mo pero ganyan ka kabalahura kapag
lasing." She hissed and my eyes widen.

"Aba..."

"Ma'am," Warren pulled my waist back but the annoying woman is smirking.

"Nakakahiya naman kay Engineer na siya pa ang aasikaso sa'yo—"

"Miss Perez, enough." Warren's hard voice muttered, pulling me back on his body.

I almost tripped but he caught my waist and pulled me more, "come on, baby."

"Hindi!" I exclaimed, glancing back at the woman smirking at me.

Ang yabang-yabang, akala mo kagandahan!

"Stop being a baby, Miss. Nakakahiya naman kay Engineer Miranda, respetadong tao tapos mag-aalaga
lang sa'yo—"

"Miss Perez, stop meddling with my business." Warren said coldly and I saw how startled the woman is.

"Engineer, I was just concerned because that woman—"

"You don't have the right to tell me what do I do, if I wanted to take care of her then you can't do anything.
This is my life, Miss. I hope you understand it." He said and I smirked when I saw how the woman's eyes
widen.
She glared at me sideways, looking so irritated and I spoke.

"Alam mo, Miss, respetado kang tao pero may lumot 'yang bibig mo." Balik ko sa kanya at nakita ko ang
pag-awang ng labi niya sa gulat.

"Scira!" Warren called me, pulling me on his chest and I just chuckled coldly and pushed him.

Tumunog ang elevator, hudyat na naabot na namin ang palapag.

"Come here," Warren touched my arm but I pushed it.

Kampante akong naglakad patungo sa labas ng elevator kahit nahihilo at sumusuray pa ang lakad.

"Scira," he called again.

"Shh!" I exclaimed, opened my eyes widely and saw the hallway moving.

"O-oh, 3D na rito? G-gumagalaw, ah?" I asked, muntik pang mabungo sa pader but Warren is too quick to
cover my forehead with palm to stop me from bumping my head.

I giggled, "Sorry." I whispered.

"Baby, come on." He called.

"B-baby mo lelang mo," I hissed, moved a bit, pushed him away before walking to the waving hallway.
Nagiging apat na ang mga pintuang nakikita ko, my knees felt like shaking and when I accidentally stepped
on the thick carpet, halos masubsob ako sa lapag.

"Scira, shit!" I heard his voice.

I groaned, sumakit ang tuhod ko sa biglaang pagtama ng tuhod sa lapag.

"Aww," I whined.

"Shit, I told you...come on." He muttered, hindi na ako nagreklamo nang mabilis niya akong binuhat at
iniangat sa ere.

I yawned, magkasamang antok at kalasingan na ang namutawi at napapikit na lang ako.

I felt him walking while carrying me, I can feel my stomach churning. Kanina ay ayos naman ako sa kotse
pero noong nakatulog ay nahilo na at sumasakit ang ulo.

I'm never this wasted before!

I pulled Warren's shirt, hinayaan niya lang ako habang kumakapit ako sa kanya.

Habang tahimik kong dinaramdam ang init ng katawan niya, napansin kong nakatigil lang kami kaya unti-
unti akong nagmulat.

"Keycard, baby." He said, looking down at me.

"Hmm, keycard." I murmured, mas kumapit pa.

"Come on, Ma'am. I have to take you in so you could rest." Marahang sabi niya at tumango lang ako. "So,
where's the keycard?"

I opened my eyes again, "hmm?"

"The keycard, so I could take you inside."

"Ah," I nodded.

I saw his amused smile, his black eyes glistened. Bumagsak ang kanyang buhok sa noo at sumulyap muli sa
akin.

"You're adorable, are you that drunk? You're fine earlier." He asked.

"Ayos ako, ah!" my eyes flickered and glared at him. "I'm not drunk!"

"Oh, of course not." He chuckled. "So, where's the keycard?"

I glanced at him, nakita kong seryoso siyang nag-aantay ng sagot kaya sinagot ko siya.

"Sa puso mo," I said.

His mouth parted, humagikhik ako at muling ibinaon ang mukha sa dibdib niya.

"Scira," I heard his amused voice and my lips protruded.

"Seven," I whispered.

"Hmm?" he asked and I looked at him again. "One, seven, fifteen..."

"What?" he asked, confused.

"Those are letters, hulaan mo..." I whispered.

He sighed, "alright, what is it again?"

"Seven, one, seven, fifteen!" I said again and he stayed silent for a while.

"Seven is G," he muttered and I smirked, pulled his shirt more.

"Hmm," I hummed.

"G-A-G-O," he muttered then stopped, I felt his body tensing.

"Scira," I heard his hard voice and I laughed, nag-angat ako ng tingin sa kanya at ngumisi.

"Oh, galing naman, nalaman mo!" I raised my hand happily.

He shook his head, licked his lip and spoke. "Keycard, Ma'am?"

"Gago ka," I said and sighed slowly, "k-kasi I trusted you but you lied to me."

"I-I'm sorry," I heard his soft voice. "I-I just wanted to get close to you."
"A-asshole," I said softly.

He fixed me on his arms, antok naman akong pumikit at suminghap.

Nakatulog nanaman ata ako at ang sunod ko nang nakita ay nasa loob na ako ng kwarto, I frowned, umikot
ako pero natigilan nang mapansing iba ang pabango.

I sat on the bed but my head throbbed, I gasped and massaged my temple. I felt sticky, umiikot ang
sikmura ko kaya halos gumapang na ako pababa ng kama.

I found the bathroom's door, mabilis kong pinihit iyon at dinig ko ang lagaslas ng tubig bago ko tinakbo ang
distansya sa inidoro.

I almost knelt on the ground, puking my lungs out. Mas sumakit ang ulo ko at halos yumakap na sa inidoro
para lang mailabas ang kung ano sa sikmura ko.

"Scira," I almost jumped when I heard a voice, may umangat ng buhok ko sa aking leeg at mula sa
repleksyon ay nakita ko kung sino iyon.

Masakit ang lalamunan ko, nanghihinang sumalampak ako roon hanggang sa naramdaman ko ang pag-
angat ko sa ere.

I raised my head, only to see Warren with his still wet and disheveled hair. Ramdam ko ang lamig ng
katawan niya at doon ko natantong bagong paligo lang siya.

My lips protruded, medyo mas umayos na ang pakiramdam. He let me sit on the sink, mabilis akong
naghilamos at nagmumog habang inaayos ni Warren ang buhok ko.

I saw him took a hair tie somewhere, I watched him tie my hair up.

"K-kaya ko," I muttered and he looked at me in the mirror.

That's when I realized he's still wearing a white towel wrapped on his waist, he's naked at the top. I saw
how his muscles ripped on his arms, mas ngumuso ako at napailing.

"Come here," hindi na ako nag-inarte nang alalayan niya ako, he lifted me up on the sink again.
Napasandal ako sa may salamin at nakita ang seryoso niyang mata habang hinahawi ang mga buhok sa
pisngi ko.

"Wait here," he said and left the bathroom.

Did I enter the bathroom with him taking a bath? Mabilis akong nagmulat at sumulyap sa shower glass na
naroon at nagulat pa nang makita ang basa roon at moist mula sa salamin.

Oh...shit?

I closed my eyes again, my head is still throbbing. Narinig ko ang pagbukas ng bathroom at nang magmulat
ay nakitang naka-shirt na na kulay gray si Warren at kulay itim na boxers.

"I'll clean your face," he suddenly said.

"Where am I?"
"My room," he said and my forehead creased.

"Why? My room's just beside yours. I am not—"

"You won't give me your keycard and you're sleepy, I got no choice." He said and I sighed, nagmulat ako at
nakitang may hawak siyang tuwalya. "Let me clean your face,"

"Ayaw..." I said.

"Your make-up's smudging, Ma'am." He said and my eyes widen a bit, sumulyap ako sa salamin at
napamura sa isipan nang makitang lusaw na ang make-up ko, my eyeliner's gone too, medyo kumalat pa
sa mata ko.

"M-my skincare." I muttered.

"I'll do it, where are your products?" aniya.

"B-but it's meticulous, matagal din—"

"It's alright, just teach me how to do it." Seryosong sabi niya kaya kumalabog ang dibdib ko, I bit my lip and
asked him.

"R-really? You'll do it?"

"Yes," his lips lifted for a smile.

"My room, some are inside the bathroom tapos sa vanity." I said, "my keycard's inside my pouch."

"Alright, drink this first to ease your headache," he said, handling me the pain reliever na mabilis kong
inabot at kinuha.

He left after that, muli kong ipinikit ang mata ko para ikalma ang sarili. Masaya talaga mag-party at
uminom but I really hate the aftermath, I hate the hang-over. Lalo na ang pakiramdam na gusto mo na
lang i-umpog ang ulo mo sa pader sa sakit.

I heard the door opened, nakita ko si Warren na may bitbit na mga bote kaya umangat ang labi ko. May
nakasabit na pouch pa sa balikat niya. He looked so confuse when our eyes met kaya ngumisi ako.

"That's a lot," I commented.

"I...I don't know what to choose so I took it all?" he said.

Natawa ako, ibinaba niya ang mga bote sa may sink at bumaling sa akin.

"So..." he glanced at me, "how do I start?"

"I bet you have an idea how to do that," I said and he looks stunned. "oh, you don't? Hindi ka nag-search
paano gawin 'yan?"

"Well, I did." He put his hand on his nape, napailing ako nang mamula ang mukha niya sa titig ko. "I just
don't know how to do it exactly, I mean, I researched para kung gusto mong mag-usap sa skin care routine,
a-alam ko isasagot ko."
I bursted out laughing, his face flushed more. He licked his lower lip and cleared his throat.

"I-I mean, you're my Kumare and there are time we'll be talking about—"

"For a liar, ma-effort ka." I said and I saw him gulped, his adams apple moved harshly and I shook my head.

"Brush my teeth first," I said and he nodded.

Akala ko ay hindi niya ako susundin kaya tumaas and sulok ng labi ko nang kumuha siya ng bagong
toothbrush at binanlawan.

Umayos ako ng upo sa sink, iginalaw ko ang paa ko habang nag-aantay sa kanya at halos nang
magsalubong ang mukha naming ay pumilantik ang puso ko.

He lied to you, Scira. Never forget that.

"Open your mouth," he muttered and I did.

He brushed my teeth while I remained staring at him, kita ko ang pagkunot ng noo niya, ang pagkaseryoso
habang ginagawa iyon at habang nakatitig sa kanya ay may kung ano sa puso ko.

"Mumog ka," he offered me the glass of water and I immediately took it para magmumog. Tahimik niyang
ipinagpatuloy ang pagsepilyo sa akin at nang matapos ay kumuha siya ng twalya at mabilis na pinunasan
ang bibig ko.

Our eyes met, my heart throbbed when his black eyes stared at me.

I'm fucked, damn it. I like him too, so much...that it hurt me so much.

"You should wash your face first with warm water," aniya at mabilis akong nag-iwas ng tingin at tumango.

I went on the sink, washed my face with the clean, warm water. After that, muling humawak sa braso ko si
Warren at tinulungan ako pabalik sa sink para maupo.

Like a small kid, I waited for his next move. He's towering me, nanliliit ang mata niya kakabasa sa mga bote
roon kaya pinagmasdan ko siya ng tahimik.

"You should use—"

"Toner!" he exclaimed and raised the bottle, nagkatinginan kami kaya natawa ako at napailing.

"Yeah, right." I nodded.

He took a small, clean cotton and tilted my chin, namungay ang mata ko habang seryoso siya sa ginagawa.

"Gaan pala ng kamay mo," I said.

"Not really, I just...I like your skin, saan ang derma mo?" Biglang lumambot ang boses niya.

"Isa, Augustine!" his eyes widen when I scolded him, gulat siyang sumulyap kaya umirap ako.

"W-what?"
"'Yong totoo, nagpapanggap ka lang ba talagang bakla o natuluyan ka na?" I hissed and he blinked at me
and cleared his throat.

"I'm a man," he said and I frowned at him, rolling my eyes.

"Next na!" I exclaimed.

He panicked, mabilis na kumalkal sa next step ng skin care routine ko. I let him choose what he thought
needed.

He showed me a small bottle, tumango naman ako at hinayaan siya.

I closed my eyes when he took care of my face, naramdaman ko ang lamig ng serum sa mukha ko at ang
marahang paghaplos niya roon ng daliri niya, marahang nagmamasahe.

My eyes are closed yet I can feel his intense stares. Mukhang titig na titig habang nakapikit ako kaya
nagsalita ako.

"Pinapag-skincare lang kita kasi tamad akong mag-ganyan pero hindi kita bati," I said softly.

I heard his sigh, my lips protruded while waiting for his answer.

"I know, I just...please give me a chance to prove myself."

"You had your chance but you wasted it, Augustine." I opened my eyes and stared at him. "You know how
much I hate liars but you still chose to be one of them."

"I'm sorry," he muttered. "you caught me off guard when I'm fooling over Warrion, I-I was just joking but
then...you saw it and assumed I am gay—"

"Sinisisi mo ba ako?!" I hissed.

"No!" his eyes widen. "No, I am not. I'm sorry, I should have told you the truth."

"Sino ba naman kasing magbibiro ng ganoon?" I glared at him, "may pa-walling ka pa, Tintin!"

He gulped, licked his lip and tilted his head.

"I-I'm sorry, that's just how we joked around—"

"Augustine sa umaga, Cristine sa gabi pang nalalaman..." I shook my head. "best actress ka, ano?"

He shyly looked away, took my eye cream and opened it.

"Crush kita, eh." He said and my heart flinched.

Natigilan ako, nakita ko ang pagtago niya ng ngiti sa reaksyon ko.

"A-aba, sa tingin mo crush kita?" I raised my brow and placed my arms on my chest.

"Yes," he said confidently and my mouth parted.

"Excuse me, Miranda?" I hissed.

"You said you're turning into a lesbian like me." He said.

Nang makitang gulantang ako ay tumaas ang sulok ng labi niya.

"Aba't—"

"See?" he grinned at me.

"Augustine!" I hissed.

"Yes, my Architect?" he teased and my cheeks flushed.

I kicked his feet, mabilis siyang nakaiwas, natatawang inilahad sa akin ang eye cream.

"Let me put this cream on your face, Mars." Maharot niyang sabi kaya sinamaan ko siya ng tingin.

"Augustine!" I hissed.

"Yes, baby?" he smirked when he saw me glaring.

"I hate you!" I hissed.

"You adorable baby," he pinched my cheek.

"Hmp!" Inangat ko ang kamay, aambang susuntukin siya pero mabilis niyang hinuli iyon at inilagay sa
balikat niya.

He was too quick to put the cream on the sink, towering me before cornering me on the side.

"W-what are you doing..."

"I am sorry but if I have to be a gay again just to get close to you...I will."

I gulped harshly, I can feel the warmth of his body as he cornered me. His hand is on the side of my head,
ang kamay ko sa kanyang balikat ay marahang tumutulak palayo sa kanya pero hindi siya natitinag.

"L-let me go,"

"I won't, never." He said, staring at me. "If I have to beg you over and over again to get your attention, I
will. Ask me to kneel and I will."

"Weh?" I frowned at him.

"Try me,"

"Hmm, sige nga." I raised my brow. "Lumuhod ka, aking alipin."

He licked his lip, moved away and in the verge of kneeling when I gasped, hinila ko siya patayo kaya
napaayos siya.

"J-joke lang!" I exclaimed and he just stared at me.

"I'll do anything, just tell me..." he said while looking at me.

We stared at each other for a while, ramdam ko ang takot sa puso ko, takot na masaktan muli sa
kasinungalingan niya.

Big or small, lies are lies.

"Prove it to me, then." I said seriously and I saw how a smile rose from his lips.

"Y-yes, of course. Yes." He nodded.

"S'werte mo, mga ex ko, ekis kaagad. Mess this up and I'll..." I showed him my fist, threatening him but
instead, he grinned, nagulat ako nang mabilis niyang sapuin ang pisngi ko at pinaulanan ng halik ang
mukha ko.

"M-my face! Augustine, ang skin care ko!" I growled angrily.

"I love you!" he kissed my cheek. "I won't mess this up, I promise." Pinaulanan niya ng halik ang pisngi pati
ang ilong ko kaya napairap ako sa hangin.

"You jerk, lalaki ka pa lang, bitch ka." I hissed.

He chuckled and kissed my forehead.

"Sister to brother real quick, na-scam ako, punyeta." Reklamo ko. "Akalain mo 'yon, Architect Valderama,
na-scam."

"I'm sorry, I'll make it up to you," he grinned.

Ngumuso ako at nangunot ang noo, umirap sa hangin bago sinipa ang paa niya.

"Kakasuhan din kita," I said and he froze.

"H-huh?"

"Baka pwede ang fraud." I said and shook my head in disappointment.

"Damn you, Augustine. Pinahawak pa kita sa pwet ko, you asshole!" galit kong sigaw at napahagalpak siya
ng tawa.

Kabanata 14

I woke up early, hilong-hilo ako kaagad pag-gising at mabilis na tumingin sa paligid ko.

My forehead creased when I remembered what happened last night...kung bakit ako nandito at kung
anong nangyari.

I gasped when I realized I am not in my room, kaagad na lumingon sa sofa at nakita na wala na roon ang
scammer na Augustine.

I sighed.
Kita ko ang nagkalat na unan at kumot n'ya roon.

Napahilot ako sa sentido nang maramdamang kumikirot iyon. I like drinking but I loathe the hang over so
much!

Pagkatapos talaga ng saya ay palaging may pasakit. Hindi ba pwedeng masaya lang?

My eyes found the side table and I saw a glass of water and a medicine for my hang over. Kaagad ko iyong
ininom at mabilis na bumaba sa kama.

Kaagad na nahulog ang malaking damit na suot ko, bumaba ang tingin ko sa suot at nakitang ang malaking
sweater jacket iyon ni Warren.

It reached my leg, halos hindi na rin makita ang kamay ko sa suot kaya napailing ako at dumiretso sa sofa
kung saan siya natulog.

Tinupi ko ang kumot niya bago ko inayos ang unan at bumaba.

I smelled the delicious breakfast kahit nasa hagdanan pa lang ako. Humawak ako habang pababa at inilibot
ang tingin ko.

This looks identical to the room where I am staying, mas maaliwalas nga lang ang dating dito sa kanya
dahil kombinasyon ng neutral colors ang istraktura.

Nagtungo ako sa kusina at naabutan siyang nagluluto roon. Halos mapamura at mapatakbo naman akong
paalis nang makita ang ayos niya.

He's wearing nothing but this faded maong jeans, basa ang buhok at kitang-kita ko ang hubog ng muscle
sa kanyang braso at likuran. I saw his Calvin Klein briefs saying hi to me and I almost hyperventilated.

I cleared my throat, nakita kong natigilan siya sa ginagawa sa may kalan at mabilis akong nilingon.

"Morning," gulat man ay sumilay ang ngisi sa labi niya.

I saw his black eyes shine, nasa noo pa ang iilang hibla ng buhok niya at nakaangat ang sulok ng labi para
sa ngisi.

Umirap ako sa hangin at nagmartsa sa stool.

"Hang over?" he asked me.

"Hmm," I hummed, putting my arms on the counter bago marahang umub-ob doon.

"I left you some meds upstairs, pwede mong inumin para mawala 'yong sakit ng ulo mo." I felt him lifting
my hair from the back.

"Matagal ka pa ba magluluto? Gutom na ako." I whined.

"I'm almost done, come here." Naramdaman ko ang marahang hawak niya sa braso ko kaya mabilis akong
umahon.

I felt his chest on my back, tumingala ako at nakita ko ang pagtungo niya.
My heart pounded and it actually flinched painfully when our eyes met.

I gulped, I saw how lowered his head, giving me a soft kiss on the forehead and touched my shoulder.

"B-bakit ka nanghahalik?!" I hissed angrily, mabilis na pumalag at nag-iinit ang pisnging ngumuso at
umayos ng tayo.

"You're adorable, Ma'am." He chuckled, naramdaman ko ang pagsuklay niya ng buhok ko sa ere at itinali
iyon sa ponytail.

Nanatili akong tahimik, kumakalabog ang puso. I bit my lip to supress what I am feeling and sighed.

"Gutom na ako." Reklamo kong iritado para hindi niya mapansin ang reaksyon ko.

"Alright, I think it's ready." He said and left me.

Tahimik akong nakaupo habang pinagmamasdan siyang maghain ng pagkain.

Our eyet met while he's in the process of fixing the utensils and he winked.

My mouth parted dramatically, ngumisi siya pagkaraan.

"How dare you...akala mo gwapo ka?" I hissed.

Instead, his lip lifted for a smirk.

"I am, Ma'am." He said confidently, taking his shirt from the stool and wore it in front of me.

I rolled my eyes at him, natatawang naupo siya sa harapan ko at nakangusong sumulyap ako sa pagkain sa
lamesa.

I gulped miserably when I saw it is the typical breakfast yet ang sarap-sarap sa paningin ko. Yellow rice
with green peas and carrots, may hotdogs at fried eggs din.

Goodbye, diet.

I bit my lip, immediately watched Warren putting foods on my empty plate. Naglagay din siya ng fresh
lemon juice sa baso ko bago inilahad sa akin ang pagkain.

"You can eat, Ma'am." He smiled charmingly.

"Baka may lason 'yan, ah?" I raised my brow.

"Hmm, nah, why would I harm my baby?" He tapped my chin kaya sumimangot ako at mabilis na pinalo
ang kamay niya.

"Baby mo lelang mo," irap ko sa hangin.

"Masarap 'yan, Ma'am. Kasing sarap ko." He smiled.

My heart pounded. Nagulat at kinilig ako roon pero umirap na lang ako at umiling.
Dalagang marangal ako. Period.

Natapos ang breakfast na puro irap na ata ang ginagawa kay Augustine, nangingiti naman siya sa bawat
pag-irap ko at tahimik akong titigan.

Bibisitahin muna namin ang site bago pupunta sa presinto para sa kaso kagabi.

Magulo pa ang buhok at suot pa ang sweater niya, lumabas ako sa loob ng kwarto at kaagad na nakita si
Lucas na napasulyap sa pwesto ko.

He's standing in front of my room, nabakas ang gulat sa mata niya nang makita ako.

"Scira!" he called and walked abruptly.

Napatigil siya sa paglalakad nang makita ang suot kong sweater. Warren followed me, hawak ang bag at
ang damit ko kagabi.

"What..." Lucas muttered upon seeing me.

"Move away, Lucas." I said.

Hindi siya gumalaw, nakita ko ang tagong ngisi ni Warren habang naroon sa tabi ko kaya napairap ako sa
hangin.

I walked towards my room but stopped when I heard Lucas spoke.

"Ano, ayaw mo sa bastos sa bar pero nagpapabastos ka rito?" I stopped, kaagad na nilingon si Lucas at
nakita siyang nanggigilaiti sa galit.

"Pardon?" narinig man ay gusto ko siyang pakinggan ulit. Nararamdaman ko ang nag-ngingitngit na galit sa
dibdib.

Lucas licked his lip, tahimik na nakatayo sa tabi ko si Warren, seryoso na at nakatiim ang bagang.

Lucas scoffed and glanced at me shamelessly.

"Galit na galit ka pangbabastos sa'yo sa bar pero magsusuot ka ng ganyan dito? Mapili ka sa babastos
sa'yo, ah? Para kang mahinhin sa iba pero may tinatago ka pala." He spatted.

My breathe labored. Gusto kong magwala sa narinig ko sa kanya pero pilit akong kumalma.

"Can you hear yourself, Lucas?" I raised my brow.

"Yes," he spatted. "you act like a noble princess when in fact, you are nothing but a whore. Nagrereklamo
ka sa paghipo sa'yo, eh, dapat lang naman. Look at you! You looked like a fucking prostitute! Going out
dressed like that from a man's room! Hindi mo naman boyfriend iyan! Eh, noong tayo noon ni hindi
manlang kita na--"

"Tang ina mo," my eyes landed beside me and my heart poundex with I saw Warren's enraged face. He's
about to throw a fit, kita ko ang pagkuyom ng kamay niya.

"Sir," I called.
"You don't have a right to call my woman names in front of me." Miski ako kinilabutan doon sa sinabi niya.

"Your woman?" he laughed. "Excuse me, Engineer whatever-your-name-could-be, that woman is a

Sandejas. Sino ka ba, huh? You are just an Engineer who came from some cheap firm--"

"No," mabilis kong pinigilan ang braso ni Warren nang akmang aamba siya ng suntok.

"Scira..." he called impatiently, his eyes filled with fury.

"Let me handle this," I said calmly.

"But--" I placed a quick kiss on his lips and I saw how he blinked in confusion.

"What the hell," I heard Lucas hissed. "Valderama!"

"H'wag kang papatol sa asong tahol ng tahol," I said and I saw how he licked his lip and nodded, looking
down on my parted lips.

"O-okay," he answered me.

"Good boy." I tapped his chin then glanced at Lucas who's now fuming mad.

Umangat ang sulok ng labi ko, naglakad palapit sa kanya at nakita ko ang galit niya.

"Scira, are you seriously taking that asshole's side—"

"I'm taking no one's side, Lucas. I am taking mine." I said.

"Really, huh? Eh, bakit ka kumakampi sa gagong 'yan—"

"Saan ang gago?" I asked, looking around.

"That man—"

I cut him off my looking at him and smirked, "oh, here's the gago." I said, staring at him.

I saw how his mouth parted. "How dare you—"

"No, how dare you, Lucas." I stared at him coldly.

"I'm a Sandejas, yes. That man," tinuro ko si Warren na nakatitig lang sa akin. "He's a Miranda. He didn't
come from the cheap firm like you are claiming."

"I don't care, like I am saying, he doesn't deserve you!" he growled. "Wake up, Scira! Nandito ako, oh. I am
more deserving than that prick!"

"No one's deserving of me but me." I told him.

"What? Of course, I am deserving of you! I am nothing but a perfect boyfriend for you! I can give you
everything, Scira! My family is a big help to you!"

"Nah," I smirked. "You're just Lucas, the stupid and selfish ex."
"How dare you!" halos mamula na ang mukha niya sa galit sa sinabi ko. "Akala mo perfect ka? No! You are
a pathetic bitch—"

I hid my hand on my back.

"Yes, I know." My lips pursed. "What a sick attitude, may tinatago ako, 'di ba? Here, I'll let you see." Itinaas
ko ang kamay ko at mabilis siyang sinampal sa mukha.

Gulat siyang napahawak sa kanyang pisngi, tumaas ang sulok ng labi ko bago tumalikod pero natigilan
nang may naalala.

Mabilis ko siyang hinarap at nagsalita. "And oh, I'm a Valderama too." I said and raised my brow. "So never
underestimate what my family could do."

Nagmartsa ako paalis, nakataas ang noo at diretso ang lakad. I saw Warren waiting for me and I rolled my
eyes at him.

He licked his lip, immediately took my hand and I shook my head.

"That's my girl," he muttered proudly.

Hindi ko siya pinansin, binuksan ko ang kwarto ko at sa pintuan pa lang ay kinuha ko na ang mga gamit
kong hawak niya.

"I'll bring this—"

"Balik," I said and he froze.

"What?"

"Bumalik ka sa kwarto mo, maliligo na ako." I said.

"Ihahatid kita sa loob—"

"No, layas." I hissed.

"But baby—"

"Isa ka pa," umirap ako at mabilis na isinarado ang pintuan sa mukha niya.

We visited the site first before going to the precinct. Naroon na si Kuya Chiel at Ate Clyte pagkarating kaya
mabilis naming naayos ang kaso.

No matter how much that man blamed me for dancing with him flirtingly with my short dress, what he did
is not justifiable. He can't just harass someone because of what she wears.

They're just natural perverts, maninisi ng iba sa kasalanan nila.

My Ate Clyte glanced at me with tears eyes after we settled and pushed through the case, seryosong
nakikipag-usap si Kuya Chiel sa abogado ng kabilang panig at si Warren naman ay nakikipag-usap sa pulis.

"My baby sister," she said softly, touching me.

Suminghap ako at niyakap ang Ate ko.

"Ate..." I called.

"Are you alright, Scira, hmm?" she touched my hair. "Bukod sa hawak sa'yo, may ginawa pa bang iba?"

"No, Ate. I'm fine." Bulong ko.

Halos magkasing-tangkad na kami ng Ate but I still feel like a little girl whenever she's with me. I'm an adult
yet I felt like a kid kapag inaalagan ako ni Ate at ni Kuya Deion.

She hugged me, tahimik kaming nag-usap at kumustahan habang nakaupo roon.

"How's Mom and Dad, Ate?" I asked.

She fixed my hair. I felt her braiding my hair kaya umayos ako ng upo.

"They're fine, ayon, nasa opisina si Mommy habang wala ka and Dad, he's in the office. Won't we really tell
them?" she asked.

"No, Ate, please. Ayaw ko silang mag-alala sa akin." I said and she hummed.

"Alright, basta if you have a problem, do not hesitate to tell Ate, okay? I'll always be here for you."

"Alright, Ate. Thank you." I said softly. "How's Queen?"

"Well, Queen Scira's doing great, makulit pa rin. Nakakatuwa nga ang kung wala ang Mommy at Daddy ay
ako ang nag-aalaga. She's cute, hawig na hawig mo 'nung maliit ka pa."

I giggled and laughed at that, narinig ko ang tawa niya sa likod ko.

"Si Kuya, Ate? Suplado pa rin?" I asked.

"Well, he's busy with his patients. She's back." Aniya kaya mabilis ko siyang nilingon, nagtataka.

"Who's back?"

"His ex?" she shrugged. "I don't know, I think what happened is awful."

"Oh," bumilog ang bibig ko, magtatanong pa sana nang makita ko ang paglabas ni Kuya at Warren.

"What are my girls talking about, hmm?" Kuya's blue eyes shined when he saw us.

"Kuya!" I called.

He laughed, pinched my cheek and stared at Ate Clyte who only scoffed at him.

"Okay na?" Ate Clyte asked.

Nagkasalubong at mata namin ni Warren at nakita ko ang pagtaas ng sulok ng labi niya. Lumabi ako at
lumapit sa kanya para marahang yumakap.
I felt him heaved a deep breath before hugging me back, naramdaman ko ang haplos niya sa likuran ko.

The clearing of throat stopped us, mabilis kong naitulak si Warren na tumikhim at umayos ng tayo, I saw
him gulping at the sight of my strict cousin.

"I-ikaw kasi..." sisi ko pa kay Warren at pinalo ang braso niya nang makitang ganoon si Kuya.

"What..." Warren glanced at me, confused kaya ngumuso ako at nag-iwas ng tingin.

I saw Ate Clyte hiding her smile while staring at Warren beside me, nakasimangot at nanliliit naman ang
mata Kuya Alchiel doon.

"Oh, come, Kuya, stop glaring at him." Ate Clyte said and punched his shoulder, nakita ko ang pagbusangot
doon ni Kuya.

"I told you to stop calling me Kuya!" he groaned like a kid.

Nagtagisan sila ng tingin doon kaya um-extra na ako.

"Stop it, you two." I told them at sabay silang nag-iwas ng tingin.

"Tara, let's eat lunch, late na." Aya ni Ate Clyte at naglakad palapit sa akin. She held my hand then stared at
Warren who now looked like a little kid ready for scolding.

Mas matangkad si Warren kay Ate pero parang hiyang-hiya si Augustine sa kanya. I pouted at that.

Sus, kung makapa-cute sa akin kanina, taob naman sa Ate ko.

"Warren Miranda, right?" Ate asked, her strict cold voice filled my ear.

"Y-yes, Ma'am." Warren answered and nodded.

"Hmm," Ate glanced at him from head to toe. "Inaalagaan mo ba itong kapatid ko?"

"Yes po," Warren said like a fine soldier now. Nangiti ako roon.

"Hmm," Ate crossed her arms. "you like her?"

"I love her, Ma'am." Miski ako ay natigilan sa seryosong tinuran nito, sa pagsulyap ko sa kanya ay nakita ko
ang titig niya sa akin.

I cleared my throat, my heart kept on hammering inside my chest as I shifted my gaze, afraid my emotions
would mirror what I feel.

"Oh, that's good." Ate suddenly smiled at him, offering her hand. "Clytemnestra Valderama, nice to meet
you, Warren."

"Warren, Ma'am." He accepted her hand. "Warren Miranda."

We went to a fine restaurant to eat for our lunch. Treat ni Kuya Alchiel dahil datung days niya raw at
hayahay kami nila Ate Clyte.
Warren is sitting in front of me, kanina pa sila nag-uusap ni Kuya Alchiel, mukhang tungkol sa kaso na
isinampa namin sa manyak kanina.

"I admire your courage, Scira." My eyes landed on my sister beside me who is smiling.

"Po?" I asked.

"Nakaka-proud ka kasi you didn't let fear and shame stopped you from standing what you believe is right."
She said. "When you were harassed, I'm proud of you because kahit mahirap ay nakaya mong magsalita."

"I am scared, ayoko sana noong una, Ate but Warren is there to protect me so, lumakas ang loob ko." I told
her.

"I wish I have your courage,"

"Why?"

"Well, matagal na but years ago, someone groped me and—"

"What did you say, Clyte?" natigil kaming dalawa nang biglang magsalita si Kuya.

"Nothing, Chiel." Ate Clyte answered.

"Did someone grope you?" his forehead creased. "who the hell—"

"That was years ago, Alchiel. Matagal na 'yon."

"Clytemnestra!" Kuya hissed loudly.

I cleared my throat, inabot ang baso ng tubig at uminom nang seryoso silang maglaban ng tingin.
Napasulyap ako kay Warren na natulala rin doon at halatang nagulat.

Months passed and happily, the project ended well. Masaya akong naging successful ang project namin
doon kahit hindi ko nalulutuan ang sarili ko.

Hindi naman ako nagutom, thanks to my personal kumare, scammer and alalay, Warren Augustine
Miranda.

"Tissue," I said and mabilis na binuksan ni Warren ang pouch ko at inabot sa akin ang tissue.

I smiled, pinunasan ng tissue ang gilid ng labi ko pagkatapos kumain ng sandwich.

We're now on our way to Manila, excited na excited na akong makauwi sa mga pinsan ko. My cousins
promised me a sleepover to the house of my choice. Miss ko na rin ang parents, mga kapatid ko ang cute
naming bunso.

"You..." napasulyap ako kay Warren nang may punasan siya sa gilid ng labi ko.

My forehead creased when I saw that it was a stain from the mayo. Iaabot ko sana sa kanya ang tissue
pero mabilis niya nadala iyon sa labi niya. I saw him licked the stain and I gasped.

"What the hell, Tintin!" I exclaimed.

"What?" mabilis siyang napalingon sa akin.

"Did you just lick the mayo?" I pointed out.

"N-no, I mean, matamis lang iyong lipstick mo, Mars—"

"Tigil-tigilan mo akong lalaki ka, ah!" nanlaki ang mata ko at hinampas siya.

He laughed, naiiling na sinubukang yakapin ako pero pilit ko lang siyang hinahampas.

"Augustine!" I hissed and he chuckled and stole a kiss from my cheek.

"What was that, Ma'am, hmm? Fresh cherry or strawberry?" he hummed and I gasped and smacked his
arms. "Patikim nga."

Bumaba kami sa eroplano nang halos magpatayan na sa byahe. This man really is a pain in the ass, biglang
umalis pa pagkatapos makuha ang bagahe namin. Nasa labas na kami at nag-aabang ng sundo ko.

"Stay right here, Ma'am. Wait." Isang halik sa sentido ko ay tumakbo na siya paalis.

Feeling jowa talaga itong scammer na 'to!

I shook my head, humawak sa bagahe at sumulyap sa phone ko.

"Architect, uuna na kami!" paalam sa akin ng team bago umalis.

"Ingat, message me if you're home, okay?"

"Yes po, bye." They smiled.

Naiwan akong mag-isa roon, nagtipa pa sa phone pero nagulat nang may tumusok sa tagiliran ko.

"What?" umangat ang tingin ko at suminghap nang makita ang pinsan. "Darshana!"

"Bakla!" she giggled when our eyes met.

Tuwang-tuwa kaming nagyakapang dalawa. Kaagad kong napansin ang buhok niya kaya suminghap ako.

"You cut your hair!" I exclaimed when I saw her short hair and she smirked at me.

"Ganda pa rin ba?" she grinned.

"Naman! Magpinsan kaya tayo! Walang pangit-pangit!" natawa ako.

Nagpaalam lang si Daru nang matawag ang flight niya, kaagad namang nakabalik si Warren na may kung
anong itinatago sa likod niya.

"Ano nanaman 'yan, huh, Augustine?" I raised my brow and he grinned.

I saw how he tilted his head and smirked, kitang-kita ko ang paggalaw ng braso niya at natulala ako nang
makitang may pumpon doon ng mga bulaklak.

"Oh my..."
"I failed giving you these but...here." He smiled shyly and offered me the flowers. "Beautiful flowers for my
beautiful Architect."

Sanay na ako sa mga ganitong linyahan ng ex ko pero pakiramdam ko ay lumulutang ang pakiramdam ko
ngayon dahil sa kanya.

I bit my lip, blushing profusely. Kinikilig ako pero may dignidad ako kaya ngumuso ako at sumagot.

"Thanks," I said timidly then smelled the roses.

He chuckled, napanguso ako nang guluhin niya ang buhok ko at haplusin ang pisngi ko.

"Can I ask you for a date tomorrow?" he asked and I brow raised.

"At bakit?" I spatted.

"Date, Ma'am, susuyuin ko lang ang nililigawan ko." Ngiti niya, his eyes were filled with amusement. He's
smiling cutely at me kaya umirap ako sa hangin.

"Ayaw..."

"Scira, Ma'am, please?" hinanap niya ang mata ko at nagpapansin. "I'll be so sad if you reject my date
offer."

"Ayaw ko nga,"

"Pretty, please?" he hummed and caught my waist, napasinghap ako roon at nanlaki ang mata.

"Augustine!" I hissed and he lowered his head, nagsalubong ang mata namin at nagwala nanaman ang
lintik kong puso.

"Hmm, yes, Ma'am?" he asked huskily, looking at my lips.

"G-get off me," I hissed.

"Why?" he looks confused.

"K-kasi..." kasi ang bilis ng puso ko! "Kasi naiipit ang roses! Get off me, ang roses ko!"

He chuckled, but then let me go and pinched my cheek. "Alright, Ma'am, sorry for ruining your roses.
Kailan mo ako sasagutin?"

"Hoy, excuse me, ni hindi ko pa nga feel ang panliligaw mo!" pinalo ko ang braso niya kaya natawa siya.

"Kidding, of course, I'll wait for you." He said and stared at me. "I'll be a very good boy, Scira."

Ngumuso ako at mas niyakap ang bouquet. "Siguraduhin mo lang at baka ma-jombag kita." I showed him
my fist.

Natigil lang kami sa pakikipag-usap nang may bumusina, we shifted our heads, only to see my father's
familiar black car.
Tumigil iyon sa gilid at napangisi ako nang makita siyang lumalabas doon.

Thorn Valderama looked seriously strict and handsome while folding his long sleeves up to his forearm.
Seryoso ang itim na mga mata sa ilalim ng salamin, my eyes landed beside him and I saw my brother
Deion, seryosong nakasunod.

Ang ga-gwapo!

I giggled noong sabay pa silang nag-ayos ng eyeglasses.

"Princess," Daddy called.

"Dad!" I cheered and ran like a kid.

Natatawang niyakap niya ako pabalik at humalik sa aking sentido. "Yeah, I miss you too." He laughed.

"Kuya!" tili ko at tinakbo pagkatapos si Kuya na nangigisi sa akin.

He kissed my head, "how are you?"

"Great! Salamat sa pagsundo!" I cheered.

"I see you're with someone," nawala lang ang ngiti ko nang mawala si Dad at naglakad kay Warren na tila
tuod na nakatayo roon sa may bagahe namin.

I saw his pale face and his harsh breath intake, nakagat ko ang labi ko at suminghap.

"D-dad!" I called and ran.

"And you are?" my Dad's curious eyes stared right through warren's soul and I saw how he checked him
out.

"W-Warren, s-sir..." he said nervously.

"Warren, hmm..." Dad nodded, raising his brow then glanced at Kuya who's now, shockingly behind
Warren na. "You're my daughters...?"

"K-kuya!" I called, humigpit ang hawak sa rosas.

"S-suitor, s-sir. Uhm, nililigaw ko po ang anak niyo." Warren said like a soldier.

"What?"

"N-nililigawan po p-pala, sorry po." He cleared his throat and I gasped.

"I see, may nanliligaw bang yumayakap ng ganoon?" Daddy suddenly asked, "Deion, may ganoon ba?"

"Wala, Dad." Kuya answered, fixing his sleeved and walking towards Warren's back.

Oh, God.

"Eh, bakit...bakit mo niyayakap ang prinsesa ko?" my Dad asked, raising his brow.
"I-I'm just..."

"Deion, hawakan mo." Utos ni Dad at halos mitumba ako nang wala pang ilang segundo ay nahawakan na
ni Kuya ang braso ni Warren na tulala roon sa gulat.

"S-sir?"

"D-dad!" I called.

"Matagal-tagal na ako noong huling makasuntok, ah." My father said, lifting his close fist and my eyes
widen. I saw Warren gulped harshly, his eyes are asking for help but I only bit my lip and lowered my gaze.

"Fuck, matagal ko rin pinangarap na makasuntok ng manliligaw ng anak ko." He chuckled. "Ako
binubugbog dati, eh. Damn, memories."

Kabanata 15

Gigil na gigil ang Daddy, I cursed when he lifted his fist, tulala si Warren doon sa gitna, nagtataka sa
nangyayari habang ang Kuya naman ay hawak ang braso nito.

"Dad!" I exclaimed loudly, humigpit ang hawak ko sa bulaklak ko.

"Don't talk, princess." My Dad tilted his head, nang sumulyap ako kay Warren ay gulat na gulat lang siya
roon kaya sumulyap ako kay Kuya na nangingisi sa likuran.

"Kuya Deion, pati ba naman ikaw?!" I hissed but he just smirked at me.

"Sorry, princess. Dad's life goal." He said and I closed my eyes tightly.

"Damn, this is the right time." My Dad was about to punch Warren when I gasped.

"Dad!"

"What?" hinarap niya ako at bumaba ang kamay.

"Let him go," mahinahon kong sambit kahit mabilis na ang kalabog ng puso.

"No, shut up, Scira. Hindi ganoon yumakap ang nanliligaw lang." He said seriously and clicked his neck.

My heart's been wildly beating, nagkatinginan kaming dalawa ni Warren at nakita kong napapalunok siya
ng marahas doon.

"I would let this pass kung hindi ko nakita but I've seen it, hindi ako papayag na ganoon ang manliligaw ng
anak ko." His jaw clenched and I gasped in frustration.

"Dad..." I called again but he didn't listen.

He raised his hand, aiming for his goal of punching him, Warren's jaw dropped.

"S-sir..." he called. "I can explain."

"Shut up," he said and tied aiming again when I cut him off.
"H-he's gay!" I exclaimed.

We all froze, nanlalaki ang matang napatingin sa akin ang Daddy at Kuya. I saw Warren's eyes widen too.

"W-what?" my father asked.

"H-he's gay, Dad! M-mars ko 'yan!" I exclaimed.

"Stop lying, little girl. If you're only saying that to save your boy then I won't—"

"Totoo nga!" I exclaimed.

Slowly, his eyes went back to Warren na nakatingin din sa akin. Pinanlakihan ko siya ng mata at tumikhim
siya at maya-maya'y pumilantik ang kamay.

"H'wag po, Sir!" he exclaimed in his soft voice. "A-ang skin care ko, Sir!"

"Putang ina?" Kuya Deion muttered.

"What the hell..."

Nabitawan ni Kuya ang kamay niya at mabilis niyang itinaas at ipinag-kros ang kamay sa dibdib niya.

"H'wag po, Sir!" he said softly and slowly raised his one foot in the air in a soft way.

Tang ina... I whispered to myself.

"Scira, how..." nilingon ako ni Dad at kinagat ko ang labi ko, nag-iinit ang pisngi.

"S-sabi ko kasi sa'yo, eh." I muttered.

"Thornie! Ano nanaman 'yan?" my eyes left my Dad's and I saw my Mom approaching.

Suddenly, a smile rose on my lips, karga-karga pa niya si Queen Scira na kumakaway sa akin.

"Mommy!" I gasped.

"Scira! Darling!" she suddenly called and ran towards me, not minding her heels.

"Zidney! Slow down!" my Dad hissed but my Mom already reached me and immediately hugged me.

"My baby," she called me softly.

Kumalabog kaagad ang puso ko sa tuwa, I hugged my mother and I chuckled when our youngest hugged
my nape with her small arms.

"O-oh, my little queen." I whispered and slowly took our baby from Mom.

"Ate!" she cheered and I chuckled and kissed her cheek.

I immediately met my Mom's soft black eyes staring at me, ngumiti ako at muling yumakap.
"My, I'm back." I said softly.

"My baby," she said softly and kissed my cheek. "are you fine?"

"Uh-hmm," I whispered and smiled at her. "I'm great, Mom."

"Great, let's dine, baby." She smiled at me.

Habang buhat ko si Queen ay nagtungo si Mommy kay Dad at nakagat ko ang labi ko nang batukan niya
ang Daddy. I saw Warren gulped and stood straight, tila sundalo roon na matikas na nakatayo.

"Ginagawa mo, Valderama?" she hissed and my father's lips protruded then glanced at her.

"Wala naman, Valderama." He smiled and answered her back.

My Mom glared at him and pinched his waist and my father gasped.

"Q-queen! Aww!" he whined.

"Ano 'yong nakita ko? Nagpaiwan nga ako sa sasakyan tapos makikita kong may tinatambangan ka rito?"
she hissed.

"I-I just want to try and punch—"

"Thornie!" pinanlakihan niya ng mata si Dad.

"Pangarap ko 'yon!" he exclaimed and I saw Mom bursted out laughing, my brother laughed too at nakagat
ko ang labi ko para magpigil ng tawa.

"Wawa, Thornik." Hagikhik ni Queen Scira sa tainga ko kaya nilingon ko siya at natawa.

"What, baby?" I chuckled.

She giggled and flashed a small smile, "wawa, Thornik." She said cutely.

Warren's lips rose for a smile, parang matatawa na rin pero nang mahuli ni Dad na natatawa ang itsura
niya ay halos mamutla.

"Tinatawa-tawa mo?" he hissed.

"W-wala, Sir." Tintin cleared his throat.

My Mom then glanced at Warren, even with her sweet smile, her cold façade won't just fade away. Nakita
ko ang tensyon kay Tintin habang nakatingin sa kanya ang Mommy.

"Zidney Valderama," my Mom suddenly said, a smile is plastered on her face as she offered her hand.

"W-Warren, Ma'am." He cleared his throat and accepted her hand. "Warren Augustine Valderama."

"W-what?"

"M-Miranda pala, uhm...sorry po." He cleared his throat.

Nakasimangot ang Daddy doon, Kuya Deion walked towards me and smirked. Hinampas ko ang balikat
niya kaya tumawa siya at kinuha sa akin si Queen.

"Isa ka pa!" I hissed.

"Pangarap ni Dad," he whispered cockily and I frowned at him.

Nang makuha niya sa akin si Queen ay lumapit ako kay Warren na kausap si Mommy doon.

"That's my son, Deion and our youngest, Queen Scira. Si Clyte ko nasa trabaho pa pero sasama iyon sa
dinner, tara, sama ka." She smiled.

"Queen!" Dad hissed.

"Sshh, shut up, Thorn." She hushed and glanced at Warren. "Anyway, that's my husband, pagpasensyahan
mo na, punching his daughter's suitor is one of his life goals."

"Tss," Dad frowned kaya lumapit ako at humalik sa pisngi niya.

"Dad..." lambing ko.

"Don't Dad me, Scira Rosalie." Suplado niyang turan.

Napatawa ako, "come on, be nice to him."

"He's gay, right? Then why is he courting you—"

"I straightened him," bulong ko kaya nilingon niya ako.

His forehead creased, "what?"

"He's a boy now, well, s-sort of." I chuckled nervously.

He raised his brow, watching my eyes and I cleared my throat and looked away.

"S-sama ka na, Warren." I suddenly said and Warren glanced at me, still shock.

I raised my brow at him and he slowly nodded and brushed his hair with his fingers.

"Alright," he said.

"Yay!" Mom cheered happily.

Convoy kami habang papunta sa restaurant na sinasabi ni Mommy, like usual, it's our family day today,
talagang isinakto nila sa pag-uwi ko.

Hindi ako pinayagan ng Daddy na sumabay sa sasakyan ni Warren kaya nakasunod lang ito sa amin. My
Mom is playing with Queen Scira, nagpipisilan sila ng ilong sa tabi ko habang ang Kuya ang nag-da-drive,
my Dad is frowning in the shotgun seat like a kid.

"Dad," I called.

"Susuntok lang, eh." Inarte niya.

I suppressed my laugh from escaping my mouth, natigil si Mommy kakaharot kay Queen Scira bago
napailing.

"Si Thornie, parang baby." Mom said in amusement.

"Baby mo," my father whispered in the thin air.

Kuya Deion chuckled, glancing at me in the mirror.

"He's not like that asshole Lucas?" he asked.

"No," I answered, resting my back on the seat. "he's good, kumare ko iyon muna, then I straightened him
like a ruler bago manliligaw."

"Bet ka niya ngayon, anak, pero paano kung ang Kuya mo na bukas?" entrada ng Tatay ko kaya suminghap
ako.

"What the..." Kuya Deion muttered and my Mom bursted out laughing. Nakita rin si Queen kahit walang
naiintindihan sa pinag-uusapan para makisabay.

"Dad!" I hissed, sumipa sa upuan niya at natatawang nilingon niya ako at inayos ang kanyang salamin.

"I'm just saying," he shrugged. "Nothing's impossible, Deion, landiin mo nga iyong manliligaw niya—"

"Dad!" I hissed.

"Thornie!" Mom called and laughed hard.

"What? Dapat open tayo sa lahat ng posibilidad, psychology speaking..." he smirked at me.

"Kawawa naman iyong bata, Thornie! Muntik mo ng sapakin, I know that was your long time dream but—"

"I saw him hugging my princess, queen!" ngiwi ni Dad. "Aba, manliligaw pa lang pero kung makayap sa
anak ko!"

"Excuse me, coming from you?" my Mom laughed and shook her head. "Papaalala ko lang sa'yo 'yong
ginawa mo kahit hindi pa tayo noon—"

"Queen!" my Dad's cheek reddened and it's my turn to tease him now.

"Galit talaga ang mga tao sa kapwa niya." I said and grinned when my father glared at me.

Nakarating kami sa resto nang halos sakalin ko na si Dad. Nakasimangot si Kuya roon dahil sa asar ni Dad at
tawa ng tawa si Mom at Queen Scira.

Nang makapag-park ay kaagad kong nakita ang pag-park ni Warren ng kanyang sasakyan sa may tabi ng
amin. Nauna na si Mommy sa resto kasama si Dad at akala ko'y sasama na rin si Kuya pero nag-usap ata
sila ni Thorn Arzeus kaya hindi ako pinapakawalan.

"Let's go, princess." Kuya held my wrist.

"I'll go with Warren, Kuya." I said and he shook his head at me.
"No, come on." He said and I had no choice but to follow him.

Hila man ako ni Kuya papasok sa resto habang tanaw ko si Warren na nakasunod sa amin sa hindi
kalayuan.

I pouted and I saw how he smiled when he met my eyes.

"It's okay," he mouthed and nodded at me.

I am sighing while my brother is dragging me inside, nakaupo na sila sa isang private room pagkarating
namin at binubuksan na ni Mommy ang menu habang si Dad ay nasa may gilid at may kausap sa telepono.

Kuya offered me a seat, ipinag-angat niya pa ako ng upuan at marahan akong umupo roon habang
nakatanaw sa pintuan.

I saw Warren approaching and I definitely can praise how he looks so hot just by simply walking towards
our direction. Kita ko ang ngiti ng attendant habang nakasulyap sa kanya kay tumikhim ako.

"Augustine, here." I called stiffly, raising my brow.

Our eyes met, tumaas ang sulok ng labi niya bago naglakad patungo sa pwesto ko. Inilahad ko sa kanya ang
upuan sa tabi ko pero sa gulat ay may tumakbo sa upuan sa tabi ko.

"Okay, bye. Just bring it to my office." Mabilis na sabi ni Dad at umawang ang labi ko sa gulat nang unahan
niya si Warren sa tabi ko.

Mom bursted out laughing, miski si Kuya ay napailing at natatawang uminom ng tubig.

Umupo ng maayos si Dad, sumulyap sa naeestatwang si Warren sa may tabi ko.

"Sit, anong tinatayo mo r'yan?" he asked strictly.

"W-wala, Sir." He cleared his throat.

Naupo si Warren sa pagitan ni Dad at Kuya Deion, seryoso siya at pasulyap-sulyap pa sa akin but I know
better, kinakabahan iyan.

My Mom is saying her orders sa waiter, hinihila naman ni Queen ang buhok ko kaya ngumiti ako sa kanya.

"Come to Ate, baby." I said and offered my hand.

Lumipat siya sa akin at pinaglaruan ang buhok ko kaya natutuwang humalik ako sa buhok niya. I pinched
her cheek and smiled.

"I missed you, little baby." I whispered.

"Miss you too, 'te!" she cheered, her black eyes staring at me before hugging my neck.

I chuckled, hinayaan ko siyang nakayakap nang marinig ko ang pagbukas ng pinto. Gusto ko mang
lumingon ay hindi ko magawa dahil sa yakap ni Queen sa akin.

"Ate! Ate Clyte!" she cheered and I heard Ate Clyte's laugh.
"Hello too, baby!" She cheered. "Oh, is that Ate Scira?"

Marahang lumingon ako at napatawa nang makita si Ate na kaagad na lumaki ang ngiti at lumapit sa akin
para sa yakap at halik sa pisngi.

"Welcome back!"

"Hello, Ate!" tawa ko roon.

"You're here, darling." My Mom smiled at nagmamadaling humalik ang Ate sa kanya bago kay Dad at Kuya.

"Mukhang may bisita tayo...oh!" I saw Ate Clyte's eyes widen. "Are you..."

"Yes, Ma'am." Warren answered.

"You know each other?" Kuya Deion's voice stopped us.

Nanlaki ang mata ko at nakitang natigilan si Ate Clyte at napasulyap sa akin. Warren licked his lips. Ang
mapanuring mata ni Dad ay tumitig sa amin.

"Oh, naging planner kasi ako last time 'nung party sa family niya!" Ate Clyte flashed a smile at napahinga
ako nang maluwag nang tumango ang Dad.

"Alright, sit down, young lady, kakain na tayo." Dad said and Kuya Deion stood to lift a chair for Ate Clyte.

"Thanks, Eion." Ate smiled at him.

Ate Clyte is seated beside Mom, sa kabilang side niya ay naroon si Kuya. Nang kunin ni Mommy ang bunso
naming sa akin ay saktong dumating din ang in-order na pagkain ng Mommy.

It was nice eating again with my whole family, pasulyap-sulyap ako kay Warren na halos hindi na makakain
dahil sa titig ni Dad at Kuya sa kanya. I can see how hard it is for him to swallow his food.

Napangiti si Ate Clyte nang magtagpo ang mata namin at sabay kaming napasulyap kay Mommy na busy sa
pagsusubo kay Queen. Napaangat siya ng tingin nang maramdaman ang titig namin ni Ate.

Her lips protruded in confusion.

"Yes?" she said softly.

"My..." lambing ko at humaba ang nguso. "Dad's been glaring at my suitor."

"Oh," she glanced at Dad and suddenly chuckled. "Thornie! Deion!"

The two men almost jumped from their seats.

"Queen..." Dad whined.

"Behave, you two." Umayos ng upo si Mommy bago sumulyap kay Warren. "So, Warren, right?"

Augustine straightened his back and spoke. "Yes, Ma'am?"

"So...nililigawan mo ang prinsesa ko?" my Mom asked, matamis ang ngiti pero halata ang kaseryosohan sa
mga mata.

I saw Ate took Queen Scira para makaayos ang Mommy.

Warren glanced at me seriously before nodding, "yes, Ma'am."

"Are you serious about her?" Mom asked and my heart pounded when he glanced at me again before
nodding.

"I've...never been this serious my whole life, Ma'am." His serious, baritone voice stopped me.

I felt my heart thumping hard, marahas akong napalunok. I saw Ate Clyte smiling at that and Mom looks
amused.

"That's good—"

"Lelang mo, serious." We all stopped when Dad spoke, biglang napatawa si Kuya Deion at suminghap ako.
Nawala nanaman ang kulay sa mukha ni Warren sa sinabi ni Dad.

"Sir, I am. I will prove it to you—"

"Her exes hurt her, Mr. Miranda." Nang magseryoso na si Daddy ay nahimik ang lahat. "They're saying
they'll be good to her and stuff when we meet them, well, some of them. Hindi ko nakausap lahat ng ex
nitong dalaga ko but what they all did in the end is just the same."

"I won't be like them, Sir." He answered. "I may not be perfect but I will do my best not to hurt her."

My heart actually melted at that.

"You're gay, right?" Kuya Deion asked and I almost held my breath. Nakita kong nagtaka si Ate Clyte pero
hindi siya nagsalita.

Nagkatinginan kami ni Warren kaya pinanlakihan ko siya ng mata.

"W-well, I-I used to be, Sir." Halos mautal pa si Augustine roon.

"You don't look gay to me," ani Dad na tumaas pa ang kilay at sumimsim ng juice.

"L-lalaki na po ako, Sir." Parang sundalong sagot ni Warren kaya napainom din ako ng juice, halos dama ko
na rin ang kaba niya.

"Weh? Tignan mo nga iyang lalaki ko..." my Dad said and blinking, Warren glanced at Kuya who choked on
his water.

"D-dad!" he groaned.

"Thornie!" nasapo ni Mommy ang noo at humagalpak si Ate.

"Gwapo, 'di ba?" he asked.

Namula ang mukha ni Warren habang si Kuya ay nagtatago ng mukha.

"P-po?" Warren stuttered and glanced at my father, suminghap naman ako at nagtakip ng bibig.

"Sabi ko, gwapo ng anak ko, 'di ba?" ani Dad at napipilitan, Warren nodded slowly and cleared his throat.

"Y-yes, Sir..." he said.

"Huh! I knew it!" ngisi ni Dad bago sumulyap sa akin at bumaling kay Warren, "See, princess? So, ano?
Hindi mo na bet itong Scira ko? D'yan ka na kay Deion—"

"Dad!" I gasped and Ate Clyte laughed harder, nakikitawa na rin si Queen at pumapalakpak na rin.

"Jusmiyo..." Mom massaged her nape.

"N-no, Sir." Ani Warren kaya natahimik kaming lahat, seryoso kaming tumitig sa kanya na umayos lang ng
upo.

"I-I'm straight as a flagpole now, Sir." He said.

"Hmm," Dad fixed his glasses and stared at him seriously. "Scira pa rin ba?" his voice is a bit loud and
strong now.

"Scira Valderama lang kakalampag, Sir!" miski ako ay napasinghap sa sagot niya.

My family bursted out laughing, namumula na ang mukha ni Mommy sa kakatawa habang si Kuya ay
naiiling na umiinom na lang ng juice. Nanliit ang mata ni Dad at ngumisi.

"What did you say, young man?" he said strictly and Warren straightened his back and answered.

"Kay Scira lang kakalampag, Sir!" he answered again.

"Paanong kalampag?" Mom asked, laughing so hard.

"Nanginginig pa, Ma'am!" he answered and I covered my face in embarrassment.

We had no chance to talk when our dinner ended, after my Dad and him had a serious talk, na hindi ko
alam kung ano ay umalis na kami. Tanging sulyapan lang ang paalam namin pero masaya ako habang nasa
byahe pauwi ng bahay.

Kuya is driving, nasa front seat na ang Ate Clyte habang nasa likuran kaming apat. My Dad's in the middle,
nakasandal sa balikat niya ang tulog na si Mommy habang natutulog din si Queen Scira sa may hita niya.

I yawned, nagkatinginan kami ni Dad kaya nagsalita siya.

"Rest on my shoulder, princess. I know you're tired." He smiled at me and like a kid, kumapit ako sa
kanyang braso bago umidlip sa kanyang balikat.

I woke up when we reached our house, kaagad akong lumabas at lumapit kay Ate. I saw Kuya Deion on the
backseat carrying Queen Scira while my Dad is carrying the sleeping queen of our house.

Kaagad akong binati ng mga kasama namin sa bahay at kaagad kong ibinigay sa kanila ang mga pasalubong
ko, hinatid ko rin kina Ate, Kuya at sa mga magulang ko ang kanila bago ako nagtungo ng kwarto para
magpahinga.
Kinuha ko ang vase at nilagyan ng tubig bago ko inayos ang bulaklak doon.

I smiled when I was satisfied, kaaagad na nag-shower at nag-skin care bago kinuha ang phone sa bag at
nahiga sa kama.

A smile escaped my lips when I saw who sent me a message, kaagad ko iyong binuksan at binasa.

From: Kumareng Tintin

Are you home? I'm home now.

To: Kumareng Tintin

Yeah, done showering.

From: Kumareng Tintin

Good, thank you for today, Ma'am. I enjoyed it. Can I call?

I smiled, super turned-on! Buo ang letra at ang mga bantas. Check ka r'yan, girl!

I bit my lip and answered him.

To: Kumareng Tintin

Sure, give me a minute.

Nang matapos kong mag-reply ay mabilis kong tinakbo ang vanity mirror para sa lip tint ko, mabilis akong
naglagay sa labi ko bago tumakbo ng mabilis sa kama at umayos ng higa habang hawak ang phone.

From: Kumareng Tintin

Can I call now?

To: Kumareng Tintin

K.

Nang tumunog ang phone ay mabilis kong hinawi ang buhok ko at pumwesto sa maganda ang pailaw para
glowing and super pretty. I accepted the video call and I almost cursed when I saw his face.

"Hi, Ma'am." He smiled when he saw me.

I chuckled, nawala ang focus ng camera sa mukha niya at napunta lang sa may noo niya kaya napailing ako.

"Focus the camera sa face mo, Tin, I can't see you." I said.

"Wait, fuck, paano ba 'to?" reklamo niya kaya natawa akong lalo.

Inilayo niya ang camera, I saw his face but then nawala muli. Nalipat sa back camera ang focus at halos
manlaki naman ang mata ko nang makitang naka-pajamas lang siya, mula sa focus ng camera ay kita ko
ang hubad niyang pang-itaas.
Kita ko pa ang nagmamalaking anim na pandesal kaya nakagat ko ang labi.

"Oh, there." I frowned when the focus changed, nasa front camera na ulit.

"Bakit mo nilipat?!" maktol ko at mukhang nagulat siya.

"Ma'am?"

"Wala," nguso ko at inayos na lang ang sarili. "napatawag ka?"

"Just missed you," he smiled and my heart hammered inside my chest. "don't you miss me too?

"Hmp, hindi, ah!" I frowned.

"Alright," he chuckled, umayos siya ng sandal sa headboard at parang adjustable ata ang mata ko nang
makita ang dibdib niya, nalaglag pa ng bahagya ang silver dog tag sa leeg kaya lumunok ako.

"Done showering?"

"Hmm," I nodded, ngumuso pa at sinuklay ang buhok ko. "ikaw?"

"Done," he said, his black eyes stared at me. "you look beautiful."

"I know," I said proudly and smirked at him.

"You got nice lips tonight, baby, wish I could lick them." He said and my eyes widen.

"Augustine!" I hissed and he suddenly laughed.

"Anong flavor, Sis?" his voice soften. "mukhang matamis, ah? H'wag madamot, patikim naman—"

"Tintin!" I hissed and his laughter roared. "'di ako nag-tint! Natural lips 'to!"

He raised his brow, chuckling. "Hmm, but you're beautiful, as always."

"Natural na ganda lang 'to," I said and raised my brow. "baka sabihin mo r'yan nagpapaganda ako sa'yo,
ah?!"

"Ay, hindi ba?" he teased, I saw how he licked his lip and brushed his hair with his fingers, nagulo pa ang
camera sa galaw niya.

"Hindi! Feeling!" I spatted.

"Sabi ko nga," he chuckled, umayos ako ng sandal bago saglit kaming nagkatitigan sa camera. "Anyway,
thank you for introducing me to your family, Ma'am."

"Well, biglaan." I chuckled and shook my head. "I plan to introduce you if sasagutin na kita—"

"Oh, really? Kailan?" his smile widened, nae-excite na naupo ng maayos kaya sumimangot ako.

"That's an if, Augustine!" I spatted. "Not sure, 50/50."

"It's alright, at least may chance." Ang laki ng ngiti niya kaya ngumuso ako at hinawi ang buhok ko.
"Kaya prove yourself, pwedeng oo or hindi. You know I don't like introducing men to my family tapos sa
huli wala rin." I shrugged. "Nagulat lang ako kanina kasi naroon na pala sila Dad."

"It's alright, I will prove myself to you." He stared at me seriously. "I know...men before me came from
great families, they're better than me but I'll work hard for your yes."

"Hmm, wait." I said seriously, ibinaba ang phone bago bumaba sa kama, lumayo ang sa phone bago
napatakip ng bibig.

"OMG!" I whispered to myself and screamed quietly, jumping a bit to let out my hidden kilig inside.

"Ma'am?" I heard his voice kaya natauhan ako at tumikhim, umayos ng tayo at seryosong bumalik sa
kama.

"Oh?" I asked and gave him a straight face.

"What did you do? You're blushing." He chuckled and I shrugged.

"Secret." I answered and cleared my throat.

"Anyway," I cleared my throat. "Thank you for being patient with my Dad, you know he's a bit
overprotective."

"I understand," he chuckled. "he's a good father, thinking of his children's welfare. I admire him for that.
Kahit ako rin, kapag may manliligaw sa anak natin, istrikto talaga ako."'

"Aba ang kapal!" I hissed and he laughed. "Hoy, Sir, hindi ko pa sure kung sasagutin kita and here you are
thinking of children."

"Advance mag-isip, mahal ko." He chuckled and winked. "I'll probably punch them all too."

"Naku, swerte mo talaga at hindi ka nasaktuhan ng Daddy! Matagal na niyang pangarap iyan!" I exclaimed
and he laughed.

"Well, thanks to you saying that I am gay." He chuckled.

"Buti nga sa'yo, naku talaga, Tintin. Umayos kang lalaki ka, ah? Tandaan mong nagpapanggap ka lang na
bakla noon. Ako jojombag sa'yo kung matuluyan ka!" I exclaimed and he laughed at me.

"Well, I'm a good actor, yes?" he raised his brow.

"Todo bigay iyong acting mo, makatotohanan." I pointed out. "A-ang skin care ko, Sir!" ginaya ko siya at
humagalpak kaya sumimangot siya sa akin.

"I'm a man, Valderama." He pointed out.

"I'm a man, Valderama." I teased with my spongebob voice and he glared at me.

I can't stop myself from laughing while remembering how he raised his foot earlier, how my father teased
him around with my Kuya Deion to prove his point. Halos hindi na ako makahinga at iba na ang tunog ng
tawa ko kaya natahimik ako.
I bit my lip and stared at him. Tahimik lang siyang nakatitig, may tagong ngiti sa mga labi at naaaliw ang
mga mata.

"S-sorry..." tikhim ko na biglang nahiya sa tawa ko. Umayos ako ng upo at tumikhim.

"Ma'am, alam mo bang scientist ako?" he asked out of nowhere kaya kumunot ang noo ko.

"Huh? No—"

"At ikaw ang lab ko." Bigla siyang ngumisi.

Parang tumigil ata ang puso ko roon, medyo nag-loading pa ako pero nang matanto ay nag-init ang pisngi
ko at biglang napatili.

"Enebe keshe!" I said and his laughter roared. Napatili ako at pinalo-palo pa ang kama, namumula ang
pisngi at mabilis ang kalabog ng puso.

He's laughing, pinalo-palo ko naman ang kama pero sabay kaming natigil nang bumukas ang pinto, my
eyes shifted on the door and my eyes widen when I saw my Dad holding a walis-tambo on his hand and
looked around.

"Saan?! Saan ang magnanakaw, Scira?!" he exclaimed, panicking. Magulo pa ang buhok at mukhang
bangag at bagong gising.

Kabanata 16

Noong nagsimula akong magtrabaho sa firm, my Mom took a rest and tried different things. Sa ngayon ay
naaaliw siya sa flower shop niya. My father supports her in every way he can, we all support her.

The queen's happiness is also our happiness. Wala kami kung wala ang Mommy kaya sobrang mahal na
mahal namin siya.

Minsan na lang siya sa firm, kagaya noong may proyekto ako sa ibang lugar. Noong bumalik ako ay
madalang at madalas ay wala siya kaya kapag nandito ang reyna kahit nandito ako ay may seryosong
problema.

Sabay kaming naglakad ni Mommy papasok ng firm. The employees panicked when they saw us together,
hindi na ako nagulat nang sabay-sabay silang bumati at bahagyang yumukod.

"Good morning, Architect!" bati nila sa amin ni Mommy.

I smiled and nodded, ngumiti rin ang Mommy bago tumango, inaayos ang suot niyang sunglasses.

"Good morning, have a good day." My mother said and nodded.

Magkatabi kami ng Mommy na naglakad patungo sa exclusive elevator, binabati kami ng mga
nakakasalubong at walang pagod na ngingiti ang Mommy at tatango.

Bilin niya sa akin noon na maging mabuti sa mga empleyado, they are the foundation of our firm. Kung
wala sila ay hindi kami magiging isa sa mga successful firm sa Pilipinas. She said, she was once a bitch here,
broken hearted daw siya kasi noon pero ayos na ngayon.
I heard rumors noong bago pa nga lang ako rito na she's called the devil in a red dress way back.

Wearing her heels and black dress, my Mom looked like the modern version of Audrey Hepburn. Bagsak
ang kanyang buhok sa balikat and when we got inside the elevator, she raised her hand, wearing her black
Gucci gloves to press the floor.

I giggled, nilingon ako ni Mommy at ibinaba ang sunglasses niya.

"Yes, princess?"

Nangiti ako lalo, natatawang yumakap ako sa baywang ni Mommy kaya natawa siya at niyakap ako.

"What's the matter?" she chuckled. "naglalambing ang prinsesa ko, ah?"

"Nothing, you're just super pretty, Mom. I'm a fan." I said.

Natawa siya, nahawa ako roon kaya sabay kaming natawa.

"Well, you're beautiful too. Ate Clyte, my Scira Rosalie and Queen Scira are equally beautiful. Mana kayo sa
Mommy niyong maganda." She said.

Natawa ako roon.

"How about Kuya?" I looked at her.

"S'yempre gwapo, mana sa tatay mong tanders." She said and I laughed.

"You're bullying Dad again," pansin ko at ngumisi siya sa akin. Nabakas ko ang kislap sa mga mata niya
roon.

"Sus, kampi ka naman sa tatay mo. Sabi ko nga roon mag-tungkod na, eh, mahina na ata ang tuhod.
Binilhan ko rin ng Anlene para sa buto." She said seriously.

I bursted out laughing, natawa rin si Mommy sa sinabi niya at nailing.

"Charot lang, anak, h'wag mo sabihin kay Thornie baka magkaroon pa ng kasunod si Queen." She said
naughtily and I shook my head in amusement.

Wearing my navy blue high waisted pants paired with the same color coat and white tube crop top,
sumabay ako ng lakad kay Mommy.

Pagpasok pa lang namin sa conference room ay kaagad kaming binati at nag-umpisa na ang meeting
kasama ang mga investors at executives.

These days, our firm is in the state of losing our great employees, engineers and architects. Noong una ay
ayos lang naman, we can't control our staff, they could choose where they wanted to work. Kung gusto
nilang umalis ay p'wede at hindi namin pipigilan but the lost of our employees is quite alarming this time.

Ang mga pambato namin sa mga malalaking proyekto ay nawala at nag-resign para lumipat ng kompanya,
ang mga bagong pasok naman ay tatagal lang ng ilang linggo at mga buwan at pagkatapos ay aayaw na.

Now, our competency is at stake. The board are questioning our capability.
"We don't want to question this firm because we are investing for years, Architect Valderama pero anong
nangyayari?" one of the oldest board member asked my Mom sitting in the center.

"Our employees can choose where they want to work, we can't force them in our company if they don't
like it anymore."

"Yes, Architect but the lost of our competent professionals are too much." Sagot ng isa.

"This is alarming," bumaling sa akin ang isa. "what do you think, Architect Scira? You are the head here
while Architect Zidney is gone."

"Well, I have to investigate in this matter." I answered.

"Noong nakaraang buwan pa ito pero hindi mo napansin?" an Engineer asked me.

"I am not aware we are losing that much employees, the HR never reported about this matter and I have a
lot of projects in hand—"

"Are you really competent?" I stopped when someone asked.

"Engineer Luciano," my Mom's warning voice called him.

"No, Architect." Itinaas nito ang kamay nang bumaling kay Mommy. "I'm sorry but this never happened
when you're in command here."

Seryoso at wala mang ipinapakitang emosyon ay nasaktan ako. I suddenly felt disappointed at myself.

"Please, Engineer." My Mom said calmly.

"I don't want to question your daughter about this but I think she's too young to handle this firm—"

"It's no one's fault, Engineer." My mother said. "No one here ever wanted to lose competent
professionals."

"Yes, I know, Architect but don't you think your daughter's too young for big responsibility like this?" he
asked.

Natahimik ang lahat, tahimik at diretso ang upo ko pero hiyang-hiya na ako sa loob-loob ko.

"We will work on this," my Mom said instead.

"I think Engineer Luciano is right. You should train Architect Scira before leaving this company in her
command." Architect Relado said.

"I believe in my daughter, Architect. She can handle this—"

"But this is too much, kinekwestyon na ang kakayahan niyo sa kompanyang ito. Hindi lang naman kayo ang
namomroblema. The board is at risk too, we invested a lot of money here."

"Someone might be spying on us," I said and they all shifted their gaze on me.

"What do you mean?" Mom asked.

"I don't want to conclude but someone might got inside our firm and now he or she is recruiting our
employees." I said.

Napatango sila sa akin, my Mom touched her head and sighed.

"Take care of the newly hired employees. Check the HR, Scira." Ani Mommy kaya tumango ako sa kanya.

"Yes, Architect." I answered her formally.

"We should sort out what to do to cover this up for now, if the media found out about this, baka
magkaproblema." The Engineer said and I nodded.

"Yes, Engineer." I said.

"We will investigate in this matter as soon as possible," I muttered.

"Alright, we're looking forward for it. H'wag mo sana kami at ang tiwala sa'yo ng Mommy mo bibiguin." He
said and I nodded.

My Mom and I got busy for the whole day, madalang na lang si Mommy sa firm namin kaya nalulungkot
ako kapag nakikita siyang subsob sa trabaho. Ang naiwang trabaho ng iilang mga Architect at Engineers na
umalis ay pinagkasya naming sa amin at sa mga natira.

The contracts from our ex-employees are well-taken care of by the firms they are working now. Iba-iba ang
mga pinuntahan nila, may iilang parehas kaya iyon ang tinitignan ko ngayon.

Sandejas, Miranda and Flores. Kabilang kami sa mga kilalang firm sa Pilipinas at sa iba't-ibang bahagi ng
mundo kaya losing our employees like this is alarming. Wala namang problema sa sweldo, we made sure
they are getting the right and deserving benefits.

I don't think susulutin ng ibang firm ang mga empleyado namin. For what, 'di ba? They're successful too.

Nakadalawang baso na ata ako ng kape, kabi-kabila ang tawag at pagdating sa akin ng papeles galing HR.
Mag-gagabi na pero nandito pa rin ako.

Mom asked me to come with her but I refused, sinabi kong may gagawin pa ako kaya nauna na siya. May
emergency kasi sa flower shop niya so she has to leave early.

Hindi ako pinagalitan at sinisi ni Mommy sa nangyayari sa aming firm, she never told me I disappoint her,
she's always saying she's proud of me, she's proud of us pero bakit pakiramdam ko ang palpak ko?

Ni hindi ko napansin ang nangyayari, wala akong alam. Hindi sapat na rason din na hindi sa akin sinabi ng
HR, dapat sana ay palagi kong kinakumusta ang mga nangyayari sa mga empleyado.

I am too focused on my individual growth and success na napabayaan ko na ang kompanyang

hinahawakan ko. I forgot to check on my employees because I'm busy being Miss Perfect.

Walang sinabi si Mommy, she says she believed in me but why...why am I having doubts about myself
now? Am I really incompetent? Inexperienced and too young for this?

My phone rang, kaagad akong napangiti nang makita ang pangalan niya. Sumandal ako at sinagot.

"Hello?"
"Hi, Ma'am, where are you?" he asked.

"Office," I said.

"Kumain ka na?" he asked and I shook my head, ipinikit ko ang mata at napabuntong-hininga.

"Not yet," I answered. "you?"

"Not yet. You okay?" I heard concern on his voice.

"Of course, ako pa ba?" I chuckled. "I'm just...you know, tired."

"It's late, baby, you should eat now." I noticed his worry.

"But I have work to do, maybe after thirty minutes, uuwi na ako." I said.

"Alright, I'll wait for you here."

"Huh?" umayos ako ng upo. "saan?"

"I'm in the lobby, Ma'am." He chuckled and I gasped.

"B-bakit? Really? Uhm, marami pa kasi akong gagawin—"

"It's okay, I can wait here, lalaro na lang ako sa phone." He chuckled huskily and my heart hammered
inside my chest.

"Nakakahiya, Sir!" I gasped. "Sige, bababa na ako r'yan."

"But you have work, right? Okay lang, I will just wait here—"

"No, bababa ako." I said, mabilis na tumayo at inayos ang buhok.

"But you said—"

"Okay lang, overtime na lang ako bukas o kaya dadalhin ko ang trabaho sa bahay." I said, inayos ko ang bag
at inipit ang phone sa balikat.

"No, how about we eat there sa office mo?" he said and I froze.

"P'wede?"

"Why not? I can just buy foods sa fast food sa malapit tapos i-aakyat ko sa'yo." He said.

"But..." I remembered our conversation kaninang umaga. "gosh, it's date night?"

"Sana," he chuckled. "but you're busy, I understand. We can just date there in your office while you work."

My heart melted, nakagat ko ang labi ko at umayos ng tayo at hinawakan ang phone.

"Sorry, Tin..." I sighed.

"It's alright," he chuckled. "I'll buy us food first then I'll go there to you."

"Alright, thanks, Mars." I sighed.

"No problem, Sis." He said, his voice swayed a bit and I laughed.

"Baklang 'to..." I hissed and his laughter roared.

Fifteen minutes had passed and I decided to go down and just wait for Warren para sabay kaming aakyat
sa office ko. Madilim na ang office, miski sina Anna at ang secretary kong si Akisha ay nauna na rin.

I went down and greeted the employees who saw me.

Pumunta ako sa lobby, inikot ang paningin, akala ay naroon na si Warren pero wala pa. I sat on the couch
there, glancing at my phone to wait for his text when I saw him near the entrance.

Kumunot ang noo ko, tumayo para lumapit pero natigilan nang makitang kausap niya si Architect Marquez,
one of our assets.

Nakita kong nakipagkamay si Warren sa kanya at masinsinang nag-usap.

My lips protruded, naglakad ako palapit sa kanila at nakita kong seryoso silang nag-uusap.

Our eyes met, nakita kong nagulat si Architect nang makita ako at napabitaw kay Warren.

"Architect Valderama," she called and smiled hesitantly, namula pa ang pisngi.

"Good evening, what's the matter?" ngumiti ako.

Warren glanced at me and smiled, may hawak siyang plastic at nilingon ako.

"Hey, baby." Kaagad siyang humawak sa baywang ko.

"Uhm, wala po, kakilala ko kasi si Engineer." She said, referring to Warren.

Sumulyap ako kay Warren at tumango siya, "we met at some conventions." He answered.

"Oh..." I nodded and smiled. "tara, kain." Aya ko pero umiling ang huli.

"Hindi na, Architect, salamat." She smiled then glanced at Warren. "Una na po ako, Architect, Engineer."

I nodded, nakita ko pa ang titig niya na malagkit sa manliligaw ko. She blushed a bit, took a last glance and
turned his back.

Tahimik ko siyang pinagmasdan habang paalis at si Warren ay parang tarsier kung makakapit. He's
touching my waist while kissing my head, sumimangot ako nang maalala ang pamumula ng babae kaya
mabilis na siniko ang sikmura niya.

"A-aww, Ma'am!" reklamo niya kaya sumulyap ako sa kanya, nanliliit ang mata.

"Sinong mas maganda, Augustine?" I asked and his forehead creased.

"Huh? Sino?" he asked, confused.

"Ako o 'yong—" I gasped when he gave me a quick kiss on the side of my lips. Nanlaki ang mata ko at
ngumisi siya bago humawak sa baba ko.

"Selosa ang mahal ko," he chuckled and I glared at him. "Of course, you're more beautiful."

Augustine is always there for me, that's what I realized for the past months he's pursuing me. Hindi niya
nakaligtaang ihatid-sundo ako, he's checking me from time to time, kung kumain na baa ko o kung may
kailangan baa ko and the care he's been giving me isn't suffocating at all.

I feel comfortable with him, I felt loved. Seryoso man ako sa ibang tao ay para akong baby kapag nasa
kanya. He's trying his best to ask me what's wrong, he's trying his best to take care of me in his own ways.

Alam niya rin ang gagawin kapag sinabi kong family time, he won't bother me, he won't use it against me.
Kahit mas marami ang oras ko kaka-trabaho kaysa sa kanya ay naintindihan niya.

He's too good to be true, he had everything I am looking for a man. Hindi ako nagsisi sa ibinigay kong
tyansa sa kanya.

"Dad, come on, wala namang ginagawa si Warren." I said, tinakpan ko ang mat ani Daddy pero ibinaba
niya ang kamay ko at seryosong tumitig nanaman kay Warren na nakaupo at kausap ang mga Tito ko.

"Wala akong tiwala sa lalaking 'yan pa rin," he muttered.

"Come on, get over it, Tinik. He looked like a good kid to me." Tito Dash said, glancing at Warren who's
talking to Tito Zeijan at Wave Nievarez.

We are having a family get together today and I was advised to take Warren with me. Well, we all took our
lovey dovies here today for our parents and grandparents to meet them.

Minsan lang nangyayari ito at masaya akong si Warren ang ipinakilala ko sa pamilya ko. He's been courting
me for months yet he's always consistent, sa totoo nga ay siya ang pinakamatagal kong manliligaw.

I love Warren Augustine, I love how he made me feel, I love how he takes care of me. I love him,
everything in him. I am not perfect like everyone is telling me yet he made me feel that I am one.

"Tss, hindi, eh. Tara nga rito, Deion!" Dad called, mula sa phone ay bumaling ang tingin ni Kuya sa Daddy.

"Po?" he asked, fixing his glasses.

Nginuso ni Dad si Warren at bumaling kay Kuya. "Jowain mo nga iyong manliligaw ni Scira."

"Dad!" I exclaimed.

Tito Dash laughed beside him, "seryoso, Tinik?"

"Dad," iling ni Kuya Deion. "I know Scira's young and I don't like watching her with assholes pero ako
talaga?"

"Warren's a good man, Dad." I snorted.

"Hindi, eh. Habang hindi ko napapatunayang hindi siya kakalampag sa Kuya mo—"

"What the hell, Dad?!" Kuya exclaimed, blushing.

Pinalo ko ang braso ni Daddy at tawa ng tawa si Tito Dash doon sa gilid.

"I'll buy you a house. Try lang, Deion, kapag kumalampag hindi na 'yan p'wede sa kapatid mo." Dad
negotiated.

"Ayoko, magkamatayan muna." Kuya muttered and Tito Zeijan appeared from nowhere and grinned at us.

"Ano 'yan, bakit may kalampagan?" ngisi niya roon.

"Ako isasangla mo, ayan oh, Dad. Si Tito Zeij." Ani Kuya at tinuro si Tito Zeijan na kumukurap lang sa
harapan.

"Huh?" Tito asked and I gasped when I saw my Dad smirked while looking at him.

Ipinagtanggol ko si Tintin sa mapagsamantala kong Tatay at sa mga alagad niya. Confused si Tito Zeij
habang tatawa-tawa ang Tito Dash sa t'wing itutulak ni Dad ang Tito kay Warren.

"What's the matter, baby?" Warren asked when I pulled him on the kitchen.

"Si Daddy kasi..." nguso ko. He chuckled, lifting his hand to remove a few strands of my hair on my face.

"He's just protective of you," he said softly and tapped my chin. "it's alright."

"But he kept on saying na kakalampag ka sa iba..." I muttered and he laughed, licking his lip, he placed a
soft kiss on my forehead.

"Kay Scira Valderama lang kakalampag," he chuckled.

"Naku, Tintin. Kapag ikaw kumalembang sa iba, ako puputol ng kaligayahan mo." I hissed and he chuckled.

"Should I post a sign on my forehead? Scira Valderama's property?" he said and my cheeks flushed.

Nagulat kami nang may tumamang kung ano sa amin. Sa gulat ay nabitawan ako ni Warren kaya naiwan
akong nakatanga sa gilid.

My eyes widen when he fell on the ground because of too much force, si Kuya Deion ay nasa itaas niya na
mukhang gulat din at biglang lumitaw ang Tatay at ang mga Tito ko.

"What the fuck, Dad?!" sigaw ni Kuya.

"Ano? Ano? May spark ba?" Dad asked, dumukwang pa sa gilid nila and I gasped.

"Mommy! Si Daddy, oh!" eksaherada kong sigaw, naiiyak na, tinatawag ang Mommy.

My grandparents are aging like fine wine, I always admire their story. I love how they once lost each other
but love and fate brought them back together. Sana ay ganoon din ako, sana ay si Warren na talaga.

As of now, I can't see myself dating other man. Parang hindi ko ata kayang may pakisamahang ibang lalaki
kung hindi si Warren iyon.
"Saan sina Kuya Chiel, Ate?" I asked when I realized Tita Thallia's family isn't here. Nasa kwarto kami
ngayong mga babae dahil busy iyong mga lalaki sa inuman at sina Mommy at ang mga bata ay nasa kusina
kasama sina Mama Lena at Papa Jer.

"Oh, dadating 'yon mamaya." She smiled at me.

"Anong nangyari?" Zirena asked, sinusuklay niya ang buhok ni Daru na busy kakatitig sa bagong manicure
na daliri. Si Ate Sibyl ay busy sa kaka-text sa gilid kaya napangiti ako.

"I don't exactly know, Chiel called me, male-late kasi nasa presinto si Crest."

My eyes widen, nagkatinginan kaming magpipinsan doon.

"What?" I asked.

"I don't know what exactly happened, nakaw ata or something."

"Alam kong pirata si Ate ng movie pero thief?" Napailing si Zire, "Crest Sandejas, magnanakaw? Baliw lang
makakaisip 'nun!"

"I don't know, set-up, maybe? They're on their way here when the police called. Ayon, sumugod sila.
Swerte lang din niya at dalawang abogado ang bahala." She chuckled. "Impossibleng gagawin iyon ni
Crest."

"Family of lawyers," Ate Sibyl spoke and chuckled. "Set-up lang siguro, I believe she won't do it. Sumama
rin si Adira, ang ating aspiring lawyer."

I sighed, naisip si Ate but I believed Kuya Chiel and Tito Iñigo can do it.

We busied ourselves watching movies, pansin ko ang pananahimik ni Daru kaya sumandal ako sa balikat
niya.

"You okay?" I asked and glanced at her.

"Oo naman, bakit hindi?" she answered, nakangiti pa but I noticed something's off.

It's her first time cutting her hair that short, shoulder length na ito ngayon. Dati ay inch lang ipapabawas
niyan at iiyak pa kapag nasobrahan sa gupit.

"You have a problem," I concluded when her smile didn't reach her eyes.

She froze, maya-maya'y ngumisi at umiling.

"Nothing's wrong, Scira. I'm fine." She said, chuckling.

"Oh?" I stared at her. "Sige nga, kumusta 'yong nagdadala sa'yo sa langit?"

I saw how her eyes turned slit, nakangiti pero matapang ang mga mata. Kasing bait siya ni Tita Reah but
her face resembled a lot to an angry Tito Dash when she's like this.

"Alam mo kung anong nangyayari sa dinadala sa langit?" she asked and my forehead creased.
"Huh?"

"Iniiwan sa ere," she said mysteriously and suddenly laughed. "charot! Tara, nuod na tayo movie. Malapit
na iyong patayan!"

Ganyan talaga, kapag nasaktan, idadaan na lang sa charot.

Days passed and I am more than busy sa work, we lost a few good professionals, mas nadagdagan iyon
pero kahit anong imbestiga ko ay hindi ko makuha kung anong nangyayari.

Lumabas ako ng banyo nang matapos akong mag-ayos, pagkatapos ay dumiretso palabas ng lobby when I
saw Warren talking to Akisha, my secretary.

I saw Warren shrugging and shaking his head, may sinabi sa kanya si Akisha at maya-maya'y nakita kong
may inabot itong envelope sa babae.

I'm confused, may sinabi si Akisha at tipid lang na tumango si Warren at ngumiti.

I was curious pero hindi ako nagtanong, masama ang pakiramdam ko ngayon dahil first day ng dalaw ko. I
am irregular kaya kapag nagkakaroon ay sobrang sakit ng puson ko.

Ayaw ko mang pumasok ay kailangan, I wouldn't like Warren to know about it dahil baka mag-alala siya.

He left after taking me to my office, binati naman ako ni Akisha at binigyan ng kape pagdating ko.

Ayos naman ang trabaho ko pero kada halos limang minuto ay kumikirot ang puson ko. I wanted to lay
down in bed and sleep, naiiyak na ako sa sakit na dumurugtong sa likod ko.

Damn it, I hate periods!

Dalawa hanggang tatlong papel lang ata ang nabasa ko dahil sa sama ng pakiramdam ko, I forgot to buy
my pain reliever. Wala ring compress para sa sikmura ko kaya hinang-hina ako.

My phone beeped, kinuha ko iyon at binasa habang nakamukmok ako sa lamesa at namimilipit sa sakit.

From: Kumareng Tintin

Hello, Ma'am, lunch time. Eat well. I love you.

Kinilig ako pero nawala sa pagkirot ng sikmura ko, napasinghap ako at wala pang ilang saglit ay wala nang
naisip na solusyon at tinawagan siya.

"Hello, Ma'am?" I heard his baritone voice in the other line.

"Uhm..." I bit my lip. "b-busy ka?"

"No, are you okay? Bakit bumubulong ka?" he immediately noticed it.

"Papasuyo sana ako ng compress," I said in a whisper.

"Compress? Why?"
"I-it's my first day of uhm... mens today. Masakit ang puson ko kapag ganito, h-hindi naman palagi,
nagkataon lang."

"Alright, I'm on my way. Wait for me." He said eagerly.

Sa kakaantay siguro at sakit ay nakatulog ako sa lamesa ko, naalimpungatan lang ako nang maramdaman
ko ang pagdapo ng likod ko kung saan.

Confused, I opened my eyes, only to see Warren placing his coat on my legs. Nakaluhod siya sa gilid ko sa
sofa, inaayos ang paa ko.

I saw him now wearing only his white dress shirt and slacks, bagsak ang kanyang buhok sa noo at seryoso
ang mga mata.

"Mars?" I called.

He immediately shifted his gaze at me, nabakas ko kaagad ang pag-aalala roon.

"Are you okay?" he asked. "masakit pa ba? Kanina pa? you could have told me para kanina pa lang
naaasikaso na kita."

"I'm fine," I smiled but his forehead just creased. Seryosong tumitig sa akin ang kanyang mga mata at
umigting ang panga.

"Fine? Eh, nakatulugan mo na ang sakit, Valderama." He said seriously.

I chuckled weakly, inabot ko ang mukha niya pero suplado lang siyang tumitig sa akin.

"M-medyo wala na ang sakit. Okay naman ako, Sir." I said. "T'saka, kaya ko 'to. Medyo masama lang talaga
ang pakiramdam ko kanina—"

"You are a bad actress, Scira." He sighed and I pouted. Mas humaba ang nguso ko nang pitikin niya ang labi
ko. "You can't lie to me."

"Tintin!" I whined.

He shook his head, umayos ng luhod sa tabi ko at pinatakan ako ng halik sa noo.

"Come here, sit. I bought a hot compress for your stomach, may pain reliever din at chicken soup. Sorry,
ako sana ang gagawa kaso matatagalan at baka sobrang sakit na kaya bumili na lang ako."

He helped me in sitting, humawak kaagad siya sa baywang ko para umalalay habang sumubsob naman ako
sa kanyang balikat. I kissed his neck when I reached it, bumuntong-hininga naman siya at humalik sa ulo
ko.

"Thanks, Augustine..." I said weakly.

"I'm mad at you for going here in that condition," he said. "paano kung hindi lunch at nasa meeting ako?
Who could assist you here and take care of you, huh?"

"Kaya ko naman," I said.

"Kaya ko namaan," he mimicked me, ngumuso ako at pinalo siya.

"Bully!" I hissed.

"Everyone has weakness, baby. Hindi porket iniisip mong malakas ay hindi ka na magpapahinga." I froze at
that, napalunok ako at suminghap.

"Sorry..." I said in a small voice.

"I wanted to take care of you but I need you to cooperate, okay?" he said and I nodded. "come on, look at
me."

Slowly, I looked at him. Galit at iritado siya pero halata naman ang pag-aalala sa mga mata. Suplado
kunwari pero nang ngumiti ako ay umigting ang panga niya at kumunot ang noo.

"Gwapo mo, sis. Pa-kiss nga." I said.

He stared at me seriously but I gave him a cute smile.

"H'wag na gagalit..." lambing ko.

"It's not funny, kapag may masakit sa'yo magsasabi ka kaagad. Paano kung mahimatay ka sa sakit ng
puson?" he asked.

"Sorry na," I sighed and smiled again. "good girl na ako ulit, Tintin. Bati na tayo?"

My stomach still hurts pero hindi na kagaya ng sakit kanina, marahil siguro ay dahil nakapagpahinga ako
saglit.

"No, kumain ka muna bago uminom ng gamot." Suplado niyang sabi at kinuha ang paper bag sa gilid.

"Tintin, sorry na, sasabihin ko na sa sunod kapag masakit. Sorry na." I said, naglalambing na yumakap sa
baywang niya.

"No, kumain ka." He said, binuksan ang lagayan ng mainit na soup sa may maliit na lamesa sa harap namin
pero nanatili akong nakayakap sa baywang niya.

"Tin...anong pwedeng gawin ko para 'di ka na galit?" sinilip ko ang mukha niya.

"Nothing," he said, umiiwas sa tingin ko.

"Hmm, how about a hug?" I asked.

"No," he answered me.

"Kiss?" I asked. He froze, kumunot ang noo niya kaya akala ko'y papayag pero tumikhim at umayos ng upo.

"Hindi ako marupok na tao, Scira Rosalie." He said and I chuckled.

"Weh?" I asked. He glared at me, natatawang humalik ako sa kanyang pisngi.

"Kakain na nga ako, sorry muna?" I said.

"Eat, Scira." He pointed the soup.

"Bati muna tayo?" I said and he frowned. "Hug?"

"No."

"Kiss?" I smiled.

"No," he said again.

"How about tayo na?" I asked and he shrugged.

"No," he said but stopped as if realizing something, mabilis niya akong nilingon. "totoo ba?" he asked,
wide-eyed.

"Issa prank!" I exclaimed and he glared at me.

Tawang-tawa ako pero nawala nang i-angat niya ang baba ko at pinatahimik ako ng halik niya.

Warren went out to answer an important call from his office while I'm eating, lunch time pa rin at naiihi
ako kaya tumayo ako para pumunta sana sa banyo sa may gilid sa labas ng office.

I'm feeling a bit well kaya lumabas na ako, nadaanan ko ang table ng secretary ko at wala rin siya dahil
lunch. Aalis na sana ako para umihi nang madaanan ng tingin ko ang envelope sa lamesa niya.

I remembered her and Warren earlier.

I stopped, marahang lumapit sa kanyang lamesa at curious na kinuha ang envelope. I know this is wrong,
hindi dapat ako nakikialam sa gamit ng iba pero napapaisip ako kaya hinayaan ko ang sariling gawin iyon.

Makapal na papel ang nasa loob, my forehead creased. Mabilis kong binasa ang nasa unang pahina at
halos mabitawan ko ang hawak sa nabasa.

Dear Miss Lopez,

Good day! Enclosed is the fully executed agreement for your acceptance of the secretarial job offer from
our firm. Your signing fee is on the process and we will let you know once the check is available. We are
hoping to work with you as soon as possible.

Regards,

Miranda Architecture and Engineering Corp.

Kabanata 17

Impossible, hindi ako naniniwala. He can't do this to me, he wouldn't. He won't lie to me again, he
promised me.

Ilang araw na ang nakalipas pero hindi pa rin mai-proseso ng utak ko ang nakita. Baka nagkamali lang ako,
baka iba naman talaga ang ibinigay niya. Nagkamali lang siguro ako.

No, I am sure I'm just mistaken. He won't do it to me.

Ilang araw nang nararamdaman kong nagpaparamdam si Akisha, she's saying na kailangan siya ng pamilya
niya but I know better, she's just preparing me bago sabihin ang pag-alis niya.

Patuloy pa rin ang imbestigasyon at hinahanap namin ang nagkokonekta sa mga firm na pinaglipatan ng
mga empleyado. Our company lawyer is taking care of legalities, hindi na basta-bastang makakaalis ang
mga ito dahil sa kontrata.

I still believe na ibang tao ang may gawa at hindi si Augustine. Nagkamali lang ako. I am positive.

"What's the matter?" my eyes landed back to Warren and saw him staring at me.

We were having our date night tonight, sa condo niya kami kumain dahil pagod na ako bumyahe sa resto
at itong sa kanya ang pinakamalapit, gusto ko man maging masaya ay hindi ko magawa dahil sa iniisip.
Halos wala na akong pahinga sa nangyayari sa firm ngayon, at ang isiping may posibilidad na ang mahal ko
ang may gawa noon, hindi ko alam kung kaya ko.

I stared at his face. He looks serious yet angelic when he's with me. His black eyes are deep and soft,
matangos ang kanyang ilong at bahagyang nakaawang ang mapulang labi. I saw his hair's newly cut, bagay
na bagay sa kanya ang buhok niya dahil mas nadepina ang panga niya.

"You cut your hair," I said and I saw him stopped for a while.

He blinked, cleared his throat then I saw a smile escaped his lips.

"You noticed it," he commented and I smiled, sumimsim ako sa wine at tumitig sa kanya.

"Bagay, mas lalo kang gumwapo." I said.

He stared at me, bigla akong napangiti nang medyo mamula ang mukha niya. He licked his lower lip,
napainom ng wine kaya natawa na ako.

"Maka-blush 'to, babae ka, girl?" I asked and he chukled, pinasadahan niya ng kamay ang buhok at
napailing.

"Nothing...I just, nababakla ata ako, Ma'am." He said and my brow lifted.

"What?" I frowned. "don't tell me you like my brother na?"

"What? No!" his eyes widen, napairap ako at ngumuso.

"Oh, bakit nababakla?" I glanced at him then slowly glared.

"I just...you know that feeling when your heart's beating fast?" he asked and I nodded.

"Yeah, I feel that too." I answered and his eyes widen a bit.

"Really?" he asked and I pouted, nodding.

"Oo," I said. "bakit?"

"You are feeling that, babae ka, normal lang naman sa'yo but I am feeling that too. Am I gay?" he asked,
seriously.
Bigla akong natawa, ngumuso siya sa akin. He rested his back on the chair, crossing his arms on his chest
while looking at me, as if it's unbelievable I am laughing that hard.

"Gay? What the heck, Augustine?" I exclaimed.

He licked his lip, tumalim ang tingin niya habang tumatawa ako.

"I knew you'll laugh at me," he pointed out. "but am I? Answer me, that's a normal reaction for girls, right?
Pero I felt that too, does it mean—"

"Kailan mo lang nararamdaman 'yan?" I asked, curious now.

"Just with you," he confessed. "It feels gay feeling giddy all the time you'll smile at me or just that, noticing
simple things like my hair cut."

I remained silent, kumakalabog ang puso ko habang nakatingin sa kanyang nagsasalita. I feel happy now
that I heard that from him.

"It isn't gay," I said and he glanced at me.

"Really?" he asked like a kid.

"Hmm," I nodded and sipped on my wine. "it's a natural reaction when you love or like someone and
you're with them."

"Kahit...lalaki?" his brow lifted.

I chuckled, sinipa ko ang paa niya kaya napangisi na siya.

"Yes! Baklang 'to...ano talagang bumigay ka na ba?!" I hissed and he laughed, umayos siya ng upo at
pinagmasdan ako.

"Sa'yo nga lang kasi kakalampag." He chuckled. "Architect Valderama lang, sapat na."

I chuckled, nawala sa utak ko ang iniisip at ang pangamba ay napalitan ng kung anong ganda sa
pakiramdam. A day with Warren always lifts my mood, palagi siyang nariyan sa tabi ko kahit madalas ay
moody at mang-aaway lang ako.

"Do you love me, Tin?" I asked and I saw how his smile faded a bit, sumeryoso siya bigla at tumitig.

We stared at each other for a while, it was a great view, with his serious handsome face and the city lights
at night in his background.

"Yes," he said seriously, without even blinking and my heart raced. "I liked you since the first time I saw
you."

"Huh?" my eyes widen. "Kailangan? 'Yong sa ospital?" I asked and he shook his head.

"Nah," he said and my forehead creased.

"That's the first time I met you, Augustine." I said, "tinulungan mo ako sa vending machine kasi hindi
makuha ang inumin ko."
"That's actually the fourth time," he said and my heard pounded.

"Talaga ba?" hindi makapaniwala kong tanong at tinitigan siya. "I don't remember meeting you..."

"I know," he chuckled a bit at me. "you're still young that time, nag-uumpisa ka pa lang sa firm niyo. Your
family held a party to welcome you and you were so beautiful that time..."

Bigla kong naalala ang party na sinasabi niya, I was just twenty that time!

"I don't remember seeing you, I mean, I met the guests and..."

"Proxy lang ako," he said and my forehead creased. "Vioxx, my cousin is the one invited but he couldn't go
kaya ako ang pumunta."

My mouth parted at that.

"Really?"

"Hmm," he smiled. "second one is in a convention abroad, third is at a restaurant, I bumped into you when
you are walking."

My forehead creased, pilit na inaalala ang sinasabi niya pero sa dami ng convention at restaurant na
napuntahan ko ay hindi na malinaw sa akin.

"Don't force yourself remembering that," he said when he noticed me thinking.

Napalunok ako at sumulyap sa kanya. "I tried but...I'm sorry, Sir. Marami na kasi akong napuntahan." I
sighed.

"It's okay," he said. "I am just trying to say that I've never been attracted to someone like this in the past. I
liked you when I first saw you, akala ko hanggang doon na lang kaya hinayaan ko na, but then, we met
again, you thought I am gay so I..." he blushed.

"Baliw ka ba?" I hissed and he looked at me, shocked of my outburst. "Kung bet mo pala ako edi sana
chumurva ka na!"

He almost laughed pero kinagat ang labi niya para pigilan.

"I'm shy, baka sabihin mo, patay na patay ako—"

"Hindi ba?!" I glared at him and I saw his cheeks flushed before clearing his throat.

"Patay na patay nga," he said in a small voice and I gasped.

"Naku, Tintin! Kung sumunggab ka kaagad, edi sana ikaw na! I shouldn't have met other man! I shouldn't
have jump from a relationship to another just to please my family, just to try and unconsciously look for
love!" I exclaimed exaggeratedly and he stared at me and blink.

"I'm sorry—"

"Para kang pagong sa bagal, kainis." Reklamo ko at sumimangot.

He bit his lip, nakita kong natatawa na siya pero pinipigil kasi iritado ako sa pagmumukha niya.

"I didn't know na marupok ka rin, Ma'am." He commented, teasing. Nakahalukipkip ako habang
nakasimangot sa kanya pero nakataas ang sulok ng labi niya sa akin.

"Lelang mo, Tintin." I hissed.

I saw how amusement played on his deep black eyes, he smiled. I kept on praising him but my heart
thumped harder at that simple move.

"Come here," he tapped his lap.

My brow raised, ngumuso ako at sumulyap. "Ano ka, chicks? Bakit ako uupo sa hita mo?"

"Ayaw mo ba?" he asked, smiling and I frowned.

"S'yempre gusto!" I exclaimed and stood.

He laughed, tumayo ako sa upuan ko at lumapit sa kanya. I saw his eyes darted on my body then back to
my eyes.

"You look beautiful, Ma'am." He said.

"Anong bago?" I asked and he laughed at me and moved a bit.

"Nothing, I love you." He said. My heart pounded, I've been reading this in novels I've read before but it's
true na kapag masaya ka, tila may paru-paro sa t'yan mo.

I'm happy, nang maramdaman ang hawak niya sa baywang ko ay tahimik akong sumandal sa kanyang leeg.

"Tin?" I called and I felt his hand playing with my fingers.

"Hmm?" he hummed, sinundan ko siya ng tingin nang hagkan niya ang likod ng palad ko.

I saw the sincerity in his eyes, I can feel the warmth his body has, kahit malamig ang gabi ay dama ko ang
init niya.

Would you really do that, Augustine?

"Do you love me, Warren?" I asked again and his eyes landed back on me. Halos magkapantay na ang mga
mata naming dalawa.

"I do," he said while staring at me.

I nodded and smiled, hinaplos ko ang pisngi niya at napansin ko ang pagtitig niya sa mga mata ko.

"Have you been sleeping? You have dark circles." He noticed, naramdaman ko ang paghaplos ng daliri niya
sa ilalim ng mata ko.

"Just work," I said softly, inabot ang kanyang kamay sa pisngi ko. "marami kasing project."

"Are you eating well? Kinakain mo ba 'yong lunch na pinapadala ko?" he asked again and I nodded.
"Yes,"

"Sa tamang oras?" he raised his brow and I bit my lip and chuckled a bit.

"Minsan sa tamang oras pero—"

"Scira..." he called me, umigting ang panga niya at hinanap ang mata ko. "is there something wrong?"

"Wala naman," I said softly.

"There is," he concluded while looking at me. "tell me, maybe I can help you. Sa kompanya ba?"

Hindi ako umimik, muling naalala ang pag-abot niya ng envelope sa sekretarya ko.

"Baby," he called again and touched my chin. "look at me."

Slowly, I did.

"I've noticed your silence, hindi ka naman masyadong palasalita but I can see something's bothering you."
He said. "May problema ba?"

"I was just pressured," I said. "no big deal."

"You should learn how to rest too." He said, marahang yumakap pa siya sa baywang ko kaya hinaplos ko
ang pisngi niya. "You are flawless, baby, pero hindi naman lahat ng oras kailangan mo maging perpekto.
You are a person too, lahat tayo kailangang magpahinga minsan."

I nodded slowly, "I'm resting naman, Augustine."

"There's something in your eyes," he said. "it wasn't like that before."

"Huh?" kumunot ang noo ko. "bakit? Ano bang mayroon sa mata ko dati? Naging blue ba?" I tried joking
around yet he remained serious.

"No..." he shook his head, looking so bothered. "it's just that, your smile didn't reach your eyes that
much."

Nawala ang ngiti ko roon, hindi ko iyon napapansin but these days, I feel off. Pagod na pagod ako at
nalulungkot, sometimes, I don't know what to believe anymore.

Ang nabasa ko bang sulat o ang pag-ibig na sinasabi niya.

"Scira..." he called me, umigting ang panga niya at hinanap ang mata ko. "is there something wrong?"

"Wala naman," I said softly.

"There is," he concluded while looking at me. "tell me, maybe I can help you. Sa kompanya ba?"

Hindi ako umimik, muling naalala ang pag-abot niya ng envelope sa sekretarya ko.

"Baby," he called again and touched my chin. "look at me."

Slowly, I did.
"I've noticed your silence, hindi ka naman masyadong palasalita but I can see something's bothering you."
He said. "May problema ba?"

"I was just pressured," I said. "no big deal."

"You should learn how to rest too." He said, marahang yumakap pa siya sa baywang ko kaya hinaplos ko
ang pisngi niya. "You are flawless, baby, pero hindi naman lahat ng oras kailangan mo maging perpekto.
You are a person too, lahat tayo kailangang magpahinga minsan."

I nodded slowly, "I'm resting naman, Augustine."

"There's something in your eyes," he said. "it wasn't like that before."

"Huh?" kumunot ang noo ko. "bakit? Ano bang mayroon sa mata ko dati? Naging blue ba?" I tried joking
around yet he remained serious.

"No..." he shook his head, looking so bothered. "it's just that, your smile didn't reach your eyes that
much."

Nawala ang ngiti ko roon, hindi ko iyon napapansin but these days, I feel off. Pagod na pagod ako at
nalulungkot, sometimes, I don't know what to believe anymore.

Ang nabasa ko bang sulat o ang pag-ibig na sinasabi niya.

I stared at him and he quietly stared back at me. It was as if my eyes gave me away with his next question.

"Did I...did I do something wrong?" he asked and I was taken aback.

Hindi kaagad ako nakasagot, I saw how his forehead creased at that.

"Did I?" he asked, "r-really? tell me, para...para maayos ko. May hindi ka ba gusting ugali sa akin? Am I too
fast? Am I pressuring you?"

I bit my lip, hindi nakapagsalita at napabuntong-hininga na lang.

"Did I do something wrong?" he looks confused.

"Did you, Augustine?" I asked, staring directly into his eyes.

His forehead creased, mas tumitig siya sa akin at mas nagseryoso.

"May mali ba akong nagawa? Am I too clingy?" his eyes soften and he touched my cheek. "N-nasasakal ka
ba? Should I loosen up a bit? N-nagsasawa ka na sa mukha ko?"

I don't know why but I felt weaker with that, my Dad taught me how to distinguish people and as I looked
into his eyes, I saw nothing but confusion.

"H-hindi naman..." I said softly. "Do you love me, Augustine?"

"I do," he said and took a deep breath. "I don't even know if I can love like this again."

"I love you too..." I said in a whisper and I saw how his eyes brightened at that. He stopped, nakita ko ang
bahagyang pag-awang ng labi niya sa narinig.
"I love you too, August." I said again, tumulo ang luha sa mata ko at nagulat ako nang lumuha rin siya.

My heart raced, hinampas ko ang balikat niya at suminghap.

"B-bakit ka umiiyak?" I hissed and sobbed. "A-ako ang nauna, ah! Bakit gumagaya ka?!"

"I-I don't know, fuck..." he closed his eyes and harshly dried his tears. "I-I don't know, I-I'm just so happy."

Kinagat ko ang labi ko at suminghap.

"Warren..." I called.

He raised his hand and dried my tears. "D-don't cry."

"U-umiiyak ka rin, ah!" I exclaimed and sobbed harder.

His eyes glistened a bit, hinawi ko ang luha niya at ganoon din ang ginawa niya sa akin.

"I love you," he whispered and cupped my cheek. "don't cry, please. Parang nagluluksa ka naman sa sinabi
mo."

I chuckled, tinampal ko ang pisngi niya at sinamaan siya ng tingin. "I'm just emotional! Akala mo hindi ka
rin umiyak!"

"Emotional din ako, bakit?" he exclaimed and we both laughed at that.

He moved his head a bit and tilted my chin, napasinghap ako nang marahan niya akong halikan. His kisses
are still the same, soft and gentle yet filled with unnamed emotions inside. I gasped when he coaxed my
mouth, his tongue fighting with mine as he gripped my waist tighter.

The chair moved a bit, mas umayos ako ng upo sa kanyang kandungan at mabilis na pumihit sa kanya
paharap. He helped me straddled him, umangat ang skirt ko sa ginawa at mas niyakap ko siya habang
nagpapalitan ng halik.

His kisses are warm and hot, ramdam ko ang pagkabog ng puso ko habang hinihila ang buhok niya. I felt
his hand on the side of my waist, bumaba iyon sa hita ko at marahang humaplos kaya mas naghabol ako ng
hininga.

I can feel my stomach churning, nangilid ang luha ko habang gumaganti ng halik sa kanya. I opened my
mouth when he seek for entrance, bumaba rin ang kamay ko sa kanyang batok at marahang sinuklay ang
kanyang buhok.

Our eyes met, my hand went on his dress shirt and started unbuttoning it and he did mine too. I touched
his hard chest when I'm done opening his shirt and my eyes widen a bit when I felt his hand on my breast.

I gulped, I saw how his eyes darken and my breath hitched when he lowered his head and kissed the skin
in between my breast. I watched his dark hair while feeling the warmth of his tongue on my peaks.

I gasped for air, lumiyad pa akong lalo at napasandal na sa lamesa para mas bigyan siya ng espasyo. I saw
how his tongue flicked on my peak, his other hand cupping the other and my eyes remained looking at
him, watching him lick me like a thirsty lion.
I closed my eyes and moved my waist a bit, taunting him. I felt him froze when I did that.

"No..." he said and my eyes widen when I felt him more on my butt.

"H-huh?" I gulped, consciously moving my waist more until he's growing and more turned on.

"F-fuck, Scira, no..." he said, licking his lower lip hardly.

Madilim ang kanyang mukha, his eyes met mine and I saw how his adams apple moved up and down with
pressure.

"Why..."

"Stop, Ma'am." His breath labored.

"H-hmm?"

"I'm fucking turned on now, baby." He said and stared at my eyes.

"T-then, let's do it." I said and I saw how his eyes dilated. Marahas siyang napalunok, nakita ko ang
pagbaba ng tingin niya sa hantad kong dibdib at mariing napapikit.

I watched him whispered a hard curse, umigting ang panga niya at nagulat na lang ako nang marahang
humawak siya sa baywang ko at mabilis na nagdampi ng halik sa labi ko.

I watched him lift my brassiere up and fixed my blouse, napalunok ako sa ginagawa niya at mas kumalabog
ang puso.

"M-mars?" I called, mukha siyang nahihirapan kaya hinalikan ko ang labi niya.

"Huh?" his eyes went back to me kaya nagsalita ako.

"Don't you want me?" I asked softly, hindi alam ang dapat maramdaman ngayong inaayos niya ako.

"I love you, Scira, okay?" he said seriously and glanced at my eyes. "and I want you so...so bad."

"Then, why..." I muttered but he smiled, placed a small kiss on my forehead before pulling me for a warm
hug.

"I love you, I will take you when you're ready. Not when you're tired and pressured. There are still a lot of
time for making love, I think what you need right now is a hug." He chuckled.

"A-asshole, pagkakataon mo na nga..." tinampal ko ang likod niya kaya natawa siya, nangingiti naman ako
roon at mas sumiksik sa kanyang leeg.

I felt his soft kiss on my hair, mas yumakap ako at naramdaman ang kung anong init sa puso ko sa simpleng
mga ginagawa niya.

"I will do my best to love you right, I will do my best not to disappoint and be perfect." He whispered and I
bit my lip.

"Y-you don't have to be perfect, Tintin." I said. "Just be who you really are, I don't need a perfect
boyfriend, just be my kumare and Augustine like you used to be and I'll be alright."
"I will," he chuckled. "binilhan nga kita ng lipstick kanina 'nung dumaan ako sa mall. Ganda ng shade, kiss
proof din daw. Gusto mo?"

I suddenly laughed, kinurot ko ang baywang niya kaya napaigtad siya at mas natawa.

"What?" he asked, laughing.

"Baka matuluyan ka na!" I exclaimed.

"Dalawa 'yon, red 'yong isa." He said and we both laughed.

Sa lamig ng gabi ay mas naging komportable ako at nakuntento sa simpleng yakap niya.

"Tintin?" I called and he hummed. "I know you don't usually do promises but, can you promise me one
thing?"

"What?" he asked. "I will do my best to keep it."

Hinaplos ko ang buhok niya at humalik sa kanyang tainga.

"Promise me you won't lie again." I whispered.

He remained silent for a while, akala ko ay hindi sasagot pero naramdaman ko ang mas mahigpit niyang
yakap sa akin.

"I won't..." he heaved a deep breath. "I promise."

I heaved a relaxed sigh, hinding-hindi ko makakaya kapag nagsinungaling ka ulit. Hinding-hindi.

Tears fell on my cheek as I was looking at the papers on my hand.

"A-are you sure about this?" nanatili akong nakatungo habang nakatitig sa papel para hindi makita ang
mga mata ko.

"Yes, Architect. We double check po and lahat po ng maliliit na firms na pinaglipatan ng mga empleyado ay
konektado at subsidiary company lang po ng Miranda firm."

"A-alright..." I nodded, "Salamat."

He left, nanatili akong nakatitig sa papel na ibinigay at pagod na napasandal sa swivel. When he left, my
tears fell and my body began shaking.

No...he can't do this to me. Warren would never do this! Hindi ako naniniwala. This is wrong!

May kumatok sa opisina, mabilis akong nagbaba ng tingin, kinuha ang shades at narinig ang pagpasok ng
secretary ko.

"Uh, Architect. Hello, sorry po kahit uwian na, isa lang po, pahabol na pipirmahan." She said.

Tumango lang ako at tahimik na iniabot ang folder na ibinigay niya, I saw her glancing at the shades I am
wearing but didn't say anything.
I signed the papers she gave me, sumulyap ako sa date na naroon at nagsalita.

"What's the date?" I asked.

"August first po, Architect." She said and I nodded.

Nang matapos ay mabilis ko sa kanyang ibinalik ito, tumayo sa swivel at kipkip ang mga dokumento at ang
bag ay lumabas ako para umuwi.

My phone kept on ringing pero wala akong lakas para buksan at basahin iyon. The employees greeted me
pero ni ngiti at tango ay hindi ko magawa. Each step I make is painful, nangingilid muli ang luha ko at halos
mapaupo na sa lapag nang maabot ko ang aking sasakyan.

"Y-you're strong, Scira. You're strong." Bulong ko sa sarili.

Muling tumunog ang phone at kahit nanghihina ay kinuha ko iyon.

From: Kumareng Tintin

Hi, baby. Sorry kung hindi kita masusundo, may emergency lang sa firm.

I closed my eyes, nang muling tumunog ay sumulyap ako at nakita ang bagong message.

From: Queen Zidney

Go home. We need to talk.

I lowered my head, tila talon na umagos ang luha sa pisngi ko. Pagod kong isinandal ang noo ko sa
manibela at humikbi.

He won't do this to me. He promised me! He'd never do this to me!

I trust him. Mahal ako ni Augustine. He would never lie again, I believed it.

Buo ang loob na hindi sa akin nagsisinungaling si Warren, I went home. Malakas ang kalabog ng dibdib ko
habang naglalakad papasok ng bahay, it was unusually quiet today, sa pagpasok ko pa lang sa bahay ay
naabutan ko si Dad na nakatayo sa gilid habang si Mom ay nakaupo sa sofa at nakapikit ang mata.

I removed my shades and glanced at them.

"Mom?" I called.

She opened her eyes and I saw her tired ones. Kaagad siyang tumayo at miski si Dad ay lumapit sa akin.

"You've got it, right?" she asked, showing me the envelope identical to what I have now.

"Yes," I said softly, nodding my head.

"What will you do about this?" she asked, nanatiling tahimik lang si Dad doon at nakamasid sa aming
dalawa.

"None," I answered timidly and stared at her.

Her forehead creased, I saw how her black eyes sharpen a bit.

"What do you mean? Wala kang gagawin? It was that man who did this to our company, Scira. Sa
kompanya kung saan ka nagtatrabaho." She pointed out.

"We should investigate, Mom. We can't possibly believe this kaagad. What if—"

"We doubled check, Scira." She pointed out, her forehead creasing.

"Yes, but can we at least consider that it was Warren—"

"Yes, it is Warren, anak. We checked and he's the only Miranda who can get to us that close." She
explained, "we saw from the CCTVs, siya ang nag-abot ng envelope sa mga umalis, Scira. We caught one
envelope from our employee yesterday and it was from him."

Hindi ako nakapagsalita, I closed my eyes tightly and shook my head.

"You're just mistaken, Mom. Hindi si Warren iyon—"

"Then who, Scira?" she said hardly and I opened my eyes, only to see her cold eyes. "tell me who could
possibly go inside our firm to recruit our employees?"

"I-I don't know, baka iba. Hindi 'yon si Warren, impossibleng—"

"Maybe you are really too young for this responsibility." She said in finality and I froze. I glanced at her and
saw her cold face.

"M-mom..." I whispered, I can feel the aching inside my chest.

Nasaktan ako noon sa sinabi ng board but I never expected it'll hurt more hearing it from my mother.

"They're right, masyado ka pang bata para sa posisyon mo—"

"Wala ka bang tiwala sa akin, Ma?" I asked and I saw her cold eyes as she shook her head. My father
remained quiet, nanatili siyang tahimik sa likod ng Mommy.

"I have but seeing you now? I'm disappointed, Scira." She said and my eyes almost burned from the sting
of upcoming tears.

"M-mom..."

"Bakit ka nagpapakabulag sa pag-ibig, anak? I get it that you are in love pero h'wag ka namang maging
bulag sa malinaw at nasa harapan mo na. Open your eyes." She said eagerly.

"I am!" tumaas ang boses ko roon. "he promised me he'd never lie! He promised me, Mom! Bakit ang dali
lang sa inyong mambintang?"

"Lahat ng ebidensya ay tinuturo na siya, Scira Rosalie!" she exclaimed sharply.

"Queen..." my Dad tried calming her pero humiwalay siya sa akin at seryoso akong tinitigan.

"Wake up, Scira! He was fooling you! He probably got close to you so he could do this to your company!"
she exclaimed. "wake up! Hindi porket maayos sa paningin mo ay ganoon talaga!"
"Hindi niyo kasi siya kilala!" I exclaimed, "why can't you just trust me?! I know Augustine, Mom! Mas kilala
ko siya kaysa sa inyo kaya wala kayo karapatang husgahan siya!"

"Don't raise your voice at your mother, young lady!" my Dad's mad voice stopped me, nahulog ang luha sa
pisngi ko roon nang makitang galit na rin siya.

"Hindi kasi kayo nakikinig! I know him, Dad! K-kaya...wala kayong karapatang pagbintangan siya!"

"We get your point but do not ever talk back like that to your mother!" he exclaimed.

My Mom glanced at me and shook her head.

"He did it, Scira." She said and I shook my head.

"No!" I exclaimed, "he didn't do it!"

"Listen to me!" she exclaimed. "Ako ang Nanay mo kaya making ka sa sinasabi ko! That man won't do you
any good! Look at you! Nagpapabulag ka ngayon, I believed in you yet you disappoint me—"

"I know I am a disappointment, Mom!" I exclaimed and sobbed. "K-kahit disappointment ako ginagawa ko
ang lahat para maging maayos! So, I could meet your expectations of me! Kasi anak niyo ako, eh! Kasi
Sandejas at Valderama ako! Kaya ko nga ginagawa—"

"I never told you to be perfect, Scira!" she exclaimed, her eyes are now bloodshot. "kahit kailan ay hindi
kita pinilit na maging perpekto!"

"But I did!" I exclaimed, sobbing. "I did try being perfect kasi...kasi perfect ka!"

"Y-you're..." Mom shook her head at me.

"I entered relationships kasi sabi niyo maganda ang pamilya nila! Kahit pagod na pagod na ako minsan
hindi ako nagsasabi kasi gusto kong maging proud kayo sa akin!" I exclaimed.

"Scira, we are proud of you. We never told you to pressure yourself—"

"'Yon nga, Dad. Alam kong wala kayong sinabi but I am trying my best! K-kasi anak niyo ako, eh!" I cried
harder. "k-kaya sana pakinggan niyo rin ako minsan! Warren would never do that!"

"Stop being blind, Scira. Listen to me." My Mom said, tears were on her cheek.

"N-no, I'd never listen to you again! Ako naman ang pakinggan niyo!" sigaw ko.

"Scira!" my father's voice roared angrily.

We heard cries, sa paglingon ko ay nagising si Queen Scira sa ingay.

"Fuck..." my father cursed and walked towards my sibling.

"No, you listen to me." My mother said coldly. "That man is toxic to you! Look at what you're doing right
now! You wouldn't listen to me! I thought he's a good man but look what he did—"

"He is a good man, Mom! Bakit ayaw mong maniwala sa akin?!" I exclaimed and she froze.
"H-how dare you raise your voice like that?" she pointed out, her cheeks filled with tears. "M-minahal ko
kayo, inalaagan tapos sisigawan mo lang ako—"

"K-kasi hindi ka nakikinig!" I screamed frustratedly.

"Scira! Zidney! Lower your voices!" my father exclaimed, mas lumakas ang iyak ni Queen pero walang
nagpapatalo sa amin ng Mommy.

"I-I am doing my best to give the best to all of you! Tapos ito lang—"

"Hindi mo alam ang gusto ko! Wala kayong alam! Wala kasi kayong pakialam—" sigaw ko pero natigil nang
lumagapak ang kamay ni Mommy sa pisngi ko.

Nanatiling nakapaling ang mukha ko, patuloy na tumutulo ang luha sa mga mata. I saw my brother and
sister entering.

"M-mom!" Ate Clyte ran towards us, mabilis na humawak kay Mommy pero sa gulat ko ay mabilis din
siyang nasampal ng Mommy.

"Isa ka pa!" My mother exclaimed, sobbing. "A-ano bang ginawa kong mali para ganituhin niyo ako?!"

"Deion! Bring your sister outside!" mabilis na lumapit ang Kuya ko at kinuha si Queen bago mabilis na
inilabas ang bunso na hindi matigil sa pag-iyak.

"M-mom..." Ate Clyte cried while touching her. "S-sorry, Ma..."

"Akala mo hindi ko alam?!" my tears fell more when my Mom broke down. "A-ano bang ginawa ko para
ganituhin niyo akong magkapatid?!"

My father immediately held my crying mother, her cold façade faded and was replaced with a sorrowful
one. "Hindi pa ba sapat ang pahirap sa akin noon?!"

"Zidney..." my father called and calmed her down. "calm down."

"S-sorry..." Ate Clyte sobbed and I remained looking at them with my palm still on my cheek she slapped.

My mother...my mother slapped me. She slapped me.

My sister is crying, halos mapaupo na siya sa lapag habang tulala lang ako at patuloy na nahuhulog ang
luha sa mga pisngi.

I saw my mother's shaking hands, she closed her eyes and tried calming down but she's panicking and
hysterical.

"F-fuck, Zidney!" my father called and carried her towards the couch. "Deion! Come here!"

"A-aalis ako..." I whispered like a puppet and turned my back.

Nanginginig ang paa ay mabilis akong nagtungo sa kwarto at mabilis na kinuha ang luggage ko. I took my
clothes with me and put it nonchalantly and out of order inside my bag.

"S-Scira, s-saan ka pupunta?" my eyes landed on the door and saw my sister, panicking when she saw me.
"Aalis sa pesteng pamamahay na 'to." Mariin at matapang kong sabi at mabilis na ipinasok ang damit sa
loob ng maleta.

"N-no! What are you doing?!" she exclaimed and ran towards me. "s-si Mommy, no...no, don't do this."

"P-pagod na pagod na ako, Ate..." iyak ko.

She tried stopping me but I won't bulge. She tried removing my clothes yet I'll just push her away at
muling pinapasok ang mga damit ko. Hindi ko na tinapos ang pagkuha ng gamit at basta na lang binuhat
palabas.

"Scira!" she called pero hindi ako nakinig.

Bumaba ako ng hagdan at nakitang nakasandal ang Mommy kay Dad na hawak ang kamay niya. Kuya
Deion is with her too, nakita kong ang pamilyar na babae sa gilid at karga si Queen Scira na tumahan na.

My eyes landed on my brother and sighed.

He took the bitch back, huh...

"Scira!" Ate Clyte ran after me.

Napalingon silang lahat sa akin. I saw my father tensed up when he saw me, napalingon din si Mommy at
nakita kong mas tumulo ang luha niya ng makita ako.

"Scira?" Kuya Deion called. "where are you going?"

I shrugged, glancing at him coldly and walked out.

"Young lady! Come back here!" my father exclaimed and I closed my eyes to stop myself from looking
back.

Sumunod ang Ate sa akin, kasunod niya si Kuya pero mabilis akong nakapasok sa sasakyan ko.

"Scira!" Kuya Deion knocked on my window, umiiyak ang Ate pero wala na akong maramdamang kahit
ano.

I turned the engine on and drove away with tears on my cheek.

Hilam ang mga luha sa mata ay nagmaneho ako, walang patutunguhan. When I got away, naramdaman ko
ang paninikip ng dibdib ko, nanginig ako at mas napaluha.

My hand started shaking, nanlabo ang mata ko, napapikit sa biglang pagkahilo nang marinig ang malakas
na busina.

I jumped, gasped and immediately saw the car approaching my direction. I quickly steered the wheel and
avoided the car.

My heart's racing, tumigil ang sasakyan ko sa gilid at nanghihinang napasandal ako roon.

"Kung magpapakamatay ka, h'wag ka mandamay ng tao! Gago!" sigaw mula sa labas hanggang sa maiwan
akong mag-isa sa gilid ng daan.
I closed my eyes, rested my head on the steering wheel and cried harder. Paulit-ulit kong hinampas ang
manibela at sumigaw.

My shoulders kept on moving up and down, halos mawalan na ako ng hininga kaya nagmamadali kong
binuksan ang pintuan ng sasakyan.

Kipkip ang phone ay mabilis akong naglakad palabas at nakita ang palaruang walang tao sa tabi ng daan
kung nasaan ang sasakyan ko.

I walked towards there and found myself sitting on an empty bench. Nanginginig pa rin ang kamay ko kaya
napatitig ako roon ng wala sa sarili.

He...he can't do that to me. He won't.

With my shaking hands, I lifted my hand and dialed Warren's number. Inilapit ko iyon sa tainga, nag-antay
na sagutin pero unattended.

My tears fell more, walang tigil kong tinawagan ang numero niya.

"P-please...please, answer me." I whispered but still none.

For hours, I waited like a puppy, I sent him countless messages yet I received no response.

"T-Tin, s-sunduin mo naman ako, oh." I whispered while composing the voice message. "p-please...please,
p-pagod na ako."

I received countless messages and calls from my family and cousins pero ni isa ay wala akong sinagot.
Parang tanga at nawawalang tuta akong nakaupo sa bench, nag-aantay na may susunod pero walang
dumating.

I am starting to lose hope, nawala na rin ang mga dumaraang sasakyan sa daan. Tulala lang ako at tahimik
na pinaglalaruan ang daliri ko.

My phone rang, my eyes settled back on my phone and my heart raced when I saw who was it.

Kumareng Tintin calling...

With shaking hands, I quickly answered it and placed it on my ear.

"W-Warren?" I said with my shaking voice. "good thing you called!"

I heard his deep breaths.

"S-sunduin mo n-naman ako, oh." I bit my lip. "P-please, w-wala na akong mapupuntahan."

Hindi siya umimik kaya mas nahulog ang luha sa mga mata ko.

"S-sagutin mo naman ako. Please. S-sunduin mo ako." Lumingon ako sa paligid at napansin ang langit na
walang mga bituin, malungkot at madilim. "N-natatakot ako..."

"Go home," he said and my body started shaking when I heard his cold voice.
"T-Tin?"

"Umuwi ka na lang." I heard his deep voice.

"L-lumayas ako," I confessed. "I-I don't know if I could come back, d'yan na lang ako—"

"I don't want to see you again," he whispered and my breath hitched. "you probably know what I did now,
right?"

"N-no..." nanlabo ang mga mata ko at mas nanginig. "m-mali lang sila, h-hindi ako naniwala sa kanila,
Augustine! You...can't do that, right? You promised!"

"That's why I fucking hate promises..." he whispered and my sobs left my lips.

"T-Tin, y-you're joking, right? Y-you promised me you'd never lie, you won't do that—"

"Turns out, I'm like them too, Scira." He whispered and I froze. "I fucking broke promises too."

"N-no...you won't. You...you won't lie to me, right?" I whispered, catching my breath.

"I-I'm sorry..." he whispered and the next thing I heard is the dial tone.

Natulala ako at suminghap. I glanced blankly at my phone and saw the time.

11:58 PM

August 1

Naramdaman ko ang basa sa braso ko at nang mag-angat ako ng tingin ay mas nabasa ang mukha ko sa
ambon mula sa malungkot at madilim na langit.

"B-bobo..." I whispered and stared at my phone, "ang tali-talino mo pero bobo ka sa tang inang pag-ibig,
Valderama."

My cousin's name flashed on the screen and shaking, I did my best to finally answer her.

"D-Daru..." I called weakly.

"Scira! Finally!" she exclaimed then suddenly, I heard her sobbing a bit.

"W-what?" I whispered.

"U-uwi ka na..." she said and sobbed harder.

"W-what? I-I can't, g-galit sa akin ang Mommy..." I said weakly, patuloy na nahuhulog ang luha.

"Please..." she muttered softly, "u-uwi ka, please. Uwi ka na."

"B-bakit?" I muttered, mas lumakas ang ambon at maya-maya'y naramdaman ko na ang mabigat na patak
nito sa braso ko.

"S-si..." she muttered and I felt my heart suddenly throbbing in nervousness at that.
"B-bakit?" bulong ko at napatayo na. "a-anong mayroon?"

"W-wala na..." she sobbed harder. "P-papa Jer's gone, Scira. W-wala na si Papa Jer..."

I felt numb, tila nanigas ako sa kinauupuan at nawalan ng lakas. Bumagsak ang phone na hawak ko at
napasinghap.

The rain fell down on me, I covered my mouth as muffled cries escaped my lips. Nanghina ang tuhod ko at
napaluhod sa lupa.

My shoulders started shaking, covering my mouth, I cried like a kid as the cold, sad drops of the rain
drenched on me.

I knelt and bit my lip and didn't expect that in this day, first day of August, I will lose my grandfather
together with the love I thought to be the right one for me. Drenching in rain, I lowered my head and
slowly realized that Augustine lied to me...again.

Kabanata 18

"Here, warm yourself." A soft voice from a woman made me come back from my reverie.

I opened my eyes and saw the woman's soft eyes.

"N-no..." I whispered, muling inabot sa kanya ang jacket pero umiling siya at ibinalik sa akin.

"No, take it. Magkakasakit ka." She said eagerly.

Tatangi sana ako pero nasalubong ko ang mata ni Kuya sa salamin.

"Take it, Scira Rosalie." He said coldly and shaking, I quietly took it and covered my wet body.

Tahimik ako buong byahe patungo sa ospital, I am staring blankly at the dark road with tears mindlessly
falling on my cheek.

Tahimik ang byahe at tanging malakas na patak lang ng ulan ang narinig ko. Dire-diretso ang byahe nang
biglang gumewang ang sasakyan.

"Deion!" the woman beside me screamed.

I jumped on my seat, mabilis na gumilid ang sasakyan at nagpapanic na napalingon ako sa driver's seat at
nanghina nang makitang nakasubsob ang Kuya sa manibela.

He was gripping it tightly, umawang ang labi ko para magtanong nang biglang manginig ang balikat niya,
kasunod ng mahinang hikbi niya.

"K-kuya..." my voice quivered.

"Deion," the woman beside me called, nagulat ako nang mabilis siyang lumabas ng sasakyan at lumipat sa
shotgun.
Mas nanghina ako nang kalasin niya ang seatbelt ng Kuya at marahan itong niyakap. I covered my mouth
when I heard my brother's sob became a bit louder. Gumalaw ang balikat ko sa mga hikbi at kagaya niya ay
mas napaiyak na.

Nawawala na kami sa sarili, mabuti na lang at may kasama kami na nagpresintang magmamaneho para sa
amin.

We were both disoriented when we got into the hospital, tanging ang babaeng kasama lang naming ang
matino at nagturo sa amin ng daan.

Malayo palang ay nanghina na ako nang madatnan ang mga pinsan sa pasilyo, they were crying, tulala pa
ang iba at nang makitang naghehisterikal ang Mommy at pilit na kinakalma ng Daddy ay nanghina ang
tuhod ko.

Napasalampak ako sa sahig at napahagulgol.

"N-no..." I sobbed loudly. "P-papa..."

"S-Scira, come on, p-princess..." lumuhod si Kuya sa harapan ko at hinawakan ang pisngi ko.

"A-are they j-joking, Kuya?" I said in a soft voice.

I looked into his dark eyes, waiting for him to say it isn't true but I got none, instead, I saw how another
bunch of tears escaped his eyes.

"K-kuya..." hagulgol ko at mabilis siyang niyakap.

Nakasalampak sa lapag at nakaluhod si Kuya habang magkayakap kami. I keep on sobbing on his shoulder,
nang makitang palapit ang Ate Clyte ay lumuhod din siya para yakapin kami.

It took me a while to calm down, my brother helped me up and with shaking knees, I walked towards their
place.

I saw Darshana and Zire crying on the side, nang makita nila ako ay mabilis silang yumakap sa akin at
tahimik na umiyak.

They said, Papa Jer died in natural causes, they slept but then...Papa didn't woke up when Mama Lena
tried to wake him up.

Pagod na pagod ako, tulala lang habang tabi ang mga pinsan ko. I glanced at the side and my heart broke
when I saw my Mama Lena sitting on the bench, she's smiling, trying to lift the mood of her children yet
there are tears on her eyes falling down her cheek.

Katabi niya si Mommy, nasa kanyang harapan ang mga Tito ko na tahimik ding umiiyak.

They were grown ups but the siblings looked like lost children now, they were crying silently with Mama
Lena. My Mom is hugging her while sobbing. Maging ang Tito Iñigo na palaging composed ay tulala at
umiiyak. Si Tito Dash ay nakasubsob sa may gilid ni Mama Lena at si Tito Zeij ay nakaupo sa lapag at
ibinabaon ang ulo sa kanyang hita at tahimik na humihikbi.

I saw my Aunties on the corner, silently crying. Ang mga pinsan ko ay hindi rin nagsasalita at tulala lang.
My father is carrying Queen Scira, my younger sibling is sleeping on his shoulder now.
I looked around and sighed, minsan lang kami mabuo ng ganito pero...hindi ko naisip na sa ganitong
pagkakataon pa.

"I'll get you home for now, princess..." nanlambot ako nang lapitan ako ng Daddy, my heart fell and I
immediately sniffed.

"S-sorry, Dad..." I said softly and he sighed.

"Come here, hug your old man." He said softly and I immediately rose and hugged him.

He has to take Queen Scira home, nagpresinta ang Kuya na babantayan ang Mommy at ang Ate Clyte kaya
nagpaalam ako sa kanila.

"I-I'll rest first, p-papalit lang din ng damit baka magkasakit." Mahinang sabi ko sa mga pinsan.

"S-sama ako," Daru suddenly held my hand kaya napasulyap ako sa kanya, nagtataka.

I saw her sad eyes as she shook her head.

"I-I want some company a-and Dad's mad at me, a-ayaw ko muna umuwi." She muttered.

I nodded, hinawakan ko ang kamay niya at nakita ang Dad na nagpapaalam kay Mommy. Lumapit ako at
nakita kong natigilan siya ng makita ako.

"We'll go, queen. Babalik ako." Dad kissed my Mom's forehead but her eyes are on me.

Parang may pumilipit sa tiyan ko, nangilid ang luha ko nang makita ang mata ng Mommy ko.

"M-mom—"

She suddenly lowered her head, "b-balik ka, ah?" biglang sabi niya kay Dad.

"I will," he said. Dad glanced at me, he looked at me sadly and mouthed it's okay.

"M-mama..." baling ko na lang kay Mama Lena na kaagad na ngumiti sa akin.

"Hello, princess..." she said softly, namumula pa ang mata pero may ngiti ang labi.

Napalunok ako, hindi na nakapagsalita at mabilis siyang niyakap.

Isa iyon sa mga dagok sa aming pamilya.

Sa lamay ni Papa Jer ay naging abala ang lahat, it was a very intimate one, kami lang na pamilya at iilang
mga malalapit na kaibigan.

Malungkot man at pagod ay kailangan naming sumubok na lagpasan ang pagkawala ng isa sa
importanteng parte ng aming pamilya. Papa Jer taught us a lot of things, he's a great Lolo to us, he molded
his children, our parents to become the good person they are now.

He taught us to be the better version of ourselves, he taught us that love comes in the right time, when
you are ready. Aniya noon sa amin na ang pag-ibig, hindi pinipilit.

Love, will always find a way if it's meant for you.

My Mom is preoccupied and disoriented, sumubok akong humingi ng tawad sa kanya, sumubok na
kausapin pero alam kong may dinaramdam pa siya ngayon. I know I did something wrong, I know I stepped
out of the line, I know wala akong karapatang sigawan siya pagkatapos ng lahat ng paghihirap niyang
pagpapalaki sa amin at handa akong magpakumbaba at humingi ng tawad.

My Dad and Kuya stayed strong for our family, they both became neutral. Naging haligi namin sila habang
malungkot kami at nagluluksa.

Dad knows my Mom wouldn't want to talk to me and Ate Clyte and he respected it as a husband but as a
father, he made sure we understand Mom's situation and we did. He didn't turn blind eye to us, he
remained a good and understanding father, siya at ang Kuya ang gumabay sa amin ng Ate habang
malungkot.

May mga oras na malungkot at umiiyak akong mag-isa, naghahalo sa utak ko ang ginawa ni Warren at ang
pagkawala ng Papa Jer but I have to stay strong, not just for myself but for my family.

Mahirap tanggapin pero kailangan. That's how life is, whatever comes fades away at some point in time.
Walang permanente, may mga taong darating pero aalis din at may mga maiiwan.

But well, that's life. As much as we wanted Papa Jer to stay with us, we can't. Fate decided it'll be just like
that and as a person, we have to understand that in the end, kahit anong yaman at kasikatan na mayroon
ka, sa huli ay magiging abo ka na lang kung saan ka nagsimula.

Life and death...that's a process. Sa huli ay kukunin din tayo that's why, life matters. Enjoy while you still
can dahil hindi mo alam kung hanggang saan lang ang itatagal niyan.

Wearing our white clothes with white roses in our hands, we have to say goodbye to our wonderful and
amazing Ejercito Sandejas.

"Thank you, Dad." My eyes got fixed on Tito Iñigo's blue ones as he stepped on the platform to speak.
"Thank you for being a great father to us, thank you for the lessons, for the love you showed us, your kids,
thank you for being a great father and a great grandfather to your grandkids."

"Salamat kasi...kasi hinulma mo kami kung ano kami ngayon, together with Mom, maraming salamat dahil
minahal mo ako. I know there are times, I know I am not a good son yet you accepted me and I thank you,
Dad. Mahal na mahal kita." His tears fell. "I promise to be a good father to my children, I promise to be a
good husband to Thallia and I promise to always look after my siblings and the queen of our home,
Mommy Lena."

My uncle was crying when he left the platform, sumunod si Tito Dash na huminga pa ng malalim bago
nagsalita.

"I actually don't know what to say," he said quietly. "it's a shock for all of us, alam kong mangyayari rin ito
pero hindi ko naisip na sa panahong ito."

He sighed, I saw how tears fell on his cheek. "My Dad is a great one, alam kong hindi ako naging mabuting
anak. There is a time I rebelled yet my Dad understood me, he loved me, us, dearly, kahit may mga mali
kami. He was a good father, he will always be. Dahil sa kanya, sa kanila ni Mommy, natutunan kong
magpakumbaba at makinig."

His voice shook, "m-marami akong gustong sabihin pero hindi ko masabi, it was as if my tongue got tied,
hanggang ngayon hindi ko pa rin lubos maisip na wala na ang Daddy but...I know I need to be strong for
my family, I need to be strong for my kids, for my wife, for my siblings and my Mom. M-mahal na mahal
kita, Dad. You will always be the person I'll forever look up to."

I watched my mother walked towards the platform, her eyes are swollen, she's pale and disoriented,
hawak pa siya ng Daddy at ni Tito Iñigo papaakyat sa platform.

"Queen, it's okay if you won't talk, I know Dad would understand." My father said.

"N-no..." she muttered.

"Princess," Tito called softly. "it's okay..."

"N-no, I wanna talk." My mother said and closed her eyes before gasping for air.

Daru held my hand, sumulyap ako sa kanya at ngumiti bago marahang sumandal.

"It's okay, Scira. We'll get through this." She whispered.

Mom cleared her throat, nanatiling nakatayo sa kanyang likuran ang Daddy at si Tito at nakita kong
lumunok si Mommy bago nagsalita.

"I-I'm sorry if I am emotional," she said softly, her eyes are blood shot. "I just...I can't believe there will be
a point in time where I have to say goodbye to my love one."

She bit her lip then composed herself to calm down.

"I-I am not a perfect person, I also shared a lot of faults and imperfections. Taliwas sa sinasabi ng ibang
tao, I am not perfect, tao lang ako. May mali, nahihirapan, may problema and Dad..." she muttered. "Dad
taught me na walang perpekto, na ang tao nagkakamali rin."

My heart melted, mas naluha ako sa naririnig at suminghap.

You're such a bitch, Scira Rosalie, how dare you raise your voice at your Mom like that...

"My Dad is a wonderful man," she said. "he's a great father, a husband to my Mom and a grandfather. He
spoils his grandchildren so much, he understands and loves his children dearly and he took care of our
queen, Mommy Lena when I was lost in the past."

I suddenly remembered how she got lost in the past, she cried, I saw how my Mom broke down yet
managed to speak.

"I-I love you, Dad, forever and always. You are one of the reasons why I fought so hard to live, you are one
of the reasons why I overcome my demons. I promise to love this family so much and I...I'll always be
Daddy Jer's little princess."

My Mom went down on the platform, she was shaking and my heart felt heavy while watching her so I
stood. Sinalubong ko ang Mommy at nakita ko kung paano mas bumuhos ang kanyang luha ng makita ako.

"M-mommy..." I called her softly, like I am still her little princess.

"S-Scira..." she called and suddenly cried and hugged me.

I hugged my mother tightly while she's sobbing, lumapit sa amin ang Ate Clyte na umiiyak din at yumakap.
It was an emotional and sad day for us, pinagmasdan ko ang Tito Zeijan na diretsong naglakad doon sa
gitna. He has no emotion, seryoso ang mga mata pero halatang umiyak dahil sa pamumula nito.

The always smiling and jolly Sandejas isn't what he normally is today. He flashed a small smile, cleared his
throat and took a deep breath.

"S-sabi mo, baka ampon ako." He suddenly muttered and despite the tears, I saw how my family smiled at
that.

"I remembered you teasing me always, kayo lahat kasi pinahirapan ko si Mommy dati." He said. "Naalala
ko noong naghaharutan kayo ni Mommy, sabi ko get a room."

That made us laugh, I heard my Mom chuckled a bit despite her tears. Miski ang Mommy Lena ay
nakangiti at nakatitig kay Tito Zeij sa gitna.

Napalunok ako, hinawakan ni Ate ang kamay ko habang yakap ko ang Mommy ko. Beside her is Dad and
Kuya, tahimik na nakatingin lang si Queen at nag-oobserba.

"Sorry, Dad. Sorry kasi minsan pasaway ako at makulit." Suddenly Tito Zeij sobbed.

"P-palagi naman!" Tito Iñigo exclaimed while stopping his tears.

"Edi kayo na perfect child!" Tito Zeij suddenly whined while crying and we laughed.

"Batang ito talaga," Mama Lena said and chuckled. "mana sa Tatay niya."

"Ganyan talaga, Mameh, lahi-lahi lang 'yan." Tito Zeij smirked while staring at Mama Lena who's now
chuckling.

"Hayaan mo anak, special ka naman. Special child." Mama Lena joked and Tito frowned.

"Luh, may favoritism sa pamilyang ito talaga!" he whined but then became serious after the laughter.

"I..." he sighed. "I never expected and thought we'll get to this part of our lives but, kagaya ng sabi mo
noon sa amin, ganyan talaga ang buhay. Isang araw magiging abo na lang tayo."

Natahimik kami roon at nakita kong nagseryoso si Tito.

"Dati, I always wonder kanino ako nagmana. Sabi ni Mommy Lena sa'yo raw pero para kay Mommy din."
He said and smiled. "I mean, Kuya is a lawyer, Dash-beybe is a pilot, si Zidney-tot is an Architect."

"S-stop calling me with a tot!" Mommy suddenly exclaimed and we laughed at that.

"You're still the family's princess with a tot, Zid. Anyway, bongga ang mga kapatid ko tapos ako..." he
pouted. "buti na lang talaga, gwapo ako."

"Ejercito, 'yong anak mo, oh!" Mama Lena exclaimed and Tito laughed.

"Joke lang, s'yempre, Zeijan pa ba? Ako kaya pinaka-gwapo sa angkang 'to? Mas pa kay Daddy—"

"Multuhin mo nga 'to, Dad—" Tito Dash said and Tito Zeij's eyes widen.
"J-joke lang!" he exclaimed and cleared his throat to look around. "J-joke lang, Dad. Alam ko nand'yan ka
lang, i-ikaw na pala pinakagwapo. I mean, gwapo rin naman talaga ako pero—"

"Lumayas ka na nga d'yan," tumayo si Tito Iñigo para lumapit kaya umiling si Tito.

"Joke lang, ito serious na!" he said and smiled. "ayon, I don't know what to say but gusto ko lang malaman
mo Dad na mahal na mahal kita, if I'd live again, I will wish you're still my father. Thank you for the lessons
and the love. You will always be my role model."

He lowered his head and sighed. "Teka Dad, parang naiiyak ako," maarte niyang pinunasan ang hilid ng
mata and I smiled at that.

Tito Zeijan would always be the family's sunshine.

"Kahit inaaway mo ako palagi at muntik na ako ma-abort." Reklamo pa niya bigla roon.

The place is suddenly quiet when it's Mama Lena's time to go to the platform to speak. We were all
waiting for her words because I know, we all know that it must have been really hard for her to lose her
husband.

Mama Lena stood in front and I can't help but notice how beautiful she is, she aged like fine wine, habang
tumatagal ay mas gumaganda siya.

"Ganda ko, ano?" I didn't expect her first words, biglang napatawa ako at ang buong pamilya sa kanya.

"Mameh, wala na, finish na. Baba na r'yan." Nagtaas ng kamay si Tito Zeij pero matamis na ngumiti ang
Mama Lena at umiling.

"Ganyan talaga kapag alagang Sandejas," she said and I chuckled because it's true.

"Well, how would I start this?" she said and sighed, nakita kong sumulyap siya sa coffin ni Papa Jer at
biglang ngumiti. "Hon, look at your children and their families, they're amazing, right?"

Something touched my heart, I saw Mama Lena's eyes and it's almost filled with tears but she managed to
smile and looked at the crowd.

"Matagal na naming napag-uusapan ito ni Jer. One way or another, one of us will leave this world. We're
not getting any younger, malalaki na ang mga anak at ang mga apo ko. We can't live forever dahil tao lang
din kami, tayo, mawawala rin sa mundo." She muttered.

"Crazy but we talked about what we'll do if one of us decided to leave at nagkasundo kami na we should
go on in our lives, mourn at first but slowly move on. Malungkot man na wala na ang mahal ko but we
must learn to live with it because nothing's permanent in this world except love."

She touched her necklace and smiled.

"Jer might not be here physically but he will never be gone, he will always be here in our hearts. His love
will remain permanently, kahit saan, hanggang kailan." She smiled.

"Death is a part of life, my kids. There is a point wherein life stops giving us things and starts taking them
away. Bigay ang buhay kaya dapat pangalagaan dahil darating ang araw na babawiin din iyon, like now.
Daddy Jer is a gift for us and when he was taken away, we were expected to live happily, to treasure the
lessons, the love, memories and our moments with him."
"It's okay to mourn but don't stay mourning for a long time. One day, mawawala rin ako at susunod sa
Daddy Jer niyo, when I'm gone, it's okay to mourn but be happy after. We had a happy and long life, with
you, our kids and family."

My tears fell when Mama Lena, bit her lip to stop her sob.

"I told myself it's okay but maybe it's shocking when it's too sudden. I just didn't expect he'll be gone that
night, huling gabi ko na pala 'yon kasama siya. He said goodnight and I love you and he didn't woke up
after. Sobrang sakit pero kagaya nga ng sabi ko, we can't stay mourning for our lost ones kaya kahit
masakit, pipiliin kong maging masaya kasi mayroon pa akong kayo."

"You, my children, Iñigo, Dash, Zeij and Zidney, you are God's gift for me and your Dad and your children
and family is a gift for you so please, please cherish them. Love them dearly so, in the end, you won't have
regrets."

Niyakap ako ni Mommy, I saw her held her hand on Ate Clyte and ate sobbed after taking it.

"Mommy, sama! Hug ako!" my eyes shifted and chuckled when I saw Queen Scira.

"O-oh, my little queen." Mom muttered and took Queen Scira for a hug, I saw her hugged my Dad and
Kuya Deion too.

"Time flies so fast when you are happy, parang dati lang nagka-cutting lang kami ni Jer para magperya sa
Sta. Monica." She chuckled.

"Bad influence si Daddy, oh." Nguso ni Tito Zeij kaya natawa si Mom.

"Sinabi mo pa, parang ikaw 'to noon, Zeij. Bulakbol, tulog palagi sa klase." She said.

My uncles teased Tito Zeij who only covered his ears. "At least gwapo." He spatted.

"To my love, Ejercito, thank you for being the very best friend, companion, boyfriend, husband and a great
father to your children. I promise to live my remaining life happily with your love inside my heart. You will
never be forgotten, you will always be my one and greatest love."

She covered her mouth to stop her sobs and we became more emotional seeing her like that.

"To Ejercito Sandejas, my love." She touched her necklace again. "Fly high, my paper plane. I will be there
soon."

We sent Papa Jer off with the white balloons, inayos ang museleo para kay Papa at tahimik kaming
naglagay ng mga bulaklak at nagsindi ng kandila sa tapat ng kanyang lapida.

Our families are emotional, we still couldn't believe this happened, hindi ko rin kinaya kaya matapos kong
magbigay ng bulaklak ay lumabas ako ng museleo para makakuha ng sariwang hangin.

I rested on the bench near the mausoleum. I was calmed at first but find myself crying in mixed emotions
I've been feeling right now.

Pagkatapos nito, paano na ako? Sabi ni Mama Lena, kapag may nawala, malungkot pero magpatuloy sa
buhay at maging masaya.
After this, will I move on? Can I love again?

I covered my face and sobbed loudly, I did not care what would people think seeing me like this but I let all
the emotions hiding inside my heart out at this moment.

Bakit ganoon? Our parents got their own happy endings, my Papa and Mama Lena got theirs too pero
bakit pagdating sa mga apo, wala na? Pagdating sa amin, tanga na kami sa pag-ibig.

"Here..." a soothing, manly voice filled my ear, bahagyang ibinukas ko ang mata at nakitang sa likuran ko ay
may naglalahad ng panyo.

My eyes settled at the man's hand, kita ko ang iilang ugat doon at para hindi mapahiya ay kinuha ko iyon.

"S-salamat..." I whispered and cried again.

For a few moments, I cried, hindi nililingon ang lalaki ay suminghap ako roon at humagulgol.

"Scira? Scira, come on..." I opened my eyes and saw Zire's blue ones.

"Z-Zire," I called.

"Tara na, paalam na tayo kay Papa Jer." She said and offered her hand.

"S-sandali," I said. "uh, Kuya, salamat..." my smile froze when I saw no one's behind me.

"Sino kausap mo?" Zire asked and I blinked, inikot ang paningin at suminghap.

"Kanina may...nevermind." I said, kunot ang noo, sumama ako kay Zire at bumalik sa museleo para
magpaalam kay Papa Jer.

My Papa Jer is one of the sweetest, when his and Mama Lena's anniversary came, three months after his
death, he had a surprise for her, kahit na wala na siya.

On the day of their anniversary and the next weeks after that, he scheduled emails for her to read. Turns
out my Mom and Uncles helped Dad set this up when he's still alive.

Sabi niya, kung sakaling mawawala man siya ay gusto niyang malaman pa rin ni Mama Lena na mahal na
mahal niya ito. My Mama Lena is crying that time in happiness, naghanda kami sa ancestral house namin
para sa kanilang anniversary.

I smiled while looking at the large family picture in the middle, at the other part of the house. Sa isang
frame ay sina Papa Jer noong bata pa kasama si Mama at sina Tito at Mommy. Sa isang frame naman ay
ang aming buong pamilya, kompleto kaming magpipinsan doon kasama ang mga magulang at sina Mama
Lena.

We made sure Mama Lena would never feel alone kahit wala na si Papa. If we're free, we are staying in her
house to hang out and have some overnights, madalas din niyang kasama ang Mommy sa flower shop
para maglibang.

Nilibang ko rin ang sarili ko and even if it's hard, I did my best not to get stuck in a heartbreak and move
on. Depende lang naman sa tao 'yan, it's your choice kung magmumukmok ka sa sakit o babangon ka.
What happens to you is often what you choose to do. Kung malulugmok ka lang, walang mangyayari at
lulubog ka but when you choose to stand and live your life the way you used to? Aangat ka at
makakabangon.

Pakialam ko ba sa kanila? They might have hurt me but that does not mean I'll get stuck in it forever so I
moved on and stops mourning and I found myself again.

A year after Papa Jer's death, Mama Lena followed him and like him, she just didn't woke up one morning.

Mahirap man but we promised Mama we'll stay strong and we will be always happy.

Life has ways how to shake your fate but it's up to you if you'll be shaken and get weak or be strong
enough to go with it.

Marami pang problemang hinarap ang aming pamilya sa mga nakalipas na taon, nakakapanghina pero
kailangan naming maging malakas para sa isa't-isa. Sino ba namang magdadamayan? Kami-kami lang kaya
hindi kami sumusuko sa pagsubok ng buhay.

Wearing my turtleneck black long sleeves top and white Mango Palazzo pants, I feel confident and
beautiful.

Ngumiti pa ako pero halos mapatalon nang marinig ang sunod-sunod na busina sa likod ng sasakyan ko. I
glanced at it, galit na galit ang mga nakapila pero ngumuso lang ako at hinayaan sila.

Inayos ko ang salamin sa harapan ko para mas maayos na mailagay ang lipstick ko, I want it dark red for it
to look bolder.

I fixed my straight hair and put it behind my ear, sinuot ko ang sunglasses ko bago lumabas ng sasakyan.

Ang valet ay kaagad nang nag-aantay sa akin. Inilagay ko ang hand bag sa braso ko at nasa daliri ang
remote at susi ng sasakyan.

The valet come near me, nakangiti siya kaagad pero bago pa man siya makalapit ay may matangkad na
lalaking nakatungo ang pasimple siyang tinulak palayo.

The man got out of balance and my forehead creased.

"Anong..." the man who fell hissed.

The tall man lowered his face more, naka-mask kaya hindi ko makita ang mukha. May suot din siyang cap.

"Ako na, Ma'am." Ani ng lalaki sa napakaliit na boses, pumiyok pa siya kaya kumunot ang noo ko.

"Excuse me?" malamig kong sabi, ibinaba pa ang sunglasses at sumulyap sa kanya.

"A-ako na po mag-park ng sasakyan, Ma'am." He said, lowering his head so I couldn't take a glance at his
face.

I don't want to be judgmental but he sounded like naipit na cockroach.

"Oh, alright." I said, confused man but I handed him my keys.

He lowered his head again and stepped aside, sumubok pa akong sumulyap sa face niya but it's been
thoroughly hidden kaya hindi ko na pinansin.

Weird.

I entered the office with my tilted chin, tumutunog ang heels ko pagpasok at nakita ko kung paano
matigilan ang mga empleyado sa opisina sa entrada ko.

As expected, they were quiet because I'm already here.

Mas malakas pa siguro ang tunog ng heels ko papasok kaysa sa paparating na kuliglig dahil sa katahimikan
nila.

"G-good morning, Architect!" one of the employee had the guts to greet me, mukhang bago at binata pa.

Of course, I did not disappoint.

I flashed a very small smile and lowered my glasses to see him.

"New?" I asked and he nodded and smiled at me.

"Yes, Architect! I promise to do my best and be an efficient Engineer!" he said with determination and my
brow raised.

I glanced at him and smirked, "will you resign if another company wants to hire you?"

"Hindi po, Architect!" sagot niya at my lips protruded.

Natawa ako bigla at nakita kong mas naging tensiyonado ang lugar. The man stopped too, tumikhim din
ako at tumaas ang sulok ng labi.

"Let's see," sa halip ay sagot ko bago naglakad patungo sa elevator para sa akin.

They were quiet as I walked towards them, halos hindi na nga ata humihinga kaya sumulyap ako.

"Breathe, malayo ang ospital dito." I said at kita ko ang sabay-sabay nilang paghugot ng hininga.

Dumiretso ako sa elevator, nadaanan ko pa ang iilang investor na bumati.

"Good morning, Architect."

"Good morning, excuse me, work." I said, flashed a small, rehearsed smile and entered the elevator.

I even heard one of the investor's daughter bad mouthing me, hindi niya alam ay narinig ko pero hindi ako
mapagpatol na tao kaya hinayaan ko na lang. Bakit ako bababa para lang sa kanya kung nasa itaas na ako?

May pumasok sa elevator, nagitla pa ako nang pindutin nito ang button sa floor ko.

"Excuse me?" I asked, my brow raising.

I saw the familiar man in a valet uniform.

"Aren't you the valet—"

"E-elevator boy din minsan, Ma'am." Boses ipis niyang sabi kaya napakurap ako.

Maybe that's a natural voice. Come on, Scira. Don't be too judgmental!

"Huh? Pwede ba 'yon? I mean, we hired different people for valet and—"

"S-sideline ba, Ma'am." He cut me off and I found myself nodding.

Hinayaan ko na siya sa buhay niya, napasulyap ako sa nails kong bagong manicure at biglang naalala ang
sinabi noong Agatha kanina bago ako pumasok sa elevator.

"Bitch, huh?" I suddenly muttered to myself. "Ako, bitch?!"

The man jumped nang lumakas ang boses ko. Napapalingon siya sa pwesto ko.

"Kuya, sa tingin mo, bitch ako?" I asked and he lowered his head, hesitant at first but immediately shook
his head.

"H-hindi, Ma'am." Maliit na boses niyang sabi. "M-mukha ka namang mabait, sweet ba, Ma'am."

Humaba ang nguso ko, napangiti ako roon.

"I know right?" I said and smiled. "Ako, bitch? Sa ganda kong 'to?"

"O-oo nga, Ma'am. Sa ganda mong 'yan." He nodded immediately while hearing me. Tumunog ang
elevator at bumukas sa may office ko kaya tumaas ang sulok ng labi ko bago humarap kay Kuya.

"Tama nga, apir nga tayo r'yan, Kuya!" I cheered, inilahad ang kamay ko at nakita kong nanginig pa siya
noong una.

I couldn't see his face but he lifted his hand and gave me a high-five.

"A-apir, Ma'am." He said and I smiled.

"Good day, work hard." I said and stepped out of the elevator.

The moment I stepped out, the work station near my office became quiet. Lumipad pa ang ilang papel sa
gulat nila. May nanginig pa ang kamay at napaso ng kape at napaubo kaya mas humaba ang nguso ko.

Nah, maybe I am really is a bitch. Scira Rosalie, anak ka nga ni Zidney Valderama.

Kabanata 19

"Oh, kumain ka na." Kuya Deion then put the foods he bought for me in the table.

"Later na, Kuya." Marahang sabi ko. "I'm still working t'saka I'm still full and I'm on diet—"

"Eat now, young miss." He said timidly and I pouted.

"Kuya?" I whined but he just shook his head at me, fixed his glasses and sighed.
"Eat, Scira Rosalie. You skipped dinner last night." He said.

Aayaw na sana ako but then I saw his serious eyes. Kuhang-kuha niya ang mukha ni Daddy kapag seryoso
kaya sa huli ay napatango na lang ako dahil siguradong scolded ako kung sakali.

"Okay," I muttered, surrendering.

Binuksan niya sa harapan ko ang mga lunch box at nangiti nang makitang may pa-dessert pa ang Kuya.

"Bongga, ah?" pansin ko.

"Mom cooked," he chuckled. "she asked me to prepare you some too."

That made me smile pagkatapos ay tumango. I smelled the foods and it smells appetizing to me.

"Maiwan na kita, I have duty today." He said and I smiled.

"Ingat, Kuya." I said softly.

"Take care," he said and kissed my forehead before waving goodbye.

I feel so full when I'm done eating the foods prepared for me, na-realized ko kung gaano ako kagutom
dahil wala akong kain halos kahapon.

I just finished an international project yesterday kaya pagod na pagod ako. Now, medyo maluwag ang
schedule dahil paper works lang.

After this, medyo matagal pa ang proyekto ko at paper works lang ang kakaharapin. It's kinda boring, ano
kayang p'wedeng gawin?

In my work, I always look forward to field work than the office ones. Mas gusto ko roon dahil nagagamit ko
ang skills ko, unlike here na puro pirma lang.

The knock on my door stopped me from checking my documents, nag-angat ako ng tingin at nakita si
Joseph, ang secretary ko.

"Hello, Architect, good afternoon, may bisita po kayo."

My forehead creased.

"Who?"

"Si Ma'am Daru po," aniya at napatango ako at ngumiti.

"Alright, let her in." I said and he nodded.

Inayos ko muna ang mga papel sa table ko at nang pumasok si Daru ay kaagad akong napangiti.

"Tita!" the kids cheered, I chuckled when they ran towards me, tumayo ako para salubungin sila at
napabungisngis nang yumakap sila sa baywang ko.

"Tita, kiss!" the cute kid exclaimed.

"Oh, hello, my babies!" I chuckled, lowering my body to kiss the kids.

The cute girl looked so bubbly, the boys are smiling, tahimik ang isa habang malaki ang ngiti ng isa kaya
lumilitaw ang dimples niya.

"Aww, my quiet baby. Kiss mo si Tita!" the cute kid shyly walked towards me and I offered my cheek which
he shyly kiss.

"Tita, we have pasalubong po!" my niece showed me a small plastic and I chuckled when I saw it was my
favorite milk tea.

"You bought this for Tita?" I smiled at her.

"Yes po!" she cheered.

"Alright, sige, open the television. You can watch your favorite cartoon while here." I said and cheerfully,
the kids walked towards my couch.

I glanced at Daru and she's smiling at me.

"Pasensya na, Scira. I have a flight two hours from now kaya wala akong maiwanan ng mga bata. Mom and
Dad's still out of the country with Audette."

Lumapit ako, I kissed her cheek at naupo kami sa kabilang sofa.

"Where's their Dad?" I asked.

"Kuya's you know..." he shrugged. "ayaw paiwan sa maid ang mga bata at baka magsiiyakan."

"Oh, nasaan ba ang asawa niya?" I asked and raised my brow.

"You know, she's..." she frowned at me and I laughed at her.

"Wala na naman?" I asked.

"Lulubog lilitaw naman 'yong babaeng 'yon, ewan sa kanya. Nagtataka rin ako bakit pinakasalan ni Kuya."
She muttered and I sighed.

"At least they have cute kids," I said and she laughed.

"Sa bagay," she chuckled.

She glanced at her watch and sighed, nakauniporme na siya pagkarating kaya siguradong aalis din kaagad.

"Can you take care of the kids for me muna, Scira? Please? Isa lang ang flight ko. By tomorrow, madaling-
araw, nandito na ako ulit." She said.

"Oh, sure. I love having the kids here, hindi tahimik ang opisina ko." I said and smiled.

Her eyes soften, she sighed and touched her short hair.

"Babawi ako, bakla, promise!" she exclaimed and I laughed.

"No worries, akong bahala. Sige, baka ma-late ka." I said and she grinned.

"You're the best! Thank you!" she cheered, hugged me and kissed my cheek.

"Welcome!" I said and glanced at the kids. "Kids, say bye na to Mama Daru."

They all glanced at her, lumapit si Daru at hinalikan ang mga bata bago nagpaalam umalis.

I chuckled while watching them watch TV, habang pumipirma ako ay nagkakatuwaan ang mga bata at
nanunuod na ng youtube.

"Johny, Johny..." my niece sang.

"Yes Papa?" my nephew sang too.

Nangisi ako nang pilitin nila ang suplado kong pamangkin na makisabay.

"No," he answered.

"Huh? Sabay ka, sing tayo!" my niece exclaimed.

"Ayaw," he said, pouting and put his hand on his chest. Kuhang-kuha niya ang mata ni Kuya Macky kaya
napatawa na ako.

"Come on, baby, join them." I said and they all glanced at me.

"Join ka po, Tita Ganda!" my niece exclaimed and I closed my folder before walking towards them.

"Alright, let's sing, kids! Johny, Johny?" I sang happily.

"Yes, Papa!" the kids cheered.

"Eating sugar?" I sang and I saw my nephew smiled.

"No Papa!" he cheered too.

"Telling lies? No Papa!" tumabi ako sa mga bata at nakikanta. Tumakbo sa akin ang pamangkin ko kaya
natatawang sinalo ko ito.

"Open your mouth. Ha ha ha!" we all exclaimed cheerfully.

"Wow! Clap tayo! Ganda voice ni Tita!" my niece exclaimed and I giggled when they all clapped their
hands at me.

"Magaling ba kumanta si Tita?" I asked the kids and they smiled at me.

"Yes!" they cheered and I grinned.

"Sino ang pinakamagandang Tita sa balat ng lupa?" inuto ko ang mga pamangkin.

"Tita Scira!" they exclaimed and that boost my confidence more.

"Yehey! Sinong gusto pumunta sa Toy Kingdom?!" I exclaimed and laughed when the kids raised their
hands.

"Us po!"

"Okay! Anong sasabihin niyo kay Tita?" I asked softly.

"Thank you po! You're the best, Tita Ganda!" they cheered happily.

The night with the kids is enjoyable yet tiring, lumabas ako kasama ang mga bata para kumain sa mall at
ipag-shopping sila sa toy store.

"Tita, why po ayaw niyo pa po magka-baby?" my niece asked me while I am brushing her hair. Tulog na ang
dalawang lalaki sa kabilang kama at katabi ko ang cute kong pamangkin.

"Hmm, I'm not ready pa, baby." I answered softly.

"Why po? Lahat po sila may kids na, bakit po ikaw?"

"Gusto mo ba?" natawa ako. "if I will have a kid, hindi na ako makakapag-play sa inyo."

"Aww, it's okay po, Tita! Mag-play din me sa baby mo!" she cheered and I chuckled and kissed her cheek.

"Soon, baby. Just not now." I kissed her cheek. "For now, I'll be the rich Tita so I can buy my cute kids toys
and dolls, you like that?"

"Dolls! Dolls! Yehey!" she cheered.

Dumating si Daru kinabukasan para sunduin ang mga bata, tumawag din si Zirena kaya naghanda ako ng
pagkain sa opisina para sa pagdating niya.

"Matagal pa ang next project mo, 'di ba?" she asked and I nodded.

"Yeah, paper works lang for now. Nasa ibang Architects na ang ibang proyekto so, I am free." I answered.

"Well, do you want to have one?" she said at kaagad akong naging interesado roon.

"Hmm, about what?" I asked.

"You know Casa Amara, right?" she asked and my forehead creased.

Kaagad na may lumitaw na mukha sa utak ko kaya tumikhim ako at tumaas ang kilay.

"What about it?" I asked.

"Well, we are in need of experienced Architect." She said and I stopped. "Under Casa Amara is the Lost
Island, hindi ko alam kung napuntahan mo."

"No, hindi ako pumunta roon." I answered timidly. "what about that?"

"The project is for the renovation of the island, ayos naman siyya but we thought of giving it a new look
'cause why not? Isa pa, my husband is a part owner of the island so, gusto ko sanang ikaw..." she said.
"Wala bang Architect ang Casa?" I asked and she pouted.

"Well, we have the Flores and Miranda—"

"No." Mabilis kong sagot at nakita kong napaawang ang labi niya.

"Huh?" her forehead creased.

"May mga project pa pala ako," I cleared my throat. "isa pa, I am busy with the paper works, ni-rerenovate
rin ang hospital ni Dad kaya—"

"Warren," she suddenly said and I froze.

Napainom ako ng tsaa bigla at sumulyap sa kanya.

"Sino 'yon?" I asked.

Suddenly, she laughed. Mahina lang noong una pero nang makita akong naubos ko na ang mainit kong
tsaa ay napahagalpak siyang lalo.

I frowned when my tongue hurts, napaubo ako at nagkukumahog na tumakbo sa dispenser para sa tubig.

"Come on, Scira? Warren Miranda?" she chuckled and I frowned.

Tumitig ako sa kanya habang umiinom ng tubig. Nang mahuli kong Malaki ang ngisi niya ay umirap ako.

"Damn you, Zire." I hissed and she laughed again. Her blue eyes shined and smirked at me.

"Come on, it's been years, bad trip ka pa rin?" she asked, teasing.

"Sinong sinasabi mo? Wala akong kilalang Warren." I said coldly and went back to my swivel, kumuha ako
ng tissue at pinunasan ang gilid ng labi ko.

"Uh-huh," she teased. "I've been meeting him minsan."

Ngumuso ako at hindi siya pinansin, bumaba ang tingin ko sa papel na hawak at kunwari'y nagbabasa.

"Alam mo nga palagi ka niyang kina-kumusta sa akin—"

"No, Zire. Sorry, hanap ka na lang ibang Architect. Busy ako." I said timidly.

"Come on, sige na..." she whined. "it's my island too, now. S'yempre, I wanna get involved. I want your
designs and I think your taste can do well—"

"No." I muttered.

"Sige na," she whined but I shook my head.

"No."

"'Di ka pa nakakamove-on, 'no?" she said.

I froze, kaagad akong napaharap sa kanya, tumalim ang tingin.

"Shut it, una sa lahat, wala akong kilalang Warren, pangalawa, bakit ako magmo-move on kung walang
kami?"

"Hmm, but you just said 'di mo siya kilala." She teased and I froze.

Natahimik ako at napatitig sa kanya. Ngumisi siya sa akin.

"Bitter!" she teased and I frowned.

"No!"

"Sige nga, kung 'di ka bitter gogora ka! Kung hindi ka papayag, mahal mo pa rin siya—"

"Of course, I ain't bitter!" I exclaimed at the top of my lungs and she bursted out laughing.

"Defensive!" she exclaimed and playfully pointed me. "in love pa rin si Madame Scira!" she sang.

"No way! Sa ganda kong ito mabi-bitter ako? Huh! Lelang niya! Hindi naman siya gwapo—"

"Weh?" she cut me off and I sighed.

"Okay, fine, gwapo siya pero gago!" I exclaimed and she laughed.

Ngumuso ako habang tuwang-tuwa ang pinsan ko sa pang-aasar sa akin, halos sabunutan ko na siya pero
hindi ko magawa at buntis ang gaga.

"So, hindi ka pa nakakamove-on?"

"Of course, I've moved on!" I hissed. "hindi ko na nga siya iniisip! Huh! Lelang niya, ako pa ang hindi
makamove-on, excuse me, pero ang manliligaw ko aabot na sa NLEX!"

Tawang-tawa ang Zirena, umirap ako ulit at sumandal sa swivel.

"Eh, bakit wala kang jowa? Dami naman pala manliligaw, eh?" she raised her brows.

"Choosy ako." I said.

"Ows? Mag jowa ka na at mag-asawa! Naku, sinasabi ko sa'yo, masarap sa feeling ang jugjug—"

"Kalandian mo, Zirena, manahimik ka." I hissed and she laughed at me.

"Oo nga, girl! Kaninang umaga, sa banyo kami—"

"Shut it!" I hissed, tinakpan ang tainga ko habang tuwang-tuwa siya sa akin. "Buntis ka, hoy!"

"Mesherep, eh!" hagikhik niya kaya napatili ako.

"Shut up!"

"Oo na, hindi na." She laughed and slowly, I removed my palms covering my ear. "Sama ka, kapag hindi ka
sumama ibig sabihin mahal mo pa siya—"
"Ayaw ko nga," I hissed.

"Oh, eh 'di mahal mo pa nga—"

"Fine! Fine, sige na!" I hissed and she chirped and raised her hand.

"Yehey!" ngumisi pa siya at hinawakan ang t'yan niya. "heard that baby? Sasama na si Tita!"

I reviewed the project and a week after, I am off to go. Kaunti lang ang dinala ko para sa aking team dahil
may mga firm na rin doon na kinuha ang mga pinsan ng asawa ni Zire.

I am annoyed because hindi makakasabay sa akin si Zire papunta sa may Casa Amara kaya iritado ako.

That brat! I think she tricked me here! Huh! At uto-uto rin ako?

Damn it, Scira Rosalie!

Hindi ako makausap ng team dahil sa haba ng nguso ko sa biyahe, kung abot nga siguro ito ng Mindanao
ay malamang naroon na ang haba ng nguso ko dahil sa pagsimangot.

I reached the place later after midnight and when we had our service, excited na excited ang team
samantalang bagsak ang balikat ko.

Kasama kaya siya sa team?

Oh, huh! Baliw na nga ata ako. Bakit ko iniisip? Paki ko ba? Gwapo ba siya? Huh!

I tried staying a professional when we reached Casa Amara, seryoso ako habang naglalakad at patuloy sa
pagkuha ng litrato ang team.

"Architect? Architect Valderama?" natigil ako nang may tumawag sa atensyon ko sa labas ng hotel.

"Yes?" I asked timidly.

"Oh! Welcome po!" she chuckled at me then glanced at the man beside her. "sabihin mo nandito na!" she
said quietly but I heard it.

Tumakbo ang lalaki papasok kaya sumulyap ako roon.

"Uhm, this way, Architect." Magalang nitong sabi at inilahad sa akin ang daan.

I nodded, may bell boy na kumuha sa bagahe ko kaya hinayaan ko na at sumunod sa babae. Nakasunod
ang team sa akin at sa paghakbang ko ay tumunog ang takong ng heels ko.

It's past midnight pero maliwanag pa rin ang hotel, sa pwesto at dinig ko ang paghampas ng alon sa
dalampasigan. Malamig ang simoy ng hangin ang tumama sa balat ko kaya napangiti ako.

Nang tumapak ang paa ko sa lobby ng hotel ay halos mapatalon ako sa boses.

"One...two...three...go!"

I almost screamed when I heard the sound of drums. Napahawak ako sa dibdib nang biglang nakitang ang
mga staff ay naka-hawaiian na suot at nagda-drum gamit ang mga palad nila.
"Welcome! Welcome! Architect Scira!" they sang and I gasped.

What the hell...

Nagulat ako nang may lumitaw na mga lalaking naka-hawaiian na damit din, puno ng bulaklak ang damit at
may bulaklak din sa leeg. Naka-puting cap pa at mask ang mga matatangkad na lalaki. Apat silang lahat.

Napakurap ako nang bigla silang sumayaw. Suminghap ako at napatakip sa bibig nang may lumitaw na may
ukulele at nagpatugtog ng pearly shell at kasabay ang pagsayaw ng lalaki kasabay sa musika.

Ay, shit, may pa-dance number? Bongga!

I was amazed and chuckled when I had a welcome dance number.

Bongga naman pala ito!

Tuwang-tuwa ang team, ngumuso ako at nilabas ang phone sa tuwa para mag-video. I saw some men
wearing mask are too shy to dance pero ang dalawa ay todo hataw.

I giggled at that, ang isang lalaki ay sumasayaw pang lumapit sa akin, may dalang bulaklak na bilog na
isinasabit sa leeg.

I chuckled when the tall man placed the flower necklace on my neck. Sumulyap ako sa kanya pero hindi ko
masyadong maaninag ang kanyang mukha.

"Welcome, Ma'am." that baritone voice stopped me.

I froze pero kaagad ding napalingon at napasulyap sa lalaking matangkad na paalis. His built's familiar.
Hindi pa siya tuluyang nakakalabas kaya patuloy pa rin ang pagsayaw niya, kumekendeng pa ang balakang.

I pouted and glanced at his behind.

Nice ass.

Masaya ang tulog ko noong gabi, katawagan ko ang Mommy at Daddy at nakatulog at maaga ring nagising
kinabukasan.

I decided to wear a simple dress for the morning, mamaya pa naman kami aalis patungong isla kaya
nagpapahinga muna ako, katatapos ko lang rin i-meeting ang team at makausap si Caspian.

Lumabas ako sa resort at naupo sa may bench, mula sa pwesto ko ay kitang-kita ko ang malinis na tubig sa
dagat at ang malamig na hangin ay tumama sa aking balat.

I crossed my arms, fixing my sunglasses as I stared at it peacefully.

So far, no Warren. So far, so good.

Baka nga wala rin siya rito? Sana wala.

"P'wedeng makiupo, Miss?" I froze when I heard a baritone, soothing voice.

Kumalabog ang puso ko at mabilis na napasulyap sa gilid at mabuti na lang ay naka-sunglasses ako kaya
hindi nakita ang panlalaki ng mata ko.

Beside the bench where I am sitting is the man I just wished not to see.

Warren Augustine Miranda still looks the same, just that, his feature matured a bit. Matangkad at gwapo,
suot ang kulay puting body shirt at maong pants. I saw his disheveled hair dancing with the wind, his silver
dog tag hanging on his neck.

Oh, I would love to choke you with the dog tag, Mars.

"Sure." Tipid kong sabi at bumaling sa dagat.

"Thank you," he muttered.

My heart hammered inside my chest when I felt his presence, umusog ako sa pinakadulo at naupo siya sa
kabilang dulo. I gasped when I smelled his minty scent. He's still using his perfume, huh?

H'wag ka papaapekto, Scira. Mas malakas ka sa inaakala mo, hindi ka marupok! Laban, girl!

Nanatili kaming tahimik, wala akong planong magsalita at sana ay siya rin.

"M-ma'am—"

"Oh! Architect Valderama! Hello!" I smirked when I heard Caspian's bubbly voice.

Sumulyap ako at nakita ko ang pagkunot ng noo ni Miranda, his black eyes sharpen and glanced at
Caspian.

"Oh, Warren, nandito ka pala!" Caspian laughed, nakasuot ng dress shirt at slacks, lumapit siya mas
napangiti nang pumunta sa gitna namin. "Paupo, ah!"

"Oh, sure!" lumaki ang ngiti ko.

Thank, God! You're a savior, Caspian!

I saw Warren glaring at Caspian who only smiled at him, his green eyes are filled with amusement.

"Uupo lang! Bat ka gagalet?" Caspian chuckled and I saw how Warren scoffed and looked away.

"So?" I called his attention.

"Oh, Architect, I just wanted to say thank you for accepting the project." Caspian smiled at me.

"No worries," I muttered.

"Mabuti at pumayag ka," aniya at ngumiti.

"Well, my cousin personally asked me for this and I said yes, 'cause why not?" I smiled.

"Oh, si Zire? It's a pleasure to have you here, thank you. Si Zire lang ba ang dahilan kaya ka pumayag?" he
asked and glanced at Warren who stopped and slowly glanced at me.
"Yes, may iba pa ba?" nakangiti kong sabi.

"Oh..." he muttered and grin, nakita ko ang pa-simple niyang pagsiko sa gagong Miranda. "I see."

Natahimik kami roon nang may marinig na sigaw.

"Taho! Taho kayo r'yan!" the vendor exclaimed.

"Oh, taho! Taho!" tawag ni Caspian at kumaway.

The vendor went towards us, tahimik kong tinitigan ang daliri ko nang tumayo si Caspian at mula sa gilid ay
damang-dama ko ang titig ni Miranda.

"Architect, gusto mo?" he asked and I nodded.

"Yes, thank you." I muttered.

"Ikaw, Mars?" baling niya kay Warren na kumunot lang ang noo at supladong nag-iwas ng tingin.

"Sungit!" he hissed. "tatlo, Kuya." Ngiti niya.

Inabot sa amin ni Cas ang taho bago bumaling sa vendor.

"Magkano?"

"Thirty lang, Sir." Sagot nito at nakita kong natigilan si Caspian at sumulyap kay Warren.

"Hoy, Miranda, may barya ka?" he said in a small voice.

"Wala," Warren answered and sipped on his taho, tahimik akong sumimsim din at pinagmasdan si Caspian
na napahawak sa batok at tumawa.

"Tang inang bombay na 'yon, wala kung kailangan." He muttered.

"Uh, Kuya..." Caspian muttered. "Wala akong pambayad, eh."

I closed my eyes tightly at that.

"Cas," I called, handa na sanang ilabas ang wallet pero tinaas niya ang kamay sa akin.

"Uhm, ganito na lang." He said, may kinapa sa bulsa at nag-abot ng business card. "Ako si Caspian, I'm uh, I
own the hotel."

The vendor frowned.

"Oh? Ano ngayon kung—"

"Uh, pasensya na. I will pay you back, uhm, t'saka ipakita mo lang itong card sa loob, I will grant you and
your family a free three-day stay." He said shyly.

The vendor glanced at us kaya tumango na lang ako.

"Well, he's the owner." I said and the vendor slowly nodded.
"Talaga, Sir?"

"Oo," he smiled shyly. "pasensya na, wala kasi akong barya."

Hay naku, Alcantara...

The vendor left, sumisimsim pa rin ako ng taho roon at nakita kong lumingon si Caspian na parang walang
nangyari at ngumisi sa amin.

"Sarap ng taho, 'no?" he smirked and showed his cup.

"Hmm, thanks." I smiled.

"Tamang-tama! Taho para sa mga taong naglaho pagkatapos mangako!" he cheered at napaubo ako,
parang pumasok ata ang taho sa ilong. I heard Warren coughing hard too, nabibilaukan na.

Kabanata 20

"Boom! Ilag, Mars!" nagitla akong lalo nang lumitaw ang pamilyar na si Vioxx Miranda, biglang humarang
sa tapat ni Warren na malakas na umuubo, pilit itong tinatakpan.

"Takpan mo 'yang gago! Baka nasapul!" halakhak ng isang lalaking may green na mata ng kagaya ni
Caspian, nakangisi.

I felt like choking, napahawak pa ako sa lalamunan at nag-panic si Caspian.

"S-shit, Architect!" lumapit siya pero umiling ako at tinakpan ang bibig.

"S-sorry..." I said softly and shook my head.

Natigil si Warren, his face is still bright red, halatang nasasamid pa. his black eyes stared at me, as if
worried kaya nag-iwas ako ng tingin at umubo.

"Tubig? Architect?" Caspian offered and I immediately shook my head.

"I-I'm fine," I said softly and stood.

I saw Vioxx Miranda stared briefly, Caspian and the other man looked worried and amused. Maging si
Warren ay ganoon kaya ngumiti ako.

"U-uh, well, uuna na ako." I said formally and like a robot, they all nodded, as if synchronized.

Diretso akong naglakad palayo, diretso ang tayo at nakataas ang ulo. Mukhang formal pero nang hindi na
nila ako nakita ay nag-agaw ang embarrassment at stress sa mukha.

"Gago ka! Sabi ko tulungan ako! Hindi..." lumingon ako nang marinig ang galit na boses ni Warren.

He's still on the bench, kicking those man habang humahagalpak lang ang mga ito.

"Ang ganda ng punch line, magkatunog! Purihin mo naman!" Caspian exclaimed.

"Tang ina—" Warren hissed pero natigil nang sipain 'nung seryosong lalaking may berdeng mata ang paa
niya.

Sabay-sabay silang lumingon sa akin kaya napatindig ako, I saw how they acted as if behave and good boys
kaya tumikhim ako para hindi mapahiyang nahuli.

"U-uhm, are we leaving soon?" I asked, referring to Caspian who smiled and nodded.

"Well, yeah. Mamaya ikakarga na sa yate ang bagahe." Aniya.

"Thanks," prenteng sabi ko, nakangiti pa at bahagyang tumalikod.

Naglakad pa ako, pa-simpleng lumingon pagkatapos at sa gulat ay sinasakal na ni Warren si Caspian at

nagbibilang si Vioxx at 'yong may berdeng mata sa gilid.

My forehead creased.

Weird people.

I get into my room and that's when my heart started throbbing like crazy. I didn't expect I'll see him today!
I mean, he's nowhere to be found yesterday and earlier tapos...tapos biglang susulpot?

Good thing Caspian came! Hindi ko alam ang gagawin kung sakaling lumitaw siyang bigla! Baka wala pang
ilang segundo ay nailampaso ko na ang nguso niya sa lapag!

Huh! Warren Augustine, huh? Wala akong kilalang ganoon!

I proclaimed na may amnesia ako!

"Sorry na..." Zirena muttered in the other line.

"Kapag nakita kita, tatalupan kita ng buhay." I threatened but then she suddenly laughed.

"Hindi ko alam na nand'yan kaagad si Warren, Scira! Promise!" she exclaimed. "Ang alam ko darating siya
sa isla sa susunod pa kaya hindi muna ako sumabay sa'yo—"

"You said you'll come with me!" I whined, sinipa ang paa habang nakadungaw sa terrace ng kwarto ko.

Sa harapan ko ay magandang tanawin ng Casa Amara. From my place, I can see the waves crashing on the
white sand, may mga batang naglalaro rin sa dalampasigan.

My forehead creased, I saw Caspian chasing a kid, naka-dress shirt na pormal pero naka-paa at
nakikipagpatintero sa batang babae.

"Baby, come here!" he called. "don't run near the shores!" I heard his shout.

"Biglaang emergency nga kasi, Scira." Tawa pa ni Zirena sa kabilang linya kaya mas humaba ang nguso ko.

"Sinadya mo, eh!" I exclaimed.

"Hindi, ah!" tawa niya. "nakalimutan kong may schedule ako sa OB ko kaya hindi nakasama, isa pa, ayaw
ng asawa ko, eh."
"Aarte, porket may lovelife." Irap ko sa hangin at mas napatawa siya.

Hinawi ko ang buhok nang tumama sa akin ang sariwang hangin.

"Mag-love life ka na kasi." Aniya. "Malay mo, 'yan na ang tamang panahon para mag-reconcile kayo ng lost
love mo."

"Lost love, my ass." I scoffed. "Hindi bale nang single forever, Zirena."

"Sus!" tawa niya sa akin. "mahirap din kapag single, girl, wala kang pa-warak!"

"Huh?" my forehead creased. "Warak?"

"Warak! I mean kapag ano—"

"Parang ayoko na marinig!" I exclaimed and she laughed more. "may asawa ka na lahat-lahat kaya mas
lumala 'yang bibig mo."

"Pa-demure si Madame!" she laughed. "basta, ingat! Kaya mo 'yan, Scira. Tignan naming ni Wavy if
makakadaan kami, si Dad kasi nagda-drama, doon daw muna kami sa kanila ni Mommy."

"I hate you!" I whined.

"Love you, cous..." she teased and I rolled my eyes.

"Kung hindi ka lang buntis, tiniris na kita!" I said in a high pitched voice, thumping my feet.

"Hays! Yes, ligtas! Mabuti na lang talagang sabik palagi si Wave—"

"Sshh!" nanlaki ang mata ko, nahihiya na sa pinagsasabi niya at humalakhak lang siya.

"Sige na, bye na!" tawa niya.

Nagpaalam na siya at nakasimangot akong dumukwang sa may terrace para magpakalma.

"Wala akong kilalang Warren!" I said, a bit loud and irritated.

"Ouch..." I froze when I heard a manly voice.

Nanlaki ang mata ko, mabilis na tumingon sa may tabing kwarto at nakitang may lalaking nakasilip sa akin
doon sa terrace.

Kumalabog ang dibdib ko.

"K-kanina ka pa d'yan?" I asked, gulping and slowly, he nodded.

His black eyes glanced at me and I cleared my throat.

"Nakikinig ka sa usapan ng may usapan?" pagtataray ko pa.

"No," he shook his head.

"Oh, what are you doing there?" I asked, raising my brow.

"Tinitignan lang 'yong crush ko." He said and I froze.

"Crush? Anong crush? Saan?" I asked nonchalantly.

His lip twitched, his amused black eyes stared at me, raising his brow.

"I'm...looking at her right now." He said.

Natigilan ako, para ata akong tuod na nakadungaw sa kanya. I saw his amused eyes, nangingiti pero
halatang nagpipigil.

"And anyway, if you don't know me, let me introduce myself." He smiled.

Hindi ako nakaimik at kumunot lang ang noo.

"I'm Warren Augustine Miranda and...I love you." he said soothingly.

I was panicking inside, my heart keeps on throbbing fast yet I managed to stay calm.

I raised my brow, crossing my arms on my chest before looking at him.

"Sorry, Sir. Hindi ako pumapatol sa mga taong parang taho." I said.

His jaw dropped and I smirked, rolled my eyes and turned my back away from him.

I was fuming, I keep on screaming quietly on the bathroom to calm myself.

"I love you, my ass..." I muttered. "I've learned my lessons, asshole."

You won't lie and abandon those people you love. Never.

Lumabas ako sa kwarto, dala ang maleta at pababa na sana para dalhin ang bagahe sa yate at aalis na raw
kami patungo sa isla.

"Architect Valderama, right?" my eyes shifted to the side and saw a tall man.

"Yes?"

"Uhm..." he licked his lip and smiled shyly.

"Architect Michael Pablo, from Miranda firm." He said and I smiled formally and nodded.

"Nice meeting you, Architect. Scira Valderama." Pakilala ko.

He offered his hand and I took it.

"I heard a lot about you, you're the daughter of the famous Zidney Valderama?" he asked.

"Well, yeah." I said. "Third child."

"Wow!" he smiled. "I'm a big fan of your works! I saw your big project? Noong nagpunta ako sa Kuala
Lumpur, naging usapan namin iyon. We even visited the place."
Napangiti ako, interesado.

"That's so good to hear, what can you say?" I asked, smiling.

Sumulyap ako sa kamay kong hindi niya pa binibitawan sa pagkalibang kaya hinayaan ko muna.

"It's great! Your designs are great—" naputol ang sasabihin niya at miski ako ay nagulat nang may dumaan
sa pagitan namin, dahilan para magbitaw ang mga kamay.

My forehead creased, napatingin sa bastos at napaawang ang labi ng makita ang seryosong si Augustine
na nakatingin sa amin.

"Why did you—"

"Ay, sorry, akala ko daanan." Aniya na tumaas ang sulok ng labi.

My mouth parted a bit and I gasped, nakita ko ang pag-igting ng panga niya bago sumulyap sa kausap ko.

"Vioxx is looking for you, Architect." He said coldly to the confused man.

"Huh?"

"Tawag ka." Aniya at nagtaka ang lalaki.

"Saan, Engineer?" Architect Pablo asked and Warren looked around and pointed somewhere.

"Ah, doon, oh. Sa may malayo." He said.

"Oh, sige." He smiled and glanced at me. "Architect Scira, mamaya na lang."

"Alright," I smiled a bit and he waved before he left.

"'Yon, wala ng asungot." He said.

Nagkatinginan kami ni Warren, kumunot ang noo ko sa kanya bago umirap, hinila ang maleta ko sana pero
napasinghap lang ako nang kunin niya iyon mula sa akin.

"What..."

"Hello, Ma'am, hahatid na kita." He smiled like a little kid and my forehead creased.

"I don't need help, Mr. whoever-you-are." I said, raising my brow at him. Inagaw ko ang maleta sa kanya,
plano na dumiretso sana sa elevator.

I turned my back on him, walking towards the elevator when I felt something wrapping around my waist
from the back, making me stop from my tracks.

I froze, gulat na napasulyap sa likod pero hindi ko na nagawa nang maramdaman ang init sa aking likuran.
He moved closer until I felt his warmth on my back.

"A-anong ginagawa mo?" mariing sabi ko pero mas yumakap siya sa aking baywang mula sa likod.
He buried his face on my neck and my breath hitched when I heard his breath intake.

"F-five minutes," he whispered.

"L-let me go..." I said breathlessly, humigpit ang hawak sa maleta ko.

"P-please, let me just hold you..." he sounded like he's in despair. "ngayon lang ako nakalapit, please..."

I can feel the painful throbbing inside my chest, nangilid ang luha ko at kumuyom ang kamay.

"Bitawan mo ako," mahinahon kong sabi.

"N-no..." he whispered and buried his head more. "please, kahit sandali?"

"No," mariin kung sabi, bumaba ang kamay sa braso niyang nakapulupot sa baywang ko. "bitawan mo
ako."

"Two minutes," he breathe. "please, k-kahit saglit. I just wanted to get some strength."

"Strength, huh?" matalim kong sabi. "tam ana panloloko, Augustine. Sawa na ako r'yan."

Pilit kong tinatanggal ang kamay niyang nakapulupot sa t'yan ko pero mas malakas siya sa akin, he buried
his head more and I was stunned when I heard his soft cries.

Hindi ako nakagalaw, naramdaman ko ang pagtulo ng luha niya sa balikat ko at mas nanghina.

"I-I love you, Scira..." he whispered. "M-miss na miss na kita."

"B-bullshit," I whispered, I felt like I am too strong now to not be soften by his words. "your love is bullshit,
Miranda. I hope I'd never get to fucking experience it."

"L-let me explain," he muttered, "I..."

I froze when the elevator in front of me opened, bahagyang umawang ang labi ko nang makitang may tao
roon sa loob.

I saw Caspian with a woman, 'yong lalaking kapareho ng mga mata niya na seryoso, 'yong akala kong gusto
ni Warren ay naroon din kasama ang pasyente ni Dad noon na si Winter.

They looked baffled and I blinked, "let me explain, p-please, please hear me." Warren whispered and
kissed my neck briefly.

"Oopps, wrong floor." It was Caspian who spoke, laughing a bit after the awkward silence.

"Isarado mo!" the lady beside her muttered, "sorry, Architect."

I just blinked, unmoving.

"S-Scira..." tinuro ako ni Winter at umawang ang labi para magsalita pero sumarado na ng paunti-unti ang
elevator.

Natauhan ako bigla, I did my best to push Warren's hands away from my stomach.
"Bitawan mo ako." I said hardly, pushed him and I saw how he took a step back, weakly.

Nilingon ko siya, I am aware my eyes are in the verge of tears. Halong galit at sakit ang nararamdaman sa
sinabi niya.

"I-I love you, please..." he took a step forward and tried taking my hand but I pushed it again.

"H'wag na h'wag mo na akong lalapitan." I said hardly.

"S-Scira, I don't want to do that—"

"I said stop!" I exclaimed and I saw how he froze.

I glanced at his eyes and I saw how tears fell on his cheek, he looked like a lost kid with his teary and soft
eyes.

"P-please," he whispered weakly.

Really a good actor, Miranda. Ang galing-galing mong magsinungaling.

"I don't need bullshits from you, Augustine." Mariin kong sabi. "If that said love is what you can offer, hindi
bale na lang."

He lowered his head, nakita kong basa ang kanyang pisngi, I stared at him and I saw him lifted his arm,
trying to dry his tears with the back of his palm.

"S-sorry..." his voice broke as he tried drying his tears.

"Engineer Miranda! Wala naman po roon si Engr. Vioxx!" I heard Arch. Pablo and saw him approaching
kaya sumulyap ako kay Warren na nakatungo lang sa harapan ko.

"Dry your tears, I don't want anyone seeing you like that after we talked. Ayokong isipin nilang may
koneksyon ako sa'yo." Malamig kong sabi.

He stared at me, his black eyes mirrored agony and pain. I stared at him and to the man approaching.

"I don't want anyone to know na magkakilala tayo." I said. "Pretend like you don't know me and I will
pretend you never existed too."

Tumalikod ako, hila ang maleta ko at diretsong nagtungo roon. I turned and saw him watching me quietly,
his sad eyes tried making a connection with mine but failed.

I stared at his face and watched as the elevator closed temporarily with him on the other side, like the
feelings I have for him. Only that...it's permanently closing.

Engr. Vioxx Miranda talked to me while we're on the yacht, abala ang team ko sa pagkuha ng litrato sa mga
magagandang tanawin.

The sea is clear, kitang-kita ko ang mga corals at bato sa ilalim. Malamig ang pagtama ng hangin sa aking
balat at damang-dama ko iyon, I am wearing a blue dress. May hat pa nga ako kanina kaso sa takot na
liparin ay hindi ko na lang isinuot muli.
"We are really thankful you accepted this project Architect Valderama," Engr. Vioxx Miranda said when he
excused me to talk.

"It's my pleasure," I said formally. "and thank you for giving me a chance to go there. Kaunti lang ang
pinapayagan niyong pumunta sa isla, right?"

"How did you know?" he smiled and I noticed his brown eyes.

Sa pwesto naming dalawa ay natanto kong sobrang hawig ni Vioxx si Warren. I heard they are cousins.
They are both tall with athletic stance, matikas at matipuno.

Vioxx Miranda has a bit stricter expression and Warren is the serious and shy version of him.

Mapungay ang mga mat ani Warren, kagaya rin sa kanya. They resembled when they both looked serious.

"Well, I researched a bit and Zirena told me." I answered.

"Thank you, may check-up ata sila ni Wave kaya hindi nakasama." He stared at me briefly and sighed, "and
about the past..."

Hindi ko nasundan ang sinasabi niya nang maramdamang may nakatingin sa akin. It isn't actually just a
stare, a glare, perhaps. Dama ko ang talim ng tingin sa akin kaya bahagya akong lumingon at nakitang may
babae roon sa may kabilang parte.

She's watching us. She looks serious and sophisticated, matalim ang tingin sa akin bago lumipat ang tingin
sa kausap ko.

I glanced at Vioxx who's speaking.

"We never expected Mom would do that—" aniya pero muli akong bumaling sa babae na matalim na ang
tingin kay Vioxx.

Her eyes landed on me, saglit lang na titigan pero sa talim ng tingin niya ay halos kilabutan ako.

Did I...do something wrong?

"Warren is..." I heard Vioxx saying something faintly pero hindi ko na nasundan dahil tumayo na ang babae
at naglakad papunta sa pwesto namin.

I saw how she walked near us, glared at Vioxx who's lips lifted, amused while looking at her.

Nag-walk out ang babae kaya sumunod ang tingin ko roon at nakita kong biglang napatawa si Vioxx.

"Hmm?" I asked when I noticed him.

"Nothing," he smiled then glanced at the woman who walked away. "that's my baby, sorry if she's glaring
at you."

"O-oh..." bumilog ang bibig ko.

"Jealous," he muttered playfully, chuckling.

That made me smile, they all got their own love life, huh.
Isang malaking sana all.

"Anyway, I wanted to thank you for—"

"Lapitan mo nga sabi!" my forehead creased when I caught a glimpse of Winter, my Dad's patient pulling a
man.

"Isa!" I heard her loud voice and my forehead creased more when I saw her pulling Warren out of
somewhere.

Nagsalubong ang kilay ko at kumunot ang noo. Nagsasalita si Vioxx sa harapan ko pero ang atensyon ko ay
na kay Winter at sa paghila niya kay Warren.

Are they close?

"N-nahihiya nga—"

"Lavarn! Anong hiya-hiya? Pinalaki ba kitang ganyan?" hindi ko na narinig ang usapan at mas naghilahan
sila at tawanan.

They are really close, huh. How cute.

Mas nairita ako roon.

Tumalim ang tingin ko habang nakatitig kay Augustine, I saw him laughing, his face is bright red but when
he glanced at me and saw me looking, he froze.

His smile faded, tumaas ang kilay ko at unti-unting umirap at nag-iwas ng tingin.

Hindi ka p'wedeng maging masaya! Hindi!

We reached the island and it was breathtaking and one of the kind. Kaagad akong sinalubong ng sariwang
hangin, I saw tall coconut trees and amazing rock formations.

Umawang ang labi ko habang nakamasid.

It really is beautiful. I've been to different islands yet this one is...wow. I felt lucky coming here and having
the chance to see it.

"Architect, ang ganda!" tuwang-tuwang sabi ng team kaya ngumiti ako at tumango.

I fixed my dress, marahang bumaba sa hagdan patungong board walk pero natapilok ako.

I thought I'd fall but then someone caught my waist. I gasped, mabilis na napakapit sa balikat ng kung sino
at natigilan nang masalubong ang mga mata ni Warren, my heart hammered and he stared at me deeply.

I gulped, immediately woke up from my reverie that I instantly pushed him away from me.

He cleared his throat, napansin kong nakatingin na sa amin ang iba. I saw Winter grinning, nahuli ko pa ang
pagtatago ni Caspian ng phone at pagsipol.

"Thanks," I said formally.

"W-welcome." He answered and I nodded before turning my back from him, embarrassed.

We had a brief meeting after they decided it's time for dinner. Sa resto na maliit sa isla sila nagpahanda
kaya pumasok ako roon.

"Tara, Architect!" tawag ni Anna kaya ngumiti ako.

May mahabang lamesa roon na pinagdugtong, lalapit na sana nang may kumapit sa braso ko. I almost
jumped and glanced beside me.

"Hi, Scira!"

"Winter..." I called and she grinned at me.

"Tara, kain na tayo!" she said cheerfully and I shook my head, biglang naalala ang hilahan nila ni Miranda
kanina.

"Uhm, sorry, I will eat with—"

"I insist! No, doon tayo!" she grinned and I didn't have the chance to say no when she pulled me towards
the table where Caspian, Polaris, his wife, Vioxx,Win and Warren are sitting.

"U-uhm..." nagkatinginan kami ni Warren at nakita ko ang pagkurap niya at pasimpleng pagsuklay ng daliri
sa buhok.

"Ehem! Ehem!" malakas na tikhim ni Caspian pero siniko siya ng asawa.

"Really, Winter, doon na lang ako—"

"No! matagal kitang hindi nakita so you'll sit here!" she said.

Sumulyap ako sa mga kasama sa table at nahiya.

"It's okay," I saw Warrion, kapatid ni Caspian. He smiled at me.

"Oh, that's my husband." Ngiti ni Winter kaya natigilan ako at napasulyap sa kanya.

"Really?" biglang parang lumuwang ang paghinga ko roon.

"Hmm, kaya dito ka na!" I was shocked when she held me towards the seat beside Warren's.

I saw how stiff he is while sitting there, gusto ko mang umalma ay hindi ko na nagawa dahil sa mapanuring
tingin nila. I suddenly remembered the scene they saw earlier and my throat dried up.

Formal, Scira. Act like nothing happened.

I sighed then slowly smiled at Winter.

"Thank you," I said and looked around. "and uhm, hello."

The dinner was served, sea foods, it was one of the most awkward dinner of my life. Kinakabahan ako
dahil miminsa'y magdidikit ang braso namin ni Warren at nagwawala ang halimaw sa sikmura ko.
Gutom talaga siguro ako.

A commotion happened when the lady glaring at me earlier choke on her food. Nagtungo roon si Vioxx
para tumulong kaya nagkantyawan sila.

I smiled.

My spoon suddenly fell, nagulat ako roon kaya tumungo ako para kunin sana pero may nauna na sa akin.

I shivered when I touched Warren's hand, nagkatinginan kami at nakita ko ang paglunok niya.

Nagising ako sa katotohanan kaya tumikhim ako at inagaw sa kanya ang kutsara, "thanks." Mahinang sabi
ko.

Nagtawag ako ng waiter para sa bagong utensils at habang nag-aantay ay pinakialaman ko ang masarap na
sea food sa harapan ko.

"Act calm, hindi ganyan turo ko sa'yo, ah." I overheard Caspian whispering to Warren who only scoffed and
pushed him a bit.

Warrion laughed, kita ko ang pagkindat sa akin ni Winter at si Polaris ay ngumiti lang.

"Hello, Sir, Ma'am. Ito po ang specialty naming taho." Nagitla pa ako at natulala sa inilagay na baso sa
harapan namin.

Nakita kong natigil si Warren at namula, narinig ko pa ang bungisngis ni Vioxx, Caspian at Warrion. My
cheeks flushed but I chose to be formal.

"What's...special about this?" I asked the servant instead.

"Ay, Ma'am. May flavor po at mas maraming sahog. You can check po, bago sa menu namin at ipapatikim
po muna namin sa inyo para kung may kulang ay ma-improve namin."

Bumungisngis lalo si Caspian, "Reev, may hugot ako—"

"Gago!" kinurot ni Warren si Cas kaya nagsikuhan silang dalawa.

"Oh, thank you. We'll definitely check this." Polaris smiled and she left.

"Paabot ng mussels, Major. Akin na lahat, kaunti na lang naman." Winter smiled at her husband.

Para iwas awkward ay sumimsim ako ng taho at napatango dahil masarap nga. Kinain ko rin ang sea foods
sa harapan ko at naramdaman ang titig ni Warren kaya sumulyap ako sa kanya.

I sipped on the taho ang stared at him. He's looking at the way I sipped kaya tumaas ang kilay ko.

"Gusto mong...taho?" I awkwardly offered to ease the silence.

"I—uhm, I have that. Ayoko ng taho. Gusto ko 'yong..." sumulyap siya sa may baba.

"Ano?"
"'Yong tahong mo." He said.

My eyes widen, sa gulat ko ay natampal ko ang bibig niya.

"Manyak!" I hissed and he froze, looking so shock.

Namula si Warren at napakurap sa akin, marahang humawak sa pisngi niya. "Huh? Why did you—"

"B-bakit...bakit mo gusto ang t-tahong ko?!" I hissed quietly, my heart pounding in shock.

"B-bawal ba?" he muttered, bumaba ang tingin sa plato ko. "h-hihingi lang sana ng kaunti, k-kaso ayaw mo
ata, uh, h'wag na pala..."

My eyes slowly landed on my plate at halos takasan ng kulay ang mukha nang may matanto.

Sa plato ko ay maraming natirang...tahong.

Kabanata 21

Akala ko, ang buhay ko ay nakabase sa dignidad pero ngayon...parang nawala na parang bula.

Dignidad, nasaan ka na?

I was bright red, hindi ko alam kung maiiyak ako o ano roon. Warren looks so lost and confused,
namumula ang bahagi ng pisngi at gilid ng labi dahil sa lakas ng tampal ko.

"U-uhm, sure...sa'yo na." Halos ibuhos ko na sa plato niya ang tahong at kung hindi pa niya ako pinigilan ay
malamang naubos na roon.

"That's...enough." He said and took the plate from me, muli niyang inilapag sa harapan ko ito at inilagay
pabalik ang sobra kong naibigay.

The camera's flash stopped me, halos mapatalon ako at napasulyap sa harapan at nakita kong nanlaki ang
mata ni Caspian at ngumiti.

"Ay...napindot." He smiled awkwardly.

Siniko siya ni Polaris kaya tumahimik, nag-init naman ang pisngi ko. Iniisip kung may nakarinig sa usapang
tahong naming dalawa ni Augustine.

Siguro naman ay wala, ano?

Napabaling ako sa may tabi, I froze when I saw Winter and her teasing smile. Tumikhim ako at napahawak
pa sa dress.

"Y-yes?" I asked, trying to be formal.

"Sarap ng tahong, 'no?" she muttered, smiling cutely and my heart hammered.

"D-did you..."

"Huh? Wala akong narinig, ah." She denied but her eyes are screaming with amusement.
"O-oh," binalewala ko na lang at uminom ng tubig.

I glanced at Warren and saw him checking the mussels on his plate, namumula pa rin. I even caught him
touching the part where I smacked him at nahiya na naman ako.

Manyak na ba ako? Kasalan 'to ng mga pinsan ko, eh!

"Gusto mo tips paano madiligan?" biglang bulong sa akin ni Winter kaya napatalon ako at sumuluyap sa
kanya.

"H-huh?" I asked, confused.

"Tips para madiligan—" my eyes widen when her husband suddenly covered her mouth.

"Win!" he hissed quietly.

"Turuan kita—" binaba niya ang nakatakip sa bibig niya pero nahuli ito kaagad ni Warrion.

"I apologize for my wife," he smiled timidly and I find myself nodding.

Natapos ang hapunan na hiyang-hiya ako sa naiisip.

Seriously? I feel like a maniac when I said that! I thought he's referring to my...oh my God! I shouldn't even
think about it!

Wala na ako sa wisyo at nagtungo na lang sa may dalampasigan habang abala sila sa pag-uusap doon. I
even saw Warren looking around, he's holding a paper on his hand.

I saw how his thick brows almost met each other when his forehead creased. Seryoso ang kulay itim na
mga mata at nakita ko pa ang pagsulyap niya sa orasan sa pulsuhan.

Our eyes met, his mouth parted a bit but I looked away and checked my phone before walking away from
where they are.

I called Darshana, humanap ako ng malaking bato kung saan ako p'wedeng maupo para makausap siya. I
was fixing my dress, nang maupo ay halos abutan na ng alon ang mga paa ko.

I stared at the sea and felt the peace lingering inside my heart. This place feels soothing and peaceful. Tila
nawala ang problema ko habang nakatitig sa magandang kawalan.

The moon is round and bright but the stars are visible. Kitang-kita ko ang pagtatagisan nila ng liwanag sa
madilim na kalangitan.

I can smell the fresh air and almost taste the salt water, dinig ko ang pagaspas ng mga coconut tree at
halos gustuhing dito na lang ako matulog.

They said, the sea is called the Sea of Thieves and this island is what they called the Lost Island. I am not
actually aware what is it but I overheard my team talking about a tale.

"Scira?" my eyes shifted on my phone and a smile left my lips when I saw my cousin.

"Hi!" I cheered and I saw her grinned at me.

"Bakla ka! Kumusta? You reached the island?" aniya at kaagad akong ngumiti sa kanya at tumango.

"Yup, we just had our dinner. Kayo?" umayos siya ng upo sa kama at inayos ang maaikli niyang buhok.

"Yep! I cooked." She chuckled, napatingin sa gilid at mas lumaki ang ngiti ko nang makita ang pamangkin
sa tabi niya.

"Mama Daru," he called and Daru took him before kissing his cheeks, napatingin ito sa camera at mas
lumaki ang ngiti.

"Tita Scira!" he cheered, his dimples deepened more.

"Hello, my baby!" I giggled. "how are you? Have you eaten?"

"Yes po!" he said. "Mama cooked."

"Oh, that's great." I chuckled. "Nasaan 'yong dalawa?"

"Downstairs po, Tita, with Papa Macky." He said cutely kaya mas napangiti na ako.

"Alright, have a good night, baby, okay?"

"Yes po!" he cheered. Nakita kong nakasiksik ang mukha ni Daru sa pamangkin ko kaya natawa ako.

"Yakap na yakap si Mama Daru, ah?" I teased, sumilip siya sa balikat nito at ngumisi sa akin.

"S'yempre, love na love ko ang baby ko na 'to, right, baby?" she tickled him. "love mo ba si Mama Daru?"

"Yes, Mama! I love you!" he cheered, mas natawa ako nang dambahin siya nito at nagharutan sa camera.

My cousin and I talked for almost fifteen minutes, nagpaalam lang akong aalis nan ang mas lumamig ang
simoy ng hangin at medyo lumalim pa ang gabi. I can feel myself shivering so I stood and went back to
where I last seen my team.

"Oh, Architect, nandito ka pala." My eyes shifted to the man at nagulat ako nang makita si Arch. Pablo.

"Oh, hello, Architect." Ngiti ko.

He blushed a bit, shyly touching his nape. "Uhm, Michael na lang, Architect."

"Alright, Michael." Ngiti ko, maglalakad n asana ako papunta sa team pero humabol siya at naglakad
palapit sa akin.

"Can I at least call you Scira?" he asked kaya lumingon ako sa kanya.

Alam kong madalas na intimidating talaga ako tignan kaya hindi na ako nagulat nang mamula siya, "sorry, I
didn't mean to—"

"It's okay," I smiled at him. "sure, you can call me that."

His mouth parted a bit, ngumiti na ako at tumalikod muli at narinig ang mahina niyang "yes!"
Nakatayo na ang iba pagkarating ko kaya nagtaka ako, I walked slowly towards them and heard Warren
speaking, "okay, it's settled then, anyone can go to their respective rooms."

Oh, they got their own room na?

Mabilis akong naglakad palapit, nahihiya man ay lumapit ako kay Warren para pormal na magtanong.

"Uh, is there any rooms left? Sorry, I am late." I said softly but then Warren looked at me. Seryoso siyang
napasulyap sa likuran ko at kumunot bigla ang noo bago muling bumaling sa akin.

Kumalabog kaagad ang puso ko, we just stared at each other until he shrugged and took my arm.

"You'll stay in my room," he said timidly and my mouth parted when he pulled me softly towards him.

I crashed on his chest and my eyes widen, natulak ko siya at narinig ang boses ni Michael.

"Scira, we can—"

"She's staying with me," he answered coldly.

Nakita ko kaagad ang tingin ng mga kasamahan, kumalabog ang dibdib ko at hindi na nakaalma nang mula
sa braso ko ay bumaba ang kamay niya sa palad ko.

I was stunned while looking at him slowly intertwining his fingers with mine, he gripped it a bit tighter and
glanced at the crowd.

"Excuse me, mauuna na kami. Have a good night, everyone." He said, tugging my hand.

Gulat at tulala pa ako nang hilahin niya ako papunta kung saan, my eyes widen, huli na nang matanto ang
nangyayari kaya mabilis kong hinila ang aking kamay mula sa kanya.

"What are you doing?" I asked hardly, lumingon pa sa paligid bago siya balingan.

"Sa kwarto ka matutulog," he said and my brow lifted, crossing my arms on my chest.

"Excuse me?" I raised my brow. "lalaki ka at babae ako! Are we supposed to be sleeping in the same
room? No!"

"You got no choice, we only have a few cabanas left na p'wede pang tulugan. Almost everything is
subjected to renovation—"

"I can at least have someone else in the room!" I exclaimed and I saw him froze.

I saw how pain crossed his eyes but I didn't mind it, he can pretend, he can always lie. Hindi na ako
papadala sa mga matang iyan.

"They all got their room mates, dalawang tao lang ang p'wede kada cabana—"

"Then find me someone else!" I exclaimed, my eyes throwing him sharp daggers.

"Sinong gusto mo?" his forehead creased. "that fucking Architect—"

"Oh, I can tolerate Michael more!" I exclaimed, enraged.

"Oh, first name basis, huh?" his jaw clenched, mas kumunot ang noo at sinuklay ang kanyang buhok.
"kakakilala niyo lang tapos gusto mong kasama? Who know what he'll do—"

"Yeah, who knows?" I grimaced. "hindi ko alam, ayos lang! Eh, ikaw? Ayoko sa'yo dahil kabisado ko na ang
halang niyang bituka mo!"

"Ma'am..." he breathe, almost losing his patience but trying to stay calm. "let me just stay with you, hindi
kita guguluhin—"

"No!" I hissed, "I will have anyone in my room just...not you!"

Naglakad ako palayo, I walked out, annoyed. Diretso lang ang lakad ko at dinig na dinig ko ang yapak niya
pasunod sa akin.

Kuyom ang kamay ko, iritadong hinahawi ang buhok kong sumasabog sa hangin.

I suddenly stopped when I saw two different direction, sa magkabilang panig ay may mga cabana kaya
nalito ako.

Saan ba ang cabana namin?

Ayokong magtanong kaya umirap na lang ako sa hangin, naglakad patungong kaliwang parte nang may
humawak sa magkabilang braso ko mula sa likuran.

I stopped and glanced at him, raising my brow. Mukhang maamo nanaman ang gago.

Naku! Ako talaga pepektos sa'yo, Augustine! Nang mawala 'yang mukha mo!

"Ano?!" I scoffed.

"Right side, baby. Dulo." He said, slowly pushing me to the other side.

Ngumuso ako, ginalaw ang braso para maalis ang kamay niya at nagdadabog na nagpunta sa tinuturo
niyang cabin.

Pagkatapak ko pa lang sa may hagdan ay kumunot na ang noo ko nang matantong naroon na ang mga
maleta ko!

I looked at my back and saw Augustine walking slowly, nakasunod. Umirap ako at hinila ang gamit ko
papasok ng cabana.

Nakaakyat na siya, akmang papasok kaya tinakbo ko ang pintuan at sinaruduhan siya.

"W-what..." he muttered. "Scira!" sunod-sunod siya kumatok sa pintuan.

"D'yan ka matulog!" I hissed angrily.

"What?" he asked, "sa lapag lang ako—"

"Gago!" I cursed him and he became quiet at first, akala ko ay hindi sasagot na.
"I won't bother you, Scira? Okay?" he said softly and knocked again. "please, Ma'am, just let me enter—"

"Manigas ka!" I exclaimed. "Akala mo, ah? Ginusto mo magkasama tayo? D'yan ka!"

"Scira..." he sighed and knocked again. "let me just get pillows and—"

"Fuck you!" I hissed, nagdadabog na umalis sa pintuan at nagmukmok sa kama, humalukipkip at masama
ang tingin sa pinto.

Hindi ako umimik, hinayaan lang siyang tumawag at kumatok sa akin hanggang sa tumigil na siya.

"Alright, I'm staying here." I heard him saying. "I'm sorry."

Hindi ko na siya pinansin, hindi na rin siya nag-ingay kaya hinalughog ko ang maleta ko para kumuha ng
pantulog at ayusin ang skin care products ko sa banyo.

The cabana is small, kung tutuusin nga ay pang-isahang tao lang siguro ito pero naging dalawa dahil sa
shortage sa cabana at under renovation halos ang lahat.

Malaki rin kahit papaano ang kama, kita kaagad ang mini sala roon at may maliit na kusina sa gilid at
banyo. I went inside the bathroom and opened the lights, maayos at komportable naman kaya napangiti
ako.

I am usually maarte sa banyo, ayaw ko ng unsanitized at super liit. Para akong nasasakal at naaalibadbaran
kaya mabuti na lang at maganda ang CR.

I took a quick shower, I wore a simple and thin night dress. Inayos ko rin ang mukha ko at nang matapos ay
sinuot ang tsinelas at lumabas sa banyo.

Kaagad akong dumiretso sa kama at kinuha ang anti-mosquito lotion ko. While I was spreading the lotion
to my legs and arms, I am staring at the door.

"Kumusta kaya 'yong gago?" I muttered and took my comb to brush my hair.

Tahimik na tahimik ang paligid kaya hinayaan ko na. Baka umalis iyon o kaya nakitulog sa pinsan niya.

I shrugged, sumulyap ako sa dalawang comforter at tatlong unan sa kama bago unti-unting humiga.

"Finally," I whispered to myself when I felt the soft mattress on my back, niyakap ko ang isang unan at
nagpagulong-gulong sa kama para damhin.

May electric fan pero hindi ko na binuksan dahil malamig naman ang isla. I turned the lights off at
hinayaan na lang ang lamp shade.

I closed my eyes, malalim na ang gabi at halos kinse minutos na akong nakapikit at nakahiga pero hindi ako
makatulog.

My eyes landed on the extra comforter and I sighed, biglang naisip iyong gago sa labas.

Umupo ako sa kama, kinuha ang isang unan at ang comforter bago marahang nagtungo sa pintuan. Slowly,
I opened it.
Madilim pa noong una at hindi ko siya makita pero nang mas nilakihan ko ang bukas ay nakita ko siya. He's
lying on the rattan bench outside the cabana, katabi ng duyan. He's a tall man kaya kitang-kita ko ang
pagbaluktot niya roon.

He's naked at the top now, nakatakip sa kanyang mata ang shirt na suot at pinapalo ang braso niya na sa
tingin ko ay dahil sa lamok.

While looking at him trying to fit himself in the small bench, I felt guilty.

I sighed, lumapit sa kanya para dalhin ang unan at comforter. Kung malamig sa cabana ay doble ang lamig
sa labas, I can hear the waves crashing harshly on the shore, may kuliglig pa pero maliwanang ang buwan.

Umikot pa siya roon, hinampas naman ang kabilang braso kaya ngumuso ako at lumapit pang lalo.

"Hoy," I called. Hindi siya gumalaw at bumaling kaya tumikhim ako at kinalabit siya.

"Hoy, Tintin." I called again and he moved, mabilis niyang tinanggal ang shirt sa mukha niya at napaupo
bigla nang makita ako.

"Ma'am?" he called, gulat at mukhang naalimpungatan pa.

"Uhm," I cleared my throat, biting my lip. "I just thought of giving you a pillow and uhm, comforter."

I saw his eyes soften, his smile lifted upon brushing his disheveled hair with his fingers.

"Thank you," he said, his voice's hoarse and low.

Lumunok ako at tumango, nilagay ko ang unan sa may ulunan niya at nakita ko ang pag-extend niya ng
kamay para patunugin ang daliri. My lips protruded when he moved his body to finally rest his head to the
pillow I gave him.

Dumukwang ako sa tabi niya, tumulong na ilagay ang comforter para hindi siya malamigan.

"Okay na?" I muttered, nakadukwang pa rin at malapit ang mukha sa mukha niya.

"Hmm," he shifted his gaze and I was stunned when our eyes met. His black eyes darkened more, bumaba
ang tingin ko sa may gilid ng labi niya at napasinghap nang makitang may maliit na kalmot doon.

"Oh my God..." I whispered, inabot ang pisngi niya at hinaplos ang maliit na kalmot malapit sa may labi
niya. "s-sorry, malakas ata ang tampal ko, I didn't know—"

He caught my hand on his cheek, nagkatinginan kami at napakurap ako nang dalhin niya ang kamay ko sa
labi niya at marahang nagpatak ng halik.

My heart hammered inside my chest.

"I'm fine, that's just a small scratch." He almost whispered.

"But..." I muttered. "that was insensitive of me, hihingi ka lang naman ng t-tahong k-ko..."

He chuckled, nagkatinginan kami at mas mapaglarong ngisi na sa labi niya.

"I didn't mean it that way, inubos kasi ni Win ang nasa table tapos marami ang sa'yo kaya hihingi sana ako.
Huli ko na rin na-realized na ang bastos pakinggan na gusto kong humingi ng tahong mo—"

"Augustine!" muli kong tinampal ang bibig niya.

Humagalpak siya ng tawa, muling hinalikan ang likod ng palad ko.

"I didn't mean it, Ma'am! Muntik ko pa ngang masabing, pakain ng tahong mo—"

"Warren Augustine!" I screamed, pulang-pula na ang mukha at humalakhak siya roon. His shoulders
moved with his laughter kaya iritado kong pinalo ang dibdib niya.

"Manyak!" I exclaimed, nag-iinit ang pisngi pero tawa lang siya ng tawa.

Napangiwi ako at napaupo sa lapag, nang hindi siya tumitigil ay hinila ko ang buhok niya sa inis.

"I was actually thinking of the mussels itself, I didn't know na green minded ka na pala ngayon—"

"You!" pinalo-palo ko siya at humahalakhak na hinuli niya ang kamay ko para tumigil na ako.

"Hindi na," he chuckled. "I won't tease you anymore, Ma'am. Sorry."

Humaba ang nguso ko, hinila ang kamay ko mula sa hawak niya pero muli niya akong hinila palapit. My
eyes widen when our faces moved closer to each other, napalunok at kumunot ang noo ko nang maglapit
kami at halos maramdaman ko na ang init ng katawan niya.

I saw how his eyes landed on me, his eyes shining with amusement. His thin red lips parted a bit, his eyes
went from mine down to my lips and gulped harshly.

His other hand slowly went on my cheek, hindi ako nakagalaw nang marahang haplusin niya iyon.

"I missed you," halos wala ng boses niyang turan.

Hindi ako nakaimik at tumitig lang sa kanya, I saw him glanced at my eyes and moved his head up. Nagulat
ako at hindi nakagalaw, akala ko noong una ay hahalikan ako pero sa tumama lang ang halik niya sa aking
noo.

His lips on my forehead lingered for a few moments. It was warm, soft and filled with unnamed emotions,
mas humigpit ang hawak niya sa kamay ko at maya-maya'y humiwalay siya sa akin at hinanap ang mata ko.

"I love you, Scira." He muttered while staring at me, touching my cheek. "You should sleep inside now, it's
late."

Tahimik akong tumango, hindi na siya nilingon at diretsong pumasok sa loob para magpahinga at matulog.

I woke up next morning with the sunrays escaping from the thin curtains, umupo ako sa kama, kaagad na
may naamoy na amoy ng masarap na agahan kaya tumayo ako.

I saw untouched plates on the table, nakatakip pa iyon at nang buksan ay halos maglaway na ako sa
gutom. Mabilis akong umupo, kinuha ang kutsara at tinidor bago hinalo ang gatas at sumimsim.

Nakailang subo na ako nang maisip kung paano iyon napadpad ditto kung naisarado ko ang pinto.
My forehead creased, sumulyap ako sa bagahe ni Warren na nakaayos na sa may upuan doon.

He got in?

Kung may susi siya, bakit hindi na lang siya nagpumilit at pumasok dito?

I shrugged, kumain na at matapos ay kumuha ng damit na susuotin bago magsimula sa trabaho.

Pagkalabas ko pa lang ng cabana ay sinalubong na ako ng sariwang hangin. I smiled, hinawi ang aking
buhok at at nagtungo sa site, they were all busy, I immediately saw Warren on the side, nakapaywang at
nakikinig sa sinasabi ng Architect na kausap.

My forehead creased, he looks good in his white dress shirt folded up to his elbow tucked on his black
slacks. A white hard hat is on his head, kita ko ang tangos ng kanyang ilong dahil nakatagilid siya mula sa
pwesto ko.

"Scira!" Michael called and I immediately flashed a smile.

"Hello, good morning!" aniya.

"Good morning din, hope you had a good sleep." I said.

"I did, ikaw? Kumusta ang tulog mo? Is..." he gulped. "is Engr. Warren your boyfriend—"

"Hey, baby." Napatalon ako sa gulat nang may humawak sa siko ko at hinila ako palapit.

Sumulyap ako at tumaas ang kilay, aawayin na sana pero nagsalita siya.

"Tawag ka ni Vioxx, Architect Pablo." Warren said, smiling nonchalantly.

"O-oh, I see... nasaan siya?"

"Ah, nand'yan lang sa tabi-tabi, hanapin mo lang." He answered.

Arch. Pablo left, sumulyap ako kay Warren na nakaangat ang labi sa ngisi, natatawa.

"Uto-uto..." he muttered kaya siniko ko ang t'yan niya na nagpadaing sa kanya.

"A-aww, Ma'am, bakit?" kunwaring walang alam niyang sabi kaya umirap ako.

"Bitawan mo nga ako," I sneered, umalis pero muli niya akong nahila pabalik.

"What?" I hissed but then, he touched my waist and pulled me slowly towards the side.

Nagtataka pa ako at handa ng mang-away pero nakita ko ang pag-angat niya ng isang kulay puting hard
hat. Our eyes met and he smiled, slowly pushed a few strands of my hair at the back of my ear.

"You know you can't go to the site without this, ang kulit mo." He said, putting the hard hat on my head
kaya bahagya akong tumungo para mas maayos niya.

I pouted a bit, waited a bit and when he's done, sumulyap ako sa kanya.
"You brought the breakfast?" I asked and he nodded at me, I noticed eye bags below his eyes kaya
tumikhim ako. "na...nakatulog ka naman ng maayos?"

"Yes, I brought the breakfast. You like it?" he asked me instead.

"It's good, may susi ka naman pala sa cabana, bakit...hindi ka pumasok?" I asked curiously.

He shrugged, inayos ang buhok sa balikat ko.

"You don't want me inside, it makes you uncomfortable, I understand." he muttered.

Kumalabog ang dibdib ko, umawang ang labi para sana magsalita pero tinawag ako ng team kaya hindi ko
na nagawa.

"Excuse," I said, smiled a bit before going to my team.

Nag-briefing kami sandali, inayos ang blue prints sa parte ng isla kung saan kami naka-assign. Vioxx is
talking to me about a certain renovation he wants to be changed, habang kausap namin ang Architect sa
firm niya na si Michael ay narinig ko bigla ang tawa ni Vioxx.

"Why?" I glanced at him and he smirked, staring at me.

"Kung nakakamatay ang titig, dead on the spot na ako." He said.

"Huh? Why?" I asked but he just grinned, bumaling kung saan kaya sinundan ko ang tingin niya.

There, I saw Warren sitting on the side, glaring at Vioxx. Tawang-tawa naman si Vioxx at lumapit sa akin.

"Patay na patay talaga 'yang pinsan ko sa'yo, pagpasensyahan mo na." He said, laughing.

Napanguso ako, napaharap kay Warren na kumakamot pa sa braso niya at nang magsalubong ang mata
namin ay tinaasan ko siya ng kilay at umirap.

"Architect! Tara, break muna tayo." Anna called kaya sumama ako sa kanila at naupo sa gilid para saglit na
kumain kahit hindi naman ako gutom.

"Ang ganda-ganda talaga sa isla, 'no? Sana lang p'wede tayong sumilip saglit sa may shipwreck!"

"Kung papayagan," tawa nito. "medyo mahigpit sila eh, kasi tago ang parte na 'yon pero malay mo
naman." Hagikhikan nila roon.

My eyes are fixed at the far left side of me, naroon si Warren, nakatayo. Mukhang may Makati kaya
kinamot niya ulit ang braso at pagkatapos ang kabila naman.

I saw a blonde woman from their firm called his attention, nang mahuli nitong may kinakamot si Warren
ay kinuha nito ang braso at tinignan.

"Uy, Architect." Saglit akong sumulyap kay Anna nang magsalita siya.

"Hmm?" I asked.

"Ang popogi nila, ano? 'Yong kasama mo rin sa table kagabi noong dinner, Architect. Ang ga-gwapo."
Hagikhik niya.
"Kaso may asawa, Anna. Ano ka ba." Jessica laughed and I nodded at that.

"Yeah, they have kids too." I said and smiled.

"Oh, 'yong mga Miranda kaya?" nawala ang ngiti ko roon.

"Sino, si Engr. Vioxx or Warren?" Jessica asked and Anna giggled.

"Kilala ko na 'yan si Engr. Warren noon kasi may project kasama si Architect. Mabait 'yan, pogi pa. Si Engr.
Vioxx hindi ko sure kung may jowa na pero ang alam ko ngayon si Engr. Warren, walang—"

"Mayroon," I said coldly and they stopped.

"Ay, weh?" Anna muttered, "mayroon, Architect?"

My eyes fixed on Warren, bukod sa babaeng blonde ang buhok ay may isa pang dumating na nakitingin pa
sa magkabilang braso niya.

Ay, wow, famous?

Kumunot pang lalo ang noo ko. I saw the other woman said something, pointing at the cabana nearby,
natawa pa ang isa roon at nakita ko ang pagtawa ni Warren doon at pag-iling.

Putang...

"Wala naman akong nakikita at nababalitaan na may girlfriend na si Engineer—" Anna said but suddenly
gasped noong malakas kong tinusok ang tinidor sa puto na kinakain ko.

Humigpit ang hawak ko sa tinidor, halos masira na ang puto habang mariing nakatitig sa tumitingin sa
braso niya.

"U-uh, m-may girlfriend nga ata si Engineer..." Anna laughed awkwardly pero hindi ko pinansin at umigting
ang panga ko sa irita.

"O-oo nga, eh. H-hanap na lang tayo ibang boys. U-uhm, Architect, e-excuse me!" Jessica muttered, dala
ang mga styro ay naghilahan paalis sa pwesto sa tabi ko.

"Pinapak daw ng lamok si Engr. Miranda," narinig kong tawanan malapit sa akin kaya bumaling ako roon.

"Ay, 'te, kung ako lang din ang lamok! Papakin ko talaga, ang sarap!" asaran pa nila roon.

I gritted my teeth, nang makitang balak na rin nila makiusyoso roon ay kinuha ko ang tinidor, galit na
tumayo at nagmartsa palapit sa kanila.

"Bitaw." Mariin kong sabi at napatalon paalis ang dalawa.

"Who are you—" tinaas ko ng pa-simple ang tinidor na hawak at napaatras sila.

"Ma'am—" I glared at Warren and he just blinked at me.

Hindi na ako nagsalita, iritadong hinila siya paalis sa kumpulan doon at nagpadala lang siya. We reached
the cabana where we're staying, nilingon ko siya at naabutang nakangisi na kaagad na naglaho nang
makita ko.

"Ngisi-ngisi ka, r'yan?!" I exclaimed.

"I...don't." he smiled innocently kaya umirap ako.

Humarap ako sa kanya, inabot ang braso niya at sumimangot nang makitang marami siyang kagat ng
lamok. I raised my hand and he cursed.

"F-fuck, Ma'am! H'wag ganyan!" he exclaimed at nagitla ako nang matantong hawak ko pa rin ang tinidor.

He immediately took it from my hand and I pouted, nang makuha niya iyon ay tinulak ko siya paupo sa
rattan bench kung saan siya natulog kagabi bago pumasok sa cabana.

I took my ointment for mosquito bites, nang labasin ko ay naabutan ko siyang nangingiti habang hawak
ang tinidor na gamit ko kanina kaya umirap ako sa hangin.

"Baka gusto mo itusok ko sa'yo 'yang tinidor." I frowned and he lowered the pork, chuckling a bit and
stared at me.

"No, Mars. Naalala ko lang 'yong little mermaid, ginawa niya 'tong suklay, eh." He said in a soft voice kaya
sinipa ko ang paa niya.

"Gago, natuluyan ka na siguro." I hissed. Humalakhak siya at binaba ang tinidor, nang tumabi ako sa kanya
at hinila ang braso niya para tignan ang kagat ng lamok.

"Kailan pa 'to?" I asked, binuksan ang ointment para lagyan ang kagat.

"Last night," he said. "it's itchy, kanina pa nga ako nagkakamot—"

"Edi sana sinabi mo sa akin," I said, "hindi 'yong ibang babae pa ang sasabihan—"

"I didn't tell them about these, Ma'am." He chuckled kaya nag-angat ako ng tingin.

"Lelang mo, I saw you with that blondie! T'saka 'yong isa?" I exclaimed and his lip twitched.

Nabakas ko ang pagkaaliw sa mga mata niya, saglit na hinawi ang magulong buhok at nagtago ng ngiti.

"Oh, she saw me scratching my arm. Nagtanong lang, promise, wala akong pinagsabihan. Narinig nila
siguro lang." He explained himself to me kaya mas sumimangot ako.

"Tinuturo pa 'yong kwarto niya?" I sneered and frowned at him.

"Ano 'yon, kunwari maglalagay ng ointment tapos sunod kainan ng tahong?!" I exclaimed.

His laughter roared, halos magliparan na ang mga ibon palayo dahil sa lutong ng halakhak niya.

"What the fuck..." he said and laughed again. "Ma'am, what are you..."

"Asus, ganyan ang mga galawan! Dalawa pa sila, ah? Ano 'yon, 'yong isa baked tapos isa may Sprite? Bilasa
na 'yon, Augustine! Ang landi mo naman kung—"
"I love you, Scira." He suddenly said and I froze.

I glared at him, he chuckled and stared at me.

"I love you, okay?" he smiled, namumula pa. "they asked me if I wanted to put some ointment, and yes, sa
cabin but I said no."

"At bakit?" I raised my brow.

"I'm never a cheater, Ma'am. Never." He said and my forehead creased.

"Bakit ka magiging cheater?" I raised my brow.

"S'yempre, I love you and—"

"Walang tayo, Augustine." I muttered and he froze.

Nakita ko ang hirap niyang paglunok, namumutla na. "Y-yeah, I know, I just..."

"Sana sinabi mong pinapapak ka na ng lamok dito, I could have let you in." Nguso ko at kinuha ang isang
braso niya para lagyan ang namumula niyang mga kagat.

"You're uncomfortable, ayos lang ako rito. I'll go in if you're okay with it. I won't force myself." He
answered me, ramdam na ramdam ko ang titig niya, kumakalabog ang dibdib ko pero nanatili akong
nakatingin sa kanyang braso.

"Sobrang kati pa?" I asked and glanced at him.

"Medyo," he smiled faintly. "but I'm okay, I guess. Ngayon lang kasi siguro na-enjoy ng lamok na
magpakabusog kasi ako ang nand'yan."

"At bakit?" I raised my brow.

"Duh, sis, ang sarap ko kaya!" ngumisi siya, itinaas ang kamay at napamura ako nang pumilantik ang
kamay.

Hinampas ko ang braso niya sa kalokohan pero humalakhak lang siya at sinubukang umiwas.

"Pinapakita mo kasi! Kaya pinagkakaguluhan 'yang kagat ng lamok!" I exclaimed, kinurot ang baywang
niya.

"I don't!" he laughed. "nakikita lang talaga kasi sa braso—"

"Famous na famous ang lamok, ano 'yan, Taylor Swift?" I hissed and he chuckled more, hinuhuli ang kamay
ko na kumukurot sa kanya.

"Famous lang talaga kasi famous ako, Ma'am." He grinned at me. "pero kahit famous ako, ikaw pa rin ang
bibi ko."

My cheeks flushed, mas kinurot ko siya kaya mas natawa siya at hinuli ako.

"I'm serious!" he said and I frowned.

"Pag-uusapan talaga 'yong kagat, ang swerte kaya ng lamok na makagat ako." He chuckled. "Wait...are you
jealous with the girls?" he smiled teasingly.

Tumalim ang tingin ko sa kanya. "Sa ganda kong 'to, pagseselosan ko sila? Para sa'yo? Nge? Sure ka?"

He licked his lip, looking so amused at me. "Oh, okay then, pagkakalat ko pa na pinapak ako ng lamok and I
need more ointment—"

I pulled his nape down and immediately bit the skin on his neck.

I felt him froze, hindi siya nakapag-react kaya mas kinagat ko ang balat sa may leeg niya.

I sucked his skin, playfully licking it and when I'm done marking my territory, I moved away, looking at his
reddish love bite proudly.

"What..." his cheeks flushed, nanlalaki ang mata niya na tila mahihimatay na sa ginawa ko.

Binuksan ko pa ang isang butones ng dress shirt niya, I lowered his collar more and made sure the hickey
can be seen.

Tulala siya sa akin at nakaawang pa ang bibig kaya tumaas ang sulok ng labi ko.

"There..." I smiled wickedly, glancing at him playfully and tapped his chest. "go tell your girls a mosquito
bit you. A very...big and beautiful one."

Kabanata 22

I am smiling wickedly until I saw Warren losing his color. My eyes widen nang biglang napasandal siya sa
bench at napapikit.

"W-what the...Mars!" I exclaimed.

"T-tubig..." he muttered and I gasped, nagpa-panic na nagmamadaling pumasok ako sa cabana at kumuha
ng isang basong tubig.

Halos mangalahati pa iyon dahil sa nabubuhos sa pagmamadali ko.

"Here!" I exclaimed nang maabutan ko siyang napapahawak pa sa kanyang dibdib.

"I..."

"Drink, Augustine!" I exclaimed and he sat slowly, inalalayan ko siyang umayos at uminom.

I watched him quietly, my heart thumping faster.

"W-what happen? Are you okay? Should I ask for the medic?" I panicked, cupping his cheek so I could see
his face.

"I...need to go to the hospital," he said weakly.

"Huh?!" mas kumalabog ang puso ko.

I touched his hand, ready to pull his hand up when he pulled me back on the seat.

Napasalampak ako at napasulyap sa kanya. Nahuli ko siyang nakatitig na may tagong ngiti.

"What?" I asked. "let's go! We should ask around to help you--"

"I'm sick," he said, his lips protruding. Hinuli niya ang kamay ko at inilagay sa leeg niya. "Ma'am, malala na
ata."

"Huh?" natakot ako. "shit! I shouldn't have let you sleep here! Anong nararamdaman mo--"

"Na-dengue ata ako." He said and bit his lip.

I froze, natulala ako sa kanya at unti-unting tumaas ang sulok ng labi niya.

"Malaki kasi ang kumagat sa aking lamok--" sa irita ko ay ni-noohan ko siya.

"Gago!" I exclaimed and he touched his forehead.

"Ma'am--"

"Fuck you, Augustine! H'wag mo ako kausapin!" I exclaimed, enraged.

He looks shocked and immediately sorry, tumikhim siya, nang tumayo ako ay humawak siya sa pulsuhan ko
at tumayo pero hinila ko ang kamay ko at tumitig sa kanya.

"Ma'am--"

"Hindi nakakatawa!" I exclaimed. "Akala mo ba hindi ako nag-aalala! I am panicking! Paano kung totoo?!
Edi, sinisi ko ang sarili ko na rito kita pinatulog!"

I keep on whining when he suddenly pulled me for a hug.

Kumalabog ang puso ko. Hinampas ko ang dibdib niya pero mas dumiin ang yakap niya sa akin.

"Sorry, Ma'am..." he said lowly, "I was just kidding."

"G-gago..." I muttered, nangingilid pa ang luha at pinalo siya. "akala mo nakakatuwa?!"

"No, sshh..." he muttered soothingly and touched my hair, "sorry, Scira. I won't do it again. I just thought of
teasing you."

"H-hindi nakakatuwa..." I whispered and sobbed, tumulo na ang luha ko at paulit-ulit siyang hinampas.
"hindi nakakatuwa!"

He sighed, suminghap ako at humikbi roon.

"W-why are you always lying to me?" pagod kong bulong sa kanya.

He cursed lowly, pulling me more to his body when I tried pushing him away from me.

I felt his lips on my hair and I sobbed more, tinulak ko siya at mas humigpit ang yakap niya sa akin.
"Please, hear me..." he whispered and hugged me more.

"H-how can I hear you when you keep on lying to me?" puno ng hinanakit kong sabi.

I tried pushing him but he remained stiff and strong. I pulled his dress shirt but he wouldn't bulge so I got
no choice but just to grip it tightly.

"I'm sorry..." he whispered. "I am so sorry, Scira."

"I-I hate you..."

"I hate myself either," he whispered painfully on my ear. "I hate myself for doing that to you."

Kinagat ko ang labi at hinampas ang likod niya.

"I-I trusted you, Warren! I trusted you...yet you lied to me. You keep on lying to me!"

"I-it was never my intention, h-hindi ko ginustong gawin iyon. I was frame--"

"Lies are lies, no matter how good the reason behind it is." I said painfully and pushed him.

He let me go, I saw how pain filled his eyes while looking at me.

"Scira," he breathe. "I n-never had the chance to see you, I-I wanted to explain my side now."

"You w-weren't there when I needed you the most, Augustine!" I cried. "I fought with Mom! My Lolo died!
L-lumayas ako para sa'yo! Handa akong umalis para sa'yo but you weren't there when I needed you!
Iniwan mo ako, Augustine!"

I broke down, paulit-ulit ko siyang hinampas at hindi siya lumaban. I saw him lowered his head, accepting
everything I am doing to him.

I saw how tears fell on his cheek, mabuti na lang at walang tao kaya walang hiya-hiya akong naglabas ng
sama ng loob.

"M-minahal kita p-pero iniwan mo rin ako!" I exclaimed.

"I-I'm sorry..." he whispered lowly.

I broke down, sa sobrang iyak at panghihina ay napaupo ako sa lapag.

He immediately helped me, tumungo ako at tinakpan ang mukha ko, humihikbi. I felt him touching my
arms to calm me down.

"I-I'm sorry, Ma'am. Calm down, please." He whispered, his broken voice filled my ear.

"I-I hate you...I hate your lies, I hate myself from falling for you." I cried miserably. "S-sana, sana hindi na
lang kita nakilala para hindi ako nasaktan ng ganito."

Mas napaiyak ako nang yumakap siya sa akin. He cuddled me like a kid while I am sobbing my heart out,
he calmed me by giving me his warmth.
"I-I wish you never met me too," he whispered. "p-para hindi ka na nasasaktan ng ganito."

I bit my lip and covered my face more, ilang sandali pa ay naramdaman ko ang pagbuhat niya sa akin sa
bisig niya kaya hindi na ako nakaalma.

I let him carried me on the bed inside the cabana while I'm sobbing and crying non-stop.

"Calm down," he whispered and touched my hair, naramdaman ko ang marahang paghila niya ng kamay
paalis sa mukha ko.

I glanced at him and saw his blood shot eyes, nakita ko ang pagkabigo niya ng makita ang luhang umagos
sa pisngi ko.

I saw how hard it is for him to dry it, nabakas ko ang sakit sa mga mata niya roon.

"Wala naman akong ginagawa palagi kung hindi paiyakin ka," he said while staring at me. "stop crying,
Scira. I...don't deserve your tears."

When I saw his tear fell, sumakit ang dibdib ko kaya mabilis akong tumalikod sa kanya, hinila ang
comforter para itago ang mukha ko.

"L-leave." I said coldly and hid myself.

"S-Scira..."

"I said leave!" I exclaimed angrily.

I heard his sigh, hindi na siya lumaban pa at naramdaman ang pagtayo niya mula sa gilid ng kama.

"I'm sorry," he muttered. "I'll lock the door so you'll be safe here, rest for now. Ako na ang bahala sa site."

Hindi na ako umimik, mas nagtago sa comforter at nang marinig ang pagsara ng pintuan ay siya ring
pagbuhos ng panibagong luha.

Siguro sa sobrang pagod at iyak ay nakatulog ako. Halos mag-aalas-otso ng gabi na ako nagising at kaagad
na umupo.

My eyes hurt a lot. Nakagat ko ang labi ko at bumaling sa tabi nang mapansing may nakapatong sa side
table.

I took it and realized it was a plain red flower. Medyo maliit siya at maraming bulaklak sa sanga kaya
ngumuso ako.

I saw a note attached from it kaya kinuha ko iyon at binasa.

Hi, Ma'am. I hope you're fine now. Your dinner is at the table, kain ka lang kapag nagugutom ka. Don't
worry, I won't disturb you. I am sorry for what happened. It's my fault.

Don't cry anymore, I don't deserve those tears.

I sighed, tinanggal ang comforter sa katawan bago pumunta sa kusina.

I saw plates of food there, mainit pa at parang kalalagay. Naupo ako pagkatapos buksan ang ilaw at tahimik
na kumain.

Nagbabad ako sa shower at nang matapos maglinis ng katawan ay bumalik sa kama para humiga. I played
with my phone first, nakipag-text sa mga pinsan hanggang sa lumalim na ang gabi.

Where is he now? Is he staying somewhere?

Sumulyap ako sa orasan at napansing eleven na ng gabi. I took my phone and fixed my night dress before
opening the door to go outside.

Lumabas ako at kaagad na natigilan nang makita si Warren na nakasandal sa rattan bench.

He's wearing a black shirt and khaki pants, magulo at bagsak ang buhok sa kanyang noo at nakapikit ang
mata.

His arms are crossed on his chest, bumagsak ang ulo niya sa antok pero aangat ulit kapag
maaalimpungatan.

My heart tugged painfully so I sighed and walked towards him.

"Warren," I called. Hindi siya gumalaw kaya inangat ko ang kamay para alugin siya.

"Warren, wake up." I said and that's when he stirred.

Gulat pa siya at antok na nag-angat ng tingin at nang makita ako ay napaayos ng upo.

"Ma'am?" he called.

I sighed, "sana kumatok ka. You can't sleep here anymore, baka papakin ka na naman ng lamok. Malamig
din ngayong gabi."

"I...I don't want to disturb you," he said softly. "Ayos lang na rito ako matulog, komportable naman t'saka
kasya ako."

"Augustine," I sighed. "you can't sleep here, I know. You have bags under your eyes and--"

"I don't want you to feel uncomfortable," he said and sighed and looked at him softly.

"I am not uncomfortable, Warren." I insisted.

"I really can sleep here," he convinced me, smiling a bit. "you should rest inside and--"

"Magagalit ako kapag hindi ka pumasok." I threatened and he stopped at that.

"But Scira--"

"Ako na nagsasabi, ayos lang." I said and offered him my palm. "Tara na, pumasok ka na."

He was hesitant at first, nag-aalangan pa kung tatanggapin ang kamay ko pero sa huli ay humawak din
doon.
I pulled him inside, I almost smiled when I realized I looked tiny while dragging the large man inside the
cabana.

Sa pagpasok ay nakita ko ang paggalaw ni Warren ng ulo niya na tila nag-s-stretch at nang bitawan ko siya
ay doon ko lang natantong naka-night dress ako at walang bra kaya bakat ang boobs ko.

I almost panicked, biglang nahihiya pero nang walang sinabing kahit ano si Warren kahit nahuli ko ang
tingin niya na napasulyap sa damit ko para punahin ako ay kumalma na lang at unti-unting nawala ang
hiya.

Of course, it's Warren. He'll let me do what I want, he'll let me wear what I want.

He respects me. He won't do anything bad even if I'm wearing this.

"Dito na lang ako sa lapag," he said and pointed the floor.

I nodded slowly, naupo ako sa gilid at pinagmasdan siyang inaayos ang sapin sa lapag kung saan siya
hihiga.

"A-ayos ka lang d'yan?" I asked. "we can share the bed if--"

"This is just too much, Ma'am." He smiled at me. "I won't ask for more. Thank you."

My heart felt at peace, mahina akong tumango sa kanya, nag-abot ng unan at nakita ko ang ngiti niya nang
tanggapin iyon.

I lay back on the bed, tumalikod mula sa pwesto niya at ipinikit ang mata. I can feel his movements,
inaayos ang higaan at maya-maya pa ay napansin ko ang pag-dim ng kwarto.

"Are you sleeping?" he suddenly asked and I didn't answer him. He sighed and spoke again.

"Thank you, Scira." He said. "I feel comfortable sleeping now. Good night. I love you."

My heart tugged painfully, humigpit ang kapit ko sa comforter. Malakas ang kalabog ng puso at hindi na
umimik.

The silence filled us, siguro dahil mahaba ang tulog ko ay hindi man lang ako dinalaw ng antok. It is nearly
one now but I still couldn't sleep a wink.

"N-no, Mom." I froze when I heard his voice. "N-no, no, p-please, don't leave me."

My throat dried up when I heard that, kumalabog ang puso ko roon.

"P-please, no..." he said faintly.

Umikot ako sa kama, sumilip sa lapag at may humaplos na kung ano sa puso ko nang makitang kunot ang
kanyang noo at hindi komportable sa kama.

I bit my lip when I saw him, I noticed the tear on his cheek, medyo malalim ang paghinga, kunot na kunot
ang noo.

"H'wag..." he whispered.
I gulped, nakakuyom ang kamay niya roon at bigla kong naalala ang turo ng Daddy kapag ganoon.

He said, way back, when Mommy is having nightmares, he'd just take her hand and whispers everything's
gonna be fine.

Malapit sa akin ang kanyang kamay kaya suminghap ako, kumuha ng sapat na lakas ng loob bago abutin
iyon.

I slowly held it, kuyom ang kamay niya pero marahang isiniksik ko ang daliri roon para mahawakan ang
palad niya.

"Tin..." marahang tawag ko.

His forehead creased more and I bit my lip, nang makuha ko ang kamay niya at masiksik ang akin ay
pinagsaklop ko ang palad namin.

"Sshh," I hushed him. "I'm here, Warren."

"D-don't leave...no, don't." he muttered, mas bumilis ang paghinga.

I gulped, slowly taking his hand more and kissing his knuckles.

"Calm down," I whispered.

I kissed it again and he slowly calmed down. I saw how his breath slowly returned to normal, unti-unting
nawala ang kunot ng kanyang noo at humigpit ang hawak sa kamay ko.

I smiled at that, nakita ko ang paglambot ng mukha niya, mukhang naging maayos na kaya napabuntong-
hininga ako.

I decided to let go of his hand when he gripped it, napatili ako nang mahila ako palapit sa kanya kaya
bumagsak ako.

"Fuck!" I gasped when I fell on his chest. Nanlaki ang mata ko nang magtama ang ilong namin at sobrang
lapit na ng mukha.

I gulped when I saw how his eyes opened. Halos mabingi ako sa lakas ng kalabog ng puso sa kaba na hindi
maintindihan.

"Scira?" he called my name softly. "ma'am, what are..."

"Y-you're having a nightmare." I whispered.

Napalunok ako, ramdam na ramdam ko ang init ng katawan niya sa akin kaya halos magsitayuan ang
buhok ko.

His eyes felt like a magnet watching me, attracting me. His nose touched mine again and I gulped
miserably.

I felt how his breath deepened, gulping, he watched me closer and licked his lower lip.

I didn't know what got me that I found myself lowering my head and pressing my lips with his.
He was stunned, nagsalubong pa ang mga mata namin habang magkalapit. He looks confused yet the
attraction on his eyes is more powerful than his confusion.

I felt disappointed when he didn't react. Inilayo ko ang labi sa kanya.

"S-sorry, I..." I said, was about to go up when he touched my nape and pulled me closer to his lips.

Just one touch and I got drowned again. Lumalim ang paghinga ko, kaagad akong gumanti ng halik sa
kanya at humawak pa siyang lalo sa batok ko.

His hand fell on my waist, gripping it tighter while kissing me properly.

"Open your lips, baby." He said and I did, without hesitation.

I opened my mouth and french kissed him back, malalim ang paghinga ko habang gumaganti sa kanya.

The heat spread like wildfire, kumakalat sa sistema ko ng walang patawad. I moved my body and felt his
bulge on my stomach.

Mas lumalim ang paghinga ko nang masalubong ang mata niya, kumikislap sa kabila ng dim na ilaw.

"S-sir..." I whispered and he licked his lip, glancing at me.

"This is..." I cut him off by kissing his lips.

"Take me," I whispered and licked his lower lip sensually. "please, take me, Augustine."

That was his last shot of self-control, he kissed me harshly on the lips instantly.

I felt his hand on my night dress, slowly circling it when he found my boob. Napadaing ako nang haplusin
niya iyong lalo.

"F-fuck, Ma'am." He cursed hardly. "Fuck, self-control."

He pushed me a bit kaya napahiga ako sa higaan niya. One move and he's already above me, towering me.

I gulped when our eyes met, nangingintab pa ang mata niya sa luha dahil sa panaginip pero mas
nangingibabaw ang pagnanasa roon.

"Scira," he breathe harshly, licking his lips. "are you sure—"

"A-ayaw mo ba?" I asked in a small voice and he cursed, mas dumikit ang kanyang katawan sa akin.

"Of course, I want you..." he said in a low voice. "I always wanted you, Scira. Always."

My heart thumped, I licked my lower lip and stared at him.

"W-Warren," I gasped, lifting my hand on his nape to caress it softly. "please, please, make love to me."

"Fuck," he cursed and I gasped when he touched my waist. "hold on tight, I'll carry you."
I embraced his nape and he pulled me up, carrying me. Isang galaw ay bumagsak na kami sa kama, our
eyes met again and our lips touched for the briefest instance before his lips fell on my neck.

I can feel the sensual, slow kisses he's giving me. Marahas akong napalunok at napahalinghing nang
maramdaman siyang lalo sa tiyan ko.

He's growing bigger and bigger each time, the rough material of his pants touching my lower part. I can
feel his caress on my legs, lifting my night dress until I felt him on my bare skin.

My lips quivered when he lowered my dress, dahil walang suot na panloob ay nahuli ko ang mariing titig
niya sa dibdib ko.

He touched my peaks and my breathing labored, nagkatinginan kaming dalawa kaya bahagya akong
napaupo sa kama.

"Hands up, baby." He said sensually and I obliged. He removed my dress, leaving me only with my undies.

I gasped when he knelt in between my legs, pulling his shirt from his back before throwing it somewhere. I
saw how his body flexed, his muscles move and I realized how his body became more prominent than the
last time I saw it.

His muscles are on the right place, I licked my lip when I saw his abdomen.

"P-pahawak..." I said, touching his abs a bit.

I saw his amused eyes, napanguso ako roon nang mahuli niya ang kamay ko at marahang dalhin sa
kanyang labi.

His eyes are burning with desire and he lowered his head and gave me another deep kiss. The kiss felt like
it was us making up for the lost years, ramdam na ramdam ko ang kasabikan sa kanyang bawat halik.

He touched my bare skin, his wet kisses went down on my neck down the gap in between my chest.

My head is elevated because of the pillow that I can see how his tongue moved on my breast. His tongue
flicked on it, sensually and slowly.

Mas lumalim ang paghinga ko at bumaba ang kamay sa kanyang batok. He sucked my breast and touched
the other, playing it with his thumb and forefinger.

I felt like convulsing with that simple move, naghanap ang isang kamay ko at marahang hinaplos ang
kanyang pants. He's fully grown that I felt his boner.

"Hmm..." I hummed.

"You like this?" he whispered sensually and I gasped when his finger slipped on my undies.

"Y-yes..." I gasped and nodded. "y-yes, I like it very much."

His smile widened, nagkatinginan kami at napasinghap ako nang bumaba siya mula sa dibdib ko. His face
fell on my lower part, nanlaki ang mata ko nang bumaba ang kamay niya roon at mas napadaing nang
paraanin niya roon ang daliri.

"T-Tintin!" I exclaimed.
He lifted his head so he can see me, halos mapamura naman ako sa dilim ng tingin niya. His hair is
disheveled, nakabagsak ang buhok sa kanyang noo at bahagyang nakaawang ang labi.

"Yes, Ma'am?" he asked in a hoarse voice.

"U-uh, more pa..." I said in a small voice.

His lip twitched, napangisi siya roon at mas napalunok ako nang binasa niya ang labi.

"I wanted to fuck you with my tongue," he said languidly and I nodded.

"T-then, do it..." I whispered. "fuck me, Warren."

His jaw clenched and I gasped when he pulled my undies down and threw it somewhere. Nanlaki ang mata
ko nang mag-face to face na sila ng ano ko kaya ikinipot ko ang binti.

"No," he parted it again at mas nag-init ang pisngi ko.

"W-Warren, that's..." namula ako nang sumulyap siya sa akin. "d-don't stare at it much, I-I'm shy..."

His lip twitched, napangiti siya roon, biglang umangat at muling humalik sa labi ko at sa pisngi.

"I love you, Ma'am. Watch how I eat you." He said and I gasped, nawawala na ata talaga sa sarili sa biglaan
niyang pagbaba sa parte ko.

I watched he parted my legs more and I bit my lip hardly when I saw how he kissed my skin. Nagdedeliryo
na ata ako, hindi mapalagay nang biglang maramdaman ang labi niya sa akin.

The feeling is too foreign, I made out with him before but that's it, I never felt him kiss me down there
kaya bago sa akin ang pakiramdam.

My toes curled, a soft moan escaped my lips when I felt his tongue on my feminity, slowly, I felt his finger
circling on my sensitive bud, my eyes shut and I moved my hips against his face.

"You're fucking wet," he said sensually.

"Tintin," I called.

"Hmm?" his breath touched my skin kaya mas hindi ako mapakili. "open your eyes, baby, watch me eat
you."

I did, nagsalubong ang mata namin at napasinghap ako nang maramdaman siya. He inserted a digit while
fucking my core with his tongue, his eyes are fixed on me.

He looks like a wild animal in between my parted legs, gone was the shy and soft boy Warren.

"You taste good, fuck..." he cursed under his breath and moved a bit. "baby, hand me a pillow."

Nanginginig man ang kamay, I managed to get a pillow beside me and gave it to him.

He cursed, put the pillow below my waist until my lower body is elevated.
I saw him cocked his head, glanced at my eyes and smirked.

"Just let it go if you feel like releasing it, hmm? Baby?"

"A-ang?" I asked, confused.

"You see..." he smiled at me and I didn't know what else to do when he licked me more and moved his
finger in and out of me slowly.

It was painful at first but he did his best to adjust me and made me feel comfortable. He entered another
digit and moved his fingers inside, I can feel his fingers adjusting me, dumikit na ang dulo nito sa balat ko
at hindi na naman ako mapakali.

A moment later, I can feel something on my stomach. My knees curled, I moved my waist more against his
face and purred.

"T-Tin, may..."

"Let it out," he whispered sensually.

"S-shit..." I cursed when I reached my release. I felt exhausted, bumagsak ang braso ko mula sa batok niya
at naipikit ang mata.

He gripped my legs, mariing kinagat ko ang labi habang naghihintay sa kanyang matapos sa ginagawa.

"Hey, baby..." I opened my eyes when I felt his hand on my cheek.

"Hmm?" I hummed.

"Tired?" he teased and my lips protruded, pinalo ko ang braso niya kaya natawa siya sa akin.

"Lelang mo, tired." I scoffed. "Baka kamo ikaw ang pagod."

"I am not," his forehead creased. "I still have stamina, my baby."

"Oh, if I know..." humalakhak ako. "baka tumatanda ka na, Tin. You're thirty now, right?"

He froze, his lip thinned. Nang samaan niya ako ng tingin ay napahagalpak ako ng tawa.

"I am not!" he exclaimed in determination. "I am strong as a carabao, Valderama."

"Ows?" my lips lifted, "baka scam 'yan, Mars?"

"Baka gusto mong pakitaan pa kita?" he hissed and I burst out laughing.

Tuwang-tuwa ako sa pang-aasar sa kanya pero nawala ang halakhak ko nang tumungo siya at walang
sabing sinakop ang labi ko.

It was as if I forgot everything again, the fire lit again that I found myself kissing his back and grinding my
body against his.

I found myself sitting on the bed, helping him get rid of his pants and when I met his friend down there, I
gulped.
Warren glanced at me and blinked.

"W-what?" he asked, blushing.

"Will...it fit?" I asked and his laugh bombarded.

Humaba ang nguso ko, pinalo-palo ko siya pero tinulak niya lang ako pabalik sa kama at dinaginan.

"I'll be gentle, hmm?" he hummed, amusement is playing on his eyes.

"Will it hurt?" I asked softly and he licked his lip, nodding a bit.

"I'll do my best not to hurt you, hmm?" he hummed and I nodded at him, smiling.

"O-okay..."

He stared at my eyes, cupping my cheek.

"I love you," he muttered while staring at my eyes. "are you really sure we'll do it?"

I bit my lip.

"If...we'll do it, wala nang bawian." Aniya kaya tumango ako at ngumiti.

"I'm sure of this," I said firmly and he lowered his lips and kissed me again.

It happens so fast, it was painful yet the pain subsided and was replaced by pleasure the moment he
fasten his pace. I found myself hugging his nape while he's moving in and out of me.

He's massive and I think I am too small for it that he keeps on cursing on my ear.

"You're tight, fuck..." he whispered. "you taste so good, Ma'am."

"Hmm," I just hummed and bit her earlobe.

"Y-you taste good too," I answered back.

He touched my waist and pumped inside me more, rinig na rinig ko ang langitngit ng kama sa bawat
pagtatagpo ng katawan naming dalawa. I am stopping my moans so hard but it would still escape out of
pleasure.

Kapag napapalakas nga ang daing ko ay hahalikan ako ni Augustine para manahimik.

"You're so loud, baby..." he chuckled against my ear.

"S-sorry..." I bit my lip and moaned. "a-ang sarap kasi." I said in a small and shy voice.

He chuckled, touched my waist more and pumped more, halos masira na ata namin ang kama kaya
natakot ako at mabilis na humawak sa kanyang braso.

"W-Warren!" I exclaimed and he stopped.

"Hmm?" he looked at me, disoriented and confused, his sweat is on his forehead.

"B-baka masira natin ang kama?" I said in a small voice.

His jaw clenched, nang gumalaw siya ay napadaing ako at lumangitngit ang kama kaya napamura siya.

"Fuck it, the furniture needs to be changed too." He cursed under his breath.

Kumapit ako sa batok niya, "m-maybe we should continue this somewhere?" I asked.

"I'll slow down," he said while staring at me.

"No," I whispered. "b-baka masira ang kama, nakakahiya!"

He suddenly chuckled, he licked his lower lip and nodded at me.

"Alright, Ma'am, as you wish." He said, pulled me up with our bodies still connected and pushed me on
the wall.

My eyes widen, mas iniyakap ko ang hita sa baywang niya at nagpantay ang mata namin.

"Hug me, baby. I'll fuck you hard, standing." He smirked and I purred when he pushed himself more while
carrying me, my back against the wall.

Warren cleaned me after, pagod na pagod ako at halos pikit na ang mata nang mahiga sa kama. It's nearly
three in the morning!

"Hey, baby, wear this." He muttered and I opened my eyes and saw him holding a shirt.

I know it was his, mabilis akong naupo at tumulong na isuot at nang komportable na ako ay muling humiga
sa kama.

Warren fixed the comforter covering my body and sat beside me, naramdaman ko ang haplos niya sa
buhok ko at ang halik niya sa noo ko.

"Can I sleep beside you?" he asked softly and I nodded.

"Sure," bulong ko at naramdaman ko ang paghiga niya sa tabi ko at ang pag-angat niya sa ulo ko.

He cuddled me, sumiksik ako sa dibdib niya at ramdam ko ang paghalik niya sa ulo ko.

"I...never wanted to do that, Scira." He suddenly muttered and I froze.

Hindi ako nakasagot kaagad at mariing ipinikit ang mata.

"I'm basically an orphan," he whispered. "my parents died, wala naman akong ibang pamilya kung hindi si
Vioxx."

I remained quiet, nakukuha na ang sinasabi niya.

"I..." he sighed. "noong nawala ang mga magulang ko, the Mirandas took me in. I lived in their house until I
finished studying, umalis lang ako noong kaya ko ng tumayo sa sariling paa ko."
"I worked hard and got in sa firm nila, it wasn't mine, it was theirs. Nagtatrabaho lang ako, kumikita, nag-
iipon para mabuhay ko ang sarili ko. My father has his stocks there before he died and it was passed down
to me, his only son kaya nakasama na rin ako sa board of directors." He told me. "Then, everything's good
but Miranda firm had a problem with Vioxx."

Naimulat ko ang mata ko at nanahimik, I can feel my heart aching. Lumunok ako at hindi umimik.

"Vioxx wanted out, he wanted to go on his own, started his small and own firm. He's the only son,
nagkaalitan sila ni Tita Angelita, Mommy niya. His Mom is controlling him so he wanted out and he did,
umalis siya. He's one of the most competent Engineers from their firm that it became a big lost to the
company.

"One by one, Miranda firm lost their competent Architects and Engineers, nagsilipatan sa kompanyang
sinimulan ni Vioxx. I am his cousin so, I wanted to go with him. Ayoko rin naman sa main firm noon dahil
masyado nang nagigipit ang mga empleyado. I wanted out too but my cousin, Vioxx, asked me to stay for
at least months to check on what's happening inside the main branch so I stayed. Tita Angelita is a cunning
woman, ayaw niya ng nahihigitan siya but I didn't know it at first, one time, she asked me what am I doing
in your firm."

I felt like my chest is squeezing, I closed my eyes tightly.

"And I told her the truth, that I am pursuing you. That I am courting you. I thought it was a harmless
question that when she asked me to pass something to someone she knows in your firm, I obliged. May
mga kaibigan daw siya roon at busy siya kaya ako ang pinabibigay. It's my nature not to be nosy about
other people's business. Isa pa, Tita Angelita is almost my second mother, hindi man siya sobrang lapit sa
akin ay hinayaan niya akong makitira sa kanila so, may utang na loob ako. Hindi ko naman naisip na
ganoon, may sasalubong sa akin sa firm niyo, magtatanong ko may binigay daw ba ang Tita and I am giving
it to them."

He sighed, mas humigpit ang yakap sa akin. "I-I have no idea, I was a fool, Scira. I-I didn't expect Tita would
fool me into doing things like that without my knowledge."

Tears fell on my cheek, nanatili akong nakapikit at hindi siya sinasagot.

"I-I never expected she would fool me, I treated her as my second mother and she..." his voice broke. "I-
I'm so sorry, baby, I-I cannot do anything, h-huli ko nang nalaman na ganoon and when I did, wala na
akong maiharap na pagmumukha sa'yo."

"E-even if I explained my side, I still did it. Hindi ko man ginusto, ako pa rin ang may gawa, ako pa rin ang
nagbigay." He whispered. "It is still my fault, unknowingly, I fooled you. I was worried at you being stress at
work pero ako pala ang may kagagawan. I promised you things like that but I ended up breaking it."

Hindi ako nakasagot, patuloy na tumutulo ang luha ko pero hindi makagalaw.

"If only I checked it first, kung hindi ako masyadong nagtiwala, kung mas naging mas matalino ako, edi
sana..." his voice broke. "s-sana nasa akin ka pa, s-sana hindi kita nasaktan, sana hindi ka umiiyak."

"You fought with your parents, you lost your grandparents pero wala akong nagawa, wala naman akong
mukhang maihaharap sa'yo, manloloko naman ako." He blamed himself while sobbing and hugging me.

"I wanted to explain my side, I wanted to pursue you pero ayokong idagdag mo pa ako sa iisipin mo," he
whispered. "b-but now? I don't know, mahal na mahal pa rin kita. Ang kapal ng mukha kong magpaliwanag
at iyakan ka ng ganito p-pero ikaw lang ang gusto ko. You're my home, Scira. I feel so lost when you're
gone."

Humigpit ang hawak ko sa shirt niya at sumubsob pang lalo sa kanyang dibdib.

"Mahal na mahal kita," he whispered.

"I-I will wait for you, I will pursue you non-stop just to prove my love." He sighed. "unless you wanted me
out, I will respect it."

Hindi ko alam kung paano ako nakatulog pagtapos ng gabing iyon. It was just so fast, I just let him in so he
could rest well but we ended up making out and having steamy sex.

I mean, I wanted it too but it was so sudden, hearing the truth from his mouth too. I don't know.

Isa pa, I wonder if it's true? Baka...baka nagsisinungaling na naman siya sa rason niya para muling
mapalapit?

At ang bobo ko pala talaga, kung maniniwala ako at muling masasaktan, paano na?

Kaya ko pa kayang makabangong muli?

Masakit ang pagitan ng hita ko pero kailangan kong kumilos para sa trabaho. He's nowhere to be found,
mukhang nauna ng umalis. I found a newly cooked breakfast on the table and a piece of the same flower
he gave me yesterday.

Nang maayos ko ang sarili ay tumayo ako at inayos ang pants.

I walked but then frowned.

What the hell, Scira? Ibinigay mo na ang perlas ng silanganan sa isang banyaga!

I froze, naririnig na ang sigawan ni Darshana at Zirena sa tainga ko kapag nalaman nilang may naka-
entrance na!

I walked outside, not minding the wind slapping my face while remembering the fall of my Bataan last
night.

Yes, it's really good, I mean...it's Warren and...

"What the fuck, Scira? Ang landi mo!" I hissed quietly and stomped my feet.

I stopped when I saw the commotion, naglakad ako roon at nagtaka nang makitang may mga tao sa labas
ng cabana nila Engr. Vioxx.

My forehead creased when I saw Warren, katulong siya sa pagbuhat ng kama palabas kaya napanguso ako.

What happened?

Biglang nakita ko ang namumulang si Engr. Flores, tinawag ko ang atensyon niya at gulat siyang napatingin
sa akin. I remembered her glaring at me way back in the yacht.

"Y-yes?" she asked, smiling a bit.

"What's happening?" I asked curiously, "bakit inilalabas ang kama sa cabana?"

Napaubo siya, sobrang pula na ng mukha at kinagat ang labi.

"M-marupok kasi," she answered and I froze, parang tinamaan sa sinabi niya.

"A-ako?" I asked and she shook her head.

"Oo, I mean, no." she cleared her throat. "Marupok ang kama, uh, luma na kasi."

"O-oh?" napalunok ako, muling naisip kama na muntik na ring masira kagabi. "oo nga, eh. Marupok din
ang kama sa amin."

"Oh?" her eyes widen a bit and smiled. "uh, luma na kasi. Mabuti hindi nawasak. Ano, uhm, tara, una na
tayo sa site!"

Kumapit siya sa akin at sabay na kaming nauna sa site.

I was quiet the whole day, hanggang ngayon ay iniisip pa rin ang nangyari kagabi at ang paliwanag niya sa
nangyari noon.

My heart is having doubts, I liked what happened yesterday, I wanted it too but I don't think I can accept
him again in my heart.

I am still afraid, afraid that he'll hurt me again and if he did, saan ako pupulutin? I was lost when he left me
and when I found myself again, he's here again and who knows what he'll do? Baka...baka mawala akong
muli ang sarili, saan na ako pagkatapos?

"Uy, bukas na pala." I overheard Vioxx saying. "May pa-handa ka?" he teased.

May kausap ako pero rinig na rinig ko ang boses nilang magkausap.

"Gago, you know I don't celebrate it." He answered.

"Why not? It's been years, matagal na, Warren. You think Tita would like you mourning?" he asked. "Isa pa,
it's your day."

"No one would be with me, anyway." Warren answered.

"Ako, sina Caspian." He answered, "ikaw lang naman ang may ayaw i-celebrate—"

"Uhm, Architect, how about this?" nawala na ang pakikinig ko nang tawagin ng team ang atensyon ko.

I was tired the whole day, kanina pa lapit ng lapit sa akin si Warren pero hindi ko naman alam ang
sasabihin sa kanya kaya kahit ngiti ay hindi ko maibigay. He's confused but respected my privacy so he
remained quiet.

Lalapit lang siya kapag ipapaalalang break na at bibigyan ako ng tubig at pagkatapos ay lalayo at susulyap-
sulyap lang.

I feel so uncertain, lalo na noong nakitang kausap niya iyong blonde at natawa pa sa sinabi nito.
A yacht came, si Warren ang nagtungo roon at pinagmamasdan ko lang siyang maglabas-pasok mula roon.

Natapos ang trabaho na hindi siya lumalabas at bumalik sa akin kaya napabuntong-hininga na lang ako at
umalis.

I went home, nagpadala ng pagkain ang restaurant kaya kumain muna ako sa cabana bago nag-shower at
pahinga.

Warren is still not back kaya napabuntong-hininga ako.

Is he...with his girls?

Totoo ba 'yong dahilan niya? Is he still in love? Is he really into me?

Nine PM came and he wasn't here, nakahiga ako sa kama at nakatitig sa pintuan habang inaantay siyang
dumating. Nang makitang gumalaw ang pintuan ay suminghap ako at dali-daling tumalikod mula sa
pwesto niya.

I can hear his footsteps, I closed my eyes, pretending to be asleep. May naamoy akong mabango, gusto
sanang lumingon pero hindi ko nagawa dahil kunwari ay tulog ako.

"You're already sleeping?" he chuckled a bit, naramdaman ko ang paglubog ng kama sa gilid. "you really
are tired."

I felt him touching my hair but I remained motionless.

"I have a gift for you but..." he sighed. "it's okay, let's talk tomorrow. You should rest for now. I'll sleep on
the floor so you'll be comfortable."

He kissed my hair, stood and went to the bathroom.

Malalim siguro ang iniisip at pagod kaya nakatulog kaagad. I woke up with the smell of delicious breakfast.
I opened my eyes and sat on the bed, nang bumaling ako sa may kusina ay may nakatayo roon kaya
tumayo ako.

I took my robe, wrapped my body with it, nag-ayos muna ako saglit sa banyo bago nagtungo sa kusina.

"Good morning, Ma'am!" Warren's cheerful voice stopped me, gulat akong napasulyap sa kanya at nakita
ko ang ngiti niya.

"M-morning," I said.

He touched my forearm, slowly lead me to the seat and assisted me. Nang maupo ay mabilis siyang
humalik sa noo ko at ngumiti.

"I cooked you breakfast today, wait." He smiled.

Napasulyap ako sa hapag, nakitang marami-rami ang breakfast kaya nagtaka ako.

"May...fiesta ba?" I asked and he chuckled, I noticed him wearing his navy blue dress shirt tucked on his
black slacks now. Mukhang maagang nagising at nag-ayos.

"Wala," he smiled.
"But I'm on diet." My lips protruded and he chuckled.

"No diet for today, Ma'am. Magpi-pyesta tayong dalawa. Wait." He smiled and left me in the kitchen,
sinilip ko ang agahan at mukhang kanina pa nga siya nagluluto.

I wonder anong mayroon ngayon?

Nagitla ako nang may lumitaw na pumpon ng bulaklak sa harapan ko. My eyes widen, inabot ko 'yon at
napasulyap kay Warren na nakangiti.

"My gift," he said.

"O-oh, thanks..." nag-init ang pisngi ko at inamoy ang bulaklak. "anong mayroon?"

His lip twitched and shook his head, "nothing, I just wanted to give you one. Do you like it?"

"Yes," my heart thumped. "thank you."

He smiled sweetly, I saw how his smile reached his eyes. He looks handsome all the time but he looks
extra now because of that heartwarming smile.

"Great!" he chuckled, bibong bumalik sa pagluluto at sumulyap ako sa bulaklak na hawak ko pabalik sa
kanya.

I don't know what to feel, my heart is happy but my mind...my mind is having doubts.

Parang ang bilis lang, we just got here and I am falling continuously again for the second time.

"May mga pagkain silang inaayos sa resto, pinadala sa yate kahapon. Mamayang lunch siguro tapos na."
Kwento niya pero nanatili akong nakatitig sa bulaklak. "Pinadala ko rin 'yang bulaklak kahapon, mabuti nga
at nasama, late ko na kasi nasabi."

It's too sudden, I don't know...I don't want to commit. I'm still scared.

"I'm supposed to give it to you last night but you're already sleeping—"

"Let's stop this, Augustine." I suddenly said and I saw him froze, unti-unting lumingon siya sa akin.

"Stop what?" he looks confused. "'yong pagkain ba? I will eat with you, don't worry. Alam ko namang hindi
mo 'to mauubos." Muli siyang bumaling

"No," I sighed. "I mean, we had sex, I know, but we're two consented adults. We both know it is a one-
time thing."

Hindi siya sumagot, nakita kong patuloy na inaayos niya ang pagkain kaya humugot ako ng lakas ng loob
para magsalita ulit.

"And it's too sudden, I don't want to commit...not to you." I explained. "I know you already explained your
side but I don't..."

Bumagsak ang tingin ko sa bulaklak at hinaplos iyon, kumakalabog and dibdib.

"I still don't trust you," I whispered. "I-I don't think I can trust you again, you lied to me in the past. P-
paano pa ngayon? Call me a bitch for being like this but I...still can't."

"I-I may be still attracted to you but that's it, I don't think we can be back to what we are. We had sex, it's
fun and I liked it but I think, that's it. Thinking about us again makes me...uncomfortable."

Hindi siya umimik, nakita kong pinatay niya ang kalan at nilagay ang niluto sa plato. Nangilid naman ang
luha ko at nagbaba ng tingin, natatakot nab aka galit nga siya.

"S-sorry, Warren." My voice broke while lowering my head. "I-I just can't now, I-I think I'm still broken and I
deserve better, not this, not you and I don't want us. Not anymore."

"It's alright," he put the plate on the table and walked towards me, napasinghap ako nang bahagya siyang
lumuhod sa harapan ko at sinapo ang pisngi ko.

Our eyes met and I almost broke down when I met his soft eyes.

"You don't have to apologize," he said and dried my tears. "and stop crying because of me, I don't deserve
it."

"I just..." I bit my lip and gulped.

"And it's true," he smiled but it didn't reach his eyes. "you deserve better, you don't deserve just me."

Hindi ko na alam ang sasabihin, mas tumungo ako at narinig ko ang buntong-hininga niya at ang paglapat
ng labi niya sa noo ko.

"I'm sorry for taking advantage of you, I-I shouldn't have take you that way. I apologize for being here,
Ma'am." He said and I shook my head.

"H-hindi naman sa ganoon, I just..."

"It's okay," he smiled. "I respect and understand you. Stop blaming yourself because it wasn't your fault,
it's mine."

"W-Warren," I muttered.

He smiled a bit and tapped my cheek.

"Cheer up, Scira. You are a strong woman and please always be strong. I promise to stop bothering you,
please be comfortable here." He said and stood.

"Kain ka na, I cooked this all for you, I know it's awkward with me around, lalabas na lang muna ako para
mas kumportable ka." He said, flashed a small smile but my heart broke when I realized it was forced and
didn't even reach his eyes.

Kabanata 23

I found myself staring blankly at the table where the foods he made are placed. It all smells good, if it's a
simple and regular day, baka kanina pa ako kumain at nagpakabusog.

But now? I don't know.

I am sure this is delicious but I lost my appetite.

My eyes are in the verge of crying again, I can feel the heavy feeling inside my chest, still not fading when I
saw him turning his back at me and walked away.

I'm so sorry, Warren... I am so sorry, I'm...I'm still hurt. I don't think I can commit again.

Maybe that's the reason why I am so afraid of relationships, years had passed and yet I'd never had an eye
at someone, kahit may sumusubok, because I couldn't trust them, afraid they would lie to me and cheat
on me and fool me.

I lowered my head and heaved a deep sigh.

I chose to eat the foods he prepared because it was him who cooked.

I feel bad saying that to him but it's okay to voice out than to keep it inside of me at baka magkasakitan
lang kaming dalawa.

I should be glad that he understands me, he respects me but...why do I feel so sad now?

My shoulders are slacked yet I chose to go and clean myself after I am done eating. Inayos ko ang lamesa
at tinakpan ang pagkain bago nag-ayos.

While I was blow drying my hair, my eyes are fixed on the bouquet of flowers in front of me.

I smiled and slowly touched it.

I'm sorry, I am really sorry, Warren.

I am falling for him, again. Maybe harder this time, his simple smiles and thoughtfulness were making my
heart danced in joy but it will always fade every time the thought of him fooling and lying to me comes
back.

It was odd seeing a lot of foods for breakfast but I tried my best to have a taste of it all. Medyo nalungkot
lang dahil mukha akong bastos na sinabi iyon sa harapan ng pagkain.

I sighed, tapos na akong magbihis pero hindi ko alam ang dapat gawin. Hindi ko naman daw kasalanang
ganoon at h'wag ko rin daw dapat sisihin ang sarili ko but I still feel so bad and lonely.

I sat on the bed and decided to call my parents.

Ang sabi nila sa akin noon, kahit hanggang ngayon naman din ay intimidating daw ako tignan. Parang
walang pakialam sa mundo, bitch, as what my exes called me. Well, I admit na minsan maldita talaga ako
and sometimes, my mouth would tell things not really advisable to be said out loud and when I'm in doubt
or I feel lonely, I always seek advice to my parents.

Their words would always make me feel good and made me realize things.

It's still early and it's Sunday so I didn't expect my father would answer the call in my first attempt.

He accepted the video call, ngumiti naman ako kaagad at kumaway pagkakita sa kanya.
"Hi, Dad!" I tried to sound cheerful.

He smiled a bit, nakita kong nakashirt pa siya at naupo sa kama, namumungay pa ata ang mata.

"Hi, princess." He said and I chuckled.

"Sorry, king. Did I wake you up?" marahang sabi ko at ngumisi siya bago umiling.

"Not really," he chuckled, nakita kong inabot niya ang salamin sa side table at may umagaw sa kanya ng
phone.

Noong una ay akala ko nahulog lang pero nang biglang lumitaw ang mukha ng reyna ay napatawa na ako.

"Mommy!" I cheered.

"Hey, honey. Morning." She smiled, sumandal din siya sa kama at saglit na inayos ang night dress niya. Her
hair's quite disheveled and looks like she just woke up too kaya napalabi ako.

"I'm sorry, Mommy, Dad. Did I disturb you?" I asked and she chuckled, shaking her head.

Nakita kong sumandal siya sa may head board ng kama at ngumiti sa akin.

"It's alright, it wasn't a big deal, as if naman natulog pa kami." She grinned.

"Zidney!" my Dad's voice thundered, humagalpak si Mommy at napakunot ang noo ko, naguguluhan.

Biglang kinuha ni Dad ang phone pero inagaw ito ng tumatawang reyna. Hindi ko alam pero kahit anong
gulo ng camera sa agawan nila ay natawa ako.

"Thorn!" she hissed.

"Kung ano-anong sinasabi mo sa anak mo!" Dad hissed.

"Bakit? Hindi naman talaga tayo nakatulog—"

"Zidney Agnieszka!" he hissed at napatawa na ako nang tuluyan nang maagaw ni Dad ang phone at nakita
ko na siya sa camera.

"Hi, princess. Sorry for that, your Mom's being a brat again." He said and I chuckled, dumungaw na rin
mayamaya si Mommy na nakanguso na.

"Edi, hindi na!" she whined then looked at me and immediately smiled. "hi, princess! Good morning!"

"Morning again, Mom, Dad." Napangiti ako, sumandal sa may kama at pinagmasdan silang dalawa.

Hindi ako nagsalita kaagad at nakita ko ang seryosong mga mata ni Daddy.

"Did...something happened?" he started and I sighed.

"Wala naman po," I said softly.

"Something happened," my Mom concluded kaya napasulyap ako sa kanya, she now looks serious. Nakita
ko ang pag-nguso niya roon.
"What is it, princess?" she said softly and my heart fell again, nakagat ko ang labi ko at mayamaya'y
nahulog na ang luha sa mga mata ko.

Natahimik silang dalawa, I sobbed harder and covered my mouth at nagkagulo sila.

"W-what...princess? Do you want us there?" my Dad sounded worried and I sobbed, shaking my head.

"N-no, I just...I missed you all so much." I muttered.

"Princess," Mom sighed. "we miss you too, baby. Don't cry, we love you."

I closed my eyes tightly, nahihiyang hinawi ang luha ko at sumulyap sa kanila.

"Sorry po," I said softly, "m-medyo masama lang ang pakiramdam ko at na-miss ko kayo."

My mother's eyes soften, I saw Dad's eyes were fixed on me, as if finding something wrong kaya ngumiti
na lang ako.

"Are you sure—"

"I just miss you, Dad." I smiled, "don't go psychiatrist on me."

His lips rose, shaking his head. "Can't help it."

"I love you both, I just called because I missed you so much." I muttered.

"We miss you too, sweety." Mom smiled at me.

"If something's bothering you or you have any problem, do not hesitate to call us, hmm? I love you,
princess." Dad muttered and I smiled.

"I'm sorry for being emotional," I said.

Mabigat na kasi...

"No worries, you don't have to be sorry for things like that." My Mom said.

"Thank you, My, Dad. I have work now, I wanted to talk more but I am late. I love you both." I smiled and
kissed my phone before bidding goodbye.

I put the beautiful flowers first in water to prolong its freshness, pagkatapos ay inayos ko ang blouse na
suot at lumabas sa cabana.

I looked around, trying to find Warren but I can't see him.

Kumain na kaya siya? Is he alright? Where is he?

I sighed, it feels odd today. Malamig ang hangin pero makulimlim ang panahon. The always sunny island is
a bit more gloomy today.

Pagdating ko sa site ay walang mga tao roon, my forehead creased, nagtataka at nang may makitang
tauhan ay tinawag ko ang pansin niya.
"Uhm, hello, good morning." I smiled.

"Hello, Architect." Ngiti nito sa akin.

"Uhm," I looked around and asked him. "I'm just confused, nasaan ang mga tao?"

"Oh!" ngumiti siya bigla. "nasa restaurant, Ma'am. Nag-aayos."

"Hmm, bakit?" I asked, sumulyap sa orasan. "lunch? Maaga pa mag-lunch, ah?"

"Ay, hindi po." Tawa niya at umiling. "Nag-aayos lang po ng surpresa para mamaya."

"Surprise?" naguguluhan ko pang tanong.

"Ah, basta po." Ngiti niya. "Puntahan mo na lang po muna sila sa resto at nag-aayos na sila kung sakaling
babalik na si Engineer Miranda."

Naguguluhan man ay nagtungo ako sa restaurant, I am confused, my forehead creased when I got inside
and saw the people fixing tables.

Amoy na amoy ko ang nilulutong masarap na pagkain at si Vioxx naman ay may kausap na mga tao roon.
Sa tabi niya ay si Architect Flores.

"Oh, Architect!" nagitla ako nang lumitaw si Anna at tinawag ako.

"Uh, hello." I bit my lip.

"Tara, Architect. Upo muna tayo habang nag-aayos sila." Tawa niya at nagtataka man ay nagpahila ako.

We settled ourselves in a chair in the side, abala ang mga tao, lalo na ang mga tauhan sa Miranda firm
kaya mas naguguluhan ako sa nangyayari.

"Nakaka-excite! Tiyak na matutuwa si Engineer pagbalik niya at nakita ito!" tawa ni Jessica bago bumaling
sa akin. "sayang, walang nabiling regalo, ikaw, Architect, may regalo ka?"

I froze, lumalim ang gatla sa noo ko sa tanong niya.

"Gift?" I asked. "for?"

"Kay Engineer Miranda!" she giggled and my eyes widen, napasulyap kay Vioxx doon.

"Birthday ni Vioxx?" I asked, confused.

"Hindi po, ito talaga si Architect. Kunwari hindi alam ang birthday ni Engr. Warren pero close na close sila!"
Anna teased and I froze.

My mouth parted, kumalabog ang puso ko at napaayos ng upo.

"W-what?" halos mapubling ko ng tanong. "it's his birthday?"

Nakangisi pa ang dalawa pero nawala ng unti-unti nang makitang seryoso ako.
"You...don't know, Architect?" Anna asked and my heart hammered.

Napatayo ako bigla, hindi na sila nasagot at mabilis na lumapit kina Vioxx na naroon sa gitna.

"Uhm, excuse me." I called his attention.

Napalingon si Engr. Flores sa akin at ngumiti kaya tipid din akong ngumiti at tumango.

"Excuse," Vioxx said and then glanced at me. "yes?" he asked.

"Uhm," my heart hammered more. "S-si Warren?"

"Oh, hindi nagpaalam sa'yo?" he asked and I shook my head.

"Saan...saan siya?" I asked.

"Umalis, eh. May titignan lang daw ata, babalik iyon sa tanghali ang alam ko." He said and smiled. "Excited
na excited 'yon kanina, did he cooked you food?"

I slowly nodded, nangingilid na ang luha.

"Y-yeah,"

"Masarap?" he asked and chuckled. "he's too excited of cooking, ngayon lang 'yan, hindi kasi nagse-
celebrate ng birthday."

"B-babalik naman siya, ano?" I asked and he nodded at me.

"I know he will, kunwari lang naman na surprise, siya nga kumuha ng lulutuin sa yate kahapon para
ngayon." He smiled boyishly at me.

"C-can I get his number?" I asked, kahit nagtataka man ay tumango siya at ipinakita sa akin ang number.

Tumango ako at nagpaalam sa kanya bago lumabas. I was acting cool but when I got outside, my tears fell,
nanginginig na kinuha ko ang phone para tawagan siya pero walang sumasagot.

"Oh, God." I whispered in the air and smacked my head. "Stupid, Scira! Stupid!"

"A-answer me, answer, please..." I whispered, calling him again but still, none.

I closed my eyes tightly, gasping.

I suddenly remembered the foods he cooked, the smile on his face and his flower gift for me. It's his
birthday, and the death anniversary of his parents and I...

Pinakalma ko ang sarili at inantay na magbalik siya, I am so scared, so hurt.

I was so insensitive! Hindi ko man lang naisip ito!

I am sitting on the bench beside the resto, kita ko ang paglabas-labas ni Vioxx para tumingin sa labas at
ngingiti lang sa akin.

I checked my watch, it's nearly one and yet, he still isn't here.
He never celebrates his birthday, ngayon lang tapos...

I froze when I felt a cold droplet on my arm. Hinayaan ko muna noong una pero nang maramdamang mas
dumami ay tumingala ako.

The sky is darker now, nang matantong umaambon ay suminghap ako at mabilis na tumayo at pumasok sa
resto.

I saw Vioxx is getting worried, sumulyap siya sa orasan niya. I saw the simple chocolate cake in the middle,
handa na silang lahat pero wala pa ang celebrant.

I sighed, lumapit na kay Vioxx at napatingin siya sa akin.

"Have you contact him?" he asked and I shook my head, worried.

"No," I sighed. "I tried calling and even texting him but I got nothing."

Natigilan kami nang tumama sa bubong ng resto ang malakas na pagbagsak na ulan, nagsipasukan ang
ibang nasa labas at mas kinabahan ako.

"A-ano bang sabi niya? Sabi ba niya babalik siya?" I asked. "Anong oras? Saan ba siya?"

I am panicking, nangingilid na ang luha ko pero may humawak sa braso ko at napalingon ako kay Engr.
Flores na inalo ako.

"He said he'll just go somewhere, he brought the speed boat and left. I don't know where did he go." He
said, his forehead creasing.

"It's my fault," I whispered. "this is my fault."

"Did something happen?" Vioxx asked and I bit my lip, nodding.

"W-we had a misunderstanding," I confessed. "I-I pushed him away."

His mouth parted a bit and cursed.

"That fucker," he muttered and sighed. "I didn't know."

"S-sorry," I whispered, hinawakan ako ni Sera at umiling sa akin si Vioxx.

"It's not your fault," he said. "wait, let me just call him, okay?"

Pinagtitinginan na kami pero walang naglakas loob na magtanong.

Naglakad siya palabas ng resto pero sumunod ako. Even Engr. Flores followed us.

Malakas ang patak ng ulan na amoy na amoy ko na ang simoy nito.

I bit my lip and watched Vioxx called his cousin, nangingilid na ang luha ko sa kaba at takot kung anong
nangyari na kay Warren.

"Tubig?" she asked and I shook my head.

"Where are you?" halos napatalon ako nang magsalita si Vioxx. Nagkatinginan kaming dalawa. "Nasaan
ka? Anong oras na, kakain na tayo rito."

His forehead creased, seryoso ang mukha at nagulat ako nang napaayos siya ng tayo at nagmura.

"Gago ka, anong talon?" he said in a mad voice. "Tang ina mo, Warren. Subukan mo lang tumalon d'yan at
ako pa papatay sa'yong gago ka!"

My heart hammered, hinawakan ni Engr. Flores and kamay ko at mas nanginig ako roon.

"H'wag mo akong tawanan, gago!" Vioxx cursed. "Are you drunk? Nasaan ka?!"

"I'll go there. Don't move an inch! Malilintikan ka sa akin!" Vioxx said and turned the phone off.

Nagkatinginan kami kaya mabilis akong lumapit.

"N-nasaan siya? Is he alright?" I asked, panicking and he nodded at me.

"Yes, nasa may Navagio lang. the fucker's drunk."

"H-huh?" nanginig ang boses ko. "p-puntahan natin! Paano kung may mangyari—"

"Ako na ang bahala, stay here." He said.

"B-but..."

"Trust me," he smiled at me and glanced at Engr. Flores. "Sera, can you take her back to her cabana?
Papaunahin ko na lang muna kumain sila."

"Sure, akong bahala." She answered.

Hindi na ako naka-hindi nang pumasok si Vioxx, may inanunsyo at maya-maya pa'y nakita ko ang iilang
lalaki mula sa firm niya ang sumugod sa ulanan at kumuha ng bangka.

I watched as they go with the waves, ayaw ko pa sanang umalis pero mapilit si Engr. Flores na dalhin ako
pabalik sa cabana.

I was nervous, isang oras na ang inantay ko pero wala pa rin sila.

"It's my fault," I whispered and Sera sighed, touching my hand.

"Calm down, it's alright. Warren will be fine." She tried calming me down but I just couldn't.

"N-no," I whispered. "It's my fault! I-if only I didn't tell them those words!"

"Scira..." she called.

"I-I told him I didn't deserve someone just like him! S-sabi ko, hindi na namin maibabalik ang dati. I-I am
afraid to trust again. S-sabi ko ayaw ko na sa kanya pero m-mahal ko pa siya, mahal na mahal..." I sobbed.

"Then, what happened?" she asked lowly.

"I just...I couldn't trust him, not now. I don't think I can." I said. "I'm scared."

"Then, give it time." She said softly. "Pangit ang kinalalabasan ng mga bagay na pinipilit, Scira."

"B-but I did tell him those words on his birthday!" I exclaimed, "today is the same day he lost his parents
but I was so insensitive! Sabi niya, ayos lang, wala akong kasalanan at naiintindihan niya but I..."

"Warren loved you dearly, Scira." Her words stopped me. "I actually not that close to him and to you,
either, but I can see how much he's in love with you."

"R-really?" I muttered and she smiled.

"Nagiging alipin na 'yan 'nung mga baliw na magpipinsan." She said and chuckled a bit.

I bit my lip and stared at my hands, kitang-kita pa rin ang malakas na pagbuhos ng ulan.

"But I suggest you to heal your broken heart, I suggest you to forgive and starts working into erasing your
doubts first. Mahirap kasi talaga kapag tiwala na ang nawala. Mahirap ibalik."

"Y-you think, what I did was right?"

"Nilinaw mo lang naman sa kanya ang tungkol sa nararamdaman mo, 'di ba?"

"Yes," I nodded. "b-but I wouldn't have done it if I know it's his birthday. I was insensitive." Bulong ko.

"Warren will understand," aniya. "at least, he knows your stand. You two both needs to heal and if fate
decided that it was still the both of you 'till the end, then, it will find a way to bring you two together
again."

I sighed heavily, may itatanong pa sana pero nang makita ang paparating ay napatayo ako.

Two men are helping Warren walk. Ang isa ay nagpapayong sa kanila habang papunta sa cabana.

"Oh my God..." I whispered.

Warren is drunk, kita ko pa ang pikit na mga mata niya habang sinusubukan siyang ipasok sa cabana ng
mga lalaki.

Vioxx and the other two are wet, si Warren ay basang-basa rin kaya iniupo siya sa sofa at doon pa lang ay
bagsak na siya.

"W-what happened?" I asked nervously, lumuhod ako sa harap ng nakapikit na si Augustine at marahang
hinaplos ko ang pisngi niya.

"He's drunk dead." Vioxx said kaya napasulyap ako sa kanya, basa pa ang kanyang buhok.

"Found him near the cliff in Navagio, nandoon sa may puno, naliligo sa ulan habang nagpapakalasing." He
said.

My heart fell, naiiyak nanaman ako at mas hinaplos ang pisngi niya.

"Tin," I whispered and he just groaned and didn't open his eyes. "I-I'm sorry..."
"It's okay, Scira." Vioxx smiled at me. "Let me just change his clothes then we'll take him on the bed. Baka
magkasakit pa."

I nodded weakly, humawak sa akin si Sera at saglit kaming lumabas habang inaayos ni Vioxx ang pinsan.

I was so worried and nervous, nang lumabas si Vioxx ay kaagad akong tumayo.

"H-how is he?" I asked.

"We changed his clothes, tulog." Turo niya sa kama kung nasaan naroon si Warren. "it's okay, Architect.
Ako na muna ang bahala sa pinsan ko—"

"No!" I cut him off. "let me...let me take care of him."

His forehead creased, "are you sure? Ayos lang naman kung ako, Sera would accompany you for a while."

"No," I shook my head. "please, let me take care of him. Please."

He stared at me for a while and I gasped when he nodded.

"Okay, basta kung kailangan mo ng tulong, we're just on our cabin, okay?"

"Yes," I muttered and glanced at Warren. "thank you..."

Iniwan nila ako pagkatapos kaya dali-dali kong tinungo ang banyo para kumuha ng timba at bimpo. I was
panicking, naiiyak pa nga ata ako nang makabalik at kitang-kita ang pamumula ng kanyang mukha.

His forehead is creasing and groaning kaya naupo ako sa tabi niya.

"Tintin," I whispered and lifted the towel so I could dry his wet hair. "I'm sorry..."

He only groaned, tumulo ang luha sa pisngi ko kaya hinawi ko ito at pinigaan ang basang t'walya at inangat
ang kanyang braso.

I was emotional while I was doing that, kita ko ang malalim niyang paghinga at bawat pagkunot ng noo. His
eyes are tightly closed, his lips are in a firm and thin line.

"I'm sorry, Tin..." nanghihina kong buhok at marahang humalik sa noo niya. "I-I didn't know it's your
birthday. I am so sorry."

Sa muling paghalik ko sa kanyang noo ay naramdaman ko ang kanyang hininga sa leeg. Napapikit ako nang
maramdaman ang hawak niya sa aking baywang.

"M-ma'am..." he said faintly.

"Hmm?" my voice broke, nakapikit pa rin siya kaya hinaplos ko ang kanyang buhok.

"Wavyu..." he said in a groggy voice.

I bit my lip and moved away, "punasan muna kita, hmm?"

He just groaned and moved a bit, pinunasan ko ang kanyang leeg at braso, inangat ko rin ang damit para
mapunusan ang dibdib niya at nang matapos ay inangat ko ang comforter sa kanyang katawan.
I placed the towel on his forehead, in case na lalagnatin siya dahil medyo mainit na ang kanyang
katawanan.

I stood, was about to take the basin back to the restroom when a hand on my wrist stopped me. Gulat
akong nagbaba ng tingin at nakitang hawak niya iyon.

I glanced at him and saw his eyes slightly opened.

"D-don't leave..." he whispered painfully.

"I won't..." I whispered. "sandali lang, ilalagay ko lang sa banyo ito,"

"B-balik ka?" he said faintly.

"Yes," I smiled.

Slowly, he let me go. Pagkatapos kong ilagay ang basin sa banyo ay kaagad ko siyang binalikan.

I saw that he's fast asleep again, his forehead is still creasing kaya lumapit ako at naupo sa kanyang tabi.

"D-don't leave," he said, his breathing a bit unstable. "d-don't, Ma..."

Bumigat na naman ang puso ko.

I saw how he moved his head, "n-no..." he muttered and my heart fell.

"Augustine," I called and brushed his hair softly. "sshh, I'm here..."

"I-iwan mo, n-no..." I saw how a tear escaped his eye, nahulog iyon sa may tainga niya kaya mabilis ko
iyong pinunasan.

"Sshh," I hummed.

"N-no..." I saw how pain and fear crossed his eyes at parang bumalik sa ala-ala ko ang pagkawala ni Ate
Clyte.

It's still fresh... I remembered crying this much when she vanished.

"N-no..." he whispered and moved a bit.

"C-come on," my voice broke and cuddled Warren.

He moved a bit, mabilis ko siyang niyakap at naramdaman ko pagsiksik niya sa katawan ko.

He keeps on whispering words I cannot understand. Hinaplos ko ang kanyang likod at paulit-ulit na humalik
sa kanyang noo.

"It's gonna be fine, I'm just here." Alo ko at mas niyakap siya.

I felt him heaving a deep sigh kaya inangat ko ang ulo niya at pinaunan sa braso ko. I cuddled him closer to
mine and I felt him moving on my neck. Isiniksik niya ang ulo roon at tahimik kong hinayaan siya at
pinakalma.
"Shh, it's okay..." bulong ko.

"D-don't leave," I noticed the pain in his faint voice.

"I won't..." I whispered, brushed his hair and kissed his forehead. "so, sleep now. Sleep tight, Sir."

Hindi ko alam kung ilang oras akong tumitig habang natutulog siya.

He looks so soft, even if he's sleeping. Matangos ang ilong, mahaba ang pilik-mata at manipis ang
mapupulang labi.

"Happy birthday, August." I whispered and kissed the tip of his nose. "I-I wish love is really meant for the
both of us."

I woke up with the sound of the creaking door.

I immediately opened my eyes and saw the familiar cabana, bigla kong naalala si Warren kaya hinaplos ko
ang tabi ko at napasinghap nang makitang wala na siya roon.

My forehead creased, napansing sa akin na nakabalot ang comforter at may nakaayos na unan sa aking
uluhan.

Kaagad akong napaupo sa kama at hinanap ng mata ko si Augustine. My eyes widen when I saw him in the
sala, may inaayos sa rattan na upuan doon.

Tumayo ako, sumulyap sa orasan at nakitang alas-nwebe na ng gabi, bumagsak ang kumot ko sa ginawa at
mabilis akong nagpunta roon.

"T-Tin?" I called and he immediately stopped.

He shifted his gaze at me and my heart hammered when I realized he just got from the bath. Suot ang
kulay itim na shirt at maong, magulo pa ang buhok at basa.

"Hi," I saw his smile. "good evening, kain ka na."

Bumaba ang tingin ko sa inaayos niya sa may upuan at natigilan ako nang makitang ang bag niya iyon kung
nasaan ang mga damit niya.

"W-what..." nanuyo ata ang lalamunan ko sa nakita.

Why is he...why is he fixing his clothes inside his bag?

Is he leaving?

"It's late, I know you haven't eaten anything yet." He said, as if not minding my expression. "Nagpadala
ako ng pagkain ngayon lang, ininit ko rin 'yong pagkain mo kaninang umaga."

"Y-you're leaving?" I asked, my heart felt like breaking.

"Uh," he smiled faintly, brushing his hair with his fingers. "I heard you took care of me earlier, salamat and
I'm sorry for the trouble."
"N-no," I felt a lump on my throat. "i-it's okay, ano, uhm...aalis ka?"

His eyes landed on the bag he's fixing, inangat niya iyon at humapdi ang puso ko nang makita kong inilagay
niya ang bag pack iyon sa isang balikat at bumaling sa akin.

"Uh, an employee from the restaurant went home, they have an empty bed now, matatagalan ang balik so
I'll crash there for now." He said, smiling but I couldn't give it back.

"H-huh?" I asked and stared at his eyes. "no, i-it's okay if you stay here, w-we can share the bed—"

"No," he chuckled a bit but I didn't find any humor in it. Inangat niya ang kamay niya at inilagay sa tuktok
ng ulo ko.

He brushed my hair a bit and put a few strands behind my ear.

"I'm okay, I want you comfortable here." He said and I immediately shook my head.

"I am!" I insisted, "okay lang na nandito ka, I won't mind—"

"I have to control myself, Ma'am." He said and I froze. "I love you and I know you don't want me here and I
understand it, I respect your decision."

"A-ayos nga lang kung nandito ka," I whined.

"I need to control myself," he whispered and met my eyes. "I want you to be comfortable and you can't do
it when I'm around."

Hindi ako nakaimik, mabigat ang pakiramdam ko at naiiyak na naman.

"Don't worry about me, I'll be fine." He smiled again. "Sige na, kain ka na, I will go there now. Thank you
for taking care of me, I felt good. Thank you."

Hindi ko na alam ang sasabihin, nanatili akong nakatitig sa kanya at nakita kong namamasa na rin ang mata
niya, he stared at me and my heart felt like squeezing when a tear fell from his left eye but he immediately
looked away and dried it with the back of his palm.

"W-Warren..." I called.

"Uhm, sige, uuna na ako." He smiled and turned his back but I was too quick to pull his shirt back.

He froze, nakita ko ang pagsulyap niya sa akin at nanginginig man ay nagsalita ako.

"H-happy birthday," I whispered and I saw how his eyes soften.

He shifted his position and glanced at me, he is smiling but that was the most painful thing I've seen from
him.

He moved closer, touching my forearm and my eyes shut when I felt his soft lips on my forehead.

"Thank you," he whispered. "I love you, I promise to stop bothering you. I wish you nothing but the best."

Kabanata 24
I should only focus at work, that's what I keep on telling myself but I just couldn't. I feel sad and alone.

Every time I'm walking up, I can see hot breakfast on my table. Sa gabi ay may nagpapadala rin ng pagkain
sa cabana ko mula sa restaurant.

I don't need to think twice to know who's giving this, alam ko na kaagad kung sino ang naglalagay sa
umaga at ang nagpapahatid sa gabi.

I still love him yet the doubt in my heart is still in there, I am doing my best to learn, to heal and to accept
things. Hindi na kami nag-uusap, wala namang nagtatanong sa amin tungkol hindi namin pagpapansinan.

When Engr. Flores and Engr. Miranda left for an emergency, we lead the team in finishing the renovation. It
was fulfilling, to be one of the firms to renovate such astonishing island.

Malaki ang ngiti ko habang iniisip na huling araw na namin sa trabaho. We had a celebration that night for
another successful project.

Sumimsim ako ng inumin habang pasimpleng sumusulyap kay Warren. He's smiling a bit while talking to
his team, ang babaeng blonde ay naroon palagi sa kanyang tabi.

My forehead creased, I almost scoffed when the lady filled his glass with beer again. I saw her whispered
something, tumungo naman ng bahagya si Warren para makuha ang sinasabi nito at mayamaya'y natawa.

"Architect, may lumalabas ng laser sa mata mo." Kalabit sa akin ni Anna kaya natigil ako.

I cleared my throat, looked away at tinungga ang isang buong baso. Nagtawanan sila ni Jessica kaya
naglagay muli ako sa baso at diretsong uminom.

"Grabeng inom naman 'yan, Architect." Tawa ni Anna kaya ngumisi ako, medyo nahihilo na kaya sumandal
at muling sumimsim.

Nagitla ako nang may maupo sa tabi ko, I smiled when I saw Arch. Pablo.

"Hello, Scira." He smiled and I nodded, smiling a bit.

"Hi," I said softly.

He moved a bit, inangat ko saglit ang ulo ko para pakinggan ang kanyang bulong.

"You look beautiful," he whispered huskily.

I chuckled, nahihilo siyang sinulyapan at muling uminom sa baso.

"You look great yourself too," I greeted back.

Sabay kaming nagtawanan, bumaling ang tingin ko sa may pwesto ni Warren at nawala ang ngisi ko nang
nakita ang seryoso niyang tingin sa pwesto ko.

I cleared my throat, nakita kong hinawakan 'nung blonde ang braso niya, mukhang may ibubulong pero
hindi siya gumalaw at nanatili ang tingin sa akin.

Michael filled my glass again with beer, inilahad niya sa akin iyon kaya ngumiti lang ako ng tipid at umiling.
"This is our last day here," he whispered and took my arm. "I am not sure if I'll see you again."

"Hmm," I hummed, nakikipagtitigan kay Warren na seryosong sumisimsim sa alak.

He's serious, not moving an inch and remain staring, kahit anong tawag ng katabi ay hindi lumingon kaya
tumaas ang sulok ng labi ko.

"I'm thinking if I can get your number?" he asked and tugged my arm kaya napalingon ako sa kanya.

"Huh?"

"Your number," he smiled at me. "can I?"

"O-oh, sure." Tango ko at nang iabot niya sa akin ang kanyang phone ay tinype ko roon ang numero ko.

I was a bit dizzy, nakailang simsim pa ako sa alak ko at nanatili siyang may sinasabi sa tabi ko.

"I like you, Scira." He said, nagkakatuwaan na ang iba, nagsasayawan na sa gitna pero seryoso lang akong
nakasandal sa upuan, halos pikit na ang mata.

"Scira?" he called again, I felt him touching my arm kaya umigtad ako at medyo gumalaw palayo.

"I-I'm fine," I said groggily.

"I wanted to court you," he muttered but I didn't quite comprehend.

I can feel my stomach churning, mas napapikit lang ako nang maramdamang nasusuka na.

Damn it, Valderama! This is why I hate the aftermath of getting drunk!

Nahihilo man ay napamulat ako, bigla akong napatayo.

I met Warren's eyes but I was too preoccupied to even say something and found myself walking towards
the bathroom.

"Scira?" Michael called.

Tinakbo ko ang banyo, pagkakita ko palang ng sink ay kaagad na akong nagtungo roon at mas umikot ang
tiyan.

I puked my lungs out, I liked drinking pero ayaw ko talaga ang pagsusuka at hang over!

I felt myself getting weaker, napahawak pa ako sa sink at halos masubsob na sa pagsusuka nang magbukas
ang banyo.

I saw Michael behind me, magtatanong sana ako kung bakit siya nasa loob ng banyo pero hindi na nagawa
dahil bigla akong nagsuka ulit.

I was dizzy, inangat ni Michael ang buhok ko at marahang hinawakan ang baywang ko.

"Are you alright? Tara, doon ka muna sa kwarto ko para may mag-alaga sa'yo." He muttered and helped
me up.
I am dizzy, umayos ako ng tayo at nahihilo pa. My eyes are about to close, my mouth parted, sasabihin
sanang ibalik na lang ako sa kwarto ko pero parang nasusuka naman kaya kinagat ko na lang ang labi.

He helped me went out of the bathroom when I saw Augustine standing in front of the door.

I froze, nakita ko ang pagkunot ng kanyang noo nang makita si Architect Pablo.

"What happened?" he said in a deep baritone, parang iikot na naman ang tiyan ko roon.

"She's drunk, Engineer. Dadalhin ko muna sa kwarto ko para maalagaan." He answered back.

Nag-aalon na ang paningin ko.

"What?" I heard Warren's cold voice. "let me, I will take her back to her room."

"Hindi na, Engr." Michael laughed a bit, "ayos lang, ako na ang bahala kay Architect."

I slowly glanced at Warren and saw his cold eyes, his jaw clenched when he heard it.

"No," he said hardly and sighed. "I know Scira, she won't like it if she woke up in someone else's room."

"Hindi naman ako ibang tao, Engr." Humigpit ang hawak nito sa baywang ko. "I can definitely take care of
her, 'tsaka kilala naman niya ako—"

"T-Tin?" I suddenly called.

Our eyes met, I saw how his eyes soften when he glanced at me.

"Hmm?" he hummed and tried holding me but Michael gripped my waist and pulled me a bit.

"Scira, let's go to my room—"

"No!" I groaned and glanced at him, nabakas ko ang gulat sa mata ni Michael sa biglaang asta ko.

"Scira—"

"G-gusto ko, Tintin!" I whined.

His mouth parted, nang sumulyap ako kay Warren ay nakita ko ang paglaki ng mata niya.

Tinulak ko ang kamay ni Michael sa baywang ko at naglakad palapit kay Warren, he looks shocked. Diretso
lang ang lakad ko pero parang um-ekis ang paa at muntik nang masubsob.

He caught me, I immediately smelled his scent and I heaved a deep sigh.

"Ma'am," he whispered. "come on, let's get you to your room."

He touched my waist, pumikit-pikit pa ako, sinusubukang maging matino ang pag-iisip nang marinig ang
boses ni Warren.

"Excuse us, Arch. Pablo. I will take her to her room." He said coldly and helped me.
Sa isang pintuan ng resto malapit sa back door kami lumabas. Malakas at malamig ang hangin doon, I can
smell the salty air but my head is throbbing.

"Careful," Warren muttered when I almost tripped on the stone.

I blinked again.

"Umaalon 'yong sand," hagikhik ko nang mapansing gumagalaw ang nilalakaran ko.

I heard his soft chuckle kaya nilingon ko siya at sinamaan ng tingin.

"Bakit mo 'ko nitatawanan?" I hissed.

Mas lumaki ang ngiti niya at umiling, "nothing, I just find you adorable when drunk. You keep on
murmuring cute words, like a toddler."

"W-what?" napasinghap ako nang muntik na namang madapa.

"Shit!" sinalo niya ako kaagad kaya napaayos ako ng tayo at suminghap. "Careful, Scira."

"I am!" I exclaimed. "Kasalanan ko ba kung napatid ako? Eh, kitang dadaan nga ako hindi tumabi 'yong
bato!"

His laugher roared, sumimangot ako lalo.

"Bakit ako pinapagalitan mo? Pagalitan mo 'yong bato!" I hissed audibly.

Tawang-tawa siya, iritado ko siyang pinalo kaya sinalo niya ang kamay ko.

"Alright, alright. It's the stone's fault."

"Right?!" I hissed.

"Nahihilo ka ba?" he asked and my lips protruded.

"No, the sand is just moving. Nag-we-wave sila." I said softly. "Baliw ata ang buhangin dito sa isla."

He chuckled, binitawan niya ako at pinagmasdan siya at nagulat ako nang ibinaba niya ang katawan sa
harapan ko, his back is on my sight.

"Gawa mo?" I asked.

"Piggy back," he said and I froze.

"H-huh?" nilingon niya ako at pinakita ang likod niya.

"I'll carry you on my back, come on, para hindi na umaalon ang buhangin." He said.

I was hesitating, nanliliit ang mata ko at mas inaantok, aayaw sana pero nagsalita siya.

"Come on, Ma'am." He said and I pouted.

Unti-unti kong hinubad ang sandals at lumapit sa kanya. I rested my body on his back habang hawak ang
sandals sa kamay ko. He supported me on his back at maya-maya pa ay nabuhat na niya ako.

"Kapit ka," aniya kaya kumapit ako sa kanyang leeg.

My eyes are closing a bit yet my heart is thumping harder, ramdam ko ang init ng katawan niya sa akin at
mas napalunok ako.

I felt him kick on something and murmured words kaya iminulat ko ang mata ko.

"Sino kaaway mo?" I whispered.

"'Yong bato," he laughed a bit. "kitang dadaan 'yong mahal ko, hindi tumatabi."

Nagwala ang puso ko. I bit my lip and closed my eyes tightly.

Maya-maya pa ay parang umikot ang tiyan ko. Humigpit ang hawak ko sa shirt niya and I felt him stopped.

"Ma'am?" he called. "what happened—"

I heard his loud curse when I suddenly puked on his clothes.

Masakit ang ulo ko, I woke up the next morning in fresh and new clothes. My head is throbbing, unti-
unting naupo at nang bumalik ang ala-ala ng nangyari kagabi ay napamura.

I cursed hardly, mabilis na umikot ang tingin at nakitang walang tao maliban sa akin.

Napalingon ako sa gilid ng higaan at nakitang may gamot doon para sa hang-over ay tumalon ang puso ko.
I crawled towards it and saw a note.

Drink this to ease your headache, Ma'am. I cooked you breakfast, nasa lamesa. I changed your clothes
because it smells like puke. Hindi kita binosohan, promise.

I smiled and stood, walking towards the kitchen.

Hindi nga siya nagsisinungaling, mainit pa ang agahan doon.

I wanted to personally thank him for taking care of me, excited pa ako paglabas at papuntang yate pabalik
ng Casa Amara pero wala pala siya.

They said, nauna na siyang umalis dahil may aasikasuhin.

I don't know what to feel kaya tulala lang ako sa buong byahe at tahimik na nanunuod ng hampas ng alon.

I checked my phone and find myself typing a message.

To: Unknown number

Hello, Tin. Thank you for last night. Pasensya na rin at nasukahan kita at sa abala.

I stared at it and almost jumped when it beeped.

From: Unknown number

It's okay. Welcome.

I bit my lip and typed an answer.

To: Unknown number

:)

I waited for a reply but I got none, kaya suminghap na lang ako at dinama ang sakit ng dibdib.

It's okay, Scira. It's okay.

Kaya sa byahe pauwi ay tahimik ako kahit anong ingay at kulitan ng team. We we're having a quick
vacation before returning to work kaya masaya silang nakasama ko sa proyekto.

Kuya Deion is the one who fetched me in the airport at mahigpit ang yakap ko sa kanya nang makitang
nakasandal sa may bench.

"You missed me that much, huh, princess?" he chuckled, kissing my hair.

"I do," I said and hugged him more.

"I missed you too," he whispered and kissed my head. "Come on, princess. Naghanda si Mommy ng
hapunan ngayon."

Magkatabi kami ni Kuya sa unahan ng sasakyan habang inaayos ko sa paper bag ang mga pasalubong ko sa
pamilya at mga pinsan.

Napasulyap ako sa may side mirror at nakitang may sasakyang nakasunod kaya sumulyap ako kay Kuya.

"May bodyguards pa rin?"

"Hmm," he glanced at me. "hindi mo naman mapapansin, nariyan lang sa paligid."

"Kailan mawawala, Kuya?" I asked and he shrugged.

"The family won't loosen the security, ayaw nilang pasigurado, habang hindi pa nakikita si Ate Clyte." He
said.

I sighed heavily, nararamdaman ang pananakit ng dibdib.

"I-I missed Ate, Kuya..." I whispered.

"Me too," he whispered weakly. "the investigation is still on-going, hindi tayo titigil hanapin siya, Scira.
Pangako."

I went home, missing my family so much. Naiiyak nga ata ako nang makita ang Mommy at Daddy, mahigpit
na yakap din ang ibinigay ko kay Queen Scira na bibong ipinakita sa akin ang stars sa kamay niya.

"Ate, I got stars! Ako ang pinakamarami sa room!" she cheered happily.

"Aww! Ang talino naman ng baby ko! Pa-kiss nga!" I kissed her soundly at natatawang niyakap niya ako.
I gave my pasalubong to my cousins and their families, nag-sleep over din kami sa ancestral house nila
Papa Jer. Bumisita ang pamilya noong dumating ang death anniversary niya.

We gave flowers to his and Mama Lena's tomb at nagdaos ng misa. Nag-kainan kami sa may mausoleum at
nag-celebrate.

Mama Lena said we shouldn't feel sad kaya ginawa namin ang lahat para maging masaya.

Days turned to months and I felt empty and sad.

I missed him so much but I have to be myself, I have to trust him again, kahit hindi na kami magkabalikan.
Ang mahalaga sa akin ngayon ay mapatawad ang ginawa niya noon kahit hindi naman niya ginusto. For
myself and for him, I need to learn how to trust again.

"In able to forgive other people, you must forgive yourself first." I remembered Dad saying when I decided
to open up my struggles one morning when I come with them to his clinic.

Mom softly stared at me and nodded.

"How..." I sighed. "how could I start forgiving myself, Dad?"

"Ano bang nakakapagpabigat sa dibdib mo simula noon hanggang ngayon?" he asked me and I sighed,
iniisip ang sinasabi niya.

Pinisil ko ang stress ball at napainom ng tsaa.

I glanced at my mother and she smiled softly at me.

"It's okay, we are here to listen, princess..." lambing niya.

"I..." I sighed. "I feel bad ever since that time when I fought with you two."

I saw them remained quiet, waiting for me to speak.

"I said my sorry in the past yet, alam mo 'yon, minsan naiisip ko bigla 'yong sinigawan ko kayo ni Mommy."
I glanced at Mom and saw her teary-eyed. "I feel bad raising my voice to Mommy that night, I feel bad that
sinisi ko siya kaya ako nagpapaka-perpekto."

"We never forced you to be perfect, princess..." malambing na sabi ni Dad.

"And I forgot about that, anak." Lambing ni Mommy. "I understand you and you apologized, wala na iyon
sa akin. Ang mahalaga ay alam mong nagkamali ka at nagpakumbaba."

"I just, I feel bad and sorry that you almost had panic attacks. I saw you crying, Mom. It broke my heart. T-
tapos, nawala pa si Papa Jer."

To my shock, my Mom went beside me and suddenly hugged me.

Mababaw ang luha ko pagdating sa pamilya kaya napaiyak ako at niyakap siya pabalik. My Mom caressed
my hair and hugged me more.

"Mahal na mahal kita, anak, alam mo 'yon, 'di ba?" she whispered and I nodded.
She kissed my hair.

"Lahat ng tao may pagkakamali, everyone has flaws and I understand that you got full and burst your
anger like that. I understand you because I was once like you, anak." She moved away and cupped my face.
"Hindi tayo perpekto, anak. Walang taong ganoon."

I nodded and cried harder.

"We all share faults, sa iba't-ibang paraan nga lang so, I understand you. Anak kita, kahit anong mali mo,
kahit anong pagkukulang mo, mamahalin kita, kayo ng kapatid mo ng buong-buo dahil mahal at anak ko
kayo..."

"Thank you, Mom." I whispered. "S-salamat..."

"Drink this first," my Dad smiled when he saw me and Mom still hugging.

He refilled the tea and smiled at us.

"You two alike, para kayong kambal." He noticed.

Sabay kaming natawa ni Mommy sa kanya.

"Duh, s'yempre! Prinsesa ko 'to!" Mom exclaimed kaya napatawa si Dad.

Natahimik naman ako matapos ng usapan namin nila Dad, I saw Dad staring at me kaya napalunok ako
dahil mukhang nababasa niya ang iniisip ko.

"You have other problems, don't you?" he noticed and I found myself nodding.

Napatingin si Mommy sa akin kaya sumandal ako sa kanya at nagsalita.

"'Di ba, I asked you how to forgive someone and you told me that I must forgive myself first?" I asked and
he nodded at me.

"It's just that, I met Warren again." I saw how Dad stopped, si Mommy ay natahimik din. "Nakasama ko
siya sa project ko sa Lost Island."

Nabakas ko ang gulat sa mga mata ni Dad doon.

"He...told me the truth behind what happened." Aniya kaya mas sumikip ang dibdib ko. "Turns out, it was
a set-up, nautusan lang siyang magdala. His Auntie asked him to hand documents sa mga kilala, he
thought it's harmless yet..."

Nangilid ang luha ko, nang sumulyap kay Dad ay walang gulat sa mga mata niya at napahugot lang ng
hininga.

"Y-you knew?" I asked and slowly, he nodded.

Tumulo ang luha ko at napasinghap.

"He went to us that night, that night when you left, bago nangyari ang sa Papa Jer mo." He confessed and
my eyes swelled more, my Mom sighed and hugged me a bit.
"He told us that but out of madness, we shoo-ed him away, hindi kami napaniwala kaagad doon, anak."
Aniya sa akin.

"I'm so sorry, Scira, we thought he's lying to save his face. Itinaboy namin sa bahay at sinabing h'wag nang
papakita sa'yo dahil nakakagulo siya sa buhay mo." Mom said kaya napaiyak akong lalo. "Sa galit ko ay
nasabi ko 'yon."

"I-I don't know, Mom, Dad..." I cried. "n-nagalit ako sa kanya dahil doon."

"We only want the best for you and we thought he's using you so, if we have to shoo him away to protect
you, we will. Sa imbestigasyon ay siya ang itinuturo kaya hindi kami basta naniwala. And...we found out
what happened to Dad, I lost it..." Mom sighed audibly.

"Naging abala kami, tayo sa pag-ayos ng kompanya at sa pag-asikaso sa lamay ni Dad. We are looking after
Mommy Lena too kaya halos taon din noong nalamang totoo nga ang sinabi 'nung batang iyon."

Mas humigpit ang hawak ko sa stress ball at sumulyap sa kanila.

"I-I don't know what to do, Mom, Dad. I now know that he never fooled me but my trust...I couldn't give it
fully to him right now. Natatakot ako." I confessed.

"Once trust is broken, it takes time to be full again, anak." My Dad suddenly said kaya napasulyap ako sa
kanya. "Bukod ba roon sa akala mong nagsinungaling siya, may ginawa pa siya?"

Nanuyo ang lalamunan ko at nakagat ang labi.

"W-well, then...he lied on being gay to be close to me." I said in a small voice.

I saw how my father's mouth parted.

Napahagalpak ng tawa si Mommy sa tabi ko at nag-init ang pisngi ko.

"What the hell..." my father hissed lowly, "but you told me..."

"J-joke lang, k-kasi baka sapakin mo siya." I said softly.

"Scira Rosalie!" he exclaimed and my mother laughed at that.

Dad's jaw clenched and massaged his temple.

"What the fuck? Sana ay sinuntok ko na!" he groaned angrily. "that asshole—"

"A-ako naman ang nagsabi 'nun na kunwari," I said.

"Kahit na, Scira Rosalie!" he exclaimed.

Mas nag-init ang pisngi ko sa hiya at natatawa na naman ang Mommy sa tabi. Mukhang nang-gigilaiti si
Daddy doon.

"Suntok na naging bato pa!" he whined. "Nangangati na 'yong kamao ko, eh. Tang—"

"Thorn Arzeus!" my Mom exclaimed kaya mas sumimangot si Daddy.

"What?" he frowned.

"Mamaya ka na magreklamo r'yan," Mom laughed a bit and kicked his feet. "May problema ang anak mo,
oh!"

Dad stared at me, ngumuso ako at nagpaawa kaya suminghap siya at nagmura.

"Damn it..." he cursed and shook his head. "what is it, young miss?" suplado niyang tanong.

Nangiti ako at ngumuso.

"Sorry, Dad..." lambing ko. "I was just scared that you'll punch him, sayang naman ang mukha kung may
bangas—"

"But, princess—"

"Hoy, Valderama." Mom called. "H'wag ka ngang ano, noong sinuntok ka nga noon nag-aalala rin ako sa'yo,
ah! Sayang ang mukha mo! Isa pa, nairita ako kina Kuya at Dad noon. Kung p'wede nga lang
magsinungaling noon para 'di ka sapakin, ginawa ko na!"

Dad froze and smiled, "talaga?" he asked cutely.

I rolled my eyes, nag-ngitian ang dalawa kaya ngumuso ako.

"Hello, ako ang may problema rito?" I said and Dad jumped on his seat and glanced at me.

"What again, princess?" he asked.

Hindi ko alam kung matatawa sa kanilang dalawa o malulungkot sa problema ko.

"Ayon nga, we met again and he asked if he could court or pursue me again like before but I couldn't trust
him fully and I am still in pain, akala wala na sa akin but then...I realized I am still in love pero nahihirapan
akong magtiwala."

Dad nodded at me, "and?"

"And..." I sighed, mas sumikip ang puso ko. "and I told him I deserve better, na I don't deserve someone
just...like him."

"That was a blow, princess." Dad commented kaya suminghap ako at tumango.

"I know," I said. "n-nadala lang ako, Dad. S-sabi ko hindi na kami p'wede and the thing is...I said that words
on his birthday."

"Words are words, sometimes it is good and some are painful. What you said is painful...kapag may
pinagdaraanan pa silang iba noong sinabi mo iyon, that's a double blow, princess." My Mom said kaya
humarap ako sa kanya.

"W-what should I do?" I said, "I-I love him, Mommy, pero natatakot akong magtiwala, nasasaktan ako at
nasaktan ko rin siya. I said those words, I was insensitive..."
"Listen," my Dad said kaya sumulyap ako sa kanya. "I always thought you and your Mom almost have the
same face but...I assume, magkaugali pala talaga kayo." He chuckled.

Mom pouted, "bully ka!" she frowned.

"Uh-huh, let me elaborate this again." Dad said and pinched Mom's cheek, "Now, with our daughter."

I was curious, inantay kong magsalita si Dad.

"You see, Scira..." he started. "I've been telling this to your Mom and Deion and I didn't know I'll tell this to
you too. I spared Clyte with this since, she's soft spoken."

"Clyte," Mommy whispered a bit kaya sumulyap ako sa kanya. I saw her sad eyes kaya hinawakan ko ang
kamay niya.

"We'll find her, Mom, okay?" alo ko at malungkot siyang tumango at humugot ng hininga.

"Words are powerful, anak." Dad said kaya sumulyap ako sa kanya. "A single word is enough to make or
break a person, it's sharper than knives. It cuts deeply. Mas nananatili ang sugat sa puso kaysa ang sugat sa
balat."

I nodded and Mom sighed and nodded too.

"We didn't know how much a simple word could affect an individual emotionally, p'wedeng wala lang sa
kanila, p'wede may malaking epekto. It's actually based on their emotional state the time you said those
words."

I remembered Warren being happy, he cooked for me, it's his birthday and when I said I deserve better
and not just someone like him, he is suddenly gloomy. He managed to stay smiling and lively but I can
sense something wrong.

"'Yong tipong naghirap ka magluto kahit hindi ka marunong, you're confident, tapos sasabihin lang na
masama ang lasa." He said and slowly, nag-sink in sa akin.

"Sa iba, they would use it to strive harder yet in other, itatanim nila sa puso nila at malulungkot." He said.
"you can always voice out things and opinions without offending people, depende lang iyan sa paraan ng
pagsasalita at pagsasabi mo."

I froze and slowly nodded.

"That's why, I keep on telling your mother to think first before saying something harsh. Alam mo naman
itong reyna, minsan ay may ugali talaga." He said kaya sumulyap ako kay Mommy na kinagat ang labi at
ngumiti.

"Well, yeah. I remembered being cold and scolding people around, nag-iiyakan ang iba sa sama ng ugali ko
but I learned, I became better..." she glanced at Dad. "I think?"

"Yes," my Dad smiled and touched her hair, "you're the best."

My heart felt warm looking at the both of them.

"You get it, Scira?" Dad stared at me kaya tumango ako at ngumiti.
"You're the best, Dad." I smiled.

"You're the best, Master Thornie." Mom giggled kaya natawa si Dad doon.

"Relationship should never be rushed, princess." He said. "Find yourself again, forgive and heal alone if
you can. Two broken people can be together but it depends..."

"It's either you two would fix each other or will end up breaking one another." He concluded.

"Hindi minamadali ang pagmamahal, anak." Mom smiled and touched my hair. "Sabi nga ng Mommy Lena
noon sa amin, fate would always bring two people together no matter what happens if they're destined
and if it's meant to be."

Trust. Forgiveness. Tact.

Ayon ang baon ko habang nasa proseso ng pag-aayos ng nararamdaman. I was busy with work but I am
making sure I always have time to have my personal peace of mind and break.

Sometimes, it's okay to voice out what you feel to be free. It's okay to have a break. It's okay to have peace
of mind.

It's not being pa-bebe or maarte, it's about personal growth and healing.

Sabi nga ni Dad, two broken people can be together, it's just that, it depends. You can fix your broken
pieces together but there are instances where you'll just break one another more.

"Uy, nasa cruise ship siya noong nakaraan." Hagikhik ni Zirena habang inaayos ang buhok ni Coraline na
nakikipaglaro sa mga pinsan. Ang yaya ni Aiden ay naroon sa gilid at pinapatulog ang bunso.

"O-oh?" kunwari wala akong pakialam at sumulyap pa sa laptop.

"Sus, bakit ko pa sinasabi, s'yempre na-stalk mo na sa Instagram." Tawa niya.

Humaba ang nguso ko at tinaasan siya ng kilay, "hindi, ah."

"Weh?" tawa niya, "nakita ko nga ni-like mo 'yong post 'nung na picture ng deck sa barko tapos biglang
nawala ang like!"

"Hindi, ah!" I exclaimed, my eyes widening.

Shit! Shit! Hindi ko naman sinasadyang mai-like! Natanggal ko kaagad! Nakita niya?!

"Sus, stalker!" tawa niya sa akin kaya umismid ako.

"Hindi, ah! Feeling nito." Irap ko. "Nasaan ang asawa mo, bakit ka na naman nanggugulo?" pagtataray ko
pero tawang-tawa lang ang gaga.

"Nasa Italy ang buong barkada ng mga shunga," tawa niya kaya napasulyap ako sa kanya, kuryoso.

"Oh?" I asked and I saw her smile widened.

"Oo, kasama 'yong bebe Warren mo..." she teased.

My cheeks flushed that I immediately look away.

"Ginagawa na namang alipin, kawawa naman..." bulong pa niya kaya sumulyap ako.

"Alipin?" I asked, lifting my brows.

"Gagawin ang utos ng mga pinsan para sa iniirog na Architect," she muttered and my eyes widen.

"H-huh? Eh, w-wala nga kaming communication!" I exclaimed. "atsaka, b-baka may ibang gusto na 'yon..."

"Lelang mo, Scira." Hagalpak niya. "Kahit dalhin mo 'yon sa strip bar, matutulog lang 'yon para walang
manlandi sa kanya."

I froze, "maniwala..." nagbaba ako ng tingin at nangingiti. Kinuha ko ang kape at tahimik na sumimsim.

"Oo, sabi niya, kay Scira Valderama lang kakalembang." Aniya at nabuga ko ang iniinom sa gulat.

She is laughing her ass off, sumimangot ako habang umuubo at nagpupunas ng labi.

"Turuan na lang kita paano mang-akit at mangharot, may tips ako. Expert ako r'yan, p'wedeng pick-up line
o kaya paspasang landi—"

"Zirena!" I exclaimed loudly.

I am frantic now and stressed, I am having a peaceful life with work and playing with my niece and
nephews.

Nag-s-sleep over at tamang stalk lang sa halos walang lamang Instagram ni Warren Miranda at bigla akong
gugulantangin ni Zirena na may emergency sa Lost Island at may problema raw ang renovation na
responsible ako!

I am panicking, ni hindi sinabi sa akin ni Zirena ang problema kaya napapunta tuloy ako sa isla! Handa na
ang lahat, may plane ticket at service pa! May yate pang nakahanda sa Casa Amara!

"Scira!" she jumped and waved at me, napanguso ako at hinawi ang buhok ko.

"What is it?" I exclaimed.

Ngumisi siya, inabot ang braso ko at hinila ako paalis sa board walk.

"Hoy, Zirena, anong problema? I should've brought my team with me, para maasikaso kaagad. Saan ba? Sa
may cabanang ni-renovate o—"

"Sshh, h'wag ka na maingay, matutuwa ka rito." Hagikhik niya at hinila pa ako.

I was so confused, she called me last night, panicking na may problema sa ni-renovate kung saan ako ang
nag-plano. Halos hindi ako makatulog kakaisip pero wala namang sinasabi! Pag-gising ko na lang ng
madaling araw ay may ticket na ako sa flight!

Agad-agad!

Na-s-stress na ako sa pinsan ko, kinukulit ko siya habang naglalakad kami sa may cabin pero nakangisi lang
siya sa akin.
"Seriously, Zire? Kung wala uuwi na lang—"

"May problema nga!" she insisted, "pero mamaya na, may papakilala muna ako sa'yo..."

I was confused but then slowly, nag-sink in na kung narito silang mag-asawa...p'wede ring narito si Warren
Augustine!

"I-is he—"

"Wala! Wala!" tawa niya at muli akong hinila.

Nakikita ko na ang cabin, nagtataka ako kaya kunot ang noo. Malaki naman ang ngisi ng pinsan ko at mas
hinila ako.

"Tara," Zire said and pulled me inside.

I froze on the spot when I met Augustine's black eyes. I saw how his mouth parted a bit, nakita kong
akmang inaayos pa niya ang shirt pero natulala nang makita ako.

I don't know what to say...my heart is thumping harshly it almost burst.

To my shock, napa-abante si Warren sa biglaang tulak sa kanya at tumama siya sa akin. I gasped when our
bodies met, nawalan ako ng balanse sa bigla at akala'y babagsak pero mabilis niya akong nasalo.

Our eyes met, I couldn't explain how I feel now that my eyes are glued to his after so many months...

He helped me up when I heard Caspian spoke.

"'Yong tinuro ko, go!" Caspian muttered softly and Warren gulped harder, his hands still on my waist.

"Ma'am, asin ka ba?" he asked and I was shocked, napakurap ako at naguluhan.

"H-huh?"

"Kasi, I love you alat." He said and my jaw dropped.

Hindi ako nakasagot sa gulat, nag-init ang pisngi ko at natulala lang until I heard a woman spoke.

"Anong tinuturo mo...Alcantara!" Lars hissed angrily and Caspian gasped and only laughed awkwardly.

"O-oops," he whispered and lifted his fingers for a peace sign.

Napalunok si Warren nang wala akong naging sagot sa gulat, nabitawan niya ang baywang ko, namumula
na sa hiya.

"S-sorry..." napatikhim siya at nagpa-panic na kinuha ko ang cellphone sa bulsa at iniangat.

"M-may charger ka ba?" I suddenly asked and he stopped and nodded.

"B-bakit?"

"Na-lowbatt kasi ako," I said. Nahuli ko ang pagkislap ng mata ni Zirena at ang unti-unting paglaki ng ngisi.
"Well, yeah—"

"Na-lowbatt first sight sa'yo," I said smoothly and I saw how his jaw dropped. Natulala ako nang
humagalpak ang mga lalaki at tumili ang mga babae roon.

Kabanata 25

It was awkward and I am nervous, nagtatawanan sila pero nag-iinit na ang pisngi ko kakaantay sa tugon ni
Warren.

He looks taken aback, nakaawang ang labi niya at napasinghap ako nang mayamaya'y suminghap siya.

"T-tuhod ko..." he muttered and I blinked when the boys behind him immediately took his arm.

Gulat ako nang inalalayan nila si Warren paupo sa sofa, humahagalpak pa ng tawa.

Lumapit ako at nag-alala, I knelt in front of Augustine and searched for his eyes. Namumula ang kanyang
pisngi.

"Tin, are you—"

"Mas manghihina 'yan kapag ikaw na nagtanong," halakhak ng isang lalaki roon kaya nag-angat ako ng
tingin.

I saw the handsome man with black eyes, bago siya sa paningin ko at hindi ko pa nakikita noon.

"You're new," I noticed.

He smiled and offered his hand, "I'm Luci—"

"A-aww! Aray!" nawala ang pansin ko sa lalaki nang dumaing bigla si Warren.

I was worried as I looked back at him again, umiwas pa siya ng tingin at ngumiwi.

"Ayan, gago!" tawa ni Vioxx at binatukan iyong may itim na mata.

"Does it hurt?" I asked softly and caught his eyes, napalunok siya at tumango sa akin.

"Y-yeah," he muttered.

"Saan banda?" I asked softly, humawak ako sa kanyang tuhod pero napatalon pa siya roon at umiwas.

"D'yan," he answered me. "na...nakatayo kasi ako kanina pa."

"Huh?" I asked, "i-relax mo muna—"

"Tara na, bakla!" nagitla ako nang hawakan ako ni Zire at patayuin.

"Bakit?"

"Ayos na iyang Warren mo! 'Di ba, sis?" sulyap niya kay Warren na mas namula at tumango-tango.
"Well, yeah..." he answered.

"Are you sure?" I asked and he nodded at me and licked his lips.

"Y-yes, thank you..." aniya at nagpahila na ako sa pinsan ko para maupo sa kabilang sofa.

The boys are laughing, nagsisikuhan ng pasimple roon habang namumula si Warren. Zirena dragged me to
the other sofa where I saw the girls, may isang bago sa paningin ko roon na kaagad ngumiti nang makita
ako.

She has red hair and amber eyes.

"Hi! Sit ka here, oh!" she exclaimed in a cute accent.

Naupo ako roon at ngumiti, Zire went beside me, naupo siya sa may hand rest ng sofa at natatawang
hinaplos ang buhok ko.

"Very good, Scira. You did well doon sa tutorial natin." Hagikhik niya.

Natahimik ako, namula at sumulyap sa kanya.

"S-shh!" saway ko kahit nalulunod na sa kahihiyan.

"Wala, laos na 'yong tutorial mo, Cas." Hagalpak 'nung may itim na mata kay Caspian na naiiling.

He was sitting on the hand rest, he's beside Warren. Nanliliit ang mata niya habang minamasahe ang likod
ni Warren.

"Sorry, mas magaling ang alaga ko, Caspian." Biglang tawa ni Zirena kaya nilingon ko siya at tahimik na
hinampas.

"Zire!" I hissed quietly and she just grinned at me.

"Babawi kami nitong alaga ko, akala mo!" Caspian hissed there and massaged Warren's shoulder more.
Umismid ang huli at pinalis ang kamay nito pero nangingising ibinalik lang ni Cas ang kamay sa balikat niya.

Nagkatinginan kami ni Warren at sabay ding nag-iwas ng tingin, kumalabog ang puso ko at naalala na
naman ang lumabas na karimlan sa bibig ko.

Charger? Lowbatt? What the fuck, Scira?

Bad influence talaga itong pinsan ko, eh!

I glared at Zirena smiling widely when someone called us to eat. Dala-dala niya sa Coraline na nakangiti sa
akin at nang mahuli akong nakairap sa Nanay niya ay bigla akong ngumiti.

"Come to Tita, baby." I called.

"Mommy, Tita muna!" she exclaimed kaya ngumiti ito at tumango.

I smiled and take her hand, "hello, ganda."

"Hello po, Tita pretty!" she giggled, her blue eyes staring at me.
Hawak ko ang pamangkin ko habang patungo kung saan kami kakain, turns out they are celebrating today
for a wedding, isa raw sa pinsan ni Wave ang ikinasal.

My bitchy cousin, Zirena, pranked me. Alam daw kasi ng bruha na miss ko na si Augustine kaya pinapunta
ako rito!

This woman! Yes, I missed Warren but...I was shocked! What I said earlier is embarrassing!

I wasn't like that! I am always composed and all but kanina...damn it, I'm so embarrassing!

Kaswal ang pakikipag-usap ko sa mga kasama namin sa isla yet I noticed their teasing smiles and glances,
miski si Winter ay humahagikhik habang bumubulong.

"Na-lowbatt din ako, pahiram naman charger!" she said and they laughed.

Nag-init ang pisngi ko pero natawa rin sa sinabi niya, nagkatinginan kami ni Warren at sabay na natahimik
nang magkatitigan.

Pumila ako kahit nahihiya para makakuha ng pagkain sa buffet table, may mga inihaw din doon at kaagad
akong natakam at nagutom.

I glanced at Zirena giggling in front of me while taking gummy bears from a plate, hawak ni Wave ang isa
niyang plato at natatawa sa kanya.

I frowned.

Bwiset kasi itong pinsan ko, I thought it's an emergency! Ni hindi ako nakakain kanina bago ang flight tapos
pasayaw-sayaw siya ngayon!

Kumuha ako ng pagkain, siguro ay dahil gutom na gutom ay mas natakam ako, napuno ko ang isang
platong hawak ko at may gusto pa akong kunin kaso ay biglang nahiya dahil mukha na akong patay-gutom.

"Balikan ko na lang mamaya," I whispered, was about to go when someone behind me spoke.

"Ako na kukuha," I almost jumped, napalingon ako at nakita si Warren sa likuran ko.

He's wearing a new shirt now, napansin niya ang pagtingin ko kaya nagsalita siya.

"Amoy kasi akong barbeque." He said at nanuyo ang lalamunan ko bago hinanap ang mata niya.

"Ah," I only said, ashamed.

Kumuha siya ng isang plato, mabilis na tumabi sa akin at tinuro ang tinititigan ko kanina.

"Ito ba?" he asked and I nodded.

Kinuha niya ang pagkain na gusto ko at tahimik kong tinuturo sa kanya ang dessert na gusto ko, walang
pagod at reklamo naman siyang kumukuha 'nun at nakasunod sa akin.

"Hatid na kita," aniya at tumango ako at ngumiti.

My heart is thumping harder this time, inihatid niya ako sa may lamesa roon at inilapag ang mga pagkain
ko.

"Muling ibalik, ang tamis ng pag-ibig sayang naman ang ating nakaraan!" sabay kaming napasulyap sa gilid
at nakitang hawak ni Caspian ang microphone at kumakanta roon.

Nag-init ang pisngi ko nang ngumisi si Cas, "mic check lang, mic check..." tikhim niya at nagsalita na sa mic.

"Kung nagdadalawang-isip ang iba r'yan kung dapat na ba silang magbalikan, ito na ang sign." Sabi niya
roon habang nakatingin sa TV. "Magkabalikan na kayo, now na."

Tumikhim ako at nagbaba ng tingin, dinig ko ang hagikhik ni Zirena sa may tabi ko kaya sinipa ko ang paa
niya at pinanlakihan siya ng mata.

"Inaano ka?" tawa niya roon pero umirap ako at nanliit ang mata.

"Uhm, here, sige punta muna ako roon." Turo niya sa pwesto nila Vioxx at napansin kong puno na kaya
tumikhim ako at tinawag siya.

"Tin," I suddenly called kaya napasulyap siya sa akin. "uhm, puno na sila roon, k-kahit ano...dito ka na
maupo."

I saw how his eyes widen, "talaga?"

"Hmm," I flashed a small smile. "maluwang pa naman dito."

"Masikap na nga roon, eh." Sulyap niya kina Vioxx at ngumiti. "Sige, dito na lang ako."

He turned his back at me, hindi nakaligtas sa akin ang ngiti niya at ang mayabang na pagsulyap niya kina
Vioxx bago pumunta sa buffet table.

Nang maupo siya sa tabi ko ay tahimik akong kumain, masaya ang pakiramdam ko habang nasa tabi ko siya
at hindi ko na alam kung paano magbubukas ng topic.

"Here, masarap 'to." He suddenly offered the dessert kaya sumulyap ako roon at nagtanong.

"Really?" I asked.

"Hmm, try it." Aniya kaya kumuha ako ng maliit na parte sa cake at tinikman.

I tasted it, kita ko ang tingin ni Warren habang tinitikman ko kaya ngumiti ako at napatungo.

"Ang sarap nga," ngiti ko.

"I made that," he said kaya nagulat pa ako, magsasalita sana ako pero umangat ang kamay niya at marahas
akong napalunok nang dumampi ang daliri niya sa gilid ng labi ko.

We stared at each other, kita ko ang pagdilim ng itim niyang mga mata, his hair fell on his forehead and
gulped.

"Ay, grabe, umuulan ng puso!" someone suddenly exclaimed and we both jumped, naibaba ni Warren ang
daliri at napanguso ako at nagbaba ng tingin.
"May kalat," he informed me kaya tumango ako at sumimsim ng juice.

"Thank you," I whispered.

Nagkasiyahan sila at naaaliw ako habang nanunuod, tahimik si Warren sa tabi ko at nakikitawa sa mga
kalokohan ng mga lalaki roon sa gitna.

I had fun chatting with the girls, natuwa akong makipag-usap sa kanina dahil hindi ko damang dayo lang
ako, it was as if I was invited here pero ang totoo'y inuto lang ako ni Zirena na may emergency.

Noong sumapit ang gabi ay may ginawa silang camp fire malapit sa may dagat, nagkakatuwaan sila habang
nag iinuman kaya nagpaalam muna akong maglalakad-lakad sa dalampasigan.

I walked near the shores, silently admiring the beauty of the island. Kagaya 'nung huling pagpunta ko rito,
hindi pa rin nababawasan ang angking ganda ng lugar.

The salt air is refreshing, malamig ang dampi sa balat ko. Halos maamoy ko na ang alat ng dagat at dinig ko
ang pagaspas ng mga dahon sa mga puno.

I raised my head and watched the bright stars hovering in the dark night sky, walang buwan pero
maaliwalas ang gabi.

I smiled, lifted my hand to try and touch the brightest star of them all with my imagination. I chuckled
when the tip of my finger reached it.

"Beautiful." I muttered.

"Maganda nga," naibaba ko ang kamay, mabilis na napasulyap sa may gilid at nagitla nang makita si
Warren na naroon sa may gilid ng malaking bato.

He's leaning on it, nakapamulsa sa khaki pants na suot, I saw how his hair danced with the wind and my
throat dried up when I realized how hot he looked standing there.

"H-hey," I called. "kanina ka pa?"

His lip twitched, umayos siya ng tayo at marahang naglakad palapit. Kumalabog ang puso ko sa hindi
maintindihang kaba habang papalapit siya.

"Yeah, nagpapahangin lang." He said when he reached me and lifted his face to glance at the sky. "Ang
ganda 'no?"

"Hmm," I hummed at pasimpleng inayos ang dress na suot.

I glanced at him again and saw how his eyes twinkled with the lights above the sky, nangilid ang luha ko at
gusto siyang yakapin pero nahihiya.

He glanced back at me and my mouth parted when he smiled, "how are you?"

Ito, miss na miss ka na...

"A-ayos lang naman," I smiled.

He moved his hand, halos mapapikit ako nang kunin niya ang iilang hibla ng buhok kong nililipad ng hangin
at inipit sa likod ng tainga ko.

"You wanna sit?" he asked.

Napakurap ako at biglang natauhan, "sure."

He offered his hand at nanginginig man ako sa kaba ay inabot ko iyon. His large calloused hand touched
my small and soft one, marahang inalalayan niya ako paupo sa may bato roon.

Hindi ko pa nga basta maiangat ang pang-upo ko kaya mabilis niyang hinawakan ang baywang ko para
alalayan.

"Thank you," I smiled.

"Can I..." I saw him brushed his hair a bit and glanced at me. "sit beside you?"

"Oo naman!" I answered abruptly and bit my lip when I suddenly sounded excited. "I mean, uhm, bakit
hindi?"

His lips lifted, mas gumwapo siya sa paningin ko kaya nakagat ko ang labi at tumitig na lang sa daliri ko.

He sat beside me, I shivered when our shoulders touched. It was an awkward silence, rinig na rinig ko ang
paghampas ng alon sa dalampasigan kaya nagdesisyon na akong magsalita.

"Ikaw?" I tried sounding jolly. "kumusta ka na?"

He glanced at me, I saw his smile yet I noticed his eyes, kabaligtaran ang ipinapahiwatig.

"Not really fine," he said and stared at me. "pero ayos na ngayon."

Nangingilid ang luha ko kaya nagbaba na lang ako ng tingin, nakita ko ang braso niya at may pahabang
peklat doon. Hindi mo siya mapapansin sa una pero kapag napatitig ay mapapansin.

"Anong nangyari?" I exclaimed worriedly, mabilis na kinuha ang braso niya at sinuri.

Mukhang hindi pa matagal pero magaling na rin, I touched it and glanced at him, nakita kong nagpipigil
siya ng ngiti pero nang makita akong nakatingin ay biglang ngumuso.

"Masakit 'yan," aniya sa mahinang boses kaya muli kong hinaplos at bumuntong-hininga.

"What happened?" I asked worriedly.

"Matagal-tagal na rin 'yan, we just helped someone." He answered.

"Oh?" I glanced at him. "kayo?"

"Hmm, sina Caspian." Aniya sa akin.

I nodded, understanding him, muli kong hinaplos ang braso niyang nakapatong na sa may hita ko.

"Nagamot ba kaagad?" I asked and he nodded. "masakit pa?"

"Minsan," he answered and I sighed, nanatiling hinahaplos ang kanyang braso. Hindi ako nagsalita at
hinaplos lang ang braso niya.

"Can I touch your hand?" he suddenly asked kaya napatingin sa kanya.

"Hmm?"

"Uh, ano, baka makabawas lang sa sakit ng sugat ko." He said shyly and I found myself nodding,
suppressing my smile.

"O-okay, para mabawasan ang sakit." I said and offered him my hand.

Mabilis niya iyong nakuha, I saw how our fingers met, I watched him filled the spaces in between my
fingers with his and I felt the warmth on my chest while looking at it.

"They fit together," I noticed and I saw him smiled and nodded.

"Yeah," he said lowly.

Nag-angat ako ng tingin at nasalubong ang sa kanya. I glanced at his parted lips and my throat dried up. I
felt his grip on my hand tightened when he saw me. Nakita kong bumaba rin ang tingin niya sa labi ko at
nang lumapit ang kanyang mukha sa akin ay mas kumalabog ang puso ko.

Suddenly, a song filled the background.

Baby I'm falling head over heels

Looking for ways to let you know just how I feel

I wish I was holding you by my side

I wouldn't change a thing 'cause finally it's real

Totoo nga na if you're in love, may pa-background music na naririnig kahit wala.

He moved his face closer and my eyes shut when I felt his breath touching my lips.

You're the right time at the right moment

You're the sunlight, keeps my heart going

Oh, know when I'm with you, I can't keep myself from falling

I was anticipating his kisses, I felt his other hand on my cheek, lifting it a bit so he can claim my lips when
the music suddenly stopped.

"Hala, amputa, na-lowbatt ako!" napatalon ako sa mga boses at napamulat.

Naitulak ko si Warren at mabilis na napalingon sa may batuhan sa gilid at nahuli ang mga lalaking nakasilip
para makiusyoso.

"Walang kwentang battery 'yan! Background music na nga! Akin na—" Wave pulled the phone from
Caspian's grip but then stopped when he saw me looking.
"Ah, uhm...hi?" Vioxx flashed a small, awkward smile and my cheeks flushed, mabilis akong napalayo kay
Warren at kumalabog ang puso.

"Tang ina..." Warren's mad voice filled my ear, bigla siyang tumayo at humarap sa mga lalaking parang
tuod na roon at hindi nakagalaw.

"Hi, Mars!" the man with black eyes waved and I saw Warren's head tilted and sighed.

"Halinga kayo rito..." he said impatiently and my eyes widen when the boys run away with Warren chasing
them.

Nangiti ako at hinawi ang buhok ko, napapailing.

"Ay iba, pumapag-ibig!" napalingon ako at nawala ang ngiti nang makita si Zirena na may hawak ng phone
at nakatutok sa akin. "Tignan mo, Daru, luma-lablayp na si Scira!"

My mouth parted, napatayo ako sa batuhan at nagmura ng kumaripas ng takbo ang pinsan ko.

"Delete that, you brat!" I exclaimed at malakas ang tawa niya habang tumatakbo palayo sa akin.

Unfortunately, I have to go home urgently the next day with Zirena and Wave with the kids. Wala pang
araw ay umalis na kami sa isla, hindi na nagawang makapagpaalam nang tumawag ang Kuya Deion.

Turns out, Mom is in the hospital right now. Kagabi ay may nakuhang lead kay Ate Clyte ang mga pulis kaya
pinuntahan nila pero tanging walang lamang bodega lang ang nakita nila at isang bangkay ng hindi kilalang
babae.

According to the findings, it wasn't my sister yet my Mom was stressed, nahimatay na lang pagkatapos
magwala nang malamang may bangkay.

Umiiyak ako at si Zire ang karamay habang papauwi, pagdating namin sa ospital ay naroon lahat ng mga
Tito ko na kaagad akong inalalayan.

Pagkapasok ko sa hospital room ay tulog ang Mommy, si Dad ay nasa kanyang tabi at hawak ang kamay
niya.

"M-mom..." I ran towards her pero ang Daddy ang sumalubong para sa isang yakap.

"She's fine, nawalan lang ng malay-tao." My Dad comforted me kaya yumakap ako sa Kuya Deion.

They told me what happened, patuloy pa rin ang imbestigasyon habang inaalam kung ano ang identity
noong bangkay.

"I promise to take care of this," I overheard Kuya Alchiel speaking to Dad and Tito Iñigo, naroon din ang
Tito Zeij at si Kuya Zion na nakikipag-usap sa mga pulis.

My phone beeped and my eyes landed on it.

From: Unknown number

I hope you're fine. Sorry, hindi na kita naihatid, I didn't know you'll leave early.
I sighed, closed my eyes and kissed my phone.

For weeks, we were in tight security again. Alalang-alala ang pamilya kay Mommy dahil palagi siyang stress
at umiiyak na naman.

We took care of her and when we found out the identity of the woman ay medyo naging kampante. The
woman was reported missing for months, nang makita ito ay tumawag ang pulis at nagbakasaling kilala
namin. Naibalik sa pamilya ang babae na iyon at tumulong ang Tito Iñigo para sa hustisya sa kanya habang
sina Kuya Deion, Kuya Chiel kasama sina Kuya Zion ay nangunguna sa paghahanap pa rin kay Ate.

"We shouldn't lose hope," my Dad said. "our Clyte is alive."

I sighed and crossed my fingers.

"Of course, she is...she's still alive, Dad." I muttered.

My mom came back to her jolly self after weeks of cheering her up, sinabi niya sa aming magbakasyon
muna para hindi ma-stress.

"Come on, kids, have fun. Ayos lang ako." My Mom said while I was hugging her waist.

"Will you be fine?" bulong ko.

"Of course, I am." She said. "Na-stress lang ako at iniisip ang Ate niyo but I am fine now, I know Clyte is a
strong woman, she won't give up like that, she will be back to us. I know it."

Ayaw ko pa sana but my Mom is pushing me, magagalit daw siya kapag inisip pa namin ang lagay niya
gayong ayos naman na siya.

So, I accepted a free invitation for a cruise ship tour.

Dear Miss Valderama,

Greetings!

Congratulations, Miss Valderama! You won a free boarding pass to sail in one of our prestigious cruise
ship, Symphony of the Seas. Witness our one of the kind attractions, visit our stores and casinos, try our
slides and pools and find love (if needed) on board!

We are pleased and excited to welcome you for a cruise ship tour, the accommodation is free, no need to
worry about anything because we got you here!

Have a nice stay! We are hoping to see you on board!

Regards,

Capt. Alessandro Castanier

CEO, Symphony of the Seas

I am wondering, wala naman akong sinalihang raffle o ano pero nanalo ako. Akala ko nga noong una ay
scam pero nang i-verify ko ay legit talaga kaya nakakatuwa.
I am excited, I am having a week or more stay here! Ayon sa mga review at videos na nakikita ko ay
maganda raw talaga sa barkong ito kaya excited ako!

Inayos ko ang shades ko, I fixed my bohemian inspired dress at tinanggal ang hat sa ulo para ipakita ang
boarding pass sa lalaki sa entrance ng barko.

"Scira Valderama," he read and glanced at me, mukha siyang suplado pero gwapo. "Architect Valderama
po, right?"

"Yes," I smiled and took my shades off.

"Oh..." bumilog ang bibig niya at siniko ang katabi niya at mukhang may binulong bago ito umalis.

"This way, Ma'am." He said kindly, I noticed him wearing an officer's uniform.

Sumunod ako sa kanya habang nakangiti at inililibot ang paningin.

Ang ganda pala talaga rito! Si Zirena pa lang ang nakakapunta rito sa amin kaya masaya akong ako rin! I'll
probably bring my niece and nephews here soon kapag bakasyon!

I am so amazed, hindi pa umaandar ang barko pero parang gusto ko nang tumili sa tuwa! Malaki pa siya at
mas maganda kaysa sa litrato lang!

"This will be your cabin, Ma'am." Magalang na sabi ng lalaki at napansing malaki at maganda ang kwarto.

"Thank you," I smiled softly at him. "what should I call you?"

"Sebastian Baca," he smiled a bit. "Safety captain."

"Wow, you're an officer?" I exclaimed and he nodded.

I knew it!

"Have a nice stay, your lunch will be served in our restaurant in the upper deck. You can enjoy the view
and look around for now." Ngiti niya.

"Thank you!" I cheered and he left.

I am super excited, inayos ko muna ang bagahe ko sa kwarto bago inayos ang damit at lumabas sa cabin.

Hindi kakasya panigurado ang isang araw para libutin ang barko sa sobrang laki! I took pictures around, si-
nend ko ang mga ito sa pinsan ko na nainggit kaya tinawanan ko.

Lumabas ako at nakita ang barrier, I smiled and walked towards it, sumandal ako roon habang tahimik na
pinagmamasdan ang payapang dagat at ang magandang araw.

The ship started sailing, kitang-kita ko ang mga taong lumalangoy sa pool sa may lower deck. Sa kabilang
gilid ay may mahabang slide at naisip kaagad na excited na akong masubukan iyon.

I looked again below and froze when I saw someone familiar.

"Warren?" I muttered, kumalabog kaagad ang dibdib ko roon.

I forgot texting him back when he messaged me that day, nahiya na rin akong magpapansin 'nung maalala
ang text niya. I've been checking his Instagram and he got a new project and now he's here too!

"Tintin!" I screamed at the top of my lungs and I saw him stopped walking.

He's wearing a black dress shirt and khaki pants, may suot na sun glasses at magulo ang buhok.

"Tintin!" I exclaimed again and he looked around, as if finding my voice. Kumaway-kaway ako roon sa taas
pero hindi niya ako mahanap kaya suminghap ako.

"Tin—" my voice faded when I saw a girl calling him, napatingin doon si Warren at kumaway ang babae at
tumakbo palapit sa kanya.

My forehead creased when I realized it was the freaking blonde girl from the firm!

Hindi ko marinig ang usapan nila dahil nasa ibaba sila at kumapit ang babae sa kanyang braso.

My eyes turned slits, nawala ang ngisi sa labi at halos manggilaiti sa galit sa nakikita.

What the hell? She doesn't have a right to cling on his arms like that!

Kumunot ang noo ko, kung may lumalabas sigurong laser sa mata ko ay dead on the spot na ang dalawa sa
ibaba!

"Baka naman ma-squeeze mo ng super ang steel." I froze when I heard a voice, mabilis akong napalingon
at nakitang may babae sa may tabi ko.

She has black hair and black eyes, kumunot ang noo ko kasi pamilyar siya pero hindi ko masabi kung nakita
ko na ba talaga.

Ngumiti siya at tumabi sa akin, dumungaw at may tinuro.

"You like ba 'yong pogi down there?" she pointed Warren and I blinked and cleared my throat.

"I-I don't," I denied because she's a stranger.

"Oh, don't be shy na." She smiled again and she really is familiar! "you see, if you like someone, go for it!"

"Sorry," I muttered. "but...I don't know you."

"Oh!" lumaki ang mata niya at napatakip sa labi, I noticed her stomach a bit big, siguro ay buntis. "I'm
sorry, I forgot pala na mag-introduce ng self."

I nodded and stared at her again, thinking she's awfully familiar to me.

"I'm G," she smiled and offer her hand.

"O-oh, G as in—"

"G as in Ganda!" She panicked and cut me off kaya napakurap ako at tinanggap ang kamay niya.

"Your name's Ganda?" I asked curiously and she smiled and cleared her throat.
"Yeah," she said and looked away.

"Uh, sorry, I thought you are someone I know. G din ang tawag sa kanya. Hawig nga kayo, eh." I said.

"Really?" she looked at me with wide eyes kaya tumango ako. "w-what does she look like?"

"She has amber eyes and red hair kaya impossible, hawig lang kayo." I said and she puffed a relaxed sigh.

"You're super tama, impossible na that is me kasi haler? I have black eyes and black hair, impossible na
that is me." She said, as if convincing me kaya tipid na lang akong ngumiti at sumulyap ulit kay Warren na
pinipilit mag-picture 'nung blonde.

Who's that woman, anyway?

"So, Scira..." she said kaya napalingon ako sa kanya.

"You know my name?" I asked, shocked and she immediately laughed, pinalo pa niya ang barrier doon at
ngumisi ng hilaw.

"Silly, you told me your name kanina! Parang crazy." She chuckled and my forehead creased.

I did? Wala akong maalala?

"So, ayon nga, anyway, you like that gwapo?" turo niya ulit kay Warren kaya napabuntong-hininga ako at
tumango.

There's nothing wrong opening up to strangers, I guess?

"So, you like him?" she asked again and sighing, I nodded.

"Yes," I confessed and stared at him. I can feel my heart constricting painfully with the sight of him
laughing with the woman.

"Then, what's stopping you from being with him?" she asked.

"It's just...nagkakasakitan kami." I answered her honestly. "He lied to me in the past and it broke my trust.
Wala naman na siyang kasalanan pero nasaktan ko rin siya. I don't know what to do now."

"Have you given him your patawad?" she asked in a cute accent and I nodded.

"I've forgiven him, he's the man more that I could dream of. May mali siya at may mali rin ako." I said.
"He's sorry, he gave me enough time to think, he respected me and my decisions."

I sighed, "when I told him to back off, he did. He never forced me to forgive him. He...he understands me."
I sighed.

"Do you love him?" she asked.

"I do," I muttered.

"Can you imagine him with someone with you? Can you imagine him kissing someone else? Can you
imagine--"
"No!" I exclaimed, mas tumalim ang tingin doon. "The hell no! I don't want!"

Her lips pursed a bit, hinawi niya ang buhok at ngumiti siya sa akin.

"Then move," natigilan ako sa sinabi niya pero ngumiti lang siya lalo.

She honestly looked like one of the girls I met in the island but she has different hair and eye color now.

"What do you mean?" I asked.

"I do believe in happy endings, Scira. I always do pero I believe rin na if hindi ka gagawa ng way to get the
happy ending you like, nothing will mangyayari." She shrugged.

"You see, parang circle lang 'yan. You two will be paikot-ikot with no endings, unless may isang mag-iiba ng
direction, gagawa ng move para matapos ang walang ending na pag-ikot." She made a circle in her hand.

Parang sinampal ako at natauhan sa sinabi niya. I nodded, understanding her point.

"He did his part, you think he still loves you?"

I bit my lip and sighed, "it's been months when I told him to back off, mag-tataon na rin but...I hope so."

"Then, go girl!" she cheered and raised her hand in the air. "you should make a move and do harot!"

Bigla akong natawa sa kanya at ngumiti ako, tumatango.

"Alright," I muttered.

"Don't get threatened by other girls, he loved you first and I think Warren is still patay na patay to you."
She giggled. "Oh, I remember when he makes reklamo while mopping the floor and I am having drama
kasi Luci is such a bad boy--"

"Y-you know Warren?" nanlaki ang mata ko at napatalon siya at napahawak sa bibig.

Kumurap siya at napatitig sa akin.

"Did you--"

"U-uh, excuse me! I feel like nasusuka!" she turned her back on me, umawang ang labi ko para tawagin
siya pero hindi ko na nasundan dahil biglang naglaho.

I sighed, nawala si Warren at ang babae sa baba kaya bumagsak ang balikat ko.

I'm too late now...I think.

I sighed, nawalan na ng gana at nagmukmok na lang sa kwarto.

I'm such a bitch pa for not replying to his text, I forgot about it because of my family needs and when I
remembered it, nahiya naman akong sumagot pa.

I think I am having self pity while I was alone in my room. Sobrang ganda ng VIP suite ko pero hindi ko
masyadong ma-appreciate dahil sa nangyayari.
Life is like a circle, unless there'll be someone who'd change direction to stop an unending chase.

I sighed and tried getting more courage to fight for it.

Hindi na ako kumain ng lunch pero may naghatid sa kwarto ng pagkain ko na ipinagtaka ko.

"O-oh, thank you..." I said, amazed na may ganitong service sila.

The man smiled at me shyly, "eat well, Ma'am. Someone said you should never skip meals."

My heart thumped, naisip kaagad si Warren pero alam kong hindi naman niya alam na narito ako kaya
nagpasalamat na lang ako at tahimik na kumain.

Noong gabi ko na naisipang lumabas para magliwaliw dahil wala naman akong mapapala kung
magmumokmok lang.

Wearing my halter top dress and silver pumps, I went out of my room. I tied my hair in a high ponytail and
stride towards the bars inside the cruise ship.

Kung maganda ang barko sa umaga, mas maganda pala kapag gabi. The whole place is colorful, may ilaw
ang mga slides at may mga performance pa. Naaliw ako sa presentation doon pero gusto kong uminom
kahit kaunti kaya nagtungo ako sa bar.

The bar is cozy, hindi man kalakihan ay maluwang at mukhang chill lang. May counter at mga bartender,
may nagsasayawan na rin sa stage roon at tumutugtog ang magandang kanta mula sa DJ.

I moved my head to sway with the music, napansin ko kaagad ang tingin ng mga lalaki roon pero wala
akong pinagtuunan ng pansin at taas noong nagtungo sa empty couch para maupo.

A few offered to buy me drinks but I refused, may gusto pa atang tumabi pero nakita pa lang ang maldita
kong mukha ay umalis na.

Scira Rosalie, you're just like your mother.

Nagkakasiyahan na ang mga tao roon at napunta ang tingin ko nang bahagyang magsitayuan ang mga
babae at lumapit sa paparating.

My forehead creased when I saw Warren walking inside sporting his black shirt underneath his maong
jacket and pants. Magulo ang kanyang buhok, ngumiti sa mga nakasalubong at may humarang pa pero
umiling lang siya.

I saw his dog tag dancing on his neck, he looked darkly handsome and attractive striding towards the
counter to get drinks.

Napainom ako ng alak nang may tumabi at sumubok sa kanyang makipag-usap.

"One more please," tawag ko ng pansin sa waiter na kaagad akong binigyan ng panibagong baso.

I watched Warren quietly, biting my lip, I am tempted to come near him so I stood from my seat to go
when I saw a blonde walking towards him.
I froze, nakita ko kaagad ang pagtawa ni Warren nang makita ang blonde roon at umiling kaya napabalik
ako sa couch at tahimik na tumitig. I saw her moving her waist, hinawi-hawi pa sa ere ang blonde na
buhok.

Hindi ko makita ang mukha ng huli dahil sa dilim sa loob ng bar kaya kumunot ang noo ko. The blonde
woman does not look petite to me, medyo malaki ang katawan kaya it's a bit weird.

Nakita kong nagbubulungan ang dalawa roon sa may counter, nagkakasayahan at may nag-aaya sa aking
sumayaw pero ang atensyon ko'y naroon lang sa kanila.

I can feel the painful thump inside my chest watching him having fun with someone else. He's having a few
drinks with him and I can see his smile clearly while talking to the woman I couldn't see.

I was never the jealous type in my past relationships. I am the calm one, I am never jealous. Kaya nga ako
sinasabihang bato at walang pakialam ng mga boyfriend ko. I care, of course, hindi nga lang ako sanay na
ipinapakita ito sa mga tao.

I don't want anyone see my weakness dahil kadalasan, ang mga tao, if they saw your weakness, they'll use
it against you and I didn't want that. My family have seen me in my weakest and I let them because I know
they'll protect me, they would never use it against me.

I glanced at Warren again and drank another glass of liquor.

I remembered being weak with Warren, I had no control over my emotions when I'm with him because I
know he understands and he won't judge, he'll never use it against me, I'm comfortable and I'm in love
with him.

Hindi ko alam kung nakailang baso na ako ng alak habang nakatitig sa kanilang dalawa. They were
laughing, kita ko ang pagsapok ni Warren sa batok 'nung blonde at kumunot ang noo ko.

They're really comfortable, huh?

I clenched my jaw and sighed, muling uminom at nahilo na. My sight is kinda blurry that I shut my eyes to
compose myself.

Warren's leaning on the counter, pansin ko ang pagbaling ng blonde sa pwesto ko pero hindi ko na siya
matitigan dahil nahihilo na ako.

Damn it, Scira. Hindi ka pa rin nadadala sa iniinom mo?

I watched the two having fun until I couldn't bear it anymore. The anger and possessiveness fueled inside
my chest that I finished the remaining liquor in my glass before standing to get some courage and heaved
a deep sigh.

I walked towards them in big steps. Nakita ko pang nakadukwang na sa counter si Augustine at nakasiksik
sa kanya iyong blonde at humaharot.

My lips quivered, I was dizzy but I was fuming mad, nang makitang may binubulong na ang blonde sa
kanya ay hindi ko na napigilan sa sarili ko.

"Y-you bitch!" I exclaimed in so much anger, pulled the blonde's hair at napaalis ito sa upuan pero bigla
akong natigilan nang makitang naiwan ang blonde na buhok sa kamay ko.
"Aww, aray, Cap!" may lumitaw na apat na lalaki sa may counter at isang babaeng pamilyar sa akin na
ngumiwi.

My eyes widen, mula sa blonde na buhok na hawak ko ay bumaling ang tingin ko sa nakatayo na ngayon at
'yon na lang ang pagsinghap ko nang matantong lalaki iyon.

And...the blonde hair I am holding is just a wig.

It was the man with black eyes and medium length black hair!

"Y-you..." I muttered and I saw Augustine sat properly while staring at me with his sleepy eyes.

Lumipat ang tingin ko sa lalaking nakatayo na at nang nakita akong nakatingin ay unti-unting ngumiti.

"U-uh...issa prank?" he smiled awkwardly.

I gasped, kinagat ang labi, iritadong binagsak ang wig. Sumulyap kay Augustine na napatayo na at umirap.

I turned my back at them, natahimik ang bar sa komosyon at pinagtitinginan ako pero wala na akong
pakialam at basta na lang naglakad paalis.

I am fuming mad, thinking I got fucking jealous for nothing! I can't believe they pranked me like that!

Nagdadabog ako palabas at dinig na dinig ko ang boses ni Augustine sa likuran.

"Scira!" he called but I didn't listen, halos tumakbo na ako sa bilis na lakad ko pabalik sa kwarto.

Nangingilid na ang luha ko sa galit at selos! Fuck it! Ang hirap naman magmahal!

I can hear his calls pero iritadong-iritado ako, I entered the elevator and watched him walked towards it
with his large steps.

"Scira, let's talk!" he demanded noong malapit na siya sa elevator pero tinaasan ko siya ng kilay habang
pinapanuod ang pagsara ng elevator.

"Scira, let's talk." I mocked and showed him my middle finger. "Fuck you, Augustine!"

The elevator closed, mabilis ang paghinga ko sa galit. Hindi maisip na magagawa kong manabunot sa selos!

I know it was just a fucking prank but if it's true, may nasabunutan na ako! Damn it, I've lost my control!

The elevator opened in my deck, nagmartsa ako sa walang taong pasilyo, kuyom ang kamay at iritado.

"Scira!" I froze and looked back at napamura nang makita si Warren sa kakabukas na elevator sa tabi ng
akin.

"Fuck!" I cursed hardly and turned my back. Halos tumakbo na ako pero mabilis ang yapak niya.

"Scira, mag-usap tayo!" he demanded and I rolled my eyes. "Are you jealous?"

Humigpit ang hawak ko sa pouch ko at natigilan. My heart thumped harder this time, my knuckles forming
a tight fist.
I heard his steps getting closer, "are you jealous?" he asked softly and my tears fell, mas bumigat na ang
dibdib at pakiramdam.

"Oo, bakit?!" I said bravely and glanced at him. I saw his serious face.

"Bakit ka nagseselos?" hamon niya, nakita ko ang pag-igting ng panga at suminghap ako at nag-iwas ng
tingin.

"Valderama," he muttered. "why are you jealous?"

"Paki mo?!" I exclaimed angrily, patuloy na tumutulo ang luha.

"Bakit ka magseselos?" he asked. "Hindi mo naman ako mahal, 'di ba? Then, why—"

"Yes, I am fucking jealous, Augustine! Nagagalit ako! I am mad you're happy with the blonde woman! I was
jealous because you have another girl aside from me! Nagagalit akong may ibang nagpapasaya sa'yo!
Nagagalit akong may gusto ka nang iba!" I exclaimed frustratedly.

I saw his eyes soften a bit yet it became colder again and he relaxed, putting his hands on his pocket.

"Then, why? Tell me, why are jealous?" he asked, parang wala lang ang tanong kaya mas nainis ako.

"Because I love you!" I burst out. "Nagseselos ako kasi mahal kita! Mahal na mahal pa rin kita!"

He froze, I saw him licked his lip, looking amazed than shocked.

"You do?" I saw him hiding his smile.

How dare he smile while I'm fuming mad right now?!

"New flash, yes, I do!" I exclaimed. "I love you, Warren Augustine! And I am fucking jealous because you're
mine! Akin ka, Augustine! Akin lang!"

My tears fell more, I sobbed and with my moving shoulders I pointed myself.

"M-mahal kita b-but you love someone else na! Ano pang silbi, 'di ba? G-gagalit ako kasi akin ka lang!" I
sobbed. "A-akin ka lang dapat pero—"

My voice faded when he marched towards me in big steps, pushed me on the wall before cupping my
cheeks and claiming my lips without saying anything to shut me up.

My eyes are wide, tila nanigas ako nang matantong hinahalikan niya ako, he squeezed my cheek a bit so he
could enter me and when he opened his eyes, I got lost in it that I found myself kissing him back.

He dipped his head more, claiming my lips more. Nahulog ko ang pouch na hawak at walang
pagdadalawang-isip na iniyakap ang braso sa kanyang batok. We exchanged deep kisses like it was the last
time we'll kiss like that at kung hindi pa kami naubusan ng hininga ay hindi pa titigil.

He stared at me with his sleepy black eyes and I glanced back at him while catching my breath. He touched
my lower lip, our faces only inches away. Our nose is almost touching and I can hear my heart thumping
harder each second we're this close.

"No one owns me but you, Ma'am." He said huskily, "I'm always yours. Sa'yo lang ako."
Kabanata 26

I am lost for words, nanatili kaming magkatitigan doon at hindi pareho alam ang dapat na gawin.

"Congratulations to you two," sabay kaming napalingon sa matandang mag-asawa na dumaan sa harapan
namin.

"Congrats!" the old man grinned and slowly clapped his hand.

Sumabog ang init sa pisngi ko, nahila ko ang shirt ni Augustine at nahihiyang nagtago sa kanyang dibdib at
narinig ko ang mahina niyang tawa roon.

"Thank you," I overheard Warren saying to the two people.

"That's good, making up after a fight. That's what young married couples failed to do nowadays, the
reason why a lot of them cheat." I heard the woman say and I bit my lip in embarrassment.

I felt Warren's touch on my waist, slowly pulling me to his body.

"Of course, I never want to go to bed with misunderstandings with my wife." I heard him answer and I
gasped.

Sinapok ko ang braso niya at narinig ko ang baritono niyang tawa.

"That's good, never sleep fighting. Talk before anything else, that's how relationship work." The old man
muttered.

"We should go, good luck with the marriage. Best wishes." The lady said.

"Thank you," Warren answered, I can sense the amusement in his voice.

Ilang segundo ang nakalipas sa katahimikan nang itulak ko si Augustine.

"You!" I punched his arms and he laughed, I saw him licked his lip and glanced at me.

"We shouldn't sleep with misunderstanding, wife." He said and my cheeks flushed.

I glared at him, natawa naman siya at pinisil ang pisngi ko.

"You're blushing, Ma'am." He noticed.

"I-ikaw kasi!" I groaned, mas natawa siya roon at marahang hinaplos ang pisngi ko.

"Hindi na, I won't tease you anymore." He said with amusement, pushing a few strands of my hair behind
my ears and pinched my cheek.

Tahimik ko lang siyang pinagmasdan, seryoso ako pero nangingiti na hindi ko maintindihan. I can still feel
the damp on my cheeks because of my tears.

"Don't cry," he said softly and dried the tears on my cheek with his thumb. "Kumain ka na?" masuyong
tanong niya.
"No pa," I said softly, hinanap ang mga mata niya. I saw him biting his lower lip, suppressing his smile.

"You wanna eat?" bulong niya pa at marahang inangat ang baba ko para mas makita ang mukha ko.

"Hmm," I hummed. "lutuan mo ko?" I asked in a small voice and he chuckled, kissing my forehead and
nodding.

"Yes, come on." He said, bumaba ang kamay niya sa palad ko. I watched him intertwined our fingers and
slowly pulled me towards the cabin.

Habang nakasunod ako at pinagmamasdan ang magkahawak na mga kamay ay hindi ko maiwasang
matuwa at kiligin. Napangisi pa ako pero bigla siyang lumingon kaya ngumuso ako at nagseryoso.

Tumaas ang sulok ng labi niya at wala nang sinabi, nadaanan namin ang cabin ko kaya hinila ko siya ng
bahagya at tinuro ang kwarto ko.

"There's my cabin," I said and he nodded.

"I know," he answered.

"Then, saan tayo? May mga uncooked foods sa kwarto, we can—"

"I have foods in my room," aniya at pumunta sa pintuan katabi ng kwarto ko.

My mouth parted, napasinghap ako at nilingon siya.

"Magkatabi ang cabin natin?" I asked and I saw him shrugged and smirked at me.

"Oo nga 'no?" He answered, gulat pa pero parang 'di ako naniniwala and slowly pulled me towards his
room.

Gulat pa rin ako pero namamangha, pigil ang ngiti ko nang makapasok kami sa cabin niya na halos katulad
lang din ng akin pero nakakatuwa dahil sa kanya.

Bumitaw ako sa kamay niya at nakita ko ang pag-sulyap niya sa akin.

I smiled, kumapit ako sa braso niya at nakita ko ang pag-ngiti niya at inalalayan ako papunta sa kusina.

Nang maupo ako sa may stool ay nanatili siya sa tabi ko, akala ko ay aalis na pero nanatiling nakatayo roon
kaya sumulyap ako.

"Hmm?" I hummed.

I saw how his smile lifted, touching my cheek a bit. Napapikit ako roon at napabuntong-hininga, marahang
inangat ang kamay para haplusin ang kanyang kamay.

"I miss you, Tin..." I whispered softly, opening my eyes and met his soft ones.

"I miss you too," he muttered, smiling a bit and cupped my cheek more. "is it really you? Or I'm just
dreaming?"

"Hmm, bakit naman?" I asked.

"Nothing, I just..." he laughed a bit, as if amazed. "I just can't believe you're here, baka mamaya niyan
pinaglalaruan lang ako ng isip. I'm afraid I'm just drunk and hallucinating tapos kapag natauhan, mawawala
ka na."

I can feel my chest constricting in pain. Ngumiti ako at mabilis na dinala sa labi ko ang kamay niya.

I stared at his eyes while kissing it.

"It's really me, see?" I chuckled when I saw his eyes twinkled a bit and I shook my head. "Seriously,
Tintin?"

Hinila niya ang stool at excited na naupo, napatawa ako ng malakas nang ngumisi siya.

"Slap me." He said.

"Baliw ka ba?" tawa ko pa dahil mukhang nagloloko na naman.

"I'm serious," he said and I froze.

"Seriously?" I exclaimed and he nodded.

Bumilog ang bibig ko, umayos ng upo at hinaplos ang pisngi niya bago mabilis na nagpatak ng halik sa labi
niya. He froze and I smiled.

"Ayan? Okay na?" I asked.

"No, slap me." He muttered and I gasped, shaking my head.

"Hinalikan na kita, Augustine. Isn't that enough proof this is real?" I asked.

"Hmm," he put his hand on my lap and tilted his head. "Kissing you is like a dream, so...nah. I don't wanna
take any chances."

Natawa na naman ako at naaaliw na pinagmasdan siya, naiiling.

"Come on, Sha-sha, akala ko ba tayo ang super twins—fuck, Ma'am!" his eyes widen when I slapped him
without saying anything.

I saw how his eyes widen, napahagalpak ako nang ma-dramang iniangat niya ang kamay sa pisngi at
umawang ang labi.

"What..." he muttered. "you didn't say anything!"

"Nah, gising ka na?" I raised my brow, "walang sabi-sabi, slap agad."

Tumawa ako nang samaan niya ako ng tingin. I pinched his nose while he's glaring at me.

"Ano, Tintin, 'di ba, hindi 'to panaginip?" I teased but gasped when he tilted his head and claimed my lips.

My eyes widen, nanlaki ang mata ko at napasinghap, gulat na itinulak siya.

"Tintin!" I groaned, kita ko naman ang pagkislap ng mata niya, nangingisi.

"Just making sure this isn't a dream," he smiled handsomely, humaba ang nguso ko, nag-iinit ang pisngi at
pinalo ang braso niya.

"Super naughty," reklamo ko.

"Gusto mo naman," tawa niya at napaigtad ako nang tusukin niya ang baywang ko.

"Augustine!" I groaned, napaigtad ulit nang pisilin niya ang baywang ko.

I gasped, screamed while laughing, patuloy na pinapalo siya.

"Does it tickle, Ma'am, huh?" he teased.

"Oh my God, s-stop it!" tawa ko at pinalo siya ng malakas. He continued teasing me, tawa naman ako ng
tawa at halos sabunutan na siya.

I keep on pushing his hand but he's too strong for me, sa sobrang kaharutan pa ata naming dalawa ay
muntik na akong mahulog sa stool kung hindi niya lang ako kaagad na nasalo.

My eyes widen when our nose touched, napasandal ako sa kitchen counter at napakurap.

My heart thumped when I saw his black eyes staring at mine and immediately noticed the desire on it. His
gaze turned darker, I saw how his jaw clenched as his eyes fell on my parted lips.

I can feel the heat gushing in between my legs, my eyes dilated and became more darker with the sight of
his face.

I saw how he gulped harshly, licking his lower lip sensually and spoke.

"I'm horny," he said straightforwardly, stopping me from thinking other things.

I can feel his hard on my stomach, mas bumilis ang paghinga ko habang nakikipagtitigan sa kanya.

"I-I'm horny too," I confessed and moments later, we are busy kissing each other hardly and deeply.

My hand is shaking as I removed his maong jacket, walang pasubaling kinakalas niya rin ng maayos ang
dress ko. He sat me on the counter, nahulog ang dress sa may dibdib ko na mabilis kong hinubad at
tinapon kung saan.

I saw him staring at me, smirking. "No brassiere, huh..."

"Oh, shut up. Take your damn shirt off!" I said impatiently and he laughed.

"Alright, chill, Ma'am." He smirked, pulling his shirt from his back and threw it somewhere.

His silver dog tag fell on his naked chest and I licked my lip while watching his chest. He moved closer to
me, mabilis kong hinaplos ang dibdib niya at sinalubong niya ng halik ang labi ko.

Our faces are aligned to each other now that it was easy to kiss mindlessly, I purred when his hand found
my peaks and slowly stroked it with his fingers.

"F-fuck..." I gasped loudly.

His kisses fell on my jaw, his other hand lifting my face so he can kiss me right. I felt how dominant his
moves are while kissing me this time. His other hand is claiming my breast while the other is touching my
jaw.

His wet kisses fell on my neck, giving me love bites.

I moaned and touched his nape, ramdam ko ang buhok niya roon kaya halos masabunutan ko na siya
habang nakapikit at umiigtad.

Halos mapahiga ako nang maramdaman ang halik niya sa dibdib ko. I gripped his hair more, pushing me
more to my breast as he sucked it like a hungry child.

"Fuck it, Augustine!" I groaned, mas napaatras sa counter at napasinghap nang may matamaan.

Nanlaki ang mata ko nang marinig ang pagbagsak ng pinggan at pagkabasag nito.

"T-Tin, 'yong plato—"

"Sshh," he hummed, pushing me more on the counter.

"But—" hinarap ko siya pero umiling lang siya kaya isinara ko ang labi.

"Hayaan mo," he said and I gasped when he tilted his head, umayos sa pagtayo sa may gilid ng counter
habang halos nakahiga na ako roon.

I gulped harder when I saw him sexily unbuckling his belt, I licked my lip, napaupo pa para tumulong sa
kanya.

"Ang hirap naman nito!" reklamo ko.

I heard his laughter, tumungo ako habang hinihila paalis ang belt niya at naramdaman ko ang paghawi niya
ng buhok sa leeg ko at ang pagpapaulan doon ng maliliit na mga halik.

"T-Tin..." I purred.

"Hmm," he hummed and bit my skin, I saw him licking the back of my ear, his tongue moving from there
down my neck.

I pushed his maong and boxers down and I gulped harder when I saw how his manhood sprang free.

"Oh lala..." I said softly.

I heard his laugh, maya-maya'y lumayo sa akin at sinapo ang mukha ko.

"What? Oh lala?" he laughed, ngumuso ako at umirap.

"Bakit ba?" I raised my brow and he laughed again, pinatakan niya ako ng mabilis na halik at unti-unting
kinuha ang kamay ko.

My eyes dilated when I felt his love muscle against my palm, umawang ang labi ko at mapaharap sa kanya.

I saw him sexily glancing at me with his dark eyes.

"T-Tin?" I asked.

"Stroke it," he commanded and my breath labored, natatakot sa una pero nang maigalaw ang kamay ay
medyo naging kampante.

I moved my hand, slowly at first, it was hard because my fingers couldn't even reach each other while I'm
holding him but when I saw how his breathing labored, mas ginanahan at nakampante ako.

I watched as his eyes closed, his mouth parted while I pumped him harder. His hair fell on his forehead
more, kita ko ang pagkatensyon sa kanyang mukha sa ginagawa ko. He looked like he's living for my strokes
and I licked my lip.

"Masarap?" I asked and he licked his lip and nodded, napahawak siya sa hita ko at marahang pumisil doon.

"Augustine," I called again. "Masarap?"

"Fuck, yes..." he said in a deep voice.

Confidently, I stroked him a bit faster and rougher this time, kitang-kita ko anag pagbilis ng paghinga niya.
His face fell on my neck and I gulped, stroked him more.

I can feel him reaching his peak but then, he suddenly took my hand, gulat ako nang alisin niya ang kamay
ko roon at hinarap ako.

"Why?" I asked, confused. "A-ayaw mo ba?" bigla akong kinabahang hindi niya gusto ang ginagawa.

"No, I liked it very much." Aniya.

"Then why..."

"I want my cum inside your pussy," he muttered and my throat dried up.

Hindi ko alam kung paano mag-re-react, napalunok ako ng marahas nang i-angat niya ang kamay ko. My
eyes darkened when I saw him licking my fingers while staring at my eyes.

I placed my other hand on his shoulder, pulling him towards me but he moved a bit, kissing my fingers.

"Later, baby." He said and I gulped harder when he moved away and moved his hands on my panties.

I watched him removed the only cloth covering my body and I gasped when I saw how he parted my legs
to see my feminity.

"Tin..." nahihiyang ikinipot ko ang paa but he moved my legs more.

"No, spread it more, Ma'am." He said lowly.

"B-but..."

"I wanna see that tight pussy," he said and I felt like burning in desire, parang napapaso ako sa sinasabi
niya.

"Fuck me," I said bravely and his lip twitched, hinawi niya ang buhok ko at inilagay sa likod ng tainga ko.
"How about we make love?" he asked and my forehead creased.

"Isn't it the same?" I asked and he chuckled, giving me a quick kiss and touched my part.

Umawang ang labi ko roon at humigpit ang hawak sa kanyang balikat.

"Making love is a soft and gentle one while fuck is harder and rougher," he said darkly. "what do you
prefer, Ma'am?"

"How about both?" I asked and stared at his eyes. "I want you to do both, Augustine."

"Gladly," he smirked at me. "I'll fuck and make love to you. Anything for you, Scira. Anything."

I smirked pero napatili pa nang basta niya akong binuhat at ibinalik sa stool, he pushed me a bit,
napasandal ako sa counter at walang pasubaling hinawi niya ang hita ko at hinaplos ako.

He fucked me with his fingers, I can feel my toes curling while watching his fingers do the move.

"You like it?" he asked and I nodded.

"Yes, yes!" I nodded, kumuyom ang kamay at hindi na alam kung saan na hahawak.

"Still wet, huh?" he chuckled and withdraw his fingers, licking it clean with my juices still in there. "Basang-
basa ka."

I was never this horny, yes, we already made love but that was too sudden, halos hindi ko na maalala ang
mga nangyari sa sobrang biglaan pero ngayon? I don't know anymore, para akong sinisilaban.

He stroked his member a bit, mas ibinuka ko ang hita nang iparaan niya roon ang kanya. He rubbed his
member on my part, ayon pa lang ang ginagawa ay parang sasabog na naman ako.

"F-fuck, Augustine!"

"What, hmm?" he licked his finger and rubbed it on my clit while his member is still teasing me.

"Just...just fuck me already!" I groaned, losing my sanity now that he smirked sexily at me.

"This is the impatient Miss Perfect, huh?" he rubbed me more, teasing me.

"Fuck you, Augustine!" iritadong sabi ko na.

"Alright, alright, I will..." he chuckled lowly and glanced at my eyes.

"I love you," he smiled and my heart thumped, I moved my face and kissed his lips briefly.

"I love you too," I whispered. "but I'll love you more if you'll fuck me now."

Humalakhak siya, hinampas ko siya nan ang-aasar na pero tinawanan lang niya ako at humalik. We
exchanged deep kisses until I felt him entering me fully, my face fell on his neck, I gripped his back and met
his member.

"Fuck!" he breathe deeply and moved a bit. "fucking tight, Ma'am. So fucking tight."
Our moans filled the room, I can feel the stool moving as he fuck me hard, naririnig ko ang langitngit nito
sa tiles at umawang ang labi ko at napasinghap nang tumama ang likod ko sa may counter.

"A-aww..." I purred and he stopped, his eyes immediately found mine.

"Are you hurt?" he panicked and I bit my lip.

"Kaunti lang, medyo ano, dahan-dahan lang." I said softly and he chuckled, kissing my lips briefly.

"Alright, I'm sorry. Sabik lang." Tawa niya.

Inilipat niya ang kamay sa likuran ko para hindi ako tumama sa counter at muling gumalaw. I can feel my
muscles stretching so I could meet his length, ang ingay-ingay ko na nga ata pero wala namang
makakarinig kaya wala na akong pakialam.

I squeezed his round, fluffy ass, pushing him more inside me.

"Fuck," hapong bulong niya at humalik sa labi ko.

I was so lost with the fire in between us, we exchanged deep kisses, making love like we'd never do it
again. I was gripping his hair, halos magpakarga na ako sa kanya at mahigpit ang hawak niya sa likuran ko
para hindi lang ako tumama sa counter.

I can hear the stool making squeaky sounds and I felt like my butt will fell from it kaya napakapit ako kay
Augustine.

"Augustine!" I exclaimed at mukhang nadama niya iyon at mabilis akong iniangat.

My eyes widen when the stool fell, nabuhat niya ako nagkatinginan kami ni Warren at kita ko ang pagpigil
niya ng ngisi.

"Nasira ang stool, Augustine!" I groaned and his laughter roared, pinalo ko siya pero humahalakhak lang
siya.

"Yari tayo kay bombay," he muttered and glanced at me with amused eyes.

"P-paano 'yan?" I asked softly, quite nervous kasi nasira ang stool at natumba!

"Hayaan mo, palitan ko pa 'yan ng bente." He smirked kaya tinampal ko siya.

"Asshole! How would you explain that?!" I exclaimed and he just caught my lips for a quick kiss before
winking.

"Ako bahala, let's continue this in my room." He said and kissed me again.

We looked like a fool missing each other that much that we are making love nonstop. Hindi na kami
nakaabot sa kwarto niya at ang ending ay nasa hagdan kami natapos at panibagong round na naman ang
sa kanyang kwarto.

He's insatiable, I mean, grabe si Augustine!

I can't believe he has the stamina of a horny teenager! Ayaw magpaawat!

I woke up at six AM and realized I only slept for three hours. Napatawa ako, I can actually sleep for more
hours pa but I think I have this body clock set up for my early meetings and appointments.

Kadalasan kasi ay six or seven ako nagigising para mag-ayos at makapasok sa opisina.

I glanced beside me and chuckled when I saw the cute Warren Miranda on my arms, clinging like a five-
year-old kid. Malalim ang tulog niya habang nakahiga sa braso ko at nakasiksik sa dibdib ko.

I smiled, brushed his hair a bit and kissed his hair.

"I love you," I whispered while he's sleeping soundly beside me. "Mahal na mahal kita."

After a few moments of amazement and adoring my cute Tintin, I decided to cook for him. Breakfast ba, I
admit, I still have no skills with kitchen stuff but I keep on trying.

Tinuturuan nga ako ng Mommy palagi pero may problema ata ang kamay ko at ayaw sumunod.

But at least I can try? For Warren?

Marahan akong tumayo sa kama, dahan-dahan para hindi magising ang huli at napangiwi nang
maramdaman ang sakit sa pagitan ng hita.

I gasped, walked towards the closet and saw his shirts inside. Kumuha ako ng isa roon para suotin bago
ako nagtungo sa kusina para sumubok magluto.

I saw a pancake mix and eggs, binasa ko ang steps sa likuran ng karton at binuksan ang mix. I almost
coughed when the powder flew on my face, natakpan ko ang ilong at lumayo.

"What the fuck?" I cursed and shook my head.

Inilayo ko ang mix sa mukha ko at binuhos sa bowl na nasa lamesa pagkatapos ay kumuha ng itlog at
binasag sa may pancake.

I frowned when some of the egg shells fell on the mix but I shrugged it off.

"Ang mahalaga, makakain. 'Di 'yan nakakamatay." I convinced myself pa bago kakanta-kantang hinalo ang
specialty ko.

Inayos ko ang kawali at nagpainit ng mantika, 'nung medyo hot na ay kinuha ko ang pancake at nagbuhos
doon sa kawali. When it's round na, or at least, medyo bilog na, hinayaan ko at inantay.

A phone rang, kumunot ang noo ko at sumunod doon at nakitang may umiilaw doon sa may gilid ng
counter, napangiwi pa ako nang makita ang sirang stool at napailing.

I saw Warren's phone, kinuha ko iyon.

Bombay calling...

My forehead creased, sinagot ang tawag at idinikit sa tainga ko.

"Hoy, Warren? Ayos na kayo?" I heard a man's voice in the other line. "Hoy, gago! Ayusin mo na, ayaw
akong kausapin ng asawa ko kapag magkaaway kayo!"
Napakurap ako.

"Sige na, hoy! Isinaalang-alang ko ang dignidad ko para maging kaharutan mo kagabi, gago! Kapag hindi pa
kayo nag-ayos ni Architect, ako naman ang yari sa asawa ko—"

"Uhm, hello?" I decided to speak.

Natahimik ang kabilang linya, akala ko ay hindi na sasagot pero mayamaya'y may nagsalita.

"Uh, Architect?" he asked.

"Yes," I said. "who's this?"

"Ah!" bigla siyang tumawa roon, "this is Lucian, ayos na kayo? Nasaan si Mars?"

I bit my lip, umupo ako ng maayos at nagsalita.

"Well, yeah. Okay na kami. Warren is still sleeping."

"Oh..." I noticed his amusement, "sandali ah, ayos lang ba kung ipapakausap kita sa asawa ko? She won't
talk to me unless you two fixed your relationship."

"Sure, sure..." I said.

"Ming ming!" he called. "Scira wants to talk to you, they're fine now!"

Umupo ako sa maayos na stool, I swayed my feet while waiting for her and she was there after a while.

"Hello, Scira! Magandang morning!" she greeted and I chuckled.

"Hello, G?" I said. "It's G, right?"

"Yes," she chuckled. "Kumusta na kayong two? Okay na kayo? You're not magkaaway na?"

I nodded, smiling. "Yeah, we're good now."

"Yey!" she cheered. "That's good to marinig! I'm glad na okay na kayo!"

"Hmm, okay naman na. We just had a misunderstanding." I answered.

"That's great, morning na. Let's eat!" she cheered.

"Oh, I'm still preparing pancakes for breakfast." I answered her.

"Oh, I want pancakes!" she stopped. "Luci! Pancakes! Cook me pancakes!"

Natawa ako sa sigaw niya, mayamaya'y humagikhik siya at nagsalita ulit.

"Sorry for that, Scira. Luci is cooking kasi, nagpa-cook lang ako ng pancakes kasi parang I'm natatakam.
Yummy!" she answered me and stopped for awhile.

"Anyway, nagkainan na kayo?" she asked and I froze.

My eyes widen, biglang naisip 'yong ginawa namin kagabi, I gulped harder, gasping a bit.

"W-well, uh—"

"Uh, sorry, I mean kumain!" she said. "Kumain na kayo?"

Nakahinga ako ng maluwang, ngumuso ako at suminghap doon. Nag-iinit ang pisngi sa kahihiyang naisip.

"Uh, k-kakain pa lang." I laughed awkwardly. "Luto pa lang ako pancakes." I answered instead, napasulyap
sa sirang stool at marahas na napalunok.

The first pancake I made is a disaster. Humaba ang nguso ko nang matantong maitim ang isang parte at
maayos naman ang kabila.

Damn it! Wala na akong future maging housewife! I should learn more! Paano na ang mga anak namin ni
Augustine kung hindi marunong magluto ang Mommy?

"Scira..." I froze when I heard a voice, lumingon ako at nangunot ang noon ang makita si Augustine na
pababa ng hagdan, he's wearing his boxers and nothing else, magulo ang buhok at palinga-linga.

"Shit!" he cursed, mukhang naghahanap, mukha siyang balisa kaya itinaas ko ang hawak kong spatula at
tinawag siya.

"Hi, Tintin!" I called.

He shifted his gaze, I saw how his mouth parted. His eyes widen and his shoulders relaxed when he saw
me, hindi na ako nakagalaw sa gulat sa bigla niyang pagtakbo patungo sa akin. Halos mapaatras ako sa
gulat nang yapusin niya ako at sumiksik sa leeg ko.

"Warren?"

"Fuck," he said in a shaking voice. "fuck, I thought you left me!"

I blinked, nawala ang ngiti ko at inangat ang kamay at hinaplos ang buhok niya.

"Tin," I called.

"Fuck, akala ko..." he whispered and squeezed me more.

"I won't leave you, okay?" I hummed and slowly kissed his hair.

"Y-you won't?" he asked in a small voice and I smiled, nodding.

"Yes, I won't." I whispered. "I'm just here, baby. I love you."

Slowly, he relaxed, hinaplos ko ang batok niya at nang kumalma ay marahang itinulak siya at sumulyap sa
kanyang mukha. I caressed his cheek, tiptoed to kiss his lips and smiled.

"Good morning, Tintin. Mahal na mahal kita." I muttered.

His eyes soften, hinaplos niya ang buhok ko at marahang inilagay sa likod ng tainga ko.
"I love you too," he breathe. "I love you so much too, Ma'am."

"Talaga?" I smiled, my heart hammering inside my chest. "Gaano ka-love?"

"Hanggang langit," he smiled cutely and kissed the tip of my nose. "Kay Scira lang kakalembang."

I burst out laughing, pinisil ko ang ilong niya at natatawang hinuli niya ang baywang ko para paliguan ako
ng halik sa mukha.

I sighed when I realized na walang matipuno sa pancakes na niluto ko, bagsak ang balikat ko at suminghap.

"S-sorry, failed again." I muttered. "Ta-try ko na lang ulit—"

"This is good," my eyes widen exaggeratedly when he ate the black pancakes.

"Augustine!" I exclaimed but he just shrugged and ate the whole one again.

"What the—" kinuha ko sa kanya ang plato pero muli niya iyong inagaw sa akin.

"No, kakainin ko." Giit niya kaya napailing ako.

"That's a horror pancake, Warren! I-I tasted it and it's mapait kasi sunog! How about we call the resto and
—"

"Sshh, masarap nga." He said, staring at me while he's chewing the horror pancakes I made.

I pouted, hindi na nagawang agawin ang plato dahil naubos na niya ang pancake na sunog na iniluto ko,
parang naawa naman ako sa t'yan at lalamunan niya na kinain ang disaster na iyon pero parang wala lang
sa kanya.

I even saw him touched his stomach when he's done and smirked.

"I'm full! Ang sarap!" he said but I glared at him.

"H'wag mo nga akong bolahin," reklamo ko pero ngumuso lang siya at umiling.

"I'm not," he smiled, walked towards me and cupped my cheek. "Masarap, I mean it. Everything you do is
great, you're the best, Ma'am." He smiled and gave me a kiss.

Hindi na ako nakaimik at namula na lang nang ngumisi siya, hinampas ko ang braso niya at natatawang
humalik siya sa noo ko at nagluto ng totoong agahan para sa akin.

He didn't eat because he's full and told me he'll take a bath first, ako na lang ang kumain at nangingiti. I
feel happy and contented, masaya akong kumakain ng luto niya.

When I'm done eating, gusto ko na rin maligo kaya hindi na ako nagpaalam at tumayo mula sa hapag
pagkatapos mag-ayos. I walked out of his cabin to go back to mine, suot ko pa rin ang shirt niya at dala ang
key card ay lumabas ako pero natigilan nang makita ang babaeng blonde na nasa tapat ng unit niya.

My forehead creased, I saw how her mouth parted when she saw me went out of Warren's cabin.

I knew her face, kasama siya sa team nila Warren noon but I never had the chance to know her name.
"Who are you?" baling niya kaagad nang makita akong lumabas doon.

I raised my brow, umayos ako ng tayo at ngumiti.

"Oh, you didn't know, I believe we met before." I said.

Nakita ko ang pagkunot ng noo niya, alam kong kilala niya ako sa paraan ng pagtingin niya.

She looked bitchy to me. She crossed her arms on her chest while glancing at me from head to toe.

"You? Care to tell me your name?" I asked and her brow raised, smirking at me.

"Jasmine Sanchez," she said. "Warren's girlfriend."

My mouth parted, hindi ko alam pero bigla na lang akong natawa at napailing sa kanya.

"Girlfriend...what?" I chuckled a bit.

"Bakit, sino ka ba?" she asked me, "kasama ko si Warren papunta rito, I'm his girlfriend and—"

"Ang dami pala talagang assumera sa mundo, ano?" I said and I saw her froze, "may mga taong mag-
aangkin ng mga taong hindi naman talaga kanila."

"I'm his girlfriend!" she exclaimed. "Ikaw, sino ka ba, huh? If I know, you are just his bitch! Ano, sumunod
ka ba rito dahil hayok ka? I saw how you flirted with him in the island! If I know, nakita ka lang niya sa bar
kagabi at—"

"Oh, too bad people cheat when they aren't satisfied, eh?" I smirked. "Kayo pala? Your said boyfriend just
had sex with me."

"Y-you..." namula siya at tinuro ako. "y-you have no right! You're just his bitch! Ako ang kasama niya noong
wala ka!"

"Oh, pero sa akin pa rin uuwi pagbalik ko?" I smiled softly. "Kawawa ka naman, na sa'yo pala noong wala
ako pero pagbalik ko sa akin pa rin umuuwi, ano?"

"Pinahiram ko lang siya sa'yo!" she exclaimed. "N-nagpaalam siyang kikitain ka! He just wanted to fuck you
and leave you after he's done with you!"

"I feel bad for you," I said, shaking my head. "Kapag sa'yo, sa'yo lang dapat, don't let anyone steal what's
yours. Bakit ka nagpapahiram? Charity case?"

"Y-you..." mas namula siya, sasabog na sa galit. "get away from here! Kakausapin ko ang boyfriend ko!"

"Uh-hmm," I said and crossed my arms on my chest. "Okay then, enjoy."

The door suddenly opened, nagulat pa ako nang may yumakap sa likod ko.

"There you are! I said wait for me, ihahatid kita sa kwarto mo." Warren cling on me, burying his face on my
neck and kissed it.

Tumaas ang sulok ng labi ko nang makita ang pag-awang ng labi 'nung Jasmine kaya marahang kinalabit si
Warren.
"Grabe, miss mo naman kaagad ako, Sir." I said softly.

He chuckled on my ear, hugging me more.

"Of course, kung p'wede ka lang idikit sa akin, ginawa ko na." Tawa niya at nakita ko ang pagsinghap 'nung
babae.

"Uh, sorry, may bisita pala." Hagikhik ko at muling kumalabit. "Hey, baby, seems like you have a visitor."

Warren stopped kissing my neck, naramdaman ko ang pag-ayos niya ng tayo at nasulyapan ko siyang
bagong paligo at basa pa ang buhok. His arms were immediately attached on my waist, slowly caressing it
as he glanced at the stunned woman.

"Miss Sanchez," he called. "what brought you here?"

Miss Sanchez, huh? Mas lalo akong natawa sa isipan.

"Uh—I just..." she gulped and stared a bit at me, umirap pa siya kaya pinalambot ko ang mukha, kunwari
ay mabait. "I just wanted to visit you, 'di ba, may project pagkatapos ng tour?" nanginig pa ang boses niya.

"I have sent you the files, it's in the email. Lahat ng importanteng detalye ay naroon na." Aniya sa
seryosong tono.

"G-ganoon ba?" her voice trembled a bit. "May ano, may hindi kasi ako nasabi."

"Okay, sure, we can set a meeting after this vacation." I saw Warren smiled a bit, "anyway, baby, this is
Miss Sanchez, my colleague." He introduced me to her and she gulped harshly.

"Miss Sanchez, this is Scira Valderama, I know you met her before, right? My girlfriend." He said and I saw
how she almost lost her color.

She looks shocked and taken a back so I flashed a smile, as if I'm a good and friendly individual and offered
her my hand.

"Hello, Miss Sanchez. How rude of me, I forgot to introduce myself." I stopped and giggled cutely.

"Scira Valderama, the legal girlfriend." I said, smirking proudly while watching her reaction.

Kabanata 27

"Ano na naman 'to, Miranda? Libre na nga naninira ka pa ng gamit?!" Lucian exclaimed.

I bit my lip, kunwari ay abala sa pagtitipa sa cellphone ni Warren at walang pakialam sa dalawa pero
sasabog na ang pisngi sa init.

"Papalitan ko—"

"Parehas kayo 'nung pinsan mo, papalitan daw ang utang wala namang ibinabayad!" Lucian hissed,
sumulyap ako sa kanila at naabutan siyang nakapamaywang doon sa harapan ni Warren.

Warren's pouting, nakahalukipkip habang nakasandal sa may kitchen counter, nang lumingon ako ay
nagkatinginan kami at nakita ko kaagad ang ngisi niya.
I scoffed and he winked, napaubo ako at nag-iwas ng tingin.

"Papalitan ko nga sabi," Ani Warren doon sa kanya.

"Aba, pati 'yan plato, mahal 'yan!" he hissed. "that stool is from the palace in Italy! Inarbor ko lang 'yan
tapos sisirain mo?"

I bit my lip, halos masugatan na ang labi sa kahihiyan.

"I'm drunk last night, bumbay." He answered. "Hindi ko napansin kaya nasagi at nabasag."

"Oh, then explain the stool. Bakit bali ang paa niyan, aber?" namaywang pa ito at lumunok ako, mas
sumandal sa couch kung saan kitang-kita ko ang usapan nila sa loob ng kusina.

"Nung nahawi ko 'yong plato, natumba 'yong stool tapos naupuan ko." He explained and I nodded because
he have a point.

P'wede na, Warren, good boy.

Nagkatinginan kami, he winked and I showed him my thumbs up but stopped when Lucian suddenly
shifted his gaze. Mabilis kong ibinaba ang kamay nang mahuli niya ako.

Nanliit ang mata niya, hinawi ang buhok at sumimangot.

"Tang ina mo, Miranda. Alam ko na!" he exclaimed at unti-unti akong lumubog sa sofa para ibaon ang sarili
at maglaho sa mundong ibabaw.

"Anong alam mo? Lasing nga ako, gago!" Warren answered, sounding defensive kaya suminghap ako at
itinabon ang unan sa mukha.

"Oh, hello! Magandang morning mga people!" I heard a voice. "Oh, Scira? Don't cover your face with the
unan, baka mawala ang breath mo."

Naibaba ko ang unan, nanlaki pa ang mata nang makita si G na pumasok sa cabin, she's wearing a yellow
dress with her baby bump showing.

She waved at me, kumaway ako at awkward na ngumiti.

"Wait lang, Scira." She smiled and went to the kitchen to greet her husband.

"Hi, Luci-patootie!" she cheered then kissed his cheek. Humawak sa baywang niya ang asawa at humalik
bago bumaling kay Warren.

"Warren, hi!" she cheered.

"Hello, G." He smiled. "Away ako ng asawa mo."

"Very bad!" she hissed and smacked her husband, natawa ako nang parang maging maamong tupa si
Lucian doon kaya napailing ako. "Say sorry to Warren!"

"What—"
"Isa! Outside ng kwarto ka mag-sleep!" she threatened and I laughed, amused.

After the commotion inside the kitchen, kita ko ang paglabas ni Lucian ng maliit na notebook at ipinwersa
na ipapirma kay Warren, napasulyap naman ako kay G na humahagikhik sa tabi ko.

"They have the bond kasi na unbreakable, sila 'nung cousins niya and tang ina boys and Master Warren."
She explained.

"Tang...ina boys?" my forehead creased, tumawa siya at umiling.

"Long story, Scira but they're my family." She smiled at me. "Yan si Luci, lambing lang ang debts niya for
them."

"But...sinisingil niya?" I asked and she nodded.

"Yes pero punch sa moon if they'll pay for it," she shrugged.

Napangiti ako at napatango.

"May principle kasi ang boys, may bond sila na unbreakable and that is the utang. They said if they will pay
for the utang, baka mawala ang bond." She said and I burst out laughing, naiiling sa sinasabi niya.

Someone knocked on the door, napasulyap kami roon at nakitang isang pamilyar na officer ang pumasok.
'Yong mukhang masungit.

Diretso ang lakad niya, kita ko ang ngiwi ni G doon ito sa amin.

He extended a familiar pouch, umawang ang labi ko at napaayos ng upo.

"I believe this is yours, Architect." Tipid niyang sabi at inabot ko iyon.

Oh my God, I totally forgot about this pouch!

"Y-yes, this is mine, saan...uhm, saan mo nakita?" I asked.

"Someone found that outside and brought it to the lost and found." He said formally at napangiti ako at
tumango.

"Thank you so much!" I said and smiled.

"Welcome," he said formally and glanced at G.

I noticed his face become sour and stuck his tongue out to G, biglang natawa ako roon, lalo na nang sipain
siya ng huli.

"Basher!" she hissed.

"Niluto ni Romeo 'yong tuhog-tuhog, kinakain namin, paubos na." Bigla itong ngumisi and I saw how G
gasped and stood.

"No! I bought that! Tirhan niyo me!" she exclaimed.

"Ay, wala, stick na lang naiwan sa'yo." He mocked then slowly glanced at me. "Tara, Architect, may pagkain
sa may cabin ni Cap, kain tayo." He offered and I shook my head.

"Hindi okay lang, kumain na ako." I smiled.

He nodded, glanced at G na nakasimangot at nakapamaywang na.

"Wala na, bulol. Ubos na." Biglang sabi nito.

"Hmp! No!" she exclaimed.

"May tatlo pa, eh. Ubusin ko na nga." Bigla siyang tumakbo palabas at napasipa si G, akala ko'y aalis na
pero bigla siyang lumingon at kumaway sa akin.

"Ay, later na lang muna, huh?" she smiled cutely and I nodded.

Tumalikod siya, humabol sa lalaki habang sumisigaw.

"Hoy, Baste! Tirhan mo me! I want fish bolbol!" she screamed her lungs out na miski ang asawa niya ay
napalabas sa kusina at napahabol sa kanila.

When they left, nagkatinginan kami ni Tintin. I glared at him and he laughed, mabagsak na naupo sa tabi
ko at sumiksik sa katawan ko.

I pouted, he buried his head on my shoulder, kissing it and hugging my waist.

"I love you, Ma'am..." he whispered in a small voice and I found myself smiling at that.

I relaxed on the sofa and rested my back on it. I let him cling on me as I brushed his hair softly.

"I love you too," I whispered back, smiling.

I felt his smile on my skin, mas nagpabigat kaya natawa ako at humalik sa buhok niya.

"You're such a baby, Tintin." I muttered softly.

"Only to Sha-sha," he whispered back. "Super twins, right?"

"Kapangyarihan ng Araw!" I suddenly sang and he laughed, mas yumakap at sumabay sa akin.

"Taglay ay liwanag, kambal na lakas! Tayo ang..." natawa ako bigla, inilahad ko ang kamay ko at nag-apir
kami at ipinagdikit ang daliri.

"Super twins!" We said together and we both laughed at that silliness.

When afternoon came, after cuddling for hours, Tintin asked me if I'd like to swim and of course, I say yes.
This is a vacation after all and I wanted to enjoy this as much as I could.

"So, you two made up?" Zirena's smile widened while I was talking to her in video chat.

"Hmm," I hummed, biting my lip, pasimpleng sumulyap sa may bar counter sa gilid ng pool at nakitang
kausap ni Warren si Lucian at nagtatawanan habang umiinom.
"Paano? Care to tell me?" she raised her brow, napanguso naman ako at umiling.

"N-nag-usap lang..." I muttered but her smirk showed.

"Weh?" she exclaimed, muling akong umiling kaya mas ngumisi siya. "Weeeh?"

"Kunwari 'yan, nag-jugjugan 'yan kaya ayos na!" halos mahagis ko sa pool ang hawak na phone nang
lumitaw si Darshana sa camera.

"Hindi, ah!" I hissed and the two laughed, sumabog ang init sa mukha ko at mas naghagikhikan ang
dalawa.

"Kahit 'di naman tanungin, Daru, tignan mo nga ang pagpula ni Miss Perfect. Alam na, nakapasok na sa
lungga." Zire smirked.

"Zirena!" I hissed, embarrassed but the two laughed more. Suminghap ako at umiling.

"No, we just talked—"

"Kwento mo sa lelang mo," Daru grinned at me.

"Totoo nga!" I exclaimed, "aba, hindi ako kagaya niyong marupok—"

"Weh?" they said in unison and I found myself sighing, shaking my heat in defeat.

"Okay, fine. You're right." I said at halos lumabas na sa screen ang dalawa sa sobrang tilian nila.

Gusto ko man makipag-usap ay nawala ang ngisi ko nang makita ang Jasmine at ang kanyang nagliliwanag
na blonde hair na naglalakad patungo sa boyfriend ko.

She's wearing her yellow two-piece swimsuit, nakalugay ang buhok at may hawak pang orange juice.

My brows lifted, staring at her confidently walking towards my property.

Ang lakas naman talaga ng apog ni Ate girl, hindi basta-basta titigil, huh?

He's alone now near the small bar in the side, nakaupo sa sun lounger dahil umalis saglit si Lucian para
puntahan ang asawa sa pool.

"Hoy, Scira, nangyari sa'yo?" Daru asked and I glanced at them and shrugged.

"Later, girls. May susupalpalin lang ako." I said, stopped and waved a bit before I turned off the camera.

The woman is busty, I admit. Umaalog ang dyoga niya habang naglalakad kaya napapatingin sa kanya ang
ibang lumalangoy at tambay sa lounger.

Napasulyap ako sa dibdib ko, I am not that ma-dyoga like her but it's fine! I mean...I mean, I'm beautiful!
Kahit hindi malaki ang dibdib ko.

I cupped both of my breast against my bikini to measure it, napasulyap kay Augustine na nakatitig na pala
sa akin. He's smirking, his black eyes enough to send me naughty thoughts that I lowered my hand,
shocked.
Tumaas ang sulok ng labi niya, mukhang natatawa pero pinipigilan kaya umirap ako. I saw the woman
walking a bit closer to him now, tumaas ang kilay ko, ayaw sanang lumapit dahil sa pang-aasar ni Augustine
but I am possessive, I don't want anyone touching what's mine.

My property is mine and mine alone.

I stood from the side of the pool where am I sitting, I didn't attempt and try to swim because I couldn't.
Tagalakad lang ako sa gilid ng pool kaya wala akong future doon.

Confidently, I walked towards Augustine who relaxed on his seat when he saw me approaching.

Palapit na rin iyong Jasmine kaya mas binilisan ko at wala ng pakialam. Ano naman kung hindi kalakihan
ang boobs ko? It's alright! At least, I am proud of my body kasi ako ito.

Mas tumaas ang confidence ko nang nakita ko ang pagdilim ng mata ng boyfriend ko habang papalapit
ako, I saw him licked his lips. Wearing my black bikinis, I stride towards him in large steps, hinahawi pa ang
buhok na nililipad ng hangin.

Tumayo ako sa kanyang harapan at ngumiti siya.

"Ma'am," he called, smirking.

Walang pasabing naupo ako sa kandungan niya at nakita kong nagulat pa siya pero biglang tumawa at
inayos ako sa hita niya.

"Yes, baby?" he whispered, nakasandal ang baba sa balikat ko.

"Uh, excuse, Engineer?" we both stopped when the woman stood on our side.

Sumulyap kami roon at nakita ko pa ang kunot ng noo at iritadong tingin sa akin pero nang sumulyap na
ang boyfriend ko ay ngumiti at nagmukhang maamo.

"Yes?" Warren asked in a deep baritone.

Hindi ako umimik, sumandal ako sa may dibdib ni Warren at bumagsak ang kamay niya sa baywang ko para
alalayan ako sa kanyang hita. I took his glass of liquor, hinayaan niya akong kunin ang baso niya kaya
sumimsim ako roon at hinayaan siyang makipag-usap.

"I just wanted to talk to you," she said confidently. "Privately."

Kumunot ang noo ko at natigil sa pagsimsim sa baso ni Warren. I wanted to react but Warren's hand on my
waist stopped me.

"About what?" he asked.

"Uh, just...just about the project, I am confused kasi." She said flirtatiously.

"Is it urgent?" he asked, umalis ng tingin sa babae at marahang hinawi ang buhok ko sa balikat. I felt him
put my hair in my other shoulder so he could kiss my other neck.

"Hindi naman, uhm..." she gulped.

"Then, maybe we can talk to it after the vacation?" he lifted his head and glanced at her. "Sorry, Miss
Sanchez, but I wish to have a vacation for now. I won't think of work for the mean time. I hope you'd
understand that."

Nakita ko ang pagkapahiya sa mukha ni Jasmine, namula siya at kinagat ang labi pero ngumiti ang
tumango.

"O-of course! Ano, sorry. Sige, I'll swim first." She said and Warren nodded, hindi na siya inantay umalis at
muling sumiksik sa leeg ko.

The woman remained staring at us, hinanap ko naman ang kanyang mata at pinakitaan siya ng
pinakamatamis kong ngiti.

She was stunned, umawang ang labi niya sa akin.

"Mine," I mouthed and she gasped, rolled her eyes and walked out angrily.

Noong umalis siya at natawa ako, natigil lang nang kumagat si Warren sa leeg ko kaya hinampas ko siya.

"Tintin! Bampira ka ba?!" I hissed quietly and he laughed, pinisil niya ang baywang ko kaya napatalon ako
sa inirapan siya.

"You're such a naughty girl, huh?" he hummed, caught my chin and gave me a quick kiss.

"Naughty? What did I do?" I asked innocently and he smirked at me.

"Mine, huh?" he hummed and I froze. Umirap ako sa hangin at humahalakhak siyang yumakap sa baywang
ko at ibinaon ang ulo sa leeg.

"Wala akong sinasabi, ah?" I denied.

"Hmm, oo na lang." He chuckled. "But don't worry, Ma'am. I am always yours. Ikaw, are you mine?"

I relaxed, sumulyap ako sa dulong lounger at kita ang iritadong si Jasmine Sanchez at ngumiti.

"Sa'yo lang," I answered. "Should I put a sign on my forehead with Tintin's property written on it?"

He laughed, kissing my cheek.

"Then I should put a sign too, Sha-sha's property." He teased me back.

Ayaw ko man ay sobrang mapilit ni Augustine.

"I told you, I don't know how to swim!" I hissed quietly, nakahawak sa gilid ng pool at halos maiyak na na
hindi ko maabot ang semento.

"Come on, Ma'am. You can learn, turuan kita." He smiled at me, ang buhok ay basa. I saw how droplets of
water fell on his nose kaya inangat ko ang kamay at pinunasan iyon.

"Mukha nga akong palaka lumangoy, Augustine." I whined. "I tried, with my cousins pero hindi ko nga
kaya."
"You just have to lift your body and manage your weight," he explained, "I will teach you how, baby. Hindi
kita hahayaang malunod."

"Nakakahiya, Tin. Display lang ako sa gilid ng pool kapag nag-s-swimming kami. Purpose ko lang mag-
picture ng naka-bikini." I said in a small voice.

He laughed, namula na siya sa kakatawa sa akin kaya umirap ako at pinalo ang braso niya.

"Bully!" I whined.

"No!" he laughed and touched my face, "it's okay, baby. I can teach you how."

"Tinuruan na rin ako ni Kuya at Dad, still none." I pouted.

"But who knows? Baka kapag ako na nagturo kaya mo na?" he said, tila hinahalina ako kaya suminghap ako
at tumango na lang.

"Alright," I gave up.

She grinned, saglit akong hinalikan bago nagpaalam na may kukunin muna at umalis. I saw how he swam
towards the other end of the pool, I saw how his back stretched, his muscles moving with his every stroke.

I licked my lip, pinagmamasdan siyang kunin ang salbabida roon sa may gilid ng pool. I saw how the girls
sitting on the side pushed each other softly, giggling.

Kumunot ang noo ko nang kalabitin pa ng isa si Warren kaya napatingin ito roon. He shook his head and
said something, humaba ang nguso ko nang naghagikhikan ang mga Amerikana.

Binitawan ko ang gilid ng pool, pupunta sana sa pwesto nila pero bigla akong lumubog kaya suminghap ako
at yumakap sa gilid.

What the fuck! Matangkad naman ako! Bakit hindi ko abot ang lapag?!

I groaned, pinunasan ang basa sa mukha ng palad at iritadong sinuklay ang buhok.

"Ma'am—"

"Oh?!" I exclaimed and Warren stopped, kita ko ang pagkurap niya habang hawak ang salbabida. I realized
what I said kaya suminghap ako. "Sorry..."

"What happened?" he asked, mas lumapit hanggang sa magdikit na ang katawan namin.

"I—almost got drowned," I said softly. "Lumubog 'yong mukha ko tapos hindi ko maabot 'yong floor."

His face soften, hinawakan niya ang baywang ko at humalik sa pisngi ko.

"Sorry, hindi kita naabutan." He sighed. "Are you fine? Pumasok ba sa ilong mo 'yong tubig?" I slowly
shook my head.

He heaved a relaxed sigh and kissed my head. "Alright, do you wanna learn how to swim?"

Slowly, I nodded.
He offered me his hand, "come on, Ma'am. I promise to never let you go." He smiled and I sighed and
nodded, accepting his palm.

It was hard, we spent almost an hour just teasing me how to do floating, inalalayan niya ang katawan ko
para matuto ako mag-paddle at hindi man maayos noong at hindi pa rin marunong lumangoy ay kalaunan
natuto akong mag-floating.

"Yey!" I almost danced in happiness when I can do floating alone!

Muntik na akong lumubog kaya gulat akong napabalik ng hawak sa kanyang balikat at nanlaki ang mata. He
laughed, caught my waist and chuckled.

"You good?" he smiled.

"Yes, thank you!" pinatakan ko siya ng halik. "You're the best!"

"Ganyan talaga ang super twins, Ma'am. Tulungan." Mayabang siyang ngumusi. "What's my reward,
then?"

My lips protruded, smirking at him before whispering.

"Jugjug?" I whispered and he froze, nang makita kong nandidilim na ang mata ay bumaba ang kamay ko. I
cupped his bulge and his eyes widen.

"Scira Rosalie!" he warned at humagalpak ako ng tawa nang mamula siya.

It was hard hiding his hard on, he kept on glaring at me kaya natawa ako habang hinihintay siyang
humupa. Madilim nan ang umahon kami sa pool, tawang-tawa pa rin ako sa kanya.

"Mars, matigas pa rin ba—"

"Shut up, woman!" supladong turan niya kaya tahimik akong tumawa at napailing.

"Patingin—"

"Eyes up!" halos lumabas na ang litid sa leeg niya kaya natawa ako at umiling.

"Sorry, sorry, hindi na..." I laughed, kumapit pa ako sa kanyang braso.

He put the towel on my shoulder after drying my hair, nang kontento na siya ay ngumiti ako.

"'Di na kita aasarin, Tintin. Kiss na." I pouted my lips.

He remained glaring, ngumuso pa akong lalo. "Sige na, minsan lang 'to, kapag sinumpong ako wala kang
kiss."

I remained pouting for a few moments until he sighed and cupped my cheek, para akong batang nabilhan
ng candy nang humalik siya sa akin.

"Happy?" he said and I nodded, smiling.

"Super!" I exclaimed, his lips lifted, shaking his head before speaking.
"Kulit mo, buti na lang mahal kita," he whispered but I heard it kaya mas lumawak ang ngiti ko.

We walked side by side to go back to our cabin when a group of girls tried walking towards him. Filipinos,
teens wearing their skimpy bikinis, tatlo sila at doon ko natantong gusto nilang makausap si Warren na
walang pakialam na inayos lang ang t'walya sa balikat ko.

"Uh, excuse me!" a woman called using her high-pitched voice, nakita kong napabaling doon si Warren at
kumunot ang noo ko.

"Hi, uhm! Kuya, you're a Filipino, right?" the tallest of them all asked and I saw Warren nodded.

"Yes, why?"

"Uhm..." she giggled. "rare lang makakita ng Filipino here sa cruise and pakapalan na ng mukha but maybe
we could hang out with you?"

I stopped, malakas akong tumikhim at napalingon sa akin ang mga babae at si Warren.

"Sorry but he's hanging out with me," I answered coldly.

"Share mo naman, Tita." The woman smiled and I froze.

What the hell...Tita?!

Nagkatinginan kami ni Augustine, I was fuming mad and annoyed, pinipilit na ng mga bata si Warren pero
nanatili lang siyang nakatingin sa akin.

He looks amused and whatever kaya binigyan ko siya ng pamatay na irap.

"Sama ka na lang din sa hang out if gusto mo pero mas okay sana kung si Kuya lang. Tita ka na, eh. Baka 'di
mo bet ang mga trip ng teens." The other one giggled. "Sige na, Tita. Wala kaming kilalang Filipino rito!"

"First of all, I'm not a Tita—"

"Ay, mga sis, pasensya na, ah?" parang natulos ako nang biglang nagsalita si Warren, malambot ang boses
at malanding ngumiti.

I saw the teens mouth parted, miski ako ay umawang din ang labi.

"Sorry, kids, ah. Nag-ha-hunting kasi kami nitong kumare ko ng boylet." Hagikhik ni Augustine. "Madaming
matatandang yayamanin ditto sa ship! Ma-datung! Try niyo maghanap para bongga!"

I blinked, pumilantik ang kamay ni Tintin at parang natulos ang mga bata, ang isa'y muntik pang matumba
pero naalalayan ng isa.

"K-kuya, you're—uh, gay?" nanginig ang boses nito.

"Ay, grabe ka, sis!" pabiro niyang hinampas ang kamay sa ere. "Hindi ako baklush, I am a woman too!
Girlalu, sa mayamang grandpa na madaling ma-deds lang kakalembang."

Parang hindi ko ata ma-take ang kalandian ni Augustine, tulala rin ako habang hindi makapagsalita ang
mga bata at ngumisi si Augustine at kumindat.
"Sige, bye na, girls! Bigyan ko kayo kapag nakadekwat kami ni sister." He giggled, showed them a money
sign and held my hand.

Gulat pa rin ako nang hinila niya ako palayo pero biglang natauhan at lumingon sa mga bagets.

"Bye, kids! Kakalembang lang ang mga Tita!" I exclaimed, waving at the stunned girls.

Wala kaming imikang dalawa nang makalayo, kitang-kita ko ang pamumula ni Augustine at natatawa na
ako pero pinigilan ang sarili.

"Tin?" I called.

"W-what?" he stuttered, gulping hard.

"Hindi kaya natuluyan ka na, Mars?" I asked with a soft, mocking face.

He froze, umawang ang labi niya at umigting ang panga kaya ngumisi ako, unti-unting hinila ang kamay ko
sa hawak niya at biglang tumakbo palayo.

"Scira Rosalie!" he growled loudly and ran after me.

I'm such a bad girl and what does people do to girls like that? They got punished.

"F-fuck, faster, Augustine!" I exclaimed loudly while he's busy hammering me, rinig ko ang langitngit ng
kama sa bawat galaw niya.

"What now, huh? Ma'am? Sinong bakla?" he hissed lowly, gripping my waist while pumping in and out of
me.

"W-wala, joke lang!" I tried catching my breath. "B-bilisan mo, Tintin!"

"Gay, huh? Bubuntisin ka ng baklang 'to, Valderama." He muttered darkly and I moaned when I felt him
pulsating inside me, his seeds spurted inside me.

I rested on his arms after our session, he's still scoffing kaya natawa ako at humalik sa kanya.

"Arte, Augustine." I mocked and he frowned at me.

"What else can I do, Scira? The girls are aggressive, s'yempre mas magandang malaman nilang miyembro
ako sa pederasyon." He said.

I burst out laughing, shaking my head. Pinalo ko siya at hinuli niya lang ang kamay ko at dinala sa labi niya.

"Damn it, I'm embarrassed." He whispered and I smiled, sinilip ko ang mukha niya at hinagkan.

"It's okay, love pa rin kita. Gay or not, ayos lang." I said.

He glared at me, "I'm not gay, Valderama." He scoffed and I nodded.

"Sabi ko nga," tawa ko at pinisil ang ilong niya.

We remained quiet for a while, I played on his silver dog tag and I felt his playing with my hair, ramdam na
ramdam ko ang init ng kanyang katawan kaya nagdesisyon na akong magsalita.
"Tin?" I suddenly called.

"Hmm?"

"I just want to apologize," I said and he stopped, inangat ko ang tingin ko at tumitig sa kanya, I saw his
intense eyes staring at me kaya ngumiti ako.

"For?" he asked.

"For everything," I said softly. "for not hearing you out, for pushing you away. For telling you you don't
deserve me when the truth is, it is only you who deserve me."

I saw his eyes soften, he smiled at me, touching my cheek.

"I have a mistake too, Scira. I got fooled by my auntie and hurt you in the process, if only I was observant,
if only I didn't trust to much." He said and touched my cheek. "Gusto kong magpakita sa'yo noon pero
hiyang-hiya ako sa sarili ko at sa mga nagawa ko."

"It wasn't your fault, Tintin. I understand you, sarado lang talaga ang utak ko na pakinggan at paniwalaan
ka, it's my trust that got scarred and it took me months to slowly overcome it, unti-unti ay nabubuo ko
nang muli ang tiwala ko sa'yo. It slowly sink in to me, na hindi mo rin ginusto ang nangyari."

"I'm sorry," he said in a low voice. "I'm sorry that I lied to you in the past, for me, being a gay when I never
was. Gusto ko lang mapalapit sa'yo, you've seen me fooling around with Warrion with that and you
noticed me kaya...hindi na ako nakatanggi, pinanindigan ko na lang." He said shyly.

I bit my lip, natatawang hinaplos ang buhok niya.

"Why did you lie about being gay, anyway, bakit hindi mo na lang kaagad sinabi? I could've understand
you." Namula siya bigla.

"W-we talked about this in the past, Ma'am." He said shyly and I laughed, pinching his cheek.

"Gusto ko lang marinig ulit, masama ba?" I raised my brow.

"You just wanted to lift your pride, huh?" he smirked and I grinned back.

"Masama?" I said and he sighed in defeat.

"Because I like you, so much." He sighed again. "Gustong-gusto kita, crush na crush. Masaya ka na?"

"Tsk! Ganda ko talaga," I said boastfully and laughed, nailing siya at pinugpog ako ng halik ang mukha ko
pagkatapos lakumusin ang pisngi ko.

"Basta Tintin," I said and stared at his eyes. "I apologize for being insensitive, I will work on my attitude
and try understanding the situation more."

He smiled, nodding.

"Let's compromise," he said. "before we conclude, before we do decisions and actions, let's talk and hear
each other first."
"Alright. Let's compromise." I smiled back.

He smiled proudly, touching my chin. "Let's seal this with a kiss."

And we did, just didn't expect it'll turn into another round of making love.

The vacation with Augustine is a blast and I loved every second of it, we made up for the years we spent
growing and fixing ourselves, yet still the years we spent away from each other.

I am proud of learning to trust again, I am proud of myself for forgiving at ngayon, kinakabahan pero
nilakasan ko ang loob na magsabi sa parents ko na ipapakilala ko na sa kanila ang boyfriend ko.

"D-do I look good?" I chuckled when I saw Warren's nervous face, ayos na ayos siya at kalalabas lang sa
kotse pero sinalubong na ako kaagad at nagtanong.

"S'yempre, ang gwapo-gwapo ng mahal ko." I smiled, fixing the sleeve of his navy-blue dress shirt.

I saw his dark eyes staring at me, I noticed the amusement and adoration in his eyes while looking at my
outfit.

"You look beautiful too, Ma'am." He said and I smiled at him.

"Thank you, pinaghandaan ko 'to." I showed him my flowy blue dress matching with his shirt.

He smiled boyishly, mukhang kinakabahan pa pero hinaplos ko ang pisngi niya at ngumiti.

"Don't worry, Tintin. I'm just here, alam na rin naman nila Dad ang tungkol sa'yo, kaya nga may dinner."

"Will it be alright? I mean..." he looked nervous again kaya ngumiti ako at umiling.

"It's alright, okay?" I smiled, taking his hand and kissed his knuckles.

"I love you," he smiled. "Thank you, Ma'am."

"I love you too, Sir." Lambing ko at pinagsaklop ang kamay namin.

I pulled him towards our home, hindi pa kami nakakalapit sa pintuan ay lumabas na ang Kuya at ang
Daddy. I puffed a breath, shook my head nang makita ang Daddy na palaban na kaagad.

I saw Warren gulped harshly, malakas naman ang loob kong lumapit at ngumisi pa.

"Hi, Kuya! Dad! Boyfriend ko pala!" I said proudly.

Kuya Deion smirked, si Dad ay nakabusangot at sa bilis niya ay hindi ako nakagalaw nang akmang susugod
siya sa boyfriend ko.

He lifted his hand, was about to throw a punch when a voice stopped him.

"Isa, Thorn Arzeus! Sa labas ka matutulog!" naiwan sa ere ang kamay ni Dad at natigilan.

I saw how pale Warren is, glancing at my father's fist near his stomach.

"Ibaba mo!" my Mom marched and Dad sighed.

"Queen! Isa lang!" he whined but my Mom rolled her eyes, shaking her head.

"No, ibaba mo." She commanded and Dad cursed under his breath, nagdadabog na ibinaba ang kamay,
itinago sa likod at tumalim ang tingin.

"Zid..." he said in a small voice. "Isa lang!"

"No!" maldita niyang sagot at nang bumaling sa amin ay tila anghel na ngumiti. "Oh, come on, kids.
Maraming handa, tara pasok!" she cheered.

"Good evening, Sir, Ma'am." I noticed Warren's nervous yet managed to stay composed.

"Tita na lang, ano ka ba?" Mom chuckled, "tara, mga anak, pasok na at maghapunan."

She dragged us inside, napalingon pa ako kay Dad na nakabusangot sa likuran at si Kuya Deion na
humahagalpak ng tawa at ti-nap pa ang balikat niya.

"May isa na naman pong Tatay ang hindi napagbigyan sa kanyang pangarap," asar pa ni Kuya kaya siya ang
binatukan ng iritadong Thorn Valderama.

Kabanata 28

I can see Warren a bit nervous, pormal siyang naglalakad kasama ko patungo sa dining, marahang
humahawak sa baywang ko.

I saw him gulping when Mom talked to the house helps for the foods na wala pa sa hapag.

"Hey," I called softly, taking his hand.

Napasulyap siya sa akin kaya kaagad akong ngumiti sa kanya at mas humawak pa sa isang kamay niya.

"It's okay, don't be nervous. Mabait naman ang Mommy." Marahang sabi ko.

"I know, I just..." he puffed a breath. "Naninibago lang, this is my first time meeting a girlfriend's parents
and the last meeting I had with them was terrible, that's when I hurt you."

I sighed and shook my head at him.

"It's okay, we made peace from that part, we all have to move on. It's okay, my parents like you."
Pampakalma ko sa kanya.

"Really?" he looks relaxed when I nodded.

"Yes—"

"Luh, wala akong sinasabi, ah?" we almost jumped when Dad spoke, paglingon ko ay naroon na siya sa
likod kasama si Kuya na tatawa-tawa.

"Dad! Nakakagulat ka!" I exclaimed.

Dad frowned, nabitawan ni Warren ang baywang ko para humarap sa kay Daddy.
"Good evening, Sir." Magalang na bati nito kay Dad bago lumingon kay Kuya. "Good evening."

Kuya smirked and nodded, nang sumulyap ako kay Dad ay nakanguso siya at inayos ang salamin.

"Dad?" I called.

"SML?" he suddenly said and I froze, Kuya Deion burst out laughing.

Umawang ang labi ko at napakurap-kurap si Warren. Dad rolled his eyes, masungit na nagwalk-out
papunta sa may dining at yumakap kay Mommy na nagulat sa kanya.

"SML?" my forehead creased and glanced at Kuya Deion.

"Share mo lang," halakhak niya, tinapik ang balikat ni Warren at ngumisi. "Goodluck, pre."

Nagkatinginan kami ni Warren at nakita ko ang pag-ngisi niya roon.

"I'm sorry about my Dad," I cleared my throat, "he's being mean—"

"It's okay," natatawa niyang sabi kaya kumurap ako.

"Hindi ka na kinakabahan?" I asked and he nodded.

"Still a bit but yeah, it's okay. Natatawa ako, ang millennial pa rin ng Daddy mo." Biglang sinabi niya at
natawa na rin ako sa kanya.

"Nahawaan 'yan nila Tito, ayan, lutang na rin." Tawa ko roon. "Pero at least like ka na ni Kuya."

"Good thing," he smiled kaya ngumuso ako.

"Naku, Tintin, baka mamaya ang end game mo si Kuya talaga?" I teased.

Napahagalpak na ako nang sumimangot siya. I bit my lip to stop my laugh when he glared at me with his
stone face.

"W-what the fuck..." he muttered. "come here—"

"Joke, love you!" tawa ko at hindi na siya nakainda nang hilahin ko siya patungo sa dining table kung
nasaan ang aking pamilya.

They were already seated in the dining table, nasa may kabisera ang Daddy at sa kanan ang Mommy katabi
ni Queen na nakangiting kumakain na ng salad.

"Ate!" She smiled widely when she saw me.

I gave her a flying kiss at humahagikhik niya iyong sinalo kaya natawa si Mommy at napailing. Kuya Deion is
seated on his left side kaya roon ako naupo at hinila si Warren palapit.

"Good evening po," magalang na sambit ni Warren nang marating naming ang dining. "Ma'am, Sirs,
Miss..." I saw him smiled to Queen.

"Hi, Kuya! G'wapo ka!" she grinned.

"You're beautiful too, Miss." He smiled at her.

Natawa ako bigla at gano'n din ang Mommy. I saw Dad rolled his eyes and scoffed kaya siniko siya nang
natatawang si Mom.

"Thornie, behave!" she muttered.

I saw him pouting, nang sumulyap ako kay Warren ay namumutla na naman siya pero mas composed
kumpara kanina.

"Let's eat, everyone. Let's pray first." Ngiti ni Mommy at binulungan si Queen.

"Are you ready to pray, everyone?" Queen lead the prayer.

"Yes, we do." We all said and crossed our fingers and closed our eyes.

"Bless us, O Lord, and these, Thy gifts, which we are about to receive from Thy bounty. Through Christ, our
Lord. Amen." Queen Scira said softly and spoke again.

"Papa God, thank you po for the foods you gave us tonight, we hope po wherever Ate Clyte is, sana po
masarap din ang food niya. We are hoping she'll be back home soon, please guide po our whole family and
love ones, take us away from harm and embraced our home and our hearts. I love you, Papa God. Amen."

"Amen," we said and I opened my eyes.

I saw Mom smiling, kissing her cheek, napasulyap ako sa tabi ni Queen kung nasaan palagi nauupo ang Ate
at nakita ang pinggan doon.

"Let's eat," my Mom said cheerfully and Dad stood to give her food.

Inabot ko ang serving spoon, was about to take some food when Augustine stopped my hand.

"Let me," he said and smiled.

My heart thumped, nag-init ang pisngi ko at tumango sa kanya. He stood, he put meals on my plate and I
saw how my mother watched him carefully with a smile on her face.

Tahimik ang Kuya at Dad, I noticed them observing Warren who seems oblivious of them, staring at him.
Kinuha niya ang juice at nilagyan ang baso ko at nagkatinginan kami ni Dad.

He frowned, ngumiti ako ng matamis sa kanya.

"Please?" I muttered and he sighed, nodding.

Dad relaxed a bit, Kuya's been observing my boyfriend kaya siniko ko siya.

"Kuya," I warned.

"What?" he asked innocently.

"Don't go psychiatrist on my boyfriend," I muttered and he sighed.

"Can't help it," ngiwi niya at ngumuso, kumuha na ng pagkain niya.

We started eating. Pormal na pormal si Tintin habang kumakain, panaka-nakang susulyap sa akin para
mahinang magtanong kung gusto ko pang kumain, he's refilling my glass kapag nauubos na, palihim
naman akong sumulyap sa aking pamilya na mukhang kampante na sa kanya.

My Mom is observing but I noticed her sweet smiles. Si Dad naman ay walang reaksyon masyado pero
alam kong ayos na siya, nagda-drama lang marahil dahil hindi na naman napagbigyan ang kanyang
pangarap sa buhay.

I chuckled a bit, I remembered him saying na ipapakilala dapat namin ang mga manliligaw sa kanya noon
pero hindi naman nasunod, si Warren lang nakaharap niyang pormal na boyfriend ko kaya iritado siyang
hindi man lang nakasapak.

"What are laughing about, young lady?" my Dad asked kaya napaayos ako ng upo at mabilis na ngumisi.

"Nothing," I said and gave him a sweet smile.

Sumulyap siya kay Warren, I saw Tintin turned pale again, inabot ang baso para uminom ng tubig.

"Paano kayo nagkita muli nitong prinsesa ko?" my Dad asked at nabigla si Warren kaya nabulunan.

I heard him coughed, naibaba ang baso at tinakpan ang bibig.

"Tin!" I exclaimed and touched his back.

"Buti nga," Dad laughed evilly kaya binatukan siya ni Mom.

"Inaano ka?" he whined.

"Bata ka ba?" my Mom spat kaya ngumuso si Dad at sumandal sa kanyang upuan.

"S-sorry po..." Warren said, gulping hard.

"Okay ka na?" I asked softly and he nodded at me.

"Y-yeah, thank you." He smiled.

"So?" my Dad asked and Warren cleared his throat again.

"We met again in a project po sa Lost island, I am friends, well, I'm a cousin of Zirena's husband. Isa po ang
firm namin sa nabigyan ng project and same as Scira's, your firm, Sir." Paliwanag ni Warren.

"Hmm," Dad nodded. Kinuha niya ang tissue at ipinunas sa gilid ng kanyang labi.

"Lately po, we met again in a cruise ship tour and then, we made up. I-I asked your daughter for a chance."
He said and glanced at my family.

Napainom ako ng juice at sinubukang sumubo dahil kinakabahan din ako ngayon para sa aming dalawa ni
Warren.
"I'm in love with your daughter, Ma'am, Sir." He confessed to my parents at natigil ang kamay ko sa
paghiwa ng karne. "I liked her since the first time I met her, nahihiya lang po ako mag-approach kasi she's
you know, she's someone I couldn't reach and I'm just...me."

"Tin..." I called, wiped the side of my mouth with tissue. "Don't say that, you're not just you. you're
Warren Augustine Miranda and I'm in love with you too."

"Oh my God!" I saw my Mom giggled, nang sumulyap ako sa kanya ay namumula na siya, tinatakpan ang
kanyang bibig. "Kinilig lang." Ngisi niya.

My lips protruded a bit, glancing at Warren who has this soft and sincere eyes while staring at me. I can
feel his genuine affection and my heart felt so warm.

"I wanted to apologize for everything I did, Scira, Ma'am, Sirs." He said and glanced at my family.

I saw Dad and Kuya listening quietly, nakatingin kay Warren. Si Mommy ay gano'n din at si Scira ay
nakangiti habang nakatingin sa Kuya Warren niya.

"Makapal po siguro ang mukha ko na humarap pa rito sa inyo pagkatapos ng lahat but I wanted to tell you
I love your daughter so much, and I will do anything for her." He said.

"No one deserves my daughter, Mr. Miranda." My Dad said coldly and I saw Warren nodded, nervous but
courageous enough to face him.

"I know, Sir. She deserved better than me, she deserves anything in the world at hindi po ako 'yon." He
sighed.

"Tin..." I gasped and touched his arm. "That's not true."

"But..." he glanced at me. "But I am willing to be more just to deserve her. I'm in love with her, so, so much
that I'd never think I could love this hard again. Scira's my haven, Sir, she's my home, without her I am
lost."

Natahimik ang lahat, naiiyak ako sa saya na hindi ko maintindihan, my heart feels so full and in comfort.
Humigpit ang hawak ko sa baso ko at marahang uminom.

I saw my Mom and Dad exchanging glances, nangingiti si Mommy at kita ko ang paglambot ng mata ni
Dad.

"I know I did terrible things, if you'd let me, I would like to explain my side. Maiintindihan ko po kung hindi
niyo paniniwalaan—"

"We knew your side of the story, Warren." Mom answered kaya sumulyap kami sa kanya. "We already
know it, your aunt tricked you."

"I-I'm sorry, Ma'am." I saw Warren lowered his head. "I was fool, I thought of her as my second mother at
kailanman, hindi ko po naisip na magagawa niya. I have my mistake too, if only I became vigilant, if only
I'm careful, hindi po sana mangyayari. I wanted to apologize for doing that, for giving your company and
your family problems, for hurting Scira. I am deeply sorry po. I am willing to take full responsibility—"

"Your responsibility now is to take care of my daughter," we both stopped when Dad spoke, napasulyap
kami sa kanya at nakitang seryoso siya habang inaayos ang kanyang salamin.
"There's no use dwelling back to the past. What's done is done, yes, you did bad things but I understand,
we understand that. There's always a point in life where you make mistakes because you trust too much.
We all experienced that." He said seriously.

"I'm sorry, Sir." He said gently. "I'm really sorry."

Dad sighed and nodded.

"I understand, we all did mistakes and we can never take that back, the only thing we can do for it is to
make it a lesson instead. That's why sometimes, mistakes are done to give us a lesson, to learn." He said.
"We forgive you, I do."

"Stop blaming yourself, Warren." Mom smiled. "Hindi mo iyon ginusto, it wasn't your fault. I wanted to
apologize too for what I've said to you that night, I love my daughter so much at nadala ako sa galit ko."

"You don't have to apologize, Ma'am. I understand, dapat lang po na nagalit kayo."

Mom smiled and nodded, "thank you, Warren."

"No, thank you po." He said humbly and glanced at her and Dad. "Thank you po for saying it wasn't my
fault, alam ko pong may kasalanan ako yet you..." my heart broke when I saw Warren's eyes turned blood
shot.

My mouth parted, hindi na alam ang gagawin nang makitang may tumulong luha sa pisngi niya.

"T-thank you for forgiving me, t-thank you for talking to me. It means a lot to me. L-lumuwang po ang
pakiramdam ko." My heart swelled when he harshly dried his tears, ayaw na maging mahina pero gano'n
ang nangyayari.

"S-salamat po..." he said. "I-I'll do my best to be worthy of your forgiveness, I will do my best not to hurt
your daughter. I-I will do my best and be the best man who deserve her."

"Tin," I said softly and touched his cheek. "you deserve me, okay?"

Hinawi ko ang kanyang luha at suminghap.

I realized how much I love Warren's different versions. I love his funny side, I love his loving, naughty and
gentleman side but I love this weaker side of him more. I love how he melts for me, for his love for me.

"I love you, I'm sorry..." he said weakly and I nodded, nangingilid na ang luha.

"I-I love you too, I'm sorry." I said softly back.

"I remember myself to you," napasulyap kami Kay Dad at kita ko ang pagtaas ng sulok ng labi niya.

Napangiti ako roon pati na rin ang Mom at Kuya.

"Po?" Warren asked and did his best to dry his tears, mabilis akong kumuha ng tissue at inabot sa kanya na
kaagad niyang kinuha.

"Nothing," he chuckled a bit. "I just remember my young self to you, I remembered how much I begged
just to take my wife back."
I saw Warren chuckled a bit, brushing his hair with his fingers.

"I'm sorry, I'm such a crybaby." He said softly kaya napatawa na rin ako at marahang inabot ang kanyang
kamay sa ilalim ng lamesa.

He glanced at me and I smiled, siya na ang nagsaklop ng kamay naming dalawa at humigpit ang hawak sa
akin.

"Tss, bawal iyakin. Lalaki tayo." Dad said and my Mom and I frowned.

"Nagsalita ang hindi iyakin," biglang tawa ni Mommy kaya sumimangot si Dad.

"Hindi, ah!"

"Weh?" Kuya Deion suddenly spoke kaya sumimangot si Dad at napahawak sa batok.

"Ano ba 'yan, napaka-KJ!" he hissed kaya natawa kami sa kanya.

"Wawa, Thornik!" Scira mocked and grinned evilly kaya umawang ang labi ni Dad.

"Pati ba naman ikaw, anak?" he exclaimed at mas tumawa lang si Queen doon.

"Sorry, Daddy." She chuckled and Mom smirked.

"Tama 'yan, apir tayo, anak!" Mom said at napailing ako nang mag-high five ang dalawa roon hanggang sa
nakabusangot na ang Daddy.

Sinerve na ang desserts at magaan ang loob ko habang kumakain, nagbibiruan na sila at natutuwa akong
isinasali nila si Warren na nahihiya pa 'nung una pero nakipagsabayan na pagkaraan. He became
comfortable with my family and I felt nothing but genuine happiness for him.

"Yes, Sir. Ngayon, I'm working at my cousin's firm. Shareholder. Humiwalay na kasi siya sa pamilya para
magtayo ng firm."

"Hmm, where's your parents?" Mom asked and Warren shook his head, smiling a bit.

"They're gone,"

"O-oh..." she nodded. "I-I'm sorry, that was insensitive—"

"It's okay po, Ma'am. Matagal na iyon, I'm okay now." He smiled, reassuring her. "They died in a car
accident, noong nawala sila roon na ako nakikitira sa pinsan ko tapos bumukod lang 'nung kaya na."

"That's good," Kuya Deion nodded at him.

"Thank you, Sir." He said formally, smiling.

"Just call me Deion," he said and I blinked, natuwa at sumulyap kay Kuya na seryoso roon sa tabi ko bago
kay Warren na namangha pa pero natuwa.

"Sure, Deion." He said.

"Yieee..." we all stopped when Dad spoke. "Warren, p'wede namang h'wag na ang prinsesa ko, p'wede
naman itong lalaki ko."

"Dad!" Kuya exclaimed. Humagalpak si Mommy at ngumuso ako at umirap kay Dad.

"Aarte, malay niyo ba kung natuluyan si Warren tapos ikaw na pala ang bet—"

"Thorn!" Mom exclaimed kahit na natatawa.

"Daddy nga!" sikmat ko at sumimangot. Pilit kong inabot ang paa niya sa ilalim at sinipa.

"What?!" manghang sabi niya, natatawa. "Wala akong tutol kung kayo—"

"Daddy!" I whined and he scoffed, binatukan siya ni Mommy at nakanguso ako pero hinila ako ni Warren
at natatawang yumakap.

"Kay Scira lang kakalembang, Sir." He said, laughing while cuddling me at ngumuso si Dad.

"Huh! Dinig mo 'yon?" yabang ko pa kay Dad. "Sa'kin lang kakalembang."

Tawang-tawa sila roon at si Dad ay sisimangot pero natatawa na rin.

"Weh? May spark kayo ni Deion—"

"You're my father, Dad pero ako na mismo magpapayakap sa'yo sa Meralco para totoong spark." Reklamo
ni Kuya.

"Ang sama niyo sa akin! Tatay niyo ako!" depensa pa niya.

"Feeling bata ka kamo, Valderama." Mom laughed. "Isip-bata lang pero lolo na. Medyo amazed pa nga ako
na wala ka pang tungkod."

"Reyna!" Dad exclaimed, parang siya pa ang dehado. "Ano, Warren, sino ba talagang bet mo?"

Mas humigpit ang hawak sa akin ni Warren, natatawa pa roon.

"Scira kalambangerist lang po, Sir." he said. "Walang titibag."

"Luh," Dad frowned. "Akala mo talaga..."

"Yes, Sir—"

"Tito na lang," umayos ng upo si Dad. "Naaasiwa na ako sa Sir, call me Tito instead."

My heart swelled, seryoso ang Daddy at mukhang walang pakialam pero halata naman sa matang gusto
rin si Warren.

"Alright," he breathe happily beside me. "Tito."

"Yieee..." it was Kuya Deion's time to tease and Dad froze.

"Oh my God!" Mom burst out laughing at hindi ko alam kung bakit napahagalpak din ako.
Dad froze, hindi nakuha ang una pero nang matanto ay umawang ang labi.

"Putang ina—" he cursed.

"Shh! Si Queen!" Tinampal ni Mom ang bibig ng huli at mabilis na tinakpan ang tainga ni Queen na
kumukurap lang habang kumakain ng dessert niya.

Time flies so fast when you're happy, walang rewind kaya dapat sulitin mo ang bawat oras para walang
nasasayang na panahon. When you're with the person who makes you happy, mabilis ang oras na
sometimes hihiling ka na lang ng extra.

In a relationship, you both have to compromise. Communication is the key, hindi naman talaga maiiwasan
ang misunderstanding kaya ang pinakamagandang gawin ay maayos na pag-uusap para magkaintindihan.

"Ma'am, nandito na po si Sir Warren." Silip ng sekretarya ko kaya umayos ako ng upo at tumango.

"Alright, papasukin mo." Ngiti ko.

Umalis siya, habang wala pa ang boyfriend ko ay inayos ko ang lamesa ko na puno na ng nagkalat na papel.
Magulo na ang buhok ko at nawala na ang lipstick sa labi kaya mukha akong bangag.

Gusto ko sanang mag-ayos pero para saan pa? Augustine saw my every face, the one with make up and
the one without anything.

Kumuha na lang ako ng suklay at nang patapos na ako ay 'tsaka nagbukas ang pinto.

"Hi, Ma'am." He smiled when he saw me, may dala pang paper bag ng pagkain.

"Tintin..." I murmured, binaba ang suklay at mabilis na yumakap sa kanya. I cling on him like a baby,
natawa siya kaagad nang halos magpakarga na ako, Mabuti na rin at nakapants kaya naikot ko ang hita sa
baywang niya.

"Yes, my baby?" he hummed huskily, laughing, marahan ang lakad niya habang nakaalalay ang isang braso
sa likod ko para hindi ako mahulog. He put the paper bag on my table and carried me.

"I'm tired..." I whispered softly and buried my face on his neck.

"Maraming pipirmahan?" marahang bulong niya sa akin kaya tumango ako, pumikit at inamoy ang leeg
niya.

He sighed and kissed my hair, "you should rest first, mahal ko. I cooked you for lunch, h'wag ka na
masyado sa take outs, masama 'yon."

"Okay," I answered softly and kissed his neck. "Ang bango-bango mo, Tintin."

He chuckled, nang marahan akong bumaba sa kanya ay inalalayan niya ako.

"I used the perfume you gave me, okay ba?" nangingiti niyang sabi.

"Hmm, you smelled so good." Ngiti ko sa kanya.

Naupo siya sa swivel ko, nang ilahad niya ang kamay ay natutuwang umupo ako sa kanyang hita at muling
yumakap.

"Wala ka ng work?" I asked softly. "Akala ko mamayang hapon ka pa free."

"No, I wanna spend this day with you." He said, marahang inilapit ang swivel sa lamesa ko at inabot ang
dala niyang paper bag.

"Magkikita naman tayo mamaya, baka may work ka? Ayokong makaistorbo." I whispered, mas yumakap at
pinasok pa ang kamay sa shirt niyang suot.

I caressed his abdomen, I felt his breathing labored.

"Baby, stop it..." lambing niya.

"Why?" nangisi ako at mas hinaplos ang kanyang dibdib sa ilalim ng shirt.

"I'm turned on," he said hardly. "we should just eat now."

"Hmm," I licked his neck and kissed him. Napamura siya at marahang tinanggal ang kamay ko.

"Come on, Ma'am. Let's make out later, okay? Kakain muna tayo." He said, controlling myself.

I can feel his boner on my butt, ngumuso ako.

"But you're hard...sayang naman." I said. "I can do something—"

"Scira," he warned.

Humagikhik ako, "pero kasi—"

"Of course, I want to make love to you,"

"Oh? Eh, bakit..."

"You're hungry, that's more important." He said at hindi ko na napigilan ang pag-ngiti.

Lumayo ako sa kanya para sapuin ang kanyang pisngi. I met his soft black eyes and I smiled and gave him a
peck.

"I love you."

"I love you too," he chuckled and kissed me too. "We should fill your stomach with food first before I fill
you with babies."

I froze. Ngumisi siya at nang mamula na ako sa pilyo niyang tingin ay tumili ako at pinalo siya.

"Wala ka bang naalala ngayon?" he asked while he's driving towards the cemetery. We will visit his
parents.

"Hmm? Anong mayroon?" I asked.

He pouted a bit, kita ko ang pagkunot ng noo niya at nilingon ako.

"Wala kang naaalala?" he asked again and I shook my head.

"Mayroon ba dapat?" I asked and licked my lower lip. "Ang alam ko, we will meet and visit your parents
tapos kakain tayo sa labas?"

"'Yon lang?" he asked and I nodded.

I saw him sighed.

"Sorry, uhm..." I bit my lip. "Mayroon ba dapat?"

He froze, looked at me and smiled. "Wala naman, akala ko mayroon pang gagawin."

"Ah..." I nodded, touching the flowers on my lap.

Tahimik siyang nag-drive kaya ngumuso ako at medyo nangingiti kaya nag-iwas na lang ng tingin para hindi
niya makita.

We reached the cemetery in no time, kaagad na humawak sa akin si Augustine para alalayan ako habang
hawak ko ang bulaklak na regalo namin sa parents niya.

"Let me," he said, looking at the flowers pero umiling lang ako at ngumiti.

"No, ayos lang." I said softly. "Kaya ko."

Nakaalalay siya sa akin patungo sa Mausoleum ng kanyang mga magulang. I don't know why but I am
suddenly nervous.

Today is their death anniversary, may dala kaming mga bulaklak at kandila ni Warren para sa kanila.

I know they're gone but I am nervous now that I will meet his parents.

Will they like me for their son?

Nang nasa tapat na kami ay halos magwala ang puso ko, natigilan ako at naramdaman ang marahang
haplos ni August sa braso ko.

"Come on, baby. It's alright." He smiled at me softly.

"I-I'm nervous," I confessed.

"They will love you." I stopped upon hearing that, our eyes met and he touched my cheeks while smiling.
"They will love whatever I love and you're one of them. They will love you because I love you so much."

Nag-init ang pisngi ko, ang kaba ay napalitan pa ng kilig. I smacked his chest and pouted.

"Bolero," I said.

He chuckled, kissed my forehead and placed his arms around my shoulder. "Come on, Ma'am. They're
waiting for us."
Pagkalagay pa lang namin ng bulaklak ay nagsindi na kami ng kandila para sa mga magulang niyo. We
stayed silent for a few moments and uttered a prayer before sitting in front of them.

"Hello, Mom, Dad." I saw how Warren smiled upon staring at the tomb.

"Hello po, Tito and Tita, magandang hapon po." Magalang kong sabi at sumulyap doon. I slowly touched
the tomb and smiled.

"It's been a while since I last visited you two here," he muttered. "Ilang buwan na rin ang nakalipas, sorry
po. I got busy with work pero I will do my best to visit you more often, I will bring my girlfriend with me."

I smiled, nagkatinginan kami ni Augustine at marahang hinila niya ako palapit sa kanya hanggang sa
mapasandal na ako sa kanyang balikat.

"Mom, Dad, this is my girlfriend, Scira Valderama." He said and my cheeks flushed, umayos ako ng upo at
tumikhim.

"Hello po, Tito at Tita, pasensya na ang ngayon lang ako nakabisita." I smiled softly. "I am Tintin's girlfriend,
p'wede niyo rin ako tawaging Sha-sha."

Augustine chuckled, mabilis na yumakap sa baywang ko, natawa na rin ako roon.

"Grabe po itong anak niyo, kumare lang kami dati, eh. Super twins po kaso hinarot ako at jinowa na." I
said.

"This is my long time crush, Mom, Dad. 'Yong kine-kwento ko palagi sa inyo." He said.

"Kine-kwento mo ako?" my eyes widen, sinilip ko siya at ngumisi siya bago ako hagkan sa pisngi.

"Hmm, they know how much I like and love you." He said and glanced at the tombs. "Finally, nakuha ko na
'yong crush ko. I'm such a good boy, right?"

I chuckled, nahihiya man ay kinikilig din. Niyakap ko pabalik si Tintin at marahang hinaplos ang buhok niya.

"You see, Tito and Tita, super bait po nitong anak niyo. Good boy nga. I'm so proud of him." I said. "He's
really ideal, he's caring and loving, he understands and loves all my flaws and I'm in love with him so
much."

Napansin ko ang paglalim ng hinga ni Warren kaya ngumiti ako. Mas sumubsob siya sa balikat ko at
hinaplos ko ang kanyang buhok.

"I know I'm not perfect like everyone is claiming I am but your son accepted me wholeheartedly. He loved
me dearly and deeply and I am proud of having him. He's such a tough boy, he...lived alone yet he's so
strong, he overcome his challenges and like me, he isn't perfect. He has flaws too but I love this boy so
much. I love your son so much, Tito and Tita." I said gently.

Mas humigpit ang yakap niya sa akin, suminghap siya, nangilid din ang luha ko pero pinigilan ko.

"I hope you'll accept me in your son's life. Mahal na mahal ko po si Warren. I don't know if I'll be able to
love again, I fell hard for your son. I don't think I'll love again if it isn't him."

I heard his sobs, doon na tumulo ang luha ko.

"I-I love you," he whispered softly, shaking.

I caressed his hair more and smiled.

"I love you too, so much. Mahal na mahal kita." I whispered.

I stared at the tombs and my heart felt lighter when the cold air entered the mausoleum where we are
sitting and hugging. Ramdam ko ang dampi ng lamig sa braso ko kaya mas napanatag ako.

He moved away, I saw how tears fell on his cheek but his eyes scream nothing but genuine happiness and
my heart's already full.

"I love you," he said, kissing my lips briefly. I felt his tears on his cheeks as he kissed me and I kissed him
back, letting him feel the love I wanted to give him.

"Saan ba tayo pupunta?" he asked while I was driving.

"Basta," I smiled. "Ako ang taya sa date natin so I'll decide where we'll eat."

"Alright," he chuckled. "Wala bang clue?"

"Nah," I grinned.

"Ang daya..." he pouted and crossed his arms kaya natawa na lang ako at hinayaan siyang nakanguso roon.

"How about we stay in your condo? Or mine?" he asked. "Then, we can make love—"

"Ang harot mo kamo, Tintin." Tawa ko. "Kanina 'nung niyaya kita aayaw ka, arte. Bahala ka r'yan."

"Sayang," bulong-bulong pa niyang nag-iinarte kaya ngumisi na lang ako at dumiretso sa kung saan kami
kakaing dalawa.

"Pero wala kang naalala ngayon?" he asked after a while kaya saglit akong sumulyap at nagkibit balikat.

"Mayroon ba?" I asked and he pouted, shaking his head and rested again on his seat and stared at the
road.

Nagta-tantrums na ang sister ko, lihim akong ngumisi at mas na-excite na malapit na kami sa destinasyon.
We reached the port and I saw how his forehead creased when he realized it.

"Ma'am?" he asked.

"Shh," I smiled at him, offered my hand and he took it. Hinigit ko siya papunta sa destinasyon at nakita ko
ang pagtataka niya.

We reached the boardwalk at mas nabakas ko ang pagtataka sa kanya.

May lumapit sa aking empleyado at inilahad ang isang blind fold kaya nagpasalamat ako roon at ngumisi
kay Warren na nanlaki pa ang mata sa akin.
"Close your eyes," I said.

"Huh?" he asked then slowly nodded and grinned. "Is that your fetish, Ma'am, huh? Wanna fuck me with
blind folds on?"

"Hoy!" ako naman ang suminghap at pinalo siya. "Bastos!"

"Hmm, then why—" I glared at him.

"Pipikit ka o ano?" I muttered.

Natahimik siya, napalunok pa unti-unting pumikit. "Sabi ko nga," aniya at bahagyang ibinaba ang sarili para
mas maayos ang blind fold.

"Good boy." I smiled, fixing the blind fold before giving him a smack.

"Isa pa," hirit pa niya kaya ngumisi ako at pinitik ang kanyang labi.

"Mamaya na, sobra na 'yan." Tawa ko at mas humaba ang nguso niya kaya inabot ko na ang kanyang
kamay at hinila. "Come on."

Tanong siya ng tanong habang naglalakad kami sa board walk patungo sa isang yate na kinuha namin para
ngayong gabi. Nasa malayo pa lang ay nakita ko na sila.

Vioxx smirked when he saw me, I saw Wave pointed at the sky at kaagad kong itinaas ang kamay ko.

"Wait," I mouthed and he nodded.

"Careful, Sir." I said, marahang inaalalayan si Warren paakyat.

"Where are we, Ma'am?" he asked curiously. "Mas amoy dagat na rito."

"Basta," I said softly. "Tara."

We reached the yacht, I saw his cousin and friends with the girls standing in front. Nakahanda na ang
camera ni Zire na ngumingisi pa.

"Lower your head a bit, baby." Bulong ko at ginawa nga niya iyon. I slowly removed his blind fold and
nodded at Wave who showed his thumbs up somewhere.

"H'wag kang mumulat kaagad," I whispered.

"Alright, Ma'am," tawa pa niya.

"I'll count one to three, hmm? One, two, three." He opened his eyes at narinig ko ang malakas na putok at
ang pagkalat ng kulay sa langit dahil sa fireworks.

"Happy birthday, Mars!" we all screamed, mabilis na pinaputok ang party poppers kasabay ng fireworks sa
langit.

I saw how stunned Warren is, umawang ang labi niya. I saw how his eyes twinkled with unshed tears,
mabilis siyang lumingon sa akin kaya matamis akong ngumiti sa kanya.
"Happy birthday, my love." I said happily and I saw how tears pooled on his eyes before hugging me
tightly.

Kabanata 29

It's fulfilling seeing your love ones having fun. I've seen Augustine happy but he's extra happy today.

Nagbabatukan sila roon habang nag-iinuman pero nakita ko ang masayang ngisi niya. I glanced at the table
where the gifts are, he was so happy, he cried while hugging me, whispering his thank you.

I felt bad for ruining his last birthday so I am doing my best to make up for it, so far, seeing his this happy is
enough to make me happy too.

"Successful ang surprise party, ah?" Zirena grinned beside me, offering me her drink.

"Naman, thanks to all of you." I chuckled. "Without you all, hindi naman mangyayari 'to."

Tinanggap ko ang alak na ibinibigay niya pero nang maamoy ay kaagad akong naasiwa kaya ibinalik ko sa
kanya.

"Juice na lang ako, Zire. Ayoko malasing baka malasing si Tintin, walang mag-aasikaso." I said.

Humalakhak siya, kinuha ang alak bago nagtawag ng waiter para sa juice ko. I smiled when the lemonade
juice reached me, may payong pa iyon kaya sumimsim ako.

"Saan kayo galing kanina?" she asked.

"Cemetery, I met his parents. Galing kasi akong opisina, nagtatanong pa nga noong una kung wala ba raw
akong naalala tapos s'yempre sabi ko wala." I chuckled.

I saw the girls on the side, drinking. Si G ay may dalang isang pack ng mikmik at natawa ako nang ipamigay
niya iyon sa amin.

"Here, nakadekwat ako from Luci's bag! Share-share!" she giggled at natatawang kinuha ko iyon at
binuksan.

Nagtatawanan ang mga lalaki roon, nakakapit sa braso ko si Winter habang tumatawang nakikipag-usap
kina Engr. Flores.

"WarWar pa rin!" hagalpak ni Caspian doon, tinutulak si Warrion kay Warren.

I chuckled, shaking my head. I suddenly remembered how Tintin fooled around like a gay with Warrion,
akala ko talaga kumara material itong si Augustine, scammer of all time lang pala.

"Tang ina mo, gago!" Warrion exclaimed, sinipa ni Tintin si Lucian na humahagalpak doon at pinipilit siya.

"Sus, bago mo pa nakita si Architect kay Warrion ka muna kumalembang!" hagalpak pa nila roon.

"Gago!" Tintin hissed then smirked. "Ano, tara, darling?"

"Fuck you!" Warrion's jaw dropped, napatawa na rin ako nang humagalpak si Warren sa pang-aasar.

Winter chuckled beside me, sumulyap ako sa kanya at nakitang nangingisi rin.
"I really like it when they're being crazy like that. Parang mga batang hamog." She chukled.

Mukhang narinig din ng iba kaya natawa rin sila.

"Ngayon lang 'yan sila masaya, mayamaya magtatago na kasi maniningil na si Lucian." Tawa ni Polaris kaya
natawa na rin ako.

"Oh, I saw Luci took his magic notebook! Nasa pocket lang ng jeans." Sumbong ni G na muling namigay ng
mikmik flavored powder na kinuha niya sa asawa.

Habang masaya akong nakikipagkwentuhan ay hindi ko naiwasang bumaling sa pwesto ng mga lalaki at
natigilan nang magsalubong ang mata namin ni Warren.

His eyes are intense while glancing at me, I smiled and winked a bit and his lips lifted. Mas dumilim ang
mata niya habang sumisimsim sa alak sa baso.

I suddenly can't wait for us to be alone.

Tinawag ni Zire ang atensyon ko kaya sumulyap ako sa kanya at inabutan niya ako ng pagkain.

"Body shot! Body shot!" our gaze shifted on the side and saw the boys cheering. Kita ko ang pagsalo ni
Wave sa dice at nagtawanan sila at sinapak ang braso ni Warren.

"Naglalaro na naman ang mga shunga," tawa ni Zire kaya sumulyap ako roon muli.

May ibinigay silang lime kay Warren. He suddenly looks so shy, namumula rin. He looks kinda drunk as the
boys pushed him towards me.

"Go, birthday boy!" Vioxx laughed while he's making his way towards us.

My forehead creased, natatawang lumayo sa akin ang girls at nagulat ako nang tumabi sa akin si
Augustine. The mixture of liquor and his perfume reached my nose.

"Hi, Ma'am," his deep voice called me kaya kumurap ako at sumulyap sa kanya.

"Hmm?"

"Body shot?" he showed me his lime.

Bigla akong natawa, mas lumakas ang tugtog at nakita kong nag-uumpisa ng kumendeng si Caspian doon
sa gitna.

"Ano bang...hoy, Alcantara!" napahawak si Polaris sa sentido at tumayo palapit sa asawa.

"Ma'am?" namumungay ang matang sabi niya kaya ngumisi ako at tumango.

"Alright, show me what you got." Hamon ko at mas nagdilim ang mukha niya.

He put the lime in between my lips, placing an ample amount of salt in my collar bone.

"Woah! Way to go, Mars!" hagalpak ni Lucian na isinayaw na ang asawa na tumatawa roon.
"Fuck you," Warren laughed groggily, his sleepy eyes stared at me before giving me a peck on my lips.
"Love you, Ma'am."

He lifted his shot glass, his eyes never leaving mine as he took a sip on his tequila. My mouth parted a bit,
medyo bumilis na ang paghinga nang basain niya ang labi at tumungo sa may leeg ko.

I felt his tongue sensually licking the salt on my collar bone, mabuti na lang at malakas ang tugtog at nasa
gitna kami ng dagat kaya hindi narinig ang pagsinghap ko nang bahagya niyang sinipsip ang balat ko.

I felt the fuel running through my system, igniting the fire inside me. He moved away, moved his face and
suck the lime in between my lips with his lips.

Nagkatinginan kami at mas bumilis ang paghinga ko nang marahang humaplos ang kamay niya sa baywang
ko.

"Mamaya na landian, sayawan na!" Zire exclaimed kaya napatalon ako.

Wave and Warrion pulled Tintin away from me. I saw him frowned and cursed.

"Gago!" he exclaimed. "Let me go!"

"Bitin!" hagalpak ni Wave at halos sapakin siya ni Tintin.

"Let's dance!" Winter helped me up at natatawang sumama ako sa gitna para makipagsaya.

I danced and had fun with the girls, natatawang nag-video ako nang pagtripan nila ang boyfriend ko at
inangat sa ere, nilolokong ihuhulog sa dagat.

"Gago!" Tintin exclaimed and I laughed nang mamutla siya at halos masuka habang sinasabunutan ang
mga lalaki sa panloloko.

"Picture!" Zire exclaimed and I chuckled, humarap kami sa camera at nag-pose habang tuwang-tuwa
siyang kumukuha ng litrato.

An old disco song played in the stereo and I my stomach almost hurt laughing when the drunk guys
danced like old Titos in a disco.

"Shit, naalala ko sila Dad kapag sumasayaw." Hagalpak ni Zire nang mga lutang na ang sumasayaw sa gitna,
Caspian is making his hula hoop moves at pinipilit si Wave at Warrion na parang zombie at hindi
gumagalaw.

"Wavey, show them the moves!" malakas na hiyaw ng tumatawang pinsan ko.

"Way to go, Daddy! Macho dancer 'yan! Woah!" Sera exclaimed when her husband danced.

Ayaw pa ni Tintin sumayaw noong una pero nang ngumisi ako at tinaasan siya ng kilay ay nawala ang hiya.

"Papatalo ka ba?!" I exclaimed and his eyes widen.

"Of course not!" competitive niyang sagot at nakipagtagisan kay Caspian doon sa gitna.

I am laughing hard while watching them, naaalala ko sa sayaw nila sina Daddy kapag nagsasayawan. They
looked like old Titos dancing!
Nang lumalim na ang gabi at magmadaling-araw na ay 'tsaka lang kami nagdesisyong magpahinga. The
boys are drunk, kausap ko ang staff para sa pag-ayos ng kalat pero hindi na ako nakatulong dahil panay ang
yakap ni Tintin sa likod ko.

"Tin, una ka na." I said softly. "Tulong lang ako saglit—"

"Ayaw..." he muttered.

"Tintin," I warned when he began kissing my nape. Nakikiliti na ako at natatawa pero ayaw tumigil, mas
yumapos siya sa baywang ko at hinawi pa ang buhok ko.

"Naku, Ma'am. Ayos lang, kami na ang bahala." The staff chuckled when she saw us.

I pouted a bit, pinakausapan pa si Tintin dahil nahihiya ako na hindi makatulong pero ayaw paawat.

"Ayaw, Tintin gusto Sha-sha..." he whispered huskily.

"Ate, pasensya na po, ah?" marahang sabi ko sa staff na kaagad na ngumiti at tumango.

"Ayos lang, Ma'am. Pahinga na po kayo at baka gusto na matulog ni Sir." Aniya at ngumisi ako ng kaunti,
marahang hinawakan ang kamay ni Warren sa baywang ko at hinila.

"Come on, Sir. Tulog ka na." Marahang sabi ko habang kumakalas siya sa akin.

Nagpaalam na paalis ang staff. Naiwan kaming dalawa at nakita ko kaagad ang mapungay niyang matang
nakamasid sa akin.

I brushed his hair a bit and I felt him putting his hand on my waist. Bumaba ang hawak ko sa kanyang
pisngi at ngumiti.

"Hindi ka ba nilalamig?" he suddenly asked, umakyat ang isang kamay sa braso ko.

"Medyo, I'm fine." I answered, smiling.

Kumunot ang kanyang noo at unti-unting umakbay sa akin, "you shouldn't have changed your clothes.
Nag-dress ka, malamig na tuloy."

Nangingiting inilagay ko ang braso sa kanyang baywang at sabay kaming naglakad papunta sa aming
kwarto.

"I'm okay, hindi naman masyadong malamig." I smiled while feeling his warmth.

We reached the room inside the yacht at doon na ako humiwalay kay Warren, I took my purse and check
the key card and I felt him settling behind me to hug my waist.

"You're so clingy, Sir." Natatawang sabi ko habang kinukuha ang card.

"Only to Sha-sha," he said huskily and moved my hair away, I felt him kissing my nape and I gasped.

I tried staying compose yet his kisses are too soft and gentle I couldn't even think straight, his hand from
my waist went up and I gasped when I felt him squeezing my breast.
"A-Augustine," I hissed when my hand started shaking. "W-wala pa tayo sa kwarto!"

"Hahawak lang, eh." He muttered. "Damot."

"Mamaya na sa kwarto, hmm?" I hummed pero sobrang kulit, umawang ang labi ko nang akmang i-aangat
niya ang hem ng dress kong suot.

"Augustine!" I hissed.

"Alright," he chuckled and kissed my neck. "Open the damn door na so we could make love."

Mag-iinarte pa sana ako pero gusto ko rin kaya hindi na umangal, I cleared my throat, stayed composed
and when I opened the room, kaagad na nagtagpo ang labi namin.

It was like we memorized each other's moves, mabilis na nakalas ko sa kanya ang butones ng kanyang
dress shirt at basta ko na lang itinapon kung saan.

"Baby," he called when I became a little aggressive, humalik ako sa kanyang leeg at bumaba ang kamay sa
kanyang pants para hilahin ang belt paalis.

"F-fuck, Ma'am." He said hoarsely when I pushed him on the bed.

Nakabagsak pa ang kanyang dalawang paa sa ibaba habang nakahiga ang katawan sa kama, I saw how his
muscle flexed when he put his arms at the back of his head as he watched me kneel in between his legs.

He whistled a bit, bumagsak ang buhok sa noo kaya tumaas ang sulok ng labi ko.

"H'wag mo namang ipahalatang masyado kang patay na patay, Tintin." I muttered sensually.

He chuckled, watching me teasing his hard on as I moved my waist in the material of his rough pants.

"Can't help it, Ma'am." He licked his lower lip. "I can't wait to fuck you hard, kanina pa ako nagpipigil."

Natawa na ako, I lifted my body a bit to remove my dress, itinapon ko iyon kung saan at naiwan na lang sa
underwear. His eyes darkened more, I saw how he gulped harder at that.

Tinanggal niya ang kamay sa likod ng ulo, he was about to touch me pero tinampal ko ang kanyang kamay.

"No," I hissed.

"W-what?" napakurap siya at ngumisi lang ako.

"Let me do the moves now, Sir." I said teasingly and reached for the hook of my brassiere.

"Ma'am," he gasped and bit his lower lip.

"Happy birthday, August." I said sensually, removing my brassiere and threw it near his head.

"Scira," he warned when I laughed at him, he's tempted to touch me again but I shook my head kaya
suminghap siya at nagpigil.
I saw how his breathing labored when I moved a bit lower to unbutton his pants, his eyes dilated and his
face reddened. Umigting ang panga niya nang mabuksan ko ang kanyang pantalon at marahang hinaplos
siya.

I moved my hand in his boxers, teasing him. Halos marinig ko na ang malalalim niyang paghinga sa
ginagawa ko. I can feel him getting harder and harder with my touch.

"Scira! Just please..." he cursed under his breath.

"Oh?" I grinned, mas hinila ang pants niya paalis at nang maiwan na lang ang boxers niya ay mas ngumisi.

"B-baby, just..." he sighed. "Touch me."

"Uh-hmm," I licked my lip and moved my hands on the garter of his boxers. "Please what?"

His eyes darkened more, tumalim ang tingin niya at mas nahirapan na.

"Baby, please..." he heaved a heavy sigh.

"Please, what?" I smirked and lowered his remaining clothes.

My throat dried up when I saw his part standing proud, nakita kong nakakuyom ang kanyang kamay at
gusto na akong abutin pero hindi magawa.

"Please fuck me," he hissed. "Ma'am..."

"Alright, birthday sex it is." I smiled sensually before touching him.

Bumaba ako sa kama, I knelt in between his legs and enclosed his manhood with my warm palm. Lumalim
ang paghinga niya, napaupo siya at kumindat lang ako at iginalaw ang kamay.

"You're hard, huh?"

"Stop teasing me, woman!" his impatient voice roared at natawa ako, nang mag-angat ako ng tingin ay
sobrang dilim na ng kanyang mata habang nakatingin sa akin.

"What?" I teased while stroking him slowly.

"Damn it, you're good at seducing, huh?" malalim ang boses niya kaya mas humagikhik ako at umayos ng
luhod.

"Happy birthday, Augustine." I said and I know he didn't expect it when I lowered my head and take him by
my mouth.

"Fuck!" he cursed when I moved my head. "S-Scira, damn it! W-why the fuck—"

"Hmm," I just hummed and moved my hands together with my head. I gripped his part more and pumped
harder, ramdam na ramdam ko ang pagpigil niya para hindi mawalan ng control.

I felt him touching my hair, my mouth felt full but I did my best to pleasure.

"Fuck it, Scira!" malalim niyang sabi at ipinaikot ang buhok ko sa kamay niya.
I can feel myself felt wetter and wetter with every second I've been doing this to him, suminghap siya at
nagmura at nagsimulang umulos.

I was so lost with pleasure as he pumped himself inside my mouth, marahan ang kanyang galaw at
kontrollado pero kitang-kita ko ang pagpula ng kanyang dibdib at paglabas ng kanyang ugat sa leeg.

"I love you, fuck..." he cursed. "Mahal na mahal kita."

"Hmm..." I just hummed and moved faster. Mas humigpit ang pagkakapulot ng kamay niya sa buhok ko at
bumilis ang galaw.

I felt like choking and he noticed it, bumitaw siya at marahan akong inilayo, nagdidilim at nag-aalab ang
tingin.

"T-Tin," I called when he looked like a beast losing his patience.

"Stand up," he said at marahang tumayo para alalayan ako.

I met his black eyes and I bit my lip, shy. "D-did I do it wrong? I-I just wanted to try—"

"It felt fucking good, Ma'am." He said darkly and slowly touched my cheek. "I just don't want it when you
choke like that, okay ka lang?" his eyes soften.

"W-well, yeah..." I gulped and licked my lower lip.

"Damn, temptress." He cursed at bigla akong natawa nang buhatin niya ako at marahang ibinagsak sa
kama.

He crawled closer and captured my lips with his deep and sensual kisses. I kissed him back, touching his
nape to give him the exact intensity he is giving me.

His hand is touching my hardened peak, his other one finding ways inside my core and began stroking my
sensitive bud. Hindi ko na alam ang ginagawa, our moans filled the room.

His digit inside me is enough to make me reach my highest cloud, I convulsed but he still isn't done, he
lowered his body, removed my undies and licked me like a thirsty lion.

His tongue and fingers maneuvered me to another convulsion until his manhood filled me to the core after
a while.

I encircled my legs on his waist and moved with him, sinasalubong ko ang bawat pag-ulos niya at kakagatin
ang labi ko para mapigilan ang maingay na ungol na kakawala.

"T-Tin! Fuck, faster, baby." Bulong ko at kumapit sa kanyang batok.

Pinirmi niya ang baywang ko, kita ko ang pagpula ng kanyang dibdib, his sweat fell, sa muling paghalik niya
ay kita kong mariing nakapikit ang mata.

"I love you," he said when he opened his eyes and kissed me again.

We exchanged deep kisses, hindi alam kung gaano kami katagal na ginawa iyon. Palagi ko siyang nakikita
pero palagi ko siyang nami-miss, every time I am meeting him, it felt like it's the first time again.
"I love you too," marahang sabi ko at nakita ko ang pag-awang ng labi niya nang bumilis ang galaw sa loob
ko. I gasped when I felt him inside me, filling my womb with his seeds.

Deep breaths, slow whispers of I love you and deep kisses, I couldn't get enough of Augustine. After our
session in the bed, we found ourselves making love in the bathroom when planning to just take a shower.

We ended up fucking in the bath tub, muntik pa nga siyang madulas dahil nabasa namin ang sahig, mabuti
na lang ay nakahawak siya at nanlaki ang mata at sabay na lang kaming nagkatawanang dalawa.

"I'm in love with you, thank you for the birthday surprise," he whispered while I am resting on his arms,
parehong nakabalot sa puting kumot.

"Welcome," I smiled and pinched his nose. "Are you happy?"

He nodded, caught my hand and kissed my knuckles while staring at my eyes.

"Beyond happy, my love." He kissed my knuckles again. "Sobrang saya ko."

"I'm glad you're happy," nakangiti kong sabi at sinuklay ang kanyang buhok. "how about my gift?"

"Gift?" he chuckled deeply. "That was one of a kind gift, baby. I loved it very much, parang gusto ko pa nga
ng isa."

I smacked his chest, mas natawa siya at niyakap ako.

"You smelled so good, baby. I love you." He whispered.

"I love you too," I smiled happily, mas lumapit pa hanggang sa maramdaman na ang dibdib niya. "I am
happy that you liked it."

"I loved it," he answered me. "So much, thank you for the effort. I've never been this happy before for my
birthdays, ngayon lang."

"Tito and Tita will be sad if you will still mourn for their deaths, Tin." I said softly. "Mas magiging masaya
sila kung masaya ka."

"I know," he whispered, marahang pinaglalaruan ang necklace ko at sinusuklay ang buhok ko. "I didn't
know I'm still capable of being happy like this, thank you for making this possible."

"Everything for you, Sir." I said and caught his hand, it's my turn now to give him kisses on his knuckles. "I
will do my best so you can have more happy birthdays, I will do my best to always make you smile."

"Your presence is enough to make me happy, nagtatampo nga lang kasi akala ko 'di mo naalala." Maktol
niya kaya natawa ako, I shook my head and tapped his cheek.

"Silly, of course I have to pretend I didn't know, where's the surprise?" Tawa ko at nailing siya pero ngumiti
rin.

The room is dim, tanging ang lamp shade lang ang nagbibigay ng ilaw pero kitang-kita ko ang expressive
niyang mata habang nakatingin sa akin.

"I love you again, I had fun." He smiled. "Mahal na mahal na mahal kita."
Natawa ako nang pisilin niya ang pisngi ko hanggang sa nakanguso na ako para patakan ako ng halik,
pinaliguan niya ng halik ang mukha ko kaya natatawang yumakap ako sa kanya.

"I love you too, let's have a good life, okay? Let's cherish this relationship and compromise if we have
misunderstandings." I said and he nodded.

"I don't wanna lose you," he said, smiling. "I'd trade everything so I could have you with me."

We talked about our lives that night and it was so fulfilling, kilala ko na si Augustine pero habang
nakikipag-usap ako ng masinsinan sa kanya ay mas lalo ko siyang nakilala at mas lalo akong nahulog.

"I am investing in stock markets so I could earn more, malaki rin naman ang kita roon sa firm nila Vioxx
kasi kami ang nagsimula at mas nakilala pero s'yempre, hindi dapat doon lang umaasa." He played with my
fingers. "I want to give you a family you deserve, para hindi tayo mahirapang magpalaki ng anak."

"Anak kaagad, huh..." tawa ko pa pero ngumuso rin at tumango.

"Tss, I'm with you because I wanted to spend my lifetime with you, ano, jinowa mo lang ba ako para i-
break bukas?" he tsk-ed.

Natawa akong lalo, pinisil ko ang kanyang ilong at humalik sa labi niya.

"Of course not! I can't see myself having other boyfriends than you. I love you, Tin. Sagad." I said at nakita
ko ang ngisi niya.

"Paanong sagad?" he asked maliciously at nawala ang ngisi ko at iritado siyang kinaltukan habang
tumatawa.

Being with him, I comfortably shared my thoughts too, on how I lived those years we're apart and he
listened to me, didn't say anything as if my words and opinions are very important to him.

I told him how I strived harder to be better at work, how I felt when we lost my grandparents, the worry
and pain losing Ate Clyte too and my journey to be the better version of myself.

"I'm proud of you," he whispered while touching my cheek and my heart jumped.

"I'm proud of you too, Tin. I bet your parents are proud as much as I am proud of the man you became.
You're so strong and tough, I am so proud of you." I smiled and kissed him. I saw how his eyes soften, his
lips quivered, nang makitang mukha na naman siyang naiiyak ay ngumisi ako.

"You're such a soft boy, Tin." I whispered and he stopped, looking at me.

"Hmm?"

"But you're hard," I touched his hard on and he cursed harshly when I laughed hard.

I am quietly sipping on my milk tea when my secretary called and said I have a visitor. Wala naman akong
ginagawa kaya nagdesisyon na akong kitain iyon at nagulat nang makita kung sino.

It was Angelita Miranda, Warren's aunt.

Hindi ko alam noong una paano siya kakausapin but then I composed myself because I wanted to close
this part in my life.
Pagkatapos namin mag-order ay nanatili akong tahimik, akala ko nga ay ako pa ang mauunang magsalita
pero nauna siya.

"Miss Sandejas, I just wanted to apologize." She started kaya sumulyap ako sa kanya at malamig na
tumingin.

She looks elegant, in her age, maganda at sopistikada pa rin ang itsura.

"I..." she sighed. "I did something terrible in the past to your company. I wanted to apologize for recruiting
your employees that way."

"It wasn't just my company who got damages, Mrs. Miranda." I said formally. "I hope you would still
consider the pain you brought Warren for that schemes. I understand that it's only business, sometimes,
we play dirty but I do hope you'll consider other people too."

"I do," she sighed, I saw how her eyes turned softer. "I just forgot to think of it, nabalot lang ako sa galit na
pati kayo ay nadamay pa. My son left the company and I was alone, sa galit ay hindi na ako nag-isip."

"Yes, sometime we do irrational things out of anger," I said and sipped on my tea. "And what we can only
do about it is apologize and learn."

"Warren is also my son," mahina niyang sabi, "he's my nephew. He treated me like his mother, alam kong
hindi ko siya pinagtutuunan ng pansin pero buo ang respeto niya. I just can't believe I did that to him, hindi
ko naisip na masasaktan ko siya ng gano'n, I included him in my evil plans without me knowing."

"Emotional damage is more painful. Ako, nagalit ako noon sa nangyari sa kompanya namin but I got over
it. I understand that it was just business and not all people are fair. We are all unjust, hindi nga lang natin
alam pero may mga panahong mas iisipin mo ang ikaaangat mo kaysa ang iba pang bagay." I told her and
she nodded at me, sighing.

"What pained me the most is the thought of Warren doing that to me, I trusted him and that pained me
more that what happened to the staff." I said.

"I am sorry for ruining your relationship, Miss Sandejas." She said, I noticed her genuine apology. "I know
it was hard fixing it but I am willing to help, k-kung may problema pa kayo ng pamangkin ko, I-I can help."
She offered and I smiled gently, shaking my head.

"What you did was wrong but it made us tougher, I accept your apology but I have a favor to ask," I said
and she nodded at me.

"Anything," she said and smiled.

"I want you to apologize to him, what happened scarred his heart, Mrs. Miranda. Please, do me a favor
and asked for his forgiveness, that would make me happy." I smiled when she nodded.

Warren fetched me when I finished my work, we dine in the car after our we went on a drive thru to order.

"Pahingi pa," kinuha ko ang fries ni Warren at natatawang inabot niya iyon sa akin.

"Ketchup, Ma'am?" he showed me the catsup and I shook my head and grinned before taking his ice
cream sundae.
"Gusto ko sawsaw sa ice cream," I said and he chuckled. Wala siyang naging reklamo nang ako na ang
halos umubos ng pagkain naming dalawa.

"Dahan-dahan, Ma'am. Mabulunan ka." Paalala niya nang salitan kong kinagat ang burger at fries
pagkatapos isawsaw sa ice cream.

"Oh, sorry..." I smiled foolishly and he just grinned at me.

"Let me tie you." Kinuha niya ang ponytail sa bag ko, he turned me softly and brushed my hair with his
fingers so he could tie my hair.

"You want more?" he asked me after a while when I finished my foods.

"No, I'm full," I froze when I burped, tumawa lang siya at kinuha ang tissue para punasan ang gilid ng labi
ko.

"You seem to have a big appetite this past few weeks, Ma'am, hmm?" pansin niya habang hinahaplos ang
baba ko at pinunasan ng tissue.

I froze but then cleared my throat and looked away.

"A-ano, uhm, gutom lang." I explained and he nodded.

"If you're still hungry, tell me. Baka may madaan tayong drive thru pa. I'll drive you home." He said and
fixed my seatbelt.

Tahimik ako habang nasa biyahe kaming dalawa, he looks bothered dahil madalas ang daldalan namin
pero hinayaan niya ako ngayon kahit halatang gusto niyang magtanong.

"You're sleepy?" he asked and I simply smiled and nodded, marahang sumandal sa upuan at inisip ang
sinasabi niya.

I felt nothing but the mixture of nervousness and excitement as he drove me home, marahang sumilip ako
sa bag kung saan nakalagay ang kulay puti at medyo mahabang box at kinagat ang labi ko.

Will he...like it?

We reached home and I was more nervous, hawak kamay kaming papasok ng bahay habang hawak ko ang
bag ko.

"Good evening po," Warren greeted Kuya Deion when he saw him on the couch.

"Good evening," Kuya said formally at saglit akong humiwalay kay Tintin para yumakap kay Kuya.

"Hi, Kuya. Si Dad?" I asked.

"He took Queen to sleep, bababa na iyon, Mom's in the kitchen, preparing some fruits." Aniya at bahagya
akong pinakawalan. "Uuwi na rin ako mayamaya."

I smiled, tinuro ko ang kitchen kay Warren at kaagad siyang ngumiti sa akin at tumango.

"Sama ako?" he asked.

"H'wag na, lalabas na rin ang Mommy, puntahan ko lang." Ngiti ko at mabilis na hinagis lang ang bag na
hawak sa may table sa sala.

I walked towards the kitchen and I heard Warren calling me pero hindi ko na pinansin dahil nakita ko na
ang Mommy.

"Hi, Mom!" I cheered.

"Oh, anak." She smiled and offered me her hand, mabilis akong yumakap at humalik sa kanyang pisngi.

"Hi, Mom! Tara sa labas? Nando'n si Warren." I said and she nodded, nakita kong ini-slice niya ang apple at
peras kaya ngumiti ako.

"Hmm, sige, tapusin ko lang." She smiled.

"U-uh, m-may sasabihin po sana ako sa inyo." I said and Mom glanced at me and nodded.

"Go, ano 'yon?" she asked and I gulped.

Parang nanuyo ang lalamunan ko, kinagat ko ang labi at halos pagpawisan ng malamig sa kaba kaya
tumikhim lang ako at ngumiti.

"Uhm, m-mamaya na lang, Mom. Kapag nand'yan na rin si Daddy." I said nervously.

She glanced at me, mukhang nanunuri pero ngumiti ako kaya ngumiti rin siya at tumango.

"Alright, tapos na. Patulong naman dalhin—" we both froze when we heard a voice thundered on the
living room.

"Tang ina!" napatalon kami ni Mommy, mabilis na tumakbo sa sala at umawang ang labi ko sa nakita.

Kuya Deion stood, shocked. Dad is gripping Warren's collar!

I gasped, bumaba ang tingin sa bag ko sa lapag at ang nakakalat na ibang gamit mula sa loob nito.

"What the hell are you doing?! Thorn Arzeus! Bitawan mo!" Mom hissed angrily, mabilis na lumapit din si
Kuya.

"Gago ka! What have you done!" Dad cursed loudly and gripped his collar more.

"I-I don't know about this, Sir. I was shocked too." Gulat na sabi ni Warren at mas umawang ang labi ko.

"Thorn, ano 'yang—"

"Buntis ang anak mo, Zidney!" Dad hissed and I froze, I saw him pulled the white thing in Warren's grip
and lifted it at mabilis na lumapit si Mommy at kinuha iyon.

"S-shit..." I cursed and walked towards them.

"Oh my God!" Mom exclaimed.

"Sir," nanlalaki ang mata ni Warren, gulat pa rin. "I will take full responsibility—"
"Gago ka!"

"Dad!" I exclaimed when I saw him lifted his hand and was about to punch. He shifted his gaze and eyed
me, his eyes are dark.

"H'wag kang makikisali rito, Scira Rosalie!" He exclaimed, enraged while my Mom is stunned and staring at
the pregnancy test.

"S-sir, I will marry your daughter—"

"Gago ka, tang ina mo! Makakaisa na akong hayop ka!" he exclaimed and I screamed when his punch
landed on Warren's cheek.

"Dad!" I exclaimed when Warren fell, tumama siya sa may pader at lumunok.

"S-sir... I will—"

"Mom!" I exclaimed pero kumurap lang si Mommy.

"Oh God!" my eyes widen when Dad punched Warren's cheek again, mabilis niya ring sinuntok ang t'yan
nito kaya napaubo ang huli.

"Kuya!" I exclaimed in horror and Kuya just glanced at me and shrugged. "H-help him!"

"It was Dad's dream, pagbigyan mo na," he fixed his glasses, smirking darkly while staring at the two men
na nasa lapag na. Warren isn't fighting, si Dad ay muling sumuntok at doon na suminghap si Mommy.

"M-Mom..."

"Thorn Arzeus!" Mom exclaimed and walked towards him but Dad lifted his hand to stop her.

"No, Queen, let me." He smirked evilly and my heart hammered.

"D-dad..." I called.

"Tang ina, ang fulfilling! Ganito pala 'yon?" he laughed but then saw Warren's face again kaya bumusangot
ulit. "Gago ka, ah!" napatili na ako ng malakas nang muli niya itong sinapak.

Kabanata 30

"Oh my God, Dad!" I exclaimed horribly.

He's still punching my clueless boyfriend on the floor, alam kong nagitla rin dahil wala siyang alam sa
pagbubuntis ko!

My Mom is trying to pull him but he's too dedicated of finally reaching his dreams. Si Kuya ay seryosong
nanunuod pero nakikita ko ang malalaking ngisi niya.

"Y-you fucktard! How dare you touch my princess!" Dad exclaimed.

"I-I will take full responsibility—Aww! S-sir! H-hindi ko po tatakbuhan ang anak niyo!" he exclaimed.
"Huh?" Dad muttered and pulled his collar.

"I will—"

"Hotdog!" he said smugly.

"You should stop hanging out with Tito Zeij," halakhak ni Kuya habang ako'y naghihisterikal na roon.

"Thorn Arzeus! Let the kid go!" Mom hissed under her breath, halos hilahin na ang damit ng Daddy.

"Dad! Shit, Kuya! Help!" I exclaimed and he just smirked at me.

"Sorry, princess—"

"I hate you!" I stomped my feet and helped Mom pulling my Dad.

Todo iwas si Warren sa sapak ni Dad, he's been crossing his arms to prevent the punches but my Dad is as
strong a carabao, hindi papatalo.

"Thorn—" natigil kami ni Mom nang matigilan si Daddy.

I blinked, nakita kong napaupo sa sahig si Daddy at si Tintin ay nakanganga lang doon.

"Thorn?" Mom called and I saw how my Dad frowned, touching his hips.

"B-balakang ko, f-fuck..." he hissed and touched his hips more.

"Shit! Sabi na, eh! Ang buto mo!" Mom exclaimed, mabilis na dinaluhan si Daddy na ngumingiwi sa sakit
ng balakang niya.

Kuya burst out laughing, mabilis na lumapit kay Dad para tumulong.

"Fuck, Dad? Marupok na talaga?" Kuya laughed out loud while helping him.

"Gago ka, Deion!" binatukan niya si Kuya na halos mamatay na kakatawa.

I gasped, mabilis na nilingon ang boyfriend kong duguan ang labi at dumaing sa sakit, he's trying to sit kaya
mabilis akong lumapit at lumuhod sa harapan niya.

"T-Tintin!" I exclaimed, cupping his cheek. "A-are you alright?"

"Careful," kahit may bangas siya ay nagpa-panic niya akong sinalo sa biglaang pagluhod. "Don't move too
hastily."

"A-are you okay?" nangilid ang luha ko nang makitang may namumuo ng pasa sa pisngi niya, sinubukan ko
siyang hawakan pero hinuli niya ang kamay ko.

"I'm fine, baby." He gasped. "Y-you? A-ang baby natin?" nanginig ang boses niya habang hawak ang braso
ko.

"Ayos lang, i-ikaw?" I touched the side of his lips and he frowned.

"I'm—"
"Hindi pa ako tapos sa'yo!" Dad hissed kaya napasulyap ako roon, inaalalayan na siya ng Mommy at Kuya
papunta sa may couch.

"Thorn! Kumalma ka!" Mom hissed.

"No, queen! Hindi pa ako tapos sa gagong—aww! Tang inang balakang 'to!" daing niya roon kaya napailing
ako at hinawakan ang boyfriend ko.

"Come on, Sir. Careful." I helped him up, hindi naman siya nagpabigat at mabilis na nakatayo.

I heard him groaned, touching his shoulders, medyo paika-ika ang lakad niya kaya yumakap ako sa kanya
para mas maalalayan siya.

"What—stop touching my daughter!" halos mahulog na ang salamin ng Daddy nang maupo sa couch at
tinuro si Augustine.

"Come on, Dad." I hissed and helped my boyfriend sit. "He's my boyfriend."

"So?" halos lumaki ang butas ng ilong niya. "He got you pregnant—"

"Hoy, Thorn! Baka gusto mong ipaalala ko sa'yo paano nabuo 'yang lalaki mo?" Mom hissed and that made
my father stop.

Kuya Deion blinked, mukhang na-curious din.

"That's different—"

"We can talk about this calmly, okay?" marahang sabi ni Mommy.

"But queen—"

"Thornie, iniyakan ko ang parents ko noon h'wag ka lang masapak." Mom said and I saw how Dad gasped
and licked his lip.

"I know, I just..." he sighed, "Tang inang balakang 'to." Bulong-bulong pa niya.

"Ang kulit mo kasi, sabi ko inumin mo 'yong gatas na pang-buto!" Mom flicked his forehead and Dad
frowned, ngumuso naman ako at sumulyap kay Tintin na nakatitig sa may t'yan ko.

"C-can I..."

"S-sure..." I smiled and he was hesitant at first but slowly moved his hand on my stomach and caressed it
lightly, as if scared something would happen if he did a wrong move.

The maid came when my Mom asked for the medicine kit, marahang hinawakan ko ang mukha ni Tintin
para suriin ang pasa niya.

"Bumisita ka na ba sa OB? Why did you not tell me? S-sana ay pumunta na tayo kaagad—"

"Kailan mo nalaman, Scira Rosalie?" I almost jumped when Dad spoke, sumulyap ako sa kanya at kinagat
ang labi ko.
I saw Mom slowly massaging his hips, hawak din ni Dad ang tuhod at hindi ko alam kung masakit din ba
iyon o ano.

"J-just earlier, Dad." I said and glanced at Tintin, nakita kong lumambot ang mata niya at nangilid ang luha.

"I..." I licked my lip. "I've been vomiting for the last days and I am sensitive with foods so I tried and..."

Dad touched his head, my Mom sighed but then smiled at us.

"Anong plano niyong dalawa?" sumulyap siya sa boyfriend ko na ngayo'y nakaharap na sa kanya. "Wala na
tayong magagawa, a child is a blessing, unexpected or not. All we can do is be a responsible parent and
guardian."

"Uhm..." hindi ko alam ang sasabihin ko. "I will take care of my baby and—"

"We," Warren cut me off. "We will take care of our baby, Ma'am."

My Dad glanced at my boyfriend coldly, si Kuya ay nakasandal sa sofa katabi ni Dad at nakatitig sa akin.

"I will take full responsibility, Tita." Augustine said with determination. "I will take care of my child and
girlfriend, if you'd permit..." I saw him gulped harshly.

"It shouldn't be at this time but..." he squeezed my hand. "If you'd permit, I would like to ask your
daughter's hand for marriage."

I gasped, I know we would reach this part of our relationship pero hindi ko pa rin pala napaghandaan.

My heart is beating rapidly, nangilid ang luha ko roon at hindi kaagad nakapagsalita.

I saw my Mom's eyes widen, natawang naiiling si Kuya Deion habang seryoso at nakabusangot ang Daddy,
inaayos ang kanyang salamin.

Warren pulled his hand from my grip, gulat ako nang paika-ika pa siyang tumayo at mabilis na lumuhod sa
tapat ng parents ko.

"O-oh my..." Mom covered her mouth in shock, napaawang din ang labi ni Dad sa gulat.

"T-Tin..." I called, "why are you kneeling?"

"I know this is too fast, Ma'am, Sirs. I know marami pa akong kakaining bigas bago maging karapat-dapat
sa prinsesa but I...I'm willing to do anything I can just to deserve her." He muttered, lowering his head.

"I'll be a good husband, a good father. A-alam ko pong marami akong pagkukulang sa buhay dahil maaga
akong nawalan ng magulang p-pero kakayanin ko po para sa mag-ina ko. P-pupunan ko po sa lahat ng
makakaya ko ang pagkukulang ng kabataan ko."

"Oh, God..." I covered my mouth when tears fell on my cheek, nakita ko ang pagtungong lalo ni Warren at
mayamaya'y nanginginig na ang balikat.

"W-Warren, hijo...you don't have..." I saw how my mother's eyes soften, nangingilid na rin ang luha sa mga
mata.
"Let him," Dad said coldly and sat straight, nangiwi pa siya 'nung una at napahawak sa balakang pero
tumikhim at pumormal.

"Would you promise to always take care of my daughter?" Dad asked coldly and Warren nodded.

"Y-yes, Sir. I promise to do anything to make them happy. I will do my best to be the best version of myself
for them." Hearing that from him, I can't help but tear up more.

Hindi ko alam kung dahil ba sa hormone o ano pero mas napaiyak ako habang natatanto kung gaano ako
ka-swerte sa lalaking ito.

"Will you do anything just so you could marry her?" he challenged.

"Yes, Sir." He nodded again.

"Sige nga, landiin mo si Deion." He suddenly smirked.

Parang umatras ako, I saw how Kuya's mouth parted, natulos si Warren sa gitna at si Mommy ay nagmura
at hinampas ang likod niya.

"Dad!" Kuya exclaimed in horror.

"Valderama!" she exclaimed.

"J-joke lang!" he exclaimed and groaned. "'Yong balakang ko, reyna—"

"Ayan, ang kulit mo!" napadaing ang Dad nang hilahin ni Mommy ang tainga niya.

"O-oo na! O-oo na, iinom na 'nung gatas!" he whined. "Joke lang eh, bakit niyo ko inaaway?!"

"Patayuin mo na ang bata! Pinapahirapan mo pa eh ganyan ka rin noon!" Mom hissed and Dad frowned
pero tumango rin pagkaraan.

I saw him stood, nakaluhod pa rin si Warren sa gitna at kinagat ko ang labi ko habang pinagmamasdan sila.
I was afraid Dad would punch my boyfriend again but I relaxed when I saw him tapped his shoulders.

"Stand up, young man." He said stiffly and sighed. "Just...ipapasa ko na sa'yo ang legacy dahil natupad ko
na ang pangarap ko."

Nasapo ni Mommy ang mukha, Kuya laughed at halos masabunutan ko ang buhok dahil sa Tatay kong
tumatandang paurong dahil sa impluwensya ng mga Tito ko ring sabog.

"Oh, come on, Thoron..." Mom gasped and Dad smirked.

"Tumayo ka, tatambangan kita kapag sinaktan mo 'yang prinsesa ko. Bilin ko lang, kapag babae 'yang apo
ko, pangarapin mo ring gumanti ng suntok—"

"Dad!" tumayo na ako at sumimangot.

"What?" Dad rolled his eyes. "Gano'n dapat, kapag gusto ka ng lalaki 'di papasindak sa sapak!"

"Tss!" I rolled my eyes and slowly knelt on the ground, nagkatinginan kami ni Tintin kaya ngumiti ako at
marahang inalalayan siya patayo.
Nanginginig pa siya sa biglaang pagtayo pero mayamaya'y mabilis niya akong nahila palapit sa kanyang
katawan. My tears were in the verge of falling again the moment he buried his face on my neck.

"T-thank you..." he whispered, pulling me more to his body and kissed my hair. "Thank you, Ma'am, thank
you..."

"Shh, tahan na..." I whispered, touching his hair.

"T-thank you, Ma'am, Sirs..." gumalaw ang kanyang mukha at alam kong sumulyap siya sa pamilya ko.

"No worries, hijo. Sabi ko tawagin mo akong Tita." I heard my Mom chuckled.

"Welcome to the family, pre." I heard Kuya Deion said, lumayo akong bahagya at kaagad na humawak ito
sa baywang ko, nakita ko ang ngisi ni Kuya at pagtapik sa balikat ni Warren.

"Thank you," Warren's eyes are still bloodshot but he managed to flash a smile.

Ang pabidang pagtikhim ni Dad ang nagpatigil sa amin, I saw how his eyes went from Warren back to
Deion as his smile turned to an evil smirk.

"Last chance, p'wede si Deion—"

"Daddy!" I hissed at ako na ang sumipa sa paa ni Daddy na humahagalpak ng tawa pero napangiwi at
napaupo sa sofa nang sumakit ang tuhod niya.

Habang inaayos ko ang sugat ni Tintin ay wala siyang imik at panaka-nakang humahawak sa t'yan ko. I
smiled when our eyes met, may bigwas man siya mula kay Daddy ay masaya ang mga mga mata niya at
nakangiti ang mga labi niya.

"We'll go to OB tomorrow, hmm? We should get you check." Malambing niyang sabi at hinuli ang kamay
ko, I smiled when I saw him lifted my hand and kissed my knuckles.

"Dito ka na muna matulog, anak, malalim na ang gabi." Ani Mommy doon kaya napasulyap kami sa kanya.

"No, Ma'am, kaya ko pa naman pong mag-drive—"

"No buts," she shook her head. "Pinaayos ko na ang guest room, doon ka."

I saw Warren hesitating but then nodded and smiled.

"Thanks, Tita." Aniya at tumango si Mommy at lumapit kay Daddy na nag-iinat at nag-s-stretch ng
katawan. She brushed his hair and fixed his glasses kaya mas nangiti ako.

"I wish we'll be like them in the future," biglang sabi ni Tintin kaya sumulyap ako sa kanya at matamis na
ngumiti.

"Why not?" malambing kong ngiti at hinawi ang kanyang buhok. "I know you'll be the best husband and
dad to our children."

"I do hope so," he said and gasped when the cotton touched his bruise again. "A-aww, Ma'am!"
"Kulit mo kasi," tawa ko at marahang inangat ang baba niya para linisin ang sugat naman sa gilid ng
kanyang labi.

"Oh, wawa naman Tintin." We both froze when we heard a voice, napalingon ako at nagulat nang makita si
Queen na nakapantulog at bagong gising pa.

"Queen?" I muttered. "Bakit gising ka pa, baby?" I said softly, pulling her towards me.

"Noisy, Ate." Aniya at suminghap, nakita kong sumulyap siya roon kina Daddy na hindi siya napapansin si
Queen.

"Sorry," I said softly and brushed her hair, namumungay pa ang mata ng bunso kong kapatid bago ngumiti
at sumulyap kay Warren.

"Hi po, Kuya Tintin. Are you alright?" she asked and Warren smiled and nodded.

"Yes, beautiful Miss. Nadapa lang si Kuya, apir nga." He offered his hand and my sibling smiled and gave
him a high-five.

"Mommy muna, 'Te." She said kaya pinakawalan ko siya.

She walked towards my parents who's busy chatting on the side, pinipisil ni Mommy ang balakang ni Dad
na sumisinghap doon at nagrereklamo.

"Masakit,"

"Ayan, ang kulit! Sabing mag-vitamins hindi nakikinig, kailangan pang isungalngal sa bibig!" my Mom
scolded and Dad groaned and stretched his arm again.

Suddenly, Queen chuckled, natigilan ang dalawa at napasulyap sa kanya.

"Anak," Mom called but Queen already grinned at pointed our Dad.

"Wawa, Thornik. Marupok na ang bones." She chuckled evilly and we laughed when my Dad's jaw
dropped.

Maaga kaming nag-ayos ni Warren kinabukasan para pumunta sa OB, we went to his condo first before we
went to the hospital.

We were both thrilled for our baby, wala pa man ay nag-uusap na kaming dalawa sa mga gamit at mapilit
siyang kailangan na naming pumunta sa mga shop para sa baby.

"Come on, Sir. 'Di pa naman natin alam ang gender." I chuckled but he shrugged and smiled.

"Then, we'll buy in twos. Both gender." Aniya kaya natawa na ako at umiling.

"Nah, I have something in mind, nai-imagine ko na ang kwarto." I said, mine-memorize na ang vision ko
and we both laughed at that. "I will start designing for our house, gusto kong ako sa disenyo! May dream
house ako na ginawa pero matagal na at may kaunti akong revision na gagawin. 'Yon na lang!"

"Sure, Ma'am." He chuckled. "Show it to me, hmm?"

I felt his hand on my leg, reaching for my palm, mabilis kong inilapit iyon sa kanya at kumalabog ang puso
ko nang ilapit niya iyon sa labi niya at hinalikan.

"I don't know what good I did in the past to deserve you, our child." I saw his smile, mas humigpit ang
hawak sa kamay ko. "I don't know what I did to experience this happiness with you."

My heart melted at that, realizing I've been falling for him more each day we're together and getting to
know each other.

"I love you, Tintin." I said softly. "You deserve everything."

We found out that I am eight weeks pregnant, sobrang saya namin at naalala ko pa ang pag-iyak ni Warren
habang naririnig ang heartbeat ni baby 'nung nagpa-check-up kami.

Hindi ko alam pero natawa kami ng doktor sa pag-iyak niya na parang siya pa ang first time Mommy sa
aming dalawa.

Ever since, he's overprotective. Kung hatid sundo ako noon ay mas ngayon, my parents asked me to stay in
our house more often than my condo para maalagaan din nila ako.

Punong-puno na ng brochure at magazine ng pangbuntis ang opisina at kotse ni Augustine sa kakadala

niya kaya tawang-tawa ako at siya lang din ang nagbabasa at ike-kwento lang sa akin.

I am sensitive with foods yet palagi akong gutom kaya pahirapan kami ni Augustine. I am super moody and
he's the most patient baby daddy ever! Kaya bumabawi ako kapag hindi na ako bad trip at binibigyan siya
ng premyo.

S'yempre, walang iba kung hindi ang pangmalakasang jugjug na natatakot din siya minsan kaya hindi
masyadong maharot ang session namin dahil natatakot siyang masaktan ang baby.

I am aware what to do for pregnant woman, ang mga pinsan ko ay nabuntis noon at ako ang dakila nilang
muchacha kaya hindi na bago sa akin ang lahat. I should avoid stress kaya kaunti lang ang trabaho ko at
kadalasa'y nasa office lang at umiiwas sa field work.

I should avoid stress pero ngayon ay nag-iinit ang ulo ko kay Augustine.

"Come on, cous, calm down." Darshana chuckled when I asked her to meet me in the mall when I'm
supposed to have a date with my freaking fiancé!

"Nakakainis kasi!" I exclaimed. "We rarely see each other this week! Busy daw siya! Busy!"

"Hayaan mo na, buntis. Baka busy talaga ang tao, nagpadala naman siya ng driver para magsundo sa'yo, 'di
ba?" she asked.

"Yes!" I exclaimed. "But still...I want him." I sighed.

"Makikita mo naman siya bukas," alo niya sa akin dahil hindi ko na nagagalaw ang pagkain ko. "Masyadong
abala siguro dahil sa proyekto."

"Hmp! Palagi na lang! This past few weeks may mga project siya na marami! I even saw him texting an
Architect! May itatanong daw siyang opinyon, I mean—I'm an Architect too! I-I can help him pero ayaw
niya!"
Humalakhak si Daru, mas sumimangot ako at sinamaan siya ng tingin.

"Tinatawa mo, r'yan?" I hissed at mas natawa siya.

"Didn't know you're this moody when pregnant," tawa niya sa akin. "I mean, you're always composed,
hindi gano'n nagagalit, kalmado tapos ngayon..." hagikhik niya,

I frowned and rolled my eyes, "luh, akala mo siya—"

"Whatever!" she muttered and rolled her eyes kaya natawa na ako sa kanya.

"Weh, kailan mo kakausapin—"

"Anyway, ako pa magbabantay sa mga bata mamaya." She pouted a bit, cutting me off.

"Bakit mo ako binibitin—"

"Kasi bad trip na naman ang Kuya," she fixed her short hair.

Natawa na lang ako at umiling, nang maalala ang kausap ng Architect ni Warren Augustine ay nawala ang
ngisi. The girl is beautiful, alright, mukhang sekreto ang usapan nila tapos hindi ko alam!

I mean, okay, I'm a bit emotional and irrational but he can ask me anything about Architecture kasi I'm an
Architect too! magaling din naman ako! Sabi ng Mommy ko at ng mga sa kompanya! Then why...

"Why the hell are you crying, Scira?!" halos lumuwa na ang mat ani Darshana nang makita ako.

I sniffed, kinagat ko ang labi para pigilan ang pag-atungal.

"H-hindi na ba niya ako love?" I whined and sniffed.

"Oh my God!" Nasapo ni Daru ang noo at mabilis na tumabi sa akin.

I sniffed, she cursed then tried to calm me but I am crying too much. Pinagtitingan na kami ng tao sa resto
pero wala akong paki, ang mahalaga ay mailabas ko 'to!

"Come on, cous. Of course, Warren loves you so much." She said softly. "Busy lang talaga sa project—"

"E-eh, monthsary namin ngayon, ah!" I whined and stomped my feet, crying more. "E-engaged na nga
kami pero wala akong singsing! S-sabi ko ako na bibili pero ayaw niya!"

Natawa si Daru, hinampas ko ang braso niya pero tawang-tawa siya habang kumukuha ng tissue na inabot
ng waiter at pinunasan ang pisngi ko.

"Come on, Scira. Alangang ikaw ang bumili ng singsing, eh, siya ang nag-propose?" she chuckled while
drying my tears.

"E-eh, ang tagal, eh! Tapos, naglalambing lang naman ako kanina para maalala niya na motmot namin
ngayon pero h-hindi niya ako binati!"

"Shh, tahan na..." she chuckled and touched my cheek. "It's just hormones kaya ka nagagalit, s'yempre si
Warren mahal na mahal ka 'nun, halata naman. Nakaya ngang maging Mars mo makuha ka lang."
Nangiti ako sa sinabi niya pero naluluha pa rin, mas pinunasan niya ang pisngi ko at ngumiti.

"T-talaga?" I said. "H-hindi kaya masyado na akong nagger? I-I'm not like this with my exes, I mean, h-hindi
naman ako clingy tapos nasobrahan ngayon? Am I—"

"Shh, Warren loves you. He'll do anything for you." She muttered then frowned. "Sana all, 'di ba?"

Nakagat ko na ang labi ko at suminghap.

"B-baka busy nga lang," I said softly. "Babatiin naman ako 'nun, right?"

"Oo naman," she told me.

"O-okay," I nodded and calmed down, sumimsim ako ng tubig at tumango.

"Ti-text ko ang driver, ako na maghatid sa'yo sa bahay niyo mamaya." Daru offered at ngumiti ako at
tumango.

Magkakapit ang braso namin ni Daru habang papalabas ng mall papunta sa parking nang mamataan ko si
Lucas, ang ex ko na may kasamang magandang babae.

Hindi na sana ako iimik pero tinawag niya ako kaya sumulyap ako roon at pasimpleng ngumiti.

"Hey, Lucas." Marahang tawag ko at ngumiti.

"Scira," alanganin niyang sabi.

"Hello, Lucas! Date?" I saw Daru grinned while looking at him.

"W-well, yeah." Ngisi niya at pinakilala ang babae. "Jo, this is Scira and Darshana. Guys, this is Jo, girlfriend
ko."

"Hi," I said formally while smiling. I even offered my hand and the lady accepted it.

"Hello," she said formally and smiled back.

"Kumusta ka?" I heard Lucas asked kaya nag-angat ako ng tingin at ngumiti. "Mas gumanda ka, ah?"

"Well, good." I smiled at him. "I'm doing good."

I saw how his eyes landed on my stomach, medyo bumabakat na ang baby bump ko sa suot na damit at
mukhang nahalata niya iyon kaya nagtanong siya.

"U-uh, single?" I saw his awkward smile.

"Engaged," I smiled and showed him my hand pero nang matantong wala nga akong singsing ay ngumiwi
at ibinaba ang kamay.

"O-oh," I saw how he nodded and forced a smile. "Kilala ko ba?"

"Warren Miranda," I said and I saw how his mouth parted.

"Kayo pa rin?" I saw how he looks shocked and amazed, I even notice the disappointment on his eyes.
"Hmm. Yes." I said.

"That's great!" he chuckled awkwardly. "Uh, sige, best wishes!"

"Thank you, Lucas." Marahang sabi ko at sumulyap sa babae na medyo seryoso at matalim na ang tingin sa
akin. "Congrats, Miss. Sa inyong dalawa. Bye! Take care!"

I held on Daru again as we walked away from them, nakita ko pang nanatili ang tingin ni Lucas at hinampas
na siya 'nung babae at nag-walk out.

"Patay na patay pa rin si ex," Daru teased and I sighed, shaking my head.

"He deserves someone who'll love him too, too bad he just won't give it a try." I shrugged.

Nakatulog ako sa byahe namin pauwi at kung hindi pa ako ginising ni Daru ay hindi pa ako aayos. I took my
bag, lumabas ng kotse at didiretso na sa gate ng bahay namin nang matanto kong nasa ibang lugar kami.

"What?" my forehead creased and glanced at my cousin. "Daru, this isn't my house—"

"It is," ngisi niya.

"Huh?" my forehead creased.

She smiled, nagulat ako nang may kinuha siya sa bag at inayos ang mukha ko. I was confused, lalo nan ang
lagyan niya ng lipstick ang labi ko.

"What...Daru, bakit..."

"Shh, dapat maganda ka sa picture, girl!" hagikhik niya at kumurap ako roon.

"Bakit?" I asked but she just smiled at me, sinuklay ang buhok ko at nagtaka akong lalo nang hawakan niya
ang kamay ko at hinila palapit sa malaking kulay brown na gate.

"Daru! Saan tayo? Baka ma-trespassing!" I exclaimed but she just laughed at me.

"Nah, tara, bilis." She said and pulled me closer to the gate.

Nagtataka man ay sumunod na ako sa kanya, I was scared na makasuhan kami ng trespassing sa pagpasok
sa bahay pero nawala iyon nang magbukas ang gate pagdating namin.

Nagtataka ako at mas na-confuse nang pagpasok namin ay umilaw ang gitnang parte ng daanan malapit sa
kulay silver na fountain na may angels sa gitna.

My eyes widen when I saw a big modern house, pulos salamin ang bahay at sobrang pamilyar sa akin ng
disenyo kaya umawang ang labi ko.

This is the house I designed for us if we'll get married!

Nanlaki ang mata ko nang biglang may tumugtog.

105 is the number that comes to my head

When I think of all the years I wanna be with you

Wake up every morning with you in my bed

That's precisely what I plan to do

I gasped when I saw Vioxx Miranda walking closer to me with a red rose on his hand.

"Goodluck, cous." Daru said and before I could even say anything, she vanished and Vioxx grinned at me.

"Hello, Architect."

"Vioxx?" I muttered. "Why? I don't understand, bakit may ganito?"

He grinned, offered me the red rose that I gladly accepted.

"Say yes, Architect." He chuckled. "Baka mahimatay ang pinsan kong patay na patay sa'yo."

And you know one of these days when I get my money right

Buy you everything and show you all the finer things in life

I blinked when I saw the other boys are here too, iba't-ibang kulay ng rosas ang ibinibigay sa akin.

"Say yes, Mars." Ngisi ni Warrion sa akin. "Didn't know Warren fooling around would get your attention,
huh?"

Nakukuha ko na kaya natawa ako at mas nangingilid na ang luha.

"A-akala ko talaga bakla siya," natatawa pa ako habang naluluha at ngumisi siya.

"He's only dreamt of you, simula noon." He said and smiled. "I'm happy for him, for the both of you."

"I'm happy you two would be together now, nababaliw si Tintin kapag wala si Sha-sha." Wave teased and I
chuckled before nodding.

Will forever be enough, so there ain't no need to rush

But one day, I won't be able to ask you loud enough

"Pakisabi naman sa jowa mo na bayad muna utang bago plano wedding," humagalpak kaagad ako sa banat
ni Lucian sa akin.

"I'll tell him that," halakhak ko.

"Anyway, say yes, hmm? Pumayag 'yon maging taga-mop ko para sa'yo." He said, nagtataka pa ako pero
ngumisi siya at kumindat. "Congrats, Mars."

I saw Caspian walking, dala ang kulay asul na rosas at inilahad sa akin.

"Kaloka, Mars, parang naluluha pa ako..." nagpunas si Caspian ng luha kaya natawa ako sa kanya.

"Bakit?"
"Wala na kaming mauuto," he said and pouted kaya mas natawa ako sa kanya.

"Kinakawawa niyo ang Tintin ko!" I hissed and he grinned at me.

"Congrats, Mars." He smiled at me. "Free Casa Amara stay and Lost island tour. Utuin din namin ulit si
bumbay para free cruise ship honeymoon."

"Thank you," I chuckled and he nodded at me.

"I'm happy for the both of you."

Umalis siya at mas lumakas ang tugtog, my eyes widen when I saw my handsome fiancé making his way
towards me, on his arms are different colored roses.

"Hello," nangilid kaagad ang luha ko at halos mapasinghap nan ang abutin niya iyon.

"T-Tin, akala ko..."

"Here, baby." He smiled handsomely and offered me the bouquet. "Matagal naming pinag-pratisan 'to,
mahal ko. Enjoy."

Nagtataka pa ako noong una pero malakas na akong napatawa nang pumunta ang mga lalaki sa gitna at
may spotlight pa sila. I noticed them all wearing white dress shirt, maging si Tintin ay gano'n din pero may
coat siya.

My eyes widen when I saw my family, kids and cousins together with my aunties and uncles. Nakita ko sina
Mommy at sina Daddy na kumaway sa akin. The girls are also here with the kids!

"This is for you, Sha-sha!" Warren exclaimed and I covered my mouth to suppress my laugh when they
began doing a soft wiggle on their bodies.

"Santisima!" halos masapo ko ang noo ko nang kumendeng doon ang boyfriend ko habang back up ang
mga lalaki.

Sunod-sunod at nagtatawanang kumukuha sila ng mga video habang tuwang-tuwa ako.

I'll say will you marry me

I swear that I will mean it

I'll say will you marry me

They began moving like old Titos kaya tawang-tawa na ako pero may halong kilig dahil ang gwapo-gwapo
ng fiancé ko! I touched my stomach and smiled wider.

Parang manganganak na ako ng maaga nang gumilid ang boys at nag-break dance na sa gitna si Tintin.

"Oh, God!" umawang ang labi ko.

"Go, Mars! Go, Mars!" they exclaimed.

How many girls in the world can make me feel like this?
Baby I don't ever plan to find out

The more I look, the more I find the reasons why

You're the love of my life

Natigilan pa si Tintin sa pagbe-break dance at napangiwi at napahawak sa pants pero tumuloy pagkatapos
at hindi ko alam kung tatawa ako o maiiyak sa ginagawa ng mga shunga, sabi nga ni Zirena.

Napaupo siya sa lapag, hinihingal. Nawala ang kanta at mas naging marahan at nakita ko ang pagtayo niya
roon habang inaalalayan ng mga lalaki.

I chuckled when he licked his lip, hinahawi pa ang buhok at lumapit sa akin.

I bit my lip, mas ngumiti siya habang papalapit at halos marinig ko na ang kalabog ng puso ko. I touched
my stomach more, mas humigpit ang hawak sa mga rosas at nangiti sa kanya.

"Hello, Mars." Lumambot ang boses niya kaya napatawa na ako.

"Baka mahanginan at matuluyan ka, Mars." I said and he chuckled, namungay ang mata at napalunok.

"Sorry, baby. I didn't want to stress you out but happy monthsary," inilahad niya ang bahay at doon na ako
mas naging emosyonal. "I'm sorry for hiding this to you, the project I am talking about is this house, our
home. Matagal ko na 'tong pinapagawa but I made a few revisions for your dream house."

"A-ang laki naman." I muttered and he reached for my cheek, nakita kong nangingintab ang mata sa
kanyang paambang luha.

"I lost my family since I was young so," he licked his lip and cupped my cheek more. "I wanted to build a
big and happy family with you, my Architect."

"August..." I muttered, mas nahulog ang luha ko roon.

"We will build a home where there is love and happy endings," he said and I gasped.

"Scira Architect Valderama, my Mars, my Architect, the love of my life, will you give me the chance to be
the happiest man alive?" napahagulgol ako nang maglabas siya ng pulang kahita, mabilis na lumuhod sa
aking harapan at inilahad ang isang singsing.

I set out on a narrow way many years ago

Hoping I would find true love along the broken road

"I'm no perfect man, I'm just...me." He said while staring at me. "Si Mars Tintin na patay na patay kay
Architect, si Augustine na crush na crush ka. I can't offer you enough riches but my heart. My heart that is
always yours."

"Will you marry me, my love?" he said and my I gasped when his tears fell more.

But I got lost a time or two

Wiped my brow and kept pushing through

I couldn't see how every sign pointed straight to you

"Y-yes!" I exclaimed and nodded, "yes! Yes! I'll marry you."

Nanginginig na inilagay niya ang singsing sa daliri ko at halos matumba ako nang mabilis niya akong
niyakap. I cried on his shoulder, narinig ko ang sigawan at palakpakan, nakita ko ang flash ng mga camera
pero mas nangingibabaw ang kasiyahan ko ngayong yakap ko ang mahal ko.

Hindi ko siya lubos na mayakap dahil sa bouquet pero mahigpit ang yakap niya at umiiyak na sa aking
balikat.

"T-thank you...I love you, mahal na mahal kita, Scira." He muttered, whispering.

"I-I love you too, mahal na mahal din kita." Bulong ko pabalik.

"Thank you for everything. I-I know I don't deserve you because of what I did but you—"

"Shh," I muttered, marahang tinulak siya at binitawan ang bulaklak. I cupped his cheek and smiled. "Don't
say that."

Nakita ko ang pamumula ng mata niya sa mga luha at mas nanghina ako.

"I love you and you deserve the happiness the world can offer, Tintin." I smiled.

"T-thank you," patuloy na nahuhulog ang kanyang luha.

I cupped his cheek more while staring at his face.

"Never degrade yourself again, hmm?" I smiled. "You deserve everything."

"You are Warren Augustine Miranda," I caressed his cheek and smiled. "And you are worth it."

Hinatak niya ako sa mahigpit na yakap. Mas lumakas ang iyak niya at halik sa aking tainga kaya hinaplos ko
ang likuran niya at mas ngumiti.

"Mahal na mahal ko kayo ng anak natin," he whispered.

He calmed down after a while, mas lumalim ang kanyang paghinga hanggang sa bumulong siya.

"M-may sasabihin ako," he whispered. "Secret lang, ah?"

"Hmm? Okay?" I smiled.

"N-nabutas ang pantalon ko." He confessed.

Napahagalpak na ako ng tawa roon, lumayo ako sa kanya at nakita ko ang mapungay niyang mga mata at
ang pagpula ng pisngi. Ang lakas ng halakhak ko na nakikita ko na ang ngisi ng mga taong nanunuod.

"W-well," he licked his lips and smiled shyly. "SKL."

"SKL?" my forehead creased.

"Sa'kin ka lang," he grinned, kasabay 'nun ay ang pagliwanag ng kalangitan dahil sa fireworks at nalaglag
lang ang panga ko.

Lies are lies but forgiveness is forgiveness and that's a big thing. There are two types of people, the weak
would be too afraid and can never forgive but strong people does. That's an act of bravery and
acceptance. We are not perfect, that's what makes people human, we make mistakes but we forgive.

Forgiveness is one of the best forms of love, the strong one will willingly say they're sorry and it will take
an even stronger one to forgive and that's the love we have. The one that make mistakes yet knows how
to forgive.

Wakas

"We'll celebrate your birthday later, anak, okay? May business lang muna kami. We promise, babawi kami
at bukas, mamamasyal tayo." My Mom said.

"Promise?" I asked, kinda sad but accepted the fact that they have business to attend.

"We promise, anak." Dad smiled at me.

Saying goodbye to your love ones at young age isn't easy. There are times I would just thought of giving
up, kung sana ay sumama na lang ako sa kanila sa meeting. Maybe we're all together now.

"Why don't you celebrate your birthday, Warren?" Vioxx asked and I just shrugged, muli akong naupo sa
swivel at hinawi ang buhok ko.

"Why would I? There's nothing to celebrate anyway." I said and checked the paper for our new
construction.

"It's your birthday, gago. You can celebrate with us! Doon tayo sa isla, masaya, walang tao masyado. Baka
may mga chicks pa roong turista." Sabi pa niya, inuuto ako pero umiling lang ako at ngumisi.

"Hindi ko uto-uto, Vioxx." I said and he laughed, nailing siya.

"Hindi kaya bakla ka?" he asked and I hissed, sumimangot akong lalo at itinaas ang gitnang daliri.

"Fuck you, wala lang talaga akong interes ngayon. I have new projects, maiisip ko pa ba?" I said and he
laughed, the asshole even mocked me kaya umiling na lang ako.

"Ito na lang, may pupuntahan akong party." Aniya at sumulyap ako sa kanya, kumunot ang noo.

"I don't do parties, Vioxx." I said coldly.

"Sige na, please?" he muttered.

"Ano bang mapapala ko r'yan?" I asked at mukhang napaisip din siya sa sinabi ko.

"Hmm, free food?" he said at ngumiwi na kaagad ako roon.

"May pambili akong pagkain, Miranda." I said and he laughed, nanloloko pa siyang tumingin sa akin at
ngumisi.
"Workaholic mo kasi, enjoy life, my man! Malay mo makahanap ka ng ng forever sa party." Aniya at muli
akong umiling doon.

"Kailan ba?" I asked and he chuckled.

"Sa birthday mo," I stopped, muli akong sumulyap sa kanya at kumunot ang noo.

"Try it, kaysa magmukmok ka lang sa condo mo." Aniya sa akin. "Malay mo at ma-enjoy mo, ako sana ang
dadalo, I received an invitation from Sandejas-Valderama firm but I have an important convention to
attend." He said and lifted a golden-colored invitation on my desk.

"They will introduce the heiress, papalit kay Architect Valderama. She's young. Check it out. 'Tsaka sayang
ang pagkain." He even wiggled his brows.

"Saan ba 'to?" I asked.

"Manila," he answered me. "Ako na ang bahala sa flight mo, pupunta ka lang at mag-e-enjoy."

"Well, can I go home if I'm bored to death?" I asked him, "baka mamaya'y importante ka roon at kailangan
ko pang makihalubilo, I don't want talking to people that much,

"Sure," he smirked at me. "Invited lang naman ako, just enjoy the free foods. Malay mo rin mahanap mo
na si Miss Right."

"Gago," I scoffed then laughed after a while.

Asa pang may Miss Right.

"I want to introduce to you my daughter, Scira Rosalie Sandejas Valderama." Architect Valderama
introduced her daughter, wala akong paki noong una at busy lang sa pagkain dahil ini-enjoy ko ang free
finger foods na sinerve pero natigilan nang lumabas ang babae at naglakad patungo sa stage.

Scira Rosalie Valderama is gorgeous. She looks too formal, strict and flawless.

Taas noo siya habang naglalakad paakyat sa entablado, with her straight ironed hair and black sweetheart
sparkly dress, I was stunned. Sunod-sunod na kislap ng camera sa press ang halos magbigay ilaw sa hall
pero hindi siya natitinag.

She looks cold and composed, her black eyes are intimidating, her red lips quivered a bit before it flashed
a small smile as she looked at the cameras in front.

Napalunok ako, nakita kong natutuwa sa kanya ang mga bisita, I overheard them praising her because of
her competency, na sa batang edad ay ite-train na siya ng kanyang ina para sa posisyon.

Her father stood beside her, malamig ang tingin at ngumiti rin sa camera, pati na rin ang kanyang buong
pamilya. They looked like a happy family, may nag-che-cheer pa sa may table sa unahan at sa susunod ay
kasama na sila sa pagpapakuha ng litrato.

My lips rose when I saw how her cold eyes smiled when her family took pictures with her and congratulate
her. I sipped on my drink and licked my lips.

Crush ko siya.
"Hello, uhm, hi! Ngayon lang kita nakita sa parties, I'm Jennifer." The lady beside me suddenly said kaya
napasulyap ako sa kanya, tumaas ang sulok ng labi.

"Hello, Warren." I said and offered her my hand, she accepted it happily.

Jennifer and I had a few chitchats while the program is on-going, nakita kong diretso ang upo ni Architect
Scira doon at may ngiti sa labi. She looks sweet yet somehow intimidating, napansin ko ang pagkakahawig
nila ng kanyang Mommy na medyo mukhang istrikta rin pero may ngiti sa labi.

"So, what firm are you from?" Jennifer asked kaya mula kay Scira Valderama ay bumaling ako sa kanya.

"Miranda," I answered and glanced again at the stage.

I saw Scira Valderama looking around kaya napangiti akong lalo at binasa ang labi ko.

She's really beautiful, I like her.

"Ako, I'm from Flores." Jennifer answered kaya tumango ako at bumaling sa stage. "Ngayon lang kita nakita
—"

"Sorry but how old is Architect Valderama?" I asked and she cleared her throat and put a few strands of
hair behind her ear.

"Si Architect Zidney? Uh, may asawa na siya—"

"No, the young one." I said and glanced at the stage again, I saw her looking at my direction at nanlaki ang
mata ko.

Parang nag-init ata ang pisngi ko at napaayos ng upo.

"Twenty ata si Architect Scira," she answered me. "Uhm, enough of her. Engineer ka ba? Ako, I'm an
Engineer."

"Hmm," I nodded at nakipagtitigan sa kanya na nasa stage.

She excused herself, tahimik na umalis sa stage at naglakad palapit. My mouth parted a bit, binabati siya
sa bawat pagdaan niya na tipid niyang ngingitian at magpapasalamat bago naglakad muli.

Is she going towards me? Parang na-excite ako bigla at umayos ng upo.

She looked around, napatingin siyang muli sa pwesto ko at ngumiti.

I smiled back. She raised her hand and smiled before waving and my heart almost jumped, halos
mapatalon ako at napalunok ng marahas pa.

She's waving at me! Shit!

I bit my lip, raised my hand and waved back at mas naglakad siya patungo sa akin.

"Hi—" nabitin ang boses ko nang lumagpas siya sa akin at may tinawag sa likuran.

"Kuya! Akala ko 'di ka makakarating!" mabilis akong sumulyap at umawang ang labi nang may lalaki siyang
niyakap.
"S'yempre naman, I won't miss this, princess..." the man laughed and kissed her forehead.

I was stunned, mabilis na ibinaba ko ang kamay at marahas na napalunok.

"Fuck!" I cursed lowly and sipped on my drink.

Tang ina mo, Warren, nakakahiya ka!

"Ayos ka lang?" Jennifer asked and I nodded, nag-iinit ang pisngi sa kahihiyan at ngumisi.

"Yeah, I'm good. Thanks." I said at kaninang simsim lang ay lagok na ang nagawa ko nang magkasabay na
bumalik sa stage si Scira at iyong lalaki na nakapormal na suit.

Wala na ako sa wisyo hanggang sa dumating na ang oras para bumati kay Scira Valderama, the buffet table
is open now. Gusto ko sanang kumuha na ng pagkain pero nainggit ako sa mga taong bumabati kay Scira
nang bumaba siya sa stage.

I was uncomfortable with suits like this, I prefer dress shirts and tees more, dahilan kaya hindi ako palagi
magpunta sa mga party lalo na at hindi naman importante.

Nakikipagkamay siya sa mga kumakausap na may ngiti sa kanyang labi, she looks lovely in her gown, mas
na-emphasize ang kulay ng mga mata dahil sa itim na buhok. Her nose is pointed and her skin's milky
white, ang hubog ng gown ay mas nagpakita ng kanyang sariling hubog at mas nagustuhan kong lumapit.
Nakakahumaling ang ngiti niyang malambing.

Makikipagkamay lang ako at babati para may memorya kahit papaanong babaunin pag-uwi.

Nothing wrong with it, right? Crush lang naman, babati lang ako.

I was uncomfortable with my coat so I decided to remove it, leaving me only with my white long sleeves
dress shirt and bow tie. I brushed my hair with my fingers, pasimpleng inamoy ang sarili at nang
matantong mabango naman ay nakontento.

I lifted my sleeve up to my forearm and smiled, naglakad ako sa hilera ng tao kahit tinawag ni Jennifer na
kukuha na ng pagkain. Natatabunan ako sa dami ng bumabati pero wala akong pakialam.

I glanced at the side at nakitang walang masyadong tao roon, if I go there, mas madali akong makakabati
sa kanya.

Kinabahan ako at na-e-excite na hindi ko maintindihan. I feel so giddy like a teenager kaya natawa ako sa
sarili.

Nababaliw ka na, Miranda.

I just shrugged, ngayon lang ako nagkainteres ng ganito, why not give a try? Babati lang ako.

Nagpunta ako sa kanyang gilid habang nakikipag-usap siya sa mga nakakatanda roon.

"Grabe, hija! Nakaka-proud ang bata mo pa at ikaw na kaagad ang aatasan ng Mommy mo." Marahang
sabi ng matanda.
"Thank you, Ma'am." She smiled and I gasped when her voice sounded angelic. Mas ngumiti siya at medyo
lumiit ang kanyang mata roon.

I gulped, mas na-excite nang nawala ang matanda at nasa tabi na niya ako. My heart thumped, parang
kinikilig ako pero tumikhim para hindi mahalata.

She glanced at my side and I felt like my world shook a bit with her stares. Ngayong mas malapit na siya sa
akin ay hindi na ako mapakali.

She looked somehow foreign, may pagka-brazilian ang kanyang mukha at matangos ang ilong. Her lips are
thin, mas lumiit ang itsura nito dahil sa lipstick. Her fierce black eyes stared at me and slowly, she smiled.

"Uhm, c-congrats!" inilahad ko ang kamay ko at nakita ko ang ngiti niya at tinanggap ang kamay ko.

"Thank you," she said, I almost smiled when her soft hands touched my rough one.

"Well, uh—"

"Kuya, pasuyo naman ako, I'm thirsty." She suddenly said kaya napaayos ako ng tayo.

"H-huh? Sure, anything..." I said, attentive of her needs.

"I would like a drink sana," marahang sabi niya at bumitaw sa akin. Hindi nagsalita ang nasa kanyang
harapan dahil kausap niya ako.

"Sige, ano bang gusto mo?" I asked attentively.

"Juice lang, Kuya. Salamat." She looked around and pointed the waiter somewhere. "Ayon, Kuya, pakuha
na lang sa kasama mo. Super thank you!"

Mabilis akong lumakad patungo sa waiter pero biglang natigilan at napaisip sa sinabi niya.

Kasama ko?

"Oh, pre, kulang daw ng waiter, ikaw na lang mag-serve roon sa may stage." The waiter said at nagitla ako
nang ilahad niya sa akin ang tray.

"H-huh?" I blinked, confused but then I saw what he's wearing.

He's wearing a white dress shirt folded up to his forearm, a bowtie and slacks. I cursed, mabilis na
napasulyap sa suot ko at mariing napamura.

"Fuck?" I whispered.

What the hell? What the fuck?

"'Yan na pre, doon muna ko sa kabila. Double time kasi dami pa lang bisita." Tinapik niya pa ang balikat ko
at napasinghap ako, sumulyap sa orange juice sa tray at wala sa sariling naglakad patungo kay Scira na
abala sa pakikipag-usap.

Tumikhim ako, kinuha ang juice sa tray at inilahad sa kanya.

"Architect," I said and she glanced and smiled.

"Thanks, Kuya!" she smiled, hindi na muling tumingin at uminom ng juice habang nakikipag-usap sa mga
tao.

Nakaka-gago ang pangyayari pero hindi ko alam biglang natawa ako habang naglalakad palayo hawak ang
tray.

"What the hell," bulong ko pa at muling natawa, natutuwa na hindi maintindihan.

"Oh, pre, pasuyo naman." Hindi na ako nakagalaw nang may mag-abot sa akin ng tray ang waiter na
dumaan. "Padala naman sa may stage."

"S-sure," nangisi ako at mas natuwa nang matabihan ko sa may stage si Scira nang magbigay ako ng drinks
sa kanyang pamilya.

"Napagod ako," she said softly. "But masaya. I loved it very much, thanks, Dad and Mom." She hugged her
parents at mas lalo lang akong natuwa.

She's family-oriented, another bonus. I like her even more now.

My phone rang pagkatapos kong magpunta sa stage, inabutan ako ulit ng ihahatid kaya tumigil at inabot
ang phone sa bulsa at sinagot.

"Oh?"

"Kumusta, having fun?" he asked and I smirked and shook my head.

"Gago, mamaya ka na tumawag, nagse-serve akong pagkain." I said and I felt him stopped.

"What?" he asked, "ginagawa mong gago ka?"

"Waiter na ako rito," I said and he burst out laughing.

"What the hell, Warren, seryoso?" he asked while laughing and shook my head, smirking.

"Mamaya na tayo mag-usap, busy ko mag-serve." I answered at nang tumawa na lang siya ay ibinaba ko
ang phone at muling natawa ng wala sa sarili, nababaliw na rin ata.

I got a crush on her.

Kahit nakakapagod ang gabing iyon ay hindi ko maipagkakailang na-enjoy ko. It was very different for my
birthdays these past few years, kadalasan ay nasa sementeryo lang ako o hindi kaya'y magkukulong sa
kwarto. I couldn't believe was in a party having fun this time kahit naging waiter real quick.

It's actually good, what a happy birthday to me. Her presence and smile is a gift for me that night, mabuti
pumunta ako.

She's my crush, that's it. Kontento na akong pasimpleng nag-i-stalk sa IG at wala ng iba. I've been liking her
post pero marami siyang likers kaya hindi siguro ako napapansin. I even added her on facebook but she
didn't accept me pero okay lang.

The assholes told me to make a dummy account, effective raw sabi ni Wave pero hindi naman ata at hindi
naman ako napapansin.
She has weekly or monthly IG post at ayos na iyon sa akin. There are times where she's posting her photos
in IG stories at tinadtad ko iyon ng puso pero hindi naman na-seen ang message kaya natawa na lang ako
sa sarili at hinayaan na lang na hindi talaga ako mapapansin.

I didn't even think I'll meet her again kaya grabe ang gulat at tuwa ko nang makita ko siya sa isang
convention abroad. She's with her Mom pero sa isang linggong seminar ay siya lang ang madalas
umattend.

Even the foreign people are interested at her, magaling din siyang magsalita at makitungo, minsan ay
intimidating talaga pero that's the part of her personality. I watched him from afar, natutuwa sa kanya at
medyo kinikilig kapag nagkakalapit kami minsan kahit hindi naman niya talaga ako napapansin.

Tapos na ang convention, I saw her carrying large amount of papers and envelopes on her way out, she
refused the help offered to her at naglakad palabas.

Doon din ang labas ko kaya sumunod ako at nakita ang pagsinghap niya nang may malaglag na folder na
hawak niya. My forehead creased, marahang naglakad palapit at nakitang natanggal ang lace ng kanyang
suot na heels.

"Shit," she cursed, looked around and sighed. Nakita kong sumubok siyang tumungo pero sa dami ng dala
ay hindi magawa.

"Need help?" I asked and she glanced at me, I saw how relief filled her eyes as she smiled.

"Uh, hello, Sir. Can I ask for a favor? If it isn't a bother, uhm, can you...tie my lace? I'm sorry, I just...I
couldn't." Nag-aalangan pa siya, nahihiya pero ngumiti ako at tumango.

"Sure," I said and slowly knelt to tie the lace of her heels.

I took the folder on the floor after, put it on her arms and spoke.

"Done," I glanced at her things. "Need help?"

"No, I'm fine." She smiled again, "thank you so much again! Have a good day!"

I watched as she turned her back at me and went outside kaya nangiti na lang ako at sinuklay ang buhok
ko ng daliri.

She's too close yet too far from me.

Kontento na rin naman akong simpleng crush lang siya at kung may pagkakataon ay nakikita siya, I am
contented being a simple fan yet when given the chance to be close to her, I immediate grabbed it without
further hesitations.

Hiyang-hiya ako sa sarili habang naiisip na iniisip niyang brokenhearted ako sa tang inang Warrion
Alcantara. I couldn't even believe she saw me being silly around with him.

Joke lang naman kasi, gusto ko lang inisin si Warrion pagkatapos nila akong pakiusapang magbantay sa
girlfriend niya at magpanggap na bodyguard kuno. I just didn't expect she'll see like that!

Sayang! Sayang na potential liligawan sana kapag nagkalapit kami pero tang inang, naging potential
SisMars na lang ako!
Hindi naman sa nagrereklamo pero nahihiya ako sa sariling mukha akong gago para lang hindi niya
mabukong lalaki talaga ako at nagpapanggap lang para mapansin niya. I spent my time watching tutorial
for skin cares, lipstick shades or what just to impress her.

Nagtanong pa ako sa mga babae 'nung mga kaibigan ko kung ano pa bang kailangan ng mga babae para
mapag-aralan ko at hindi mapahiya kapag nagtanong ang Ma'am ko. I could be the ideal kumare tapos ay
aamin din ako, I couldn't fool her forever. Maghahanap lang ako ng lakas ng loob para sabihin sa kanya ang
totoo.

Before I could even confess, she found out about me, pretending to be a gay. Galit na galit siya at parang
dinurog ang puso ko nang matantong umiiyak sa ginawa ko. I begged her for another chance, telling her I'll
do my best not to lie and messed up again and she gave me one kahit alam kong hindi ko deserve.

I wanted to be a better man for her, she's an angel, a queen. She deserves everything. I wanted to give her
the world kahit parang impossible, I wanted to work harder so she wouldn't get worried for our future.
Kahit humiga na lang siya sa kama at ako na ang magtatrabaho, gagawin ko lahat para maging masaya at
komportable siya.

I don't do promises, afraid that I will break it like my parents. Natatakot akong mangako dahil baka hindi ko
matupad pero sa kanya, nakita ko ang sariling nangangako, h'wag lang siyang mawala.

I promised to never hurt her again, I promised to never lie but in the end, I am just like them...the
promises I made, I ended up breaking them.

Galit at nagpa-panic si Vioxx sa tawag nang sabihin niya sa akin ang nangyari, wala ako sa sarili habang
nagmamaneho patungo sa branch namin doon, tulala at hindi makapaniwala.

She fooled me! She lied to me!

"Ayan na, let's all say thank you to Engr. Warren Miranda, without his help, wala tayo ngayon dito." Tita
Angelita said and I was stunned when the new employees clapped and smiled at me.

"Mom!" Vioxx exclaimed.

"H'wag kang makikialam dito, Vioxx!" he hissed and glanced at me and smiled.

"Hijo," he called but I remained stoic, staring coldly at her.

I feel numb, seeing her walking towards me. I looked high at her like she is my second mother but
then...she lied to me, she used and hurt me.

"What's the meaning of this?" I asked coldly, staring at her with nothing but disappointment.

"Hijo, salamat." She smiled. "Dahil sa'yo, may mga magagaling na tayong empleyado—"

"What the hell did you do, Tita?!" I exclaimed, my voice bombarded na si Vioxx ay napatayo at lumapit sa
amin.

"W-what?" she looked so soft while saying that. "'Di ba, nagpatulong ako sa'yong mag-abot ng mga
kontrata sa mga nakausap ko? And you did—"
"You said I'll just give the damn papers! Hindi ko alam kung anong laman 'nun!" sumabog na ang boses ko
sa galit.

My heart is pounding, my breathing is labored, kumuyom ang kamay ko at mapuputol na ang litid kung
hindi lang ako pinigilan ni Vioxx.

"Warren," he called.

"B-but hijo, you told me noon na willing kang tumulong kung may—"

"Yes! I am willing to help you in anything, Tita, but not like this!" I exclaimed, frustrated. "I will help this
company in anything but not this! Kompanya iyon ni Scira! I told you I'm pursuing her and you..." my
breath labored, mas hindi na mapigil ang galit at nangingilid na ang luha.

"Y-you used me! You used me!" I exclaimed.

"Warren, let's go..." Vioxx pulled me.

"No!" hinatak ko ang braso ko at muling bumaling kay Tita na malamig na ang tingin at tila hindi pasisindak
sa galit ko.

"I treated you as my mother, h-hinangaan kita, I-I looked up to you..." the pain doubled, thinking that it's
the woman I trusted who betrayed me in the end. "Yet you...you never thought of me as a part of your
family."

I stared at her, I felt my tear fell as I looked away, hinatak ang braso ko sa pinsan at mabilis na nagtungo sa
bahay nila Scira para magpaliwanag pero galit na sampal lang ni Mrs. Valderama ang natanggap ko at ang
galit niyang boses.

"You don't deserve my daughter!" galit niyang sigaw, her voice is strained, kita ko ang galit sa mga mata.

"D-dahil sa'yo nag-away kami! You don't deserve her! Leave!" sigaw niya roon, wala na ang marahang
boses noong nagkausap kami.

"M-ma'am..." my voice broke, "p-parang awa niyo na po, h-hindi ko po ginusto, wala po akong alam. I-I can
explain my side."

She's catching her breath, para hindi muling makasugod ay pinipigilan lang siya ng kanyang asawa na
malamig din ang tingin sa akin.

"S-sir," my voice broke, wala nang pakialam kung umiiyak ako sa harapan ng mga magulang niya ngayon.
"M-magpapaliwanag po ako, k-kakausapin ko lang si Scira, I didn't want this to happen—"

"Leave!" I froze when it was Mr. Valderama's voice filled my ear. "Leave and never come back! Ginugulo
mo ang pamilya ko!"

Mas nahulog ang luha sa pisngi ko, nanghihina at hindi na alam ang sasabihin. I am in the verge of kneeling
pero nakawala si Mrs. Valderama at tinulak ako palabas ng gate.

"H-h'wag na h'wag kang papakita sa anak ko! Y-you don't deserve her! Leave her alone!" galit niyang sigaw
at nang maitulak ako ay isinarado ang gate sa mukha ko.

Wala ako sa sarili at tulala, hindi alam ang pupuntahan until she texted me.
I drove where she is with my eyes filled with tears, nanginginig ako, natatakot na hindi na muli niya
tanggapin pero habang natatantong nasira ang kanyang pamilya dahil sa akin, mas nanghina ako at
nawalan ng lakas magpakita pa sa kanya.

Scira is willing to be broken for me, she's willing to leave her family and I could never do that. I couldn't let
her. Masira na ang amin, h'wag lang ang relasyon niya sa kanyang pamilya.

While watching her in the bench from my car, wala na akong maisip kung hindi ay kung paano ko siya
nasira. Because of me, she was stressed, because of she got hurt, because of me, nagkagulo sila.

Wala na ba akong gagawin sa buhay na ito kung hindi ang masira at makasira?

I saw her shaking and crying and I felt bad and hurt, gustong-gusto ko siyang yakapin, gustong-gusto ko
siyang hagkan, patahanin at punasan ang kanyang luha pero paano ko gagawin kung ako naman ang
nagsimula 'nun?

My phone kept on ringing, umiilaw ito pero natatakot akong sagutin, takot na mas masaktan ko siyang lalo.

Ang bobo-bobo ko talaga, minsan na nga lang magmamahal, palpak pa.

My lips quivered, nanlalabo na ang mata ko sa mga luha pero ayoko na siyang mas lalong masaktan dahil
sa akin.

Her mother's right, I don't deserve her, I don't deserve the world she's in. Sobrang layo namin pero
pinipilit ko ang aking sariling mapalapit sa mga bagay na hindi talaga para sa akin.

"W-Warren?" her voice shook when she answered my call. "Good thing you called!"

Bumilis ang paghinga ko, takot na mapahikbi kaya kumuyom ang kamay ko sa manibela at mariing ipinikit
ang mata.

"S-sunduin mo n-naman ako, oh." She muttered. "P-please, w-wala na akong mapupuntahan."

Hindi ako umimik, ramdam ang sakit sa dibdib ko. Humigpit lalo ang kuyom ko sa kamao at patuloy na
nahulog ang mga luha.

"S-sagutin mo naman ako. Please. S-sunduin mo ako." She cried, scared. "N-natatakot ako..."

I'm sorry, baby...patawarin mo ako.

"Go home," hindi ko alam kung paano ko nakayang sabihin iyon na walang panginginig ang boses.

"T-Tin?" she sobbed.

"Umuwi ka na lang." I said, pinagmamasdan siyang humihikbi sa bench at mas lalo akong nanghina.

"L-lumayas ako," she confessed. "I-I don't know if I could come back, d'yan na lang ako—"

"I don't want to see you again," I whispered and I heard her gasp. "You probably know what I did now,
right?"

I'm sorry, Ma'am...I am so sorry. Wala na akong nagawang tama kung hindi ang saktan ka.
"N-no..." she cried more, "m-mali lang sila, h-hindi ako naniwala sa kanila, Augustine! You...can't do that,
right? You promised!"

I felt the painful pang on my chest as I lowered my head, hiyang-hiya sa kanya, hiyang-hiya sa sarili ko.

I tried to be better but I keep on failing. I keep on disappointing and hurting other people, I keep on failing
my damn unworthy self.

"That's why I fucking hate promises..." I muttered and her sobs filled my ear.

"T-Tin, y-you're joking, right? Y-you promised me you'd never lie, you won't do that—"

"Turns out, I'm like them too, Scira." I said. "I fucking break promises too."

"N-no...you won't. You...you won't lie to me, right?" she exclaimed.

"I-I'm sorry..." I whispered and turned the call off.

I saw how her cries turned a bit louder, halos mapaluhod na siya at nanghihinang pinagmasdan ko siya at
galit na sinuntok ang manibela ko.

"G-gago, ang gago mo, Augustine..." I gritted my teeth and pulled my hair frustratedly.

I watched her from afar, tahimik na dumadamay, protecting her from the threats her family got when her
sister vanished. Palihim lang akong nagmamasid, kumukuha ng lakas sa kanya para mabuhay pa kahit
pagod na pagod na.

For hurting her in the past, I deserve all the pain I've been feeling for years. I deserve the pain, I deserve
the rejection.

Anong karapatan kong maging masaya kung lahat na lang ng ginawa ko ay ang magbigay ng sakit?

I stared at the dark sky and smiled sadly, lifting the can of beer on my hand and drinked it.

"B-bakit 'di niyo na lang ako sinama, Ma?" mahinang bulong ko sa hangin at tumitig sa kawalan.

Today's my birthday and yet, ganito na naman ako. Ano pa bang bago?

Hindi na rin naman ako naghahangad maging masaya sa buhay na 'to, hindi na akong naghahangad na
mahalin din pabalik.

Payapa ang isla pero malamig ang simoy ng hangin at madilim ang langit, sa harapan ko ay ang bangin at
sa ibaba ay ang shipwreck. I stared at it and harshly removed the tears on my eyes.

"S-scam naman 'tong isla na 'to," I whispered and stopped my sobbed from crying.

They said this island is the witness of a tragedy yet it gives everyone happy endings they deserve and
yet...oh well, maybe assholes like me don't deserve happy endings at all.

I did nothing but to hurt her, I don't deserve a woman who deserves everything the world can offer, ano
nga bang maibibigay ko? Sakit at panloloko lang naman ang ginagawa ko.
I don't deserve her at all...I'm just me, Warren Miranda, I don't deserve such angel like her, masisira ko
lang siya.

I stared at the cliff again, my head throbbing because of drinking. Tears fell on my cheek again.

Hindi na talaga siguro ako magiging masaya pa.

"A-ang daya niyo naman, Mom, Dad..." bulong ko sa hangin, ang pagpatak ng panibagong luha sa mata ay
sumabay sa patak ng ulan mula sa langit. "S-sana sinama niyo na lang ako."

Mas nabasa ako ng ulan at natawa ng wala sa sarili, nilaklak ang alak at mas nahilo.

Inihulog ko ang isang paa ko sa bangin, natatawa pa pero nagdodoble na ang paningin.

If I jump...will I die? If I jump, will the pain stop?

I was so tempted to end my unworthy life when my asshole of a cousin called, screaming his lungs out,
telling me to not jump or it is him who'll kill me instead. Hindi niya naisip, kung tatalon ako at papatayin
niya ako, parehas lang.

"Patahimikin niyo nga ako!" I exclaimed when the assholes laughed, inabutan ako ni Warrion ng bote ng
alak na kaagad kong kinuha.

I saw Caspian fixing the karaoke machine, tumitikhim na para ihanda ang vocals niya.

"Oh, ito input mo!" Lucian stood, inilalahad ang song book kay Caspian na tumawa nang makita ang kanta.

"Very classic, yeah!" he burst out laughing and showed him the rock sign.

"What can I do? Maybe we can ask my wife regarding Architect?" Wave said and my forehead creased,
umiling ako at muling uminom.

"I don't want to bother her anymore," I said, sumandal sa sofa at umiling.

"She still likes you," Warrion told me. "I can see it, halata naman sa isla..."

"Hindi na 'yon," maliit akong ngumiti. "I don't deserve her, man. What can I offer? Nothing."

"Sumubok ka ulit," Vioxx told me. "You see, man. You won't be successful kung hindi ka susubok. Try again,
nothing's wrong with it."

"I just..." I muttered, biglang natulala at wala na naman sa sarili. "I'm afraid I'll hurt her again, ayokong
saktan siya, I'm afraid. 'Di bale ng ako, h'wag lang siya."

"Tutulong nga kami," Lucian said kaya napasulyap ako sa kanya. "para saan pang nag-mop ka sa barko ko?
Duh, may cruise ship tour nga kayo."

"Paano kung hindi pumunta?" bumagsak ang balikat ko.

"Edi subukan ulit, gago, walang silbi kung magda-drama ka lang d'yan." Warrion said and I sighed, shaking
my head.

"H-hindi na raw nga ako mahal," I said, nang tumugtog ang karaoke ay tumulo ang luha ko.
"Putang ina, bakit ka umiiyak?!" Vioxx exclaiamed and I bit my lip, muling suminghap at halos ibuhos na sa
bibig ko ang alak.

"A-ayaw na nga sa akin! A-ayaw kong ipilit, p-paano kung masaktan ko siya—"

"This song is dedicated to Warren Miranda, it's okay not to be okay, my man! Kumanta na lang tayo mga
kababayan!" umalingawngaw ang boses ni Caspian at napamura na ako nang kumanta siya.

Mahal kita simula pa nung una

Sana'y mahal mo rin ako

"Tang inang, ano 'yan?!" I exclaimed, tumutulo ang luha pero ngumisi siya at kumindat.

Dahil ikay nag silbing pagasa

At naging ilaw sa'king mundo

"Para ito sa mga taong nagmahal na hindi na minahal pabalik!" he said.

Nang unang beses masilayan ko

Ang iyong kagandahan

Na parang meron tumulak

At hindi nag-alinlangan

Nagtawanan na naman ang mga gago, si Lucian ay humahagalpak, hinila ang mga lalaki at pumaikot sa
akin, naghawak-hawak pa ng kamay.

"Ako na bahala sa background song, next one!" may pinindot siya at hindi ko alam kung iiyak ba ako o
magmumura nang paikutan ako ng mga abnoy habang kumakanta ang Alcantarang may sayad.

Parang 'di ko yata kaya

Pag sa buhay ko'y wala ka

Aanhin ang pag-ibig kung puso ay nag-iisa

Humawak pa siya sa kanyang dibdib at ma-dramang nagbe-bend.

"Gago, kapag nabalian ka r'yan, Caspian, hindi ka namin sasaluin kay Polaris." I hissed, naiiyak na naman
habang nakikitang natatawang napipilitan si Wave at Warrion sa kalokohan 'nung iba.

Sino'ng aking tatawagin

Sino'ng aking hahanapin

Sino ang magpupuno sa 'king paglalambing

"G-gago kayo," natawa ako, nagpupunas ng luha. "Bayaran niyo sideline ko sa inyo, dapat si Architect
kapalit."

"Naman!" hagalpak pa nila kaya nailing ako, natatawang hindi maintindihan.

"Pagselosin niyo," nasa tapat kami ng videocall, kausap ang mga naiwan sa Pilipinas habang nasa cruise
ship kami na pangako sa akin ni Lucian.

"Paano?" I asked. "I don't like involving other girls, assholes."

"Sino ba nagsabing ibang babae?" ngisi ni Caspian.

"Huh? Paano?" I asked, confused.

Sabay-sabay na sumulyap ang mga gago kay Lucian na unti-unting umawang ang labi at suminghap.

"T-tang ina niyo!" he exclaimed, "ayoko!"

Pero wala siyang magagawa, pinamukha ko sa kanya ang pagma-mop at pagri-risk ko ng buhay ko para
lang maging tagahatid niya ng sulat.

Mukha namang nakonsensya kaya napapangisi ako habang sinusuotan siya ng asawa niya ng wig na kulay
blonde.

"Cap, si Architect daw nasa bar." Sumilip si Sebastian, ang crew ni Lucian at natawa bigla sa nakita sa loob.
"Luh, ano 'yan? Bumigay ka na, Cap?"

"Fuck you," he hissed.

"Such a bully, don't bully my Luci nga, basher!" G exclaimed kaya ngumiwi si Baste pero natatawang
nanuod sa kanila.

"Use this blonde hair kasi I saw kanina na Architect is kinda jelly-jelly sa girl you're with." She said and my
forehead creased.

"Who?" napaisip ako, "Jasmine? She's a colleague."

"Oh, is that Jasmine?" she shrugged, "basta, the girl with blonde na buhok. I think she'll be more jealous if
she saw you with a blonde." She grinned.

Nakita kong tinapik niya ang pisngi ng asawa at ngumiti. "Good luck, Luci!"

"Baby, do I really have to do this?" He muttered and I frowned.

Nagpapa-baby na naman ang bumbay. Akala mo talaga.

"Yes, of course! Let's help Warren, okay? Daming help niya and it's sad if he'll be sad, dapat happy kayo,
happy siya. Happy tayo all!" she cheered at natawa ako.

"Tama, 'di ba, G? Dapat happy din ako?" Marahang sabi ko at ngumisi si G at tumango sa akin.

"Tama! High five tayo!" natawang nakipag-apir ako at ngumisi kay Lucian na masama ang tingin sa akin.
Hindi ko mapigilan ang tawa nang naglakad papunta sa akin si Lucian, nakabusangot pero pilit na
ikinikendeng ang balakang.

"Amputa," napahagalpak na ako kaagad.

"Ano ba, papi, umayos ka." Pumitik ang daliri niya at marahang umupo sa tabi ko.

"Tang ina, bombay." Mas napahagalpak pa ako nang sobrang sikip sa kanya ng suot habang naglalakad
patungo sa akin.

"Gago, umayos ka, harutin mo ako! Matalim na ang tingin sa akin ni Architect!" he exclaimed quietly and I
bit my lip, pasimpleng sumusulyap sa mahal ko na nakaupo, umiinom ng alak pero halos patayin na ako ng
titig.

I placed my hand on his waist, sabay kaming kinilabutan, sa may counter ay sumisilip ang crew at si G na
tawang-tawa at hindi ko rin mapigilang matawa.

"Go na, jelly na si Architect!" G said, nag-s-spy doon, may hawak pang telescope kaya natawa na ako.

"Landian mo pa," bulong ko kay Lucian at uminom ng alam at nang nagkatinginan kami ay halos mabuga
ko ang alak sa itsura niya.

"Tang ina, ang pangit mo." Tawa ko roon at kinurot niya ako, I cursed, binatukan siya at natawa.

"Gago ka, last na 'to, kung hindi ka lang nag-mop, asa kang gawin ko 'to." He hissed.

Pasimpleng harutan ang gawa naming dalawa, tawang-tawa ako sa itsura niya pero mas natutuwa rin sa
talim ng tingin ni Ma'am.

What now, baby? You jealous? Do you like to take me back now? Do you still love me?

Tama nga, hard work pays well. There is no success if you'll never try, hindi ka makakarating sa
pinakamataas na palapag kung hindi ka magdedesisyong sumubok ng isang yapak.

Looking at my wife happily conversing with her family, I can't help but feel contented. My only dream is to
be noticed by her, my only dream was to be with her pero binigyan ng sobra ng Panginoon ang mga hiling
at pangarap ko lang noon. He gave me more than what I prayed for.

I only wished for Scira but he gave me a family, he gave me a kid as well, he gave me a family. Hindi na ako
mag-isa ngayon, may pamilya na akong magiging lakas ko para mas maging masaya at mabuhay. May
inspirasyon na akong kumayod.

Getting to know and having fun with Scira's happy family, parang nagkapamilya na rin ako, nagkapamilya
ulit ako. Hindi sila mapangmata, they accepted me in their family at komportable akong makipag-usap sa
kanila.

I can still remember how Tito Thorn and Tita Zidney welcomed me to their family. I can still remember it
vividly, on how they referred to me as their son.

I watched my wife standing while laughing with her cousins, suot-suot niya ang gown para sa reception
namin at hindi mawala ang ngiti ko habang pinagmamasdan siya.

She's just a dream...a dream I never thought I could have. A dream I never thought I could touch.
Our eyes met when she shifted her gaze and I immediately flashed a smile. Her eyes soften, kumaway siya
kaya nagdesisyon na akong tumayo para sunduin ang mahal ko sa mga pinsan.

I excused myself to Dad, Tito Thorn, who asked me to call him that and Deion. Tinuro ko ang asawa ko at
tumango sila, hinayaan akong umalis.

"Hi, girls." Bati ko sa mga pinsan niya na napangisi at kumaway.

"Hi, Warren! We are glad you're a part of the family now!" Darshana smiled at me and I smiled back.

"Thank you for welcoming me," I said, placing my hand on my wife's waist and kissed her head.

"Wow! Sana all!" Daru exclaimed kaya sabay kaming natawa.

Scira rested his head on my chest, mas humawak ako sa kanya at marahang hinaplos ang kanyang tiyan.

"Welcome to the family, Warren!" Zirena smiled and I nodded.

"Thank you, I'm glad being a part of this wonderful family." I said.

"No worries, basta ba alagaan mo 'yang si buntis? Alam mo namang moody." Tawa ni Zire kaya napatango
ako at mas yumakap sa asawa ko.

"Of course," I chuckled. "I promise to take care of her, always."

I excused myself and my wife when I noticed how tired she is. Her baby bump is showing, she looks
beautiful in her white gown and I couldn't help but to fall for her deeper every time, na parang hindi pa
ako hulog na hulog sa lagay na ito.

"Yuhoo! Congrats, man! Finally, huh? You got her?" sinalubong kami nila Vioxx na nakangiti.

"Hello, guys! Thank you so much for today!" my wife told them, smiling sweetly.

"Hello, Scira! Congrats, we're super masaya!" G cheered, yumakap sa asawa ko habang binibiro ako 'nung
mga lalaki.

I smiled and chuckled, nakita kong nagkatuwaan sa yakapan ang mga babae kaya sumulyap ako sa mga
pinsan at kaibigan ko, nailing.

"Grabe naman si Tintin, blushing like sixteen." Ngisi ni Caspian kaya natawa ako.

"Fuck you all," I said but then smirked. "But of course, thank you."

"Ganyan talaga, malakas ka sa'min, eh." Ngisi ni Lucian doon.

"Ninong kami, ah?" Wave said kaya tumango ako at ngumisi, napatingin ako kay Warrion na tuod na
nakatayo ata at tumaas ang labi.

"Congrats, man." He said at humaba ang nguso ko, gusto mang-asar.

I put my hand on my waist, pumilantik ang kamay at ngumisi.

"Paano ba 'yan, darling, break na tayo?" pinalambing ko ang boses at humagalpak ang mga lalaki.

"Walang SciRen, WarWar pa rin!" hagalpak ni Caspian.

Nakita ko ang pandidiri sa mukha ni Warrion kaya humagalpak ako ng tawa.

"Sorry, darling, kay Scira na lang ako kakalembang..." mas lumaki ang ngisi ko nang natatawang yumakap
sa akin si Sha-sha at bumati sa mga lalaki.

"Sorry, guys. Sa akin na lang kakalembang si Mars." My wife teased kaya mas natawa kami.

After the picture taking, I finally have my alone time with my wife. I let her sit on my lap, umikot ang
kanyang braso sa aking batok at yumakap ako sa kanyang tiyan at humaplos.

"Tired, Ma'am?" I whispered softly.

"Hmm," she hummed. I smiled, hinuli ang kanyang baba at hinanap ang kanyang mata.

I saw her soft black eyes, I felt like drowning again as I gave her a soft peck on her lips.

"Mahal na mahal kita," bulong ko sa labi niya.

"I love you too," I saw how genuine love filled her black eyes, ang ngiti ay umabot sa kanyang mata. "I'm
lucky to have you, my love. Mahal na mahal kita."

My heart thumped harder, nangingilid ang luha ko pero nang makitang naiiyak na rin ang asawa ko ay
nagpigil ako at marahang humalik sa kanyang tiyan.

"I love you and our baby, Ma'am. I love you so, so much." I glanced at her eyes again.

Our lips met, humigpit ang hawak niya sa aking batok at marahang pinirmi ko ang kamay habang sabik na
humahalik pabalik. She purred a bit, I felt like burning but we stopped when we were running out of air.

We laughed, nagdampi ang ilong namin at sabay na nangiti.

"I can't wait for tonight," I whispered.

"I can't wait too," she whispered and smiled lovingly at me.

"I love you," I whispered again. "I got you, finally."

Mas humigpit ang yakap ko sa kanya nang maramdaman ko ang halik niya sa aking ulo, I closed my eyes,
feeling the warmth of her body against mine.

"O-oh, Queen!" napamulat ako nang suminghap ang asawa ko.

I opened my eyes, glanced at the side and I cursed when I saw Queen Scira, my wife's youngest sister fell
on the ground. Napaupo siya, mukhang nadulas.

"Queen!" I exclaimed, "baby, tutulungan ko lang." I said, tumayo ang asawa ko.

Tumayo rin ako, papunta na sana kay Queen na nakaupo sa lapag pero hindi pa ako nakakahakbang ay may
batang lalaking lumapit na sa kanya.
"You alright? Let me help you." I saw Sirius helping Queen Scira on the ground, hinuli nito ang tingin ni
Queen at inalalayan patayo.

Napatawa kami ni Scira doon at nagkatinginan, may ngisi sa labi.

The emcee called us for a dance, niyaya ko ang asawa ko at sa gitna ng maraming tao ay mahigpit ko siyang
niyakap, dinarama ang kanyang init.

Sabi nila

Balang araw darating

Ang i'yong tanging hinihiling

At nung dumating

Ang aking panalangin

Ay hindi na maikubli

I danced with my loving wife, the woman I ever dreamt of. I danced with her, my crush, the love of my life
and the mother of my future children. The light of our home.

"I love you, Tintin." She whispered while touching my shoulder.

"I love you too, Sha-sha," I chuckled. "Super twins forever, hmm?"

"Super twins forever," she chuckled, mas yumakap sa akin at humilig. "Sa pederasyon may batas."

At ngayon, nandyan ka na

'Di mapaliwanag ang nadarama

Handa ako sa walang hanggan

'Di paaasahin

'Di ka sasaktan

Natawa na ako roon, humalik sa kanyang buhok at mas niyakap siya para isayaw.

"Ang magkukumare..." I started and she laughed. "Let's say it together, Mars." I whispered.

"Ang magkukumare, stays forever...kakalembang together." We both said and laughed with our silliness.

I closed my eyes after that, "I become a lot of person, I become an engineer, bodyguard, bellboy, taga-
mop, gardener, kumare mo, mail man."

Natawa siya, "ang kulit mo talaga, patay na patay ka kay Sha-sha naman, Mars." Ngumisi ako at bumulong.

"But despite of everything I became, do you know what's my greatest dream, the dream I just achieved
now?" I asked and she stopped for a while.
"Hmm? What?" I pulled away softly, searched for her eyes and when I met hers, I smiled before cupping
her cheek.

"To be your man," I whispered. She smiled and our lips met. As I closed my eyes, I can't help but be
emotional.

Finally, I'm home.

AL Special Chapter

"Where do you wanna go now, Sha-sha?" maharot na sabi ng asawa ko kaya napatawa na ako at sumulyap
sa kanya.

"Hmm, I want to buy more onesies for our baby." I said and touched my round stomach.

He smirked, I saw how his eyes soften while glancing at my stomach.

I smiled when I saw how amazement and adoration filled his face, marahang tumungo siya at lumambot
ang puso ko nang tumungo siya para hagkan ang tiyan ko.

"We...are really having a family now." Tila naninibago at namamangha pa rin niyang sabi.

"Hmm," I hummed, I slowly took his hand and placed it on my six month old stomach. "We're having a
baby, Tintin."

I couldn't express how much my heart felt warm while looking at him, his eyes are now swelling, nagiging
emosyonal na naman kaya natawa ako.

"Seriously, Tintin? Ikaw ata ang buntis." I said and a tear escaped his eye.

I bit my lip to stop my smiles, inabot ko ang pisngi niya gamit ang isang kamay ko at hinawi ang kanyang
luha.

"S-sorry, baby...I just..." he sighed and closed his eyes, ang isang kamay ay nakapatong pa rin sa aking tiyan
habang ang isa'y ipinatong niya sa palad ko sa pisngi niya.

He closed his eyes and rested his cheek on my hand.

"I'm just happy, Ma'am." He said softly. "This is just a dream and yet..."

"Dreams do come true, Tintin. Lalo na kapag hindi ka sumusuko at lumalaban." I smiled.

Nagmulat siya ng mata at tumitig sa akin kaya ibinaba ko ang kamay ko sa kanyang batok. Slowly, I pulled
him towards me before catching his lips for a brief kiss.

Mas namungay ang mata niya, nang lumayo ako ay nagpatak ako ng halik sa kanyang ilong at sa kanyang
noo at nagtagal doon.

I heard his relaxed sigh, ang kamay niya'y bumaba sa baywang ko at mayamaya'y biglang yumakap sa akin
at naglambing.

"I don't know what I'll do without you, Ma'am." He whispered.

"I don't know what to do without you either, Sir." I whispered back.

Saglit pa kaming nagtagal sa yakapan namin at naramdaman ko na lang ang halik niya sa balikat ko at ang
paghawi ng buhok ko bago bumulong.

"Mall tayo, mahal ko?" he whispered and I nodded.

"Sure!" I smiled. "And...can we go to salon, Tintin? I wanted to trim my hair, I feel like it's too long already."

"Hmm, sure." He said.

"And, uhm, facial clinic? I feel like I'm having black spots na." Reklamo ko kay Warren na mabilis na inabot
ang mukha ko.

I saw him staring at my face, his finger touched the tip of my nose and nodded.

"May black heads ka na, sis. Very, very bad." Biglang lumandi ang boses niya kaya bigla akong napatawa.

He laughed too, tinampal ko ang kamay niya at natatawang pinatakan niya ako ng halik at muling inilagay
ang iilang hibla ng buhok sa likod ng tainga ko.

"Sa true lang, sis, pero okay lang 'yan, may black heads na rin ata ako." He pointed his nose at nang titigan
ko ay wala naman kaya sinapok ko ang balikat niya.

"Wala nga!" I hissed.

He laughed and caught my hand.

"Wala nga!" I exclaimed. "Mas malinis pa ang mukha mo sa akin, ah! Madaya, sana all!"

He laughed, nailing siya at hinuli ang labi ko para magpatak ng halik. "Kidding, baby..."

"I really need a facial now, 'no?" I said in a worried voice, "I think napapabayaan ko na ang face ko, Tintin.
'Di na ako nakakapag-skin care."

"Hmm, nakakapag-skin care pa naman." He said. "I'm doing it to your face if you're sleeping early, right?"

Humalukipkip ako at ngumuso.

"Sa bagay..." I sighed and glanced at him. "Pero Tintin, minsan kasi late ka na nakakauwi kaya no skin care
kapag nakakatulugan ko, maybe I should really go to a facial spa now?"

"It's okay, whatever you like. We can check our baby's onesies first then proceed to salon and do your
facial spa?" he suggested.

"Hmm, good idea." I tapped his nose with my finger. "Very good, Tintin. Would you go in a facial spa with
me?" I slowly put my finger on his lip.

"Sure, anything for my super twin." He caught my finger and bit it kaya nanlaki ang mata ko.

His malicious and sexy eyes stared at me and my heart hammered inside my chest.
"Tintin!" I exclaimed.

He slowly took my hand, kissing the back of my palm while staring at my eyes.

"You look more beautiful every day, Ma'am." He muttered while staring intently.

I gulped, binasa ko ang labi at sumulyap sa kanya.

"Really? Kahit...may black heads na ako?" he chuckled, kissing my hand again before slowly intertwining
his fingers with mine.

"That won't make you less beautiful, that's makes you human. Wala namang perpekto, 'di ba? Whatever
happens, I'll never love you less."

Augustine really has a way with words and it makes my heart so happy every time he'll talk.

"Pinapa-in love mo naman ako sa'yo ng super, Augustine!" I stomped my feet and he laughed and winked
at me. "Luh, super pa-fall!"

"Hmm, you make me fall for you every damn time, Ma'am. Nothing's wrong with us falling more and more
each day, right?" kinalabit niya ang baba ko at napanguso lang ako at ngumiti.

"I love you, Tintin ko." I muttered.

"I love you too, Sha-sha..." he pinched my cheek. "Let's go pamper my two babies."

Kakagaling lang namin sa OB ngayong umaga para sa monthly schedule ko, nag-off si Augustine sa trabaho
para masamahan ako kaya bonding namin today with our baby boy sa tummy ko.

"Sir, wallet mo?" I asked and my husband glanced at me before pointing the small drawer in front.

"There, why?" he asked and glanced at me.

"Hmm, papalitan ko ang photo ng ultrasound ni baby because it's his six months na." I smiled.

"Alright, sure." He smiled at me kaya dali-dali kong kinuha ang wallet niya at binuksan para palitan ang
picture na naroon.

May dalawang lagayan ng picture ang wallet niya, ang isa'y nakalagay ang wallet size na wedding picture
namin at sa kabila ay ang ultrasound picture ni baby namin no'ng five months pa lang. Pinalitan ko ang kay
baby ng picture niya for his six months and smiled after.

I took my pink wallet, pinalitan ko rin ang picture ni baby at napasulyap sa picture ko with Tintin sa
kabilang parte ng wallet. It was a selfie from our engagement party, no'ng nakasimangot siya dahil
natuklasan ng mga lalaki na nabutas ang pantalon niya.

Sa sobrang tawa ko ay sumimangot na siya at masama ang tingin sa camera no'ng nag-aya akong mag-
picture. I find it adorable kaya ginawa kong picture dito.

"Tawang-tawa ka na naman," pansin niya kaya kinagat ko ang labi para pigilan ang tawa. Sumulyap ako sa
kanya at nangingiti.

"Wala, natatawa lang ako, Tin." I muttered. "Paano ka nag-practice ng break dance noon?"
Ngumuso siya, natawa na ako nang mamula siya at tumikhim. "S-secret..."

"Weh?" I asked. "Sino nagturo sa'yo?"

"Nothing," tikhim niya. "Ma'am, we shouldn't talk about this, change topic—"

"Nahihiya!" tinusok ko ang pisngi niya, mas namula lang siya at umiling.

"Nothing, really..." he shook his head, ashamed.

"Sige na, Augustine..." lambing ko.

"No," he answered and shook his head.

"Ayaw mo talaga?" I asked and he shook his head firmly.

"No, I'm shy..." tumikhim siya.

Tumitig ako sa kanya, walang effect dahil patuloy lang siya sa pagda-drive, nakatitig sa daan at namumula.
I'm curious about it, ni hindi niya sa akin sinabi paano siya nag-practice kaya nag-isip ako ng paraan.

"Edi h'wag!" I hissed quietly.

Humalukipkip ako, tumitig sa daan na matalim ang mga mata. Nararamdaman ko ang pagsulyap-sulyap
niya kaya mas ginalingan ko ang acting at mayamaya'y teary-eyed na.

I sniffed and I saw him froze.

"B-baby—" humikbi ako bigla at nakita ko ang pagkakatigalgal niya.

"M-Ma'am—" naramdaman ko ang pag-gilid niya ng sasakyan kaya mas di-nramahan ko pa. I covered my
face, sobbed and I can hear his small curses while stopping the car.

"Fuck," he cursed. "W-what's the matter?" I felt him removed my seatbelts at halos mag-evil smile na ako
habang umaarteng totoong nasasaktan.

Ang galing ko palang umarte, may luha talaga!

"Shh, what's the matter?" he hushed me while slowly taking me for an embrace. "Ma'am, shh, sorry
na...what is it?"

"A-ayaw ko na sa'yo! Damot ka!" I hissed, mabuti ay medyo paos pa ang boses dahil sa inubo ako
kakalantak ng ice cream kagabi kaya mukha talagang makatotohanan.

"Ma'am, sorry na..." he hummed and kissed my hair. "Alright, what is it?"

"A-ayaw mo kasi sabihin p-paano ka nag-practice. Damot! T-tatanong lang, eh!" I whined and he gasped,
mas humigpit ang yakap sa akin at humalik sa ulo ko.

"Alright, sorry...sorry, okay, sasabihin ko na." He said.

Ngumisi ako pero hindi niya naman nakikita dahil nakasiksik ako sa kanyang dibdib. I felt him caress my
hair and sighed.

"The truth is, nagpaturo ako sa mga gago." Aniya at hindi na ako nagulat doon.

"Well, Caspian said I should impress you or something. Sayaw daw ako pero I don't know how to." He said.
"So, I asked him for help. Uhm, you know, youtube is the key."

I bit my lip, natatawa na pero nagpipigil.

"Pumayag sina Wave sa back-up dancer kahit ano, ayaw nila. You know him and Warrion, they're like a
living stone. Tulala sa isang tabi, kung 'di sisipain, 'di gagalaw." Natatawa na ako pero ikinalma ko ang sarili.

"And...Lucian said that maybe, I could do a break dance or what?" he cursed. "My asshole cousin even
offered to give me a fucking macho dance lesson."

Doon na ako napatawa, lumayo ako sa kanya at nang magsalubong ang mata namin ay lumambot ang
mata niya at marahang pinunasan pa ang kakarampot na luha ko mula sa successful na pag-acting.

"You okay now?" he said softly.

"Hmm," I hummed. "Pero tuloy mo muna." I said in a small voice.

"But well, I tried but it's so cringey. I mean, okay, I think I can dance pero para akong hinuhubaran,
Ma'am." Aniya.

The made me laughed out loud, ngumuso naman siya at hinaplos ko ang pisngi ko.

"Tapos hindi nila kaya ang break dance, 'di raw kaya ng skills nila kaya in the end, we ended up going to a
dance studio to learn." He said and I am still laughing, halos mapahawak na ako sa tiyan sa kakatawa at
nakita ko ang pamumula ng mukha niya lalo.

"You...went to a dance studio, Tin?!" I exclaimed and he nodded shyly.

"Y-yeah," nahulog ang buhok sa kanyang noo kaya natatawang hinawi ko iyon.

"In any case, do you have any videos or what?" I asked, "I wanna see you all practice."

"I think Wave has a copy, gago 'yon, ayaw sumali puro video ang ginagawa." He muttered, ngumisi ako at
tumitig siya sa akin. "Don't tell me..."

"Can I watch?" I smiled at him cutely.

"Ma'am...it's embarrassing!" halos lumiit na ang boses niya. "I looked so stupid at first and—"

"Oh, you danced so handsomely always, Tintin." I caressed his cheek. "I just want to see you do a cute
wiggle-wiggle with your booty."

"But..."

"Please?" I closed my eyes and opened it again, nagpapa-cute sa kanya. "For Sha-sha and our baby boy?"

He stared at me, he looked hesitant and shy but I know better...marupok 'yan.
"Please?" I asked cutely.

"Hindi ako marupok, ah?" he licked his lip. "Okay...I can ask Nievarez for a copy."

"Yey!" I cheered and lifted my hand in the air, doing a happy dance. "Thank you, Sir, love you!"

An amused smile played on his lips while staring at me, nilingon ko siya at ngumiti ng matamis.

He chuckled and ruffled my hair, "I'm so damn whipped, Ma'am. I love you."

"Love you too, 'di naman talaga nag-cry, joke lang." I giggled and he smirked and pinched my cheek,
bumaling sa manibela bago pinaandar ang makina at napailing.

"Nung nagpaulan siguro ng karupukan, nagti-twerk kami..." he muttered and I burst out laughing when I
heard it.

Habang nasa biyahe ay nagkatuwaan kami ng asawa ko, I know our baby is still on his six months, ni wala
pa nga kaming naisip na name pero ito kami't nag-iisip na ng Ninong at Ninang sa binyag niya.

"Oh, I will choose Daru and Zire for the Ninang sa side ko and Kuya Chiel and Kuya Macky." I said, "sila pa
lang ang sure ko, Tin, check ko muna 'yong iba kong mga kamag-anak, sa'yo ba?"

"Hmm, Lucian." He immediately said kaya sumulyap ako sa kanya. "Tiba-tiba anak natin do'n, Ma'am, ma-
datung." Sabay kaming nagtawanan.

"Bumbay, right?" I chuckled, "why did you all keep on calling him that?"

"Utangan ng bahay, daming barya, eh." Tawa niya at sumulyap sa akin. "Mahilig nga lang maningil kaya 'di
'yan magdadalawang-isip kapag naningil ang inanaak."

"Alright, noted. How about Warrion?"

"P'wede na, 'tsaka si Nievarez. Ninang naman si Zire, right?"

"Hmm, yes. Si Vioxx at Caspian?"

"Huh! H'wag na!" ngumiwi siya, "kung kuripot 'yong iba, mas kuripot 'yang dalawa, si Caspian puro sideline
akala mo may pinapakaing isang dosena pero kuripot!"

I laughed and shook my head, "eh pinsan mo?"

"Tss, sugar daddy kuno. Ma-pera kay Serafine, kulang na lang ibigay ang buong Araneta." I laughed more
when Tintin shook his head. "Pero kuripot 'yan, Ma'am, h'wag ka na umasa."

My husband brought my pink hand bag while we're inside the ball, nakakapit ako sa kanyang braso at sa
isang braso niya nakasabit ang bag ko.

He looked so hot wearing only his black shirt and maong pants, ang silver dog tag ay nasa kanyang leeg at
medyo bagsak ang buhok at magulo dahil hindi masyadong nag-ayos ng pormal yet...still handsome.

My heart hammered while looking at him, ang s'werte ko talaga.

"Onesies first, Ma'am?" he smiled when he saw me looking, kaagad naman akong ngumisi at tumango.

I saw a group of teenage girls glancing at us, mukhang nasa kolehiyo pa ang mga ito. They giggled at the
sight of my husband and I pouted.

Habulin pa rin si Tintin!

Bumaling ako sa asawa ko at halos pumulupot na sa kanya.

"Hmm, is this a date, Sir?" I asked while clinging on him and he glanced at me and raised his brow.

"P'wede, or we can call it...sister bonding?" lumambot ang boses niya bago kumindat, natawa bigla ako at
nakita kong natigilan ang mga kolehiyo.

"Alright, sis. Kalembang na this!" I giggled, nakita kong napasulyap si Tintin sa tinitignan ko at bumulong.

"Hmm, jealous?" he whispered.

"'Di 'no," ngiwi ko.

"Go with me," he said kaya sumulyap ako. "When we walk, move your hips."

"Huh?"

"Basta," ngiti niya pa kaya napatango ako. "One...two...three."

"Let's go, sis!" lumakas ang boses niya at mas lumambot, natatawa ako pero nakipagsabayan. Sabay na
gumalaw ng maarte ang balakang namin, kumekendeng pa habang naglalakad at nakita ko kung paano
lumuwa ang mata ng mga bata nang makita si Tintin.

I had fun with Tintin while doing our kumare bondings, natatawa pa ako because he answered my whims
and allowed me to color his nails too.

Parehas na may color ang nails naming dalawa ngayong gabi, hot pink sa akin and color nude sa kanya,
sabay pa kaming nagpa-facial after buying another batch of onesies for our baby boy. We've eaten our
dinner too kaya medyo gabi na kaming nakauwi sa bahay.

"Chiel," nagulat pa ako nang magsalita si Warren at nagitla ako nang makita si Kuya Alchiel sa sala ng
bahay namin, tumayo siya ng makita kami at ngumiti.

"Date, huh?" he smirked.

Nagkamay sila at batian ni Warren, lumapit ako kay Kuya at yumakap kaya yumakap siya sa akin at ngumiti.

"How's pregnancy, Scira?" he smiled.

"Okay naman, Kuya. Tintin is taking care of me." I smiled at my husband and he smiled back. "Uh,
napadaan ka pala, Kuya?"

"Uhm," he licked his lip. "I just want to talk to you about something, that's if...it's okay."

"Sure!" I nodded, "ayos lang."

"I'll prepare your tub first, Ma'am." Baling ng asawa ko kaya ngumiti ako at tumango sa kanya. "Chiel, una
muna ako." He excused himself.

"Upo tayo," inalalayan ako ni Kuya paupo kaya ngumiti ako.

"Salamat, Kuya. Kumain ka na?" I asked and he nodded.

"Hmm, I'm good, you?"

"Yeah, kumain na kami ni Tintin. Kanina ka pa ba? Sorry if matagal kami, I didn't know you'll come. Sana
nag-message ka para nakauwi kami kaagad." I said.

"No, it's okay." He chuckled. "Kagagaling ko lang din ng firm, I came here not an hour ago. Ayos lang."

I nodded, nang may dumaang maid ay nakisuyo ako sa juice at sumulyap kay Kuya na napabuntong-hininga
nang magkatinginan kami.

"Are you okay?" I asked worriedly, he looks so worn out and stressed.

"Yeah," he licked his lip, his blue eyes soften. "I just, I want to talk to someone about this."

Kumalabog ang puso ko, parang may alam na ako kung anong sasabihin niya kaya napaayos ako ng upo at
napatitig sa kanya.

"Did you..."

"I think I saw her," he said and my mouth parted.

"O-oh my God..." I muttered, parang nanlambot ako at napatakip sa bibig. "K-kuya, a-are you..."

"I don't know..." he sighed exasperatedly, stressed and frustrated. "B-baka namamalik-mata lang ako, h-
hindi ko alam..."

"Ma'am?" inilapag ng maid ang juice at kaagad akong nagpasalamat, I immediately took one glass and
drink it to calm myself.

Nang matapos ay sumulyap ako kay Kuya na malambot ang tingin sa akin.

"When? W-where? Did you tell Mom..."

"No," he shook his head. "Ayokong paasahin si Tita habang 'di pa ako sigurado, it was too quick, Scira. I
didn't expect, sa sobrang bilis parang namalikmata lang ako..."

Nangilid ang luha ko at nakita kong gano'n din siya.

"But I know that's her...I know her face..." he whispered. "I-I just, she just vanished and I couldn't see her
anymore."

I sighed, nagkatinginan lang kami at napailing ako.

"P-please, Kuya...help us." I muttered desperately and he nodded.

"Of course, we're all helping to find her, it's just so hard, Scira. We did everything pero parang kulang pa
rin." He sighed. "I don't know..."

Inabot ko sa kanya ang baso ng juice, he thanked me and drink it before resting his back on our sofa.

"Ayaw ko sanang sabihin habang 'di pa ako sigurado pero hindi ko kayang itago ito, Crest will be emotional
if she heard this, baka ma-stress si Tita at ma-ospital ulit, the only person I think who can hear me right
now is you. I don't mean to stress you because you're pregnant."

"It's okay, Kuya. This is a relief for me, palagi kong naiisip siya, minsan nga napapanaginipan ko. I was there
when she vanished but I couldn't even help her so, this is a big help for me." I muttered and touched his
hand, nakita kong mas nanghina siya roon, mukhang naluluha na.

"Thank you..." he gripped my hand tighter. "Thank you so much, Scira."

Saglit pa kaming nag-kwentuhan ni Kuya habang naroon, I asked for a simple snack at natawa si Kuya roon.

"Thank you, nag-abala ka pa." he smiled.

"No worries, I just, okay ka pa ba?" my forehead creased. "You looked so restless to me, the last time, Tita
Thallia came to our house and talked to my parents, hindi ka raw lumalabas masyado."

"Mom's just overreacting," he shook his head and smiled faintly. "I'm fine, they just refused to believe
me."

"How's work, Kuya?" I asked. "I saw Adira going to court the last time, wala ka raw? Hindi ka pumapasok?"

"I'm taking a vacation," he chuckled. "I've been a trash these past years, my Dad's mad. Marami na akong
naitalong kaso."

My jaw dropped and he just shook his head.

"I'm fine, I just have to take a break to fix my shits. I'm good." He smiled.

"Take care of your health, Kuya. Pumapayat ka ata?" I noticed and he chuckled, natawa na rin ako nang
itaas niya ang braso.

"I still have muscles, Scira. Don't worry, kaya pa sumapak." He winked kaya napailing ako, nangingisi.

Saglit pa kaming nag-usap nang sumulyap siya sa orasan niya at napailing.

"It's late, I should go. Hindi ka dapat nagpupuyat, buntis." Aniya kaya ngumisi ako.

"Minsan lang naman," I answered and he chuckled, napasulyap siya sa envelope sa lamesa at kinuha iyon
at inabot sa akin.

"Oh, before I forgot. Can you pass these to Tita Zid?" he asked and I nodded, binuksan ang envelope at
sinilip ang nasa loob.

"What's these?" I asked.

"Zion helped me pulled some strings, these are her last transactions and places she went before she
vanished. It took a while but that's complete." He smiled.
I nodded, kinagat ko ang labi at binuksan.

I read the papers, her bank statements and my eyes narrowed on her IDs photocopies, nanlaki ang mata
ko at sumulyap kay Kuya.

"D-did she..."

"Yes," he sighed and nodded, "matagal na."

When Kuya left, sinundo ako ni Tintin at sinamahan akong magbabad sa tub na inihanda niya sa akin. He
noticed my silence kaya humalik siya sa balikat ko at yumakap.

"What's the matter, Ma'am?" he whispered and I glanced at him on my back, medyo mas lumubog pa ako
para makasandal sa kanyang dibdib.

"I just...I am hoping we'll see her again soon." I whispered.

"Si Clyte?" aniya.

I nodded, humaplos ang kamay niya sa tiyan ko at mas niyakap ako.

"We will find her soon, baby." He assured me. "We are asking help from the army too, nakausap ko si
Darling Warrion."

Natawa na ako roon, sumulyap ako sa kanya at nasalubong ko ang malambot niyang mga mata.

"Hmm, thank you for the help, Tin...I love you." I whispered.

"Anything for you, Ma'am..." he touched my face. "I don't want you stress, lalo na ngayon at buntis ka so,
as a husband, it's my responsibility to help you unload your stress. I should help you and your family,
which is my family too now."

Mas kumalabog ang puso ko at mas dinungaw siya.

"S'werte ko naman kay Tintin," I muttered.

"Mas s'werte ako sa'yo," he chuckled. "Best friend na, asawa, Ma'am at Kumare pa."

Sabay kaming nagtawanan, I felt his hand below my breast kaya tinapik ko iyon.

"Hoy, Sir, chansing tayo r'yan?"

"Ay, boobs mo na ba 'yon?" I rolled my eyes when he smirked. "Akala ko tiyan pa rin."

"Pa-simple, gusto lang maka-score..." I muttered and smacked his arm kaya natatawang hinuli niya ang
kamay ko at hinagkan.

"What should we name our son, Ma'am?" he whispered. "Nakita ko 'yong listahan mo no'ng nakaraan,
have you chosen?"

"Hmm," nag-isip pa ako. "I have my favorite now sa mga naisip ko at nalista but s'yempre, I want your
opinion too."
"Ano bang favorite mo sa nalista mo so we can start choosing," he whispered and kissed my ear.

"Hmm, how about Timothy Braxton?" I whispered and he immediately nodded.

"Sure, Ma'am, that's a very handsome name, mana sa akin, pang-pogi." Tawa niya kaya nailing ako.

"Excuse me, Tintin, let me remind you na sister kita noon. Sus, Wala 'yang Warren Augustine na pangalan
mo sa Mars Tintin mong nickname." Asar ko at napasinghap ng sundutin niya ang tagiliran ko.

"Tin!" I hissed and he laughed more, mas niyakap ako.

"Alright, Timothy Braxton Valderama Miranda would sound really good, I liked it but it's quite mouthy,
what should we can him? Like a nickname or something?"

"Ayon nga ang pinag-isipan ko," I said and chuckled. "Ako si Sha-sha, ikaw si Tintin tapos..." sumulyap ako
sa kanya.

"Tapos?"

"Siya si Tonton!" I exclaimed and he burst out laughing with the nickname I made out of our baby's long
and wonderful name.

"Pinag-isipan talaga, huh..." he smirked and I winked at him.

"Oo naman," tawa ko at yumakap sa akin ang asawa ko mula sa likuran at hinaplos ang tiyan ko.

"Are you okay there, Tonton? Ako 'to, si Daddy Tintin..." he said at napahagikhik ako nang matawa siya at
muling humalik sa balikat ko at hinaplos ang tiyan ko ulit. "We love you, anak. I promise to work hard for
you and Mommy Sha-sha."

We remained quiet for a while, tahimik na humihinga at humahalik si Tintin at ipinikit ko ang mata ko at
dinama ang init ng asawa ko.

"I wanna have a quality time with you, medyo dumami ang project ko lalo ngayon. I can't reject kasi I need
to double time, may baby na tayo, s'yempre double time si Daddy..." hinaplos niya ang tiyan ko at humalik
sa ulo ko kaya napangiti na ako.

"But don't stress yourself much, Tintin. I can provide too, tulungan lang tayo para sa family natin." I said.

"Of course, pero kailangan ko kumayod para sa pamilya natin, I don't plan just one child, Ma'am. Gusto ko
madami, mga basketball team."

My mouth parted, eksaherada ko siyang hinarap kaya humagalpak na siya ng tawa.

"Gago, ano ako, inahin?!" I hissed and he laughed more, niyakap niya ako at pinaulanan ng halik.

"Kidding, baby." He laughed. "Pero nakaka-stress, minsan gusto kong maging jumbo hotdog."

"Huh?"

"Para kaya ko na 'to." He whispered.

I gasped, namula ang mukha ko at napabughalit ng tawa habang humahagalpak naman siya at yakap ako,
umaawas na ang tubig sa tub sa kaharutan naming dalawa.

"Pero 'di mo na kailangan maging jumbo hotdog." I said and his forehead creased. "Dahil mayroon ka na."
Nilubog ko ang kamay at hinawakan 'yon at nakitang nanlaki ang mata niya at unti-unting namula.

"Hmm, I like this jumbo hotdog more." I grinned, teasing lang sana but then he smirked, nagitla ako nang
hawakan niya ang kamay ko at marahang ginalaw.

"Stroke it, Ma'am." He muttered devilishly and my eyes widen.

"I-I was just kidding..." napalunok pa ako ng marahas.

"Nah," he smirked, halos mapatili ako nang nahila may pindutin siya at mayamaya'y nag-drain ang nasa
tub.

"T-Tin..."

He smirked more, his dark eyes have a glint of naughtiness that my throat dried up.

"Wanna know more how you can help relieve my stress?" he asked and I gulped and nodded.

"H-how?"

"Let me eat..." he said and moved his face closer to me.

"'Y-yong?" my voice shook.

"Tahong mo." He grinned and I screamed and smacked his head in shock. Mas humagalpak naman siya at
hinila ako sa kandungan niya.

The End

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